Pumpkin Protein Bars

    
   
       So, I totally have been not blogging for a couple months... I am horrible. Obviously, I've still been eating and luckily, I've still been taking pictures so that once I DO start blogging (as in right now), I at least will still be able to add on all the delicious things I've been eating.

My really good friend, who is a big workout fanatic, requested I start making healthier things since all I ever do is stuff all of my friends full of carbs, sugar, fats, rinse, repeat (get it? I think I'm so clever). Luckily for him, I knew of a really delicious and super nutritious protein bar recipe, thanks to another friend from work.


These bars take a little extra work, but they're super good and incredibly healthy, you'll be pleasantly surprised. These bars are from www.bodybuilding.com and there are several other delicious recipes and flavors they have; I LOVE the cinnamon ones but have not made them personally yet. On another yet relevant note, Jamie Eason is a crazy godlike creature that must be from another planet. That is all. Now here are the bars!

Pumpkin Protein Bars

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition (without walnuts): 1 square = 47 calories, .7 g fat, 8 g carbs, 3.7 g protein

Nutrition (with walnuts): 1 square = 63 calories, 2.3 g fat, 8 g carbs, 4 g protein 

Ingredients:

½ C Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend (Ideal)*
1 - 4 oz. jar baby food applesauce
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 ½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground clove
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 large egg whites
1 - 15 oz. can of raw pumpkin
2 C oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein
½ cup almond milk
½ C chopped walnuts (optional)

*You can use any sugar/sugar combination you want

     Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Spray a 9 X 13 Pyrex dish with non-stick spray.
3. Combine first 11 ingredients and mix well.
4. Add the final 3 ingredients (4, if adding walnuts), and mix until incorporated. Spread batter into the Pyrex dish and bake for 30 min.
5. Makes 24 squares.

From Jamie Eason at Bodybuilding.com