One of my clients had asked me which “Protein Bars” were healthy. While there are some out there that I do love, for example: Quest Bars, I do prefer to make my own because most protein bars have other unwanted ingredients. Some of those ingredients I don’t know much about so I try not to buy them.

I told her I was going to get in the kitchen and create my own Protein Bar Recipe and I did.

This recipe only took me 5 MINUTES TO MAKE! It’s probably the easiest thing to make.

With only 5 ingredients and no added sugar, this protein bar is Chocolatey, Satisfying & Filling!!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 Cup Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk (**see note below**)

1 1/2 cups Quick Oats

1/2 tsp Cocoa Powder

2 Scoops Chocolate Shakeology

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl combine all the dry ingredients and mix well. Add in the milk and peanut butter, and mix until dough like. I used my hands and it gets messy but it mixes better! In an 8X8 pan place wax paper on the inside and let it hang off the sides.

Spray with cooking spray and add protein mix. Spread the dough evenly and pop in the freezer for an hour. Cut into 12 bars.

**Please note the “Coconut milk Beverage” that was used in this recipe is So Delicious Coconut Milk I love this beverage.**

It is light, delicious, dairy free, gluten free, contains vitamins & healthy fats. 

I have already made a couple batches of these bars and I love keeping them on hand for post workout snacks or even mid day when I am craving something chocolatey!

What is your favorite brand of protein bars? 

Have you ever tried making your own? 

The combination of flavors is like a PB & Jelly sandwich but in a smoothie. This has been my favorite way to enjoy the vanilla shakeology! I am sure you could use whatever protein powder you have on hand too.

PB & Jelly Protein Shake

Ingredients:

1 Scoop of Vanilla Shakeology

1 cup Almond milk

1 cup Ice

1 tbsp peanut butter

1 tbsp PB2 Powder

3/4 cup Strawberries (you can use frozen too!)

Directions:

Blend & Enjoy

What has been your go to smoothie recipe lately?

Do you like the combination of Peanut Butter & Berries?

Marc and I decided to get Le Pain Quotidien on Greenwich Ave for breakfast. After looking over the menu, the Organic Peanut Butter & Jam Tartine jumped out at us. We had to try it and I am SOO glad we did.

The bread had a thin layer of peanut butter topped with sliced banana a little strawberry jam and it was sprinkled with organic granola that had oats, sunflower seeds, and coconut shavings. It was super filling & satisfying!

My taste buds were literally going nuts

To balance out this carb rich breakfast, we also split a veggie frittata! It was quite tasty.

I have never had peas with my breakfast but now I can officially say that I loved PEAS in my Fritatta!!

I plan to recreate the Peanut Butter & Jam recipe at home because it was crazy good. I am up for the recipe challenge and I think it is definitely something easy to whip together!

Have you ever tried Le Pain Quotidien? You should definitely go, it is delicious!

This was TOO easy to make and if you are in a rush in the morning this would be a great on the go quick breakfast. You can also very the smoothie by choosing different nut butters or flavors of protein powder.

PB & J PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla or strawberry Protein Powder (I used Gold Standard 100% Whey Strawberry)
  
• 1 cup skim milk (or almond milk)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries or strawberries (I did 1/4 cup of each but use whatever you have on hand)
• 1/2 ice cubes

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy!!

 YUM!

For the video you need 5 people to participate in the workout and my group of people are set to go. The video camera is all set up directly on me so mistakes will be visible! I am feeling confident with the programming and can’t wait to power up!

This morning I prepared a chocolate peanut butter protein shake to bring with me that I can immediately consume once I finish the workout.  This shake is high in protein, contains a little healthy fat, and is completely satisfying/replenishing after a strength training session.

Post workout recovery and fuel is so important, not only because I am pregnant, but my muscles need to be repaired properly with protein to recover any damaged tissue. I have noticed that when I consume protein right after a workout session I am less sore and less tired from the workout.

Try out this simple recipe for a delicious post workout snack. It is approximately 250 calories and very filling!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

Ingredients

1 scoop chocolate egg white protein powder or whey protein powder

1 tbsp natural creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup ice

Directions

Pour skim milk, water, and ice into blender and blend ice to milkshake consistency. Add chocolate protein powder and peanut butter into blender, and blend until completely mixed. Serve chilled in a glass.

I poured my shake into a blender bottle and then immediately put the blender bottle into the freezer. I will take it out about 30-45 minutes before I leave, that way after my hour long workout I have a nice cold treat!