Mint Chocolate Hemp protein bars

Homemade - Raw - Vegan - Gluten free - Guilt free - Protein - Superfood

Mint Chocolate Hemp protein bars

 

A very quick, tasty, all natural superfood protein bar, easy to make in just 15 mins (plus setting time) and not to mention tastes amazing! This is one of my favourite flavor combinations of all time – Mint and Chocolate, they taste and smell just like After Eights Chocolate mints. Try this recipe for a healthy, whole food, clean nutrition, cheaper alternative to the shop bought versions.

 

You will need;

2 cups of dates (I used a small Tea mug)

One generous handful of raw almonds

One not so generous handful of Brazil nuts

2 Big scoops Organic Hemp protein powder (I used Braham & Murray Organic Protein powder)

2 Tablespoons of Organic Cacao (I used Creative Nature Superfoods)

4-5 drops of organic edible Peppermint essential oil (Optional)

A smidge of coconut oil to help it stick (I used half a teaspoon in this batch – better to go under than over, and see how you get on)

Method

Place the Almonds and Brazil nuts in your blender (I used my Magimix blender) and pulse for a few minutes (Less than 2) until they are broken into small (or desirable crumbs/chunks).

Add the dates and pulse some more

Add the Cacao and Hemp protein power and pulse some more

Add a few drops of peppermint oil (optional – but it gives it that “After eight” taste”) test the consistency of the mixture by grabbing a small handful and squeezing to see if it will stick, then add a smidge of coconut oil – Pulse some more

Line a small tin with baking paper or cling film (paper is much better, I avoid plastic as much as possible but in this instance I only had cling film)

Press the mixture in firmly into the tin, then decorate (optional) this time I used goji berries and pumpkin seeds, press them in firmly.

 

Cover with baking paper (of cling film) and bung in the fridge to set. I left this batch overnight.

Cut into squares or bars however you desire, and then individually wrap. And you are all set to go!

Much cheaper and better value than buying the pre-made versions from the supermarket and much more satisfying when made by your own sweet fair hands.

Play around with different ingredients and superfoods as your heart desires.

Here are a few benefits of;

Almonds – Highly nutritious, a great source of protein, packed full of Vitamin E which is a powerful anti-oxidant and Magnesium and Copper which are essential minerals for optimum health and repair, it is also an excellent source of fibre

Brazil Nuts – Vitamin dense and full of antioxidants, high in protein and high in mono-saturated fat. They contain the highest natural food source of Selenium, an important mineral necessary for cognitive function and fertility. They are an amazing source of B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, which are all necessary for converting fuel into energy and preventative cell care.  A great source of vegan protein and amazing for a glowing skin complexion.

****Just mindful of the high calorie content!***

Dates – Dense in several vitamins and minerals, and a high sugar content which means very high in energy. Dates have a super food status as they contain several essential minerals which contribute to bone health such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.  Renowned for their high fibre content they are great for digestive health by stimulating the growth of friendly gut bacteria in the intestines, and not to mention delicious too.

Hemp protein Powder – Derived from the grinding down of Hemp seeds, Hemp contains all 20 amino acids, of which 9 our bodies can’t produce on its own, which makes it a complete protein. These essential amino acids are responsible for helping the brain function, regulating the metabolism and enabling normal body maintenance of cells, muscle, tissues, and organs. Hemp seeds are one of the few Omega-3 sources found in plants which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and contribute to lowering blood pressure.  Not only is it high in fibre and easy to digest, it is also environmentally friendly, as one of the world’s most versatile plants it does not require pesticide’s and grows relatively cheaply and easily, so much so it can be used to manufacture almost anything from food to clothes to bio fuel. The only downside to using hemp is that it contains no THC so unfortunately you have no chance of getting high ;)

Cacao – Is packed full of anti-oxidants, Cacao contains the mood improver and known to boost serotonin. It’s full off flavanols which are known for providing anti-inflammatory protection, contains 700 compounds of polyphenols amazing heart and cardiovascular protection, as well containing an abundance of anti-aging anti-oxidants.

Goji Berries - packed full anti-oxidants, immune boosting, anti-cancer vitamin and mineral packed, they contain vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin A, iron, selenium and other antioxidants (notably polysaccharides) I love them.

Pumpkin Seeds – Rich Omega 3 fats, magnesium, zinc and packed full of natural Phytoestrogens. Pumpkin seeds are amazing for immunity, cell growth and regeneration and regulating mood. It’s the building block for melatonin which is the sleep hormone, so if you suffer from insomnia or have trouble dropping off at night its worth adding a few more of these to your diet.

Coconut oil-Although we only used a smidge (if anything at all) Coconut oil has a ridiculous amount of health benefits, High in (Good) saturated fat, it’s a unique medium chain fatty acids, the Lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria and viruses and the oil can lower blood cholesterol to name just a few. I live the stuff and pretty much use it in place of all other oils nowadays.