When I go on long runs, but specifically when training for a marathon, I have a never-ending stream of random thoughts. Usually it’s after mile 5 and before mile 13 that I think to myself ok first of all, what is the point of this!? and second, I can’t wait to finish so I can eat all of the cake. and brownies. and cupcakes… Fortunately by the time I make it home I feel pretty accomplished and remember that I don’t have any pastries in my house. And that’s not because I have great willpower, that’s simply because I don’t trust the sugar loving beast within me to NOT devour a box of cookies in 18 minutes.
You gotta’ know what you’re working with I guess.
And that’s precisely why I love this sweet banana & date chia pudding. Yes dates and bananas have fantastic amounts of sugar in them (that’s why we are adding cinnamon, to help stabilize your blood sugar) but one, they are so much better for you than the sugar in any store-bought pastry and two, they contain fiber and potassium. And combined with the health benefits of chia, pssshhhh, don’t even get me started.
But seriously, potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure, heart function and muscle recovery. And the fiber in banana, dates and especially chia seeds is beneficial for regular bowel movements, a.k.a. poop, and overall health making this chia pudding a perfect SWEET pre or post running meal.
So let’s tame our inner sugar-loving beasts one banana at a time with this Almond Banana Chia Pudding.
ALMOND BANANA CHIA PUDDING
Ingredients
- 3-4 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup water or almond milk
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 2 tablespoons almonds
- ½ ripe banana
- 1-2 dates sliced
- 1-2 pinches of cinnamon
Instructions
- Place chia, 1 cup water (or almond milk), ½ tablespoon maple syrup and ½ teaspoon vanilla in a small mixing bowl or jar. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes or overnight. (Note: the chia may start to clump so be sure to mix well. You can also cover jar or container and shake.)
- When ready to serve (or you can prepare overnight after letting the chia and water mixture soak for 10 minutes), top with almonds, sliced banana, dates and 1-2 pinches of cinnamon. Enjoy!
If you try this chia pudding before or after a run let me know what you thought of it, too sweet or not enough? Also, what are some of the random thoughts that come to your head while running? I always find these hilarious.
