Blog
You’re rushing to get from your workout to the office in the morning. You’re late for an afternoon meeting that you know you won’t be able to sit through without something to eat. You have ten minutes between this, that, and picking the kids up from school… but you feel yourself running low on fuel - and we’re not talking about your car. Sound familiar?
In our busy lives, hunger can strike at times when we simply don’t have time to cook or even buy anything. Most of the time, all you may need is a quick boost in energy. It’s times like these when protein bars come in very handy; however, with all the junk being sold on the market today, it’s tough to know what the right choice is. Our very own REV spin and barre instructors share their favorite, healthy protein bars for these moments of quick, pick-me-up fuel!
Be sure to scroll all the way down for recipes from Gabby and Charlotte so you can make your own and save some green!
Hannah: Quest Bars
“They fill me up without making me feel like I just ate a brick. I love the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and the S'mores flavors! I always have one on me for my longer training days or race days. Great before, during or after a workout!”
Maddison: Pro Bar
“I am obsessed with the frosted coconut! The taste is incredible, and they are gluten free, have 20g of protein, and have chia seeds and flax seeds in them. The best bar I’ve ever had hands down!”
Noelle: LARABAR
“If you're like me and do Whole30 multiple times a year, you need a great bar that's natural and doesn't contain additives or mystery ingredients. LARABARs taste great and are easy to stash in your bag or at your office when hunger hits! Although there are a ton of Whole 30-approved flavors (see the list below), my top three are: Apple Pie, Cashew Cookie and Coconut Cream Pie.”
Darryll: LARABAR - Chocolate chip cookie dough
Nicole: RXBAR
“Natural and clean nutrition - 3 to 4 ingredients total without added sweeteners and extra BS! They fill me up without making me feel like I can’t workout and taste great. Perfect option for in between a spin/barre double!”
Jami: RXBAR
“My favorite because they are not processed. Their label makes me laugh because it says No BS which means no BS ingredients in it. It contains egg whites which is great protein, almonds and cashews for healthy fats and dates which give a great boost of energy from a dried fruit. Chocolate Sea Salt is my favorite flavor.
Kelsey: Perfect Bar
“I love the peanut butter, chocolate chip peanut butter & blueberry cashew variations. They're delicious, filling & use fresh healthy ingredients to keep you going throughout the day.”
(Pro Tip: You can pick these up right at REV. They are the perfect pre or post workout treat!)
Jackie: Perfect Bar
“…Especially the pumpkin pie because I love anything pumpkin spice!”
Chelsea: GoMacro
“The macro bar in protein purity is my absolute favorite! It's a great brand for those who don't care for date-based bars. All of their stuff is delicious and it comes in varying sizes.”
“Working as a physical therapist I have to eat a lot on the go and I’m constantly moving and standing. I often have to sneak in quick snacks between patients throughout the day. If I’m going for a true ‘protein’ bar I’d say bulletproof bars! Believe it or not it’s really hard to find bars that are truly a ‘protein bar’ rather than majority a carbohydrate bar with some extra added protein.”
Or, when she has time, Gabby makes her own protein bites!
Homemade Chocolate protein energy bites
Ingredients
Dry:
- 3/4 cup almond meal
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Wet:
- 3/4 cup all natural creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl then gradually add the wet ingredients stirring with spatula. Scoop and roll into 1 inch balls and enjoy! I do store them in the fridge for up to a week!
Charlotte: Homemade, No Bake "Char Bars”
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup cashews
1 cup egg whites
18-20 medjool pited dates
2-4 tbs water
“Optional flavors I have done when mixing: cinnamon, cacao powder, chocolate chips, pb2 powder for peanut butter.”
No excuses, grab your fave protein bar and get to class!
