Protein Packed Granola Bars

Add a little Life to your granola bars!

Finding your favorite granola bar recipe can take some trial and error baking, at least that's what I have found.  I love that these are simple to make and bake up nice.  They taste delicious and bonus...they're healthy too!

Ingredients

1 Cup Rolled Oats

1/4 Cup Shaklee Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder*

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 Cup unsalted Peanut Butter (or omit adding salt if your peanut butter is salted)

1/4 Cup Sugar

1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Directions

1.  Preheat oven 350 F. Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar. maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Mix until combine well.

3.  In a larger bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon and salt.

4.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients until completely blended. Then fold in chips, mixing well.

5. Transfer batter to baking dish, spreading into an even layer, making sure to press evenly and into the corners.

6.  Bake at 350 F for 15-17 minutes.  Bars will be light brown.  Remove from oven, cool in pan for at least 20 minutes.  Lift the parchment paper out of baking pan and set on cutting board.  Slice bars when completely cool.

7.  Optional:  drizzle some melted chocolate over top of bars before cutting.

*I choose to use the Shaklee Life protein powder as it is natural, non-gmo, and free of any artificial ingredients.  Shaklee conducts over 350 tests to confirm their products are free of any contaminants, plus I love their philosophies and passion for always doing what is right.  Learn more about their commitments and what they call, The Shaklee Difference.

Indulge in a Healthy Sundae treat

Tips for creating nutritious & delicious treats that you and your family will enjoy all summer long. 

Often times when we think of enjoying a treat, we may think of words like, indulging. Actually when I looked up the definition of indulge, the sentence summed it up!

in-dulge
verb
allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of. 
Example sentence: "we indulged in some hot fudge sundaes" 

I'm forever seeking tricks to creating healthy treats that not only taste delicious but offer little guilt~ and honestly, knowing the treats are healthy, I'm ok with a little indulgence-often!

One of the best tips I've learned for making treats healthy is to add protein to a snack or treat as the protein will help to fill us up~therefore, we typically eat less.  I look to add plant proteins like nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, soy, etc.  I've also learned that if I make the treat look like other, "indulgences" I seem to enjoy it more, and so does my family!

Here's a couple recipes that feel like you may have indulged but truly you are eating a healthy snack~

Blueberry Sundae Delight

Put 1/4 cup plain yogurt in bottom of sundae glass (I use plain greek yogurt as it offers low sugars and high protein)
Add 1 scoop protein powder  (I use Shaklee Life protein powder as it is natural, non-gmo, and truly delicious).
Top with another 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
Add a handful of blueberries or any berries!
Add a dollop of Truwhip
Add a cherry!
~ENJOY~

Packed with protein, this treat is very easy to make and seriously delicious and if I do say so myself,  beautiful!

Craving chocolate or love coconut?  This is another favorite: 

Coconut Chip Sundae Dream

Simply layer the protein powder between yogurt and top with chocolate chips, coconut & a cherry!

You could definitely add nuts, seeds, other berries, bananas, etc. I'd love to know how you would create a healthy sundae! What toppings or ingredients would you add in?

Below are a few of my favorite, "indulgent" products!

Shaklee Life Protein Powder

Truwhip

A yummy and healthier alternative to other whip toppings. 

Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt

Heart Healthy Overnight Oats

Need a little kick-start to begin your day? These overnight oats are filled to the brim with heart-healthy ingredients & added energy boost to keep you energized and satisfied all morning long!

Denise's Heart-Healthy Overnight Oats

 I typically don’t get overly excited about oatmeal, but I am truly loving the overnight oats with all the endless possibilities! And what’s not to love; they’re simple, yummy, and healthy! And this recipe offers heart healthy oats, soy, and berries. In addition, a natural energy boost your heart and whole body will enjoy!



Ingredients:  

For 2 pint sized jars, split the following:

2-Cups fresh or frozen berries

2-Cups Milk or Milk Alternative

1-Large banana-mashed

½-Cup Oats (I like quick steel cut oats)

½-Cup Vanilla Protein Powder 
(I only use Shaklee's Protein Powder)

2-Packets Matcha Tea Sticks 
(I used Shaklee-Pomegranate tea)

Recipe:

Into each of the 2 pint-size glass jars, place ingredients in this order:

Berries

Mashed Bananas
Dry Oats
Protein Powder 
Dry tea
Milk/Milk Alternative

There is no need to stir or shake the contents. 

Use jar lid or tin foil and close/cover each jar and place in refrigerator overnight. 

To enjoy, simply place desired amount of oats mixture in a bowl and warm in microwave. If desired, top off your oats with a serving of healthy fats like a handful of nuts or coconut. 

{Additional milk/milk alternative may be added per your taste.}

Enjoy!

To your health,    Denise Gaskell~Gaskell Healthy Solutions ~815-385-2834~

(Healthy) Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

                   (Healthy) Pumpkin Fudge

Yes, I have fallen for the pumpkin-flavor craze, or maybe its the cinnamon!
Either way, if you enjoy the fall flavors and a quick, healthy snack, you'll love these easy to make fall-flavored treats.

This recipe is a spin off the Peanut Butter Fudge recipe here on my blog with just a few tweaks to add in the fall flavors~

INGREDIENTS: 

1 Cup Vanilla Protein Powder-I use Shaklee Brand
1 Cup Crunchy Cereal (I like Enjoy Life brand-typically found in gluten-free isle)
1 Cup Chocolate Chips (can use carob chips, raisins, cranberries, nuts, granola, etc.)
3/4 Cup Organic Almond Butter (or other nut or non-nut butter)
3/4 Cup mix of Natural Maple Syrup and Honey
1/4 Cup Organic Pumpkin-I used the Farmers Market brand
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice 

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients into mixing bowl. Use large spoon to stir until completely blended.

Roll or scoop into small individual balls. I use a small scooper, shown below to keep it simple.

May be enjoyed right away. Keep extras in refrigerator or freeze. 

Makes several dozen.

This healthy “fudge” offers a great amount of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. They are perfect for  after school snacking, for a quick and tasty energy boost, after workout nourishment, or anytime!

 ~Enjoy~

To your health,

 Denise Gaskell

Gaskell Healthy Solutions

Vegetarian Chili

Cooler weather have you craving a warm & healthy bowl of delicious chili?

This easy and yummy vegetarian chili recipe will fill you up-without filling you out!

VEGETARIAN CHILI


 4 teaspoons olive oil
 1 cup onion, chopped
 1 can (14 1/2 oz) Mexican-style diced tomatoes
 2 boxes or cans (14 1/2oz) vegetable broth
 10 Tablespoons Shaklee Instant Soy Protein Powder Mix
1/2 cup bulgur (cracked wheat) I use Bob's Red Mill brand
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
 1 can (15 1/4oz) organic kidney beans
 1 cup frozen organic corn
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
   Salt to taste

Heat oil in a saucepan or Dutch oven and cook onions about 5 minutes or until soft.

Stir in tomatoes, 1 box/can of vegetable broth, bulgur, and bell pepper; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered., stirring as needed, until bulgur is tender; about 10 minutes.

Add beans, corn, and chili powder.

Mix second box/can of vegetable broth with the Shaklee Instant Soy Protein Mix and then stir mixture into chili.  For thinner chili, add additional vegetable broth or water, as desired.

Makes 8 servings


~Enjoy~

Nutritional Information:
Serving Size:  about 10.4 oz   (1 cup = 8 oz)
Calories         300
   Calories from fat     40
Total Fat          4g
Total Carbs     43g
Protein            22g  (10g soy protein)