Healthy Protein Eatmore Bars

I have an Eatmore Bar memory. Indulge me:

When I was 10 years old, my mother took us girls to stay at her friends house in Vancouver for the weekend. Before heading to Stanley Park to walk the trails, we had stopped at a near by convenience store and been allowed to choose a bagful of candy! During our playtime at the park, I greedily shoved all that sugar down my gullet, except for my prized Eatmore Bar. I was saving that one for the finale! Once we got back into our car, my mom had said no more sugar, and that anything we had left was going to have to wait until tomorrow. Gutted! 

The next day came and we were set to leave. I don't recall how exactly I had forgotten that precious candy bar, tucked safely beside the bed I had been sleeping in, but somehow I did! I begged my mom to turn around for that lone bar...the bar that I had saved especially for that grueling ride home. Alas, she never did turn back, and thoughts of the forgotten bar still haunt me.....

Right! Well, until now anyway. Check out the following recipe and re-create a little taste of your childhood, only healthier :)

 Recipe:

(adapted from damyhealth)

1 cup dates (soak to soften)

3 tbsp nut butter

1/4 cup hemp hearts

2 cups salted peanuts (unsalted for lower sodium option)

3 scoops vanilla protein powder

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp vanilla

In a food processor chop peanuts and set aside. Add nut butter, vanilla, cocoa powder and dates, process until smooth. Add wet mixture to chopped peanuts. Stir in protein powder and hemp hearts, adding water if mixture appears too dry. Mix with hands to form a large ball. Press ball between two pieces of plastic wrap and shape into a rectangle.  Slice into 16 bars, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the freezer

Once you sink your teeth into these little gems, you will realize that they are just like Eatmore Bars, only healthier with no added sugar and added protein!

Paleo Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

I hate to be the one to say it....but summer is coming to a close and fall is right around the corner! Costco proved that last week with their Christmas tree display :/  I'm not thrilled about it either...not like my daughter Piper who can't wait to wear combat boots and warm, cozy sweaters! Alas, there is not much we can do to slow time, but we can get into the fall spirit by making these fabulous breakfast cookies!

RECIPE:

1/2 cup almond butter

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp salt

2-3 cups of mix-ins of your choice

Mix all of the ingredients together and spoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.

Mix-In Ideas:

chopped almonds

walnuts

pecans

craisins

pumpkin seeds

currents

raisins

dates

coconut

hemp hearts

chia seeds

dried fruits

cacao nibs

Try this delicious pumpkin breakfast cookie recipe as a great grab-n-go breakfast or snack! They freeze well, though I do stack them with wax paper in between. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Coconut Raspberry Lime Popscicles

I like a nice cold treat just as much as the next gal ;) Here is a frozen delight that you can sink your teeth into, guilt free!

This recipe couldn't be easier!

Recipe: (yields 3 bars)

Blend together for coconut layer:

1/2 banana

1/2 can reduced fat coconut milk (for a creamier bar, use full fat)

1 tbsp unsweetened coconut

*****

Raspberry Layer:

1/2 cup raspberries

1 tsp honey (or sweetener of choice)

1/4 cup apple juice

Juice of 1/2 a lime

fresh berries

Blend together for raspberry layer.

*****

Pour coconut layer in first, let freeze. We have a Zoku popscicle maker and it froze in 3 minutes. Next add a few fresh berries and top with your blended raspberry mix.

**Tip - use any leftover mix in your smoothie the next day!

Enjoy!

Healthy Chocolate Topped Coconut Mounds!

I'm a little obsessed with all things COCONUT right now! How about you?  I enjoy sprinkling it in my oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and power protein balls and bars. I loved this simple recipe because I had all of the ingredients right there in my cupboard, so whipping up a batch when you feel like a clean treat, is easy breezy. 

Coconut Mounds

Here is the easy recipe:

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tbsp water

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

Mix together and freeze on waxed paper covered tray. Wow, that was difficult. Once frozen, dip the tops in a combinations of 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp maple syrup. Put back in freezer to harden and store there. Now...practice moderation :)

#movedaily