Three Ingredient No Bake Bar

Some days life can get so busy that you forget to keep your body fueled with food.  We love finding simple and yummy recipes that are great to make in a pinch and that the whole family will like.  We also try to find snack recipes that are great for after a workout or yoga session that aren't too heavy.  That is why we love snack bars like these because they are super simple and great for any time of the day.  You can whip them up in a matter of minutes and everyone will want to grab one before heading out the door, or when they get home and need a quick pick me up.

What are your favorite snack foods?  We would love to know!

{image and recipe via}

School Lunch & Snack Accessories!

With school back in full swing, it is also back into making snacks and lunches for your kids to take along with them.  Little ones can be picky when it comes to eating, so preparing food that not only tastes good, but is presented in a fun way can be the key to a full belly.  Here are Our Green House we have a whole host of mealtime products that are not only fun and colorful for kids, but are practical and environmentally conscious.  We have a great selection of snack bags, reusable (non-plastic) water bottles, insulated lunch boxes, sandwich bags, and food storage containers! 

What kid wouldn't want any of these cool and colorful accessories with them at lunch and snack time while at school?!

Homemade Granola Bars

Having healthy snacks in the house is so important in maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.  We love snack recipes that make big batches, and that we can throw in our purse, gym bag, lunch box, or briefcase.  These homemade simple 5 ingreient granola bars fit the bill and we make them all the time!  We love taking them with us on nature walks, and they are a great way to help your body stay fueled during the day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed dates, pitted (deglet nour or medjool)
• 1/4 cup honey (or sub maple syrup or agave for vegan option)
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free for GF eaters)
• optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Instructions

1. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency. (mine rolled into a ball)
2. Optional step: Toast your oats in a 350 degree oven for 15-ish minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw - I just prefer the toasted flavor.
3. Place oats, almonds and dates in a bowl - set aside.
4. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
5. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars.)
6. Press down until uniformly flattened. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn't necessary.

{recipe and image via}