Paleo Almond Apricot Breakfast Bar Recipe

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Last month was crazy around here. I’m sure you can relate- the holidays throw everyone into chaos. Justin’s job is the busiest in December, so he often worked 12-16 hour days back to back. Of course that was the hardest on him, but it wasn’t easy for me, either. In addition to caring for the kids all day, it also meant I was responsible for all the holiday stuff, from baking to gifting to decorating to wrapping. Then I had to make sure Shane did his homework and got to school, and had to help Zac through the cutting of his first two teeth. Plus, I had my own work to do- and it’s my busy season, too. To say I was stressed would be an understatement! Once Christmas came and the madness was over, I promised myself that I would get back to balance and find a way to take care of myself while juggling all the crazy.

Most of us, especially moms, don’t take enough time for ourselves. We are always running around trying to get stuff done for everyone else, and leave our needs for last. One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year was to put some more focus on me! That said, I do still have two small children to take care of, so it’s not like I can run off to the spa every weekend or enjoy long, leisurely walks on the beach. Instead, there is one simple but efficient trick that I have been using that helps me keep my life balanced. Want to know my secret?

I take a moment in the morning for myself. I set the kids up with some toys, make a hot cup of coffee, pull out my calendar, and go over my plan for the day. If I start the day chaotic, I feel like I’m running to put out fires all day long. I’m lucky in that Shane doesn’t go to school until the afternoon, so our mornings are pretty relaxed. However, if your mornings are currently too crazy to do this, try waking up five minutes earlier whenever possible and go over the upcoming day. I know sleep is precious, but five minutes is less than one more “snooze” session, and it can help shape your whole day!

In order to carve out those few precious minutes, I’ve switched to eating homemade, paleo breakfast bars {recipe below} that I can make ahead so I can cut down on time in the kitchen in the mornings. I pair them with my secret weapon: a mug of my favorite coffee, with a splash {or three} of NESTLÉ® Coffee-mate® natural bliss® Hazelnut or NESTLÉ® Coffee-mate® natural bliss® Sweet Cream from Walmart. Each one has just the right amount of sweetness to help me start my day off with something just for me- and that coffee keeps me going once the chaos begins!

If you’re sick of stressful mornings or just want a healthy take on breakfast, be sure to try these bars:

Paleo Almond Apricot Breakfast Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup (unsalted) almonds
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: Shredded coconut to taste

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine almonds, dates, and apricots. Process until they are completely chopped up and then continue until they just barely begin to form a “dough” ball. {I promise you’ll know when this happens.}
2. Add in the salt and vanilla extract- and coconut if you’re using it. Continue to process until it’s mostly one big clump. You may have some lingering bits, you can use your hands to press them into the mix.
3. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap or foil and lay the mix down onto it. Using either your hands or a rolling pin {I use my hands because the mix is sticky}, flatten the mix and shape it into a rectangle.
4. Place it into the fridge to set until cold- at least 20 minutes should do the trick. Remove from fridge, cut into bars and enjoy!

Even if you don’t have time to set aside every morning, don’t forget to take small moments to yourself when you can. Whether it’s a minute to rest your feet or an hour to catch up on a favorite show, you’re worth it!

{Oh, and seriously try that creamer. It makes for an awesome cup of coffee. It has the perfect amount of sweetness and natural flavors- such a great way to start the day!} For more great recipes and ways to help you get back to balance, check out walmart.com/nestle!

How do you find balance amongst the chaos?