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It’s the final week of our Spring Total Wellness Challenge and many of our players are reporting they really miss sugar! Since we earn a point each day when we consume no more than 4 grams of added  sugar we must decide between a bit of sugar in our coffee or maybe a small piece of dark chocolate.

It’s difficult to track, but according to data the average intake of added sugar by Americans in 2014 was almost 50 grams per day, which equals 12 teaspoons! Some recommend we should consume no more than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons. We’re challenging ourselves to stick to just one teaspoon per day!

There are better, more healthful ways to satisfy that sweet tooth than eating candy or baked goods with loads of sugar and sometimes artificial ingredients. One simple solution is to try small amounts of  dried fruits (those without added sugar–check the labels!) like dates and figs or to make “desserts” with these foods since they contain fiber and naturally occurring sugars.

Here’s a simple recipe that you can make at home with your food processor.  Enjoy a small piece when the sugar monster strikes!

No-Bake Cookie Bars

Ingredients
1 cup dried figs
1 cup dates, pits removed
1 cup cashews
1 pinch sea salt
Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions

Place all ingredients in the food processor and process until mixture become dough-like.

Form dough into a ball pressing ingredients together. Transfer the “dough” to a large plastic baggie. Flatten ball to about 1/2 ” thick and use a rolling pin to achieve uniform thickness.

Place baggie in refrigerator for at least an hour. When ready to eat cut into squares. Use parchment paper to separate squares.

Try not to eat all the bars at once!