5-Ingredient Granola Bar

Imagine with five ingredients and a few minutes you can make yourself a breakfast staple or a healthy daytime snack. Granola bars are great but let’s face it, the high fructose corn syrup; not so much. With this bake-free, freezer friendly recipe, we’ve got you covered.

YIELDS:

10 bars

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup roasted almonds

¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar

¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:

Chocolate chips, dried fruits, coconut flakes, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place dates in a food processor and blend until it forms a dough-like consistency.

2. Add blended dates, oats and almonds to a bowl and set aside.

3. Warm maple syrup and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir together.

4. Once warm, pour over oat mixture and fold.

5. After thoroughly mixing, transfer to a lined baking dish and flatten tightly.

6. Cover with parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes.

7. Remove from dish and slice into even bars.

8. Store in an airtight container for quick access or keep them in the freezer for extra freshness.

THE SUMMER SEASON BRINGS WARMTH, SUNSHINE, AND PLENTY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. HOWEVER, THE SCORCHING SUN AND INCREASED HUMIDITY CAN TAKE A TOLL ON OUR SKIN, MAKING IT ESSENTIAL TO ADOPT A SUMMER-SPECIFIC SKINCARE ROUTINE. FOLLOWING A FEW SIMPLE TIPS, YOU CAN PROTECT AND NOURISH YOUR SKIN, ENSURING A HEALTHY AND RADIANT COMPLEXION THROUGHOUT THE SUNNIEST MONTHS OF THE YEAR.

1. SUNSCREEN: A Non-Negotiable Shield when it comes to summer skincare, sunscreen is an absolute must-have. The sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously at least 30 minutes before stepping outdoors. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating profusely.

2. HYDRATION: Drink Up for Glowing Skin With the summer heat, our bodies lose more water through perspiration, leading to dehydration. To keep your skin healthy and supple, ensure you drink adequate water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and prevents it from becoming dry and dull.

3. CLEANSE GENTLY AND EXFOLIATE WISELY: Our skin produces more oil during summer, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil. Also, exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to slog off dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as it can lead to irritation.

4. LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER: Opt for Oil-Free In hot and humid weather, heavy creams can feel suffocating on the skin. Instead, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that provides ample hydration without clogging pores.

Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and keeps your skin fresh throughout the day.

5. PROTECT YOUR EYES AND LIPS: The delicate skin around our eyes and lips needs extra care during summer. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, reducing the risk of eye damage and fine lines. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sunburn and keep them soft and moisturized.

6. STAY IN THE SHADE: While the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., it's a good idea to seek shade whenever possible during hot summer days. Limiting your exposure to direct sunlight can help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

7. POST-SUN CARE: After spending time outdoors, it's crucial to soothe and nourish your skin. Take a cool shower to lower your body temperature and soothe sunburned areas. Apply a hydrating and calming after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel to replenish lost moisture and relieve sun-exposed skin.

Maintaining healthy summer skin is all about protection, hydration, and gentle care. You can keep your skin glowing and protected during the sunny season by incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, staying hydrated, and adopting a suitable skincare regimen. Embrace these tips, and you'll be ready to enjoy all that summer offers with radiant and beautiful skin.

1. SPEND TIME IN NATURE:

Many of us take this for granted but spending just a few minutes at a beach or on a mountain can help us reset and briefly disconnect from our troubles.

2. KEEP A JOURNAL:

Writing down our thoughts helps us processes emotions and gives us a non-judgemental space to share how we feel. Journaling can be therapeutic if practiced regularly.

3. FOCUS ON YOUR HOBBIES:

We often get so caught up with life that we forget to set aside time for things we enjoy. Whether it’s painting, fishing, or working out, actively practicing your hobbies creates routine and gives us purpose!

4. SPEAK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST:

Reaching out to a therapist or a mentor for guidance can be helpful when we need some grounding.

5. MEDITATE:

Focusing on your breath and surroundings can help ease our mind. Go to your happy place for a couple minutes then come back to reality!