Do you struggle with a healthy breakfast in Altoona? These granola bars have quickly become a family favorite. My daughters love them because they are delicious and my wife and I love them because they are quick and easy to make.

We are really lucky to live in a town like Altoona, IA that features a Hy Vee with a health food section. I recommend getting as many ingredients from there as you can just so that these protein bars don’t become too full of sugar if you substitute less healthy ingredients.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

-3 cups oats (you can make these gluten free if you have an intolerance.)

-1 cup unsweetened protein powder. I love Advocare products (ask me for more details).

-1 cup rice crisp cereal.

-1/2 teaspoon salt.

-1 cup peanut butter or any other nut butter (if you have your own blender try making your own! It just requires a bag of peanuts. Blend until desired consistency.)

-1 cup pure maple syrup or liquid sweetener of your choice.

-2 teaspoons vanilla.

-6 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips.

-1 tablespoon coconut oil.

Directions:

1) Line an 8-inch square pan with a piece of parchment paper.

2) Mix the oats, protein powder, rice crisp and salt together in a large bowl.

3) Add in the nut/seed butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir well to combine. If the mixture is a bit dry, add a splash of non-dairy milk and mix again.

4) Press into pan and roll out with a pastry roller until smooth (or just use your hands to press to smooth-my kids love this part!) Pop into the freezer.

5) Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small pot over low heat. When half of the chips have melted, remove from heat and stir until smooth.

6) After freezing the bars for about 10 minutes, remove from freezer and slice into bars. Drizzle with melted chocolate and freeze again until set.

7) Store in the freezer for a week or longer in an air-tight freezer bag or container.

If you have kids, involve them in the process. This recipe really is easy enough that even the smallest ones can’t mess it up. If you have any questions about overall health and wellness, come into our chiropractic office or give us a call, I would be happy to help.

-Dr. Dawson