Snack: No-Bake Quinoa Protein Bars

Recipe by MamaMary These are protein and whole grain packed, with just enough sweetness. They are perfect for a quick snack that will help you power through the next part of your day! Bars can be stored in the freezer for a quick grab-n-go breakfast! See

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Honey, Apples, Flax Seed, Chia Seeds

Health and fertility benefits of No-Bake Quinoa Protein Bars

Sunflower seeds are an excellent food for PCOS as they are packed with vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Just one cup of sunflower seeds provides 30% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin B6. Sunflower seeds are also loaded with two other important of PCOS busting minerals: zinc and magnesium. Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production. One tbsp of honey has a glycemic index (GI) of 55. Apples will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full) Flaxseed can be used to combat PCOS as it helps decrease androgen levels. It contains lignans that increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that binds testosterone in the blood, thereby preventing it from wreaking havoc in the body. Being high in fiber, flaxseed helps slow down glucose metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fatty acids in this flaxseed also reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Chia seeds are made up of 60% Omega-3 fatty acids and are the highest source of protein out of any type of seed.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, or as needed
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 cups ground oats, or as needed, divided
1/2 cup ground flax seed
3 tablespoons protein powder
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Blend quinoa, dates, honey, applesauce, coconut, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, and vanilla together in a food processor until smooth. Add enough of the oats to fill the processor bowl and and blend until combined.
Stir the quinoa mixture with the remaining oats, flax seed, protein powder, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and salt in a large bowl until mixture is able to hold it's shape without sticking to you hands. Press mixture firmly into prepared baking pan and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

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