HEALTH

 

The key to a long-lasting, satisfying snack: protein. But the store-bought protein bars tend to hide loads of chemicals and sugar, so why not make your own? Here are some easy recipes (no protein powder or oven necessary!) for some amazing alternatives that taste even better than the boxed ones:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Ingredients

- 2 cups raw almonds
- 20 pitted dates
- 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Place almonds in a food processer and process on high until the almonds are completely crushed. 

2. Add dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup and sea salt into food processer and process on high again. 

3. Using a small ice cream scooper or spoon, scoop dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Banana Bliss Protein Bars

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 medium, mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup 

Directions

1. Mix the flour and bananas together in a bowl. 

2. Melt the peanut butter along with the maple syrup in the microwave.

3. Combine the two mixtures and mix until the batter is thick. Pro tip: add dark chocolate chips for some extra sweetness.

4. Scoop out batter and form dough into desired shape (squares, rectangles, balls, etc.).

5. Place dough on baking sheet.  

6. Place baking sheet in fridge for 30 minutes or until the bars are firm. 

Homemade Larabars

Ingredients

- 1 cup almonds
- 3/4 cup pitted dates
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Pour the almonds into a food processer and process on high until the almonds are crushed completely. 

2. Add dates and dried cranberries to the food processer and process until the mixture is sticky and thick. 

3. Place the mixture on a baking sheet in desired shape (squares, rectangles, balls, etc.).

4. Put baking sheet into fridge and chill for 30 minutes before serving. 

Which protein bar are you most excited about trying? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo credit: The Big Man's World, Daily Burn, Fit Foodie Finds, and Gimme Some Oven.

by Frannie Rooney | 8/22/2018