Proof is in the Protein

Homemade Protein Bars So I have been on the search for a low carb, high protein protein bar for quite some time, although I have come across a few that have come close to my requirements, I just haven't found one that I don't feel guilty after eating it. I decided to cut out all the ingredients that not even the creator of the Protein Bar can pronounce and cook up my own sweet and salty goodness! We are taking natural peanut butter, nuts, seeds, a highly recommended protein powder and a few other odds and ends to create a bar that is trainer and Mom approved! I brought my new creation into our Phenomenal Fitness Gym and received a positive reaction with some very smiley faces! This guiltless goody doesn't come up short on the nutrition calculator or your performance in the gym! Now let’s hit the kitchen and get cookin' good lookin'! Your Grocery List: 1 C Laura Scudder Natural Peanut Butter

3/4 C Chopped Almonds (Buy in Bulk Friends! Cheap Cheap Cheap)

16 Servings of Nectar Sweets Chocolate Truffle (or your favorite Zero Carb Protein Powder! Approximately 8 Scoops on average) - Thank You to Joel and Sherry of Nutristop (Aliso Viejo) for providing me with all this Yummy Protein!

1/2 C Flax

1/2 C Walden Farms Maple Syrup (No Walden Farms? Try 2 Tbsp. of  Splenda’s  Sugar Free Brown Sugar mixed with 1/3 C Hot Water)

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 C Raw Pepitas (What are Pepitas? They’re a shelled pumpkin seed and their nutrition is phenomenal!) Substitution? Your choice – Sunflower Seeds, More Almonds, Peanuts, Walnuts ect…Remember that this changes your nutrition!)

1/8 Tsp. Sea Salt (1/4 Tsp. of Table Salt)

1/2 C Rolled Oats (Optional – We will not be adding these to our recipe today but they are a great option!!!) PAM

1/2 C water Remember Oatmeal is Optional ;) Tools to Tackle these Bars Medium Mixing Bowl 13” x 9” Glass Pan – You can use a larger pan if you choose; Your bars will just be thinner. If you do please cut 1-2 minutes off of your baking time for each pan size upgrade J ) Mixing Spoon – I like to use a fork ;) Measuring Cups Measuring Spoons Knife (Chop our Almonds and Cut our Bars – I like to use a pizza cutter to cut the bars and Butcher knife for the Almonds) Wax Paper (Optional) The Basics Directions to Protein Bliss Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees Mix Peanut Butter (Warm in microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften), Syrup, Water, Vanilla Extract, Protein Powder, Cinnamon and Sea Salt. Mix Well (let’s give those arms a workout!) Chop almonds into halves and quarters (If you want them finer…go for it!) Mix Almonds, Flax and Pepitas into wet mixture. Mix Well Spray your glass pan with PAM generously (No Stick! Makes washing Dishes Easier!) Pour Mixture evenly into pan (almost done!) Place pan on Middle Shelf and Bake for 6-8 minutes (The top of the Bars will look dry, poke with a fork in the middle and if it comes out clean they are done….Oooo Yum!) Middle Shelf for Perfect Baking! Your Bars should look like the Bottom Picture - Perfection! Let Cool for 1 Hour or let cool for 10 minutes and place in the refrigerator for an additional 30 Minutes. Clean Up our Mess and Get ready to cut and Portion our bars! I suggest wrapping them in wax paper or placing them into baggies. I also suggest refrigerating them for longer shelf life and easier to eat J. Great for Parties! The Skinny on the Nutrition Yields 16 Bars Serving Size 1 Bar Calories...............................203 Carbs..................................6.75g Fat......................................14g Sugar..................................<1g Protein................................12.5g Fiber...................................3.75g ***Nutrition is based on brand recommendations and serving size To Lower Fat Content use a reduced fat peanut butter. The Skinny on the Nutrition (With Oats) Yields 16 Bars Serving Size 1 Bar Calories...............................212 Carbs..................................8.5g Fat......................................14.25g Sugar..................................<1g Protein................................12.75g Fiber...................................4g ***Nutrition is based on brand recommendations and serving size So let’s make this extra delicious! Sweeten it up! Who Loves Chocolate?!?!? “I Do I Do I Do” (I swear I dreams about chocolate! Haha) Chocolate is our Friend Forever and will never let us down <3 Sugar Free Chocolate Protein Bar aka “Grab and Go Sweet Heaven” Ingredients: 1 Simply Lite Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Bar I would marry the Creator of this in a heartbeat! Directions: Break up your Sugar Free Chocolate Bar and place into a microwavable safe bowl Heat on 30-45 Second intervals stirring between every 30-45 seconds (Be sure not to scorch the chocolate! Omigosh…that would be chocolate abuse!) After Chocolate is fully Melted drizzle over Bars lightly Place in your refrigerator for approximately 30 – 40 minutes or until chocolate has hardened Cut bars into 16 Servings and Enjoy! Add to your Skinny Nutrition: Serving Size - 1 Bar Calories........................ 25 Carbs........................... 3.75g Fat............................... 2g Sugar........................... 0g Protein......................... 0g Fiber............................ <1g ***Nutrition is based on brand recommendations and serving size

Thank you for Stopping by! Hope to see you again next week ;)

XOXO

Magan

Strong is the New Skinny

Image by Hibmages