Hi, I’m Ruth and I have an addiction to Carbs. Carbohydrates are a huge weakness for me whether it’s plain slices of bread, crackers, cookies, or cake. All carbs are considered a close friend of mine.
And while I gladly open carbohydrates into my kitchen with open arms, I have learned that carbohydrates in moderation is key for me to keep my appetite and hunger pains under control. Really, it’s not the carbs that controls my hunger pains, but the protein. Protein is a great source of intake to keep the blood sugar stabilized to depress hunger pains from reoccurring an hour after eating… unlike carbohydrates.
One way that I have been increasing my protein intake is through Protein Bars. Protein Bars provide a meal supplement that is quick and easy to eat while on the go. I have found them to be especially useful during my night shifts in the hospital when a lunch break just isn’t an option or when the temptation hits to drop a few coins into the vending machine for junk food.
Lately my addiction has been found in Clif Chocolate Mint Builder Bars which contain 20g of protein. Surprisingly this little bar not only satisfies sweet tooth but my hunger as well. However, these bars are high in sugar and can add up in price as well. Which is why I decided to make my own Protein Bars. These healthy protein bars are a perfect way to increase your protein without added sugar and lower calorie intake.
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup dry oats
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
6 scoops chocolate whey protein
1 teaspoon stevia
5 tablespoons all natural peanut butter
1 cup fat-free greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons water, give or take
Directions:
1.) Spray baking disk with non-stick cooking spray
2.) Mix all dry ingredients together
3.) Add all other ingredients, except water into dry mixture and stir till mixture becomes a dough consistency
4.) Slowly add water as needed until dough is easy to spread (Amount will vary based on the type of protein used)
5.) Spread dough evenly into baking dish and refrigerate for several hours
6.) Cut into 9 squares and bag individually, storing in freezer or refrigerator until ready to eat
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 195
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 23g
{ 2 comments }
Ruth, great recipe! I made them today but had to go with what was in the pantry, so I made a couple of modifications. Hopefully they still qualify as healthy…
- I used normal non-soy protein powder, because that’s what I had.
- I added about 2-3 teaspoons of honey and omitted the stevia.
- I used coffee (freshly brewed and cooled) instead of water to moisturize the recipe at the end. I learned that little trick from a favorite (super fattening) devil’s food cupcake recipe of mine. The coffee compliments the cocoa really well. And who doesn’t love a little splash of coffee with their protein?!
Yummy.
Thanks for the recipe! Such a great blog – keep it up!
Hi Ruth! This got lost in my email box…. OK, I so get the carbs thing! Me too! I have really had to learn to curb the carbs!
I am not low carb BUT I am careful about the types & how much.
I love this recipe! Thank you! PLUS I love the addition of the coffee idea from Nicole!