Posted by Tia Patel | APR-01-2021
Fuel Your Run with chocolate this Easter 🐣
At long last, the news we’ve all been waiting for……..Chocolate is GOOD for you! So if you’re wondering how you’ll ever get through the mountain of Easter eggs you’ve accumulated, look no further! Start using your chocolate stash to fuel your run routine. 🏃 Chocolate has two powerful properties that make it the perfect pre and post workout snack option. It is a great source of carbs and contains essential antioxidants! The darker the chocolate, the better it will be since it contains less sugar than milk and white chocolate.
Why is chocolate good for runners?
Reduce inflammation -The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help to reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints. Antioxidants are the compounds that protect the cells from being damaged by free radicals, which increase during exercise.
Improve Mood - Cacao which is an ingredient in chocolate contains serotonin, a mood-balancing hormone. It is important for runners to balance mood-hormones to help them get through hard training sessions. Having a nibble of some dark chocolate before a run will increase energy levels and create a positive mindset.
Increase Stamina - Chocolate contains caffeine which enhances strength and endurance. Perfect before your long slow run on Easter Sunday! Be sure to practice mindfulness by taking time to enjoy the chocolate, this will help you get set to tackle your workout ahead.
Reducing cramp & muscle spasm - Dark chocolate is high in magnesium which helps to regulate muscle and nerve function. It aids energy metabolism and muscle contraction which are essential bodily functions for your run.
Don't forget chocolate is higher in fat than other carb sources, so try to ensure the portion is small (about a quarter of a bar). Fat takes longer to break down than carbs for use as fuel, compared to a simple sugar or piece of fruit.
Is chocolate good before exercise?
If you’re eating chocolate pre workout, be sure to enjoy it about two hours before your sweat session. If you are using it for recovery, stick to a few squares! It can help replace glycogen stores after a workout. Why not try pairing it with some protein, like a glass of milk or some nut butter. This is a great combo for muscle recovery.
Team GPD Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies:
Combine chocolate and peanut butter to create these irresistible cookies. You definitely cannot tell that they’re made with less sugar and more protein! Recipe makes 10 delicious cookies!
- 75g chocolate chips
- 75g peanut butter
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 25g coconut sugar
- 20g cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 whole eggs
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and coconut oil and stir until melted.
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In a medium bowl mix together the almond flour, sugar or sweetener, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
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To the bowl add the melted chocolate and eggs. Mix to combine well.
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With hands press dough to form cookies and then bake for 9-11 minutes.
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We like to drizzle peanut butter over the cookies to top it off!
Let us know if you try it!
Remember, everything is good in moderation, so try to resist eating all your eggs in one sitting! 🤔
Chocolate can also be a trigger for those who suffer from acid reflux, so if you start noticing symptoms like heartburn or indigestion during a workout, you may want to avoid it as pre workout fuel.
Happy Easter everyone!
#TeamGPD
