November 22, 2017

High-Protein Granola Bar Recipe with InVite® Whey Protein Powder

Granola bars are the perfect go-to breakfast options when you need something fast and hearty. But many granola options in your local supermarkets are full of processed, sugary ingredients. Loaded with hearty oats, pumpkin seeds and blueberries (to name a few), these naturally sweet granola bars are packed with antioxidants and protein. But not just any protein! InVite®’s Vanilla Whey Protein Powder is a non-GMO isolate protein powder. Here’s the recipe –

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, flax, and salt. Set aside the mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, almond milk, and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the seeds and organic blueberries.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and use your hands to spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the center has set and the edges begin to turn golden brown. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 20 minutes before cutting them into individual bars. Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Source: http://www.runningwithspoons.com

InVite®’s Vanilla Whey Protein Powder

According to Nicole Crane, B.S., NTP, former Director of Nutrition for InVite® Health, whey protein is a dairy protein and it ranks very high in terms of quality and digestability. Whey is considered a “perfect” protein, which means it contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make and must get from dietary sources. Whey protein is rich in two amino acids, glutamine and leucine, that make it particularly helpful for rebuilding muscle. Glutamine makes up about 60% of the amino acids in our muscle and serves as an essential source of fuel for muscle cells, giving them energy, power and strength. The essential amino acid, leucine, is a branch chain amino acid with powerful muscle stimulating properties. This makes leucine and whey protein a powerful ally in the fight against muscle loss.

The benefits of whey are numerous, beyond muscle protection, repair and rebuilding. Whey has been shown to support weight loss, especially of fat tissue, mainly through muscle building and balancing of blood glucose (sugar) levels. Further, whey was shown to be more satiating than soy protein or casein, helping subjects feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced food cravings. Whey also supported a greater loss of body weight and lead to a reduction in overall daily caloric intake.viii Whey protein may be a dieter’s best friend and an ideal replacement for sugary beverages or even breakfast.