Run, Run, Recovery Bites

Hey all you athletes!

Do you feel tired after running?

Feel like you are trapped in a cage of the same old post workout meals?
Want a reward for running far?
Want something decedent, but somehow has no refined sugar or grains? (and can be vegan?!)

Well I've got just the thing for you! Break free of your protein shake cage and try baking...

Runner Recovery Bites  

(yes they are paleo and vegan!)

Ingredients:

• 1 extra large can chickpeas (drained)
• 1/3 cup real maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice (peanut or almond are highly recommended)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ginger (optional)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Mix ins of your choice: cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, seeds, etc. 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Lightly grease muffin tin
3. Add chickpeas, maple syrup, nut butter, cinnamon, ginger nutmeg and salt into food processor. Puree until smooth
4. Scrape into bowl and mix in your additions. 
5. Scoop into muffin tins and bake for about 20mins until toothpick comes out clean.

Now the best part about this recipe is that you don't actually have to bake them if you don't want to.. yes that's right! You can eat the dough raw without any fear of salmonella. (therefore about half the recipe makes it into the oven while the other half ends up on my finger and then in my tummy.!) 

Enjoy and let me know if you find any unreal flavour combinations!

So far I've been loving the chocolate chip nut combo!

Eat happy, Run Happy,

Shanny

Healthy Homemade Honey-Nut Granola

If you are looking for a yummy breakfast or snack that is sure to fill you up with healthy goodness, make sure to try out this granola I just made! I've played around with a few variations (I must say the Maple Syrup is my favourite, but this honey-nut flavour brings back fond memories of Honey-Nut Cheerios!) This granola is great because the egg whites help it clump up great and reduce the amount of oil needed!

6 Cups Chopped Steel Cut Oats (or large Flake Oats)
1 Cup Chopped Mixed Nuts
2/3 Cup Chopped Dried Fruit (raisins, logan fruit, cranberries, coconut)
1/8 Cup Flax Seeds
3 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1/4 Cup Ground Flax Meal

1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Ginger
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Tsp Salt
(and any other spices you like!)

2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Coconut Oil (melted) (or use canola, olive or any other oil)
3/4 Cup Honey (or you can use agave or maple for different flavours)
3 Egg Whites

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Add dry ingredients into large bowl and stir to combine
3. Add egg whites into smaller bowl and whisk until frothy
4. Add oil, vanilla and honey to egg whites and mix until combined well
5. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until coated
6. Spread granola out on baking sheets evenly and bake in oven for 12 minutes
7. Remove granola from oven and flip to prevent burning
8. Return sheets to oven and bake for another 8 minutes until nicely golden
9. Let cool completely (it will become crispy once it cools) and then store in air tight container. 
10. (Try not to eat all of it before it gets into the tupperware! ;) )

Recipe adapted from: "Ultimate Healthy Granola" by Camilla Saulsbury (Camilla Cooks) and Katrina (Baking and Boys)

Note: Almost every ingredient is optional so feel free to play around with different combinations! You can even add chocolate chips or something if you like once its cooled for a sweet treat! This recipe takes well to being cut in half or by two-thirds too!

From my tummy to yours:

Shanny