This month, I am focusing on sharing some of my favorite easy healthy recipes and options as with my mashed cauliflower recipe last week.  Protein bars are a quick option for women on the go.   However, trying to determine which one is the best option can be confusing.  We need something that is high in protein, low in sugar with a healthy amount of calories and taste good.  If you have found a particular bar that you purchase often, you may have noticed that it can get a little pricey.  After evaluating how much I spend on protein bars, I realize there has to be a way for me to make my own homemade protein bars.  I tried several different recipes and finally discovered my own combination that is high in protein, low in sugar and taste good.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Protein Bars

• 2 cups quick oats
• 5 scoops of Whey Chocolate Peanut Butter powder
• 5 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup Skim milk
• 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Choose your favorite oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.  For those who are new to Whey vanilla protein powder, you can find it at most large grocery stores.

Directions
In a large bowl, combine oats and protein powder. Add peanut butter and stir till peanut butter is coated. Slowly add 1/2 cup skim milk, stirring throughout (add just enough liquid to the mix so that it forms a batter-like consistency). Grind almonds in food processor or blender to your liking. Add almonds and chocolate chips and stir into mixture.

Line an 8×8 pan with wax paper, add mixture to pan. Cover mixture with another layer of wax paper and press down till the mixture is pressed flat. Refrigerate 4 hrs, then cut into bars. Store bars in container kept in refrigerator or freezer.  (I have found they stay together better in freezer and thaw enough to eat within a minute.)

Cut into 9 pieces.

Nutritional info per bar

Calories: 258

Protein: 20gms

Sugar: 5gms

Breakfast can be hard to figure out when in a rush. If you don’t prepare or think it through, you can end up skipping an important meal which can lead to an unhealthy decision on the way to work or overeating at lunch. Take a few minutes on the weekend to put these together so you are prepared for those crazy mornings when you do not have time for breakfast. When feeling rushed, grab one of your homemade protein bars and a banana and you are ready to go.

In Good Health,

Crystal