4 festive treats to fuel your holiday runs
These easy, delicious recipes are perfect for sharing, and they'll keep your running game on point
‘Tis the season for eggnog, Christmas cake and all things shortbread. While there is zero shame in enjoying all the goodies (and you do not need to exercise to earn them!), sometimes it’s nice to know the treat you are devouring is also the perfect fuel for your next workout. Try any of these runner’s treats-turned-festive for your next gathering: everyone will want your recipes, and you’ll soon be making them all year.
Holiday Trail Mix Popcorn Bars
Ingredients
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup nut butter
Dark chocolate (for drizzling)
Crushed peppermint candies or coloured sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions
Mix popcorn, nuts and dried fruits in a large bowl.
Combine honey and nut butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until well blended. Pour the honey and nut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture and mix until evenly coated.
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for several hours, or until set.
Make it festive: Cut into holiday-oriented shapes using cookie cutters. Optional: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or coloured sugar.
Festive Cranberry Orange Protein Oat Bars
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one orange
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Pinch of salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, the warm whole wheat flour and almond flour. In a separate bowl, mix melted coconut oil, rich maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, vanilla extract and orange zest.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir. Gently fold in dried cranberries and walnuts, if using.
Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Make it festive: These bars already look festive, with the bright cranberries and orange zest, but adding a delicious glaze will level them up.
Healthy Yogurt Orange Glaze (optional)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Zest of half an orange
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, fresh orange juice and orange zest until well combined. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey, if needed. Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the yogurt orange glaze over the top. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra orange zest on top for a burst of colour and flavor. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares or bars.
Candy Cane Protein-Packed Energy Bites
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup protein powder
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond butter, honey, protein powder and dark chocolate chips until well combined.
Refrigerate the mixture for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle, and then roll into bite-sized balls. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Make it festive: roll the energy bites in crushed candy canes or festive-colored sprinkles for a holiday touch; coconut or coloured sugar works, as well.
Gingerbread Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup almond milk (or any preferred milk)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 banana, frozen
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes (optional)
Directions
In a blender, combine almond milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen banana, almond butter, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg and vanilla extract.
Blend until smooth and creamy, adding ice cubes until the smoothie reaches your preferred consistency. Pour into festive glasses or mugs.
Make it festive: garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small gingerbread cookie on the rim for a festive touch.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
