Snack Time

Sometimes I think what gets me through a hard workout is thinking about the snack at the end.  While I do have a weakness for potato chips, particularly Old Dutch ripple or salt & vinegar, I do try to have some healthy snacks available so I don't go right for the chips.  Here are my top go-to post-workout snacks:

1 - Greek yogurt (3/4 cup) with hemp protein (1 tbsp), chia seeds (1 tsp), and and handful of berries (I usually have raspberries, strawberries or blueberries, but any will do!).  Mix all together, and the great thing is that it takes hardly any time at all to whip this up.  The hemp protein is probably a bit of an acquired "earthy" taste, but I suppose any protein powder would do if you have a favourite.

2 - The ole' smoothie.  I don't know about you, but a smoothie doesn't really feel like a snack.  It is, however, a great way to refuel after a hard workout, and you can make them out of pretty much anything.   This is what I throw in a blender, along with a bit of water, and blend:  banana, protein powder, berries, and spinach.

3 - Protein balls.  These take a bit more work, so need to be done in advance.  And then try not to eat them all at once, as they are super delicious and nutricious.  Plus, the recipe is pretty flexible, so perfect for a non-chef like myself.  I get out the food processor, and dump in about 1/2 hazelnuts (or filberts for my Aussie friends...).  You can use almonds, walnuts, probably pretty much anything.  Chop them into small pieces, then add: 15 pitted dates, 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or any dried fruit, but I'm giving you my favourite combinations), 1/4-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I tend to go a bit on the heavier side with the chocolate chips), 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 2 tbsp protein powder, 2 tsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp coconut oil.  Mix in the food processor until it all starts to stick togeher.  Sometimes I have to add a bit of water.  Then I scoop out spoonfuls, form into balls, and stick them in the fridge to gel together.  Yummy and healthy, and perfect for after a hard workout.




Check out nuts.com for some other healthy snack ideas.
There are also great recipies at Fueling Endurance Performance and Cotter Crunch.  



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