Protein Powder Snacks
Here are some simple snacks to whip up ahead of a busy week or long ride.
Energy Pudding
1 serving chocolate protein powder (like Vega)
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries
½ cup almonds
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp sea salt
Process everything in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Makes 2 servings.
Homemade Energy Bars
1 serving chocolate or berry protein powder (like Vega)
1 cup dates
½ cup almonds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup cranberries or blueberries
1 tsp lemon zest or lemon juice
1 cup oatmeal
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Process everything in blender or food processor (except dried fruit) until roughly chopped and combined. Gently mix in dried fruit. Pat mixture into 9×11” baking pan; cut into bars. Can freeze bars.
Adapted from Brendan Braizer, www.myvega.com
Nutritional Value of Select Ingredients
Bananas – Bananas are good for the nerves, muscles, liver, and kidneys, and feed good bacteria in the colon. They can aid in sleep, lessening pain, and enhancing immune function. With the exception of avocados and dates, bananas are the fruit with the highest concentration of potassium.
Blueberries – A king in the nutrition world, these berries contain one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable. A great source of vitamin C and fibre as well, blueberries protect against age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, help improve vision, and normalize the bowels.
Almonds – Almonds are called the king of nuts because they are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, EFA’s, and protein. Loaded with phytonutrients, they are called the anti-cancer nut.
Oats – This grain is a great source of complex carbs, and is high in protein and fibre. They can help normalize blood sugar levels, and are good for a sluggish thyroid. Oats are high in tryptophan, iron, and phytochemicals.
Sesame Seeds – By weight, sesame seeds are higher than liver in iron. They are also high in calcium, magnesium, protein, fibre, other vitamins and minerals, and EFA’s.
