Mediterranean Cinnamon Cranberry Energy Bars

Mediterranean Cinnamon Cranberry Energy Bars (Weight-Loss & Sugar-Free Version)

These bars are chewy, lightly sweet, and made without honey or any added sugar. They rely on dates for natural sweetness and stickiness, while nuts, oats, chia seeds, and olive oil give you slow, stable energy—perfect for weight loss, thyroid health, and controlling cravings.

Ingredients (12 bars)

• Rolled oats – 1½ cups

• Almonds (chopped) – ⅓ cup

• Walnuts (chopped) – ⅓ cup

• Dried unsweetened cranberries – ½ cup

• Chia seeds – 1½ tbsp

• Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp

• Sea salt – ¼ tsp

• Soft pitted dates – 1 cup (about 12–14 dates)

• Warm water – 2–3 tbsp (to help soften dates)

• Extra virgin olive oil – 1 tbsp

• Vanilla extract – ½ tsp

Instructions:

1. Soften the dates:
   Add dates + 2 tbsp warm water to a blender/food processor. Blend into a thick, sticky paste. Add 1 extra tbsp water if needed.

2. Toast oats & nuts (optional):
   In a dry pan, toast oats, almonds, and walnuts for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

3. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a bowl, combine oats, almonds, walnuts, cranberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Combine everything:
   Add the date paste, olive oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix with a spoon or your hands until everything sticks together.

5. Shape:
   Press firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8 dish.

6. Chill:
   Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting into bars.

7. Store:

   • Fridge: 7–10 days

   • Freezer: 3 months

Why This Version Is Weight-Loss Friendly

✓ No honey, sugar, or syrups
✓ Lower calories
✓ High fiber → keeps you full
✓ Natural sweetness from dates only
✓ Healthy fats for stable energy
✓ Cranberries give flavor without sugar spikes

Notes:

• If the mixture feels dry → add 1–2 tsp more warm water

• If too sticky → add 2–3 tbsp more oats

• You can replace cranberries with raisins or chopped apricots (unsweetened)

• Do NOT add too many nuts, as they increase calories quickly

Nutritional Info:

• Calories: 145–155

• Carbs: 22 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Natural sugar (from dates/cranberries): 10–11 g