Friday, December 11, 2009 10:49 am
RAISE THE BAR
We give you a tastier homemade protein snack.
By Michelle Austin; Photography by Laura Tillinghast
Researchers have long known that eating after exercise is crucial for replenishing muscle glycogen, building and maintaining muscle mass, and for preventing illness and injury. Enter the nutrient-packed sports bar.
Despite often having the caloric equivalent of a main course and dessert, this convenient fuel source is a great strategy for getting carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in a safe, weatherproof design that can be consumed virtually anywhere.
Indulgent consumers want the claimed benefits of the bar but with the taste of a dessert, not a vitamin. As a result, many sports bars have the taste, feel and, sadly, nutritional value of candy bars, with portion sizes and amounts that sometimes make a Snickers a better option.
Our SOBeFiT bar has 180 calories, low fat (22% of total calories), high-quality whey protein (8 grams from whey, egg and quinoa gluten-free flour), high fiber (3 grams), and is naturally fortified with omega-3s, iron, vitamin C and calcium. It’s perfect for eating after or before the gym. The recipe incorporates sun-dried cranberries with an orange scent—a sweet/tart flavor married with the light nutty taste of pistachio for a delicious, energizing workout bar.
SOBeFiT Bar Recipe – Makes 6 Bars
1 c. quinoa flour
2 oz. whey protein
1 oz. apple pectin powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ c. sundried cranberries
3 dates
2 oz ground pistachios (or sunflowers)
2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp lemon juice
4 oz brown rice syrup
1 oz ground flax
1 oz unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp of soy nut butter
2 tbsp of egg whites
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven to 350°
2. Combine dry ingredients, dried fruit and ground pistachios in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and stir well. Pour onto dry ingredients.
4. Spray 9” cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Cool and cut.
Pick up our January/February 2010 issue for more healthy recipes!
