Ok can I just say it? I am not a huge fan of pumpkin. Like, I actually don’t like it very much. AT ALL. I kind of feel like I have broken taste buds this time of year, but I’ve learned to make it work. If you don’t know me well enough yet, I’m being incredibly sarcastic because I think the pumpkin explosion is ridiculous. And while I’m not looking for ways to get pumpkin into everything, I DO like a tiny hint of it here and there. These no bake Gut Healing Pumpkin and Chocolate Chips Bars fit the bill perfectly. And for my tired mamas, this can be a fun activity to do with the kids AND then snacks are done for the week. BOOM!
I talk about this quite a bit in my posts, but I think it’s worth revisiting once again. As moms who have to pick which battles to fight and which things to prioritize, we have to get good at putting our time, money and energy where it’s truly needed.
For me, dinner is not something I struggle with. I enjoy cooking it (most of the time – haha). I enjoy turning up the worship music while the kids play or jump on the trampoline. So that’s not an area that I have to put too much energy and time. Now when it comes to breakfast and snacks, you’ll find me in a muddy pit crying for help most days. I know I’m not the only mom who feels that way, right? Breakfast makes me want to poke my eyes out. I just want to sit and drink tea or coffee and have no one speak for at least an hour. AT LEAST. That’s not exactly how it goes with three kids though.
I actually did a full healthy breakfast round up at the beginning of the year, because this is where I struggle big time. That transition of getting up for school again while packing lunches while making breakfast while trying to get kids dressed while desperately wanting coffee is a little nuts. And don’t even get me started on why it takes 15 minutes to get shoes on. Because I can’t with that.
I say all that to tell you that when I’m looking at how I shop and what I spend my time doing, snacks and breakfast are always at the top of the list. I will allow myself a little more freedom with finances and planning when it comes to those two than I will with lunches and dinners. When I look at meal prep for the week, I tend to grab what I need to either buy or plan out snacks and breakfast prep. I know most folks would want to put that time into dinner, but that’s why it’s important for YOU to look at your schedule and figure out what you need to do for YOU to best set yourself up for success.
So my mama friend, this shouldn’t take a ton of self reflection.
What do you enjoy doing LEAST in the kitchen? Is there something that you should prioritize when it comes to meal planning?
If you find yourself running through a fast food drive through most nights because of busy afternoon activities, then it’s probably your dinners. (Try out my gut healing meal plan HERE for some dinner ideas!) If you find yourself stopping at a convenience store on the way home from school pick up most days, then it’s probably snacks. (Peruse around the blog for easy snack ideas like crunchy Paleo graham crackers or put it an order at Thrive Market…) If you find yourself running ordered food to your kid’s school pretty often, then you’ll want to look at lunches. (Check out my lunch series from last year HERE for help on that).
Just do a little reflection and find where those challenges are.
Ok so back to these no bake gut healing pumpkin & chocolate chip bars. They’re easy with a hint of sweet. They got some pumpkin but you’re not drowning in it. AND they have my current obsession, the Further Food Vanilla Collagen Powder. If you are looking for easy ways to work on the gut, you’re going to get that AND a ready made snack with this one!
RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Organic Cashews
- 1 Cup Organic Pecans
- 1 Cup Organic Almonds
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil
- ⅓ Cup Organic Pumpkin Puree
- 3 Tablespoons Organic Maple Syrup
- ⅛ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 2 Cups Further Food Vanilla Collagen Powder (use thekandidkitchen10 for 10% off)
- ½ Cup Lily’s Stevia Sweetened Chocolate Chips
Directions:
- Line a 8×8 pyrex dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the cashews, pecans, almonds and sea salt in a food processor and process until mostly smooth. We like a few chunks in there, so you decide on your texture!
- Melt the coconut oil and maple syrup in a pan over low heat and add the pumpkin puree to the mixture.
- Add the liquids and Further Food Collagen Powder to the food processor and pulse just a few times to combine until smooth.
- Scoop everything out of the food processor into a bowl and mix in the chocolate chips.
- Using your hands (kids love this part!), press the mixture into the pyrex dish using your hands to gently push down.
- Put the mixture in the freezer for 1-2 hours and then remove to cut into pieces.
- Store with parchment paper in between layers and enjoy within 2 weeks!
I would love to know what you think of these no bake gut healing pumpkin & chocolate chip bars. Comment below and let me know what you thought of them.
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