Do you ever have those nights where you just DON’T want to make dinner? Ugh, I had one of those nights last night. I didn’t feel like doing anything as soon as I got off work, but you know. Life goes on. A girl’s gotta eat. If you follow me on Instagram you already know what I ended up making, and it was gooooood. If you’re not following me already, head on over! There’s a lot of things I post on Instagram every day that I don’t talk about on here, so go follow me. (@whatcaitate)
I’ve had a handful of questions from various people asking me about good homemade snacks, protein bars, fat bombs, etc. to eat in between meals to keep the energy flowing. I definitely have some favorite bars I like to buy, but lets be honest. They can be pretty dang expensive, and they usually go pretty fast! In my house they’re gone in a week if I’m lucky.
You probably saw this coming, but I’ll say it anyway: Most store-bought bars are usually loaded with hidden forms of sugar, processed protein isolates, and other junk that isn’t necessarily the best snack to grab to curb your appetite with in between meals. Theres definitely some good ones out there, but you really have to know what you’re looking for and read the crap out of the ingredients list.
Your body needs quality fat and protein (not sugar and carbs) to keep an even blood sugar and energy level throughout the day. These little squares are loaded with healthy fats & protein and will keep you fuller longer while supporting your body’s systems! They’ll also help keep you off that horrendous blood sugar rollercoaster of high’s and low’s throughout the day when you grab a carbohydrate loaded snack. Win-win!
I made these little guys last night and couldn’t stop eating them. I used the chocolate flavored Vega Protein and Greens, but I’m sure any other protein powder would work just fine. The scoop from Vega is pretty big, about 33 grams per scoop. Check out how big your scoop is on the Nutrition Facts label of your protein powder and adjust by adding more or less to reach the 33g mark. Or just buy some Vega!
My all time favorite whey protein powder is Teras Whey, but sometimes I have digestive trouble with grassfed whey. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides comes in second and Vega is close behind. The ingredients are super clean, the flavor is great, and I digest it pretty well.
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SI9OIY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004SI9OIY&linkId=b77f9b0afdf0c1495e3fe291571ecd7b”]shredded coconut, unsweetened[/url]
- 1 scoop [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MYRXDHE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00MYRXDHE&linkId=650a3f34f82797402fcf0d91fb7e3e0b”]Vega Protein & Greens, Chocolate flavo[/url]r
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JA0Z0AQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JA0Z0AQ&linkId=18fd80b42dd942bab8c15b3650cc2caf”]cacao powder[/url]
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T80BYE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004T80BYE&linkId=f205294339e6aa74a6bbf7c79783e40b”]coconut butter[/url], melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZEYZ6F/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01MZEYZ6F&linkId=11b47828ff574345de8a16e87d33f0b6″]7X11 baking pan[/url]
- In a food processor or high speed blender, add raw almonds and pulse until they are broken down into small, crushed up pieces. (Not too long, you dont want it looking like almond flour!)
- In a large mixing bowl, add the processed almonds, shredded coconut, protein powder, cinnamon, cacao, and salt. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, melt over medium heat the coconut oil & [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T80BYE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004T80BYE&linkId=f205294339e6aa74a6bbf7c79783e40b”]coconut butter[/url].
- Once melted, add the vanilla and maple syrup. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the melted coconut mixture into the dry ingredients and mix together.
- Place the combined mixture into a [url href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZEYZ6F/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whatcaitate-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01MZEYZ6F&linkId=11b47828ff574345de8a16e87d33f0b6″]7×11 baking pan[/url] and press down hard so it is well packed into the bottom of the pan.
- Place the pan into the freezer for ~30 minutes until hardened.
- Take out of the freezer and cut into little squares! Makes 28 depending on how large you cut them.
I may be compensated through my affiliate links in this post, but all opinions are my own. This compensation helps with expenses to keep this blog up and running! Thank you for your support with What Cait Ate!
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