Here is a snack for anybody, especially if you are an athlete looking to achieve peak performance in your field of sport. This protein bar is full of fats which provide the body fuel. It helps with the duration of the exercise and the condition of the athlete.
There is so much information out there on diets, protein powders, energy bars and energy drinks targeted at Athletes promising outstanding results. But it can also be all misleading information sending the body on quick energy bursts resulting in cramps, fatigue and dehydration. Becoming an elite athlete requires good genes, good training and a sensible diet. Optimal nutrition is essential for peak performance. Nutritional misinformation can do as much harm to the ambitious athlete as good nutrition can help.
Any sport enthusiast should directly link their training with their diet. A diet for any athlete should be one with carbohydrates, proteins and good fats. Making your food is the first step towards achieving your goals. You won’t train with anyone who isn’t qualified at the sport so why would you eat something that you don’t know what it is or what effects it can have on your body.
Too many energy drinks have many different added sugars, colours and additives. All a combination of a disaster when digested, sending blood levels to rise and then crash. Leaving the athlete only eating an abundance of more carbohydrates to build the energy lost.
You want to focus your efforts on what you are eating and reading ingredients can direct you on the right track. Know your ingredients, what they are and what they mean. If you don’t know how to pronounce the ingredient then most likely your body won’t know how to process it properly. A diet for an athlete should be one of whole foods, that have all of their nutritional value intact fuelling your body to its full potential.
Home Made Kind Bars I love a protein bar, especially post and pre workouts. However, the really good kind bars are not always available and not to mention they are quite pricy. I also like to be in control of the ingredients that go into a protein bar and so after many trial and errors to get the perfect chewy, sweet and salty bar loaded with only goodness, I am proud to share this recipe!
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds whole
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/3 cup uncooked quinoa
1 tbsp flaxseed meal
1/2 cup of blended ripe bananas
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1 cup Dates - chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
METHOD
Line an 8 inch pan with wax paper leaving a couple of inches overhanging on each side.
In a large greased bowl, mix together nuts, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed meal together and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine banana (mashed), chopped dates, coconut oil, cinnamon and sea salt
Pour banana mixture immediately over nut mixture and stir to combine. Add in chia seeds and shredded coconut. Transfer into the lined pan and spread out evenly, making sure there are no gaps.
Press down on the wax paper and place in the freezer for 20 minutes. Cut into 10 even bars and sprinkle the top with coconut chips. (optional)