Welcome to Day 3 of our “12 Days of Pretty” series, where we blend the intensity of combat sports with the festive cheer of the holiday season. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe for a healthy Christmassy treat that’s perfect for practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, or boxing. Whether you’re gearing up for a tough training session or winding down after a rigorous workout, this treat will satisfy your taste buds and support your nutritional needs.
Recipe: Christmas Energy Bites
Ingredients:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter for variation)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips (if using), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture starts to come together. You may need to use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
3. Form Energy Bites: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill and Serve: Once all the mixture is rolled into balls, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the energy bites to firm up.
5. Enjoy: After chilling, your Christmas Energy Bites are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why It’s Perfect for Combat Sports Athletes
These Christmas Energy Bites are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for combat sports athletes:
• Oats provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Natural Peanut Butter offers healthy fats and protein, aiding in muscle recovery.
• Nuts and Seeds contribute additional healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium.
• Dried Cranberries add a festive touch and provide antioxidants.
• Dark Chocolate Chips (optional) contain antioxidants and can satisfy your sweet tooth in moderation.
These ingredients come together to create a tasty snack that supports your training and recovery needs during the holiday season. Whether you’re gearing up for a tough sparring session or winding down after a grappling practice, these energy bites are a delicious and nutritious choice.
Stay tuned for more “12 Days of Pretty” as we continue to blend the world of combat sports with the festive spirit of the holidays!
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