Chocolate Crisp Protein Bars

 1 cup Almond Butter
3/4 cup Agave Nectar
2 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder ( Arbonne)
2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder (Arbonne)
3 cups of Whole Grain Crispy Rice Cereal (organic)
 Mix the almond butter and agave nectar in a bowl in microwave for 60-90 seconds....or can melt in saucepan on stove.
Add protein powders to melted mixture and mix well. Add crispy rice cereal and mix gently.
Spread in 9x13 pan. Can form into small balls if you choose. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Each ball or bar- 68 calories, 3 g fat, 9 g carbs, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber.

 Once again another great recipe to get more protein in a yummy and healthy snack!

photo:hece.edublogs.org

Pumpkin Spice and Cinnamon Protein Bread

I am always looking for ways to include more protein in my recipes. I have tweaked all of these recipes and you can as well. I did not come up with the original ideas, Jamie Eason actually has some great ideas on her website. However, I have changed them according to what I had on hand and  these are great additions for snacking, breakfast, or on the go mini meals. Keep in mind you can add or take away certain ingredients for your preference (nuts, raisins,seeds etc.)  Check them out and enjoy!!!

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bread

1/2 cup Stevia or Truvia
 1/2 cup organic applesauce or plain yogurt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1/2 tsp ground clove
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
4 egg whites
1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin
2 1/2 scoops vanilla protein
2 cups wheat flour (can use oat flour too, comes out better with oat)
1/4 cup raw oatmeal
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup raisins(optional)
Spray 13x9 baking dish and preheat oven to 350F. 
Combine all ingredients and add the protein,milk, raisins, and walnuts last. Mix together and pour into pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cut into 30 bars. 3.5 grams protein per bar. 6 grams of carb.

Cinnamon Protein Bread
1/3 cup Stevia or Truvia
2 tsp cinnamon
COMBINE ABOVE TWO AND SET ASIDE in a small bowl

1 1/2 cups wheat flour (can use oat flour too if you have it)
2 scoops vanilla protein
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup Stevia
2 egg whites
1 cup skim organic milk
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
2 tsp vanilla

 Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8 x8 inch pan with non stick spray.
Combine the ingredients together with a spoon. Once mixed together, add half of the batter to the dish and sprinkle half of the stevia and cinnamon mixture on top, then add the rest of the batter, and sprinkle the remaining mixture over the top. Bake.20-25 minutes.  Cut into 16 squares.
This recipe is a heavier bread, please note.
6 grams protein per bar, 10 grams carbs.

* These recipes use protein that is vegan based, you can use whey but it is harder to digest. If you are interested in alternative protein instead of the whey, please see below: 

Order protein here!

Chocolate Mint Protein Smoothie

Protein shakes sometimes get a negative reaction. However, the protein I use and also with my clients is an excellent source of all natural vegan protein. It is not whey based so your body does not have to process any harsh diary bi-products. My husband and I are always trying to come up with delicious new ways to make a protein shake. Last night I think he created one of the most delicious versions yet! Here is the quick and easy way to make your healthy smoothie. Thank you Matt! ;)

2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder
5-6 almonds
Water or Almond Milk (whatever you prefer)
Crushed Ice
2-4 drops of Peppermint Extract ( to taste)
Fresh Mint ( for garnish, not necessary) 
Blend in Vita Mix or blender

If you are interested in ordering the Protein Powder, let me know or visit the website and order online. HERE!

Power breakfast on the go

Every morning I run around making sure that the people and my house all get taken care of,and most of the time it is all before 7 am. Way too early for me. I loved being a morning person for years, then I had kids. The entire concept changed for me, it was no longer mornings to have quiet time and get ready in peace for the day. My mornings became quite crazy, intense, and at times almost in tears by 9 am. I needed to figure out how to eat healthy and not skimp on meals. I do protein shakes and make my own protein bars occasionally but most mornings I make myself this power breakfast that is quick and easy and I can do it in between getting dressed, changing kids, and cleaning up all kinds of disasters. The best part about it is that you can throw it in a bag if you need to run out the door for work.

Slice of multigrain bread toasted- Spread with almond butter and sprinkle with chia seed.
Grab a banana and slice on top or eat on the go.
If you are really in a hurry fold the bread in half to make it less messy and eat on the go.
Protein bars are also a great way to start your day or snack. Recipe and links for protein are under the label to the right. "Recipes"

Peanut Butter Sauce

Growing up my mom made an amazing peanut butter sauce that she would drizzle over ice cream. Well to say it was amazing is an understatement. However, now that I am looking into healthier options I have created my own version of the delight and put it on our ice cream now. When I saw ice cream, i do not mean the conventional term either. If you have a vita mix, or high powered blender you can make your own version of ice cream with some ice, fruit, vanilla bean, water/milk. Substitutions are key when creating healthy recipes. Just because you are choosing to live healthier does not mean there is less flavor, less fun, or less taste. It is still alll of that and more because your body does not get all the fat and sugar.
Ok, so here is my take on this tasty treat.
Peanut Butter Sauce ( revamped. ;)... )
1 Tablespoon of Agave Nectar
1 teaspoon of Stevia
1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil
Heat in small sauce pain till combined and smooth
Remove from heat and Add: 2-3 Tablespoons of Smart Balance or Organic Peanut Butter
and 2 tablespoons of low fat milk (could be almond milk too)
Stir together till smooth and enjoy over your treat.

Hope you all like it....Share your comments and ideas.

How to make protein bars

Most people buy protein bars at the grocery store or vitamin stores to provide extra energy, supplement meals, or to lose weight. Most over the counter protein bars do contain the added protein that maybe you are looking for but they also contain a wide range of preservatives and added ingredients that just are not necessary. By making the protein bars in your home you can add or take away ingredients and you can make a weeks worth at a time. By making the bars this way it not only saves you time but you can see what you are putting in your body.
I thought I would share one of my favorites. You can make your own recipes by adding or taking away certain ingredients. This one is super easy and fast and makes a great breakfast on the go or a snack.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Trail Mix Protein Bar
1 cup of organic peanut butter
1 cup of Agave nectar ( can also use one packet of Stevia dissolved in 1 cup lukewarm water)
6 scoops of vegan chocolate protein powder
2 cups of Oatmeal (uncooked)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Melt the peanut butter and stir in the agave nectar then mix that into the remaining ingredients and blend on a low speed. You may need to add 1/2 cup water if your consistency is too dry.
Spread with a spatula in a 9x13 pan and refrigerate, cut into squares, and take on the go!
** I use a protein powder that is plant based protein, gluten free and vegan. You can use other brands but this one does not contain whey which most do and this is much healthier for your body. You can purchase the protein by visiting my websites and looking under products- Daily Fit Essentials-
www.mylittlelifecoach.com or
http://purehealthybeauty.myarbonne.com/

I hope you enjoy them. This one is delicious and it is hard to believe you are eating healthy!
photo:kendracannoy