In a sea of sweet convenience foods, here’s a savory standout.
Jump to RecipeOver the past year, since little Leo was born, my eyes have been opened to a whole new level of protein intake. From nourishing my pregnancy, to fueling my body for breastfeeding, sport and life, I’ve come to have a much more intimate understanding of how much protein my body needs, and when.
I’ve taken to really making sure that I’m getting a substantial serving of protein at each meal, which has helped me stay satiated and snacking less. But inevitably, in the late afternoon hours – about the same time that Leo is having his last meal of the day now – I find myself needing a boost, and protein is what I’m craving.
At this time of day, a sweet energy bar, treat or cookie is never what comes to mind. And crackers with cheese are great and all, but sometimes I just need something to grab and go. And so, this savory Miso-Sesame Protein Bar was born.
The tone that Ayurvedic medicine takes around protein is far different than modern nutrition; from the perspective of Ayurveda, too much protein is detrimental to our health, hampering digestion and clogging the channels. But, still, protein is recognized as being a ridiculously important part of living with vitality, strength and resistance. This traditional system doesn’t favor – or isolate – protein sources like modern nutrition does. Instead, a balanced approach is recommended; incorporate a variety of whole foods that are naturally rich in protein, such as legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), whole grains (quinoa, amaranth, brown rice), nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds), and dairy products as well as meat (if you consume them). These foods provide not only protein but also other essential nutrients.
Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of food combining for digestive health. Combining grains and legumes, such as rice and lentils, provides a complete protein profile. Adding a source of healthy fat, like ghee or coconut oil, can further enhance nutrient absorption and provide additional nourishment.
Needless to say, there aren’t any “protein powders” identified in the 5000-year-old texts that contain this wisdom. And, as it turns out, we don’t need any such concoctions to enjoy substantial, nourishing drops of protein.
The way modern nutrition recommends that you make sure you’re getting enough protein is to count grams. And this is one way of doing it that might be effective….if you’re eating foods out of packages. But I really try not to do this (quite successfully I might add,) and so it becomes a whole lot harder to determine just how many protein grams I’m getting in a day, in a bar, etc. This is effort I don’t have to give, to be honest – figuring out how to count. How stressful! Instead, I use my body queues to make sure I’m responding with appropriate nutrition.
Some signs that you might not be getting enough protein:
If any of these are plaguing you, it’s time to add a little protein (or make yourself a batch of these Miso-Sesame Protein Bars!)
Consuming sufficient protein is important in every season, especially for active bodies, full-on-lifestyles, engaged brains, breastfeeding mamas…BUT, from an Ayurvedic perspective, consuming more protein (along with slightly less fat and fewer carbohydrates) is the biorhythmic way to align our bodies with the season come spring. You can read more about this notion in this little blog post about the Eating with the Seasons in Ayurveda.
Are ridiculously fast to make, packed with whole food protein sources, are the perfect snacks for on the go, busy days or anytime you need a little bit of bioavailable protein.
In the recipe notes below, I comment on why I use sprouted seeds, how to mix these up and make them your own, etc.
I can’t wait to hear where these quick, simple, delicious little bars take you!
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