Sweeten your workouts with sorghum

An essential part of any fitness regime is nutrition, especially what one eats before and after a workout. I try to keep it simple - a higher proportion of carbohydrates/sugars and fats for a pre-workout fuel up and an increased protein and antioxidant intake later to aid post workout recovery. I make it even simpler by using 'multitasking' ingredients that can provide more that one kind of nutrient. Chia seeds for instance have become a darling of the health food scene for the high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and minerals they can provide. Likewise, hemp seeds, nuts, full-fat diary, coconut oil and other nutrient powerhouses are also being readily included in a healthy diet.

Another change that has slowly come about in terms of healthy eating is the use of more natural and 'raw' sources of sugars such as honey, maple syrup and agave nectar as opposed to the refined white poison. Raw sugars, apart from being energy storehouses, are also rich in minerals - which are all lost in the refinement process. A lesser known unrefined sweetener is sorghum syrup, extracted by boiling stalks of sorghum grass. This amber coloured syrup has a full, earthy flavour and is rich in calcium, potassium and trace elements like copper.

In a tie-up with the health food brand True Elements, I am creating some recipes with their raw and wholesome ingredients. True Elements provide a range of foods including whole grains, nuts, seeds, honey and specially formulated healthy snacks. In this post, I'll share two raw, vegan recipes using their chia seeds and sorghum syrup.

Gram-flour fudge

A vegan, raw version of besan ki barfi, this protein rich snack is perfect for muscle recovery after a workout

Ingredients:

1 cup gramflour

1/2 cup cold pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup True Elements raw chia seeds

1/2 cup True Elements sorghum syrup

1 cup water

Method:

1. Roast the gram-flour on low/ medium heat till it starts turning brown and releases a warm, nutty smell.

2. Remove the gram-flour from heat and while it is still warm, add the next three ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Slowly add the water to the mix while stirring. Let the mix sit for about 10 minutes.

4. At this point, the mix should have a thick, 'slime-like' consistency due to the chia seeds absorbing the water and swelling up. Pour it into a greased aluminium tray and refrigerate for atleast an hour.

5. Cut the now firm fudge into squares and store them in an airtight container (preferably in the fridge).

Oats and chia energy balls

Another vegan, nutrient dense snack that powers up before and sustains during an intense workout!

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup assorted nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts etc.)

1/ cup raisins

2 tbsp True Elements raw chia seeds

2 tbsp True Elements sorghum syrup

2 tbsp salted peanut butter

1 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil

Method:

1. Dry roast the oats and nuts (separately) on low/ medium flame.

2. Chop the nuts and raisins into smaller pieces.

3. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead till the peanut butter thins out and the nuts also start releasing their oils.

4. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes-1 hour. Store either in the fridge or in a cool dry place.

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