Susan O'Brien discusses the benefits of coconut oil's medium chain fatty acids for athletic performance and shares a delicious raw vegan chocolate pudding recipe. Learn how you can energize your sport or work out with this tasty treat below.
Tennis players of America, do you tire easily during these dog days of summer? Coconut oil can provide necessary energy to boost athletic performance because it is comprised of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are quickly absorbed into the blood. These MCFAs are liquid at 76 degrees and remain liquid in our bodies. They quickly convert to energy and are most likely NOT going to be stored as body fat like long chain animal fats. In fact, the ability of MCFAs to be easily digested helps stimulate the metabolism and will be turned into energy when you enter the sports arena. Several studies have now shown that MCFAs can enhance physical or athletic performance. The recommended dosage is 1 to 3 tablespoons per day depending on an athletes training time. To read more, go to fat as fuel.
With the US Open Series in full swing and regional USTA tournaments happening across the nation, here is a recipe to enjoy before your events as pre-workout fuel:
Raw Vegan Recipes: Chocolate Pudding
This recipe is strangely addicting! It takes less than 5 minutes to assemble and is a nutritional powerhouse delivering antioxidants, fiber, calcium and iron from the cocoa and chia seeds. And this ancient Aztec seed is the richest natural whole food source of Omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Two tablespoons deliver 5 grams of omega-3s- (well above the recommended daily amount of 3 grams) for reducing: inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis; evaluated triglycerides levels; and high blood pressure. Click here to learn more.
And talk about fat a fuel - every serving contains 10 grams carbohydrates (as fiber), 6 grams of protein, and 40 grams of fat (all omega 3 fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids which are quickly absorbed into the blood and used as energy). Don’t be afraid of fat- I have been eating this pudding all week and have not experienced any weight gain! In fact, this pudding is just what my body craves before a key athletic training session or game of tennis in this Texas summer heat.
(Serves 4)
- 2 cups unsweetened organic coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons raw coconut oil
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or organic unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a container; whisk well and cover tightly. Place covered container in fridge 2-3 hours or overnight. Chia seeds will plump up. Serve with fresh seasonal fruit (such as berries, diced peaches, sliced bananas, or pomegranate seeds).
