Post-Workout Dark Chocolate Berry Protein Loaf!
Just finished a brutal workout? Replenish your energy and kick-start muscle growth and repair with a chocolate protein cake that actually meets your macros!
This dark chocolate and berry protein loaf is a sports-nutrition masterpiece. It's easy to make, perfect for after the gym, and inspired by paleo-dietary principles. It's light, moist, and the dark chocolate and strawberries perfectly compliment the soft, spongelike loaf base.
As with all of my recipes, it's loaded with healthy, functional ingredients—from the flavanoid content of the dark chocolate to the phytonutrient content of the berries. This high-protein dessert is also very nutrient-dense and relatively low-carbohydrate.
Eat Like An Athlete
This loaf's nutrient profile has been tailored for someone who's following strict paleo principles. Many paleo athletes are on a high-fat, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet. Assuming that those athletes have eaten the majority of their fats before training—in order to fuel for the session ahead—this post-workout loaf is packed with protein to help repair and grow muscles.
Most importantly, the protein content comes from whey protein and eggs—two protein sources that boast some of the highest biological values in sports nutrition.1 The biological value of a protein is essentially a measurement of how much protein the body can actually use from the source.
Meet Your Macros
This recipe also contains a small amount of nutrient-dense carbohydrates, each equipped with some impressive benefits. The loaf contains 20 grams of dark chocolate which, while being a small amount, is enough to be beneficial.2 Flavonoids in dark chocolate increase insulin sensitivity, which then improves the absorption of all nutrients, allowing you to make the most of each fuel-packed bite.
A helping of berries adds another bounty of health benefits to this recipe. Berries have a high phytonutrient content, which supports the body's immune system and metabolism.3
Put simply, the health benefits this loaf offers will help keep you lifting for a long, long time to come. So what are you waiting for? Let's get baking!
Dark Chocolate Berry Protein Loaf
References
- Layman, D., & Rodriguez, N. (2009). Egg Protein as a Source of Power, Strength, and Energy. Nutrition Today, 44(1), 43-48.
- Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G., & Ferri, C. (2005). Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(3), 611-4.
- Beecher, G. (1999). Phytonutrients' Role in Metabolism: Effects on Resistance to Degenerative Processes. Nutrition Reviews, 3-6.