Nutrition

Gym Meal Plan: Choc-Orange Nutella Recipe

We’ve teamed up with expert nutritionist Laura Tilt to share a recipe for those with a sweet tooth, that won’t de-rail your training meal plan. Perfect over the festive period or all year round, this spread is a lower-sugar option for Nutella lovers. With dark chocolate which is rich in flavours, clever compounds that boost blood flow to the heart and brain.

Try this spread lavished over a slice of seeded bread or toast to provide you with sustained energy during a run, cycle or longer workout – the fats in the hazelnuts will ensure the sugars are released into the bloodstream slowly.

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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

(Per 15g portion) Kcal: 82 kcal, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 7g

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INGREDIENTS:

(Makes a jar)

• 130g raw hazelnuts

• 1 tbsp. good quality dark cacao powder

• 50 grams dark chocolate

• 2 tbsp. maple syrup or honey

• Finely grated zest of half an orange

• 1 tsp. orange oil / orange extract

• Pinch sea salt

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HOW TO:

1. Heat the oven to 180c. Spread the hazelnuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for around 12-15 minutes until golden, then leave to cool.
2. Tip the nuts into a food processor and whizz until they form a runny paste – this can take about 10 minutes, and you’ll need to stop and use a spatula to scrape down the sides a few times.
3. Melt the chocolate in a microwave or heatproof bowl and stir in the maple syrup or honey, zest and orange oil.
4. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the chocolate mix in a steady stream and blend until everything is combined. Transfer to a jar and chill until set. Use over toast or pancakes for a sweet treat.

Keen to learn more about fuelling for performance and adventures? Then check out our Nutrition category for more handy tips, advice and recipes.