Part of having a successful workout session is having enough energy to start with. Often, we try to hit the gym on an empty stomach right after work so we can go home to a big dinner. But robs our body of the energy it needs to pump out those heavy weighted reps. You might feel dizzy during your workout, lightheaded, or distracted.
It's important to fuel your body with the protein and energy it needs to complete the job we are demanding it perform during heavy workouts.
Heavy high-protein snacks are a great source of energy and will also help your body decrease in recovery time once you've completed your workout. Energy bars and snacks are also a great alternative to snacking at random on more unhealthy options. You want to give your body valuable energy, not energy that comes from sugar and saturated fats.
Of course, you can also buy expensive protein bars and goodies to have in your desk drawer or gym bag, but an alternative would be making them yourself at home! This way you know every healthy ingredient that goes into your energy bar.
Check out this like of our favorite 10 high-protein stacks to fuel your next workout!
Traditional Homemade Bars
If you're more for the traditional protein bar, this recipe would work for you. Easy to make, these bars are great to make on the weekend and have ready for a pre-workout snack during the week. A food processor makes this recipe the perfect consistency while coating it with chocolate on will make your mouth water every time.
Get the recipe here: WannaBite.com
Sticky Cinamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
If you are a breakfast lover but never have the time to actually stop and make it, then this protein-packed breakfast bar needs to be your go-to meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and energy for your tough day ahead.
Get the recipe here: TheBigMansWorld.com
No-Bake Chocolate Chia Seed Bars
Don't let the idea of putting seeds into your energy bar deter you from trying out this protein-bar recipe. These bars require little effort to make but are rich in anti-oxidants, fiber, healthy essential fats, and are great for grabbing for a hike or pre-workout. With all the added benefits of chia seeds wrapped into these energy bars, you won't regret the 15 minutes it takes to make these!
Get the recipe here: RunningOnRealFood.com
No Bake Oatmeal Balls
This recipe is probably the easiest protein stack you can make and one of the most diverse. You can change the kind of chocolate, peanut butter, or sweetener based on your desired calorie intake for your needs. You can add or take out ingredients based on if the mix is too dry or too wet. Make it up as you go! But either way, these will give you that protein boost you need.
Get the recipe here: GimmeSomeOven.com
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a great recipe packed with the essentials for giving your body fuel to workout or curb hunger in between meals. Loaded with nutritional foods like chia seeds, flax, almonds, and peanut butter, they are rich in protein to help you build healthy strong muscles. These energy balls can be easily made in large batches and stored in a freezer to preserve freshness.
Get the recipe here: TheCreativeBite.com
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Energy Bars
Cookie dough is pretty much as far as you need to read before you agree to make this recipe. One can never turn down cookie dough and here you don't even have to worry about salmonella. These are super sweet, soft and delicious but with a healthy twist so you don't have to feel guilty for eating them. In fact, these bars will help your body, not hinder it.
Get the recipe here: DessertsWithBenifits.com
Chocolate Fudge Protein Energy Bars
If you are a Cliff-Bar fan then you are going to want to try out this recipe for yourself. These are great for meal preppers and easy to make in bulk and save for later. With a brownie fudge flavor and a baked texture, they will quickly become a household favorite.
Get the recipe here: DessertsWithBenefits.com
Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
Pumpkin pie is an ingredient that doesn't just go into coffee. It might not feel like fall anymore, but when it comes to pumpkin pie energy balls, you won't care how hot it is outside. These energy protein bites are vegan, gluten-free, and required absolutely no baking. With the unique flavor of combining Medjool dates, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these protein balls will make you wish it was winter again.
Get the recipe here: paleogrubs.com
No Bake Fig Newton Bites
These energy bites turn a childhood favorite into a healthy alternative. Each bite is full of heart-healthy omega 3 fats from the walnuts and flaxseed plus a good dose of protein to keep blood sugars stabilized. Figs are also an excellent source of fiber, potassium and B vitamins. But if you aren't a nut fan you can change out ingredients for ones you do like.
Get the recipe: TheLemonBowl.com
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
We couldn't create like of energy bars without providing our favorite combinations: peanut butter and chocolate. With natural sweeteners, peanut butter for protein, and cocoa for the rich chocolate flavor, you will want to always have these protein balls preppers for your long work weeks. They are fast to make and you can even get the kids involved in make the little round balls.
Get the recipe: GimmeSomeOver.com
