Choco Morning Energy Bowl

Have you ever met someone who just seems to be their happiest in the morning? Meanwhile, you on the other hand have to execute an internal argument to pry yourself out of bed. Some people do coffee or even green tea in the morning to get their days going. However, I'm not a big coffee or tea drinker, but I like the idea of something to stimulate the brain and the body in the morning. Enter my chocolate smoothie bowls...

The cacoa is the main ingredient that makes this bowl a great energy boosting treat because as you may know it is a stimulant. Made from bananas, this bowl is my newly found favorite way to combine my post workout carbohydrates, protein, while getting two daily servings of fruit and energy to kick start my day.

Blend the following ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1-2 tbsp. raw cacao powder
• 1 scoop protein powder- I use a powder that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates
• 2 tbsp. Greek yogurt
• 1 oz almond milk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 handful cacao chips or cacao nibs 

Blueberry Yogurt with Honey Drizzle

I love dressing up my snacks and treating them more like a main course . The visual appeal makes every bite that much better. This dressed up yogurt is a one of my favorite snacks because it is quick and super delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 cup blackberries or favorite fruit
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 1 tablespoon honey

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Have you heard all the craze around chia seeds lately? Just three tablespoons packs roughly 16 grams of protein making it very attractive for those of us looking for alternatives to animal protein. Last night like most nights, I was thinking about what I'm going to eat for breakfast. It may seem silly but I find it best to think ahead about what I'm going to eat. It sort of gives me something to look forward to throughout the day, especially since I've been getting so creative lately

I opted for a chocolate chia pudding which I prepped the night before and topped it off with some leftover strawberry compote, blackberries, bananas and raw almonds.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (I use vanilla flavor)
• 1 teaspoon honey (use only if using plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1.5 cups fresh/frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1 banana
• 1/3 cup raw almonds

Directions

Place strawberries in a small saucepan on medium heat and let cook until it assumes a syrup like consistency. Let cool for about half an hour. This recipe uses only 1.5 cups. However, I typically make bigger batches and store them in the refrigerator. Next in a mixing bowl or cup mix chia seeds, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cacao powder and honey. Let sit for 10-20 minutes and then cover with lid or saran wrap. Place in refrigerator for approximately four hours or overnight. It will have a pudding like consistency. You can eat as is or top with compote, blackberries, banana, almonds or any other toppings of your choice. I think some cacao nibs and some coconut flakes are likely what I will try next. Enjoy!!!

Choco Butter Smoothie Bowl

Say goodbye to straws and sip cups and say hello to the smoothie bowl. Yes, not only does eating a smoothie from a bowl make for better presentation but it tricks your brain into thinking you're actually eating more. Preparation is super quick and easy, which makes it perfect for a quick snack and even a meal replacement.

Blend the following ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 4 tbsp greek yoghurt 
• 1 tbsp cacao powder 
• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 oz milk (I use fat free organic milk but you can use almond, soy or whatever you prefer)
• Toppings of your choice (blackberries and almonds pictured above)

Spinach Blueberry Salad with Quinoa, Cottage Cheese and Honey

Attempt this salad with caution as it is wildly delicious. It is packed with protein, fiber and vitamins and is a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Did I mention that it includes THREE super foods (spinach, blueberries and honey)?

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups Organic Baby Spinach
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries
• 1/3 cup Quinoa (cooked)
• 1/3 cup of Fat-free Cottage Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Honey

Go Ham on Antioxidants

Besides being absolutely delicious,  Antioxidant rich foods boost your immune system,  prevent inflammation and keep you looking young and fabulous. We are what we eat. Make sure to add these yummies to your daily diet. Afterall, Gladiators need fuel!!!

*Photo credit to @fitness-fitsme on tumblr.com