Protein bars are quickly replacing chocolate and other sweets as the go-to healthy snack option. Cookie Dough, Blueberry Muffins, Peanut Butter, Cookie Cream, etc. are just a few of the delicious varieties that may be purchased. Healthy and satisfying, protein bars provide sustained energy without the crash that typically follows a sugary snack. Most manufacturers boast that their protein-rich products are created entirely from organic substances.
However, you may try these protein bars, saving yourself the cost of any unnecessary materials. This will also give you the freedom to mix and match your preferred flavours and make a week’s worth of energy-boosting snacks in advance.
How do you get enough protein into your protein bar?
“Enough” depends on the purpose of your bar. A bar with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat is preferable to one with a large amount of protein if you only want it to be a satisfying and invigorating snack or sweet treat. You can achieve a lower protein goal (say, 7 or 8 grammes), adds Ansari, by combining a variety of products that provide a little bit of protein each, such as nut and seed butter or whole nuts and seeds and grains like oats or quinoa.
But if you’re creating bars to consume after a workout (or, perhaps, as your major dose of protein at breakfast), you might want to include a more concentrated form of protein. Protein bars can be made with a variety of different ingredients, such as Greek yoghurt (for chilled bars), eggs (for baked bars), or protein powder.
Protein powder isn’t required, but it’s the simplest way to add a healthy dose of protein (about 12-15 grammes) to your bar. Protein powder can easily result in an unpleasant taste or texture if you don’t deliberately blend it with other ingredients, so while you can experiment by adding a scoop or two to any handmade bar, it’s a good idea to follow a recipe.
Protein powders from plants, such as soy, pea, and brown rice, are also common. The many options for flavouring, from plain to mocha to cookies and cream, will give you plenty of room to experiment with your own unique take on the classic bar.
Is it bad to eat protein bars every day?
Nope. Protein bars are a terrific way to supplement your diet with more protein, but they shouldn’t replace whole foods.
Protein bars should be used as a “last resort,” after meeting your daily protein needs through other means (such as meat, soy, pea protein-based meat substitutes, fish, eggs, dairy, and nondairy alternatives fortified with plant protein).
Homemade Protein Bars-
1. Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Peanut butter is a tasty and nutritious spread that is high in both healthy fats and protein. It’s up to you whether you want to use crunchy peanut butter or smooth butter. Apart from that, these protein bars include oats, protein powder, coconut oil, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Real honey can be used as a natural sweetener and a glue substitute.
2. Matcha Green Tea Fudge Protein Bars
Green tea is another intriguing addition to homemade protein bars. Its antioxidant properties, beneficial bioactive components, fat-burning ability, and ability to stave off diabetes are all well-documented. Incorporating Green Tea into protein bar recipes is a great way to get all the nutrients your body needs. Matcha and green tea powder give the bars their natural green hue and help you avoid belly fat. Melted chocolate can be added, but only a small amount is needed for decoration.
3. Almonds & Cranberry Homemade Protein Bars
There is no better source of antioxidants and healthful fibres than nuts and berries. One of the easiest protein bar recipes calls for only three ingredients: honey (a natural sweetener and binding agent), cranberries, and almonds. A delicious and nutritious treat that’s also low in sugar and high in protein, fibre, magnesium, and vitamin E. To further soften the flavour, vanilla extract can be used.
4. Dates & Brownie Energy Bars
Date and brownie-based protein and energy bars are the perfect choice for a pre-or post-workout treat. The protein and omega-3 fatty acids found in the flax seeds make them a healthy snack that will keep you going for hours. This recipe for energy bars is a healthy and delicious alternative for those who are on a restricted diet. If you want to add some crunch, use soy granules instead of the other whole-grain cereals.
5. Dates & Nuts Oatmeal Energy Bar
The ingredients for no-bake protein bars include the rich, decadent trifecta of dates, nuts, and oats. Neither flour nor butter is needed to make these protein bars. Peanut butter, however, is included as a nutritional boost. You can use honey or other all-natural sweeteners to enhance the flavour. These protein bars are great with milk in the morning or before bed as a quick snack. The recipe’s combination of dates and nuts makes it a good choice for anyone looking to cut down on cholesterol, boost their bone health, and supplement their diet with protein and other vitamins.
6. Cinnamon Protein Bars (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Not only is cinnamon a popular spice for its aromatic addition to foods, but it also has healing benefits. Blood sugar levels can be lowered, insulin sensitivity enhanced, and antioxidant levels increased because of its high content. Protein bars with cinnamon provide the body with the dietary fibres, protein, healthy fat, and lack of trans fats that it needs to function optimally. The sweetness can be adjusted by adding honey.
8. Dry Fruit & Jaggery Protein Bars for Kids
The following is another great protein bar recipe that is not only simple but also very well-liked. These bars are sweetened with a blend of dry fruits, Jaggery, and Dates for a flavorful treat. Date and jaggery paste acts as glue to hold everything else in place. It’s a great treat because it won’t spike your blood sugar and it’ll keep you going until dinnertime. It’s an easy way to avoid feeling hungry for at least two hours.
9. Keto Protein Bars
Snacking on a keto protein bar will not make you feel guilty because they contain so few carbohydrates. These bars can take on any flavour you can imagine. If you want a bit of crunch, you can omit to grind the chia seeds. The nutritional value of these bars can be increased by cooking them in coconut oil. Additionally, the bars contain no sugar, which will help you avoid excess sugar consumption.
This is the number of different energy bars which will provide you with instant energy and also satisfy your hunger craving for a longer period of time. Also, they are quite healthy as they are prepared at home with all the natural ingredients. Try them out, by making them at your home.