Paleo Breakfast Collagen Protein Bar

The most popular protein or snack bar brands available often contain soy and wheat in the ingredients among other things you might not be able to pronounce. Not to mention most bars are typically loaded with sugar (carbohydrates) and lacking in protein and healthy fat.  This paleo breakfast bar recipe has simple ingredients and ample fat and protein and carbohydrates only coming from natural sources. This bar can ideally be prepared ahead of time and portioned out for portability. Although "Breakfast" is in the title this carbohydrate balanced bar makes the perfect mid morning or afternoon snack as well!

GATHER

1/3 cup almond butter

4 scoops Vital Protein Collagen Peptides

1/2 cup cashews, chopped

1/4 cup almond flour

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut shreds

1/3 cup pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp maple syrup (option to use 10 drops stevia if on low carbohydrate diet)

2-4 tbsp filtered water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pinch of sea salt

MAKE

In large glass bowl heat almond butter in microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm enough to stir. Once heated stir in the collagen, filtered water, almond flour, maple syrup (or Stevia extract), vanilla and sea salt into the almond butter until completely incorporated. Stir in coconut shreds, chopped cashews and pumpkin seeds until completely coated with almond mixture. Spoon mixture into 8 inch square dish or 8 inch baking loaf pan and spread until flat and even on pan. Set in refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting into 6-8 servings.