This post-run snack will please your body and your sweet tooth

I’m a ruthless snacker.

I eat three well-rounded meals a day but in between each of these, I still find myself needing to eat. Call it hunger or call it habit, at this point it’s part of my food and nutrition routine.When it comes to the healthiest approach to meal timing, opinions vary. Some say that eating every few hours is key in keeping metabolism and energy up, others claim just the opposite. I don’t know if I’m doing it right or wrong but with my activity level and general appetite, I try to eat pretty consistently throughout the day.

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Frequent eating has forced me to be extra conscious about what I’m putting into my body, though. Regardless of the hundreds of calories I burn on any given day, eating junk food or so-called ‘empty calories’ on a regular basis will affect both my energy levels, and eventually, my health. This can be difficult during peak marathon training, as I find myself craving sugar and sweets far more often.

This has forced me to get creative in the kitchen with recipes that satisfy both my taste buds and my body. What I came up with is something that I can binge on a little, without feeling sluggish and bloated afterwards. This “Apple Pie” dip meets my criteria. It tastes good enough that I can bring it to a party with non-running friends and have them rave over it (a true litmus test!). The dates provide natural sweetness as well as vitamins and minerals (including magnesium and iron, key for all runners). Chia seeds regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, help your body better absorb nutrients and help keep you feeling full longer. Pair it with apple slices that are full of fiber and vitamin c. 

Not only is this dip incredibly quick and simple to throw together, the ingredients are also almost always stocked in my kitchen. So go ahead and binge – your sweet tooth will be satisfied, and your body will thank you for the nutrients!

“Apple Pie” Dip

INGREDIENTS

2 cups pitted Medjool dates
4 tbsp. chia seeds
Cinnamon to taste (I am always generous with this spice)

DIRECTIONS

Soak dates in water for one hour; drain. Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse until combined. Serve with sliced apples for dipping.