It goes without saying that eating the right kinds of foods is one of the many ways you can effectively lose unwanted pounds, stay in shape and feel good about yourself. In addition to regular exercise, having a strong and proper diet is essential for getting the results you want. Ever since protein bars came onto the health food scene, just about anyone that cared about their health went out and purchased a box. However, DIY types will be more than happy with putting together their own homemade protein bars using these easy recipes.

The great thing about homemade protein bars is that not only are they easy to put together in the comfort of your own kitchen, the ingredients are very affordable. This means you can save money and cross off one more item on your grocery list that you’ll no longer have to do price comparisons for. While not all protein bars are expensive, why pay for the product when you can create it at home?

There are a ton of recipes for protein bars that can be found in books or online. Choose your recipes according to your preferences - if you come across a recipe with ingredients you don’t care for, move on to the next one or find out if you can substitute any of the ingredients with something you like better - yet another advantage to this DIY approach to healthier eating.

If you’re looking for a protein bar recipe that is rich in protein, you’ll want to get together the following ingredients: 1 cup chopped nuts, 12 ounces carob chips, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ½ sesame seeds, 1 cup shredded coconut, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup wheat germ and ½ cup butter. After melting your butter, pour it onto the peanut butter and carob chips and mix. Add in the rest of your ingredients and press your mixture firmly into a 9”x13” pan. Place in the freezer and chill until the mixture is firm. Cut into squares as desired and enjoy.

Looking for a DIY recipe that’s a bit simpler? Then all you’ll need are the following ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup vanilla protein powder and 1 cup plain flour. Combine all three ingredients into a large bowl or food processer and blend thoroughly. Next, pour the mixture into a 9”x13” pan or similar baking tray and place in the freezer overnight. Simply cut your squares once you’re ready and enjoy.

For those that want a recipe that involves baking your protein bars, gather the following: ½ cup raisins, ¼ cup wheat germ, 2 cups peanut butter chips, ¼ cup non-fat dry milk crystals, ½ cup butter, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 cup wheat flour, ¼ cup skim milk, ½ cup butter, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Mix together the eggs, vanilla, butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add skim milk, baking soda, cocoa, wheat germ, dry milk crystals, flour and baking powder. Make sure to stir each ingredient into the mixture thoroughly. Fold in raisins and peanut butter chips then pour mixture evenly onto a properly sized baking pan that has been lightly greased. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven afterwards and allow to cool. Cut bars and enjoy.

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