The Skinny - Vegan Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

As you all know I have changed my diet. Since I've changed my diet I feel a lot more energized. Today we're taking advantage of the nice weather and going for a walk along Lake Erie. If you're looking for an easy healthy snack these are it! These bars have a soft and chewy texture. They also smell and taste amazing! These are perfect for on the go snacks.

Ingredients
1 banana, mashed
1/3 cup natural applesauce (unsweetened)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 and 1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 cup strawberries, diced
1 packet Stevia, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare an 8 inch x 8 inch pan by spraying with PAM; set aside. In a medium sized bowl combine banana, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Once combined mix in baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir in oats until everything is well mixed. Add the strawberries to the mixture and combine. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and flatten evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle optional Stevia overtop unbaked bars. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for approximately 10 minutes. Cut into 10 evenly sized bars and enjoy!

Slightly adapted from 100 Pounds 100 Days

Caramel Apple Crisp Pancakes

There's just something about apples and caramel that makes them go so well together. The creaminess of the caramel and the sweetness of the apple... I'm almost drooling. These pancakes
are so inviting. They are just what you need for breakfast in the morning.

Serving Size: Approximately 8 Small Pancakes

Ingredients 

1 cup flour

1/2 cup quick oats

2 tbs. granulated sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cinnamon 

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup apple juice

1/2 cup chopped apples (approximately half of a large apple)

1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions

In a medium sized bowl mix together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Once combined stir in egg, vanilla, apple juice, and chopped apples. Stir until lumps are mostly gone. Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and spray with PAM. Pour 1/4 cups of batter onto warm frying pan and cook until pancake appears bubbly. Flip pancakes and cook until browned. Serve with a generous amount of caramel sauce and enjoy!