5 Fueling TREATS for Athletes this Summer

One question I am often asked by athletes is where and how do treats fit into a fueling plan. It is perfectly okay to indulge in that creamy ice cream or decadent chocolate dessert 1-2 times per week as part of a well-done fueling plan. However, aim to work in one of these tasty treats as a more frequent choice to fill that sweet craving (can you say nighttime snack!?!). Here are 5 tasty recipes to check out this summer...and maybe carry into the fall, too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter "Ice Cream" - makes 2 servings

Ingredients

2 medium bananas, frozen

1.5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1.5 Tbsp natural peanut butter

2 Tbsp milk (cow’s, soy or almond milk)

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Eat immediately.

Optional: add 1 scoop of pure protein powder to increase the protein content.

Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles - makes nine 4 oz. popsicles
Recipe source
Ingredients
1 cup strawberries, frozen
1 banana, frozen
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup nonfat cow's/soy milk
1 tsp honey

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth. Pour mixture into popsicle mold. Place in freeze for approximately 6 hours. Run popsicle mold under warm water and pop out of mold and serve.

Raw Chocolate Truffles - makes 24 truffles

Ingredients

~1 c unsweetened dates, pitted and chopped

~1 1/4 c raw walnuts, unsalted

1/4 c cocoa powder, unsweetened

2 T honey or pure maple syrup

Optional: ¼ tsp peppermint extract

1. Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor.

2. Roll into "truffle" size balls. [Optional: roll in shaved coconut or cocoa powder.]

3. Store in air-tight container. 

Fruit Yogurt Bark - makes ~6 servings
Ingredients
~2 cups PLAIN nonfat yogurt or greek yogurt
~1/4 cup granola
~2 Tbsp honey
~1/4 cup dried fruit (and nuts if desired)

1. Spread yogurt in even layer on pan covered with wax paper. Layer should be ~1/4 inch thick.
2. Sprinkle yogurt with toppings above or other toppings as desired.
3. Place pan in freeze for ~3 hours until yogurt is frozen.
4. To serve, peel back wax paper and break into pieces. Eat immediately.

Berry Avocado Smoothie - makes 3 smoothies
Ingredients
2 cups fresh baby spinach

1/2 avocado

1 ripe banana

2 2/3 berries (variety)

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek Yogurt

Optional: ~ 1 inch fresh ginger

1. Combine all ingredients in blender. 

2. Enjoy immediately OR fill popsicle container and freeze for a smoothie popsicle later!

Your Nutrition Coach,

RDKate