I always roll my eyes a bit when people ask if it’s okay to exercise when ill. And I shouldn’t roll my eyes because there was a time in my life where marathon training would have never gotten pushed aside…for anything. Today, not so much. I have a very balanced, health-oriented take on exercise, and this week I haven’t exercised since Tuesday.
I believe your body will tell you if a workout is smart if you simply listen. My body this week has been very clear: TAKE IS EASY! And, I have happily obliged. Today, I am feeling up for a light workout, probably a walk with Lily and a light walk/jog on the treadmill, as well. I can’t remember the last time I’ve taken 4 days off from working out, but my body is thanking me, ready and rearing to go!
To fuel for a workout, recover from a workout, or just as a healthy treat I recommend trying these Almond, Date, and Coconut Energy Balls. They are a great balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat and don’t sit too heavy while delivering loads of nutritional punch! While my light workout days don’t require much pre or post-workout fueling, they’re in the fridge and ready to go! And if nothing else, available for a quick, low-calorie, healthy snack!
[print_this]
Almond, Date, and Coconut Energy Balls adapted from Get Healthy with Heather
12 dates, pitted (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cup almonds
3 Tbsp unsweetened coconut (I used Let’s Do Organic reduced-fat)
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:
Soak the dates for 1 hour. After 1 hour add the dates (no water) to the food processor. Pulse 20-30 times until the dates turn into a chunky paste.
Add the almonds to the food processor and pulse until the almonds are ground into very small pieces. Add in the coconut and sea salt. Pulse a few times.
The mixture should come together very easily now. Form into 10 balls (1 tablespoon of mixture per ball). Store in an air-tight container in the fridge, or make a big batch to freeze. Yield: 10 balls (1 tablespoon each).
Nutrition Information (per ball): 55 calories; 2.0 g. fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 128 mg. sodium; 9.8 g. carbohydrate; 1.5 g. fiber; 0.7 g. protein
Result: These are the perfect grab-and-go snack, tide-you-over-til-dinner bite of sweet satisfaction, or breakfast on-the-run. They are small, sweet, and satisfying and come together really quickly! I do recommend making a big batch by doubling, or tripling the recipe…you will LOVE them! Enjoy!
[/print_this]Question: What’s your pre-workout or post-workout snack, if any? Do you exercise when feeling under the weather?
Have a great day, and GO ILLINI!
I love that these are like energy bars, but in a more fun form! 🙂 Glad you’re feeling a bit better!
When I was training for my first marathon, I exercised no matter what. And, actually, there were definitely a few times (after an 18 mile run, if I remember correctly) where I went in feeling sick and came out feeling better, convinced that I had sweated out the cold. These days, it’s a mixed bag. Some days I do, some days I don’t…it just depends how motivated/excited about the workout I feel.
I love these little balls of energy! I would love to have them stocked up in my fridge!
So glad to read that you are on the mend. Take care, enjoy your light workout today.
Yum, I’d like a couple before and after working out 🙂
Those sound amazing!
The only thing I can eat right before a workout is a banana. Anything else doesnt sit well in my stomach and its . . . well, just not good. 🙂
I very much agree with you that your body will tell you if its up for a workout. If Im not feeling well, and my body is telling me to just lay on the couch instead, thats what Im going to do.
Seeing these again makes me wish I still had a stash is my fridge! Glad you liked them 🙂 great idea making a double batch too.
I love that there is only 4 ingredients..and all delicious ingredients I may add! I just love dates!
I agree that you need to just listen to your body. I am glad you are starting to feel better.