The New Year has gotten off to quite the bang for me. I haven't been feeling well for weeks. My nervous system (thanks to my autoimmune disease) has been in a "heightened" state, causing all sorts of things in my body to be imbalanced. I've had bouts of nausea, more IBS and digestive issues, chills, exhaustion, imbalanced hormones, weight gain, overactive sweat glands (having to change your shirt mid-day is NOT cool), etc..........
So in an attempt to get my nervous system to calm down, my DR put me on a modified diet this week (no coffee, no grains, eat easily digestible foods - meaning no raw veggies or fruit, cooked only) and gave me some pills and an herbal tincture to take (both are for liver/gall bladder support, but the herbal tincture is to help with all of my symptoms). This is day 5 of the modified diet combined with the pills/herbal tincture and so far I'm doing better. I have had some coffee, but it doesn't seem to be sitting in my stomach very well, so I haven't wanted to drink it (which is downright amazing).
The weight gain, combined with constantly not feeling well prompted me to make some changes. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl with the occasional down vest when it's really cold. I do shower daily (which is very important to do when you have overactive sweat glands), and make myself appear nice, but don't generally do anything out of the ordinary to make myself feel pretty. So I started painting my nails.
I've also started working out on our treadmill. My goal is 20-30 minutes a day, at least 3-5 times a week either walking, brisk walking, or jogging (depending on what my body can handle on a given day). Yesterday I did over 20 minutes on the treadmill (holding 2 lbs weights) followed by some ab crunches. I know it doesn't sound like much, but for my body it's enough. I had to rest today because of an arthritis flare in my ribs and shoulder. Some days I can push through the pain, but today wasn't an option. On days like today, I'm trying very hard to remember that it's important to be kind to myself; my body isn't normal and healthy. It's okay if I can't run continuously or work out every day; what I'm doing is enough.
Although this recipe for No Bake Rice Crispy Treat Granola Bars isn't grain free (and I can't enjoy it right now); it is a very special recipe. It actually was THE FIRST recipe I ever developed and published on my blog (4/19/2010). Thankfully, I've learned a few things over the years about writing and taking pictures, although I still have LOTS of room to improve. I'm learning more every day, which is why I wanted to update the recipe and the pictures. The old photo didn't look appetizing at all!
These bars will quickly become a family favorite. I made them earlier today for the girls, and between them and their daddy, half the pan is missing!
No Bake Rice Crispy Treat Bars
1 ½ cups gluten free rolled oats
2 cups brown rice crispy cereal
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup unsweetened coconut
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (or raisins)
Pinch of sea salt
½ cup honey or brown rice syrup or coconut nectar for vegan
½ cup almond butter or Sunbutter for nut free
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla extract
- Lightly grease an 8.5” x 11” x 2” pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice crispy cereal, oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, chocolate chips, and sea salt.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the almond butter and honey until just blended. Stir continuously and pull mixture off the heat immediately once blended. Whisk in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into the dry ingredients and combine.
- Using a spatula, press the mixture into the greased pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving. Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Enjoy!!
Megan
Vicky says
Hi Megan! I LOVE the nail varnish colour! So sorry for your pain and suffering, hope it eases soon.
Your Rice Crispy Treat Granola Bars look very moreish!
Take care
Vicky x
Megan says
Hi Sweet Vicky! Thank you. 🙂
Hugs,
Megan
Cultured Palate (@culturedpal) says
Hi Megan,
I hope you are feeling better soon! I started working out on our treadmill also a couple of weeks ago but have not added weights or the ab crunches yet - maybe this week!
I would love to have you share this on Thursdays at Tasty Traditions: http://myculturedpalate.com/
amber says
Hi Megan,
I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well! My goodness. But what I love about this post is your honest update on your health. I appreciate it when bloggers are honest about the state of their disease. Life isn't always great...our health can create major road blocks. So thank you for always being so honest and forthcoming about how you are doing. I also like hearing about what your are doing for your symptoms - holistically and otherwise. Your nails look fab my friend. And good for you for jumping on that treadmill. I don't exercise...at all. And I know I need to...for me not so much for weight, but for my heart, health, and stress. You're amazing...don't forget it. And don't forget how inspiring you are!!! Wishing you a better week.
Hugs,
--Amber
P.S. I've pinned these fabulous treats and cannot wait to make them!!
Christina says
I'm so sorry you're not feeling well Megan. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers!!!! These bars look divine and great nail color choice. It's been nice to look to more established bloggers like you for inspiration and encouragement to continue growing and learning. I understand about photos and how they look when you first started to now, I am realizing I need to quickly become a food photographer of sorts. I am teaching myself how to use my old cannon and I know I'll get there and eventually get myself a newer version. Instagram on my iPad is great for people photos but not so much with the food! Lol! Or it might just be me! Anyways, I really hope you start feeling better. I pray Complete Restoration and Divine Inner Healing in Jesus Name!!! Amen! 🙂
Melissa says
The recipe no longer appears for the no-bake crispy granola bars. it's a new family favorite, hope you can re-post the recipe! Now in it's place, it simply reads, "[gmc_recipe 2191]"
Melissa
Megan says
Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for telling me about this! I had no idea. It's all fixed now! 🙂
Hugs,
Megan
Melissa says
Thank you!!! We're so happy to have this back, it's a family favorite 🙂
Melissa
Melanie says
Hi Megan,
I was googling for a granola bar recipe and found your site - great recipe! I was struck by your comments about allergies and health as I have had severe allergies most of my adult life. I have a strict diet too, and just last year also discovered an auto-immune regulating medication that helps. It's not expensive and I don't make any money off of it - just wanted to let you know about it in case you wanted to research it yourself. A doctor has to prescribe it. It's called "low dose naltrexone" (low dose would be about 3 mg a day) and it causes the body to produce more of it's own natural endorphins and immune system regulating cells so the body stops attacking the good stuff and only attacks the bad stuff. It's made a huge difference for me personally. Feel free to ignore this, but as a fellow allergy sufferer I wanted to at least let you know it's out there. I still have a careful diet, but overall my energy and mood and stamina have improved a lot. Anyhow, thank you for the recipe and I wish you great health. I love Alaska by the way (used to work up there) but now live in BC.
Happy health,
Melanie
olivia says
i cant have almonds. is there a different thing i can use for that. they look good.
Megan says
You can use Sunbutter for nut-free, or another nut butter will work just fine.
Stephanie Page says
I need to make these tomorrow!!! <3 Yum!
Debbie Williams says
Thanks so much for the recipes. Do you have any idea what would make a good substitution for coconut?
I believe I am allergic to coconut and all nuts since I have swelling lips and a sore throat whenever I consume them. I'm also allergic to shellfish, and am sensitive to gluten, eggs, and dairy.
In addition, I have several autoimmune illnesses including MS and a leaky gut.
Thanks.
Sheryl says
Made this for the first time today! 5-star rating! What a hit! Love it! Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am allergic to coconut so subbed pumpkin seeds. Perfect!
Mēgan says
Awesome - so happy to hear that, Sheryl!