Judy Tillapaugh, RDN, LD, outpatient dietitian, Parkview Hospital Randallia Nutrition Services, shares her favorite simple snack.
We all want to feel good and have adequate energy to tackle the day. And it's carbohydrate foods that digest and supply our bodies with that fuel they need. The right foods fuel our digestive tract, central nervous system and brains, among other functions.
I love making these simple, delicious bars. They have just a few ingredients, come together quickly and contain nourishing ingredients, like bananas, which are high in potassium, and peanut butter, a source of monounsaturated fatty acids and protein.
Watch the video: Nourishing Knowledge: Energy Bars
Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Chewy Bars
½ cup natural or regular peanut butter
1 extra ripe banana, mashed
¼ cup clover honey
2 tablespoons water
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
⅓ cup raisins or a different dried fruit
⅓ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, optional
Before you begin: Wash your hands.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish coated with nonstick spray or coat with parchment paper.
- Whisk together peanut butter, banana, honey, water and salt. Stir in oats, raisins and chocolate chips. Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for20-25 minutes. Place bars in freezer for 15 minutes to cool quickly and slice into 16 individual bars. To keep fresh, store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to seven days.
Serves 16
Nutrition facts
[Serving size: 1 bar (35 grams); Calories: 135; Total fat: 6g; Saturated fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 66mg; Carbohydrates: 20g; Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 10g; Protein: 3g; Potassium: 148mg; Phosphorus: 83mg]
Recipe adapted from eatright.org
If you’re interested in working with a registered dietitian to reach your wellness goals, talk to a physician and ask for a referral for an outpatient nutrition consult.
