We try to always see things from the bright side even though we all have setbacks and things troubling us every now and then. That is why we have waited to tell you this story until we could find a happy ending to it.
When Luise was pregnant with Elsa she got chronic pelvic and tailbone pain. It was a pregnancy spent on crutches and in a wheelchair. During the last months it was so bad that she had to stay in bed most parts of the day. After Elsa was born it became better but not completely good. During the end of our trip around the world the pain got a lot worse again. Since then she has been on constant rehabilitation several days a week, working with the entire body. We feel a bit bad about not mentioning this in our weekly stories, since her injury and rehabilitation actually has been a huge part of our lives these last years, but as we hate focusing on the rough stuff we deliberately kept it out.
Looking at her walking, no one would probably guess how much her body was hurting. But each walk that she has taken has been punished with hours of pain. Running has been completely out of the question, even carrying Elsa has been hard at times. She has seen several doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapist, acupuncture clinics, homoeopaths and personal trainers, and all of them have given her different advices on how to get better, with no result. Finally she found a good clinic where she has been going for six months now. She has been working so incredibly hard, both there and at home, with small improvements each month. She has been going through intense treatments and medications and has a very talented physiotherapist and personal trainer. And you know what, a few days ago Luise took her first run outside! She only ran a couple of blocks and for about 10 minutes, but it was amazing seeing her in her running outfit again. With the biggest smile on her lips. She is still not fully recovered, but we think this is definitely worth celebrating. So here are our protein packed hemp bars. Perfect after a good run and for celebrating health.
Hemp Protein Bars
Makes around 15 bars
These bars are not only filled with protein, they are also magically delicious. They are sweet but it in a very nice and nourishing way. Have them after a workout or as a mid-day snack.
Dry ingredients
1 cup (160 g) pumpkin seeds
1 cup (100 g) dried shredded coconut
1/2 cup (80 g) hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds)
1/2 cup (50 g) hemp protein powder (you can use hemp hearts instead)
4 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp bee pollen (optional)
Wet ingredients
20 fresh medjool dates, pitted
6 tbsp coconut oil, room temperature
4 tbsp cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp ground vanilla
Add after blending
6 tbsp rolled oats
2 tbsp poppy seeds
In a food processor or blender, pulse the dry ingredients quickly. Do not over-process, you want it a little crunchy. Place the mixture in a bowl and set aside. Add all wet ingredients to the food processor or high speed blender and run until smooth. This might take some time, and if your blender isn’t strong enough you might have to help out by stirring around a few times with a fork or add a dash of water.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, add oats and poppy seeds and stir until well combined. Spread the batter evenly into a 11 x 7-inch (28 x 18 cm) baking dish, make sure it becomes quite compact. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Cut into bars. Wrap them in paper and store in an air-tight container. Will keep around a week in the fridge.
Tip: If you do not have a high speed blender, place your pitted dates on a plate and mash with a fork until they are sticky and smooth as caramel, it’ll take a few minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients one by one and kneed it by hand until well combined.
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This month we have been on a trip, found an Indian blog, got a new best friend in the kitchen, tried both new and old …
Amy Winehouse is playing on the stereo. Elsa is dancing around my legs. Luise is furiously cleaning and refurnishing one of our cabinets with styling …
94 Comments
I am surprised to read this post today. Just this morning, I was wondering how she was doing since I recalled she was off to see some specialist after your visit in Santa Cruz. I wondered if it had helped, or if she had found any relief yet. I know it can be frustrating to try everything and not find some comfort. I am so happy to hear she is running!
Our second daughter was born a few weeks ago and I am reminded of how pregnancy, childbirth and parenting take a toll on our bodies! It’s hard work growing babies! I am sending along hugs and good thoughts for more recovery.
Congratulations Jennifer and welcome to your little new! Hope you are all doing great! Thanks for your lovely comment, take care :-)
I am so sorry to hear about your injury Luise. And yet glad that you are starting to feel better. Hurray for that! The bars look absolutely phenomenal. Wish I could reach through my screen and grab one of them right away.
Thank you Emily! It took a long time, but I’m so happy for all the talented people who helped me ;-)
Mmm these look so tasty!
I’m so glad things are starting to get better. Going for a run is such an accomplishment and I’m sure it made both of you smile from ear to ear. I’ll be thinking about you and sending good health wishes your way! xo
Thank you so much ;-)
yum, first off, i will make these. second, and more importantly, i hope you luise! I am so sorry! Chronic pain of any sort is so terrible and annoying – hoping things continue to get better. Thinking of you.
THANKS a million Sara :-)
Hope you and Hugh like the bars!
It’s lovely to hear of your recovery. I had Bilateral Sacroiliitis caused by Ankylosing Spondylitis through my second pregnancy (pelvic and leg pain), unable to sleep in a bed and several episodes on crutches. It took a long time to diagnose and work out exactly what it was, finally after seeing an excellent physio, then orthapedic surgeon and finally a rheumatologist. It was such a joy to be able to walk again without any pain! It’s amazing what you take for granted and it’s great to hear you’re doing so well.
Oh wow, what a story Jessica! Unbelievable what you went through, pour you! I’m so glad to hear that you are okay now! I know exactly what you mean, being able to walk without pain is an amazing feeling :-)
I just discovered your blog a few days ago. Its inspired me to try new ingredients and just eat more whole foods in general. I’ve never tried hemp seeds before or used dates in my bars. Will have to try it soon.
Luise, keep up the hard work! Hope to hear more great stories about your progress.
Hi Lisa, we are so glad to be inspiring you! Let us know what you think about hemp :-)
I am so excited to try this recipe out. We LOVE hemp in our house and I am always looking for new ways to use it!
I’m so sorry to hear about the awful pain you have been in, Louise. Congratulations on the run, and here’s to many more. I wish you all the best in continuing to get better.
Thanks Janae :-)
I just came across your blog recently, and I have to say it was virtual love at first sight. And read. Oh, vegetarian love! You two, well three, are a team after my own heart. My new blog is a work in process, but it’s sites like yours that inspire and encourage me to practice, learn and share love.
A quick question (my apologies if I can find this answer somewhere on your blog): what camera do you (or David) generally shoot with throughout Green Kitchen Stories?
Also, I hope your recovery picks up, and know that running has been one of the most therapeutic experiences in my life!
Hi Bette Jane, thank you for your comment.
I use a Canon EOS 5D with a 50 mm f1,4 lens or a 100 mm f2,8 lens (depending on the motive).
Good luck with your blog and your photography.
/David
I’m thrilled to hear there is reason to celebrate. Luise, you are an inspiration. I have no doubt you have struggled through many tough days to reach this point where you can revel in the joy of movement.
I hope there are many, many great miles to come.
Thank you Veganlisa for your sweet words!
I’m so sorry to hear Luise has been in so much pain since having Elsa. Pregnancy does crazy things to a womans body! I know you’ve tried everything already (and that’s awesome she’s getting good results now) but I too suffered from major pelvic pain after the birth of my first child. A (UK trained) French osteopath fixed it in two sessions, even when my doctor said she though I needed surgery! All the best, these hemp bars look amazing!
I’m so glad you are all well now Emma! I had really good results with an osteopath in San Diego as well.
Happy healing thoughts
Luise
<3 Keep on running <3
Very nice recipe. Looks so full of energy!
And just what we need right now in the freezing cold Scandinavia.
I'm thinking of using raw liqourice powder insteed of cacao. What do yuo think?
Love, Mona
Mona <3 Thank you!
Sounds like a great idea, 1 tbsp licorice powder will do it ;-)
Glad you are feeling better Luise. I understand, too, how are bodies change so much during and after pregnancy. I hope you continue to feel better and become pain-free by summer so you can really enjoy the beautiful summer runs. I will be getting back on that ‘train’ as well :-)
thanks Monica! oh yes, summer runs are special … ;-)
It needs celebration, definitely! This is a really moving story which made me write my first comment here although I come nearly every day. T’m gonna make these bars for the one I love, a very sporty man, since Valentine’s day is approaching: what better wish to make than hoping the one we love is always happy and healthy?
Can’t wait for your next post… You two have a wonderful weekend.
Sweet Faery! Thank you for posting your first comment and your kind words :-)
Happy Valentines day and hope your loved one likes the bars <3
Sorry to hear you’ve had such a hard time but happy to hear it’s finally getting better! I look up to people who always try to see the glass half full, not half empty.
Thank you for the recipe. Have to give it a go!
Thank you Sini!!
Let me know how they turned out.
Wow, wow, wow… I just made these and they taste so yummy (I couldn’t stop eating the mixture) !! I was looking for an energising snack that I could take to work to stop me from getting sleepy and unproductive in the afternoons. These beautiful bars will do the trick! I added a few extra superfoods like goji berries, spirilina and mesquite, as well as some cocao nibs. Oh and I also added some ginsing :-) I live on the other side of the world but feel strangely connected to you three through the stories you share and the food you prepare. Keep spreading the green love .. S xx
Wow Sophie, have you already made them? That was quick!
Thank you for your sweet comment.
We’re glad that you liked the bars and it sounds like a great twist to add ginsing :-) Maybe we’ll meet in Sydney one day …
I hope Luise continues to recover and improve! :) Yum, can’t wait to make these!
Luise, you’re amazing for doing so much traveling, cooking, and inspiring (i am certainly inspired) despite your pain! Congratulations on the run!
Even though the weather is anything but warm, I am now inspired to lace up my sneakers and face it for a run. I’ll certainly make some of these protein bars so I have a good snack waiting for me at home. I just bought snacks. Thank goodness for well stocked (green) kitchen cupboards.
All the best with the rest of your recovery!
Thank you Sasha! Hope you had a nice run in the cold and the bars turned out delicious :-)
I mostly just lurk and don’t really posts comments, but I’ve made a few of your recipes, enjoy reading new posts and viewing the gorgeous pictures of delicious food, and even your lifestyle has been an inspiration. Therefore I’m sorry to hear she has been through all this trouble, and am delighted to hear that it is getting better. Good luck with the rest of the recovery!
Thanks for posting a comment Vincent! We’re glad that we inspire you.
These look INCREDIBLE. I mean, seriously. I want like 400 bars in my face right now.
Wow, congratulations on running again! Sounds like such a happy and bright spot for you guys. This was inspiring and just lovely to read. Wishing you so much joy for the miles ahead.
And the bars sound delicious. Something to look forward to at the end of a workout for sure :)
Yum, and congrats on such incredible progress :) Truly inspiring.
We’ve just started being able to buy hemp products for consumption in Australia, and I do believe I’ve just found my first recipe idea to try :D Thankyou.
Hi, I’ve been a reader for a while, but have never commented. I feel compelled to reach out and offer my sincere condolences and hope that you’ll begin to feel better. Life is hard, and its hard to share those negative parts in the online world. I hope your treatments begin to help and you see some progress. Thanks for your constantly inspiring healthy recipes. I especially loved your post on raising children to eat well.
So glad Luise is on the mend and running again, a real inspiration! These bars sound incredible and I just might be able to convince my toddler to eat these hemp bars if I throw in some extra chocolate incentive by way of cacao nibs (he’s a picky one).
Yum! Part of my New Year’s resolution was to give up buying snack bars. This will make a very nice replacement!
I was so surprised when I read this post the other day. Not that you could ever get to know ‘strangers’ by following a blog, but after keeping tuned the last two years, you kind of get a feeling that you do! I just wanna send you all some good vibes and wish you all the best in the future. And normally I do not write comments, but you sneaked into my dreams this night, which took me by surprise, so I felt it as a sign to send out some love and positive energy :) Thank you for always being an inspiration!
Josephine
It sounds like Luise suffered from symphysis pubis dysfunction, no? I too suffered with this in both my pregnancies (and for some time after the first) until I cut wheat and cane sugar out of my diet (while pregnant). The dietary changes completely relieved my symptoms. I should point out that my symptoms were not so severe as to require the use of a wheelchair. So glad she is back running. Best wishes to you all!
Hi – I just made a batch of these and they have come out very different to yours! They are very pale in colour – not dark at all – and they haven’t set. I looks like there’s way too much dry ingredients to wet… I used the ml weights instead of cups as I’m in the UK…
Hi Debbie.
What a shame! The color depends on the cacao powder you use and the stickiness depends on the quality of the dates, we always use fresh medjool dates. They are soft, sticky, big and juicy dates. Could that be the problem? Let me know.
/Luise
Hi Luise, yes I think it must be the dates as the raw cacao powder I have is very dark, there just was not enough liquid. In the UK it’s very hard to find fresh dates… they are quite small and virtually always dried here. I doubled the quantity of dates and oil and that fixed it. Thanks for your quick reply,
And yes… they are delicious!
Hej,
I was very touched by your “confession”. I almost cryed. strange, huh? maybe it’s because I also love to run and work out and everything and imagining that every movement would hurt, was just too horrible. I am sooo happy for you Luise, that you can run again and I whish you all the best!!! :-)
ma°nga kära hälsningar!
I made these bars this week too and had a similar problem as Debbie – my bars were dark but VERY crumbly. I used dried medjool dates because fresh dates are also hard to find in Northern Canada (I don’t think I have ever seen them in stores here). Next time I will try soaking them and adding more dates along with the soaking water. This is also the first time I have used hemp hearts and they are delicious! I will be using them much more often now. Thank you for the fantastic recipe.
Hi Shannon, yes unfortunately they will turn too crumbly if you use dry dates. Soaking them should definitely help but if you find fresh dates you will see how big difference it will make. Ours are not crumbly at all. Maybe you will have better luck finding fresh dates in health stores than in normal food stores? Glad you liked them anyway and good luck next time!
/David
Hi! Ive been thinking of getting a vitamix myself so I was wondering which vitamin model did you guys buy and from where did you buy it? And how much did it cost?
Ps: love, love ur blog! So beautiful Pictures and wonderful recipes!
Hi Julia, we bought the Vitamix TNC 5200 and ordered it from the Swedish webshop Bagaren & Kocken. It costed 5 995 kr. We have never paid that much for a kitchen tool before, but it truly is a great machine.
/David
Thank you for sharing your story Louise. As others, I’m inspired to write my first comment after reading about your struggle to recover from your pregnancy. When expecting my second child I was also crippled by joint and pelvic pain. Months of immobility left me weak and it took a long time (although not as long as you) before I could take a walk, go to the gym or play with my children. My little boy is 19 months now, and after over a year of physiotherapy and hard work I feel stronger than ever and I am blessed with pain free days from time to time. While struggling to regain mobility and good health I began thinking about my diet. The past few months I have made some serious changes (mainly cutting out sugar, wheat and processed foods) and your blog is a daily inspiration for me. Thank you.
Hemp is really hard to find here in Aus, could you suggest any alternatives?
I am pleased you are progressing well, Luise :)
http://www.hempfoods.com.au/
Hemp products from Byron Bay.
I will SO try to make these very soon. They look very delicious and sound like such a great protein source with the hemp.
So truly inspiring to hear your story, Luise. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I just made these bars in no time, I soaked the dried dates & replaced the hemp hearts with raw sunflower seeds since I did not have them on hands and they turned out DELICIOUS! My husband, son & daughter loved them too for our midday snack on a snowy day here.
Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and recipes. May you continue to be healthy and happy with your beautiful family!
These bars are divine! Love them! The first batch is already gone and I must restock for the seconds. I’m so happy to find a tasty recipe using hemp hearts and chia. A fabulous, satisfying snack.
Thank you Pat, we are so glad that you like them. We have also worked our way through quite a few batches these last weeks.
/David
So happy to hear that she is feeling better! Those back injuries can be brutal. I fell off a horse and broke my tailbone right after I had my daughter. Not including labor, it was the most painful experience I have ever had. I still have trouble sitting on hard plastic chairs for too long. I hope she continues to recover!
These bars look great. I’ve never made anything like them so if I can find all the ingredients I will give them a shot.
I made these bars this weekend and they are fabulous. Thanks for the recipe!
I just made these bars this morning and they are FABULOUS. My first try at raw bars ever, and I am definitely going to make these again. Thank you so much! I feel energized!
First of, thank you for a wonderful food blog :)
I have a question: what is hemp hearts ?
Can I use shelled hemp seeds?
/Jenna
Hi Jenna!
Hemp hearts are shelled hemp seeds. They are light green/white in color.
Happy Hemp Making
/Luise
Hi guys! your bars look just amazingly beautifull. I did this recipe yeasterday and my bars stayed loose. I’m eating one right now, good in flavour but didn’t get compact. I can’t grab them, have to eat it more or less like muesli. Blegh! I wonder why??? maybe i’ll found out next time.
Hi Dora! Try to run the mixture in the food processor a little longer next and make sure to use fresh soft dates. You can also add a little water.
Good luck :-)
/Luise
I eventually made my own version but posted a link to your recipe:
http://mysweetfaery.blogspot.com/2012/02/barres-proteinees-au-chanvre-et-au.html
Thanks for inspiring me!
Fantastisk ide – tusen takk for oppskriften :) Barene falt i smak hos både store og små i min familie! Og, endelig bruk for hamp proteinpulver som til vanlig smaker som sement :) (jeg hadde ikke nok gresskarfrø hjemme og brukte litt sesamfrø og litt hasselnøtter – funket perfekt)
Oh my goodness … these look so sinfully delicious! Being vegetarian I always get excited when I stumbled upon blogs with beautiful recipes geared towards me! I cannot wait to try these … wow, that’s it. Wow.
These are amazing!I use dried dates since the fresh Madjool ones in my area were prohibitively expensive but I just cut the dry ones in half and soaked them overnight. There were some date chunks left in the final mix but I like the texture anyway.
Thanks for the recipe!
Was dying to make them since I first saw them, however I live in Japan and hemp products are not allowed to be imported (yes, there is a place more backwards than the US)> Now that I am in the US rounded up all the ingredients and made these. They were incredible! Everyone I gave them to was amazed and loved them. IF you haven’t tried them, do go to the effort (which isn’t much once you get the ingredients) and try them.
I have made these on a Sunday for 2 weeks now so I have one for every lunch time at work, and they seriously keep me going. Great bars guys!
Hi, thanks for wonderful recipes and stories! Just wondering, I don’t like the flavour of dates, which always seem to be integral to raw food bar recipes. Can you think of a possible substitute? Thanks nevertheless and sincere best wishes for your recovery. /Lisen
Do you think these would freeze well?
I’m so excited to try these all of these recipes, they all look scrumptious!
Any idea of the macros on these?
i made these last night and am enjoying one as a snack right now. thanks for the great recipe – they are so tasty!
This kind of dietary bars are very healthy and nutritious but it is helpful for prevention of any disease It is really very good to know that this is good source of medicine which containing protein and helpful for cure of diseases.
your recipe of Hemp Protein bar is quite simple and everyone can made at ours home….Thanks for sharing and after see your post, I attracted to aware of more recipe….
These hemp protein bars look amazing! I am a HUGE fan of hemp, being gluten and dairy free while also avoiding several nuts (including almonds) hemp has become my best friend for protein! I recently had to cut coconut out of my diet as well… what would you suggest replacing the coconut flakes with for this recipe to still work?
Thanks!
HI Louise
I’m glad you are getting better. Have you considered trying Bikram Yoga? I’ve been doing it for 4 months and I feel like a different (much better) persons, with a new body. Many people with injuries that take these classes see an amazing improvement in their getting better . Please try it.
I am also struggling to find the fresh dates…Even in London! I bought all the other ingredients and they are just sitting there waiting for the dates!
Hi Ines!
Thanks for your comment!
If you can’t find fresh dates, use dried and soak them in water until soft.
Yes, I have tried Bikram yoga, not good for me at all, but thanks for your concern :-)
All the best
Luise
delicious, delicious bars! i made them a few days ago and they are SO yummy, and really seem full of energy. thank you, thank you for the recipe! i am just happy to follow your blog for some time already.
i hope you are all ok, and Luise has no health misfortunes anymore.
kindest rgds, Marina
Hi there :) do these bars need to be refrigerated?? Thank you
Hi Sam, yes we recommend that you refrigerate them.
/Luise
I just made these bars and they are gorgeous! thanks so much for sharing your good health vibes and recipes :) I will be tuning in for more.
I didn’t have a few ingredients so substituted hemp with alkalising greens, coconut oil with flaxseed, and i added goji berries instead of poppy seeds :) i also added a bit of cinnamon and cacao nibs as i didn’t have cacao powder. i def needed to add extra water to the dates.They are green and gorgeous!
Health and light
Trinity
These bars look great! I’m so excited to make them. Would I be able to substitute cotton seed oil for the coconut oil?
Hi guys, looove your recipes and blog, i’ve just discovered it. You’ve helped me change the way i think about food, your recipes are inspiring. Now, these hemp bars look so good, but i can’t buy hemp here in Australia, or it’s extremely hard to get. Can u recommnd a good substitute?
Fiona
Great recipe, thank you. I’ve just tried it. But I’m not sure I’ve used enough dates. When you say 20 pitted dates, how much does that weigh, or how much is that by volume? I’ve weighed one of the dates I’ve used and it weights 6 grams. By volume, while they are still whole, it may have been a cup at most. Thanks.
These look really yummy, can’t wait to make them. p.s. can i use virgin coconut oil instead of just coconut oil? it’s the only one i can get hold of
Hi there im interested in making these hemp protein bars myseld but have one quick question. do you use.only hemp hearts OR hemp powder? It said beside hemp powder you could use hemp hearts instead but said nothing beside hemp hearts if i could just use hemp powder. Just wanted to try to make them perfect the first time!! :) Thanks!!
I’m just curious as to what the nutritional value of each bar is
Also, can you freeze these and save for a while?
aloha and hello- I just recently made these protein bars (after seeing them here and in your book) and I just wanted to say how happy I was with the results. I have shared the recipe with my cooking class students and on my websites, hopefully introducing GKS to more people.
loves, andrea from Vibrant Wellness Journal
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