Lemon Chia Bar "Fat Bombs"

As a registered dietitian, I’m so glad fat is “in” and the unhealthy, low-fat diet craze is out! A fat bomb is a delicious way to add more healthy fats to your diet. The high fat content (at least 85%) will keep your blood sugar levels stable and help you feel fuller for longer.

The fat in these lemon chia bars comes from the chia seeds, coconut milk, coconut flakes, and coconut butter, and I’m happy to report saturated fat does NOT raise the risk of heart disease. In fact, it’s really good for you!

Include “fat bombs” as a quick breakfast, mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a pre- or post-workout snack. My kids love them in their school lunch.

Lemon Chia Bar “Fat Bombs”

I N G R E D I E N T S

Makes 20 bars

¾ cup + 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes (set aside)

½ cup almond flour

1/3 cup coconut butter

2 tbsp BPA-free canned full-fat coconut milk

2 tbsp raw honey

2 tbsp lemon zest (set aside ½ tbsp) + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp chia seeds

1/8 tsp sea salt

6 drops liquid stevia

D I R E C T I O N S

1. Line a 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper; set aside.

2. To a food processor, add ¾ cup coconut flakes and pulse until finely ground. Add almond flour, coconut butter, coconut milk, honey, 1½ tbsp lemon zest, lemon juice, chia seeds, salt and stevia. Pulse until well combined.

3. In a loaf pan, spread out the mixture evenly and top with remaining 1 tbsp coconut flakes and ½ tbsp lemon zest. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then remove from pan and cut into 20 squares. Store leftovers in a fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to 2 months.

Per serving (1 bar): Calories: 75, 84% Fat: 7g (4g saturated, 2g monounsaturated, 1g polyunsaturated), Carb: 4g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 16mg

Recipe courtesy of Lily Kunin, cookbook author of “3 ways with high-energy fat bombs”