By nutritional therapist Christine Bailey

Rich and fudgy, these delicious brownies are packed with protein thanks to the addition of nut butter and protein powder. Beetroot is a fabulous brain boosting food, known to help production of nitric oxide and improve vasodilation in the body and brain. Perfect as a healthy snack, breakfast on the go or pick me up when energy levels are flagging.

(makes 12 brownies)

Ingredients:
125g cooked beetroot (about 2 beetroots)
200g almond nut butter
200g dark chocolate
75g xylitol
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
30g chocolate or vanilla protein powder
60g ground almonds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp baking powder
60g shelled hemp seeds

Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C, gas mark 4. Grate the beetroot and set aside.

Place the nut butter, dark chocolate and xylitol in a pan and warm gently to melt the chocolate.

Allow the chocolate to cool slightly. Place in a food processor with the eggs, vanilla, protein powder, ground almond, cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder, and process to combine.

Stir in the hemp seeds and spoon the mixture into a square 20cm / 8inch baking tin.

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch.

Allow to cool completely before removing from the tin. Cut into bars. Store in the fridge or they will freeze for up to 3 months.

About Christine Bailey
Christine is an award-winning nutritionist, chef and author. With a passion for creating delicious nourishing recipes, Christine has a reputation for transforming people’s health and love of real food. As well as seeing clients and writing for national press, Christine runs ‘Nourish’ cookery classes including popular hands-on days for children. Christine is an inspiring nutritional chef well known for her engaging style and enthusiasm.

Christine is the author of numerous health and recipe books including ebooks on paleo eating and gluten-free recipes. Her books include her popular Supercharged Juices and Smoothies, The Juice Diet Book, The Raw Food Diet Book and Eat to Get Younger. Christine has particular specialisms in paleo diets, allergy free cooking, digestive health, coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, allergies, healthy ageing and weight loss.

For more information visit her website www.christinebailey.co.uk or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.