Workout Pudding Recipe: Chocolate & Coconut

The idea of recovery & workout puddings is something that I learned by reading Branden Brazier's book Thrive.  Although this is a fantastic powerhouse of nutrients and protein, this is also tasty and a good dessert.  The texture will be unusual to anyone not used to eating chia seeds.  There is no photo of this because it looks like chocolate goo.  It's not cute.  The next time I make it, I'll take a picture.  Seriously though, it looks like goo, and you're not missing out by this post not having a picture.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c milk (I used Almond Plus Milk from So Delicious) OR 1/2 cup coconut water
• 2 tbsp Spectrum Decadent Blend Chia & Flax Seed with Coconut & Cocoa
• 1/2 scoop RAW Protein Powder in Chocolate (or any chocolate protein powder)
• 2 tbsp chocolate almond butter (I get mine fresh ground at Whole Foods)

Directions:
Combine half of the milk (or coconut water) with the Spectrum Decadent blend and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender.  I just used a fork & a bowl.  After it has coagulated, add the remaining ingredients & combine until thoroughly blended.

This is a pretty generous portion and could easily be divided into two servings.  This would also be delicious with a banana mashed into it.  Nom!

Nutritional Info (as prepared):
Total Calories:  315
Fat:  20
Carbohydrates:  19
Protein:  19

Hail Merry on sale?!?

I LOVE Hail Merry products.  I have never had one I didn't instantly add to my favorite treats list.  The fact that they're raw, vegan, and made with all good fats means I don't feel guilty treating myself.  I first tried them in a Conscious Box and it was love at first bite, no joke.  I've had them many times since, and even had a tart on my birthday in place of a birthday cake.  Not kidding; I LOVE HAIL MERRY.

And the best news?  They're local to me since I moved to Dallas AND they're on sale right now at my local Whole Foods!  $1 off each?  Heck yes I'll take two!!

Zucchini Jerky!

I bought a dehydrator nearly a week ago and hadn't gotten to use it until last night because of work.  I've never dehydrated anything before, though my mom did have one when I was a kid.  I couldn't decide what to make, but I wanted to start easy.  I was flipping through Rawsomely Vegan! by Mike Snyder, and decided that his Sweet and Spicy Zucchini Jerky was the way to go.  I had some of the ingredients, but I picked up my raw apple cider vinegar (Bragg's brand) & raw agave nectar (Whole Foods 365 Organic brand) at Whole Foods.  I couldn't find lucuma powder anywhere, so I had to skip that, and I think I should have cut down on the oil because of that.  If you don't have Rawsomely Vegan, raw eater or not, you need it!  The recipes are, well.. awesome!

Garden of Life RAW Meal Energy in Yerba Mate!

I get most of my produce and fresh foods at the local supermercado, but Whole Foods is right next to my work, so I frequent it for my specialty items, my bulk foods, and occasionally a slice or two of traditional vegan pizza when I'm feeling naughty.

My few visits ago, I saw containers of a new RAW Protein Energy from Garden of Life in the decompression zone of Whole Foods.  Of course my interest was sparked!  It came in two flavors, Marley Coffee or Guayaki Yerba Mate.  I debated momentarily, but picked up the Yerba Mate for it's lower caffeine and acidity.

But wait.. that says RAW Meal!