
About this DIY Protein Bars recipe
We all love a good snack that keeps us moving during a busy day. But with so many store-bought options loaded with sugar and unhealthy ingredients, finding snacks that support our fitness goals can be challenging. But worry no more. We have the perfect solution! Why not make your nutritious protein bars at home with our recipe? Not only are these bars delicious, but they’re also filled with wholesome goodness to power you up.
And the amazing part? You don’t need special equipment or cooking skills to make them. In just a few simple steps, you can make your own protein bars for on-the-go snacking or pre/post-workout snacks!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of whole almonds
- 1 cup of cashews
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup of gluten-free almond flour
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut flour
- 1/4 cup of chia seeds
- 1/4 cup of hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of paleo-friendly almond butter
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of raw honey
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Instructions
- To begin baking this amazing protein bars recipe, preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C and line a baking dish 8 x 8 inches or 20.32 x 20.32 cm with parchment paper.
- Use a food processor to pulse the cashews and whole almonds. See to it that they’re chopped into small pieces.
- Combine the nuts or chopped almonds and cashews, unsweetened shredded coconut, gluten-free almond flour, coconut flour, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl, and be sure you thoroughly mix everything.
- In a separate saucepan over low heat, combine paleo-friendly almond butter, coconut oil, raw honey, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir the sweet liquid mixture until it becomes smooth in texture.
- Pour the sweet liquid mixture over the nuts and seeds and blend until they are well coated.
- Now, transfer the protein bars mixture to the baking dish. You may use a spatula to press it down firmly. See to it that the mixture is evenly spread out in the baking dish.
- Bake the protein bars mixture in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until it has golden brown edges.
- After removing it from the oven, allow the protein bars to cool before chopping them into bars.
- Once the protein bars are cooled down, store them in a sealed container and put them in the fridge for a week.
Indulge in the goodness of these nutritious protein bars that serve as a perfect grab-and-go snack for your busy days!
If you’re looking for something sweet and cold, try the sweet potato ice cream by Bec Peterson.
What Are Cashews?
Cashews are a type of tree nut that is native to Brazil. Today, it is grown in many tropical regions worldwide, including India, Africa, and even Southeast Asia. The cashew tree produces a sweet, juicy fruit called a cashew apple with a nut attached. However, the cashew nut is covered in a toxic outer shell so you must remove it before eating it.
You can eat cashews roasted or raw and use them in many recipes from snacks to meals. They will surely add a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor to your dishes.
Is Eating Cashews Good For Your Health?
Here are some reasons why you should eat cashews:
- Good for heart health: Cashews contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (healthy fats) that lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Aids weight management: Cashews are a good snack option if you want to lose weight. It helps keep you full and satisfied for a longer period.
- Maintains bone health: As a good source of magnesium, eating cashews helps to regulate calcium levels in your body, which is essential for your bone health.
- Supports brain function: Several nutrients found in cashews are important for brain function, such as magnesium, copper, and vitamin K. These nutrients help to improve cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
- Controls blood sugar: Aside from cashews being low-carb, they are also high in fiber and protein that can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Supports immune system: Cashews are a good source of zinc which is essential for immune system function. Zinc helps boost the production of white blood cells, which fight infections and diseases in the body.
Can Cashews Help You Lose Weight?
Cashews can help with weight loss when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Cashews are high in protein and fiber that help you feel full for longer periods and may also help regulate your blood sugar levels.
However, it’s important to note that cashews are also high in calories and fat, so you have to be mindful of portion sizes. The recommended serving size of cashews is about one ounce (or roughly 18 cashews), that’s about 160 calories.
Eating too many cashews or adding them to an already calorie-dense diet can make you gain weight. So you should add cashews to a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity to achieve healthy weight management.
Do Cashews Have Protein?
Yes, cashews do contain protein. In fact, cashews have around 5 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams of nuts). While cashews are not as high in protein as some other nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, they are still a good option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
Can Cashews Help With Anxiety Or Depression?
Cashews have essential nutrients that may help improve mood and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms. For example, they are a good source of tryptophan, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
Cashews are also high in magnesium, which is important for nerve and muscle function and has been linked to reduced anxiety symptoms. Also, they contain zinc for the regulation of the immune system. And it has been associated with reduced depression symptoms.
Although cashews may have some benefits for anxiety or depression, it’s crucial to understand that they can’t replace professional medical treatment. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.