Unlike granola, protein bars don't usually contain sugar additives. On the other hand, they are rich in protein which can help you lose weight.

Cranberry Almond Protein Bars

Ingredients (8 servings)

2 cups almonds (you may use plain, roasted, salted or unsalted)

2/3 cup puffed rice cereal

2/3 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

4 tbsps. honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add almonds, puffed rice cereal, cranberries, coconut and toss to combine.  Set aside.

 Stir honey and vanilla together in a small saucepan.  Heat over medium-high heat until boiling, stirring occasionally.  Let the sauce boil for 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally. The sauce will bubble up quite a bit, so keep an eye on it.  Once it’s ready, pour it evenly over the almond mixture and very quickly stir the mixture until it is evenly coated with the sauce. 

Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and press it firmly into the dish in an even layer. Let the bars cool for 30 minutes or until they reach room temperature.   Carefully lift up the parchment paper from the baking dish and transfer it (with the bars) to a cutting board.  Cut the bars into your desired shapes and sizes.  Then place in a sealed container and store at room temperature until ready to eat.

The bars will last up to 10 days.  Or if you freeze them, they will last up to 3 months.