Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Eat Your Tequila Lime Tilapia

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Drinking is a training no-no.

Let’s be honest… I indulge on cheat day and sometimes at night I sacrifice a carb for a wine.

Booze isn’t just for drinking though!  It makes for a wonderful marinade.  So wonderful that I have made this Tequila-Lime Tilapia dish 4 times in as many weeks (that NEVER happens).  It is a great dish to make in bulk to take for lunch throughout the week!

My trainer insists that booze doesn’t completely cook out.  We should be so lucky.  I don’t believe it.  I’ve eaten a lot of this tilapia and didn’t feel the least bit buzzed.

A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data Laboratory  DID show that alcohol content diminishes with cooking time.  When food is baked or simmered for 15 minutes, 40% of the alcohol will be retained.  After an hour, 25% remains. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal here, as this is just a marinade and the amount of alcohol in an individual serving will be minimal.

Adding liquor and/or citrus to recipes has always made me a little nervous.  It seems all too easy to add too much.  The recipe has taught me to let go of that fear.  More is more (to an extent… that time my aunt challenged me to a margarita contest wasn’t my finest moment).

Like chicken or tofu, tilapia is a blank canvas; it will take on whatever flavor you soak it in.  The bright tang from the lime and smooth silver tequila really shine here.  I love the garlic and the warm, almost peppery quality of the cumin.

This is one place you don’t want to go overboard with the chili powder.  Remember, you can always add more but you can’t take it back.  Just a hint of heat on the end is all you need with the delicate fish.

Ever the Mexican fan, I served mine tostada style (read: I over-stuff what was originally going to be a taco) over a corn tortilla with salsa, spinach, red pepper, cucumber, and cilantro.  I guarantee you this is more fresh, healthier, and just as tasty as what you find at your local El Whatchamacalit.

I think this would also be good with tofu for my plant-based friends.  Please let me know if you try it!

*Important note* Don’t use this as an excuse to rid yourself of crappy alcohol.  Just like drinking bad booze, cooking with bad booze won’t have good results.  If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t eat it (this applies to cooking with wine, too).

Tequila Lime Tilapia

Tequila-Lime Tilapia

  • 3 T fresh lime juice (1 medium lime)
  • 3 T tequila (I used Patron Silver)
  • 3 T fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 T red onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 lb tilapia (or other white fish)

Combine all ingredients except the fish in a resealable plastic bag.

Add fish, seal bag and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for 30 min – 1 hour, turning once.

Heat grill pan (or grill) to med-high, and spray with oil or PAM.  Remove fish from marinade and place in pan to grill for ~3-4 mins each side, or until the fish is no longer translucent in the center (it will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets).

Remove from heat and allow to rest a moment before serving.  

Optional: garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Serves 4.

***

I would say something insightful about the nutritional content of seafood… but I’m feeling a little loopy after my fish tacos…. *hiccup*

What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Have you ever cooked with booze?  Any recipes to share?

Taming a Sweet Tooth + WIAW

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Cooler weather is a trigger.

For my sweet tooth.  Sure, it exists year-round, but something about the fall and winter seasons makes me yearn for decadent baked goods.

Is it just that sweets are more prevalent?  Spring and summer offer delicious naturally sweet fruits, maybe it ‘s the pies and candies that come with certain winter holidays that are to blame.  We can always blame advertisers:

Some of you may have seem my tweet about Candy Corn Oreos last week.  Is this really necessary?  *I must admit I’m biased, as I don’t even like candy corn.

Whatever the case may be, I have found a few ways to keep my sweet tooth at bay.  Even when I have a kitchen full of Maple-Bacon Pancake Cookies. 

5 Tips to Tame a Sweet Tooth

  • Walk it out.  When I was baking all those treats I found myself unable to stop “taste testing,” so I took a 10 min walk.  Unbelievably, it worked!
  • Freshen your breath.  Get the taste out of your mouth – have a mint, gum, or just go brush your teeth.  You won’t want to mar the minty freshness with more food.
  • Drink water.  Are you really hungry, or just have the munchies?  Chug a glass of water and see!  The body can’t distinguish between thirst and hunger, and ad after a 16 oz glass of water, you’ll probably feel too full to eat that break room cookie.
  • Try an alternative.  If you really are hungry and your body wants something sweet, try a piece of fruit or a “treat” sweetened with a natural sugar-alternative like Stevia or Xylitol.  I like to keep my Granola Cookies (ahem… only 74 cals and 3g sugar) or Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (100 cals and 2g sugar) on hand in the freezer for a dessert-emergency.
  • Stop and think.  The first bite of that treat is going to taste the exact same as the last bite.  So… do you really need more than one bite?

Another way to keep the fall dessert binges away is to checkout the collections of posts for this fall’s  What I Ate Wednesday theme: “Fall Into Good Habits.”

Check out may healthy fall eats below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get ideas from others’ healthy fall choices!

Meal 1:

My usual, morning Apple Cider Vinegar, Glutamine and BCAA cocktail was a little different this morning.  At Jenn’s urging, I tried it mixed with kombucha in place of some of the water.  I used my ginger-cinnamon homebrew and it was fantastic!  Jenn also just posted a great testimonial about how great this is for your skin.  It is a great energy boost too – it’s replaced coffee in my life. 

In keeping with the fall theme, I went pumpkin for breakfast.  Meg made a fabulous pumpkin Fall Scramble inspired by my PB & Jeggs.  I’ve had it pinned to try for weeks and today it finally happened.  Why did I wait so long?! 

I reduced the amount of pumpkin to 1/4 C (personal preference), and added a few extra spices because I just can’t help myself.  In addition to cinnamon, I added pinches of fresh nutmeg and allspice, plus a little vanilla extract.

It was like eating pie for breakfast.  I kid you not.

Meal 2:

Plums have never been my favorite fruit.  I like them, but they weren’t a craving.  Lately I can’t get enough!  Today’s Mid-morning snack was cottage cheese mixed directly in the almost-empty container with a little protein powder, cinnamon, fresh plum, and a scoop of Sunbutter.

Meal 3:

Scallops are a great seafood protein source, but I’d never attempted to make my own.  Inspired by Heather, I finally took the plunge.  My first batch was a little overcooked.  This second try was MUCH better.  I used this recipe from Rufus for Orange-Lime Scallops (sans sauce), and added some cilantro, shallot, and jalapeno to the marinade. 

Served a top a tortilla with arugula, nutritional yeast sauce (nooch + water + cayenne + cumin), and cauliflower.  And 1/3 piece of left over bacon.

The plate? It was a koala. These plates = greatest breakroom find ever. 

Meal 4:

Yes, I’m in a grilled tilapia rut.  However, I did change-up the marinade a little.  This one is basil, peach schnapps, jalapeno, and cardamom.  It was delish with a side of carrot sticks as my mid-afternoon snack.

Meal 5:

Did you guys check out Instagram last night?  The cauliflower crust pizza made another appearance.  Topped with Uncle Dude’s Ridiculous Marinara, tempeh, arugula, asparagus, red pepper, shallot, a teensy bit of avocado, nutritional yeast, and a drizzle of balsamic.

This beast was ~350 calories and packed 25 of protein! 

Meal 6:

I was feeling something custard-like for Meal 6.  Since this meal is a veggie and a protein, my ice cream had to be creative!  Pink is creative, no?

Beet Frozen Custard.  Sounds weird… tastes good.  This is a theme in my life.

I added 1/2 a scoop of casein for the protein (and the recovery – my poor legs are SORE), and amped up the flavor with my favorite spices: fresh ginger and cinnamon.  A little Stevia and I had a delicious pink bowl of creamy frozen “custard.”

Recipe at bottom.

Meal 7:

Bringing back an old favorite with a new twist.  I tool my Banana Creme Brownie Parfait, but made it a cherry-flavored treat.  Cherries are supposed to help with soreness and recovery (reducing inflammation and oxidative stress), which I am in desperate need of after Monday’s leg day.  They also are high in melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep cycles.

I replaced the banana flavored yogurt cream with cinnamon (also good for pain-relief), and topped it with melted cherries (frozen black cherries microwaved until juicy and tender).  The perfect end to a looooong day.

Beet Protein Frozen Custard

  • 1/3 C beet, roasted
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla casein (or other protein powder)
  • 3 oz tofu
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger
  • 7-8 drops liquid stevia (adjust to desired sweetness)
  • 1/4 unsweetened almond milk (or liquid of choice)
  • Ice, to taste 

Place all ingredients in Vitamix or high-powdered blender and blend until smooth.

Serve immediately, or store in freezer until snack time.

Serves 1.

***

Protein count for the day: 186.2g from fall clean eats!

How do you break an unclean-eating bender?

Candy corn – love it or hate it?

Herbed Eggplant and Tempeh Marinara Bake

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It’s a seasonal landmark.

 

I had to bust out the socks.  I woke up and it was only 60 degrees.  This may sound perfect to many of you, but I love the summer.  I’ll miss you, ballet flats.

 

 

Don’t get me wrong.  There are many thing about fall that I do love: football, boots with the fur, apples… and tomato sauce.

You can tell what season it is by looking at how I’m eating tomatoes.  In the spring, I’m eating salsa like a deranged Mexican.  In the summer I load up on Heirlooms – no recipe needed, just slice ’em fresh.  When cooler weather strikes, I want marinara sauce and red wine.

 

 

When Uncle Dude’s posted to twitter asking for people to try out their sauce, I jumped at the opportunity.  I am guilty of being a lazy sauce-maker.  It’s not hard to make from scratch, but more often than not I use something from a jar and add my own twist to it.

This particular sauce is called “Uncle Dude’s Ridiculous Marinara.”  With a name like that I had to try it!

 

 

Dude’s sauce is indeed good.  I especially love that they left nice chunks of tomato and onion in it.  It gave it a feeling of being homemade.  My only complaint is that it was a bit salty.  If you don’t have a low-sodium diet, you probably won’t notice.

Being homemade with fresh veggie pieces didn’t save it from my modifications.  This bake received as herbed twist with fresh rosemary , basil, and thyme.  I also topped it with a little nutritional yeast (it would also be good with freshly grated parmesean).  Finished with a thick, velvet-y aged balsamic that I scored on my trip to Italy last October.

 

 

This rich, herb-laced bake was served with a glass of my current favorite el cheapo wine: Apothic Red.  This wine runs about $10 a bottle and has a deep cherry flavor with hints of mocha on the nose.  It has a smooth finish with just a hint of spice.

 

 

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Herbed Eggplant and Tempeh Marinara Bake

  • 1 C marinara sauce
  • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2 in rounds
  • 2 portobello mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1/2 small red pepper, diced
  • 2 servings (~150g) tempeh, crumbled
  • 2 T fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 T fresh thyme
  • 2 T nutritional yeast
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Spread 1/4 C of the marinara sauce along the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.

Arrange the veggies, tempeh, and herbs in layers in the dish.  Top with remaining sauce, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 mins.  Remove foil and bake 15 mins more, or until veggies are tender and sauce is bubbling.

Make 2 large or 4 side portions.

***

Today I need full-body support socks.  Leg day with my evil trainer nearly killed me last night.  450 lb leg press?!  Really?!

What is your favorite fall meal?

Have you had to bust out the socks yet?

Maple Bacon Pancake Cookies

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Cheating gets a bad wrap.

 

Cheat day, that is.  That cheatin’ man doesn’t deserve a second look.  

This cheat day weekend was a little spread out… but I had trainer-blessings in my quest to gain more weight.

 

Saturday was Take Your Mom to the Gym Day.  This Saturday Mom joined me at my gym for a workout, and scheduled time with my trainer to being a program of her own.  Mother-Daughter Beast Mode = ON.

 

 

Mamma has gotten on pain relief (she was sidelined for a long time after a bad surgery), and has decided to refocus on fitness and building muscle.  I am SO proud of her!

 

 

After out workout we headed to Buford Highway, Atlanta’s ethnic food mecca, for a refuel.  Korean BBQ at Hae Woon Dae (5805 Buford Hwy., Doraville, GA 30340, 770-451-7957).  If you’re in ATL, I highly recommend it – don’t be scared by the fact that you practically have to turn into a “Gentleman’s Club” to get there.

 

 

If you’ve never experienced an authentic Korean BBQ meal, I cannot recommend it enough.  They cook the meat over charcoal at your table (they also have tofu), and serve it with a boat-load of tasty sides like cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, pickled radishes, sprouts, lettuce, and soy bean paste.  Also, don’t skip the Korean pancakes.  The egg and flour-based pancakes are traditionally laced with scallions, but often include other add-ins.  Ours also contained carrots, zucchini, and kimchi.

 

Sunday my friends Summer and Annette had a baby shower celebrating the impending arrival of TWINS!

 

 

I had the honor of creating a few desserts… I may have gotten a little carried away with the baking, but it is fun to cut loose and get creative with the full-fat sugar-loaded treats every once in a while.

If you follow me on Instragram, you may have seen this shot of my grocery basket on Friday night:

 

 

You may have also seen the following scene as I cooked.  This is what happens when you’re frying bacon, creaming an obscene amount of butter and sugar, and it’s time for your 20g of protein (yup – that’s salmon).

 

 

The bacon and the creamed deliciousness were for 2 things that I could eat 24×7 and never tire of (though my waist line may say otherwise):  Maple Bacon Pancake Cookies and Banana S’More Nut Bars.

 

 

These S’more Bars are the best I’ve ever had.  I only wish I could take credit for the recipe!  They are the ingenious work of Eric Wolitzky from Cake & Ale in Decatur, GA.

The restaurant serves some of the best food in Atlanta (they are responsible for getting me to like seafood), but their bakery was recently recognized by Bon Appetite as one of the best in America.

 

 

The only liberties I took were to replace the milk chocolate with dark, use plain peanuts instead of salted, and toast the marshmallows before mixing them into the fudge-y chocolate-banana-peanut butter fudge.  Next time you have the occasion to go all-out with a dessert, MAKE THIS.  Click here for the full recipe.

 

Creation #2 was my own.  A pancake in cookie form.  It’s like breakfast for dessert.  I cooked bacon for the first time in years (I’m not actually a bacon fanatic as this post would indicate).  The only downside is that my condo STILL smells like bacon. 🙂

 

 

Maple syrup is a must with pancakes, so I added extract to  mine to acheive that deep sweetness.  I wasn’t sure I’d want to add anything else, as bacon is potent stuff… but I decided to stir in some dark chocolate chips.  What’s better that chocolate chip pancakes?

 

 

Sweet, salty and indulgently amazing, these chewy cookies are fit for any cheat day.  I’d say my trainer agrees since his sample were gone almost as fast as I could hand him the baggie.

Recipe at the bottom.

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First we need to recap what I did to EARN that incredible day of cheats!  No huge news to recap this week.  It was a good week of workouts, and I’m excited to keep seeing gains as I keep pushing and amp up the protein.

I don’t ever get to see my back, so I recruited Mom to take a pic while we were at the gym this weekend:

 

 

Workout Recap (9/4 – 9/9):

  • Tuesday – Shoulders/Butt, 1.5 mile walk
  • Wednesday – Chest/Biceps, Calf raises, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – Legs (with trainer), 2 mile walk
  • Friday – Back/Triceps, Calf raises
  • Saturday – Shoulders/Butt
  • Sunday – Chest/Biceps, Calves

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancake Cookies

  • 1/2 C butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 C granulated sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 2 C pancake mix
  • 1 tsp maple extract
  • 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/3 C dark chocolate chips

 

Cream butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl. Beat in egg and maple extract, mixing well.

Slowly stir in pancake mix.  Fold in the crumbled bacon and chocolate chips.

Drop by the spoonful (~1.5 T) onto parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake for 12 mins.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

***

Back on track!  I’m determined to make this the cleanest week ever, and to keep increasing my weight.

What is your favorite “cheat?”

Have you ever had Korean BBQ?

 

Freaky Friday

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Quick: Name your first pet and the street you grew up on.

 

That’s your stripper name.

My name is is Twinkle Dickerson… and these are my shoes:

 

For real – these are my shoes for the figure competition.  They arrived yesterday and my doorman wouldn’t let me leave until he saw them.  Apparently the thought of me walking in heels like this is entertaining to everyone except me. 🙂

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In other Freakish-ly Friday news… (this is going to be most random post ever, btw.)

 

1. Protein Cereal

Who would have thought this existed?  When I posted about my wish, you guys suggested I check out Kay’s Naturals.  THANK YOU!!!

 

I’m digging the sample pack I ordered.  The puffs were just “meh” but I am really liking the cereals and well as the pretzels so far.

Use discount code kays123 for 20% off your order!

 

 

2. My Veins

 

…look in freakishly pumped right after I lift.  Does this happen to other people?!

Side freakish note: she the scar above my tattoo?  The oven attacked me.

 

 

3. Lauren’s Lemon-Blueberry Pancakes

 

These are freakishly good.  And the recipe can be used to make a protein microwave muffin that is also delish.

 

 

4. Current Veggie Roast Obsession

 

Cinnamon-roasted white veggies and protein dip.  I originally did it with just parsnips here, but cauliflower is mighty tasty too, especially when dusted with cinnamon AND cocoa.  Sounds freaky, but I swear by it.

 

 

5. Hump Day Blog Love

I freaked out when Calee told me she gave me some Hump Day love – in a good way.

I was so honored to be featured by my pixie Blend.  If you don’t read her blog, you should.  And you should check out her freakishly amazing zippy pouch creations.

***

I fully realize I’ve reverted back to middle school with the use of “freaking out.”  Some days you just have to embrace your inner 13 year old.

What is your stripper name?

In the spirit of random: my mom wants to start doing some HIIT. Can anyone suggest some good beginner workouts?

 

Chinese Pepper Tofu + Faux Fried Rice

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Dry is the new fry.

 

I had never even HEARD of such a thing until a recent dinner out at The Lawrence.  One bite of their Salt & Pepper Tofu and I knew it must be mine.

 

 

Dry fried tofu is an interesting dish.  You pan fry pressed tofu without any oil, leaving it more dense and pleasantly crisp.  It’s almost creates a tofu version of  fried chicken – though much less greasy.  The trick is to cook it slowly to remove the water from the tofu without burning it.  The dried tofu soaks up marinades more effectively, making it incredibly flavorful.

 

 

Faux fried rice was almost an after thought to this one.  I was concocting my tofu recipe and eyed a box of Kamut® Khorasan Wheat I received to sample.

Asian dishes need fried rice… this isn’t exactly rice, but it worked.  I think it is better because I do not like especially like rice, and thanks to this box I discovered that I DO like Kamut.

 

 

Kamut has crazy-high amount of nutrients vs. other wheats, and has selenium, fiber, and… drumroll please… a good amount of protein (7g per serving)!  Kamut sent me flour, pasta, and berries.  The Kamut Berries* (sold under the Bob’s Mill Label) are what I used here.  It was my first time cooking them myself and I was quite pleased.  The package suggests soaking them over night, but I ignored that little detail and they turned out just fine.  Wheat berries have long been my favorite carb on the hot bar at Whole Paycheck Foods, and these Kamut berries are very similar.  They are fairly large in size (think large pearl couscous), chewy, nutty, and a little on the sweet side.

*Yes, I received this for free.  No, it didn’t affect my opinion… I had a hard time keeping my mouth shut if I don’t like something. 😉

 

 

After it as all dried and fried, I marinated my tofu in rice vinegar before coating it in a mixture of rice flour, pepper, and Chinese 5-Spice.  5-Spice is an awesome blend of  fennel, cloves, Szechuan peppercorn, star anise, and cinnamon – encompassing the five primary flavors of Chinese cuisine (sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and salty).

That peppery goodness with the ginger and sweet red pepper-laced “fried rice” was so good made me wonder how I ever ate Chinese take-out.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Chinese Pepper Tofu + Faux Fried Rice

For the Tofu:

  • 5 oz tofu, pressed and patted dry
  • Rice vinegar
  • 2 T brown rice flour
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Chinese 5-spice
  • Oil

 

Cut pressed tofu into cubes or triangles, about 1 inch thick.  Place tofu in a non-stick pan over low-medium heat (my electric stove top was on 4), leaving room between pieces.  Slow cooking important so that tofu doesn’t stick or burn before the water has time to evaporate out.  Do NOT use oil – you are trying to leech all of the moisture.

As the tofu cooks, use a spatula to frequently press down on each piece.  Once the bottom sides are firm and golden in color, flip the tofu pieces and fry the other side, again pressing each piece.  They are done when they are golden and firm on both sides.

Place tofu in just enough rice wine vinegar to submerge and stir.  Marinate 10-15 mins.

Meanwhile, mix together remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

Lightly coat tofu in the flour mix.  Lightly spray pieces with oil (I have a can of EVOO from Trader Joe’s) and place in pan over medium heat.  Cook until outside are once again golden, turning once.  Note: If you don’t have spray oil, just place a small amount of oil in the bottom of your pan.

 

 

For the Faux Fried Rice:

  • 1serving (~1/2 C) Kamut (or other grain), pre-cooked
  • Olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1-in piece fresh ginger, minced
  • Red pepper
  • Green onion
  • Shiitake mushroom
  • Spinach
  • Egg whites (leave out to make vegan)
  • 1/8 tsp turmeric
  • Lime wedge

 

Heat a small amount of olive oil In a wok or skillet, and sauté garlic and ginger.

Add the other veggies (except spinach) and sauté until just softening.  

Add your grain and spinach, stirring to mix it with the other veggies.  When spinach is slightly wilted, add the egg (if using) and turmeric.  Cook until egg is done, ~5 mins.

Plate with your tofu and a twist of lime.

Enjoy!

***

This is a little more time-consuming than my bakedChili Nutty Tofu, but totally worth it!

Have you ever dry fried tofu?

What is your favorite dish at Asian restaurants?

 

Bacon, Bloody Marys and Pumpkin Parfaits + WIAW

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How much bacon is too much?

Bacon coffee?  Add some protein powder and you could drink your hot breakfast!  Of course, then you would need to brush your teeth again.

Seattle’s Best Coffee hosted its Red Cup Showdown for the best coffee creations.  The winner created a  “How to Win a Guy with One Sip” drink that combined coffee with “caramelized bacon and subtle hints of pumpkin pie spice.”  Click here for the full story.

Not filling enough?  Have a Bloody Mary.

[Photo: Midlex / Reddit – click for link]

More than a Bloody, its hangover heaven.  This beast is adorned with pepperoncinis, jalapenos, tater tots, steak, a slice of toast, and a hard-boiled egg. you get all of that for $16… including a 6oz of pepper vodka and a Beef Strawto drink from.

This monstrosity can be found right around the corner from my building at The Nook.  No, I have not ever tried it.

Jenn is saving us from bacon mania with another heath-conscious  What I Ate Wednesday theme: “Fall Into Good Habits.”

I really love this idea because this time of year I have a tendency to slack a little.  The weather is cooler, the beer football is aplenty, and those first-of-the-year resolutions seem far away.

Fall doesn’t have to be like that!  This year I’m going to be inspired by Jenn to make fall a time for refocusing on my goals so that I don’t feel the need to desperately make resolutions for 2013.  My plan is for 2013 to be a continuation of good habits and a time for reaping the benefits of hard work.

Speaking of good habits, this WIAW was a successful day of protein-filled clean-eating in preparation for figure competition.  Check it out and then click here to visit Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see how everyone else is making their fall about good habits!

 

Meal 1:

As usual, I enjoyed my morning cocktail with the added 1 tsp of glutamine.

Fall  was in the air this morning – it was gray and rainy.  I actually got chill bumps when I stepped out on the deck!

Obviously, this means it’s time for pumpkin!  I took  my Tiramisu parfait idea, but created a special pumpkin cream filling to make a Pumpkin Tiramisu Parfait.

I added a few extra spices to make it more pie-like.  The creaminess of the pumpkin and yogurt mixture was like a legit pie filling.  Paired with layers of mocha-flavored oats… I actually prefer this to pie crust.  I can’t decide which version I like better, but you should be your own judge ASAP.

Recipe at bottom. 

Meal 2:

No, this isn’t yogurt.  This is the container left from my breakfast.  I was making my mid-morning snack while eat breakfast, so I just recycled the container.

What was in the container was no salt added cottage cheese, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, stevia, Sun Butter, and chopped up apple.  Cottage Cheese Apple Pie.  *swoon*

Meal 3:

I had good intentions of branching out more, but last week’s tequila-lime marinated tilapia was too good not to do again.

Eaten out of tupperware conference room-style with a side of Chipotle BBQ Beanitos (thank you Blend Retreat for introducing me to these) and raw zucchini sticks.

Meal 4:

Tuna salad is a great way to pack in protein without adding carbs or fat.  This isn’t your mom’s tuna – I mixed mine with Greek yogurt to add moisture (ewwww… moist) and even more protein.

Then I went crazy with my spice cabinet.  Paprika, tarragon, garlic, turmeric, and fresh lemon juice all went into the mix, along with fresh red pepper, broccoli, cucumber, and a little bit of pickle.  Adding all the veggies makes this tune truly a salad.

Meal 5:

On my Instagram last night I promised to post the toppings for this grab-everything-in-the-veggie-drawer Mexican Tilapia Pizza.  I had something completely different planned, but when I got back from the gym all I wanted was more of that Tequila-Lime Tilapia… this time with a tortilla.

I crisped a low carb tortilla in a pan and topped it with a mash of black beans and chipotle sauce, spinach, parsnip rice, sautéed portobellos and red pepper, heirloom cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and goat cheese.

Yep – cheese.  That was forbidden but because I need to gain more weight, I get an extra “cheat each day.  You better believe I’m using it well!

Meal 6:

I couldn’t go all day without the incredible, edible egg!  You guys know how I love my Carrot Cake Batter … and my PB & Jeggs creations are a favorite addiction.  Last night I decided to try for a marriage of the two: PB & Caggs.

This was made just like the Jeggs, but with grated carrot.  In my peanut sauce I used a full teaspoon of cinnamon, some fresh nutmeg, vanilla stevia, and a bit of brown sugar extract (ordered online).

I’ve done this in a spicy-savory way before too… it’s hard to say which is better.  I guess it depends on your mood!

Meal 7:

The blog world is abuzz with the onset of Starbucks’ seasonal pumpkin beverages, but I’m hosting my own pumpkin fest over here.  Thank you, Vitamix, for completing my life.

Pumpkin Pie Casein Protein Ice Cream

  • 1 scoop GNC vanilla casein protein powder
  • 1/4 C pumpkin puree
  • Handful spinach (optional)
  • 1/3 C vanilla unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 in piece fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp guar gum
  • Ice, to taste
 Topped with Kashi Cinnamon cereal, cinnamon, and peanut flour fluff (peanut flour and almond milk).

Pumpkin Tiramisu Parfait

For the Oats:

  • 1/3 C rolled oats (use gluten-free to make GF)
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 C water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed, cooled coffee
  • 8 drops liquid stevia (adjust to desired sweetness) 
For the Cream:
  • 1.5 oz plain Greek yogurt (use soy or almond yogurt to make dairy-free/vegan)
  • 1/4 C pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 5-6 drops vanilla stevia 

For the Oats:

  • Combine the oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon, extracts, and water in a bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid is (mostly) absorbed.
  • Add coffee and stevia. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and place in the fridge overnight (or at least 2 hours). 
For the Cream:
  • In a small bowl, combine yogurt, pumpkin, stevia, protein powder, and spices.
  • Stir until well combined.
  • This can be done the night before, or at time of serving. 
To Assemble:
  • Place a spoonful of the oats in a cup, followed by a spoonful of the yogurt mixture.
  • Repeat until you’re out of each.
  • Optional: Top with fruit of your choosing. I chose melted blueberries (cherries microwaved with a few drops of lemon stevia for ~20 secs). 

***

Protein count for the day: 190.2g from good, clean eats!  That’s record!!!

Bacon.  Is it really the ultimate flavor? I know even my vegan friends dig tempeh bacon and bacon Torani syrup.

What good habits are you going to “fall” into?

Lemon-Thyme Zucchini Salmon Cakes

By

Important tip: read labels.

 

I’m new to this seafood thing.  It still makes me a little squeamish to touch it.

When I finally located low-sodium canned salmon I was so excited that I neglected to check the label to ensure it was de-boned with the skin removed.  It most certainly was not.

 

 

WHY would anyone want canned salmon with the skin and bones?!  They DO NOT.  I’ll gladly pay an extra dollar or two for that task to be done.

Stubbornness trumped squeamishness, and I dug through the damn can of salmon removing all the icky bits.

 

 

It paid off.  These cakes were the best seafood creation I’ve made yet!

I first worried I was adding too much lemon, but discovered that it only makes salmon more delicious.  The fresh thyme goes well with lemon, and adds a light slightly sweet accent.

 

 

These cakes are kept moist by the grated zucchini.  I loved its creamy and faintly nutty flavor made the salmon that much richer.

A bit of coriander goes well here, as it also has a bit of a nutty, citrus-y flavor that is well-balanced with the lemon and thyme.

 

 

I paired my cakes with a simple salad of raw asparagus, roasted beets, and chopped broccoli.  A quick toss is rice vinegar and pepper kept it light and refreshing.  Asparagus is surprisingly high in protein; that and the fiber from the broccoli make this a pleasantly filling salad.

The earthy beets against the crunch of the sweet, raw greens is fantastic.  Not to mention the colors – I’ve said it before, but colorful food just tastes better.  I made it several times this past week!

Recipes at bottom of post.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Workout Recap

Plantar fasciitis is a weird thing.  It hurt all week, and I decided to resume regular leg-day workouts as long as it didn’t make it worse.  Lo and behold, after 2 hard leg days it finally QUIT hurting.  Sunday was supposed to be a rest day, but I was so exited to be pain-free that I ran some sprints (my only trainer-approved cardio, as sprinting is good for the glutes).  “Sprint” is used loosely… I was so sore from leg day that they were more like sprints in slow motion. 🙂

I also found the secret to watching football without cable TV.  Rather than going to the bar like I would have in the past, I went to the gym and took a leisurely walk on the treadmill while I happily watched GA Tech play on ESPN… happily until the very end when we lost the game.  *sigh*

Even more exciting was a new bicep curl PR.  After a couple of years trying to get over the 15 lb hump, I was finally able to curl 20s!!!  I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat, looking around to see if anyone noticed how much of a beast I was.  LOL!  Of course, so one was tracking my curl weight, but whatever.  This is me trying to play it cool in the locker room:

 

Workout Recap (8/27 – 9/3):

  • Monday – Chest/Biceps, Calf raises, 2 mile walk
  • Tuesday – Legs (w/ trainer), 1 mile walk
  • Wednesday – Back/Triceps, Calf raises
  • Thursday – Shoulders/Butt, 2 mile walk
  • Friday – Chest/Bis, 2 mile walk, Calf raises
  • Saturday – Legs (w/ trainer)
  • Sunday – Rest, Sprints
  • Monday – Back/Bis, Calf raises, 5.5 mile football walk

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Beet, Asparagus, and Broccoli Salad

  • 1 small beet, roasted
  • 1/2 C asparagus, chopped
  • 1/2 C broccoli, chopped
  • 1 T red onion, diced
  • 1 T rice vinegar
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and toss to combine.
Serves 1 (easily doubled).

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Lemon-Thyme Zucchini Salmon Cakes

  • 1 7oz canned salmon (no salt added), deboned with skin removed
  • 1/2 C grated zucchini, pressed to remove water
  • 3 T egg whites
  • 2 T red onion, chopped
  • 2 T fresh thyme
  • 1 T fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • S&P, to taste

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease muffin tin.

Place drained salmon in medium bowl and break into small piece with fork (or fingers).  Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Spoon into muffin tin, lightly packing down to remove air spaces.  Bake for 20 – 25 mins, or until golden brown on top.  Remove from oven and let cool for a minute. Gently loosen with a knife and lift from the muffin tin.

Makes 4 cakes.

Approximate Nutritionals (per cake): 82 calories, 3.2g fat, 56mg sodium, 0.9g carbohydrates, 0.2g fiber, 0.6g sugar, 10.2g protein

***

These cakes are great to make ahead for an portable, protein-filled lunch!

How was your long weekend?  Any new dishes (or pumpkin beers) to report?

Does touching seafood/meat make you at all squeamish?

 

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