chocolate peanut butter protein bars

Justin and I have made a stronger effort these past couple of month's to be a little more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. It is easy to get lazy and shrug off exercise or to rely on vegan convenience foods for lunch and dinner. We know what healthy choices we should be making but we don't always. It was time for us to drag ourselves out of our current routine and create a new one. We have started to become more active each day, Justin set up a pretty awesome home workout area for us in the basement and I have made a more concerted effort to avoid as many vegan convenience foods as possible - circling back to a more whole foods plant based approached.

We also have abstained from drinking - Justin for over a month as a bit of a reset and myself, I am still sticking with it- just an occasional drink on a special occasion (I mean come on, I couldn't miss out on my amazing Sangria for book club!). These little changes and tweaks have given both of us more energy, better nights sleep and overall in a better mood.

    

In Justin's search for healthier quick snacks he came across a box of 12 protein bars and was about to order them when he showed me the price tag.....hold up $38.40 for 12 bars, I don't think so. I had him read me the ingredients and we had everything on hand to make our own protein bars from scratch for a fraction of the cost (sorry I totally sound like an infomercial, but it's true!)

I was super excited to find a vegan chocolate protein powder from NOW Sports and knew Justin would be all over it since his new routine now consists of a morning protein shake for breakfast after his workout. I was excited because this meant chocolate protein bars.

   
In addition to the protein powder I added a super seed mix (my fave!), cashews, mini chocolate chips, unsweetened shredded coconut, crunchy cereal + peanut butter.


These bars are incredibly easy to make, require no baking and set up super quick.


A batch lasted us about a week. I opted to cut them into little bites versus a bar as we enjoy them as mid morning or afternoon energy bites versus a meal replacement. I do recommend keeping them in the fridge if where you live is currently super warm. They can be kept at room temp, they will just be a bit soft, soft but still yummy. I prefer them a bit cold.

NOW Sports with NOW Foods is pretty amazing- they want you to recreate these bars in your home and so do I!

Enter below for a chance to win the following bundle!
Pea Protein Powder - Double Dutch Chocolate
Triple Omega Seed Mix
Organic Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
Roasted Cashews

(open to US Residents only)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
makes 8-16 bars or bites

you will need:

for the wet

1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup

1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter

1 tbsp coconut  oil

1/3 - 1/2 cup non dairy milk

for the dry

1/2 chopped cashews or almonds

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup triple omega seed mix

1/3 cup chocolate chunks or mini chips

1 1/2 cups Crispy Cereal (enjoy life flax + chia)

1/2 cup NOW Foods Double Dutch Chocolate Pea Protein Powder

assembly:

In a small sauce pan heat maple syrup, peanut butter and non dairy milk stirring until smooth and liquid in consistency

In a separate bowl combine all dry ingredients and mix until combined. 

Add the wet to the dry and mix well.

Line a 9 x9 baking dish with parchment paper. Press mixture into pan - pressing down with the back of a wooden spoon to firmly pack down the mixture.

Cover and place in fridge- allow to firm up prior to cutting into squares.

Enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided this product for review as a participant in the NOW Influencer Program #NOWWellness however all thoughts and opinions are my own