A few days ago I finished up a really tough day on the slopes. With multiple glade runs, a 30 minute uphill hike, and more, I certainly got my workout in for the day. On the way back to my room, I stopped by the office and saw that I had a package. A care package! Inside the package I found some goodies, including a bag of homemade cookies. As I had missed lunch that day, those cookies started to become my lunch. When I realized what was happening, I stopped and thought about what I was putting into my body. Luckily, those cookies were homemade and pretty healthy, but there are a lot of other cookies out there that are not as healthy.

Being able to eat cookies before or after a workout might be a great motivator for you. Plus, you might like the taste better than those protein bars that you have been buying.You can trick your body into thinking that it is eating yummy cookies and not a workout fuel by making yummy treats for yourself!

One idea it to make a banana nut breakfast cookie. The banana nut breakfast cookie is made from a cup of rolled oats, a half cup of whole oats, one egg, three-quarters cup of low-fat milk (or a milk substitute), a mashed banana, a half cup of raisins, two tablespoons of ground flaxseed, two tablespoons of chopped walnuts, one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and an eighth teaspoon of salt. Sounds pretty healthy, right?

Another cookie to try making is a cranberry cookie. Cranberry cookies are made from raw cashews, dates, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, cinnamon, vanilla extract, water, and sea salt. The best part about these cookies is that they do not require any baking! All you have to do is put all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse it until it looks like cookie-dough. After that, scoop out rounded spoonfuls and roll the dough in your hands to make balls. Then, make a thumbprint in the center of the ball and drop in some extra cranberries. Chill the cookies in the freezer or the fridge for an hour before you serve them. You can store these cookies in the fridge.

Looking for some protein cookies? This is a possible grab and go snack too! To make some protein cookies, you will need applesauce (this replaces the butter and will give a cake-like texture), honey, peanut butter, water, an egg, vanilla extract, protein powder, baking soda, salt, and whole wheat flour. Once you have all of those ingredients, mix it all into the same bowl. From there, add some oats, dried fruit,  high fiber cereal, flaxseed and stir the mixture. The next step is to bake the cookies and if you want, add some chocolate!

It is possible to eat yummy snacks before or after your workout, you just have to figure out what tastes you are in the mood for and cater that towards healthy snacks. If you would like more chocolate, add some more dark chocolate into a cookie mix. If you want more fruit, add some more fruit! Aside from cookies, you could also make your own trail mix, granola bars, and more. There are plenty of other options out there for you and if you can, try to make it yourself. You will learn more about the ingredients and be able to keep out those preservatives and unhealthy ingredients!

(Photo courtesy of Adrian van Leen)