Pre Workout Snack of Champions
Welcome to my latest obsession…
You may think I’m crazy for putting beets into chocolate and making a pudding, but don’t knock it until you try it. I do have a love for beets in general but a friend of mine turned me on to the combination of chocolate and beets and it really is a match made in heaven! This recipe would be perfect for curbing a sweet tooth but I actually think this is the PERFECT pre workout snack.
Beet pudding before a workout? Really?
Really.
Beets are high in nitrates and this creates a chain reaction where the body converts the nitrates in into nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide is a compound that enhances blood flow throughout the body and helps lower blood pressure. Many body builders take nitric oxide or pre workouts supplements that have nitric oxide for enhancing their workouts. The increase in blood flow yields better lifts for weight training and better blood flow for cardiovascular events.
In addition to the increase in blood flow there is a nice balance of carbohydrates from the beets, energy boost from the cacao/chocolate, and vitamin C from the raspberries that give your body the proper balance for a killer workout. You could also eat this after a workout with some protein powder mixed for a complete post workout snack. I have been eating this for breakfast all week with some chopped almonds or hazelnuts on top and it is RIGHTEOUS! I feel so clean after I eat this and ready to take the day on.
Here is a link to a post I did about the health benefits of beets in pre and post workout nutrition.
Chocolate Raspberry Beet Pudding
Serves 4
Vegan - Sugar Free - Gluten Free - Grain Free - Paleo
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Steamed Beets (about 3-4 large beets or 5-6 small beets)
- 1 Cup Raw Cacao Powder (or High quality Cocoa powder or Carob Powder)
- 1/2 Cup Non Dairy Milk (Almond, Rice, Coconut etc)
- 3 Cups Frozen Raspberries (Cherries would be amazing!)
- 25-30 drops of Liquid Stevia or sweetener of choice to taste (Recommended Brand - Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme)
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Steam beets in a steamer over simmering water for 10-15 minutes or until a knife is easily pierced through the skin. Allow to cool.
- Once the beets are cooled rub the skins off with your hands. ( I suggest wearing gloves and doing this over the sink to prevent staining on your skin)
- Slice the beets into small pieces and place in the work bowl of a blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
- Taste for sweetness and adjust if necessary.
Notes
- If seeds bother you, heat the raspberries in a pan until softened with 2 TBL water and then mash with a fork. Strain the raspberries into the blender through a sieve to remove any seeds, pushing the solids with a spatula.
- Carob would be a great substitute for chocolate if you have any issues with caffeine or histamines that are in raw cacao/chocolate