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Weekly Nutrition Tip: Healthy Recovery Ice Cream & Protein Bars

May 29 2012

Healthy Recovery Ice Cream & Protein Almond Bars

By: Debra Meszaros- CSN
www.Clubmx-sc.com
www.MXSportsNutrition.com


Summer is now upon us and how could we be expected to skip those refreshing treats we are all so accustomed to consuming? Well the good news is you don't have to!

In a few simple steps and a little planning you can be enjoying not only a refreshing treat but one that could also have healthy ingredients, quality fats for energy and protein.

First step is a small investment in a Cuisinart Ice Cream & Sorbet maker. This should cost about $60.00. Then get out the following ingredients and we're about to build "Healthy Recovery Ice Cream."
- Coconut milk, full fat (2 cups)
- Cocoa powder, organic if possible (2-3 tablespoons)
- Sea salt (just a pinch)
- Honey, raw, unfiltered (1/4 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- Egg Yolks, free range chickens, organic if possible (4 egg yolks)
- Protein powder, your choice (2 tablespoons)

Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan on low heat, add coconut milk and cocoa powder whisking to combine.
2. Stir in sea salt, honey, and vanilla extract until blended. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in protein powder, whisking until blended well.
4. Whisk in egg yolks.
5. Chill this mixture very well in refrigerator.
6. Now follow the directions of the ice cream maker. Usually within 30 minutes you'll have ice cream!

If you, spouse, or a parent would like to get creative you can add all sorts of healthy addons like raw almond pieces, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, berries of your choice and more. Choices are endless. If you prefer almond milk you can substitute it for the coconut milk and if you prefer a creamier ice cream, try subbing 1 of the cups of coconut milk with 1 cup of coconut cream.

This recipe provides a high protein content ice cream. For those heading to Loretta's, I'd make a few quarts of this and pack the RV freezer!



-Protein Almond Bars-

These are pretty quick and easy to make, just follow these simple instructions.

Gather these ingredients for the base:
- Coconut oil (1/2 cup)
- Almond butter (1/2 cup)
- Granulated sweetener or substitute (1/4 cup)
- Cocoa powder (6 tablespoons)
- Protein powder (2 tablespoons)
- Honey, raw, unfiltered if possible (3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

Directions to base:
1. In a saucepan over low heat melt coconut oil and almond butter, mix well
2. Stir in cocoa powder and granulated sweetener (sugar, xylitol) whisking until blended
3. Add honey, vanilla extract and protein powder, mix well and remove from heat
4. Pour mixture into 8x8 pan and place in freezer and move on to creating the topping

Gather these ingredients for the coconut topping:
- Unsweetened coconut flakes (1 2/3 cups)
- Coconut oil (7 tablespoons)
- Granulated sweetener (1/3cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 ? teaspoons)
- Arrowroot powder (2 teaspoons)
- Almond halves or slices (just a handful)

Directions to topping:
1. In a saucepan over low-medium heat, melt coconut oil and add coconut flakes. Stir.
2. Add sweetener, vanilla extract, arrowroot powder and simmer and stir until it thickens. Then remove from heat.

Once base is hardened carefully smooth coconut topping on top. Place your almonds on top and place bars back in the freezer. Once hardened take out of freezer and enjoy! You can keep those you do not eat (not suggested to eat this all in one day!) into the refrigerator.

Remember these recipes do contain sugar so be careful and wise as to how much you consume in a day. These are treats and not a new diet plan.

-2011 Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com. All rights reserved; no duplication without permission.
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