Lately, I’ve taken a step back from the madness that is school and work and started to incorporate things back into my life that I’ve began to neglect a little.

Health and fitness aren’t just things that are important to me, they’re part of my identity and part of what makes me ME. Last term, as books began to pile, my workouts began to dwindle a little. And right when I (finally) felt balanced with my diet and lifestyle after years of haywire, things started to get a little random. A little too random.

Luckily, I didn’t let it slide too bad and began to up the workouts (even just a quick 20-30min at-home bodyweight circuit 3x/week’ll do) again. As a creature of habit and routine, I know myself well enough to know that I’m my happiest and produce my best work when I’ve got some structure in my life. So I took it by the reins. I realized that if I’d continue to spread myself thin without taking care of myself, my mental health and sanity would be the first to suffer. That ain’t me.

So I make snacks. Healthy ones. I stock my purse full of them so I’m ready to roll for whatever life decides to battle.

Enter protein bars.

As super-convenient as bananas are, snooze. These are super delicious and make for something at least semi-exciting, and they’re ultra-filling and chalk full of nutrition. Such a win. Personally, and everyone’s different, I feel best when I follow a low grain/wheat/paleo-esque lifestyle, so these bad boys are made of almond flour.

Let me know what you think; they may just help save your day, sanity, and your waistline.

And until at least graduation,

Never apologize for believing in yourself enough to sacrifice parts of who you are now for what you can become in the future.” – @robhillsr

Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Homemade Protein Bars

5 Tbsps natural Almond Butter or Natural PB

1.5 cups almond flour (can buy at any health food store or in the organic section at grocery stores)

6 Scoops Whey Protein Powder (any flavour, but vanilla works great)

1 tsp vanilla or coconut extract

2 Tbsp Flax Seeds (ground)

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

2 Cups nonfat dry milk

1/4 chopped nuts of choice (optional)

dash of cinnamon

2 Tbsp Agaave Nectar (or honey)

½ cup water (can add adjust amount if necessary)

-can also add raisins, carob nibs, dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, etc.

Mix dry ingredients. Add PB or Almond butter & Mix (will be crumbly). Add water and vanilla or coconut extract (use spatula or spoon sprayed with non-stick spray). Mix completely (will be sticky). Put in greased 8X8 pan and cool/freeze until hard. Cut into 9 squares.

Cals per square: 197

Protein: 21

Fat: 7

Carbs: 13.7 (Fibre: 1.6)