Protein Bars

I love the convenience and portability of protein bars. However, I am always so discouraged by the amount of sugar, sodium, carbohydrates and preservatives in protein bars purchased, even from the healthiest of stores. Aversely, there are many protein bars on the market high in nutrition, but absolutely taste like cardboard. It is not very motivating to eat healthy when you cannot stand the flavor.

I was on a mission to put together a protein bar recipe that considered both nutrition and flavor. I love the final recipe that I came up with, first of all, because it is full proof to make, secondly, because it is so versatile and thirdly because these bars are delicious. I guarantee you will never feel as though you are enjoying something that is actually healthy for you!

The base ingredients for this recipe are raw oats, egg whites, natural crunchy peanut butter, protein powder and a combination of dried fruit and various nuts. The great thing is that you can vary the recipe depending on the different nuts and dried fruit you include, or the variety of protein powder flavoring that you use. My favorite blend is chopped up dried papaya and dried cranberries with chunky organic peanut butter.

After spreading the mixture into a 9"x13" pan I recommend placing it into the freezer for several hours to solidify the bars, making it easier to cut and portion out. Wrap the bars separately in aluminum foil or Saran wrap, so that you can grab them and go! Because the bars do not have any added preservatives, they only last approximately two weeks in the refrigerator. After wrapping them in foil you may want to freeze them to extend their keep for up to three months.

INGREDIENTS:
10 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
5 egg whites
2 cups oats
1/2 cup soy milk
1 cup dried fruit, minced (add chopped nuts, optional)


PREPARATION:
Mix the peanut butter and egg whites in a bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, and mix well (so that the mixture appears to be smooth). Repeat 4 to 5 times until all traces of the egg whites have dissolved into the peanut butter, and your mixture is a smooth consistent one.

Gradually add the protein (one scoop at a time) and stir into the mixture. Next, add the soy milk and follow with the oats and dry fruit. Continue mixing until a thick "sticky" mixture is present.

Smooth the thick mixture into a 9"x13" glass tray, sprayed with Pam, and leave in the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes. Cut into 12 equal sized squares, and individually wrap.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (slightly varies on the type of fruit and nuts used)
200 calories
18.5 grams of protein
8.5 grams of fat
13.5 grams of carbohydrate