Hello you lovely lot!
It feels so good to finally be back blogging. Although, I can't even begin to tell you how crazy the last few months have been - let's just say that two babies under the age of two definitely keeps you on your toes!
I can hardly believe that my little Leo is now three months old. But then, I can barely remember life without him, life without both of them. Zayn adores his baby brother and currently loves to try and feed him milk, and sitting down to 'read' to him. It's enough to make my heart melt.
Anyway, since I last blogged, I've been glued to my kitchen, writing recipes and coming up with plenty of wonderful new healthy creations to share with you. You guys are going to LOVE some of the things I've been cooking up, and I honestly am so excited to let you try them.
You may have heard that I've also decided to write an ebook (loaded with SIXTY of my healthy recipes - a lot of them exclusive to the book), so I've been doing plenty of eating lately. These homemade Quest Protein Bars are one of my favourite new discoveries, and it's safe to say that I'm addicted.
Fitness and health lovers will probably be familiar with Quest bars, which are (I think) the best protein bars on the market. Full of natural ingredients and no added sugars, they're the perfect post-workout treat and taste utterly delicious.
The secret ingredient to Quest bars is VitaFiber (a low calorie liquid sweetener), which is now available in the UK on Muscle Food. As soon as I saw that I could make my own, I HAD to order some - and I've not stopped creating since!
Using this one magical ingredient, I've easily (and ridiculously quickly) been able to make some incredible homemade protein bars. Seriously, the best protein bars I've EVER tried.
There's been Banana Walnut Muffin, Apple and Cinnamon, Vanilla Cookie Crunch, and Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It's so easy to try that I've not made a single inedible attempt.
So, here's two of my favourite homemade Quest Protein Bar recipes. Enjoy!
Sam x
VANILLA COOKIE CRUNCH PROTEIN BARS
Ingredients:
(Makes 1 bar)
2 tbsp VitaFiber
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (I love MaxiNutrition)
1.5 tsp ground almonds
1 tsp chocolate almond butter (or ordinary is fine)
1/4 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 square sugar-free white chocolate, chopped
5 almonds, chopped
Method:
1) In a small saucepan, heat the VitaFiber on a medium to low heat until it starts to bubble. As soon as it bubbles, remove it from the hob and stir in the vanilla protein powder, ground almonds, almond butter, almonds and vanilla extract.
2) If needed, mix the 'dough' together with your hands until well combined. Once it's cooled, mix in the chocolate chunks and shape into a bar shape. Leave to set in the fridge if you want a firmer bar, or devour straight away if you're impatient like me!
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH BARS
Ingredients:
(Makes 1 bar)
2 tbsp VitaFiber
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
1.5 tsp cocoa
1 tsp ground almonds
1 tsp nut butter
1/4 tsp caramel flavouring (optional)
1-2 squares dark chocolate (I love Lindt 85%)
Method:
1) In a small saucepan, heat the VitaFiber on a medium to low heat until it starts to bubble. As soon as it bubbles, remove it from the hob and stir in the chocolate protein powder, as well as the cocoa, ground almonds, nut butter and flavouring, if using.
2) Knead the dough with your hands until it's all combined, then leave it to cool before mixing in the chocolate chips. Shape into a bar - or truffles, if desired - and eat!
