Whip Six Womens Active Running, Triathlon, Cyclist Apparel

Remember how I spent Saturday playing around in the kitchen? Well all that playing around paid off!

I ended up with a few great new foods… like this one:

Sweet Potato Yogurt Fruit Dip {Vegan} Recipe to be posted at Fit Womens Weekly

But the one you really want to know about today is this:

And they’re vegan!

Chocolate Turtle Energy Bites

I am not one to brag, but these are the bomb diggity.

To give credit where credit is due,  I can’t take full responsibility for the deliciousness of these. They only came to exist because of my husband. Dan knows I have been attempting to find a great snack before and during my runs. Something that taste good but also has the energy I need to make it through 8-12 miles.

Eating a snack that has healthy carbs, protein and fats 1-2 hours before any workout is crucial to help give your muscles the energy needed to let you have a killer workout. Poor fuel often results in a poor workout. I hate poor workouts!

The vegan gels just aren’t cutting it for me, I don’t like the consistency very much. I decided to take matters into my own hands and play around.

I was getting ready to start a new energy bar recipe, when Dan looked over at me and said: “You know, it would be really cool if you could make something like…”

I immediately stopped what I was mapping out and let the gears turn in my head to make his idea a kitchen reality.

My first effort was a dud. Let’s just they were in the trash can before I could remember to take a picture.

But the second attempt was a hit and I think these deserve the gold medal for energy bites.

You know they’re good when you battle over the last one with a friendly game of Rock Paper Scissors… I WON!

He thought I would go with rock… Oh no, not when chocolate is on the line! 

If you like chocolate turtles then you’re going to love these, and even if you aren’t a fan… you will be one for these mini pillows of deliciousness! Unlike carmel loaded chocolate turtles, these have no added sugar, are filled with protein, fiber and healthy fats.

This makes it great for pre-workouts, on the go snacks or a guilt-free dessert.

Seriously, I think these are my new favorite pre-run snacks. They are loaded with energy!

Servings: This will make ~13 energy bites

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all natural whole raw almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup unsalted almonds (I used slivered, but any will do)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp quinoa, uncooked
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp lentils, dried
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate (70%+)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse together everything but the whole almonds and chocolate.
2. Once paste like, grab a small dish and fill with water. This is for your fingers so the nut/grain paste doesn’t stick too much. Surround an almond with the mix and place on a nonstick, or slightly greased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until slightly golden. Remove and allow to cool
4. In a microwave save bowl, microwave chocolate for 20 second intervals, stirring each time until melted.
5. Hand dip each nut/grain ball into the chocolate. I found it easier to use a spoon to spread over it, place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
6. Stick in the fridge to allow chocolate to harden and enjoy!

Nutritional Info: ~90 calories/bite

Questions: 

• What’s your go to pre-workout snack? 
• Do you like to experiment creating recipes?

Random: 

My toe is already feeling better! Of course that means that the black and blue looks worst so I will spare you a picture update. I haven’t let it deter my training. I did get on a bike yesterday for intervals which felt rather funny. I am sure the gym goers thought I was crazy walking in and hopping on the cardio machines with a flip-flop on! But at least I got a workout in!

Today I am going to hit it harder with non toe impact moves like squats and such. Wish me luck!

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