Written by Stephen R. Santangelo for the Spring 2020 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Stephen has been in the fitness industry since 1979 and created his own specialty exercises & programs based upon the anthropological movement of the human body.
Many of us live an active life on the trails and we’re often on the run at a hectic pace with friends and family off the trails. Therefore, it is important to have some yummy quick snacks to eat on the go, or even before and after hitting the trails. Three favorites, which are highly nutritious, easy to make and quite tasty are: chocolate avocado pudding, date balls, and beet hummus.
Chocolate avocado pudding can be made within a few minutes.
Ingredients: Avocado and cocoa powder.
Instructions: Take 1 large avocado and whip it up until it is a creamy consistency. Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder to taste, and its complete. You can include a shot of raw honey to taste for a bit of added sweetness and energy. During the cold months add some ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne to warm the heart.
Makes 1 serving
Date balls are also fast and easy to make.
Ingredients: Dates, shredded coconut, coconut oil, real vanilla, filtered water.
Instructions: Take 1 lb. of fresh pitted dates. Place in food processor until thick creamy consistency. Depending on the variety of date, you might have to add a bit of filtered water or coconut oil. Add a shot of pure vanilla to taste. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Place in wet hands, roll into ball, then, roll in shredded coconut and it’s ready to eat.
Beet Hummus is another fast, easy and delicious treat, especially, if you’re a beet lover. Not only does it satisfy one’s palate, it is highly nutritious and has beautiful color.
Ingredients: Roasted beets, garbanzo beans/chickpeas, tahini, fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of Himalayan salt.
Instructions: Pour 1 can of garbanzo beans into a clean food processor. After a minute of being whipped into a creamy paste, add tahini, minced garlic and lemon juice and whip for 1 minute. Add 1 large beet and whip for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of Himalayan salt and whip for 1 minute. If need be, add 1 tablespoon at a time of filtered water and whip between each added tablespoon until a smooth creamy blend is desired. If you’re a crazy beet lover, you can add 2 large beets!
Editor’s Note: Be safe as we continue to navigate the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, continue to follow the recommendations and updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including proper hygiene practices. Also consider reading iRunFar’s COVID-19: A Trail Running and Ultrarunning Community Guide.
