Race.Recover.Repeat.with COCOA ELITE

Recovery is equally important as training (to those who know me, I’ve been learning that the hard way for a while now). Recovery takes on many forms and one of the most important aspects of recovery is WHAT YOU EAT.

I’m headed to North Star Grand Prix (NSGP) this week, so why not share one of my favorite ways to recover!

North Star is on the Pro Race Tour Calendar and is a SIX stage race over five days. When racing multiple days in row, it’s crucial that you refuel and be ready for your next race. I like to recover with COCOA ELITE black bean brownies. Check out the recipe below!

Use discount code “QCW-1115” to order your COCOA ELITE products.

Black bean brownies with COCOA ELITE

1 can black beans rinsed

3 eggs

3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup COCOA ELITE cocoa

1/3 brown sugar ( add to taste)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

Peanut butter to your liking ( or try almond, sunflower, cashew etc.)

Dark chocolate chips

Rinse the beans thoroughly

2. Throw everything but the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the food processor. (If you don’t have a large one then do the beans separately and then add to the other the ingredients)

3. Stir in peanut butter ( maybe a half of a cup) . I prefer the crunchy all natural kind. Then stir in a bunch of dark chocolate chips.

** You might want to add some more sugar. It really depends on how bitter the chocolate chips are and if the peanut butter has added sugar. This recipe is very flexible 🙂

I pour the mix into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. I still spray or oil the paper. Cook at 350 degrees for about 12-18 minutes. ( cooking time will vary so keep an eye on them)

Take them out while they are fudgey still. Let them cool in the fridge COMPLETELY before cutting them. They are best when they are cold as they hold their form better.

Why COCOA ELITE??

Current research is finding that the cocoa flavanols might even be contributing to athletic performance by increasing endurance and improvements in recovery.

Why not other cocoa?

Check out the website to learn more about why there is a significant reduction in flavanol content in other brands. /www.cocoaelite.com/

Thanks to COCOA ELITE for sponsoring QCW Women’s Domestic Elite Cycling Team!