Embracing the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle with nourishing snacks is essential for supporting your body's changing needs. Enter homemade granola bars – a wholesome and convenient option packed with micro-nutrients tailored to fuel your body during this phase.

Why Homemade Granola Bars?

Crafted with intention, homemade granola bars offer a bounty of health benefits tailored to support your body during the luteal phase. Here's why these ingredients are a boon:

1. Hormone-Balancing Ingredients: Opting for ingredients like maca root, organic oats, Medjool dates, and cacao nibs provides essential micro-nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron, which play pivotal roles in hormone regulation and mood stabilization during the luteal phase.

2. Energy-Boosting Properties: The combination of complex carbohydrates from oats, healthy fats from sunflower seed butter, and natural sugars from honey and dates delivers a sustained source of energy, combating fatigue and cravings often experienced during this phase.

3. Blood sugar balancing: complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats is the equation for a blood-sugar-balancing snack or meal. Also, Ceylon cinnamon is not just anti-inflammatory, but regulates blood sugar levels too!

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic glyphosate-free oats
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
• 3/4 cup sunflower seed butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, maca powder, cacao nibs, and sea salt. Mix well to combine.
2. Blend the Dates: Pit the Medjool dates and add them to a food processor. Blend until they form a thick paste.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sunflower seed butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Add the blended dates. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and a sticky dough forms.
5. Press into a Pan: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the granola bar mixture into the lined dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
6. Chill in the Fridge: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Slice and Serve: Once chilled and firm, remove the granola bar slab from the dish and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars or squares of your desired size.
8. Storage: Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze to keep good for 1 month. Enjoy them as a tasty and nutritious snack!