‘Fast Fuel’ Granola Bars recipe

Masters swimmer Lily Bond shares her recipe for her homemade granola bars recipe which she uses to provide her body with some quick and healthy fuel.

Carrying round perfect healthy snacks

I carry a couple of these healthy snacks around with me, perfect for when I need an energy boost.

They are full of protein and fibre. For those that love nut butters, spread a little peanut or almond butter on top and it soon becomes a dangerously delicious afternoon snack.

Ingredients – Makes roughly 20 bars

• 240g of oats
• 350g of Medjool dates
• 200g of raisins
• 200g of flaxseed
• 350g of seeds (mixture of sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (I prefer to use Lucy Bee coconut oil)
• 3 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 3 teaspoons of cinnamon

Method for granola bars recipe

Start by pre-heating the oven to 180C.

Pit the dates and place them in a saucepan with the coconut oil and 600ml of boiling water. Heat until the dates are nice and soft.

While the dates are simmering, place the dry ingredients (cinnamon, oats, flaxseed, seeds and raisins) in a large mixing bowl and stir.

Once the dates are soft, place the dates and water into a blender with the chia seeds. Blend until a smooth puree forms (warning: date puree can be very hot).

Pour the date puree into the bowl and stir until everything is coated and sticky.

Line a baking tray with baking paper, or grease it with coconut oil. Pour the granola bar mix into it the baking tray and spread it evenly across.

Place the tray in the oven for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut into bars. Place the tray back in the oven to finish cooking for another 10-20 minutes.

Leave to cool and then store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.