Ingredients
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1/2 cup almond butterOr nut butter of choice
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1/3 cup honey
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1/2 cup chocolate protein powderI used Muscle Milk
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1/4 cup datespitted and chopped
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2/3 cup rice puff cerealI used Kashi 7 whole grain puffs
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sea salt
Directions
Trying to figure out what to eat before a big race – or even a training session – can be tough. Especially if the race/workout is long, it can be tricky to get the calories you need to power through without causing yourself digestive distress. For the really long ones you’re going to need calories along the way, and you want something that’s easy to carry, access, eat and digest. I’ve never been a big fan of goos or blocks or any of the other marathon favorites. They feel in my body like they look in the package – strangely textured and unnatural. My personal favorites are pitted dates and individual packs of almond butter.
I was recently having dinner with my friend Jen, and shamelessly plugging her for race strategies. She said my dates and nut butter are great options, but that I really needed to try her salty balls. I didn’t ask any questions, because Jen’s a total badass and just finished her first full Ironman. Instead I asked her for the recipe, and here you have it. These are super tasty, and way more affordable than a packaged alternative. You can adjust most of the ingredients to your preference – for example by substituting oats or another type of cereal, brown rice syrup in place of honey, or using pretty much any nut butter. They have some protein thanks to the protein powder, but what you really need during a race is simple carbs. I ate these yesterday before my long run, and again when I got home from the bar… and it turns out they’re equally good for both occasions! I’ll definitely be putting several in my pack for this weekend’s long rides!
Steps
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1
Done
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Combine the honey and almond butter in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds to soften. |
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2
Done
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Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. |
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3
Done
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Combine wet and dry ingredients and form into 16 balls (or more or less, depending on the size you prefer). Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Store in the refrigerator. |
