The Erin Project

Serves 1

• 1 date, pitted
• 1/2 banana, preferably frozen
• 1 tsp coconut nectar (optional)
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tbsp cacoa nibs
• 1 tbsp goji berries
• 1 tsp maca
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 scoop Vega Sport® Protein, chocolate
• handful of fresh mint
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or non-dairy milk of choice
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 ice cubes

Blend it all up in high speed blender. 

Why eat it:
If the fact that it tastes like a chocolate milkshake isn’t enough, eat it for its nutrient density and superfoods. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from the quick cellular repair, muscle recovery and antioxidants provided by maca, goji berries and cacao. If you don’t have coconut nectar, agave or maple syrup will do. Or just leave it out.

For athletes:
The 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein make this smoothie perfect for immediate post-workout recovery. Also, it tastes like a milkshake – this bears repeating.

Makes 14 bites

• 8 dates, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 2 tsp maca powder
• 4 tbsp hemp seeds, divided
• 2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla
• salt to taste

In food processor, grind pumpkin seeds thoroughly.

Add cacao powder, cacao nibs, maca, 2 tbsp hemp seeds and combine. 

Slowly add vanilla and dates until a dough has formed.  Roll into small balls. Coat with 2 tbsp hemp seeds and coconut.

Why eat it:
Are they a snack? Are they a dessert? Yes. A little sweet, a little chocolaty and a lot nutritious. These little bites are full of magnesium, iron and antioxidants, just to name of few of their benefits. For a bigger omega-3 punch, use walnuts in place of the pumpkin seeds.

For athletes:
Great for recovery and the afternoon post-workout sweet tooth.

Serves 2

• 1/2 cup cashew coconut yogurt
• the easiest fresh strawberry vinaigrette
• 2 beets, julienned
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, divided
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cups mixed spring greens
• 2 radishes
• 1/2 avocado
• cumin seeds, to garnish
• fresh mint and/or basil

 

For the Spring half:
Toss mixed greens with strawberry vinaigrette and top with radish, avocado and fresh herbs.

For the Fall half:
Smear yogurt on plate as a base for salad. Pile up the beets like a tiny haystack. Pile carrots on top and sprinkle with cumin. 

Why eat it:
If you’re anything like me, when given a choice between two salads, the answer is “both”. Enter the salad duo. The sweet beets and carrot combo pair perfectly with the tangy non-dairy yogurt (delicious on it’s own BTW). Paired with leafy greens and the refreshing strawberry vinaigrette, this salad duo is full of vitamins and minerals. I think this plate even has the power to win over a non-salad lover.

For athletes:
The recovery power of beets mixed with the fermented yogurt and fibrous veggies make this salad easy on the digestion for a great workout day lunch or dinner.