Post-Workout Treats

A nice post-workout treat

More often than not, when and what you eat following your workout is as important as the workout itself. After some of these CF workouts, though, sitting down and eating lots of food can be a daunting task (for many reasons). That's why foods like Lance's Fuel2Go energy bars are so helpful. They're extremely nutrient-dense (in terms of macro- and micronutrients) and at the same time, don't leave you feeling like you just committed gluttony at a five-course meal at some Moroccan restaurant.

But with Lance's energy bars often disappearing quicker than a goldfish in a school of piranhas, it's nice to have a Plan B. And with that in mind, I offer up the following post-workout recipe, courtesy of a fellow student in my nutrition class.

Lara Balls

Ingredients

2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1 cup figs
1 date
1-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (preferably squeezed from an orange itself)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon anise (optional)
2 pinches of salt

Directions

Combine the walnuts, dates, salt, and figs in a food processor. Mix the orange juice, cinnamon, and anise together before adding into the food processor. Mix until dough-like consistency and roll into 15 small balls. Place in the refrigerator to harden for a half-hour before eating.

It's that simple.

And now that you know how to make these tasty treats, let's look under the hood, so to speak, so you can see how beneficial some of the ingredients are.

Figs

Figs are high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines because they are a very good source of fiber. Also, because they're high in potassium, they are an important consideration in helping to control blood pressure.

Walnuts

A great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and minerals such as manganese, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium. Walnuts are also one of the few non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids (they contain alpha-linolenic acid).

Dates

Dates contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-D-glucan. Beta-D-glucan has been shown to have a modulating effect on blood sugar levels, due to its role in slowing the absorption of glucose into the small intestine.

Oranges

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamins C, B1, B2, and B6, as well as folic acid and pantothenic acid. Vitamin C is critical for immune system function.

Anise

Anise is known for its strong licorice taste and is a rich source coumarin compounds. Coumarin's benefits include cough relief and aiding digestion.

Cinnamon

Besides tasting delicious, cinnamon is a great way to enhance one's insulin sensitivity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Lara Ball

Calories: 132.88 kcal
Fat: 10.28g
Carbs: 10.08g
Fiber: 2.17g
Protein: 2.76g

Post your favorite post-workout foods to comments.