These yummy bars provide iron, vitamin C, omega-3 and potassium.

Yield: 12 Bars

5 Medjool dates, pitted

⅓ cup dried apples

1½ cup old-fashioned oats

1 tsp chia seeds

1 cup almond or seed butter

⅓ cup protein powder (derived from brown rice or peas)

2 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tbsp water or apple juice to blend if too sticky or crumbly

Mix dates and dried apples in the food processor. Add oats, chia seeds, almond or seed butter, protein powder, cinnamon and vanilla extract. If the almond or seed butter is too stiff before adding it to the food processor, gently warm it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or place the jar in a bowl of hot water to loosen it.

Slowly blend the mixture until thickened. If the blend is too sticky or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water or apple juice for a softer texture.

Line a 13-by-10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Add the mixture and firmly press down to spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the refrigerator for two hours before cutting them into bars.

Recipe courtesy of Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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