Fit Fuel

What we put in our bodies is a hot topic these days. Actually it probably became hot the moment leg warmers were sexy in a 1980's step class. So many fads and quick fix promises that have people all over the world hating who they see in the mirror when they fail. Human nature is that we feel like a failure if something doesn't work in our favour. So many jump on the bandwagon, lose the weight, feel hot for a quick minute and as soon as the weight creeps back up, poof just not hot anymore! Umm, see the problem? You are perfect the way you are, today and always. Not only does this mess with our mind, it messes with our body. Our body needs you to love it and fuel it accordingly to be able to perform and feel as good as it can. Never underestimate what the human body is capable of.

Fit Fuel is what I like to call food that is good for our bodies but will also help us in the fitness department. I have a few go to's that I love, including a recipe for when you are craving a sweet treat.

1. Coconut Water (more potassium than 4 bananas!!)

It is full of antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

If you don't like the taste to drink it straight, you can add it to a smoothie :). It is a natural way of helping our body replace electrolytes lost through sweating.

2. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented beverage of black tea and sugar (from various sources including cane sugar, fruit or honey) that's used as a functional food.

The sugar-tea solution is fermented by bacteria and yeast commonly known as a “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).
Detoxification
Digestion
Energy

I personally love Kombucha for energy. For those of you grabbing a coffee mid-afternoon, try a kombucha. There are so many flavours out there and I have found you just have to try them to discover what you like best. This one from Kevita is pretty delicious.

3. Protein Balls (I am including my current fave recipe for you)

Date Me Protein Balls

(10 minutes to prepare in a food processor)

10 organic medjool dates

1/2 cup nut butter of choice (preferably almond or a cashew almond blend)

1/4 cup flaked unsweetened coconut

2-3 Tbsp Hemp Hearts

1/2 cup Raw Honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt (must use the pink salt ... see below for benefits)

1 scoop protein powder of choice (I prefer a Vegan powder that is dairy free)

2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

1 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (these are dairy free)

Optional - WF/GF Rolled Oats (1/2 cup) if you aren't grain free

Pulse. Roll. And try to not eat them all.

I don't have caloric information on these, but I am sure you could enter the ingredients into a counter if you wish. I listen to my body with these and find I don't need more than 1 or 2 to feel fully satisfied and energized. These are a family favourite on hiking excursions.

This nut and seed butter I picked up at Costco. So yummy! I think I should go and make some of these with a busy teaching week ahead!

>>> The benefits of himalayan pink salt include <<<