Vanilla Whey Protein Bars with Vegan Caramel

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Keeping up with the latest health trends can be as nerve racking as it is prickly. Indeed, discussing the most recent diet craze can often times become as fiery a subject as discussing the latest political topics.

However, if you are like me, you aren't necessarily impressed by the latest fad diet trends. Instead, you're likely more interested in time proven, common sense based health ideals, such as a healthy diet, exercise, and a proper intake of vitamins, minerals, and daily protein.

Though writing this blog more or less dictates having a healthy diet by necessity of content, it also means I'm spending the majority of my time 'plugged in' behind a desk. As a result, staying physically active requires a conscious day to day effort. Whether in the form of a brisk walk, or a high impact go on the elliptical I wrote about earlier this year, I try to remain as physically active throughout the week as my schedule will allow.

However, as I've learned recently, it is impossible to gain the full benefit of an exercise regime without proper protein intake, since protein is used not only to build new muscle but also to strengthen existing muscle.

A macro-nutrient, as well as one of our most basic and primordial physical elements, protein is needed by the body in large daily quantities. Even our very DNA is bound and replicated by protein. However, unlike certain vitamins, or even fat and carbohydrates, the body keeps no stored reservoir of 'excess' protein, meaning that a deficit of intake has almost immediate detrimental effects.

Through a fair bit of trial, error, and accident, I've learned that it is best not only to plan out my exercise goals and to prepare my scheduling, but also to consciously work protein intake into my diet based around both what I need on a daily basis, as well as the aforementioned goals.

Ah the digital age, where simply getting up to move requires forethought, planning, charts, and graphs.

While I try to work in as much protein into my diet as possible, routinely getting enough can be a challenge. That's why I recently began working EAS® 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder into my routine.

However, upon opening my first container of vanilla flavored EAS Whey Protein Powder, it struck me that there was no way I was going to be content with merely drinking it down, at least not initially. No, I needed something more substantial, something that could serve equally well either to quell a craving, or to keep me going.

Ultimately, I combined the powder into bars with oats, flax seed, and coconut milk, a hardy but also healthy combination. To provide energy, as well to satisfy any mild cravings for something sweet, I topped the bars with dried fruit, almonds, dark chocolate, a vegan caramel drizzle, and coconut flakes. Perfect for before or during workout, these bars can also serve as a midday snack, or for a quick energy boost behind the desk.

Well, that's a brief update as to my now months old excursion into healthier living. What are some of your self-prepared workout routines? How do you make sure to fit all of the necessary nutrients into your diet, especially something as important as protein?

Vanilla Whey Protein Bars with Vegan Caramel

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5 from 4 reviews

• Author: Living the Gourmet
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tablespoons wheat germ
• 2 scoops EAS® 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• Almonds, chopped
• 4 dried prunes, chopped
• 1/4 cup craisins, chopped
• 3 tablespoons dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes

Vegan Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut cream

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Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend together oats, wheat germ and vanilla protein powder. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the mixture. If it is still too loose, add up to 2 tablespoons more of coconut milk.
2. The mixture should be stick and dense. Fit into a lined 8-inch square baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together almonds, dried fruit, chocolate and toasted coconut. Sprinkle all over the protein bar.
4. In a small sauce pan, cook down the sugar until bubbly. Once the sugar begins to turn slightly golden, add coconut cream. Whisk vigorously. Pour immediately over the protein bar. Let sit for a few minutes until the caramel has set. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
5. Once the protein bar has completely set, slice into bars of desired size.

Notes

Beforehand, chill a can of coconut milk. Scoop off the coconut cream from the top and reserve for the caramel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Recipe by Catherine & Tammy Pappas | Written by Michael Pappas