: Recipe : Vegan Pumpkin Protein Bars

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy fix for your post work out routine or you just need a super healthy treat for a Halloween party at work then you’ll jump for joy when you make these high protein, complete protein, organic, raw, gluten free, high fiber, energy bars!!

Pumpkin, is of course, everywhere right now but its actually a wonderful fall food that helps you maintain a healthy weight. It is high in fiber, low in calories and high in nutrients. Raw pumpkin seeds are also high in protein, fiber and healthy fats and can be used to cleans the body of parasites.

V E G A N   P U M P K I N   P R O T E I N   B A R S

Quinoa is commonly mistaken for a grain but it is actually a seed. This super seed is a complete protein so it is ideal for pre and post work-out routines. The abundance of nuts and seeds in these bars add to the protein content but also impart incredibly healthy fats and essential fiber.

You may almost overlook the maca in the ingredients list. Maca is a super food from Peru that comes from a root that is very similar to sweet potato. This amazing root increases energy, stamina and vitality! Basically these Vegan Pumpkin Protein Bars are incredible and I hope you enjoy them.

Watch the video H E R E.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of organic quinoa flakes
• 1 cup of whole raw almonds
• 1/2 cup of raw pecans
• 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup of organic raisins
• 1 tbsp organic chia seeds
• 1 tbsp of organic peanut butter
• 1 tbsp raw local honey
• 1/2 tsp of pink Himalayan sea salt
• 2 tbsp of pumpkin spice seasoning *
• 1 tsp of maca powder

Directions:

• In a food processor, pulse nuts and seeds with raisins until chopped finely. Be sure not to process the mixture too finely.
• In a large pan, lightly toast the quinoa flakes on medium heat until just browned. Add quinoa to the mixture in the food processor and pulse for a few more seconds until well incorporated.
• Remove mixture from food processor and place in a large mixing bowl. Add pumpkin, spices, maca, honey and peanut butter. Mix with a wooden spoon until well incorporated.
• Now you can begin using the mixture to fill molds or make “truffles”. If you have extra small bread pans you can hand press the mixture in the bottom and store overnight in the refrigerator to harden into bars.
• If you don’t have some kind of bar-like mold, you can also mold the mixture by hand into small “truffles” by rolling about a tablespoon of the mixture in your hand until perfectly formed.
• You can store the truffles overnight in the fridge or eat them right away. Keep a stock pile on hand in the fridge or add them to your lunch.

* You can make your own very easily using these ingredients or  buy one with similar spices (cinnamon, ginger, lemon peel, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom).