Quinoa Protein Bars

Given the fact that it is the first of the year, I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who is placing an increased focus on health, nutrition and exercise. Although I always say that “this is the year” that I’m finally going to regain my pre-baby body, I really DO believe that this is the year. Why? For starters, I’m not going at it will an all or nothing attitude. I really think with weight loss it is very important to understand your personality. Some people (like my mom) need structure. They thrive on being told exactly what they should be eating and as long as they know what to do can follow a plan without exception. This doesn’t work for me. I need the freedom to be creative in the kitchen and I absolutely MUST have some indulgences in my diet. Even if it means I have to work out a little harder to get the results I’m looking for.

Another thing I’ve learned is that my biggest slip up in not having healthy snacks on hand. I like salad for breakfast (no judging – but I know I’m weird) and lunch is usually a wrap or some sort of quinoa salad. But given that I get up most days around 5 am and don’t eat dinner until around 7, this means that invariably I get hungry in the afternoon. Unfortunately until now this has most often meant sneaking into the boys crackers (and not stopping at just a couple) or some other mindless snack that I don’t really enjoy but always eat too much of.

Enter these quinoa protein bars. These are perfect for me because they are not too sweet, but are sweet enough to feel quite indulgent. And surprisingly, they are very filling! If you don’t have almond butter, seasame butter or peanut butter will also work well. And, for those who can’t find quinoa flakes oatmeal works too! (Although then they really aren’t quinoa protein bars )

This is the perfect quinoa recipe to whip up on the weekend and have ready to go in your refrigerator to take along to work for an afternoon or morning snack. My mom (who tolerates sweets better than I do) also likes them for breakfast!

Adapted from Oh She Glows

1 cup Quinoa Flakes
1 cup Brown Rice Crispies
1/3 cup protein powder (use something mild tasting as you want it to blend in and not overpower – I used Garden of Life RAW Protein
¼ cup Organic Flax Seeds (use Certified Organic to avoid GMO’s)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup Brown Rice Syrup
1/2 cup almond butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or vegan carob, melted

In a large bowl mix quinoa flakes, brown rice crisp, protein powder, flax seeds, cinnamon and salt.
Place brown rice syrup and almond butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm and easily stir able. Add in vanilla.
Pour the liquid mixture over the dry mixture and mix well with a spoon. You may need to use your hands to get everything well combined.
Line a pan with parchment paper and spread mixture out evenly, using lightly moist hands as necessary. Pour melted chocolate over mixture and spread into a very thin layer.
Freeze for 10 minutes or until chocolate is set. Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator or freezer

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Number of servings (yield): 12

Calories: 204

Fat: 9.4

Protein: 8.2

Carbohydrates: 24.6g

5 : ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

Recipe by Cooking Quinoa.

Quinoa Protein Bars