The book contains a total of 40 recipes for healthy oat-based snacks. It combines Pooley's experience in elite sport with her passion for good food.
From cycling world champion to cookery book author
Emma Pooley has discovered a new passion after her active career. Well, she already had a passion for good snacks, but now she's put all her experiences from 10 years of trial and error into a book. "Oat To Joy" was published by YouCaxton on 11 April 2025. In it, the former professional cyclist presents over 40 recipes for healthy oat-based snacks. The hardcover book is aimed at athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who don't want to miss out on tasty and nutritious food when they're out and about.
Recipes inspired by cycling
In "Oat To Joy", Pooley combines her experience in elite sport with her passion for good food. The recipes are based on wholemeal oat flakes and natural ingredients. According to Pooley, the book "puts the joy back into eating for sport and outdoor adventures". The author promises a variety of flavours - from sweet to savoury, from muffins to biscuits to breads. All the recipes are portable, healthy, easy to prepare and delicious.
Snacks for on the go
A particular focus of the book is on the practical handling of the snacks. Pooley has freed desserts from the "shackles of a bowl and a spoon", as the announcement states. For example, there is carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that does not crumble in the jersey or bikepacking bag, chocolate peanut butter cups without melted chocolate on the packaging or date slices with caramel sauce that do not leave sticky fingers. There is also a Bircher muesli without a spoon in the book. The recipes are designed to be easy to bake at home. There are also gluten-free options for people with coeliac disease - and there are vegan options.
Oats as a basis for sports nutrition
Emma Pooley deliberately uses oats as the main ingredient in her recipes. The small but mighty grain proves that good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Oats are rich in micronutrients, protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates. "Oats are the breakfast of champions, but also the lunch, dessert and snack of champions," Pooley is quoted as saying.
From world champion to cookery book author
Emma Pooley can look back on a successful eight-year career in professional cycling. She took part in three Olympic Games, won several stage races and became time trial world champion in 2010. After her cycling career, she switched to trail running and triathlon, where she also enjoyed success. During thousands of hours of training, there was always a longing for real food instead of processed energy products. That was the beginning of "Oat To Joy". In her book, Pooley not only shares recipes, but also insights into the highs and lows of her sporting career. From nervous beginner to Olympic podium, from cakes to cheese sandwiches and chocolate to the "best pizza in the world" - Pooley tells her story with warmth, authenticity and humour, sharing insights and takeaways from a unique journey in sport. The book is aimed at anyone who doesn't want to miss out on healthy and tasty food while travelling - from amateur sportsmen and women to ambitious athletes.
Where to buy?
The book is available from iris.cc for 35 euros. Vertical.coffee is the distribution partner for Switzerland.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
