Super Healthy Granola Snacks

With many that suffer from ADHD finding convenient snacks is a challenge. Many snacks that are conveniently packaged also are loaded with ingredients that help them last longer on the shelves. Between the additives, food sensitivities, and added sugars they are not doable for individuals on ADHD diet.

One thing that can be made at home fast and easy are granola bars. Home made granola bars are easy to pack in lunch boxes, trips and on the go no time to eat events.

The key is to boost protein and lower sugar intake. Carbohydrates add up quickly and cause blood sugar spikes when unbalanced. To balance carbs eat with protein and fat A protein / fat packed granola bar would be terrifically in an ADHD restricted diet.

 The great thing is there are lots of different ingredients you can pack into these granola snacks Some recommended ingredients include:

• Crushed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, etc.)
• Seeds (pepitas, sunflower, chia, etc.)
• Nut and seed butters (peanut, almond, cashew, sesame, seeds…)
• Ground flax
• Cocoa powder
• Protein powder
• Fine ground nuts (walnut, almond…)
• Healthy oils (extra virgin olive, coconut, etc…)
• Coconut flakes
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Puffed brown rice also is a great add in, offers shape and does not have excessive carbs or sugar.

Oatmeal is a friendly add in that offers goodness. Peanut butter as well as other nut butters and oils will help all stick together. Adding sugar or syrup of one form or another is needed to keep them together. There are some choices better than others. Some of the better ones include

• brown rice syrup similar to the taste and viscosity  of honey
• molasses is a great choice if you like the taste if not then don't use
• malt syrup

There are a few things that are recommended not to use if making up special for an individual with ADHD. These ingredients are full of carbs and sugars and should not be used:

• dried fruits such as raisins or craisins
• chocolate chips
• honey
• agave syrup
• maple syrup
• corn syrup

1 cup puffed brown rice
1 cup smashed, BHT-free rice or corn chex
½ cup popped amaranth
½ cup ground flax seed
¼ cup hemp protein powder
½ cup pepitas
1 cup crushed cashews
½ cup ground almonds
2 tsps cinnamon

⅛ cup olive oil
⅓ cup sunflower seed butter
1-½ tsps vanilla extract
⅓ – ½ cup brown rice syrup

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl
Stir/whisk the wet ingredients together in a small mixing bowl
Mix the blended wet ingredients into the blended dry ingredients until even in consistency – you may have to get your hands in there
Use an ice cream scoop to create even portions of granola – smash the granola together in your hands to shape it into a bar or ball
Wrap the granola bars in wax paper, saran wrap or convenient snack bags for later use
Store in the freezer if flax was one of the ingredients

~ Makes about 15 bars

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