I’ve not been able to make many of my favourite recipes for a while now due to that fact that I can no longer have protein powder, nearly all protein powders I’ve come across have dairy in them so I was pretty excited when Nutree Life approached me wanting my opinion on their vegan products.
In fact, looking back quite a few of my raw snacks and treats had protein powders in them (stolen from my husbands vanilla and chocolate protein shake powders, shh don’t tell on me!) The powder I chose to have sent me was pumpkin powder, the thought of turning pumpkin seeds into a powder intrigued me. Don’t make my mistake and take a HUGE whiff of it when you open the packet, it’s got a punch but my goodness what a rich earthy nutty smell. I can see this working in both savoury and sweet equally as well and while I’m being honest and saying that to drink it would not be my favourite thing to do I can imagine well seasoned protein shakers would be happy to knock a pumpkin protein shake back post work out.
Whoops! I said that word ‘workout’ not wishing to be a fraud because I’m no gym queen, nor do I climb mountains, or play competitive sports. I walk dogs, do Pilates, Yoga and run around after my children and husband so in my view I’m permitted to have a protein pick-me-up just to keep me wake during those afternoon lulls you hear me mention so often.
So what’s all this hubub about protein and why are you sticking it your food Rebecca?
The Power of Protein
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Vitamins and minerals, which are needed in only small quantities, are called “micronutrients.” But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein, and therefore has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply.
taken from WebMD – Benefits of Protein
So from that sciency bit of information I got this; it’s good for your hair, nails, skin and hormones. That’s good, I have all of those things and they could all be much better as far as I’m concerned!
For those of you who love the idea of my Raw Chocolate Snack Squares but are super busy it’s worth knowing that I also got some delicious Protein Snack Bars and some amazing vegan burger mixes check them out on my Instagram account here and here!
- 115 g dried figs
- 115 g dried prunes
- 150 g milled linseed I used the Harvest Morn Linseed with berries mix available at Aldi
- 100 g guten free oats if you can't have oats I'd sub with 50g gluten free plain flour
- 60 g protein powder I used Nutree Pumpkin Seed Protein
- 50 g ground almonds
- 50 g desiccated coconut
- 50 g date nectar or honey if you'd prefer
- 50 g coconut oil
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp water
- 150 g 70% plain chocolate
- pinch of salt
- sprinkle of coconut
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend!
- Tip into an 8x8" brownie tin, preferably with a loose bottom and lined with greaseproof paper.
- Smooth paste down with the back of a spoon, I have a bowl of water handy to dip the spoon in at intervals to stop the mixture sticking to the spoon.
- Melt the chocolate and salt in the microwave on shorts blasts until smooth.
- Pour over the flattened paste and tease to the edges.
- Sprinkle with a little coconut for effect.
- Pop in the fridge for 30 mins then remove and cut into 12.
Keep the squares in the fridge in an airtight container and have one next time you need a fix!
Don’t loose the recipe, pin it here!
And one last thing! I’ve linked with these other awesome bloggers pages, go check them out
Cook Blog Share | Free From Fridays | Brilliant Blog Posts | Baking Crumbs | Recipe of the Week | Mix it up Monday
Disclaimer: Nutree Life sent me these products to try out for free but the thoughts and opinions are my own and I’d have it no other way!
Just reading the list of ingredients makes me hungry: I love every single ingredient in there and I am pretty sure I could scoff a dozen of these (I love binging on food!). x
There’s a theme with your comments recently….I sense a chocolate lover! I know exactly what to make you next time you’re over now! xxx
Gosh, yes please! Your raw choc squares look and sound absolutely delicious! I think it’s the combination of nuts, coconut and chocolate that really screams, “eat me, eat me!” I’ve never tried protein powder, but pumpkin sounds good to me 🙂
What a great way to use up the odds and ends in the pantry. Your bars look amazing and are certainly healthy. I’ll be looking for that lower carb bar in the future!
Thank you Judee such a lovely comment 🙂
YUM! These look and sound amazing and I am totally loving the idea of pumpkin powder! So awesome that you have found a protein powder you can have. Eb x
Protein is not stored, but having too much means is has to pass through liver and kidneys. Too much is not beneficial at all. Your chocolate squares look great and I think they must be delicious too, but I would have those only paired with weight training, in a gaining muscle program.
As much as I love my ‘treats’ like cake, and cookies and the likes, it always pleasantly surprises me how much I also enjoy the healthier snacks. i can just imagine how good this must be Rebecca. Thankyou for sharing with #BakingCrumbs,
Angela x
Geez these sound healthy! Give me a couple and it will add 10 years to my life!! x