Homemade Protein Bars

What you consume after an intense gym session has a massive effect on your muscle build. These easy, freezer friendly no-bake protein bars are great for helping to pack on size, and are a damn sight cheaper and nicer than the bars they sell in the shops. But first, science!

Protein helps to repair micro-tears and increase size in your muscles, which is why protein is needed so quickly after a workout. Make sure you get some protein in your system within 60 minutes of putting that last weight on the rack. Research shows that after a workout, your muscles are able to absorb protein 50% more than normal. Don’t leave you muscles starving: either down a shake or try one of these bars.

To make 12-16 bars, you need:
400g uncooked oatmeal
340g peanut butter
250ml coconut cream
5 scoops (about 150g) whey vanilla protein powder.

If you don’t like whey protein powder, you can make these bars without it. Remember that the flavouring and sweet taste comes from the powder. Add some honey or sweetener of choice to stop these bars from becoming tasteless.

Put the coconut cream in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Make sure you drain the milk if there is any clear liquid. Add in the vanilla whey protein powder and keep whisking until the mixtures goes smooth again. Add in the peanut butter. You can use any nut butter you want, but it is essential to this recipe. Incorporate the uncooked oatmeal and mix well. You may find it easier to use your hands at this point, as the mixture will be stick to spoons.
Line a baking tray with greased parchment paper, and flatten out the dough evenly within it. Chill overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours and cut into 12 or 16 bars.

12 bars will contain 388 calories per bar and 24g of protein. 16 bars will contain 288 calories per bar and 15g of protein.