Easy Protein Bars

We have been eating a mostly vegetarian diet for some time now.  Pookie has never really eaten meat without it being well hidden in foods.  One of the areas that I have to be watchful of is that we get enough proteins in our diet.  We eat a variety of foods that contain protein, one of our favorite being quinoa.  We use that as much (if not more) than we used to use rice.  Problem is, sometimes Pookie just gets in a mood where getting him to eat enough is a challenge. Sensory issues abound on those days.  Foods that he normally will eat well, just don't appeal to him.  I have found a great way to get proteins into him though.  I cannot remember where I found the recipe online, but it has been a blessing to have.  I keep the ingredients around and make it often.

Quick & Easy Protein Bars

1/2 cup of honey
2/3 cup of peanut butter (or any other nut butter that you enjoy)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup of whey protein powder (the chocolate flavor tastes great in these!)
2 1/2 cups of rice crispies cereal*

I warm up the honey and peanut butter just enough to make them more pourable.  Stir in the vanilla and protein powder.  Pour over the cereal in a bowl.  Mix together to coat the cereal well.

Spray a 9x9 inch pan with vegetable spray.  Spoon the cereal mixture into the pan and press evenly into the pan.  Let set until cooled completely.  Cut into bars about 1x3 inch in size.  The bar size may seem small, but these are very filling!

* I have used various cereals in place of the rice crispies type.  The kids love them made with Kix or Cheerios cereals.  You could try the recipe with granola (my favorite way to make them) or any cereal that is not overly sugared.

Even on days when Pookie is the most picky about what he wants to eat, these are always a hit with him.  I love that the kids think they are getting a snack, but it is a very healthy one.