Protein Bar review: OhYeah Victory Bar

As you probably have guessed by now, I love a good protein bar in my life. Yes, I would rather be eating my own, knowing that every ingredient is Lindsey approved, but sometimes that just can't happen. 

And because of this, I still love to spend an laughable amount of time perusing the protein bars in grocery stores. Because I know you're wondering, my process is this:

- I start at one end of the aisle, and pick up the first protein bar that I would possibly consider purchasing.

- I read the ingredients and then pick up another protein bar to compare.

- I compare things like protein amounts (I prefer higher), calories (between 150-250), sugar (between 3-10 grams, depending on calories), fat (I prefer lower 3-7 grams), and then the specifics on things like protein sources, sugar sources, and overall ingredients.

- As I find the winner, I will put back the loser and then pick up another and start the process all over again. 

Sounds SO fun right?! Maybe you'll try it one day. But really, I can't attempt making protein bars without trying other ones - so I like to chalk it up to research and development.

Anyways, the other day I found the Victory bar by OhYeah! Nutrition at my local Vitamin Shoppe. I hated spending $2.60 on one protein bar, but I "needed" something before work and I was intrigued by the nutrition facts.

First, 200 calories. In my opinion this is the perfect size for a protein bar. That way I can enjoy it alone or pair it with some raw vegetables and call it a meal. 

Second, 21 grams of protein. That's quite a lot for a 200 calorie protein bar - so it caught my eye.

Third, 20 grams of dietary fiber. This was the biggest stand out, most protein bars aren't worried about fiber, and they usually don't have more that 4 or 5 grams. 

Fourth, 8 grams of sugar. Now, that's nearing the higher end of my standards, but I was willing to let it slide for all of the other things it had going on. I'm not sure why the fitness industry insists on thinking that all of these people who trying to be fit and watch what that eat need sugar in the protein bars. In my opinion, quit putting sugar in the bars and you will be in high demand. Do so see what these body builders, fitness competitors, and other health enthusiasts do to themselves as far as eating and discipline? I think we'd all be ok if it didn't taste like a piece of candy.

Fifth, the size! Most 200 calorie bars are smallish, and they don't feel like you're really eating anything portion wise. This one has at least a few inches on most other protein bars in the 200 calorie range - size does matter for protein bars, at least for me anyways. 

I was too quick to eat it and didn't snap a pic - I borrowed this from Moms RUN this town. If you don't like my review, you can hop over there and see what they think too!

Now, the texture was interesting - something I wasn't expecting. The bar is bendy, like a thick playdoh, and it doesn't have a crunch or crumbly aspect to it at all. I actually don't mind that - if I want crunch I can eat some celery. Post eating, I felt full and satisfied, and I stayed that way for about 3 hours (not that I would wait more than 3 hours to eat again, that's just silly).

I won't pay over $2.50 for the bar again though, so off I scurried to Amazon for better deals. And there it was! A box of 12 chocolate chip cookie dough Victory bars for only $18.28 -- that's only $1.53 per bar! Not too shabby, plus I have Amazon Prime so it was free 2-day shipping. Winning.

They have 4 flavors: almond vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, fudge brownie, and peanut butter chip. I have tried chocolate chip cookie dough and peanut butter chip so far... and so far so good!

Homemade Gummies

Sour patch kids, gummy bears, swedish fish, sour gummy worms. Sometimes I just need a little gummy love in my life. A few years ago I tried making homemade gummies, but that was before I liked to take pictures of my food and then share it with the internet world. And this is one that definitely needs to be shared!

It only takes about 5 minutes to prep and as little as 3 ingredients to whip up - then about within 20 minutes you have your very own gummies!

Homemade Gummies
If made according to my recipe, these treats are gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo. Feel free to use a vegetarian friendly gelatin - and then let me know how it goes!

Gather these things:
    Dry
- 5 T of of Knox gelatin, or 6 packets
   Wet
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup of fruit - I used a frozen berry blend from Trader Joe's, but any raw or frozen fruit will do.

Directions:
- Combine fruit and lemon juice in a saucepan, turn heat to medium-high and simmer until fruit is soft and can be easily blended.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Or don't today I was eager and skipped this step, but I know my Vitamix can handle it.
- Dump mixture in blender, turn on low.
- Add gelatin 1 Tbsp or 1 packet at a time. Allow it to blend until smooth before adding next one.
- Once all gelatin is added, blend until smooth.
- Immediately pour mixture into a pan to cool, you can speed up the process by sticking it in the fridge or freezer (if you haven't let the mixture cool and you stick it in the freezer, you could have condensation build up on top...it won't hurt it, it will just freeze your gummies and then you will have to let them thaw before cutting - all prolonging the process of eating them. Not a best practice in my book).
- Cut into shapes of your choice - I almost did hearts in the spirit of Valentine's Day, but didn't have the patience :).
- Eat!!



As I was making, I got to thinking - there are so many things you can add to this recipe to take it to a whole new level! I included a few things I would consider adding in my pictures, and here are some more:

1. Add a caffeine AND flavor kick with some Mio Energy, and with no added calories....which led me to number 2...
2. Add your favorite pre-workout powder to the mix and then you don't have to carry a big shaker bottle without - just bag of gummies that are easy to eat on the go/in the car
3. Add a flavor punch with some herbs - I added basil to one of my recipes today, but couldn't really taste it - I think I needed more than 4 leaves.
4. Crystal Light packets anyone? Aren't there alcoholic beverage flavored ones now? It could be like you're drinking a mojito at work! I wonder if I could add alcohol to these. Oh man back to the kitchen for me.

Anyone else have any suggestions? I love gummies enough that I would probably try them all :).

Combine your lemon juice and fruit of choice in a small saucepan.

Then blend away! Can you tell I didn't wait for it to cool? Still steaming!

Prep your gelatin for easy and continuous pouring - I dumped the 6 packets into a bowl that I could easily hold.

Then slowly pour.

Once you have poured - give it a little time to blend together. I'm not sure what a mouthful of Knox gelatin would taste like, but I would hate for you to find out the hard way.

Have that pan ready and waiting, the gelatin will start to congeal fairly quick.

Throw it in the fridge or freezer and then take it out when it feels stiff to the touch. I would say it probably feels like a fake boob, but I'm not sure what those feel like.

I sliced mine into 13 rows and 13 columns, but feel free to get creative with shapes and sizes!

Yum! Gummies make me happy - it feels like I'm indulging, but it's actually a pretty balanced snack when you look at the numbers - 45 calories, 8g protein, 7g carbs, 4g sugar for about 30 pieces.

Candy for those who don't want to cut out the candy :). Enjoy!

Homemade Gummies

Servings: about 6 - this is for 30 pieces per serving (about 170 pieces, mine were cut 13 x 13 )

Ingredients	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Knox Original - Gelatin, Unflavored, 6 Envelope	120	0	0	48	0	0
Trader Joe's - Very Cherry Berry Blend Frozen Fruit, 1 cup	90	22	0	1	5	16
Lemon juice - Raw, 1 cup	61	21	0	1	2	6

Total:	271	43	0	50	7	22
Per Serving:	45	7	0	8	1	4

Simple Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Bread

This is my favorite bread to wake up to I think. It's dense and moist (I hate that word but it's just the perfect descriptor) and it has a little crunch from my super coarse almond meal. Not to mention I'm a chronic spice-overloader. I'll follow a recipe and then immediately add 1 or 2 more tablespoons of spices. When I do this I like to say "bam!" and then I feel like Emeril Lagasse. Then I smile to myself and all is good in my kitchen. It's the little things.

It has the slightest hint of almond since the only flour is the almond meal. If you want to enhance it you could try adding some pure almond extract. I didn't this time but next time I will. Looks like I need to take a trip out to Amish country to get a good almond extract! Adventure time? I think so! I'll bring my camera this time, don't worry. Although now that I think about it that might be against their religion. I'll figure it out.

See! Why stop at 1 Tablespoon of cinnamon when you can dump 2-3 in?! Bam.

This bread if made how I did, is gluten-free, paleo, and dairy free. It could be vegan if you replaced the eggs, but I can't promise good results :).

Gather These Things:

  Dry

- 2 cups almond meal (I made my own with raw almonds - and I ground them really coarse to give the bread some texture. Any grind will do)

- 1/4 cup of whole flaxseed

- 1-3 T of cinnamon, depending on your love for cinnamon. I LOVE it, so I did about 3.

- 3/4 t of baking soda

- 1/2 t salt

- 1/2 t nutmeg

- 1/4 t cloves

   Wet

- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

- 1/4 cup pure organic maple syrup

- 2 eggs

I added the extra cinnamon mid-mixing when I realized I wanted more.

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a bread pan (or whatever you choose to make these, muffins would be amazing!) with an oil of your choice - I used coconut oil.

- Mix all dry ingredients together, add wet ingredients and mix well.

- Pour batter into pan. Bake for about 40-45 minutes. Start looking at around 35 minutes, I went for a slightly crunchy top and a clean knife. 

- Eat!!

 My favorite place to get spices is Gallucci's in Cleveland, Ohio. They have the best selection and embody what authentic italian is all about. 

Add all those dry ingredients together...

If flaxseed was money, I'd be rich. Look how much I have! I actually have another full container that looks just like that in the freezer too. I tried to put a happy note on it to encourage eating...I don't think Mike loves flaxseed like I do though. Who woulda thought?

Then grab the wet ingredients...

Mix those guys up then choose your baking dish! I chose this bread pan, I was feeling a little loaf-ish that day I suppose :).

And here is the final product! Just started cracking and browning on the top and I knew it was good to go. If you're hankering for a bread with some staying power with your morning coffee, this one's a winner!

Recipe name

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Bread

Serves 15 people

Ingredients	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Bob's Red Mill - Almond Meal/Flour- Net Carb (3), 224 g (1/4 cup)	1,280	48	112	48	0	8
Maple Grove Farms - 100% Pure Organic Maple Syrup, 1/4 c	210	53	0	0	5	47
Kroger - Grade A Large Egg (Hard Boiled), 2 egg	140	0	10	12	140	0
Libby's (W/ Potassium Info) - Pumpkin Puree, 1/2 cup (122g)	40	9	1	2	5	4
Bob's Red Mill - Natural Raw Whole Flaxseed, 4 Tbsp	180	14	16	8	10	0
Total:	1,850	124	139	70	160	59
Per Serving:	123	8	9	5	11	4

I was able to get 15 good sized chunks out of this bread. It holds up great over a week, so I made it as part of my breakfast for the week. Add an egg omelette and I am good until lunch!