German Chocolate no bake protein bars

I have a major weakness for chocolate so I am always looking for a healthy alternative. Right now my focus is on trying to build some lean muscle mass. This means that I am upping my weights and have increased my calories as well. Protein is the essential building block to building muscle. And for those that wonder if you will BULK up from eating protein and lifting heavy weights the answer is NO! That is such a myth.

I use to be a cardio bunny for years and never saw the changes I wanted by doing hours of cardio. Only when I started lifting heavy did I finally see the changes I wanted for so many years. So do not be afraid to pick up some heavy things.... It does a body good I tell you! I just restarted my second round of Body Beast. and I am loving what this program has done for my body!

I found this AWESOME recipe from Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine. These protein bars are heavenly. My warning is to watch your portion control because they will be gone before you know it.

No Bake German Chocolate Protein Bars

Serves 8

Ingredients:
6 scoops Double Chocolate Proto Whey
2 cups of instant oats
1/4 cup Organic Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
1/3 cup cashew butter
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips)
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
1/4-1/2 cup water

Directions:
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl starting with oats, whey, coconut. Then add cashew butter, chocolate morsels and nuts. Add water as needed to moisten mixture. Once thoroughly mixed, spread in 8X8 pan lined with Press and Seal Wrap. Be sure to cut wrap twice the size of pan so that you can cover mixture once it is spread evenly in pan. After you have wrapped mixture, freeze for several hours. Once frozen, remove from freezer and let stand for 2-4 minutes. Cut into 8 equal sized bars and wrap them individually or store in baggies. Refreeze until about 5 minutes before you are ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 272 calories, 12.8g protein, 15.5g fat, 23.4g carbs