Baked Banana Protein Bars

I’ve spent this year working on one of my goals: getting into the gym. For years, I’ve enjoyed a variety of exercise including running, hot yoga, pilates, hiking, cycling, but I wasn’t interested in weight training. The more I learnt about the importance of lower impact exercise and muscle mass on hormones and metabolism, the more I was interested- and now I’m hooked.

A lot of work I do with female patients is understanding that the male body is very different than the female body- and females have a lot more considerations when thinking about exercise. One of those things is that fasted exercise is hard on hormones and can be a negative thing in the long run if done all the time. So, fuelling myself pre and post workout is very important. I like weight training first thing in the morning, but I really don’t like eating first thing in the morning to make sure I’m fuelled for my workout. Thus, these protein bars were born. They are somewhere between a protein bar, a banana bread, and a cake. Dense but delicious, I keep them in the freezer and warm one up before my workouts. It feels like I’m eating a little tasty treat, and doesn’t feel as hard as making/eating eggs at 6 am.

Just to be very clear- this is not the most delicious recipe I’ve created- it’s definitely densely nutritious. If you’re looking for a really tasty treat, check out my almond butter cookies or olive oil banana bread. If you’re looking for a great way to get some protein and carbs in before a workout, this is it.

INGREDIENTS

2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
1/2 cup milk of choice
3/4 cup greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/4 cup rolled oats
2 scoops vanilla protein of choice (I like Good Protein Vanilla Milkshake)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease either two small loaf pans or a 9x9 square pan with coconut oil, and line the bottom & sides with parchment paper. In a large bow, whisk together mashed banana, yogurt, milk, eggs, vanilla, and nut butter until smooth. Mix in the oats, protein powder, cinnamon & salt until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Divide the batter between the two loaf pans if using. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing and freezing.