Fruit and Nut Bars

 

I'm a HUGE fan of grab and go food.  I like having easy to pack meals and snacks to take to work.  If I don't have enough to eat at work, I come home RAVENOUS after teaching 1-3 group exercise classes.  This is where I get into trouble because I end up eating too much, too fast. Then instead of my food giving me energy, it sits heavy in my stomach, slows me down, until I find myself drifting off on the couch in front of the TV.... sound familiar to anyone else?

 

 

I've been drinking Shakeology for several months now and that has been helping A LOT to keep me energized through the afternoon.  But I've spoiled myself by making perfectly flavored and textured shakes with my killer Ninja blender.  It just isn't the same with a blender bottle. I decided to find an alternative snack to hold me between my breakfast and Shakeology lunch that's easy to have at work.  I did some research on DIY Protein Bars and put together my own little recipe.  And here it is!

 

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup Oats lightly blended

1/3 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup yogurt covered raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

6 chopped dried plums

2 ripe bananas

2 scoops Vanilla Shakeology

 

Add dry ingredients (everything but bananas) to a large mixing bowl.

 

Peel and mash the bananas to a smooth consistency.

 

Add dry ingredients to banana mash to make a dough.

 

Place on baking sheet and spread evenly.  I separated the dough into 10 pieces with a knife before I put it into the oven, but you could do this after as well. Bake for about 15 minutes or until dough stiffens.

 

I'm keeping mine in the refrigerator so they stay fresh and hold together.  These taste excellent and have the consistency of a brownie or soft cookie =] yummm