Recipe:
Protein bars are a convenient way to pack in the protein, but many store-bought bars are high in unnecessary sugar and fat. Making your own protein bars allows you to control the nutrient profile — and it is much easier than you think!
These bars are flavored with tart cranberries and citrusy orange, but you can easily customize these bars by swapping out the orange juice for milk and substituting the ginger, orange zest, and cranberries for other add-ins.
Protein is an important beauty nutrient — it plays a role in collagen renewal, helps keep hair strong and elastic, and aids in nail growth.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup raw cashew butter
- ¼ cup agave nectar
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 ½ cups plain pea protein powder
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together cashew butter, agave, orange juice, ground ginger, and orange zest until smooth. Stir in protein powder and oat flour and knead the dough using your hands. Add in the cranberries.
Line a shallow baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture into the dish in an even layer. Slice into 12 squares and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Yields 12 servings
Per serving: 156 calories, 13.4 g protein, 16.8 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 10.4 g sugars, 4.2 g fat, 0.6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 181 mg sodium, 29 mg calcium, 0 g omega-3 fats, 21 IU vitamin A, 5.8 mg vitamin C, 0.3 mg vitamin E, 4.5 mg iron, 0.3 mg zinc
Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D.,
is the author of THE BEAUTY DIET and STRONG, SLIM, and 30! For more of Lisa’s Beauty Bites, visit www.lisadrayer.com.