You can’t be good 100% of the time. That would be boring.
Sometimes you just want a boost of sweet deliciousness to go with your coffee (or tea), and that’s OK if you only do it occasionally.
And you deserve it!
Healthy food choices can include an occasional treat
Saying that, these bites are not that bad. They contain some pretty healthy stuff actually.
Here’s why:
- Coconut – a very healthy fat that’s needed for so many functions in the body like making hormones and keeping your cells healthy
- Oats and rice – grains are full of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals
- Hazelnuts – full of protein, fibre and minerals
- Dates and sultanas – dried fruit still contain the vitamins, minerals and other goodness of fresh fruit, just more concentrated. Good to have occasionally
- Cinnamon – a great herb for blood sugar control (yes, you could say you may need that with all the other ingredients). It’s all about balance
- Honey – contains fructose and lots of vitamins and minerals. Fructose is a sugar to be enjoyed occasionally
The important thing about a treat is that it is a “sometimes food” only. And when you eat it, you eat without the guilt, enjoying and savouring the experience. Then you get back on track for a healthier you.
Here’s what you need:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1.5 cups puffed rice
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup sultanas
Here’s what you do:
Preheat the oven to 140c. Line a slice or baking tin with non-stick paper. Size is about 9 x 13 inch.
Put the coconut oil and honey in a saucepan and heat over low/medium heat stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are combined. Set aside.
Combine the rolled oats, puffed rice, shredded coconut, cinnamon, hazelnuts, dates and sultanas in a bowl. Add the honey mixture and mix well.
Press the mixture into the lined tin, pressing into the corners and making sure it is smooth and even.
Bake for 40 minutes or until it looks golden brown.
Wait until it is completely cold before cutting.
Tip – I find it best to refrigerate for a couple of hours before cutting for neat and straight edges.
Gluten free version – for a completely gluten free version (some people are intolerant to the protein in oats), use quinoa flakes instead of the rolled oats
Enjoy!
