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Help with lightening up this recipe - Updated!

W95831
on 4/3/12 2:19 am, edited 4/4/12 2:26 am - CA
I found a link to a recipe for OMG Almond Joy Protein bars:
http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/135720/loss-ma intenance 

It looks delicious, has a really nice punch of protein and very little carbs when compared to a lot of other bars.  Unfortunately, its really heavy in calories and (to me) fat. 

What are some ways that I can lighten up some of the ingredients?  Because there's no real cooking/baking involved, are my options very limited on trimming this down a bit?  Thanks!

Nutrition information:
273 calories, 18 grams protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, and 21 grams fat per bar


Ingredients

  • 1 square unsweetened Baker's chocolate
  • 2 Tbls. Butter
  • 2 Tbls. heavy cream
  • 3 packets of Stevia*
  • 3 scoops Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder Chocolate Truffle
  • 1 c. chopped raw almonds
  • 1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconu
  • 2 Tbls. Sugar-free DaVinci almond syrup (or SF vanilla, or SF coconut)

 Directions

    1. Place chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave 1 min. Do not overheat! Remove from oven and stir until completely melted.
    2. Add Stevia and cream and stir until incorporated.
    3. Add protein powder, almonds, coconut and stir well.
    4. Add the syrup and mix thoroughly. The "dough" will become stiff and you may have to knead it with your hands.
    5. Line a bread loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
    6. Chill until firm. Cut into 6 large bars. Keep refrigerated or store in zip-lock bags and freeze. 
Getting back on track 10yrs later after a REGAIN of approx 35lbs
Surgery weight:  277lbs             Goal/maintenance weight: 135lbs 
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Tess145
on 4/3/12 3:56 am - Senatobia, MS
RNY on 03/14/06
 It sounds yummy!  I know the fat and calories are really coming from the butter and cream but sometimes when you substitute those items, the turnout is not very good.  I would have 12 square bars instead of six and that would reduce my serving to 136.5 calories, 9 grams of protein, 4 grams carbs and 10.5 fat per square.  Works for me! 

 Tess

Starting Wt 306; Losing Wt 155; Goal Wt 145: Regain Wt 225; Current Wt 157
PS:  FDL Tummy Tuck, Hernia Repair 5/17/12, TT Revision, Butt and Thigh Lift 4/18/13
      

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H.A.L.A B.
on 4/3/12 4:06 am
RNY on 05/14/08
Try to add more protein powder?  just an idea. Increase proteins so the proteins to fat ratio will change. And then you can make them smaller - less fat  - more proteins.

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

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W95831
on 4/3/12 4:06 am - CA
Thanks Tess!

I was actually thinking of going with 8 bars instead of 6 lol.  I am trying to do a meal bar vs. a snack bar, but as slim (calorie/fat-wise) as possible.

I will definitely keep the butter, but I think I'll try subbing skim milk (10 cal per oz) for the heavy cream (103 cal per oz). 
Getting back on track 10yrs later after a REGAIN of approx 35lbs
Surgery weight:  277lbs             Goal/maintenance weight: 135lbs 
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W95831
on 4/3/12 4:07 am - CA
HB

I could try adding additional protein powder directly to the skim milk to thicken it, then combining with the rest.  I definitely wouldnt mind the extra protein boost!
Getting back on track 10yrs later after a REGAIN of approx 35lbs
Surgery weight:  277lbs             Goal/maintenance weight: 135lbs 
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W95831
on 4/4/12 1:45 am, edited 4/4/12 1:49 am - CA
I grabbed the missing ingredients and played in the kitchen last night.
I tried 2 different version (both were delicious).

On the first version, the only thing I really switched up was using skim milk instead of heavy cream.
On the second version, I played with the ratio of protein powder (lower in cal/fat) vs the almonds (higher in cal/fat).

The original recipe:
Nutrition information:
273 calories, 18 grams protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, and 21 grams fat per bar

Ingredients
1 square unsweetened Baker's chocolate
2 Tbls. Butter
2 Tbls. heavy cream
3 packets of Stevia*
3 scoops Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder Chocolate Truffle
1 c. chopped raw almonds
1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconu
2 Tbls. Sugar-free DaVinci almond syrup (or SF vanilla, or SF coconut)


Version 1 of my changes:
Nutrition information:
6 bars:   265 calories, 17g protein, 8g carbs, and 20g fat per bar
8 bars:  198 calories, 13g protein, 6g carbs, and 15g fat per bar

Ingredients
1 square unsweetened Baker's chocolate
2 Tbls. Butter
2 Tbls. skim milk
3 packets of Stevia
4 scoops Any Whey Unflavored Protein Powder
1 c. chopped raw almonds
1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbls. Sugar-free Torani vanilly syrup


Version 2 of my changes:
Nutrition information:
6 bars:   208 calories, 18g protein, 8g carbs, and 13g fat per bar
8 bars:   156 calories, 14g protein, 6g carbs, and 10g fat per bar

Ingredients
1 square unsweetened Baker's chocolate
1 Tbls. Butter
4 Tbls. skim milk
3 packets of Stevia
5 scoops Any Whey Unflavored Protein Powder
1/2 c. chopped raw almonds
1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbls. Sugar-free Torani vanilly syrup

I gotta tell ya...these bars are FANTASTIC!!!
Even my husband was chomping on them and he's not a fan of 'low carb' foods.

Enjoy!
 
Getting back on track 10yrs later after a REGAIN of approx 35lbs
Surgery weight:  277lbs             Goal/maintenance weight: 135lbs 
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