Who loves Cookies? Who loves Pasta? Who LOVES Brownies? I remember during my pregnancy I downed a tray of brownies a week! That Candida was strong in me! Yes, although those options were not the greatest for my health, it was also the beginning stages of my crunchy journey. Speaking of, who even came up with the term “Crunchy” for Mom’s? Is that supposed to signify some weird stigma that we don’t bathe because we are so natural minded that we are crunchy? Gross right? Have you heard the term Granola? Where do these names even come from! I really do prefer the term “Natural” Mommy. We take elements given to us on the earth, not by factory and try to live by them. Which was my “AHA” moment when I did find the Natural Mommy Gear Group on Facebook. Some if not most of us are not perfect, we do still occasionally enjoy some garbage, only because it is unfortunately a part of our world.
Thanks to all the Natural Moms who have paved the way to a natural lifestyle, I can do a quick search and find a natural alternative to some of our favorites! This week we have Sunwarrior. The company was founded in 2008, when two people decided to take the protein powder world by storm! Two people who believed plants provide us with everything we could possibly need. Not only are their protein powders full of organic ingredients, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, their packaging is recycled materials and is recyclable.
I will be the first to admit I am not fond of drinking protein shakes. However, you can use protein powder for many different things. Pancakes, pudding, yogurt, are a few of many uses for protein powder, even in your coffee. My favorite way is through the heart of my soul, dessert! One of our very own in the NMG Family shared a recipe that she has personally loved and tried. Hallelujah! It’s Brownies! For todays Tip Tuesday: Below is a healthy alternative to brownies that you can throw your Sunwarrior Powder into! Tried, Tested and Kid approved.
Protein Brownie Bars
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)
3 tbsp dutch or regular cocoa powder
7 tbsp chocolate protein powder
pinch of salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave or honey
2 tbsp coconut sugar (or pinch of stevia)
3 1/2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional; omit at your own risk.)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a high-quality food processor, and blend until absolutely and completely smooth. (A blender works if you absolutely must, but the texture and taste will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 8×8 square pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook the homemade chocolate protein bars 16 minutes. They will still look underdone when you take them from the oven, but this is okay. Let cool, then pat down with a pancake spatula. Refrigerate overnight. The bars will have firmed up and are now ready to cut and eat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Makes about 10 bars Recipe credit: SuperSisterFitness
"This is an amazing late night snack to satisfy your chocolate craving! I use Sunwarrior chocolate protein powder for the protein kick and use vegan chocolate chips and maple syrup to make them dairy free! I cut these smaller than the 10 suggested and freeze about 2/3 of them- when the chocolate bug is calling me at night- I know I can reach for these knowing I'm getting my protein in too! Note: do not try warm, they will taste like black beans, unless you really like black beans, then go for it. "
-Sarah B.
Another member of our NMG Family shared her tip with all of you, as you will see Sunwarrior products are a go to for healthy alternatives to our sweet tooth!
"I got the chocolate protein powder and it is so helpful for that mid afternoon slump when I want a cookie! I mix in some collagen (to mask the taste of the collagen) and add it to oat milk and 5 minutes later, I don’t have a craving and I made a healthy choice!"
-Dona N.
Head over to Natural Mommy Gear Group today for a special price on all of their products!