Oat & Seed Snack Bars

Oat & Seed snack bars

Full of all the good things, these sweet little treats make a delicious healthy snack.

                  Ingredients                  

                 300g pitted dates                                                  240ml warm water                                                4 fl oz melted coconut oil
                 500g organic oats
                 100g dessicated coconut
                 zest of 1 orange
                 100g sunflower seeds
                 100g pumpkin seeds
                  50g linseeds

Method

Soak the dates in the warm water for about 30 minutes.  Meanwhile line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and melt the coconut oil.

Blend dates, water and oil in blender/nutribullet until smooth.

Place all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and then add the date syrup mixture.

Mix thoroughly until all combined and then press down evenly into the baking tray. Pop in the fridge until set.

Remove and cut into approx 16 squares.  Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

LOVE YOUR LIVER

Your liver, the largest and most influential organ (and gland) in the body. Most of us know that too much Pinot Grigio/favourite tipple does it no favours but what does the liver actually do?

Also known as the chemical brain of the body it recycles, regenerates and detoxifies. Here are just a few of its 500 + functions!
 

• Removes waste and cleans the blood
• Metabolises fat
• Blood sugar regulation
• Controls hormone balance
• Supports digestion
• Stores iron and vitamins
• Cholesterol production

To do all these jobs properly the liver needs good quality nutrition.  Unfortunately with many of todays' poor food choices such as sugar, alcohol, bad fats and processed foods our poor old liver fights an uphill battle.

 Symptoms of a sluggish liver may include:

• Stored fat around waistline/weight gain
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Stress/poor memory/brain fog
• Depression
• PMT

Do yourself a favour,  a clean liver promotes improved sleep, energy levels and hormone balance. Support your liver by eating good quality protein, lots of green veggies, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals. However don't be tempted to do some of the popular "detox" diets regularly seen in the media that feature calorie restriction. Usually because of the restrictions you will be missing out on the very nutrients your liver needs. If you are struggling I recommend a full body cleanse which I can give you details on if you are interested.