KEEPING fit and healthy during lockdown can be tricky, but we’ve got some tips to help you along.

Here below is a recipe for chocolate chickpea brownies.

THIS WEEK’S RECIPE

The ingredients are:

  • One tbsp of cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp of oil (rapeseed/vegetable)
  • 240 grams of chickpeas
  • 100 grams of chocolate chips (dark)
  • Three tbsps of milk powder
  • Two tbsps of sugar substitute
  • Two tbsps of oats
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • Three egg whites

Directions:

1. Mix the chickpeas (one can drained is 240g), egg whites, cocoa powder, milk powder, two heaped tbsps of oats, stevia/sugar, salt and baking powder in a food processor until the texture is nice and smooth.

2. Put the oil and dark chocolate chips in a microwaveable bowl and heat for a few minutes in a microwave or bain-marie, then add to the food processor with the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Pour into a small baking tray lined with baking paper and smooth out with a spatula.

4. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes at 175 degrees or gas mark three until cooked.

5. Cut into 12 slices; serving size is one slice. Eat as a snack.

EXERCISE OF THE WEEK

This week we focus on stretching:

There is no significant clinical evidence that stretching before exercise is necessary but it does improve flexibility and improves blood flow.

The biggest challenge of getting active is knowing where or how to start. Simple home-based stretches – pictured above – are a great way to begin.

Try these in your home, workplace, or anywhere else.

The above is taken from iCan’s recently-released Live Well Guide.

Available in book or pdf download format from our online shop.

Go to www.icanfitnesscumbria.co.uk/shop.

The guide includes meal planning, portion control, recipes, how to sleep well, hydrate well, exercise at home and help your mental wellbeing through coping strategies, CBT and more.