Pre-Workout Mocha

It's never fun getting to the gym or your workout class and feeling weighed down by your last meal. It's also never fun finding yourself starving in the middle of a tough workout. That's why I love this hearty, antioxidant loaded hot chocolate recipe to help fill me up (without making me cute), and boost my energy levels before a workout.

Small amounts of caffeine can enhance workout performance, allowing you to increase endurance (such as run longer) or enhance muscle recruitment for strength training activities, such as lifting weights. Remember, just because some is good doesn't mean more is better, so make sure to drink water to balance out the dehydrating effects of caffeine as well. 

Raw cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants, almost 10x more than blueberries. When you workout, your body goes through a natural inflammatory process. Making sure you load up on antioxidants both before and after your workout will ensure your body has everything it needs for speedy repair and recovery. 

The small amount of maple syrup has simple sugars, to give you just enough energy to get through your workout, and the fiber and healthy fats in the cashews help ensure that your blood sugar levels don't spike immediately after you enjoy this tasty beverage. 

Try drinking this ~60 minutes before your workout for best results. And please, leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it!

Pre-Workout Mocha

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1 shot espresso (optional; eliminate to make this a hot chocolate)
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla

In a medium sauce pan, heat almond milk, espresso, cashews, and vanilla. Heat just before boiling. Pour into a blender and add cacao powder and maple syrup. Blend until smooth and enjoy!