Healthy BBQ Chicken Pizza

with Sweet Potato Crust

Let me tell you something...pizza is like my spirit animal..its the one thing that I CANNOT live without and I'm telling you...this is the BEST pizza that I have ever made AND it's healthy...say what?!?! You have to add this to your MUST TRY list of healthy recipes that taste like they shouldn't be!! #theresnoweinpizza

Ingredients :

•3 medium sweet potatoes

•1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

•1 cup spinach, chopped

•1 cup pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded

•1 egg 

•1 cup almond flour

•1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

•1 teaspoon dried basil

•1 teaspoon garlic powder

•1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

•1/2 cup barbecue sauce 

•1/2 cup tomato sauce

Directions:

Prep time..about 20 minutes Cook time..about 40 minutes total

STEP ONE: pre-heat oven to 400 F degree

STEP TWO: cook sweet potatoes in microwave until soft

STEP THREE: peel sweet potatoes ( i just cut them & scoop out guts) and add to large mixing bowl with : 1 cup almond flour, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar. ( for an extra kick I add a pinch of chili powder.) mash ingredients until well combined and the mixture take on a doughy consistency.

STEP FOUR: use rubber spatula to spread on a pizza stone. You want the crust to be evenly distributed about 1/3 in. I used my Demarle at Home silpat instead of pizza stone. You could use either if you have them.

STEP FIVE: cook dough at 400 F degree for 30 minutes.

STEP SIX: while pizza dough is baking: shred 1 cup of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, chop 1 cup spinach, and sauté on thinly sliced medium red onion until soft. I added a little mozzarella cheese.

STEP SEVEN: remove pizza dough from oven. Once you take it out let it cool about 20 min to let the crust harden a bit and then spread 1/2 cup bbq sauce and 1/2 cup tomato sauce on top.

STEP EIGHT: cover pizza with shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped spinach, and red onions. Drizzle with BBQ sauce.

STEP NINE: return pizza to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. 

SLICE & ENJOY!

Cloud Bread-How To Make

Let me tell you about Cloud Bread!!! This low carb bread has been all the rage and I had to try it out myself! It looked so good, but it also sounded too good to be true! Cloud bread makes you feel like you're eating actual bread, minus the carbs. It's mostly protein, it is light and fluffy, but crispy enough to form a sandwich or eat like toast. And here's the part that sounded too good to be true...WAIT FOR IT...it's only 47 calories per slice!!! 

EPIC FAIL

Most cloud bread recipes call for eggs, cream of tartar (a natural thickener), and cream cheese, which despite being delicious, is not very good for you. The recipe I followed used Greek Yogurt which I'm a huge fan of because I sub EVERYTHING with greek yogurt from "mayo" to "sour cream"! The sandwich-sized rounds came out of the oven with a crisp exterior and fluffy – you guessed it – cloud-like interior. When stored overnight, they become soft and chewy.

Cloud bread tastes a little like egg so I added some fresh oregano from my garden, paprika, and himalayan salt and it made it taste more like bread. You can adjust the flavor to your pallet! My first go around with this recipe was an EPIC FAIL. It resulted in one big, flat, cloud! 

TIP: your mixture should flop on the baking sheet just like cool whip would! I followed the recipe exact so I couldn't quite figure it out, but the second go around went perfect so I switched up the recipe a bit for people like me who somehow suck at following instructions and end up making things twice. Hopefully it will save you from having to do it a second time! HAHA!

Cloud Bread

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

40 mins

Cloud bread is light, fluffy, low carb, high protein (well, for bread) and is just 47 calories per slice!

Foodie Source: Beachbody

Serves: 3 servings, 2 pieces each

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray (Unless you're using a Demarle Silpat like me) 
• 3 large eggs
• 1 dash cream of tartar
• 1 dash sea salt (or Himalayan salt) (to taste, optional)
• ⅓ cup reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage brand)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 300° F.
2. Lightly coat large baking sheet with spray. Set aside.
3. Separate egg yolks from egg whites. Place whites in a medium bowl. Place yolks in a separate medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Add cream of tartar to egg whites. Beat with a mixer on high until stiff peaks form. TIP: you should be able to hold your mixing bowl upside down and it won't fall out, roughly 4-8 minutes! Set aside.
5. Add salt (and any other seasoning of choice) and yogurt to egg yolks. Beat with a mixer on medium until blended.
6. Gently fold ⅓ of egg white mixture into egg yolk mixture. Fold in the remaining egg white mixture until just incorporated. TIP: Be careful not to overmix.
7. Using a spoon, transfer a scoop of egg mixture onto prepared baking sheet, gently spreading into a thick pancake shape about 3 inches in diameter. Repeat with remaining batter.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and exterior is crispy to the touch. Immediately loosen cloud breads with a spatula; allow to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!!!

Protein Waffles

Protein Waffles

Recipe from Fixate cookbook

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour (grind raw oats in blender or food processor to make flour)
• 2 tbsp ground flaxeeds
• 3/4 cup whey protein powder, vanilla flavor (I used Shakeology)
• 1 tsp baking powder, gluten free
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 4 large egg whites (1/2 cup), beaten to form stiff peaks
• 1 pinch sea salt (I used pink Himalayan salt)
• Nonstick cooking spray (I use Coconut Oil)
• Pure maple syrup

Directions:

Prep time-30 min

Cooking time-36 min

Serves 12 (1 waffle each)

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Combine oat flour, flaxeeds, protein powder, and baking powder in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine extract and almond milk in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. 
4. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture; whisk gently just until a smooth batter forms. 
5. Gently fold in egg whites.
6. Cook 2/3 cup batter in preheated waffle iron, lightly coated with spray, for approximately 3-5 minutes (or according to specifications by your particular model), or until crips and golden brown. 
7. Place each waffle on a serving plate, top with one chicken breast, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy! 

Zucchini Bake

Recipe from Fixate Cookbook

I have 101 reasons lately to try new recipes and it's mostly due to my new favorite cookbook, Fixate by Autumn Calabrese! My recent favorite is this delish Zucchini Bake! I am obsessed with Zucchini and this is a cheesy and fresh summer recipe!! SOOOO good and very easy to make, plus for your fellow Fixers, it's approved for your containers!!! 

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 min (took me more like 5) 

Cooking Time: 20 min (you can cook main dish while you wait!)

Container's: 2 Green, 1/2 Purple, 1 tsp

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp. freshly grated lemon peel
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (I used Pink Himalayan)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F 
2. Combine cheese, lemon peel, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Place zucchini skin side down on large baking dish. Brush with oil covering all of zucchini. Sprinkle evenly with cheese mixture.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Plated wtih grilled chicken breast.

ENJOY!!!!

Two Ingredient Cookies

These are my all time favorite and, GUILT FREE, treat when I'm craving something sweet! It's so simple and the kids love helping me make them! They are gone in seconds in our house!!! 

INGREDIENTS :

• 2 very ripe organic medium bananas
• 1 cup rolled oats (I like the Trader Joe's brand)
• add ins : 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or dried fruit or nuts, chia seeds or even spices like a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Have fun!

DIRECTIONS :

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper (not wax paper). 
2. In a bowl, squish the bananas with a fork, add in the oats and continue mixing until both ingredients are fully incorporated. 
3. Scoop about a tablespoon of batter per cookie. Bake for about 13-15 minutes until a golden.
4. Remove from oven and allow to fully cool before serving (about 30 minutes)

E N J O Y!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs raw 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 cup all natural mild salsa
• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt or Pink Himalayan Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F
2. Combine turkey, salsa, quinoa, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix well by hand or with a rubber spatula
3. Shape mixture into shape of loaf and place on ungreased 13 X 9 baking pan OR pace spoonful in muffin pan
4. Bake for 60-70 minutes in 13 X9 pan OR Bake 45-55min in Muffin Pan
5. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with veggies and sweet potato  

**Fellow 21 Day Fix/Extreme (1/2 yellow, 1 red, 1/2 purple for meatloaf muffin. This picture also has 1 yellow (sweet potato), 1 green (broccoli).

Tip: Cut cooked meatloaf into single serving (or use single muffin) and freeze in single resealable plastic bags for future meals! 

21 Day Fix Extreme Meal Plan and Prep

The time is here and it's time for me to jump into the 21 Day Fix Extreme meal plan and create something that works for me and our lifestyle. Tyler and I are committed to getting at least 2 full rounds of the fix extreme in before we go to Cancun, Mexico this April for the Team Beachbody Success Club Trip!! 

I received my order last Friday and completely went over the entire plan through the weekend. We didn't want to set ourselves up for failure and start then because we had our last treat meal planned for Valentine's Day! Last night I sat down and calculated out my calorie range and Tyler's so I made sure we were each getting the right amount of containers in for each day. There are some great 21 Day Fix apps in the app store, I prefer the one by Fat Chicken Studios because you can calculate for use of 1/2 containers. If you're more of a pen and paper kind of person you can print of the tracking sheets by going to teambeachbody.com and then the Get Fit tab, the tracking sheets! 

I like to use a spreadsheet to make my meal plan because it's easy to follow and I print that sucker out and put it smack in the middle of my fridge so I know what my plan is. That way, I don't roam the fridge and wander from my plan. I like to make a grocery list and get all of my groceries on Sunday so that way I have everything I need to stick to my plan and I don't get caught in a pickle! If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! 

My 21 Day Fix Extreme Meal Plan Based on Category 1 (1200-1499 cal)

So since this is my first week of the fix extreme what is my game plan?  Well I am following the regular fix extreme plan because I want to get my nutrition in check, I want to get my body used to eating the correct portion sizes and I know that there are going to be a few days where my body just craves some of the things I was allowing myself to have before like chocolate, wine and an extra carb or two. I also know that anytime I start a new workout program the first week is awkward.  You are trying to learn the new moves, plus a new eating plan, your sore, and it takes a lot of mental energy to think through your food.  So I expect that it will be a little more exhausting than usual.  I also know that week 2 is always so much better. So my goal is to do my best the first week but not to beat myself up over it either.  

Last night we took our pictures and measurements because your most accurate measure of progress is NOT the scale but in fact its the measurements and the pictures.  Trust me you will see inches disappear before the pounds and the scale is just not the most accurate measure of progress.  So go by how you feel, your energy level, your clothes and how they fit and throw the scale out the window! 

Our Before Pics

Now I encourage you to create a meal plan and to write it down because its easy to forget what you are eating, to not have the food in the house and to make poor choices if you don't have a clear focus.  So if you are serious about this workout and the results then you want to be prepared.

I am not doing the Countdown to Competition plan initially.  I am going to at least do 2 weeks of the Fix Extreme Nutrition Plan and then switch over to countdown to competition.  I want to give my body time to adjust to fix eating first.  Also, if you feel this is to restrictive then just follow the extreme plan!  You will still get great results.  But if you feel yourself plateauing or not getting results at all then you might have to follow her countdown to competition plan.  I really find that this is very similar to the "How to lose the last 10 pounds" By Tosca Reno book I read and implemented 3 years ago.  It's tough and restricted but doable.

For the workouts:  You are going to need a set of light and heavy weights and a resistance band. Personally I was using 5 and 8 lbs but also up to 10 lbs for some of the lower body exercises because my legs are stronger.  The resistance band is used quite frequently so make sure you have one of those. They are inexpensive and you can get them from Dicks, Walmart or Target.  

Alright I think we are ready!!!!  

What Week 1 Groceries Look Like

So bottom line the 21 day fix extreme is all about no cheats, no treats, workouts that push you to the max!  I know personally that when it gets down to the last 10 lbs and or you are trying to get abs or change your body you have to go extreme!  Its not something you have to maintain forever but you have to get the results then go into maintenance.  It can be done!  That's why Team Beachbody has coaches like me. My job is to provide you with support, accountability, guidance and tips to start and finish the program!!!  

Day 1 Fix Extreme (5:30 am Wake Up Call was Rough!)

If you would like to join my 21 Day Fix Extreme Group please contact me by completing the form below.

The 21 Day Fix Extreme is Here: Get it Now And Get My Support to Complete It! Are You In??

The moment we have all been waiting for {well at least I have been waiting for} is here!!!! The 21 Day Fix EXTREME is officially available for purchase through me as your coach!!!!!

It's time to TURN UP THE HEAT ON YOUR RESULTS! It's time to take your fitness level to the max and get those abs and the muscle definition you have been working towards.  You might be reading this thinking that you are not necessarily looking for a ripped up body but you want to get your fitness to the next level and in that case this is absolutely for you too!  I would definitely say that if you are down to the last 10-20 pounds of your weight loss journey and you already have a base level of fitness then this program would be a good fit for you!

It combines strength training with steady state cardio and power moves to bring your body 6 days of intense change for your body! 

Nutrition is honestly 80% of your results and with Extreme you are going to be eating ONLY clean foods. So in the Fix you were able to have your wine or a treat once in a while. With the Extreme that is gone!  You are 100% clean and you are dialed into nutrition with the portion controlled containers and a list of approved foods and recipes to go along with that!

21 day fix extreme is here

So who is this program for?

1.  People who want a dramatic short term weight loss solution for a big event like a vacation, wedding, photo shoot ect....

2.  21 Day Fix Graduates or individuals who have completed programs like P90X, P90X3, Insanity Max30, T25, Turbofire, Asylum, Chalean Extreme.

3.  People who do not have a lot of weight to lose that are dedicated, committed to following the nutrition plan and have a no BS attitude.  There are no excuses, if you want the results its time to dig a little deeper and get them!  The biggest key to this program is the nutrition plan!  Having that will power to say no to the treats!  The great part is that you are not on this journey alone.  My job is to have you in my closed online support and accountability group and coach you through the entire program from beginning to end.  My goal is to make sure that you do in fact get the very best results possible.  I will provide daily accountability, tips, recipes, and we will cheer each other on and help each other stay focused when life gets in the way! Accountability was definitely the secret sauce for me!!!

4.  This program is also for people who don't want to count calories or macros. Its based on a simple and easy to follow portion controlled container system that gives you a very specific list of foods and ways to prep and prepare your meals.

Sample of Fix snack with containers

What do you get when you purchase this program?

Well the best way to get this program is with what is called a "challenge pack"  that is the 21 day fix extreme complete program.  7 workouts, the portion controlled containers, the nutrition guide, program manual, countdown to competition plan and a bonus DVD called the "CHALLENGE" which you only get when you order through me as your coach!  This comes with free shipping and a discounted price when you purchase the package this way! Honestly this is the best bang for your buck.  This also gives you access into my challenge group for the customized support, meal planning, tips, recipes, accountability, how to handle cravings, temptations and social events!  I won't let you fail.  If you want to succeed we will do this together!  I love my job and seeing other people reach their goals is the best feeling in the world.

I am also launching the 21 day fix extreme test group starting on the 9th of February!  I am going to help you set realistic goals, teach you how to follow the meal plan, how to plan your week, your days, your meals and snacks so that you can get the best results possible. We will hold each other accountable with a daily check in and rating of your day!  Our goal is to help you reach the results that you want!!!!  Do you want to do this program but you are AFRAID you will fail or that it will be another program that sits on the shelf and collects dust?  Well then join the accountability group! It does not cost anything additional.  It's just a perk of purchasing the program through me as your coach!  

If you are ready to change, I will help you succeed!!!!!

Why am I doing the 21 day fix???  I am going on a Team Beachbody Trip in 2 months and I want to tone, tighten and feel wonderful in my bathing suit and summer clothes!  I love the feeling of being confident because I am eating healthy and exercising!  My goal is to just be in the best shape I can personally be for myself!  I'm doing this to bust out of my winter body and be ready for the warmer weather when it arrives!  IT takes more than 1 month to reach your ultimate goals with your health and fitness!  So I know that if I start now I will be at the goal when the weather warms up!

Get the 21 Day Fix EXTREME NOW!!!!! HERE

To get the Fix Extreme and have me as your accountability coach click here!

Complete the application for my group:

Not Just About Weight Loss

It's Transformation TUESDAY and I have to share something that's on my mind! It's been a year since we began our journey and looking back I realize JUST how many things have changed!

I see success stories all the time from people who lose weight with A program, B drink, and C meal plan...but to me it has been more than that..you see, just a year ago, I was a very unhappy person. I had no real reason, I had a beautiful life, a roof over my head, and a family that loved me, but I just couldn't get my mind off what I didn't have. I had this feeling inside that I needed more and I felt like I lost something inside. This way I was living my life took it's toll on my marriage and we constantly argued and had a hard time getting along. I also noticed that it affected my parenting...I was always on edge and I felt like any little thing would set me off. I didn't know what was happening to me and why I felt this way.

Then one day, my husband and I were driving home from Vegas and I was complaining that I wanted to do something with the way I was feeling. We both decided at that moment that we needed to work on ourselves and we decided to do it together! We had been drinking Shakeology for about 6 months at this point, not consistently and I had told my husband that I saw something about P90x3 coming out and thought maybe it was something we could do together. You see, at the time we were a little tight on money and that was also one reason we were at our wits end. We decided to go ahead and purchase the program and were committing to making a change in our lives because we felt like we didn't have any other options.

We started following a meal plan that was provided in my group, as well as a grocery list, and we focused on eating clean 80% of the time, drinking our Shakeology for breakfast, and pushing play on our workouts every day.  We didn't see immediate results, but what I did feel was accountability, support, daily encouragement, I learned how to manage my eating, and I was surrounded by others who were literally seconds away from lifting me up, keeping me motivated when I felt like quitting and they were my biggest fans! I had no idea who these girls were, but we bonded and became great friends! My two biggest fans were the ones who were watching me every day and they were my driving force to be better than I was, because they deserved a mom who was happy!

Our Transformation with P90x3

When I am talking to a potential challenger and they give me the line "that's too expensive, I can't afford it" I have to giggle a bit!! First, because that was where my head was when I started, I had no idea what Shakeology was and why the heck it was any different than what I could get at Costco. I remember not knowing if I was going to get the results I wanted by working out at home and if I was actually going to complete the program because I was always a quitter before. But I was so desperate for results and I couldn't stand the way I felt anymore and if I wanted my marriage to get stronger and my kids to learn from example, it was worth giving a shot! 

So, you see, a challenge pack is so much more than Shakeology, a P90x, T25, or 21 Day Fix workout program, free shipping, and discount pricing. It's about having someone on the other end to make sure that you open your program, that you push play on Day 1 and Day 90! It's having someone to lift you up when you feel like you can't do anymore. It gave me LIFE again and it opened my eyes to how differently life can be if you just take chances. Most importantly, it saved my marriage and it made our family whole again! To me, that is PRICELESS!!!

If it wasn't for my coach, I would not have finished my P90x3, I would not be 12lbs lighter, and 13% body fat, I would not have been asked to work out with THE Tony Horton himself, and I would not have completely changed my families eating habits and influenced those that I love most to make a healthy change too! So when you are thinking about the options...think of this! 

When you go to the gym, who is making sure you show up every day? Who is checking your nutrition to make sure you're eating correctly for the workouts you are doing? Do you know if the workouts you're doing are going to give you the results you're wanting? Who is going to keep you accountable from start to finish?

Answer those questions and then go with your gut and what you think will truly give you the best results and be the best BANG for your buck!! 

Is it time for your own transformation?

Join my January 19th Get Healthy For Life Challenge group today:

Pumpkin Pie With Whole Wheat Crust

So this year, I am in charge of Pumpkin Pie for our Thanksgiving gathering with family! I know it's a Thanksgiving staple, but it can still be make a little cleaner! I found this recipe from Team Beachbody, and I can't wait to make it tonight! It sounds DELISH and really, its just whole food and clean ingredients! MMMM!! 

Total Time: 1 hr. 25 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 1 hr. 10 min.
Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients for Pie Crust:
1 cup quick-cooking old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup ground raw almonds
1 Tbsp. maple syrup (or raw honey)
¼ tsp. sea salt
3 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. water

Ingredients for Pie Filling:

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
¼ cup maple syrup (or raw honey)
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. sea salt
2/3 cup evaporated nonfat milk

Preparation for Pie Crust:
1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Combine oats, flour, almonds, maple syrup, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; mix well.
3. Add oil to oat mixture; mix well. If needed, add water to hold mixture together.
4. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until light brown.

Preparation for Pie Filling:
1. Reduce oven temperature to 350° F.
2. Combine pumpkin, eggs, extract, and maple syrup in a medium bowl; mix well.
3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk; mix until just blended.
4. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pie crust. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy!!!!

Kid Approved "Homemade" Granola Bars!

I am always looking for new recipes that suit the appetite of my growing kiddos, but also suit this moms approval of ingredients! I don't know if you've checked the labels of the average store bought granola bars lately, but they have absolutely no nutritional value and have a mile long list of ingredients that I can't even pronounce. Although they may be convenient, they are not something I choose to fill my pantry with nor my wallet! 

I try not to deprive my kids of the "FUN" or "COOL" snacks to have at lunch time, because I remember being a kid and always feeling jipped if I didn't have the Gushers or the Fruit Snacks, but WHY NOT try and break that mold! Teach the kiddos what real food taste like and how fun it can be to make it ourselves! 

W having fun making his granola!

I got this yummy recipe from one of my Challengers and modified it even more, so it could be as clean as possible.  Although it still does have some sugar in it, I at least know I am filling my kids with pure ingredients and not a bunch of yucky chemicals. We had a ton of fun making them and they thought it was so cool to take them to school today and tell their friends we made them! 

Now for the recipe.....

What You'll Need:

• 2 1/2 cups of Rolled Oats 
• 1/3 cup Coconut Oil (you can use butter if you don't have coconut oil on hand)
• 1/3 cup Stevia baking sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut shreds (you can use dried fruit also)
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, I opted out for this go around). 

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350. While oven is preheating, line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or tin foil. Lightly spray with coconut oil.

2. Spread the oats on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes (until they are lightly toasted). Then transfer them to a bowl.

3. While the oats are baking, combine the honey, coconut oil, stevia sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it's liquid and the sugar has melted completely.

4. Pour the heated mixture into the bowl with the toasted oats and stir to combine. 

5. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding the coconut shreds, or dried fruit and chocolate chips. (If you use chocolate, don't worry about it melting). 

6. Pour mixture into the lined baking pan and press down with a lightly greased spatula. Press hard so the bars are flattened and stay together!

7. Once they are pressed down you can sprinkle the optional chocolate chips on top.

8. Cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours.

9. Remove granola from the pan and peel away the foil or parchment paper. Cut the big block in half, and then cut into bars or squares.

ENJOY!!

**Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week!**