Super Duper Easy High Protein Bars Nut Free Version!

Just like everyone else in the world I love a good, quick grab and go snack. But I prefer my snacks to be loaded with protein and have only the cleanest, healthiest carbohydrates. Thats how I came up with my super duper easy protein bars. Almonds and peanuts are my go to nuts for quick snacks so of course I looked to those 2 for my protein bars. But one of my best friends has a nut allergy and wanted to try some of my high protein bars.

So if you have a nut allergy or know someone who does you can still make these high quality, high protein bars for them. And there is not any cooking involved so this is a perfect recipe for kids to make on their own! Below you will find the recipe for the nut free version and the extra nutty version for you nutty characters. Enjoy!

Nut Free High Protein Bars
1/2 Cup quick oats
4 scoops whey protein powder (I used vanilla)
1/2 Cup milk or coconut milk
2 T Sunbutter (sunflower seed butter...check the label to be sure it is 100% nut free)
Optional 1/3 C dried cranberries or raisins
Directions: Stir together all ingredients until well mixed. Spread evenly in a small container and put in fridge or freezer for 30 minutes. Take it out of freezer and cut into 5 or 6 bars. Individually wrap each bar using wax paper (aluminum foil sticks we found). Store individually wrapped bars in an air tight container or zip lock bag. I love the way these taste stored in the freezer but you can store in fridge if you'd rather. Grab and go and Enjoy!

If you would like the nutty way here is that recipe:
1/2 C quick oats
4 scoops whey protein powde
2 T natural peanut butter
1/2 C almond milk
(
Optional: 1/3 C sliced, toasted, slivered almonds
Directions: Mix well and spread into a small container and place in freezer. Remove from freezer after 30 min and cut into 5 or 6 bars. Individually wrap the bars and store in your fridge. Enjoy!!!!

Thank you!

Inspiration

I am a lucky woman but I have been caught up in the daily grind. Its hard to pinpoint why exactly but I have been lacking motivation lately. But today I was given a compliment that really motivated me. A friend told me that one of my posts "inspired her". It felt so good to hear that! It is all I want to do....but don't we all? I realized when she said that that I have been lacking my own inner inspiration and motivation. But just like that, quick like lightening from nice words and a genuine smile my motivation and inspiration are back. She thinks I inspired her? It is words from others, nice smiles, and kind gestures that keep me going. So right back at you fitness babe....YOU inspired me! Thank you so very much for the compliment and for letting me know that my little words have made a difference in your life. You rock!

Save Calories and Money at the Movies!!!!!!

Movie Munching

Last Friday night a friend and I brought 7 children to see the movie Hotel Transylvania (AWESOME movie by the way!). Before leaving our house for the movie the kids and I packed our movie bags. Each child had a snack mix as well as his or her own water bottle to bring into the movie. Sorry movie theaters but America's wallets and waistlines cannot stand your over priced and unhealthy food choices! 

The snacks that I packed for my friend and myself were a baggy each of celery, freshly picked apples for a good crunch, dry roasted edamame for a salty protein snack and of course water and green tea to drink. I always pack my own snacks and bring them anywhere and everywhere I go. I think this all started because I have been "thrifty" my whole life. Also, I have always enjoyed making my own foods instead of relying on foods to purchase in public which may or may not be healthy and are most likely extremely over priced. I didn't think twice about my movie going snack bags until my girlfriend looked at me square in the eyes after leaving the movie and said, "Alaina, You just changed my whole movie going experience!". I asked her what she meant by such an exclamation and she explained that she ALWAYS orders a large popcorn for herself and finishes the entire tub by the end of the movie. She told me that she liked my snacks and felt cleaner after leaving the movie instead of mad at herself for devouring the tub of movie theater popcorn. I was thrilled to hear this of course! 

Another thing I would like to revisit about watching TV or a movie is fidgeting. I absolutely love watching my 5 year old at the movie theater. All 3 of my kids have a ton of energy and are natural movers but he always goes up and down in his seat when he is excited about the movie and moves pretty much any time he sits down (not in an annoying way...I assure you ;-). So while you watch a movie and enjoy your healthy snack do some inner thigh squeezes or some ab crunches while you sit. Wiggle in your seat, laugh, cry and enjoy your time but sit still?....nah, save that for when you sleep!

Check out that protein and fiber!!! They are yummy too!