Recipe: Almond Crusted Chocolate Bananas

When you find a pre-workout snack that gives you energy without causing digestive upset or cramps, you’ve got a winner. A simple banana has always treated me right before exercising, and here’s a way to add an exciting little twist.

It’s a perfect snack because the banana offers easily digestible carbs, the almond butter boosts the protein content and the shredded coconut adds iron, vitamin C and an assortment of B vitamins. The fat in coconut also works like olive oil, in that it can help lower the HDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise the LDL (good) levels.

And, according to a new study, the cocoa may help you perform better when working out.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 2 tbsp shredded coconut

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Peel the banana and roll it in the cocoa powder to coat

2. Slice the banana into 8 pieces. Smear the almond

butter on top and sprinkle with shredded coconut

Enjoy!