New Year, New Habits: 15 Dietary Mistakes To Avoid If You Want to Lose Weight

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Poor Choice of Snacks

There is nothing wrong with having a healthy snack between lunch and dinner. It's better than being overwhelmed with hunger pangs by your next meal and then overeating as a result. However, the type of snack matters. Opting for raw vegetables or fruit is always a good choice. Energy balls or granola bars are a healthy alternative to cookies or refined carbs because they're high in fiber. You can also make them super easily yourself and mix in exactly the nuts and dried fruits you like best.

Ingredients (for about 20 bars)

• 1 3/4 cups chopped nuts
• 2 cups oats
• 3/4 cup dried fruits (chopped if necessary)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
• Spices like cinnamon or cardamom to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp coconut flakes

Preparation

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly roast the nuts in a pan.
3. Melt the fat and honey/syrup in a pot and mix in all other ingredients.
4. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and press it down, for example, with the bottom of a wide glass.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes, keeping an eye on the browning towards the end of the baking time.
6. Let cool and cut into bars with a knife.