Snacks

rlmiller73190

I'm trying to cut back on added sugars this month, but I'm finding that it's really difficult for me to even reach 1200 calories! I used to snack on granola bars, but processed ones have so much sugar. Does anyone have a good recipe for homemade granola bar with less sugar? Also, I'm thinking about making my own trail mix. What do you suggest I put in? The traditonal trail mix I've always eaten has had m&m's in it, and that won't do if I'm trying to cut back on sugar.

Thanks!

denise980

Trail Mix:

sesame seeds, salt free peanuts or almonds, craisins, raisins, banana chips

If you really are missing the chocolate from the M&Ms I bet you could add in dark chocolate pieces.


*Edit: I know that craisins and raisins and banana chips have sugar, but they aren't the refined sugars that are found in something like M&Ms*

Cella30

These are pretty good and easy. I omitted the chocolate chips and cut the butter in 1/2 to reduce the calories. The nutrition facts are based on the original recipe.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Granola-Bars/Detail.aspx

Easy Granola Bars

Ingredients:
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sweetened condensed milk, butter, coconut, almonds, chocolate chips and cranberries with your hands until well blended. Press flat into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, depending on how crunchy you want them. Lightly browned just around the edges will give you moist, chewy bars. Let cool for 5 minutes, cut into squares then let cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information
Easy Granola Bars

Servings Per Recipe: 24

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 144

Total Fat: 5.9g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 37mg
Total Carbs: 20.2g
Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
Protein: 3.6g

sarglava

*Edit: I know that craisins and raisins and banana chips have sugar, but they aren't the refined sugars that are found in something like M&Ms*

Actually, they add sugar to craisins. Cranberries aren't naturally sweet.

sarglava

I think Kashi bars have a relatively low amount of sugar. About 8 or 9 grams per bar... Maybe that's a lot for you, though. Like another poster said, fresh fruit has sugar but you shouldn't limit fruit because of that.