Get ready for a delightful recipe that will satisfy your afternoon sweet tooth cravings in a whole new way! We’ve all been there, longing for something sweet during that dreaded afternoon slump. But let’s face it, as tempting as it is to grab a handful of chocolate chips straight from the bag, it’s time to add some excitement to our snack game!
Now, if you’re reading this and nodding your head in agreement, then you’re definitely not alone. Many of us experience that natural dip in energy levels, and a little indulgence can be the perfect pick-me-up. But if you find yourself reaching for sweets day after day, it might be a good idea to mix things up and explore some alternative options. After all, variety is the spice of life, and we don’t want to rely solely on sweets to fuel our afternoons!
Let’s dive into some creative ideas to help you feel energized and ready to take on the afternoon:
- Hydrate: Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue, so grab some water, maybe flavored with some fresh fruit, or a herbal tea and get your sip on!
- Take a walk or stretch it out: Movement increases blood flow bringing oxygen to your body, giving you an instant energy boost. Try taking a short walk outside, do some stretching exercises, or even a quick workout session to get your heart pumping and wake up your mind.
- Get some fresh air and sunlight: I’ve shared this before, it’s amazing what a little nature can do for us! Try taking a moment outside for a few minutes and bask in the natural light. Sunlight helps regulate your internal clock and boosts your mood, making you feel more awake and energized.
- Take a power nap: If possible, take a short power nap for around 20 minutes. A quick snooze can help recharge your batteries and improve cognitive function, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
- Practice deep breathing or meditation: Take a few minutes to focus on your breath and engage in deep breathing exercises or meditation. This helps calm your mind, reduces stress, and provides a renewed sense of energy.
- Listen to upbeat music: Put on some tunes that make you want to dance! Music has a way of boosting mood and energy levels, try creating a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and let the music energize you.
- Have a balanced snack: If you’re hungry, a snack might be what you need! Aim for a combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for a well-rounded snack. For example, pair some apple slices with almond butter or enjoy a handful of trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.
I encourage you to explore the ideas that resonate with you, but remember, it’s perfectly fine to indulge in a delightful treat whenever you desire. And this recipe provides an excellent opportunity to savor and relish the moment!
The recipe:
- 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of dry quinoa
- 1/4-1/3 cup nut butter, I used peanut butter
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- Preheat your oven to 200F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add dry quinoa. Shake the pan frequently, and you’ll hear those quinoa grains start to pop. Once the popping sound subsides (after about 2-3 minutes), remove the pan from the heat.
- Spread the chocolate chips onto the sheet pan and scatter the popped quinoa all over. Add dollops of nut butter on top of the quinoa and chocolate.
- Slide the sheet pan into the oven and let it bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chocolate becomes a melty, and spreadable.
- Grab a spoon or a chopstick and gently swirl that melty nut butter into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberries over the chocolate, pressing them down lightly. Let the sheet pan cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, pop it into the fridge and let the chocolate firm up. 20-30 minutes should do the trick.
- Break the bark into your desired sized pieces—big or small, it’s up to you! Store the deliciousness in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in and savor every delightful bite.
