Race, Brunch, Repeat

Possibly the best cookies I've ever made. Three key ingredients make this a winner (chickpeas, almond spread and almond milk)

All-natural, high protein and if you leave the honey out it is vegan-friendly and sugar free.

So easy it is hard to stuff up with 5 min prep time. Texture comes out very soft, tastiness guaranteed.

High protein almond cookies with honey

Been experimenting with some grain alternatives. Found a winner in buckwheat groats, which is actually a seed.

Buckwheat is a great gluten-free option for porridge, muesli, pancakes and even a rice substitute. I tried it all in the last few weeks with astounding success (aside from pancakes that are as dense as bricks).

Buckwheat porridge with Coconut Almond

Porridge recipe below - I find the texture is a lot more fun than oatss.

Buckwheat porridge
- 1/2 Cup buckwheat groats
- 1 Cup water
- 1/2 Cup almond milk (or cow's milk, soy milk etc.)
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Almond Spread (use MiLA's)
- dash of salt

Add buckwheat, water and salt and bring to a boil on a a stovetop. Combine with milk and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Drizzle the spread and feel free to add any (or all) of cinnamon, greek yogurt, chopped nuts, honey and fresh fruit. A really good new breakfast staple if you suffer from oats fatigue or gluten intolerance.

Great new smoothie idea from the weekend. Fact - smoothies need creaminess. This recipe uses avocados which are now in season. Also coconut almond spread is amazing in a drink. Good fats, low on carbs and very tasty.... please try.

Coconut almond green smoothie

Coconut Almond Green Smoothie (4 ingredients)
- 1 avocado
- 1-2 Tbsp coconut almond spread (use MiLA's)
- 1 Cup almond milk
- 1/2 Tbsp honey (optional)

Blend together and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Feel free to add more honey/maple syrup for sweetness (or skip entirely). The above is just a solid smoothie base, with scope to add extras such as greek yogurt, cocoa, oats, chia, protein powder, leafy greens and even fruit.

Nutritional information:
- protein 10g
- fat 44g
- carbs 31g
- sugar 11g (with honey)
- calories 526

I very rarely have baked goods - too much butter, oil, refined sugar and refined carbs.

The misses has just nailed a really simple combo...  Big tick on being healthy, easy and tasty.

Chai almond slice - 3 ingredients

Chai Almond Slice (3 ingredients, 20 min)
- 1 Jar (250g) Chai Spiced Almond Spread (use MiLA's)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- optional crushed walnuts/almonds

Combine all ingredients and fill 1.5cm thick in a greased baking tray. Bake at 175 degrees for 16 minutes fan forced (check after 14 min as ovens vary). Remove from oven to cool for 10 min, cut into 8-10 slices and serve.

Suppose to serve 4-5 people, but I ate the whole thing in two sittings. The waft of the chai spice once baked is amazing and the texture is slightly chewy. Also on the nutrition front:
- Good source of fats and high protein
- Gluten and dairy free
- No refined sugar (naturally sweetened via minor amount of honey in the spread)
- No refined/processed carbs or added oils

Note - crushed nuts give some texture, but can be added before or after baking.

I'm a big advocate of good nutrition and generally stick to unrocessed foods with quality protein and lots of good fats. I really don't restrict carbs but focus on starchy vegetables or wholegrains.

My post long run smoothie is simple, healthy and tasty.

Banana cocoa almond smoothie

Banana Cocoa  Almond Smoothie
- 2 Frozen Ripe Bananas
- 1 1/2 Cups Vanilla Almond Milk
- 2 Tbsp Almond Spread (I use MiLA's)
- 2 Tbsp Raw Cocoa Powder

Combine all ingredients into a blender and drink immediately.

It's highly nutritious, simple to make and provides a good mix of carbs, protein and quality fat.

Nutritional information:
- protein 13g
- fat 23g
- saturated 2g
- carbs 69g
- sugar 30g
- calories 494

Disclaimer - this is a double serving size, so if you're not on a 3,000+ calorie diet, maybe share it with a loved one or make it a meal.

Variations you say?
- more protein - greek yogurt or protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- more fibre, good fats and protein - chia or flax seeds
- more sweetness - dates or honey