protein bars

these vegan friendly, grain free, low carb protein bars, are great for when you've been pushing your body hard with exercise and need that extra boost to make it through the day. although yes they are full of goodness they still need to be considered a treat. enjoy one after exercise and avoid skipping meals and binging on the whole batch you've just baked.

ingredients 

topping

1. 1 cup coconut oil
2. 1 cup cocoa powder
3. 3 Tbsp xylitol
4. 2 tsp vanilla extract
5. 1 Tbsp agave nectar

base

1. 1 cup macadamia nuts
2. 3/4 cup almond nuts
3. 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
4. 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
5. 1/2 cup flax seeds
6. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
7. 1/2 cup almond butter
8. 1/4 tsp salt
9. 1/2 cup coconut oil
10. 2 tsp vanilla extract
11. 2 Tbsp xylitol

directions

base

1. in a food processor blend together: macadamia nuts, almond nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds,  shredded coconut, almond butter and salt
2. melt the coconut oil
3. stir in melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and xylitol
4. line a baking tray with greaseproof paper 
5. fill the baking tray with the nutty mixture of goodness, and pat down
6. place in the fridge for 1 hour

topping

1. melt coconut oil on low heat
2. once you've removed from heat stir in cocoa powder, xylitol, vanilla extract and agave nectar
3. collect set nutty mixture of goodness from the fridge
4. pour healthy chocolate mixture over the set nutty mixture of goodness
5. place back in the fridge for the new topping to set for 1 hour
6. remove from baking tray, place on chopping board and cut into slices
7. store in the fridge ready to enjoy as a well earned treat after your tough workout, resisting the temptation to eat more than one a day.