Ways to Fit in Breakfast #4: Raise the (breakfast) bar

You can find healthy cereal and breakfast bars at supermarkets and health food stores. Pick bars that are low in sugar, sodium and fat and high in fibre, or make a batch of bars or granola on the weekend. Keep some in your purse, car or desk for hectic days when you need something quick, portable and energy-boosting.

Try out our recipe below for healthy granola bars - you will save money and calories by making these over buying the bars in the store!

Healthy and Delicious Granola Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Ready In: 50 minutes

Servings: 20

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unpacked light brown sugar
• 1/ cup wheat germ
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup dired, sweetened cranberries
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup very mashed banana (about 1 medium)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 9x13 glass dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Toast the almonds in the oven or on the stovetop. Set aside to cool a bit.
3. In a large bowl, combine oats, sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, cranberries, almonds and salt. In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk honey, egg whites, oil, banana and vanilla together until well combines. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour the honey mixture into the well.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients with your hands until everything is moistened and mostly holding together in a loose ball. Flip the mixture onto the baking dish and pat into one giant rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into 20 squares.