The Diet Doc Cochrane

Fun with Sloan on the Cochrane trails today.. Another beautiful winter day!

Came across this recipe for granola bars (always a staple with the kids).. from www.runningwithspoons.com. Love to make as much as I can, and reduce what comes in a package when possible 2 cups quick oats 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I use Vega which is pea protein in place of whey) 2 tbsp ground flax... 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup almond butter (or any natural nut butter) 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips - Preheat oven to 350F and prepare an 8x8 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray (I prefer natural avocado oil spray) - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, flax, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. - In a medium bowl, combine almond butter, honey, almond milk, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour wet mix into dry mix and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. - Pour into a prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly. - Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden brown. - Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 20 minutes before cutting into bars. Nutrition Info (12 servings): Protein - 5.1 grams Carbohydrates - 19.4 grams Fat - 6.2 grams

Authenticity - Undoubtedly one of my favorite words. Sounds so simple, and yet, can be so hard to achieve with all the world throws our way. With recent events within my own life, self-acceptance and authenticity has had to come to the forefront of focus. Self-acceptance does not mean settling, or not continuing to work toward improving - it simply means also loving yourself along the way. Challenges can be a gift - if chosen to be seen that way.