I have been consuming "Protein" & "Energy" bars for years!!
The quality of ingredients is MUCH better, flavor selections are a lot yummier, and thankfully the texture has greatly improved also...
But...
Organic, vegan, raw & un-raw, gluten-free protein powders are easy to find at most health food stores. Several brands are excellent supplements of essential amino acids and other essential nutrients.
SunWarrior Classic Protein is on my list of favorites... Quality ingredients, vegan, raw, gluten-free, allergen free, complete amino acid profile, a real nutritional power-house!
Preparing RAW Energy Bars is much easier than it may seem.
I prefer to make bars that pack a serious nutritional punch!
In a mixing bowl, add desired amount of protein (1-2 scoops for very small batch, more if making a larger number of servings)...
To the protein add:
*raw cacao powder, which is loaded with antioxidants, magnesium, iron, fiber...
*raw almond butter and coconut oil provide texture, stability and good fat...
*cinnamon, to add a lovely sweetness and stabilize blood sugar levels...
*flax seeds, hemp hearts and chia are full of fiber, protein, essential fatty acids omega 3 & 6...
*raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds will give the bar crunch, flavor, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals....
*raw blue agave nectar to sweeten the mixture, add as much as you like to taste. While adding ingredients, mix with a fork until all ingredients are blended together.
In the photo I have garnished to top of the bars with hemp hearts, do this with any seed you like, add dried fruit if desired.
Add raw greens to the bars, I like to add Health Force Nutritionals vegan, raw, organic Vitamineral Green.
Agave and cacao will mask the flavor of the greens, add as much or as little as you like, taste as you add.
This recipe is not meant to be followed for exact measurements, the list of ingredients can be tweaked to your liking...
When making the recipe, it is best to play around with a small amount of each ingredient, taste the mixture then add more as you go.
Everyone likes a different consistency, texture, taste, sweetness... Have fun with it!
Chill or freeze before serving, the bar forms better when cold.
Do not keep bars out of the fridge or freezer for too long, no more than 20-30 minutes, the oils will start to melt, the bars will become too soft.
Feel good about the food choices you make, try to consume only foods that are whole, not processed or that have been processed very little.
Making PROTEIN bars at home is the BEST option for a wholesome boost of RAW ENERGY!
Enjoy!
For more information on PROTEIN:
SunWarrior What is Protein?
Vegetarian??? Are you getting enough PROTEIN?
Vega Protein
