By Emily Rinehart
Contributing Writer
Being stressed with all the homework that comes with classes, students often become unaware of the food they eat. In fact, it is very common in the college atmosphere to just grab and go. My daily routine during the semester often consists of breakfast, classes, lunch, homework, dinner, homework, sleep, Oh, and not to mention, work and sports practice twice a week. However, one recipe I love to make is a homemade protein bar that contains ingredients that give energy and satisfies cravings.
Searching through a magazine titled “Blue,” by the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa Association, I found on appealing recipe for “Power Bars.” However, I have tweaked this recipe to fit my appetite best so do not be shy to try different ingredients to fine tune it to your specific cravings and needs.
The inexpensive ingredients and limited time necessary to make these power bars, makes this a recipe any college student can enjoy while understanding the health benefits from this bar. These power bars can make a hearty addition for any occasion, whether it be for breakfast, in-between snacks, or a meal dessert. Knowing the ingredients put into a recipe always helps me to enjoy food because I know both the quantity of the ingredients, as well as the quality of ingredients put into my food. Thus, being able to supply the want and need for my specific desires, I make a power bar that satisfies my cravings, and I hope as a health conscious student, each will enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Contributing Writer
Being stressed with all the homework that comes with classes, students often become unaware of the food they eat. In fact, it is very common in the college atmosphere to just grab and go. My daily routine during the semester often consists of breakfast, classes, lunch, homework, dinner, homework, sleep, Oh, and not to mention, work and sports practice twice a week. However, one recipe I love to make is a homemade protein bar that contains ingredients that give energy and satisfies cravings.
Searching through a magazine titled “Blue,” by the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa Association, I found on appealing recipe for “Power Bars.” However, I have tweaked this recipe to fit my appetite best so do not be shy to try different ingredients to fine tune it to your specific cravings and needs.
The inexpensive ingredients and limited time necessary to make these power bars, makes this a recipe any college student can enjoy while understanding the health benefits from this bar. These power bars can make a hearty addition for any occasion, whether it be for breakfast, in-between snacks, or a meal dessert. Knowing the ingredients put into a recipe always helps me to enjoy food because I know both the quantity of the ingredients, as well as the quality of ingredients put into my food. Thus, being able to supply the want and need for my specific desires, I make a power bar that satisfies my cravings, and I hope as a health conscious student, each will enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Power Bar Recipe from “Blue” magazine {as modified by Emily Rinehart}
Ingredients:
2 cups quick oats {2 cups Quaker oats}
1 cup natural peanut butter {JIF creamy peanut butter}
1 cup honey {Pure raw honey}
1 cup dark chocolate {Sometimes I will put ½ cup dark morsels and ½ cup white chocolate morsels to add a little sweeter chocolate flavor}
1 cup dried cranberries {Raisons or other desired dried fruit can be substituted}
1 cup ground flax {A couple scoops of Chia seed®}
1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
Instructions based on the “Blue” magazine: {Make sure to modify the instructions to fit personal needs} Mix all ingredients together and stir until blended. Spread mixture into a 13x10-inch pan {Depending on how thick or thin one wants the bar, the pan may either be larger or smaller.} Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks or freeze for later use. {If one wants more of a baked warm taste, bake in the oven at, 350˚F until brown on the edges.}
Based on the “Blue” magazine recipe, the nutritional value per serving is: 170 calories, 8 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 22 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein, 35mg sodium. {The quantity of each ingredient fluctuates the nutritional value.}
Ingredients:
2 cups quick oats {2 cups Quaker oats}
1 cup natural peanut butter {JIF creamy peanut butter}
1 cup honey {Pure raw honey}
1 cup dark chocolate {Sometimes I will put ½ cup dark morsels and ½ cup white chocolate morsels to add a little sweeter chocolate flavor}
1 cup dried cranberries {Raisons or other desired dried fruit can be substituted}
1 cup ground flax {A couple scoops of Chia seed®}
1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
Instructions based on the “Blue” magazine: {Make sure to modify the instructions to fit personal needs} Mix all ingredients together and stir until blended. Spread mixture into a 13x10-inch pan {Depending on how thick or thin one wants the bar, the pan may either be larger or smaller.} Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks or freeze for later use. {If one wants more of a baked warm taste, bake in the oven at, 350˚F until brown on the edges.}
Based on the “Blue” magazine recipe, the nutritional value per serving is: 170 calories, 8 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 22 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein, 35mg sodium. {The quantity of each ingredient fluctuates the nutritional value.}