Whey protein bars

Ingredients:

• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• 1.5 cups of oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp. l. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (if solid, melt in the microwave)
• 1/2 cup skim yogurt no additives
• 1/3 cup almond paste
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate flavored whey protein powder
• 3 tbsp toasted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22 x 33 cm baking dish with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In another medium bowl, combine the coconut oil, yogurt, almond butter, and honey. Add the yogurt mixture to the cereal mixture and mix thoroughly. While mixing, fold in the egg whites, almonds, and cranberries. The mixture should be sticky.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the mixture cool slightly, then cut crosswise into 10 rectangles. Carefully remove the bars from the pan and, using a spatula, transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake until lightly golden, about 15 more minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the bars to a wire rack, and cool completely. (Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.)