Quinoa Power Bars

The lifestyle of a student is hectic to say the least. Factoring in class time, studying, socializing, club and team commitments, travel time and the other daily commitments (i.e. grocery shopping, showering, sleeping...) we aren't really left with a lot of free time. Being tight for time is, what I find to be, a crucial factor in determining how healthy people eat - especially when it comes to finding time to make food before or after class. I'll be the first to admit that it is way easier to just buy food while I'm on campus; however, this quickly drains my bank account and steers me clear off my healthy lifestyle. Sure  bagels, muffins, pizza and CLTs are convenient but they are not the healthiest options - though often times they are the only options we have. I find that the easiest way for me to stay on track is to pack simple, healthy snacks that are enough to get me through the day but not really require too much time and effort to make. Here is a recipe for my Quinoa Oatmeal Power Bars. They only take ~40 minutes to make, can be made in large batches and are a great alternative to the sugar loaded protein bars like Cliff Hanger and Balance Bar. They're perfect for breakfast on the go, a post workout snack or something quick to tide you over before you get home for dinner. I wrap each separately so they're ready to grab when I head out the door in the morning. Try bulking them up with your favorite protein powder or mixing up the dried berry and spice combination for different flavors! Enjoy~ p.s. Did I mention they're gluten free and vegan! Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw quinoa
• 1 2/3 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup oat- flour (just put 2/3 cup of oats into a food processor until smooth)
• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1/4 nut butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup raw honey (optional - exclude this to make the bars vegan friendly)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp cinnamon (or any combination of spices you prefer)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

1. Heat a small pan over medium heat and toast quinoa until golden brown2. In a large bowl mix together toasted quinoa, rolled oats, oat-flour, cinnamon, seeds, and cranberries 3. In a seperate bowl mix together coconut oil, nut butter, apple sauce, honey (optional) and vanilla 4. Combine the two mixtures together into large bowl and pour into an 8x10 baking dish lined with parchment paper 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes 6. After resting, remove from dish and cut into desired size bars - allow to cool before wrapping them individually