I use a fantastic all natural protein isolate powder called Vital Protein. It's made from golden peas and has the most balance amino acid profile of any plant based protein and is highly bio-available. It is 88% protein and vegetarian, vegan, certified kosher, lactose and gluten free. It also has a high alkalinity level (Ph 7.5) which is quite unusual for any protein powder. My favourite things about this protein powder is that it has no artificial sweeteners or flavours or anything and still tastes delicious.

I use it daily in my green smoothie and also after training. I have also recently started experimenting with some baking recipes as it is not altered at all by heat or cooking, again another plus. So for our recent road trip I wanted to take some muesli bars as they are easy, healthy snacks when made right. Adding in the protein powder just helps to boost the protein content so you are getting a more balanced nutritional profile as well as feeling fuller for longer, without too much of a carbohydrate spike.

Now don't be put off by the long list of ingredients - I just like to cram in as many different nuts, seeds and dried fruit for fun. It is so simple to make that once you measure everything out it is super quick. You can always just keep the ratios of nuts, seeds and dried fruit the same and use less types too.








Vital Protein Muesli Bars & Muesli Crunch
serves 18 / approx. 130 calories per serve
approx. macronutrient breakdown: fat 5.3g / carbs 17g / protein 6.2g
printable recipe


Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
2 cup puffed spelt
1/4 cup whole almonds
1/4 cup whole pecans
2 tbsp coconut, dessicated
1/4 cup pepitas
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
6 dried apricots
3 dried figs
1/4 cup sultanas
1/4 cup dried mango
1/4 cup Date Syrup
1/4 cup homemade peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
60g Vital Protein powder
Water as necessary

If you would like more whole food, nutritious recipes using Vital Protein - then please grab yourself a copy of my free ebook 'A Nourishing Taste' 

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan forced) and lightly grease a baking dish or tray.
Roughly chop the almonds, pecan, dried mango, figs and apricots. Place all ingredients except the date syrup, peanut butter and honey in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine and coat well in the Vital Protein. Over a very low heat, gently warm the peanut butter, honey and date syrup so it combines in a smooth paste. Pour over dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until coated. If necessary, add a water 1 tbsp at a time to combine. You want the mixture to be wet enough to stay loosely together.
Press firmly into a lightly greased dish and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

To make the Vital Protein Muesli Crunch, allow it to cool totally then crumble onto a cookie tray and bake for a further 10 minutes or so until crisp and crunchy. Sprinkle over some natural yogurt and fruit for a delicious breakfast!