Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars

Preliminary research from the UK suggests that eating a small portion of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate on cardio training days may help reduce oxidative stress and increase movement of free fatty acids after exercise. However, maintaining an overall low-sugar diet is key to burning those fatty acids once released, and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it has.

Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars

Ready in 40 minutes • Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole-grain flour
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 2 oz dark chocolate-covered espresso beans (70% or higher cocoa content)
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine.
3. Spread mixture evenly in a 9"x9" baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden around the edges. Let cool and slice into eight bars. Serve or refrigerate for later. 

Nutrients per serving (59 g):

Calories: 240, Total Fats: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 110 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 26 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 8 g, Iron: 2 mg

“A clean and delicious way to get your morning perk!” – Devon, Oxygen reader

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