Snack or protein bars are a lifesaver when on the go . . . especially as school starts back and many activities resume. The problem is they often contain a lot of “questionable” ingredients when it comes to health.
The bars that tout “only 5 ingredients” or the like usually contain mostly dates – making them sweet but a blood sugar buster – and have very little protein. So we are basically eating natures candy bar, which I will happily consume for a treat but not an everyday snack.
When you head toward the bars advertising “high protein” you end up with lots of fillers. In addition, the protein they speak of is usually poor quality (that means with the protein comes a lot of gas and little actual protein absorption).
Finally, when you find a bar that has whole food ingredients and a good amount of high quality protein, you will be paying as much as $5 a bar to enjoy this snack.
My solution . . . I grabbed some of my favorite ingredients from my fridge and pantry and tossed them into my food processor to make my own Pecan Pie Protein Bar. It’s gluten free, grain free, dairy free, no added sugar, high in protein, and saves the day when my sweet tooth strikes.
These are also very forgiving so you could substitute other nuts, seeds, or nut butters that you have on hand, but these ingredients yielded the “pecan pie” flavor I was going for.
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds, ground
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1/2 cup Flax Seeds, ground
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1/2 cup Pecans
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1/4 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
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1/4 cup Lankanto or other Sweetener
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2 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
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1 tsp Sea Salt
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1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
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1/4 cup Liquid Egg Whites
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1/2 cup Pecan Butter (or other nut butter, but it won’t be as pecany)
Instructions:
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Grind pumpkin and flax seed first in food processor (or use a coffee grinder to ensure best absorption of nutrients). Add pecans, coconut, sweetener, protein powder, and salt and mix well.
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Add liquid ingredients and mix well in food processor until a soft ball of dough forms. May need to add additional nut butter if too dry or additional protein powder if too wet.
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Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and press dough into the pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes (these will not rise).
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Allow to cool in pan, remove with parchment paper and slice into bars. Refrigerate for best taste and texture (they will be chewy like a Larabar, not fluffy like a quick bread).
What do I love best about these bars?
They contain the ground seeds I need to naturally balance my hormones with seed cycling so I have an excuse to eat one every single day. Are you interested learning more about naturally balance hormones for better mood, easier periods, clearer skin, and more? Click the link below for a FREE Health Coaching call so I can fill you in on all things health and hormones.
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