Between training for my half-marathon, Spartan Trifecta and half IronMan, I've realized that my body loses fuel REALLY fast with this new level of working out. My pre-workout snack that used to hold me over when doing just weightlifting or Crossfit workouts no longer provides me with enough sustenance to keep me going and I find myself running out of gas way too early into my workouts. Therefore I've been exploring pre-workout and portable snack options that will give me that boost when I need it and something that is easy to take on the road, keep in my pocket and that I can make in bulk to store for later. That's where Go-Go Bites come in to play!
There are a ton of energy ball type recipes out there, so I just decided to try one that was inspired by NYC Marathon winner, Shalane Flanagan and give it a whirl! I have tried these out on my husband and all my clients and they have been a HUGE success!
GO-GO BITES
Makes 12 energy balls - double or triple recipe to make in bulk
Per Ball: Calories 95; Carbs 10g; Protein 2g; Fat 6g; Fiber 2g; Sugar 7g
Ingredients
6 Pitted Dates
1/2 Cup of Dried Cherries or Strawberries or Mangoes (or a combo of all)
2 TBS Peanut Butter or Almond Butter or Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup of Nuts: Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews or Almonds
Dash of Sea Salt
1/2 TBS Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
1 TBS Finely Ground Coffee or Espresso Beans (preferably fresh)
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Directions:
Place all the ingredients into a food processor (minus the shredded coconut). Pulse the ingredients a few times to get them chopped and mix. Process on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until the ingredients clump together a form a 'blob'. You may need to stop a few times to scrape the mixture down from the sides and beneath the blade.
Pour about 1/2 cup of the unsweetened shredded coconut into a bowl or plate.
Scoop out equal amounts of the mixture and form in to balls with your hands. Roll each ball into the coconut.
Store the energy bites in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a month or freezer for up to 6 months.
For a pre-workout have 2 to 3 energy balls 45 - 60 min. before your workout. During endurance workouts such as long runs, bike rides or hiking, have an additional energy ball every hour or as needed.
