I am so damn excited to surprise her with a box full of these homemade snack bars.   And trust me, she has definitely earned these!  Look at that stride!

“In one of the breakthrough performances of the year, FR Alivia Schlueter provided the UCSB women’s team a much needed shot of adrenaline late in the meet.  Schlueter opened the competition with the second longest jump in school history, 41’00.25, earning her the conference Silver in the event.  Her performance combined with FR Jazmin Moss (5th) put the women in second for good heading into the final event of the meet.  This leap will likely advance Schlueter on to the NCAA First Round.” 

This was a personal record for my niece and she not only is the best triple jumper on her team as a Freshman, but she’s headed to Regionals in Kansas in just a couple weeks.  Maybe Aunt Karen too…sounds like a fun road trip to me.  You can count on me making more of these tasty treats too!

I bet you’ll want to make these too for your kiddos.  You’ll not only save a ton of money by making your own, but this recipe will also help you avoid some of the more questionable ingredients found in a lot of the store-bought bars out there.  So you can feel good about sharing them with loved ones just like me…or indulging in one (or two) yourself.

But wait there is more.  Ha….I know, I say that a lot but trust me, there’s always a good reason!  You’ll have fun making these plus they’re easy to whip up in no time!  I know I have mentioned this before, but truly, if you’re having a bad day, or need a lift, try making these.  Getting in the kitchen making “stuff” for loved ones, or just simply yourself is truly therapeutic.  At least it is for me!  My kitchen is my happy place and tonight it’s exactly where I needed to be.  It was one of those days.

Besides, what runner out there doesn’t like a snack bar that is high in protein but still tasty!  This is absolutely, hands down, one of the most delicious bars you can get your hands on!  Ready get set go!

ALMOND BUTTER, CHOCOLATE & BANANA PROTEIN BARS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups gluten free old fashioned oats
• 1 cup of Shaklee Life Energizing Protein (chocolate or vanilla)
• 1/4 cup of oat bran
• 1 tablespoon of flax seed, ground
• 1 cup of almond butter
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• Enjoy Chocolate Chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease 8 x 8 pan with coconut oil
3. Mix the oats, protein, bran, and flax seed.
4. Blend the almond butter, applesauce, vanilla, honey, and bananas in Vita Mix and than add them to oat mixture.
5. Stir well
6. Spread batter into pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired and bake about 15 minutes

Seriously healthy and delicious!