Protein bars are a great way to get in a convenient meal or snack, but only if you are choosing the right ones! Some of the bars on the market today are advertised to be healthy, but at a closer look they are nothing more than fortified candy bars! Just because a bar says it’s organic or high in protein doesn’t mean it’s healthy. A lot of bars are hiding tons of added sugar, carbohydrates, and calories—not to mention additives that cause digestive distress. Here are some tips for store bought bars…

Look at the ingredients – the best bars have all natural ingredients. You always want to make sure you can recognize or pronounce the list. The shorter the list the better!
A healthy bar will be high in protein, fiber, and low in sugar.
Fat should be coming from the healthy monounsaturated fats.

When in doubt, try making your own!

HEALTHY HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE PROTEIN BROWNIES BARS

(Gluten free)
Here is a tasty protein bar recipe that look and taste just like brownies! For less than 100 calories and a great source of protein, this is a great snack or nighttime treat without the guilt!!

I keep the leftovers in the fridge (or freezer) and then heat them up for a soft warm brownie!

Tip: Try adding a Tbsp of all natural peanut butter on top! YUM!

Ingredients
1/2 cup almond flour
2 tbsp coconut flakes unsweetened
1 tbsp ground flax seed
3 scoops chocolate protein powder (~110kcals, 16g protein per scoop)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp almond butter (all natural)
2 tbsp honey
1 large mashed banana (or 2 small)
2 eggs

Procedure
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper (or spray with PAM spray). Mix all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine almond butter and honey. (Try microwaving for 10 seconds to soften them up for mixing). Add mashed bananas and eggs, mix thoroughly. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and slice into 12 bars.

Nutritional Info per bar (makes 12)
Calories 95.3, Total fat 5g, Carb 6g, Protein 7g, 3g sugar

Janaelle Humberd, Registered Dietitian, LDN
Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant / Health Coach