What Makes Natural Living So Special
Growing up on a farm in North Carolina, I learned early on that the simplest things often bring the most joy. Natural living isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that connects us to the earth, our health, and each other. Whether it’s cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients or finding small ways to reduce waste, embracing natural living has always felt like coming home. It’s about creating a life that’s as nourishing as it is sustainable, one step at a time.
One of my favorite ways to practice natural living is by making recipes that are both delicious and mindful. This recipe, for example, is packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, and dark chocolate chips. It’s a treat that feels indulgent but is made with love and care for the planet. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Natural Mounjaro Recipe for another healthy, sustainable option.
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Ingredients for Natural Living
For the base
- Rolled Oats – The hearty backbone of this recipe, so don’t skip them!
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – Adds a tropical, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the oats.
- Chopped Almonds – For a little crunch and richness.
- Dried Cranberries – Sweet, tart, and oh-so-delicious here.
- Sea Salt – Just a pinch to balance out all the flavors.
For the binding
- Almond Butter – Room temperature works best for smoothing things out.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps everything stick together.
For the finishing touches
- Dark Chocolate Chips – Go for high-quality—this is a must for all the chocolate lovers!
- Vanilla Extract – A splash to tie it all together with a cozy, aromatic note.
Cook Time for Natural Living
This recipe is as quick as it is satisfying. Prep takes just 15 minutes, and cooking is a breeze at 2 minutes. After that, you’ll need to let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to set. In total, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick treat when you’re craving something wholesome. For more time-saving ideas, try my Natural Mounjaro Recipe for Weight Loss.
How to Make Natural Living
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup chopped almonds, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Warm the Almond Butter and Honey
Heat a small saucepan over low heat and add 1/2 cup almond butter and 1/4 cup honey. Stir constantly with a spoon or whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm almond butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture begins to stick together.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips with the spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture without overmixing.
Step 5: Press and Chill
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly, creating an even, compact layer.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm and set. Once chilled, remove from the dish, cut into 16 squares, and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I love playing around with it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks to make it your own:
- Flavor Swap: Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped apricots for a different fruity twist.
- Diet Tweak: For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Prep Fix: If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil to help it bind better.
- Storage Tip: These squares keep well in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. For more storage ideas, check out my Pink Salt Drink for Weight Loss.
Natural Living
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Equipment
- saucepan
- spatula
- baking dish
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and sea salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond butter and honey, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are coated and the mixture sticks together.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is set and firm. Cut into 16 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
One of the things I love most about this Natural Living recipe is how nourishing it is. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a treat that fuels your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. Rolled oats are a great source of fiber, which helps keep you full and supports digestion. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein, while dark chocolate chips bring antioxidants to the mix. It’s a snack that feels indulgent but is actually good for you!
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s a quick look at what you’re getting per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g |
For more healthy recipe ideas, check out my Natural Mounjaro Recipe or explore the Natural Living by Design website for tips on incorporating natural living into your daily routine.
A Lighter Version of Natural Living
If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, there are plenty of easy swaps you can make. For a lower-sugar option, try using unsweetened dried fruit like apricots or raisins instead of cranberries. You can also swap the honey for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup. These tweaks keep the flavor while reducing the overall sugar content.
For a nut-free version, replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the chopped almonds. It’s a great way to make this recipe more inclusive for those with allergies. If you’re curious about other healthy swaps, my Natural Mounjaro Recipe for Weight Loss has even more ideas to inspire you.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Living a natural lifestyle means finding ways to make recipes work for everyone, no matter their dietary needs. If you’re sugar-conscious or managing blood sugar levels, this recipe can easily be adapted. Swap the honey for a low-glycemic sweetener like xylitol or stevia, and choose unsweetened dark chocolate chips to keep the sugar content in check.
For those following a diabetic-friendly diet, portion control is key. These squares are rich and satisfying, so cutting them into smaller pieces can help manage intake. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon, which is known to support glucose-friendly eating. For more tips on natural sweeteners, check out my Pink Salt Drink recipe.
How to Serve Natural Living
One of my favorite memories of this recipe is sharing it with my nieces and nephews during a family picnic. We packed a basket with these squares, fresh fruit, and a thermos of herbal tea. It was such a simple, joyful moment that reminded me how food brings people together.
These squares are perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. For more serving ideas, try pairing them with my Natural Ozempic Drink Recipe for a refreshing combo.
Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to making this Natural Living recipe, a few common mistakes can trip you up. First, overmixing the ingredients can lead to dense, chewy squares instead of the light, crumbly texture we’re aiming for. To avoid this, gently fold the ingredients together just until combined. Trust me, less is more here!
Another mistake is not measuring the oats correctly. Too many oats can make the squares dry, while too few can leave them too soft. I always use a kitchen scale for precision, but if you don’t have one, lightly spoon the oats into your measuring cup and level it off. For more tips on perfecting your measurements, check out my Natural Mounjaro Recipe.
Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step! These squares need time to set in the fridge, or they’ll fall apart when you cut them. I learned this the hard way during a busy holiday season when I tried to rush the process. Patience is key! For more storage and chilling tips, visit Natural Living by Design.
Remember, cooking is all about learning and enjoying the process. Even if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time, it’s all part of the journey. I’ve had my share of kitchen mishaps, but they’ve only made me a better cook—and given me some funny stories to share!
How to Store Natural Living
One of my favorite things about this Natural Living recipe is how well it keeps. I often make a big batch to have on hand for busy weeks. To store, simply place the squares in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
If you’d like to keep them longer, these squares freeze beautifully. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. It’s like having a little piece of joy waiting for you whenever you need it!
For more ideas on storing and freezing healthy snacks, check out my Natural Mounjaro Recipe for Weight Loss. And if you’re curious about other ways to incorporate natural living into your routine, my Pink Salt Drink is a great place to start.
Try This Natural Living Yourself
I hope this Natural Living recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s a simple, wholesome treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a little moment of self-care. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to have on hand for a quick snack, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
I’ll never forget the first time I made these squares for my mom. She’s always been my biggest inspiration in the kitchen, and seeing her smile as she took her first bite was priceless. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking so much—it’s not just about the food, but the memories we create along the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and give this recipe a try. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore my Natural Ozempic Drink Recipe, Natural Zepbound Recipe, or Zepbound Recipe Natural Drink for more delicious ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of natural living?
Natural living is about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods and sustainable practices. It’s a way to nourish your body and mind while being mindful of the environment.
Who is the owner of Natural Life?
Natural Life is a brand dedicated to promoting a natural lifestyle. While I don’t have specific ownership details, you can learn more about their mission on their official website.
Is Natural Life really having a sale?
For the latest updates on sales and promotions, it’s best to check the Natural Life website directly. They often have seasonal deals worth exploring!
What is called a natural living?
Natural living refers to a lifestyle that focuses on using natural, unprocessed ingredients and eco-friendly practices. It’s about making choices that benefit both your health and the planet.
