Loco for Coco

It's no wonder more and more fit-minded people are using coconut oil, flakes, and flour in their recipes—the fruit has endless benefits! Some people might skip it because of the high fat (and saturated fat, to boot) content. For the active person, the fat and fiber from coconut works in many beneficial ways.

Incorporating coconut in our diets can help boost metabolism and thyroid function while increasing energy, endurance, and digestion. I love to add coconut to my recipes. Check out these shakes, treats, and bars below for great ideas on how to go loco for coco!

1 / Coconut Greens Shake

This refreshing take on a greens shake has a velvety-smooth consistency thanks to the coconut oil. It's great for a pre- or post-workout meal!

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Pure Coconut Water
• 1 cup Spinach
• 1 tbsp unsweetened reduced fat Coconut Flakes

Directions

1. Place all ingredients except for coconut flakes in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into glass and top with coconut flakes.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size Recipe makes 1 serving

Amount per serving

Calories 295

Total Fat17g

Total Carbs11g

Protein26g

 Coconut Greens Shake PDF (12.7 KB)

2 / Coconut Chocolate Clusters

One of my favorite flavor combos is chocolate and almond butter! Add coconut and some oats and you have a well balanced snack on the go.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1/4 cup Oats
• 4 tbsp unsweetened reduced fat Coconut Flakes
• 2 tbsp Almond Slices
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter
• Splash of Coconut or Almond Milk

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Drop spoonfuls on baking sheet with parchment paper and place in freezer for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size Recipe Serves 2

Amount per serving

Calories 354

Total Fat26g

Total Carbs15.5g

Protein19g

 Coconut Chocolate Clusters PDF (122 KB)

3 / Coconut Peanut Butter Protein Cake

Protein mug cake anyone? Yes please! Try this decadent, creamy concoction and you'll forget you're on a diet. It's a treat without the guilt and is great for a bedtime snack!

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Vanilla Casein or Blend
• 1 tbsp Coconut Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1 tbsp Coconut Flakes
• 1 tsp Coconut Extract
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tbsp Almond Butter
• 1 tsp Coconut Flakes

Directions

1. Spray the inside of a mug with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add protein, flour, egg, 1 tbsp coconut flakes, and extract to mug and mix well.
3. Microwave for 75 seconds.
4. Top cake with almond butter and coconut flakes!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size Recipe serves 1

Amount per serving

Calories 375

Total Fat19g

Total Carbs19g

Protein33.5g

 Coconut Peanut Butter Protein Cake PDF (120 KB)

4 / Coconut-Oat Bars

Before I travel, I like to prep this meal. It's perfect for packing and it's easy when your mornings are busy and hectic. The coconut adds great flavor and fiber to the usual homemade protein bar!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Oats
• 1/2 cup Liquid Egg Whites
• 1/2 scoop Vanilla Protein
• 2 tbsp reduced fat unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• 1/2 tsp Coconut Extract
• Cinnamon and Stevia to taste
• Splash of unsweetened Coconut Milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spray 8x8 pan with non-stick spray.
3. Blend all ingredients in a blender and pour into pan.
4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size Recipe Serves 2

Amount per serving

Calories 116

Total Fat3g

Total Carbs21g

Protein22g

 Coconut-Oat Bars PDF (120 KB)