Description
Seed cycling protein bars blend nature’s wellness with delicious nutrition. Packed with hormonal support ingredients, these bars offer a simple approach to balanced hormonal health while satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) Medjool dates (pitted and softened if needed)
- ½ cup (120 ml) almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground flaxseeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground sesame seeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Melted dark chocolate for drizzling
- Extra shredded coconut or crushed seeds
Instructions
- Hydration: Immerse dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Blending: Pulse dates, almond butter, protein powder, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a food processor until a uniform, sticky mixture forms.
- Seed Integration: Incorporate designated seeds based on hormonal cycle – flaxseed and pumpkin seeds for first phase, sunflower and sesame seeds for subsequent phase. Pulse briefly to distribute evenly.
- Pan Preparation: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer mixture into pan, pressing firmly to create a compact, even layer.
- Chilling and Cutting: Refrigerate for one hour until firm. Slice into desired bar or square shapes using a sharp knife.
- Finishing Touches: Optional decoration includes drizzling melted dark chocolate and sprinkling additional seeds or shredded coconut for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Storage: Preserve in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for extended preservation up to three months.
Notes
- Soak Dates Strategically: Warm water softens dry dates, enhancing texture and blending ease. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture affecting bar consistency.
- Balance Seed Selection: Choose seeds according to menstrual cycle phase for targeted hormonal support. Rotate between flaxseed/pumpkin and sunflower/sesame seeds for optimal nutritional benefits.
- Press Firmly for Cohesion: Use consistent, firm pressure when transferring mixture to pan to ensure compact, well-integrated bars that hold together without crumbling.
- Storage Matters: Refrigerate immediately after preparation to maintain structural integrity. Sealed containers preserve freshness for up to one week, while freezing extends shelf life to three months without compromising nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg