Easy Prep-Ahead Travel Snack: Hemp Protein Granola Bars

Image: My New Roots I mentioned in my post about healthy travel that high-protein snacks are the best to have handy when you hit the road. Protein leaves you feeling satiated for longer, and gives you the energy to keep on motorin'.

I shared a few options in that piece, like hummus,  nuts, and hard boiled eggs. These are pretty easy to grab-and-go. But if you have a bit of time and want to create a really delicious, balanced snack for your travels, I highly recommend these hemp protein granola bars from My New Roots.

Most store-bought granola bars are high in sugar and surprisingly low in protein, leading to an inevitable crash when you're out on the road.

These plant-protien-packed bars taste sweet, but are a perfect mix of natural sugar sources (Dates! Maple syrup!) and the kinds of protein that'll keep you energized and full for longer (nuts and hemp for the win).

Prep these ahead of time and store them in the freezer, for all your impromptu summer adventures!

 

Hemp Protein Granola Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (or any other nut)
  • 1 cup dates, chopped (or any other dried fruit)
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup hemp protein powder
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup sunflower oil (or coconut, olive, walnut…)
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp. maple syrup2
  • Tbsp. chia seeds
  • 6 Tbsp. water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds and water together. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients.

In a food processor or blender, mix bananas, oil, vanilla, and maple syrup (you can also just mash everything together with a fork). Add chia gel and pulse to mix. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Spread the batter evenly into a baking pan (mine was 9 x 11 inches), and smooth out the top with the back of a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Let cool completely, store in airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Blog, Nutrition, RecipesDoctor Marita