Chewy Goji Berry Granola Bars

1. I’ve been watching Ryan Lochte’s reality show because apparently I like abs more than quality TV. I keep thinking to myself that perhaps if Ryan Lochte had a British accent, it would help disguise his absolute stupidity. But then he speaks again and I’m at a total loss for words.

2. The last week of undergraduate studies can only mean one thing: struggles.

3. I’m probably one of the only people to go to the gym, immediately feel starved, go home to eat, only to go back to the gym to finish my workout. Most people would probably call it quits for the day. But not me. Nope.

4. I’m also probably one of the only people to go to the gym simply to make up for eating ice cream bars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. My two favorite words before 9:00 AM have become “Starbucks run”.

6. Over the past three weeks I’ve gone from wanting to be a human rights activist to a U.S. State Department diplomat to a personal physical trainer to a bakery owner to a non-profit starter back to either a  environmental, corporate responsibility slash corruption, or human rights lawyer back to a bakery owner back to an international diplomat then back to a mere [almost] college graduate. Suffice it to say I have no real plans for my life. Also see #2.

6. I don’t know whether to be flattered or sad when my friends tell me how different I look when I finally decide to forgo my spandex and over-sized t-shirt and put on a cute top and heels.

7. The best part of childhood was drinking the “chocolate” milk straight from your cereal bowl after eating coco crisps or coco puffs. I must say I’ve grown up because now I add a sliced banana on top just for the amazing choco-nana combo to add some healthy ingredients. #upgrade.

8. A friend of mine wants to build a legitimate tree house and live in it. Literally. I think it can be done.

9. You know you have absolutely no work experience nor skills when the only people who’ve endorsed you on LinkedIn are your parents.

10. I haven’t had much sleep.

Let’s discuss homemade vegan, gluten-free, no sugar added chewy bars with goji berries. These are super duper snacking squares packed with healthy whole grains (can obviously substitute for GF option), nutty ground almonds, flaxseed with essential omega-3 fatty acids, pure raw honey as a natural sweetener, and goji berries full of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting antioxidants.

So they are basically like a super hero.

Chewy Goji Berry Granola Bars

(yields 12 bars)

adapted from Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup goji berries

1 cup raw whole almonds, coarsely chopped

2 tbsp almond flour (or 2 tbsp of freshly-ground almonds)

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup raw honey

optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preparation:

Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine oats, goji berries, flaxseed, chopped almonds, almond flour (or freshly-ground almond meal), salt and chocolate chips (if using). Mix very thoroughly until combined.

In a small bowl, combine honey and oil, stirring until both ingredients are combined. Stir vanilla extract into mixture, then pour over the dry ingredients.

Using a large wooden spoon or spatula, stir until all of the ingredients are incorporated, using your hands if necessary. It will be very sticky! Transfer granola mixture into prepared pan, pressing with the back of the spoon to smooth the top. Place in the refrigerate or freezer for 90 minutes, then remove and cut into squares. Serve immediately, or pack in ziplock bags (or plastic wrap) for later consumption.

Happy Noming!

Nutritional information (per square): 215 calories, 13g fat (1 sat, 4 poly, 7.5 mono), 21g carbohydrates, 5.5g protein, 5g fiber