Speaking of running... I am not ashamed to say that I am very happy with how things are going right now and I hope I didn't just jinx myself by saying that. This week I had planned to dial back on my mileage a little bit for an easy week, but I ended up with my highest mileage week so far this year. After weeks of cold, snow, and ice, the sun came out and the mercury rose this weekend. Saturday morning I got in 8.5 sunny miles around Denver followed by a Sunday run of 4.25 miles, part of which was a solid tempo run featuring some very speedy miles. My legs are a bit tired but my spirits are high.
This week will be an easy week - even with several beautiful days in the forecast!
I'm a big fan of Picky Bars, recently receiving my first Picky Club shipment. They're delicious, easy to grab-and-go, easy to digest, and vegan. But I wanted to try my hand at making something similar, but different.
And so became these Chocolate Protein Power Bites.
Given my intense - and probably slightly unhealthy - love of chocolate, it had to be a main ingredient in these protein bites.
Chocolate Protein Power Bites Ingredients (makes 12 bites):
It's a pretty easy process to make this goodness a reality. Put the first seven ingredients in a food processor and mix on low till you have a sticky, well-combined mixture and all the chunky date segments disappear. You'll likely need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
- 1.5 cups Dates - pitted and cut in quarters
- 1 tbs + 1 tsp Almond Butter
- 2 tsp Sunflower Seeds
- 1 tsp Chia Seeds
- 1 tsp Hemp Hearts
- 1 tbs Vega Protein & Greens Chocolate Protein Powder
- 2 tbs Almond Milk
- 1 tbs Dark (or Vegan) Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 cup Shredded Coconut (or more as needed)
Once it's ready, transfer the mixture into a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips. Divide up the mixture using a tablespoon - these bites are slightly less than, to a full tablespoon. I suggest dividing up all the bites before the next step as the mixture is very sticky.
Roll each bite in the shredded coconut and shape as you go - you can tell they're handmade by the various shapes and sizes - then put them in the fridge till you're ready to enjoy. This batch made 12 Chocolate Protein Power Bites.
While I don't have the calorie counts for these, I can say that they are both delicious - don't just take my word for it, try them! - and packed with healthy ingredients. The chocolate is an added bonus.
What is your favorite healthy 'treat'? * If you're a runner, how do you decide how many miles to run each day/week? Do you incorporate planned easy weeks?
5 comments:
Those chocolate bites look good!
If I am not training for anything I don't run more than an hour more than once a week and just run a pace my body is happy with for that day. I do incorporate easy weeks when training for a race
These sound really yummy--lots of great ingredients! And congrats on feeling good with your running. That's always such a good place to be!
It really is a great place to be. And congratulations on your marathon! Sounds like Napa is the place to go.
I agree, that hour mark is a good goal post to keep in mind.
Yeah Vega!
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