Tag Archives: Energy Bars

My Favorite Paleo Recipes – Part 2: Snacks

27 Thursday Mar 2014

Posted by in Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Paleo, Recipes

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week106Who doesn’t love to snack? That little indulgence in-between meals to help keep metabolism energy levels going and consistent. Some people love sweet, some love salty, and many love both as long as it’s delicious – but more importantly, healthy! Below are some of my favorite and simple recipes for a healthy snack Paleo-style! Remember to send me your own favorite Paleo snack recipes. Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini Chips
For the chip eater in your home! Preheat oven to 225° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil, and spray with canola oil. Set aside. Slice 1 zucchini into thin medallions, about the thickness of a quarter. Place slices on baking sheet sprayed with and spray tops lightly with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Place in preheated oven and bake 45 minutes. Rotate baking sheet, and bake an additional 30-50 minutes, until chips are browned and crisped to your liking. These are best eaten within a couple hours of removing from the oven, as they start to get chewy if left out. One zucchini yields one serving, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of chips depending on the size of your squash.

Carmel Apple Dip
Perfect in the fall and year round! Combine 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 8 to 10), 2 tablespoon full fat canned coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Scrap down the sides if needed. Scoop out and place in a bowl. Serve with your favorite sliced apples and enjoy! Store extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cauliflower Popcorn
A healthy makeover of a family favorite! Soak 1/4 cup raw cashews in 1/4 cup of water for 1 to 2 hours. Pour off the soaking water, and transfer your soaked nuts to a blender. Add another 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to your nuts in the blender. Blend until smooth. In a large bowl, pour the cashew mixture over the 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets and toss to coat. Spread out on teflex sheets or parchment paper. Dehydrate at 115° F for 12 to 24 hours.

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds
These are simply irresistible! In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup water, 1 to 2 tablespoons cinnamon and 1 cup coconut palm sugar and bring to a boil. Stir in 2 cups soaked raw almonds and reduce heat to medium. Continue stirring mixture for about 25 to 30 minutes until mixture becomes very chunky. All liquid must evaporate to cause mixture to crystallize on the almonds. Immediately spread the almonds out on a sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before eating. Serves 6.

Energy Bars
Running around during the day? Make these ahead of time to bring with you! Place 2 cups hulled fresh strawberries and 13 pitted Medjool dates (about 2 cups) into a food processor or high-powered blender. Process into a slightly chunky puree and not completely smooth. Pour fruit puree into a bowl and evenly mix in 1/4 cup flax seeds, 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup sesame seeds, and 1/8 cup chia seeds. Add sea salt to taste (optional) if you are using salted pumpkin seeds. Spread the mixture onto a food dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper or a dehydrator sheet. The mixture should be about one-eighth-inch thick. Dehydrate at 105° F for about 24 hours. After about 12 to 18 hours and when the top is no longer sticky to the touch and the bottom can easily peel off the parchment/dehydrator sheet, flip the mixture over so the top is now the bottom. This will help evenly dehydrate both sides. The bars are done when they have a fruit leather texture, not completely crispy like a cracker. Cut into bars using a pizza cutter and store in an airtight container, in a cool dark place. Can be stored six months to one year and less if not in an airtight container and the environment is warmer than 70° F.

Raw Cashew Balls
These are great for picnics! Place 1 cup pitted and chopped Medjool dates in a food processor and process until smooth. Add 1 cup cashews and 1/2 cup cashew butter. Process until the mixture forms a dough ball. Once a dough ball has formed, move the dough to a plate and form the mixture into 16 equal sized balls, refrigerate for at least an hour to harden and enjoy! You can also substitute the cashews and cashew butter for almond and almond butter.

Stuffed Apples
This is super easy and one of my favorites as I love the combination! Select your favorite apple (mine are the green Granny Smith!), one for each person you will be serving. Wash, dry and core the center of the apple without cutting it open. Scoop your favorite nut butter in center (I use almond). That’s it! It’s ready to eat! Wrap it in plastic if you are taking it on the go.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

10 Protein Energy Bars Worth Every Bite

09 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Diet, Nutrition, Top 10 Lists

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week82Like many of us, I am a person on the go. After waking up in the mornings and before taking off, I go over my day, pack a lunch if it’s a work day, and will grab an energy bar “just in case” I am running late for dinner or when I’m heading out for a physical activity. On occasion, the bar may even be a replacement meal for when I have a large dinner engagement planned or need to watch my calorie intake.

When shopping at my favorite market, there is one side of one isle that dedicated completely to protein energy bars. Five shelves high and unsure of how exactly how long in length, this side aisle is filled with all sorts of bars from crunchy ones, chewy, crispy, crème, gel and gummy like, and ones that, well, are like chowing down on a brick! With so many choices, which one is a girl to choose?

With so many protein energy bars now on the market today, deciding on which one you like best is a personal journey of trial and error based on taste, texture, smell, dietary needs and preferences, and nutritional value. That being said, the following are 10 of my favorite protein energy bars.

Atkins Advantage Meal Bar – Cookies n’ Crème
One of my absolute favorites, this crunchy cookie layer topped with cream and coated in chocolate bar not only tastes great, it will satisfy your hunger! Nutrients: 180 Calories, 80 Fat Calories (6g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 15g Protein, 170mg Sodium, 140mg Potassium, 20g Total Carbs (10g Dietary Fiber, 1g Sugars).

Balance Bar – Dark Chocolate Crunch
Chocolate lovers beware! Rich, chewy, and dreamy, get your dark chocolate fix with this delicious gluten-free bar with dark chocolate coating over a crunchy cookie base. Nutrients: 180 Calories, 60 Fat Calories (4g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 13g Protein, 190mg Sodium, 150mg Potassium, 20g Total Carbs (4g Dietary Fiber, 12g Sugars).

Clif Bar Natural Energy Bar – Oatmeal Raisin Walnut
Packed with 23 vitamins and minerals and filled with organic rolled oats, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon, this bar can provide the energy you need for your next adventure! Nutrients: 240 Calories, 50 Fat Calories (.5g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 10g Protein, 160mg Sodium, 240mg Potassium, 43g Total Carbs (5g Dietary Fiber, 22g Sugars).

Clif Builder’s Protein Bar – Crunchy Peanut Butter
Containing 40 percent of the recommended daily allowance and packed full of organic peanuts and peanut butter, this crunchy bar will help you recover faster after exercising. Nutrients: 280 Calories, 10 Fat Calories (5g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 20g Protein, 370mg Sodium, 140mg Potassium, 30g Total Carbs (2g Dietary Fiber, 23g Sugars).

Detour Runners Bar – Chocolate Chip Cookie
Made with runners in mind who are hard on their knees, this contains whey protein and MicroLactin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory derived from milk proteins to improve joint health and function. Nutrients: 200 Calories, 30 Fat Calories (3g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 12g Protein, 55mg Sodium, 29g Total Carbs (4g Dietary Fiber, 9g Sugars).

Luna Who Nutritional Bar – Carrot Cake
Is this dessert? Maybe! Regardless, it’s an indulgent cinnamon-spiced bar with carrots, walnuts, white soy chips, and sweet raisins, drizzled with creamy vanilla icing. Yum! Also try White Chocolate Macadamia. Nutrients: 180 Calories, 50 Fat Calories (2.5g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 8g Protein, 130mg Sodium, 90mg Potassium, 25g Total Carbs (3g Dietary Fiber, 13g Sugars).

QuestBar Natural Protein Bar – Chocolate Peanut Butter
A bar with none of the guilt! With 20 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar this gluten free, this high fiber bar is simply delicious and nutritious. Also try the Chocolate Brownie. Nutrients: 170 Calories, 45 Fat Calories (1g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 20g Protein, 340mg Sodium, 380mg Potassium, 24g Total Carbs (19g Dietary Fiber, 1g Sugars).

PowerBar Harvest Energy – Apple Cinnamon Crisp
Filling, delicious, and packed with nutrition, these bars are designed to provide extra energy in a naturally flavored, whole-grain bar. Also try the Peanut Butter Chocolate. Nutrients: 240 Calories, 35 Fat Calories (1g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 9g Protein, 140mg Sodium, 200mg Potassium, 42g Total Carbs (5g Dietary Fiber, 20g Sugars).

Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar Original – French Vanilla Crème
If you like cupcakes, then this bar is the one for you! Light and airy, you might not be able to eat just one of these whey protein, crème-filled wafers! Also try the Peanut Butter Crème. Very low glycemic response and diabetic-friendly. Nutrients: 205 Calories, 105 Fat Calories (5g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 14g Protein, 75mg Sodium, 115mg Potassium, 0g Total Carbs (1g Dietary Fiber, 5g Sugars).

Promax Energy Bar – Cookies n’ Cream
This yummy bar is my most recent find. High in protein and low in fat, it is quite sizeable and filling enough to get you through to your next meal, unlike most bars with similar nutritional value. Nutrients: 270 Calories, 40 Fat Calories (3g Saturated Fats, 0g Trans Fats), 20g Protein, 250mg Sodium, 250mg Potassium, 40g Total Carbs (1g Dietary Fiber, 30g Sugars).

Is your mouth watering yet? If so, happy snacking!

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

Three Favorite Fat Flush Plan Recipes

05 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by in Diet, Nutrition, Recipes

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There is no doubt that Ann Louise Gittleman is a visionary health expert and trendsetter. As shared in my previous blog “Book Review: The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S.,” her “Fat Flush Plan” is a groundbreaking low carb, detox diet program that has helped millions to rid themselves of excess weight fat and bloat, support their liver, clean up their lymph, and help to eliminate the appearance of their cellulite – for good as long as they maintain the “Lifestyle Eating Plan.”

I was one of those millions who have tried her diet and with great success. I dropped weight and lost what little cellulite I had. Now a follower of the “Lifestyle Eating Plan,” I thought I would share three of my favorite fast flush plan recipes. All include the Fat Flush Body Protein, a gluten and dairy-free protein powder – containing yellow pea protein, brown rice protein, vanilla bean extract, guar gum, inulin, and stevia – and one of the highest protein efficiency ratios available. The Fat Flush Body Protein contains 20 grams of protein per serving and will keep you sustained and energized for several hours, preventing cravings and temptations while stabilizing your blood sugar. The Blueberry Smoothie below is my absolute favorite and I make it daily. Even my daughter likes it!

Sweet Potato Casserole: Preheat oven to 325° F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish or pie plate with olive oil spray. Combine 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled, cubed and cooked), 3 eggs, 1/2 c. water, 2 scoops Fat Flush Body Protein (vanilla), 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. cloves and 1/4 tsp. ginger in blender or food processor until well blended. Pour into baking dish or pie plate. Bake for about 30 minutes, until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Reheat at 250° F for about 15 minutes, or until warm. (Note: This dish may be made up to 3 days ahead; cover and refrigerate. Can also be frozen.) Serves 6.

Energy Bars: Heat oven to 300° F. Lightly coat bottom of a 9-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. In a small bowl, mix dry 1 c. nut flour (almond or hazelnut), 1/2 cup Fat Flush Body Protein (vanilla or chocolate) and 1 packet Stevia Plus (optional) together. Add 2 tbsp. unsweetened organic nut butter (almond or hazelnut) and 1/4 c. shredded apples or pears. Mash together with a fork until mixture can be formed into a ball. You may need to add a bit more fruit or nut butter for dough to hold together. Press firmly into the bottom of baking dish to ensure a densely packed bar which won’t crumble. Dough will come about half-way up pan.Lightly cut into 6 equal-sized bars. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool, cut again along scored lines. With a spatula, carefully remove from pan. Wrap bars individually; freeze until needed. Makes 6 bars.

Blueberry Smoothie: Combine 8 oz. cran-water (1oz. 100% unsweetened cranberry juice to 7 oz. of water), 1 scoop Fat Flush Body Protein (vanilla), 1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil, 1 tbsp. flax or chia seeds, and ice cubes (optional) in a blender until blend into smooth. Serves 1.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana