Clean-eating Protein Bars

These are rich and yummy protein bars. Matt says he likes them better than the store bought ones! Pay attention to the "*" for a lower-fat bar.

Makes 20-24 (depending on the size you cut)

Preheat oven to 350* F

Mix together in large bowl:

• 1 c protein powder (I use vanilla whey)
• 1/2 c quinoa, amaranth, kamut, spelt flour or combination of your choice
• 2 c rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/2 c oat bran
• 1/2 c coarsely chopped flax seed
• 1/2 c wheat germ
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 c Sucanat or agave nectar or organic honey
• 1 c dark chocolate, broken into pieces

In another bowl mix:

• 1 1/2 to 2 c yogurt cheese *
• 1/4 c avocado, canola, coconut oil or healthy oil of your choice
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp good quality vanilla

1. Add wet mixture to dry. Use your hands to mix these together well. You can put olive oil on your hands to prevent sticking.
2. Spray pan with olive oil cooking spray
3. Spread evenly in pan and press down.
   
4. Bake in oven for 15 min. Remove. Let cool.
5. Cut dough into bars.
6. Place bars on cookie sheet lined with Silpat (I just used my stoneware) and bake again for another 15 min.
7. Let cool. Place in an airtight container and store in refrigerator.

Nutritional Info:
Cal: 290 / Cal from fat: 73 / Protein 15 g / Carbs: 40 g / fiber 5 g / sugars: 11 g / fat 8 g / sod. 80 mg

*make sure to either buy low-fat yogurt/soy cheese or make your own from low-fat plain yogurt. The fat content in regular yogurt cheese is really high. I'll post a recipe for that too. Really easy.

Enjoy!