When you exercise regularly as I do (about 25 hours a week at the moment, phew!) you need to keep your strength up, and the best way to do that is to make sure you're having plenty of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, it's needed to make enzymes, hormones and other necessary chemicals for the body, and it is the fundamental building block of bones, muscle, cartilage, skin and blood.
Protein is essential for exercise but did you know it's also great for weightloss?
Something I discuss with clients who are looking for weightloss is their diet, and how they might improve it. By increasing your protein intake you are more liable to lose weight as it satiates the appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer. So by including it in every meal and snack, you will be much less likely to reach for the sweet stuff as you'll be less hungry. The added bonus is that you'll be feeding those muscles you are working so hard on in class; they need protein to repair post exercise.
My golden rule is be generous with the protein and mean with the sugar!
Now I must admit I do what I can to be fit and healthy, eat all the right things, but with a sweet tooth it can be hard work staying away from sugary snacks, so I've created a supercharged treat that fulfils my chocolate craving, gives me a power boost as it's packed with protein, and is absolutely delicious- Cashew Nut Power Truffles.
These little cuties taste delicious. I've made them for friends, relatives, kids and adults and they always go down well. They're perfect mid- morning, mid-afternoon or just when you need a little boost of power and you are in danger of reaching for the biscuit tin!
Enjoy! And let me know what you think, I love to read your feedback.
Cashew Nut Power Truffles
Ingredients
50g (2 ounces) cashew nuts
50g (2 ounces) coconut oil
1 tbs agave nectar light and mild
3 tsp organic cocoa powder
50g (2 ounces) ground almonds
Put all the ingredients except the ground almonds into the food processor and blend well. You'll get a sticky, moist chocolate mix. Take it out of the blender and transfer into a bowl. Add the ground almonds and gently mix in with a tablespoon until fully combined.
Get a tupperware box. Using a teaspoon, scoop out 1 large teaspoon of the mixture at a time, and with clean and slightly damp hands roll gently into a ball and place in the box. Do this until you have used all the mixture up. Put the top on the box and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Remove them from the fridge, dust with cocoa powder to serve and they are ready for eating. Just try and eat one at a time ok?!
Makes 6 truffles.
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