IMMUNITY-
BOOSTER
TRUFFLES
Given the right concoction,
proteinbarscanbelike
medicine. Dried plums
(a.k.a. prunes) provide
phenolic compounds
that protect against age-
related diseases such as
osteoporosis. The soluble
fibreinprunesaidsfatloss
by normalising blood sugar
levels and increasing insulin
sensitivity. Wheat germ
delivers immunity-boosting
vitamins E and C, along
with carotenoids for eye
health. Cranberries provide
antiviral benefits. Add to
that soy protein, which
preserves lean muscle, and
youhavearecipeforstellar
health and fitness.
BEST EATEN:AS AN
AFTERNOON OR POST-
WORKOUT SNACK.Immunity-
Booster Truffles
Ready in 45 minutes • Makes 38 servings
1 cup prunes
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup natural almond or
peanut butter
1 cup soy protein powder
1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp sea salt (optional)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup wheat germ, divided1.Place prunes in warm water for
10 minutesto soften.
2.In a food processor, blend prunes
and water.Add nut butter and
process until smooth. Add more
water as needed. Add protein
powder, flaxseeds, cinnamon
and salt and process to combine
thoroughly. Add the cranberries
and 1/4 cup wheat germ and
pulse just enough to incorporate
them into the mixture.
3.Grab some dough about the size
of asmall ball and roll between
your palms. If dough becomes
too sticky, place it in the freezer
for 15 minutes. Roll each ball in
the wheat germ to coat. Set balls
on a baking sheet and place in the
freezer when done. Allow to freeze
for 2 to 4 hours. Then store
in an airtight container either in
the freezer or refrigerator.
Nutrients per serving (4 balls):
Calories: 180, Total Fats: 4 g,
Saturated Fat:2 g, Trans Fat: 0 g,
Cholesterol: 0 mg, Salt: 4 mg,
Total Carbohydrates: 20 g,
Dietary Fibre: 4 g, Sugars:
12 g, Protein: 16 g, Iron:
2mgTHE TROUBLE WITH PACKAGED PROTEIN BARS
SNEAKY SUGARS.Somebarsmayappeartobelowinadd-
ed sugar and even calories but they are often made with arti-
ficial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose a.k.a. Splenda, or aspartame
a.k.a. Nutrasweet) or sugar alcohol (hidden under names like
sorbitol, xylitol or maltitol). Research shows that too much of
these sugars can cause cravings, which can lead to weight gain
and metabolic disorder.SCI-FI ADDITIVES.
Difficult-to-pronounce
ingredients are often
used as colorings or sta-
bilisers, posing potential
health risks if you have
dietary sensitivities.Snacktoyourhealth!
Proteinandantioxidants
roundoutthesetreats. PHOTOGRAPHY PETER CHOUTEA FOR
TWO
RECENT RESEARCH REVEALS THAT WHEN WE EAT WITH
FRIENDS WE’RE MORE LIKELY TO EAT MORE. The study
found that when women dined in pairs or groups of four
they ate more compared to when they dined alone. Next
time you have a get-together with friends for a morning
coffee or post workout catch up snack on these fat-torching
treats instead of reaching for a high calorie cake or biscuit.
BY ELIZABETH BROWN, MS, RD
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER CHOU44 | JULY/AUG 2015 | oxygenmag.com.auNutrition