Andrea's method of making Yummy Protein Bars

Soooo.... Melissa has talked about NEVER measuring things out before...yeah, well I'm totally guilty of this as well. So here is a recipe for all of you who don't like measuring cups, spoons or anything that takes thought.

I call this my Handful Protein Bar method.

So what does that mean you ask? I honestly grab all my ingredients that I want to make into a protein bar and throw them into a food processor to grind them down, stir them together and make some really-good-for-you stuff!

Today, we are making a protein bar for Blood Type O (I have been reading about the blood type diet which is really interesting...but more on this another day after I complete all my research.)

Ingredients:

One handful of each: prunes, dates, figs

Two handfuls of each: walnuts, pumpkin seeds

One handful of chia seeds

Three bananas 

And about one pound of almond butter (I like it already-made and I mix it with 3 bananas)

3 to 4 scoops of protein powder

So that's it--just use your hands and throw it together! Just put them in little by little, grind them up and transfer to a big mixing bowl, then stir until mixed. Line a baking dish with wax paper (this stuff is sticky), scoop it in, and press it to form the mold of whatever dish you use; a cookie sheet may work good as well. Freeze them so they harden and can be cut up and I keep mine frozen always because they are super gooey. 

That's it! Throw it, grind it, mix it, press it, and oh--I like to add dark chocolate chips pressed into the top! Yummy!!!!!!!

and here are the finished Bars! Yummy

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

If you love peanut butter, like I do, and are looking for a yummy protein bar (and a nice sweet tooth killer), these peanut butter bars are for you! They are super simple to make and full to the brim with protein! Better yet, they are NO BAKE!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Smooth Peanut Butter
• 1 1/4 Cup Honey
• 2 Cups Protein Powder
• 1 Cup Oats
• 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds

Directions:

1. Heat peanut butter and honey in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to incorporate.

2. Add protein powder and mix well.

3. Add oats and stir.

4. Add chia seeds and mix until everything is nice and combined.

5. Pour into a dish and refrigerate. Cut into bars.



The size of the pan doesn't really matter, it just depends on what size bars you want to yield. I used a 9X13 pan and for me, that was perfect.

You don't want to cut these bars too big. Remember, because of all the peanut butter, this has a higher fat and calorie content, so be aware of your consumption.

If you want a thicker bar, and not as fudgy, you can add more protein powder or probably more oats, just to thicken it up.

I've only made these once, but I'm sure you could sub agave syrup for the honey. You could use any flavor of protein powder (as long as it goes with peanut butter). I used vanilla and it was amazing. I'm sure a chocolate would be pretty awesome, too! I bet another nut butter would rock in this recipe, as well. Also, chunky peanut butter might be fun!

These are like a yummy peanut-buttery fudge. Perfect to pop a little bite after a run or workout.

**The next time I make these, I will use less honey. The protein powder we use already tastes really sweet so these bars were really, REALLY sweet (albeit delicious).

***This recipe was courtesy of The Blonde Pony Tail