Weight Watchers-Friendly Energy Bars Recipe
Ingredients:

  • Dried Fruits:
    • 100g (3.5 oz) pitted dates
    • 70g (2.5 oz) pitted prunes
    • 80g (2.8 oz) dried apricots
    • 45g (1.6 oz) cranberries
    • 50g (1.75 oz) raisins
  • Hydration:
    • Cold water (for hydrating)
  • Nuts and Seeds:
    • 50g (1.75 oz) pumpkin seeds
    • 70g (2.5 oz) mixed nuts
    • 75g (2.6 oz) almonds
    • 35g (1.2 oz) sesame seeds (reserve some for later)
  • Other Ingredients:
    • 20g (~1/4 cup) rolled oats

Directions:

  1. Hydrate the Dried Fruits:
    • Place the pitted dates, pitted prunes, dried apricots, cranberries, and raisins in a bowl.
    • Add cold water to the bowl and let them hydrate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Nuts and Seeds:
    • In a frying pan, add the pumpkin seeds, mixed nuts, and almonds.
    • Fry for a few minutes over medium heat until they are slightly toasted.
    • Chop the toasted nuts and seeds into smaller pieces.
    • Add 35g (1.2 oz) of sesame seeds to the mixture, leaving some for later use.
  3. Prepare the Oats and Apricots:
    • Add the rolled oats to the mixture.
    • Cut the hydrated dried apricots into small pieces.
  4. Blend the Dates and Prunes:
    • Drain the dates and prunes from the water and place them in a food processor or chopper.
    • Blend until they form a smooth paste.
  5. Combine the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the date and prune paste with the chopped nuts, seeds, oats, and apricot pieces.
    • Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  6. Form the Bars:
    • Place a sheet of cling film on a flat surface.
    • Transfer the mixture onto the cling film and press it down evenly to form a flat, rectangular shape.
    • Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top and press them into the mixture.
  7. Chill the Bars:
    • Wrap the mixture tightly with the cling film.
    • Place it in the freezer for 2 hours to set.
  8. Serve:
    • Once set, remove from the freezer and cut into bars or squares.
    • Enjoy your delicious and healthy energy bars!

Weight Watchers Points:

  • Dried Fruits: Dates, prunes, apricots, cranberries, and raisins can be high in sugar. Moderation is key.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Opt for unsalted and natural versions to keep points lower.
  • Rolled Oats: Typically low in points, but ensure to measure accurately.

Estimated Points (per bar, assuming 12 bars):

  • Dried Fruits: Approximately 3-4 points
  • Nuts and Seeds: Approximately 2-3 points
  • Rolled Oats: 0-1 point

Total Points per Bar: Approximately 5-7 points

Enjoy these energy bars as a nutritious and satisfying snack that fits into your Weight Watchers plan!