Recipe: Protein Chocolate Brownies

No one ever said that eating healthy had to be bland and boring. Using the right ingredients, you can create the most flavoursome dishes.
I am a massive fan of cakes, buns and anything baking with chocolate, however the wheat content of cakes, pastries and other yummy bakes, leaves me feeling very bloated and ill. This is a very common trait amoung people these days, and it is becoming more known about the alternatives we can use to still enjoy those sweet treats we love.
The recipe below is for a clean eating chocolate and salted caramel protein brownie. I have used ground almonds as my alternative to wheat based flour.

Ingredients

Brownie
2 medium Bananas mashed
2 eggs
Half cup ground almonds / almond flour
Half cup cacao powder
1 scoop of chocolate/vanilla/caramel protein powder
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup runny honey
1/4 tbsp rock salt
1/3 cup greek yoghurt

Chocolate Topping
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1 tbsp Cacao Powder
1 tbsp MyProtein Maple Syrup
Pinch of salt

What to do:

Brownie
Pre-heat oven at 180c. Line a small baking tray with a baking sheet and grease it.
With all the ingredients for the brownie simply add them all into a large mixing bowl.
Mix until it is a smooth consistency. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and bake on the middle shelf for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Topping
Chuck all the ingredients into a new mixing bowl until all lumps have gone. Wait for the brownies too cool and then pour the chocolate over the top of the brownies and place in the fridge for 20 minuts or until chocolate hardens.

Then Enjoy!


Links for Ingredients
MyProtein Maple Syrup 
Cacao Powder
Coconut Oil
Caramel Protein Powder

Super Foods...Buzz Foods...The Low Down

January is a month that everyone begins fad diets to try and get back into shape ready for the Summer beach holidays...It is also a time when the words Super Food and Buzz Food pop up everywhere!

But what does "super food" mean?

I tend to use the phrase super food very loosely as I believe it is simply a marketing tool for the foods which come under this supposed umbrella. The foods are simply healthy and nutritious and can be used many different ways. 

What foods are "Super Foods"?

Chia Seeds

A member of the mint family and are the seeds of the Chia Plant. These seeds are a high source of fibre and protein, the contain omega-3 which is "super" for brain productivity. So for those of you with hard working jobs, or someone who is studying for exams then Chia Seeds could be the super food for you. 

How to use them: Chia seeds swell when soaked, so adding them into a pot with some coconut milk blended with a banana (leaving for 2 hours to soak) will give you a super tasty and healthy banana and coconut chia pudding.

Avocado

This is possibly my favourite of the lot. Avocados are great as they contain high amounts of Vitamin E which is good for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. This creamy fruit is also packed with essential fats that are important for our hearts. Eating Avocados can lower cholesterol, contributing to lowering the risk of developing heart disease. 

How to eat them: These can be eaten on toast with a poached egg, in salads or you could try making some homemade Guccamole.

Maca 

Maca is a root that belongs to the radish family and is avalible in powder form. Maca is rich in vitamins B, C and E and also provides plenty of Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium. Consuming Maca can increase energy levels and also stamina. Many athletes consume Maca as it has shown to improve overall performance. 

How to use: You can add Maca into a protein ball recipe or simply add a tea spoon into a smoothie.

Cacao Nibs

The middle part of the cocoa bean. Put simply Cacao is chocolate in its natural form, they contain no sugar ot preservatives and are high in antioxidants as well as fibre, magnesium and potassium all of which contribute to reducing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. 

How to eat them: Raw with porridge or natural greek yoghurt or swap with chocolate chips in baking.

Quinoa

A wheat free alternative pronouced "keen-wa". With twice the protein content of rice or barley, quinoa is also a very good source of calcium, magnesium and manganese. It also possesses good levels of several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre. 
How to eat: Can be cooked similarly to rice but can also be toasted and used to make and incredible healthy and nutritious base to a salad.

You can get all of these products from most health stores or supermarkets, buywholefoods online is also a great website to order all from one place.