Fruit & Nut Snack 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 3 straight weeks 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 line a baking sheet with wax paper.

Ingredients:

1 cup Oats lightly blended
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
(if you don't have Shakeology, ask me how to get it! Otherwise you can use another meal replacement or protein powder)
1/3 cup yogurt covered cranberries
5 chopped dried plums
2 ripe bananas

 

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

Peel and mash the bananas into a smooth consistency.

Mix together to form the dough!

 

Place on baking sheet and spread evenly.  I separated the dough into 8 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 

I even used a website where I could add in all the ingredients to create a nutrition panel.