I have spent a few fun hours in the kitchen working on new recipes, as I had a few days off of work this week. I have been wanting to create a new recipe for healthy protein bites for fueling my runs, fulfilling my sweet tooth, and tiding me over before I can get to breakfast.
Bites are easy to make and quick to consume. These pack a lot of punch in one or two bites too. Tart cherry is one of my favorite foods for a runners diet. I love tart cherry juice the night before a long run, to help increase electrolytes and help induce a peaceful nights rest. Also, great for recovery after my runs. I love frozen tart cherries in my smoothies, and now I have thrown them into my protein bites.
Costco has a bag of dried tart cherries for a reasonable price. Dried tart cherries are a perfect addition to trail mixes, granola, cookies and these protein bites.
After listening to a quick sermon online Wednesday night, I made these in 15 minutes. Now I have a great snack for before or after working out or as a nice dessert after dinner. They have a chocolatey taste (from the carob powder and cacao nibs), with tartness from the cherries and a crunch from the nuts. I didn’t use any sweetener either. I found they didn’t need it.
Tart cherries contain antioxidants helping to fight off free radical damage and help promote muscle recovery. They are shown to help with post-workout muscle soreness, osteoarthritis pain in the knee, and promote a good nights rest. They are great at absorbing and deactivating free radicals and have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. They contain anthocyanins, a key antioxidant, blocking enzymes associated with inflammation.
Tart cherries contain high amounts of vitamin A. They are high in potassium, calcium and magnesium as well. I used cacao nibs as well, which is chocolate in it’s purest form without any additives.They have a dark chocolate flavor that is nutty and slightly bitter. Cacao nibs are a great source of antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. They are also high in magnesium and iron. Try this recipe for aiding recovery, easing post workout soreness, and satisfying a sweet tooth.
You’ll need
- nut butter
- dried tart cherries
- pecans & walnuts
- Coco powder or Carob powder
- protein powder
- coconut flour
- cacao nibs (or can sub mini chocolate chips)
- hemp seeds (optional)
- 1 c Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
- ¼ c chopped Pecans
- ¼ c Walnut pieces
- ½ c dried Tart Cherries
- 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (or vanilla, protein of your choice)
- 1 Tbsp Carob Powder or Coco Powder
- 2-3 Tbsp coconut flour
- 1-2 Tbsp Cacao Nibs (or mini chocolate chips)
- 1 Tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
- In medium size mixing bowl add the nut butter, protein powder, carob or coco powder and stir until well combined.
- Stir in the nuts, tart cherries, cacao nibs and hemp seeds.
- Add coconut flour 1 Tbsp at a time, until mixture is easy to work with, stirring until thoroughly worked in. (shouldn't need more than 3 Tbsp).
- Form into balls/bites (may need to add a little bit of water to help form the bites). Store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to a couple weeks.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend!!
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
Do you like Tart Cherries? Every tried Tart Cherry Juice?
Saved to my pinterest board. I love tart cherry. Thanks for the recipe, Bry!
I love cherries and chocolate, in fact I just made a C/C vegan bar– layered with yummy!
Sounds amazing!!