Oatmeal Bars to Replace Your Granola Bar Habit

It's back to school time and that means finding snacks for your kids that are affordable and healthy. Granola bars were always a go-to snack for my family, so I decided to create a DIY alternative. These oatmeal bars are filled with nutrients, are super easy to make, and can be adapted to your taste.

You can choose different nuts, fruits, and seeds. I've been enjoying a mixture of walnuts, flax, cranberries and dates. I also add some chocolate chips for sweetness.

Here is a basic list to help you with the proportions:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 
• 1/2 cup dried fruit 
• 1/4 cup seeds 
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• pinch of salt 
• 1 1/4 cups milk 
• 1 egg 
• 1 tsp vanilla 

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Grab a 2-cup measuring cup, add your milk, crack and egg into the cup and add a dash of vanilla.
4. Pour your wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until combined.
5. Pour into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.
7. Cut into 9 squares and wrap for grab-and-go ease. You can store in the fridge, which keeps the chocolate firm. Yum! 

Feta Watermelon Salad

Want a delicious and easy salad? Throw this together:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon
• Romaine
• Red Onion (sliced thin)
• Cucumber
• Red Bell Pepper
• Feta
• Fresh Mint (just a little)

Dressing:

• Red Wine Vinegar
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Honey
• Salt and Pepper

If it sounds weird to you, just try it. You will be amazed at how excited your tastebuds will be. And if you're trying to lose weight, this is a great outside-the-box healthy recipe. Keeping that weight off is about finding healthy foods that don't bore you.