This article has appeared previously with Equestrian Life. To see what is in our latest issue, please click here.

© Jenelle Christopher

By Amanda Ross

Riders on the go need plenty of energy and they need it often, preferably in smaller and frequent  servings to maintain constant energy without overloading or going too long between main meals.  The good news is, it’s easy to do.

Easy snacks whilst riding have a few rules to follow:

1. They must be transportable, they must fit in jacket pockets.
2. They need to be fast to prepare or warm up for riders who are up early and home late.
3. Gotta do sitting trot: smaller regular portions will stay down!
4. Healthy, yummy and as good for us as our horses’ diets!

I always have various fruits on hand: bananas, chopped watermelon, kiwi fruits, grapes. If I don't have fruit for the day, I take a Nudie Spirulina whole-fruit smoothie -- so yum, fresh and easy to transport! Protein balls satisfy a choc fix, the electric wok can also heat the vegie soup, and coconut water beats any cordial or soft drink.

My motto: if it fits in my pocket/car cup holder, it's a winner! Try these on for size:

EGG, SPINACH & QUINOA BITES

Ingredients

    •    1/2 clove crushed garlic
    •    1 small capsicum, finely chopped
    •    200g spinach leaves
    •    10 cherry tomatoes, chopped
    •    250g cheese (I use shaved parmesan)
    •    6 eggs
    •    1 cup dry quinoa
    •    1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
    •    1/2 teaspoon pepper

Method

1.        Cook quinoa and set aside to cool.
2.        Mix all the ingredients together.
3.        Spoon into individual muffin tins.
4.        Cook at approx 190 degrees for 20 mins or until brown.

PROTEIN BALLS (makes 10-15 balls)

Ingredients

·      1 scoop of chocolate organic protein powder
·      2 tbsp organic peanut or almond butter
·      2 tbsp cocao powder
·      1 cup fresh dates, pitted and chopped
·      1 tsp cinnamon
·      1 tsp natural vanilla extract
·      1 handful raw almonds
·      1 tbsp chia seeds

Method

    1.    Mix all ingredients in a food processor (add 1-3 tbsp water if mixture needs more moisture when processing).
    2.    Shape mixture into small balls.
    3.    Roll balls in desiccated coconut.
    4.    Place in the fridge for 20 mins.

Voila! Easy peasy protein snacks!

VEGIE SOUP

This is basically throwing every vegie you feel like into a pot, add some garlic/chilli/basil leaves, a tin of organic chopped tomatoes, organic liquid vegie stock, and leave to simmer for half an hour, or until you've fed the horses! I then divide into individual portions, and leave to cool before storing in the freezer. Easy for any meal and you can even eat it cold!

QUINOA SALAD

Mix cooked quinoa, flaked almonds, raisins and spinach leaves together,  then throw in a tin of (John West) mango chilli tuna -- enjoy!!

ELECTRIC WOK STIRFRY

Best piece of cooking equipment to take in the truck!

Ingredients

·      Packet of chopped vegies/or fresh if you're happy to chop.
·      Portion of tofu or roast chicken.
·      Pre-cooked microwave brown rice from home.

Method

Throw it all in the wok, add some Tamari/organic soy sauce, mix it around, done!

NUTS

I love roasted almonds, cashews, Brazils, walnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds with dried cranberries and sultanas. Easy to grab a handful, good with yoghurt or fruit!

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