The Alpha(linolenic) and Omega(3 fatty acids) Energy Bites for Athletes

Training takes a lot out of me as the day goes by, and coupled with training in 3-4 different locations that are often separated by a 140+ miles of driving, i need high quality nutrition to sustain the beating.

These peanut butter cashew energy bites are timely, and perfect for those of us who grind 6-7 days a week. Its packed with whole nutritious foods: oats, dates, dried apricots, cashews, chia seeds and flaxseeds to offer the body truly sustainable energy and promote mental clarity. 

Alpha Linolenic Acid(ALA):

Alpha linolenic acid an omega-3 farty acid is known to be used widely for preventing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It is used to prevent heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reverse "hardening of the blood vessels". In one tablespoon of flaxseed oil is 7g of ALA, by far the richest source, and in this recipe there is two ounces of ground flaxseeds.

Note: Be sure to only consume ground flaxseeds, because the body cannot process them otherwise.

FIBER:

These bites are a high naturally-occurring fiber food. Of course everyone knows "you need more fiber in your diet", but few understand exactly why. Well for one, foods with naturally occurring fiber helps maintain a healthy weight. Naturally occurring fiber also aids in lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Consuming naturally occurring fiber is primarily responsible for removing toxins in the gut, promoting a healthy floral community (Flora/microbiota is the "good" bacteria in mammals), and improving nutritional absorption (via intestinal villi) as blockage/waste is moved through the digestive tract.

According to a recent dietary review, dietary fiber has a positive impact on gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• colorectal ulcer

• hiatal hernias

• gastroesophageal reflux disease

• diverticular disease

• hemorrhoids

RECIPE:

1/3 cup 1-minute oats

1/4-1/3  cup peanut butter 

2oz crushed cashews

8 dried apricots (quartered)

4 pitted dates (chopped coarsely)

4 tablespoons chia seeds 

4 tablespoons ground flaxseeds 

1 tablespoon local honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in oats, cashews, apricots, dates, chia seeds and flaxseeds. 

2. Add vanilla, honey and cinnamon.

3. Stir until the mixture is evenly distributed.

4. Add peanut butter. 

5. Press peanut butter into the mixture until evenly mixed.

6. Roll the mixture into 1-2" balls and lay on a cookie sheet. 

7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

Keep cool to prevent melting.

Makes 10 bites.

Have 2 or 3 one to two hours before a workout or directly after a workout for recovery.

They're a perfect addition to this whole food to go idea:

Boiled eggs

Grilled garlic kale, swiss chard, and Portobello mushrooms

Oranges

Grapes

#iamkalmesewell