"Let food be thy medicine"    ~Hippocrates~

 Val's go-to power foods

**New Red Potatoes, boiled and stored in fridge. Top with Salsa, spices, Hummus or whatever you like. Yummy cold and perfect for lunches.

**PB&J with Banana on Whole Grain toasted Bread, what can I say. Just perfect gooiness! 

**Watermelon, great anytime. High water content. Good Fiber. Try it frozen.

**Walnuts and Flax Seeds. High in Omega 3's. GOOD FATS! Just dont eat too many, 1 oz a day is plenty.

**Avocado. Try adding to a little Balsalmic Vinegar and a bit of water to make your own salad dressing.

**Grapes. Perfect for lunch. At home keep some in the freezer for after dinner snacking.

**Quinoa. (Keen-what! - Keen-Waa). A Great  protein source. Use it in anything from burritos to salads, hot or cold.

**Medjool Dates. Carry them on a long run or have a few by themselves for a sugary dessert treat. Make sure you remove the pit.

**Sesame Seeds. Sprinkle on just about anything or add to your favorite smoothie. Good source of Calcium.

**Leafy Greens. Kale, Spinach, Chard, Bok Choy. Raw, or cooked. Great fiber, Vitamins and Minerals to help counteract the damage done from hard training. Heck, it works for Popeye!

**Dried Apricots. You only need a few to get a nutient power punch. A good source of Iron. Chase with an orange or a glass of OJ to help with absorption.

Val's Homemade Energy Bars

Make these in a few minutes and you'll never go back to store bought. Cheap, easy and yummy!

1/2 cup peanuts or nuts of choice
5-6 pitted Dates
Dried Apricots (to taste-I used about 6)

Blend in food processor, press into loaf pan using parchment paper underneath to help lift out. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Makes 4-5 bars. Modify with other ingredients as desired. These are crazy good! 

Ideas for other ingredients:

Oats, Chia seeds, hemp seeds, other dried fruit, chocolate. Let your imagination and your taste buds be your guide.

Val's "I can't believe its' not a milk shake" Smoothie 

Add ingredients to a high powered blender in order listed. Blend on high until ice is completely blended.

2 cups non flavored Almond or Rice Milk

1 large ripe banana

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp cacoa nibs or cocoa powder (optional)

2 Tbsp honey (if you desire more sweetness)

1 scoop "Vega One" French Vanilla (can find this at Whole Foods or Olivers in the can or individual packet)

2 cups ice or as much as you like

  Val's Post Workout Protein Power Smoothie

Add ingredients to a high powered blender in order listed. Blend on high until ice is completely blended.

1/2 cup non flavored Almond or Rice milk

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup cashews (optional)

1/2 cup Silken Tofu

1 ripe banana

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups ice (or to your preference)

Makes 2 generous servings. Great for post workout recovery drink. Tastes just like an Orange Dreamsickle.

Ok, I know it sounds gross, but try it. You might be surprised.