Beyond the Bite: Paleo Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars

As a prior athlete, I understand the importance of being able to preform your best in sports, or tackle any workout regime placed in front of you. Training hard, eating right, and getting enough rest are all key elements to properly achieving strong muscles and a healthy body. Whether into exercise or not, most people realize that consuming adequate amounts of protein is vital to one's health. For this reason, large companies are sure to promote the "latest and greatest" protein powder, shake, or bar, hoping to reap the most profits. The question then becomes, are these products really necessary? Is eating these condensed sources of protein really going to make you like look the next Arnold Swartzenager or, are they simply marketing strategies that stem from the greedy corruption of America's food industry?

Protein, the key behind building muscle, losing unnecessary fat, keeping a stable blood sugar, and fighting against chronic disease, is one of the most commonly used words printed on snack bars today. Because this term is automatically connected with health and wellness, most people tend to overlook the labeled ingredients of these bars, and trust they are doing their bodies a favor. However, in reality, these tasty concotions are merely candy bars in disguise. Take “Cliff Bar” for example, a protein bar sold at most organic grocery stores like Whole Foods, are marketed as helping you “make the most of your day.” Yet, on average, these bars contain just as much sugar as a Snickers bar or a 2 pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Not only are these bars ladened with high amounts of sugar, but the sources of which their 30 grams of protein is derived from are anything but ideal. Protein isolates, otherwise known as processed waste from antibiotic and hormone treated animals, GMO soy products such as hydrolyzed vegetable and plant protein, are all ladened with neurotoxins and chemicals (MSG, aluminum, etc...), all of which come with serious health risks. Soy protein isolate in particular is actually made through a process of acid washing in big aluminum tanks, thus leaving excess amounts in the finished products. Consuming this toxin has been linked back to hormone imbalance, weight gain, birth defects, cancer, and many other leading chronic illnesses.

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So what about protein powders? Unlike bars, they usually have relatively fewer ingredients, making them appear to be a smarter choice. However, much like protein bars, powders are also ignored by FDA regulation. Because they fall under the “supplements” category, heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, are all allowed into these products, regardless of if they exceed the maximum safety limit. One of the many ways these toxins get into products in the first place, is through the extremely high heat that is required for solid foods to transform into a powder, thus causing the carcinogenic load to rise. MSG, the food additive that makes Doritos highly addicting (and poisoning), has been proven to be the culprit behind severe migraines, allergic reactions, fatigue, and even brain damage, and is added to protein powders to give them their "milkshake" like taste factor. Maltodextrin, though a seemingly harmless filler, is an artificial sweetener derived from GMO corn, used to create a chemically treated "fiber," added to make you feel as if you are satisfied and full.

In the end, I have only mentioned a few of the reasons why protein supplements are essentially dogma by the food industry. Unless noted otherwise, both protein powder and bars are merely another processed food hidden with harmful toxins and excess sugar. Obviously, these ingredients are anything but useful for someone to look and feel their best, and should never take the place of a real, balanced meal. For those of you who still would like to enjoy a late afternoon or post-workout snack, try choosing organic jerky, fruit, nut butter, or my homemade snack bar recipe featured below. Filled with just the right amount of natural sweetness, fat, and protein, these bars will truly crush cravings and keep you satisfied until your next meal. Just a few wholesome ingredients, one food processor, and some plastic wrap is all you need for a ready and accessible snack. I have been making these for my father for sometime now, and he says they are just the thing to help him make it through the long work days. If you would like to make other variations on this yummy bar, check out my post here.

Pumpkin Spice Snack Bars

Print Recipe
Ingredients

Process

In a food processor fitted with the "S" blade, pulse nuts until finely chopped.
Pour nuts into a medium sized bowl and set aside.
In the food processor again, process dried fruit, salt, and spices until chopped and broken down.
Add nuts back into the processor, and let machine run until they become fully incorporated.
With processor running, add optional nut butter and continue blending until smooth.
Once a sticky dough as formed, use hands to form the mixture into rectangle or square shape bars. *I weigh mine on a scale so that they are all equal amounts.
Place on a piece of plastic wrap and wrap up like a package.
Store in fridge or freezer for maximum shelf life.

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