This little treat is a favourite of mine to have in the fridge. It’s a great post workout snack as is a good source of easily digestible carbs via the dates, as well as a great source of protein. The good protein content also makes it super satiating, so not a bad mid morning/late afternoon snack with a cup of your finest choice hot beverage.
The Standouts
A couple of ingredients standout. The unsweetened cocoa powder is a good source magnesium (which can help reduce stress), potassium, and iron. Additional to this, it’s also full of flavonoids. These are nutrients that display antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. The flavanols in cocoa are thought to improve nitric oxide levels in the blood, which can enhance the function of your blood vessels and reduce blood pressure
Almonds are a good source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, essential nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It’s an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment.
Lastly, protein. Protein is important for pretty much every function within your body. It’s far more than just muscle building that it’s important for, (although that’s pretty damn important, especially as you get older). Whey protein is a great source as it contains all the 9 essential amino acids, which the body can’t synthesise by itself.
Ingredients:
– 227g dates
– 80g ground almond
– 40g Cacao powder
– 80g Greek Yogurt
– 2tbsp coconut oil
– 40g/ 2 scoops of whey protein
– 2 tbsp of toasted unsweetened coconut flacks
Method:
– Melt The coconut oil and set aside.
– Place The ground almonds, cacao and melted coconut oil in blender. Blend contents, scraping down the sides if needed.
– Place blended contents in bowel and add the other ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
– Grease a backing tin and pack in The mixture, pressing into place firmly using a rolling pin or back of a large spoon/spatula.
– Place in The fridge for 1 hour, remove and cut into squares.
Calories
Dates – 600kcal
Almonds – 462kcal
Cacao – 160kcal
Yogurt (full fat) – 113kcal
Coconut oil – 234kcal
Whey protein- 160kcal
Coconut flakes 60kcal
Total: 1789kcal
9 slices = 199kcal per slice
Nutrition 4 Fighters 