Sweet and Salty Chocolate Lentil Granola Bars

My kids love these sweet and salty chocolate lentil granola bars. Think of these as your store bought granola bars…but way more delicious and healthy! Plus, five surprising facts about lentils you need to know!

As a Registered Dietitian and busy mom of two young kids, lentils are so easy for me to love. Not only do they boast a stellar nutritional profile (they are loaded full of protein, fibre, iron, vitamins, and minerals), they’re also budget-friendly, easy to use, and provide a nutritious meatless protein alternative. They’re also great for adding to healthy snacks and (surprisingly!) desserts and baked goods (see my recipe for lentil granola bars below).

If you’re not convinced lentils should be a staple in your pantry, here are the five reasons this Dietitian swears by them:

1. They offer mega nutrition bang-for-your-buck

To say lentils are healthy is an understatement. Per 100 grams of dry green lentils, there are 26 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fibre (that is 80% of your days’ worth of fibre). Both of these nutrients are not only important for overall health, but also contribute to satiety (feeling full), which helps to curb your appetite and keep you satisfied longer.

Lentils are also packed full of folate and iron as well as selenium and zinc, and important micronutrients that support good health. They not only pack a huge nutrition punch, but they are also budget friendly. One package of lentils will make a big batch of my lentil granola bars as well as a main dish like this delicious Coconut Thai Curry Lentils With Quinoa.

Although dried lentils are slightly more cost-effective, canned lentils are also an inexpensive choice.

 Tips:

• If you worry about the sodium content in canned lentils, simply rinse them under cold water to remove most of the sodium.
• Make sure to consume foods rich in Vitamin C along with lentils to reap the benefits of this vegetarian source of Iron.

2. You don’t have to be a professional chef to use them

Lentils are extremely easy to work with. Since I have two young kids, I find being able to save time in the kitchen yet still prepare a healthy meal a huge value. When cooking lentils, there is no soaking required (like in the case of dried beans or chickpeas)—just boiling. You can pre-cook them, puree them, and store them easily for up to four days in the fridge. They also freeze well!

There are no rules when it comes to lentils—throw them into salads, casseroles, crock-pot meals, and stews, or puree them into dips and sauces. They also add moisture to baked goods and desserts (as well as a nutrition boost) plus they add texture and flavour to any meal.

3. They help to stabilize energy levels and are satiating

The protein and fibre content in lentils helps both kids and adults feel fuller longer. This also works to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep energy levels stable. Because lentils are low on the glycemic index, they keep tummies feeling full longer, which can help with self-regulating appetites throughout the day.

I always say that breakfast sets the ‘nutrition stage’ for your entire day, so try adding lentils to your morning muffins or oatmeal to help to set you up for nutritional success. Including protein in your breakfast can help to control your appetite throughout the morning and has even shown to prevent mindless snacking later in the day.

4. Help prevent disease? Yes please!

Not only do lentils keep us healthy in the short-term, but also in the long-term. Lentils contain many nutrients that protect against chronic diseases. Research shows that having a diet rich in legumes (which are high in soluble fibre) can lower both total and LDL cholesterol levels, decreasing cardiovascular disease risk. The high potassium content of lentils can help to regulate blood pressure levels, which also protects against heart disease and stroke.

Lentils are great for those living with diabetes and the special diet they must follow because of the low glycemic index value. Lentils keep blood sugar levels stable and improve glucose and insulin responses for hours after a meal (and even into the next meal!).

5. Lentils are versatile and can be used anywhere

Most people think “soup” when they think of lentils, but there are endless ways to incorporate them into your menu besides just lentil soup.

Make them the focus of your main dish, such as in these yummy lentil “meat” balls, Chef Michael Smith’s Lentil Burgers, or this delicious Lentil Lasagna. Have them as a snack when you make these Crunchy Roasted Lentils or even add texture, moisture, and nutrition to your desserts like these chocolate chip lentil cookies and chocolate lentil brownies.

With ingredients already in my kitchen I created these super tasty and nutrient-packed lentil granola bars. Because I like to make the most of my time in the kitchen, I made a big batch (they freeze really well!).

If you’re looking for more delicious, family-friendly recipes and nutrition tips, check out my Facebook page and Instagram feed, where I post daily!