Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has got you covered, especially if you’re after a nutritious snack. In his recent newsletter, the Terminator himself unveiled a homemade protein bar recipe that’s faster to craft than you can say “I’ll be back.”
I’ve long been after a reliable protein bar, but every time I’m at the store, I look at the back of the label, and it’s littered with tons of ingredients, often made up of sugar substitutes and seed oils. Schwarzenegger’s snack, crafted by culinary mastermind Dan Churchill, is a game-changer in a world fraught with chalky and tasteless protein bars.
Even Schwarzenegger has suggested that store-bought protein bars are simply candy bars in disguise packed with sugar and unhealthy fats. With only five minutes of preparation needed, Schwarzenegger’s ‘Better Protein Bar’ will pump up your taste buds and hopefully your next workout.
Here’s How You Can Make Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Better Protein Bar’
Schwarzenegger says two of these protein balls are all you need for an ideal post-workout snack that aids muscle recovery and growth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat flour
- 2 scoops protein powder (Arnold recommends using a high-quality brand)
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- ÂĽ cup peanut butter
- ÂĽ cup cacao powder
- 1 tbsp peanuts
Instructions:
- In a blender, mix the oat flour, protein powder, and dates.
- Add peanut butter, cacao powder, and peanuts to the dough. Mix thoroughly.
- Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and top with a dusting of cacao powder.
- You can eat them immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes to help with consistency.
- Two of these protein balls make an ideal post-workout snack, providing the necessary nutrients to aid recovery and muscle growth.
Why Is Protein Important for Muscle Building?
Protein is a key macronutrient that serves to help build and repair tissue, including muscles. Strength and resistance training results in stress on muscle fibers, causing microscopic damage. Protein repairs these fibers, which can lead to enhancements in strength and muscle growth. Discover your daily protein intake with our calculator.
To effectively build muscle, consuming enough protein is vital. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for the average adult. When assessing athletes’ protein intake, the requirement climbs to 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight. While that might seem like a tough number to achieve, this is where Schwarzenegger’s nifty protein bar comes into play.
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Why Did Schwarzenegger Choose These Ingredients?
- Oat Flour — A complex carbohydrate with fiber that provides sustained energy/promotes better digestion.
- Protein Powder — For added protein, making the bar incredible for a post-workout snack
- Medjool Dates — Rich in fiber and adding sweetness, dates are filled with essential minerals
- Peanut Butter — A healthy delicious fat source with added protein
- Cacao Powder — Packed with antioxidants, adds chocolate flavor without added sugar of chocolate
- Peanuts — For enhanced texture and added protein
By controlling the ingredients of the protein bar, you allow yourself a cleaner, homemade nutritional experience. Devoid of additives found in your local grocery store, this ‘Better Protein Bar’ option is not only great for health but won’t kill your pocket. It’s cost-friendly and convenient. For more protein bar ideas, check out our article on Homemade Protein Snacks.
Even though protein bars are a great go-to for fitness enthusiasts, protein shakes also have merit and utility. They can be fast and cost-effective solutions to muscle-building efforts. Don’t make these common mistakes when you are crafting your protein shake.
Understanding How Much Protein Is Too Much
Determining your ideal protein intake is important as consuming excessive amounts can result in adverse health consequences. You can learn more about how much protein to take in daily with our personalized guide.
I’m constantly in pursuit of meeting my daily protein intake, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recipe serves as a great blueprint. Considering his status as a former seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, his opinions regarding muscle growth and recovery are second to none.
Whether you’re a gym newbie still figuring out which way to lift the dumbbells or an athlete who practically lives in the gym, Schwarzenegger’s homemade protein bar can help you reach your next goal (and maybe even your next bicep vein)!
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