Low GI Banana Energy Bars...Gluten Free!

So, I have been trying to manage my hypoglycemia for some time, and not only is sugar a serious culprit that spurs on the roller-coaster of lows, but highly refined carbohydrates are as well. Breads, most cereals, crackers, pancakes...the list of foods that I try to avoid is massive. It also makes me  connect the dots into the obesity epidemic in North America. Most prepared foods are filled with refined grains and added sugars. It takes a lot of willpower and determination to ease them out, especially since you continually spike and crash, then repeat the refined carb cycle.


But, fear not because you can still satisfy that sweet tooth. Not all is lost, particularly when you use real, wholesome ingredients and a little ingenuity. This recipe for energy bars isn't sugar free, but it's got enough healthy fats and protein to lower the glycemic index and give you a sustained, satisfying feeling of contentment. No highs - no lows! For those of you that are gluten sensitive, as long as you use gluten free oats, you can also enjoy these healthy treats. 


Recipe:

1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 large mashed bananas
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
 1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 large egg
1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup dark 70% chocolate chips


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, add the milk, vanilla and mix well. Incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until well mixed. Then, add the peanut butter, mashed banana, almonds and chocolate chips. Pour batter into an 8x8 pan, and bake for 20 minutes on 350F. Cool, and cut into 16 bars.


Here's some nutrition info for these super easy-peasy to make energy bars:


Calories - 123 (if you omit the chocolate, you'll have a 100 calorie bar. But, it's chocolate!)
Carbohydrates - 16 g
Fat - 5.3 g
Protein - 3.8 g


You can easily change the add ins to whatever suits your fancy. These bars have a cake-like texture, and the bananas add both moisture and flavour. They are really friggin' delicious! I'm not just saying this to appease my want for these bars to be good; when your 6 year old requests one, you know it's a keeper.