Everything-BUT-the-Kitchen-Sink PROTEIN bars

I may or may not have an appreciation for whey protein powder...it's weird because I don't lift weights, or even have time to work out anymore (who are we kidding, a "big girl job" can count as a workout any day of the week!).  My sister from another mister, Elise, introduced me to the world of protein powders and shakes. Since then I have experimented putting it in oatmeal, yogurt, muffins--you name it!! If you haven't tried any form of whey--YOU SHOULD! Somehow it makes me feel balanced with just the right amount of protein and carbs...making even ME feel full--at least for a couple of hours :)

This is my plea: try my protein bars! They will save you oodles of dollars making your own instead of purchasing Cliff bars or LUNA bars. 

The next part is finding your fave protein powder (some of them DO have an off taste). There are so many different flavors--I appreciate straight up vanilla BECAUSE it's the most versatile. Next, the brand. Jillian Michael's protein powder has great flavor & is a reasonable price. A good "starter whey." For this recipe I used Jay Robb's protein...delish!

Here it goes--trust me, people this is the protein bar that keeps on giving...as you freeze them and pull them out when needed.

Everything-BUT-the-Kitchen-Sink PROTEIN bars

1 banana, mashed (on the ripe side, please!)

1 1/2 cups oatmeal

2 tablespoons flax seed meal (ground flax seeds)

2-4 scoops protein powder (Jay Robb's)

1/4 cup peanut butter (substitute your nut butter of choice)

1/4 cup shredded coconut (I used raw--or unsweetened)

1/4 cup butter, melted (this is the confusing part for health conscious folks--but it needs it!!)

1/4 cup raisins (craisins or any dried fruit=delish)

1/4 cup water (to hydrate the protein powder)

1 large chocolate bar (the fun part & how you can showcase your individuality--I used Chocolove's chocolate-hazelnut milk chocolate bar) OR 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients but chocolate together well. Line an 8 X 8" pan with foil and spread the mixture evenly in the pan. 

Melt chocolate in the microwave and drizzle over the oat mixture in the pan.

Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Cut into 9 bars and wrap individually with plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for 9 different snack times!!

Thaw slightly before serving.

Each bar contains roughly 275 calories and 11 grams of protein (depending on the chocolate you use and the amount of protein powder added). PERFECT for a post workout snack or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at work  :)

Have fun creating and enjoy these little babies!