Description
Seed cycling natures candy protein bars blend nutritional powerhouse ingredients into delectable hormone-balancing treats. Packed with essential nutrients and delightful flavors, these bars offer wellness enthusiasts a delicious path to hormonal harmony.
Ingredients
Scale
Seeds (Phase 1 – Follicular Phase):
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground flaxseeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground pumpkin seeds
Seeds (Phase 2 – Luteal Phase):
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground sesame seeds
Base Ingredients:
- 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)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Toppings (Optional):
- Melted dark chocolate for drizzling
- Extra shredded coconut or crushed seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the foundational sweet component by softening dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they appear dry. Thoroughly drain and gently pat them to remove excess moisture.
- Activate the food processor and combine softened dates, almond butter, protein powder, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse ingredients until a cohesive, sticky mixture emerges with uniform consistency.
- Select seed combination based on hormonal cycling phase: incorporate flaxseed and pumpkin seeds for initial phase, or transition to sunflower and sesame seeds for subsequent phase. Briefly pulse to integrate seeds throughout the mixture.
- Strategically line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage. Methodically transfer the prepared mixture into the pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
- Transfer the prepared pan to the refrigerator, allowing the bars to solidify and set for approximately one hour. Once chilled and firm, carefully slice into desired bar or square shapes using a sharp knife.
- Enhance flavor profile by optionally drizzling melted dark chocolate across the surface or sprinkling additional seeds and shredded coconut as a decorative and textural garnish.
- Preserve the protein bars by storing them in a sealed container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, maintaining quality for up to one week. Alternatively, freeze for extended preservation up to three months.
Notes
- Soften dates beforehand by soaking in warm water to ensure a smooth, pliable texture that blends easily into the mixture.
- Customize seed combinations based on your menstrual cycle phase for targeted hormone support and nutritional benefits.
- Use a high-powered food processor to create a consistent, sticky dough that holds together perfectly when forming bars.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like chia seeds, hemp hearts, or adaptogenic powders to boost nutrition and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg