Mocha Mint Protein Muffins + Giveaway

October 28, 2013 By Laura

M is for Monday.

I swear I didn’t plan this.

This weekend had an M theme, which happens to work really well for Katie’s Marvelous Monday link up. See what I did there? 😉

1. Meringues

My company is a cloud-based technology. Rather than handing out boring collateral like pens at the executive meeting, I ordered cloud-like meringue cookies! Dyed blue and stuffed in pumpkins for Halloween.

Thanks to Henri’s Bakery for doing a great job on this custom order – I’ve been going there since I was a kid!

NO, I didn’t eat one… 2 weeks to go!

2. Muscles

Speaking of 2 weeks to go, I had my second to last posting practice with my trainer before my competitions! I have never loved posing, but I’m learning to look forward these Saturday sessions – I get to spend the day posing and training with some of the most inspiring competitors around.

This Saturday’s session made me more excited than ever for these next competitions, and for the next year where I’m 100% committed to hardcore BUILDING. I love lifting.

3. Mom

This weekend was my mom’s birthday. She’s turning 29, once again. 😉

I was really excited to have her over for brunch. She opened presents and I made her my jicama nachos with shrimp, pico, yellow tomato, and #yolkporn. She save this #strangebutgood creation two thumbs up, which means the world since she is the one I have to thank for my love of food and creating in the kitchen.

4. Muffins

Not just any muffins. I accidentally made Mocha Mint Protein Muffins.

These were going to be a version of my coffee pancakes. I accidentally added too much egg, so I decided to bake them instead. This is what a Thin Mint would taste like as a muffin. Talk about an awesome mistake!

I used Dunkin Donuts’ seasonal Mocha Mint coffee, but you could use any flavor and add extracts. I added peppermint extract because the DD coffee isn’t actually very mint-y.

Mocha Mint Muffins

2 T oats
1 T coconut flour
1 T (10g) chocolate protein powder
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp no-salt baking powder
1/4 C egg whites
1/4 cup brewed coffee (I used mocha mint)
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
6-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia
Optional: chocolate chips, cocoa powder, nuts

In a small bowl, mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir to combine.

Pour into prepared muffin tins and bake ~25 mins.

Makes 2 muffins (or 3 squares in my slightly smaller silicone mold).

Note: I learned that this recipe can be doubled when I made more to have for breakfast this coming week.

This mistake was even sweeter because it gave me a recipe to link up to Heather’s MMAZ. She told me seeds could count as nuts.

5. Munchies

It’s Halloween. You have candy coming out the you-know-what.

Just in case you want to give your blood sugar a break, I have a giveaway for one of my favorite bars. One of you will win a whole box of thinkThin High Protein Bars.

Normally a “thin” bar wouldn’t appeal to me; however, my dad actually got me into these. When he was getting chemo, all he wanted where the chocolate fudge bars. Random craving, right?

I came to love them. The 20g protein is perfect for a quick fix post-workout or on the run. It keeps you full, gives you a pop of energy, and has 0g of sugar. They’re also gluten-free!

My favorites right now are the Cookies ‘n Cream and the Chocolate Toffee Nut, but you can choose your own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***

I am literally back-to-back in meetings all week. Between that and gym time, blogging may be sporadic. Does anyone else think of Clueless when they use the word sporadic?

What is your favorite protein-filled snack to-go?

What was the last happy kitchen accident you had?

Strange But Good: Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

October 25, 2013 By Laura

Pumpkin makes a great dessert.

Except pie.

I really love it mixed into yogurt bowls, as ice cream, or as bread. I do not like pumpkin pie. It’s texture thing… maybe too close to white potatoes? I digress.

This post has nothing to do with pie. I tried something new with my pumpkin – I made it a savory breakfast! It’s actually just a new version of my sweet Pumpkin Pan-lette… a Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette! Some may consider this strange. It also happens to be good.

I added Mexican-inspired spices to the pumpkin and egg mix in order to make this part omelette, part pancake creation a smoky, spicy breakfast.

Pico de gallo and some runny #yolkporn (a.k.a. syrup) topped this. Someone on Instagram suggested bacon… which would have been brilliant. If you make it, add bacon. 😉

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Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

1/2 C egg white
1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping ideas: fried egg, pico de gallo, bacon

Combine all pancake ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Pour into a prepared (I used olive oil) skillet and cook as you would a pancakes (~2-3 mins on each side).

Meanwhile, prepare toppings. I used a fried egg and pico de gallo.

Plate your ‘cake-lette, top as desired, and enjoy!

Note: I made this as one huge pancake. In order to avoid flipping disaster, I finished mine under the broiler and turned it over onto my breakfast plate.

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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

Totally unrelated, but check out the new Ben & Jerry’s Anchorman flavor: “Scotchy Scotch Scotch.”

Are you a pumpkin pie fan?

What’s been your favorite pumpkin creation this season?

Red Velvet Protein Mugcake + WIAW

October 23, 2013 By Laura

Here comes the rooster.

Bonus points if you can name that song..

Many of us have fallen in love with the spicy sauce, but did you know it has an interesting back story? Yesterday I came across this article explaining the history of “the world’s coolest hot sauce.”

It’s inventor and CEO, David Tran, came to the US from Vietnam in 1980 homeless. Unable to find a hot sauce to satisfy him in the States, he simply made his own with hybrid red jalapeño peppers, vinegar, sugar, salt, and garlic. He only hoped to make a sauce worthy of a traditional Vietnamese pho. He just discovered that sushi chefs have been using it for years to make spicy rolls! His use of a specific fresh chili is what sets him apart – and manufacturing is dictated by their 10 week, 100 million pound harvest.

Even more mind-blowing is that he has never hired a single salesman, spent any money on advertising, or used social media. “It’s all been word of mouth,” Tran says. As a marketing professional, this blows my mind!

I don’t know where my brain was last week when I said 3 weeks. THIS WIAW I am 3 weeks from my next competition! Just a couple of diet tweaks so far, and we added 15 mins of HIIT cardio. Anticipation of asparagus is high…

Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else delicious creations!

Breakfast:

As usual, I started the day I with my Aminos and ACV morning cocktail. I swear it’s more energizing than coffee.

My breakfast was warm and comforting one on a chilly, rainy morning. Pumpkin pie-esque oatmeal, with a serious protein punch. I really like adding eggs and TVP for texture as well as protein; it makes this into a custard-like bowl of oatmeal.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Oatmeal

1/4 C TVP
1/4 C rolled oats
1/2 C water
1/2 C egg whites
1/4 c pumpkin purée
1.2 tsp cinnamon,
1/4 tsp ginger
Pinch of ground cloves
Stevia or other sweetener, to taste

In a small pot prepare oatmeal and TVP as normal.

When just done, add remaining ingredients, stirring rapidly to incorporate eggs before they scramble.

Pour into a bowl (or coffee mug) and enjoy!

Mid-Morning Snack:

Leftovers from this Sheepshead fish I prepared over the weekend, along with some roasted veggies. And a few unpictured rice cakes.

Lunch:

Cod, hummus, red pepper slices, cucumber, and sweet potato doused in cinnamon. Standard fare for Gantt chart reviewing.

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

I love that I can get salmon sashimi from the massive international market here. It’s fresh and it’s cheap. Often I eat it plain, but I saw Jenn’s cucumber rolls and had to give it a go.

I only had 4 survivors (I need more practice), but they are so much fun to eat! I rolled them up with red peppers and asparagus, and dipped it all (including that sweet potato) in wasabi.

As delicious as it was, the best part was that my pancake-on-stick-eating coworker said it was so “pretty” that he wanted one. I handed it over and he loved it! Our food comparisons have become a running office joke… I love these guys.

Dinner:

Dinner was a super-quick saute of bok choy, green onions, sugar peas, and garlic in lime juice, coconut oil, and an Indian spice blend. It turned out so well that the rest was just details – chicken (made during Sunday food prep) and injera (Ethiopian teff bread).

Dessert:

I’ve been on a giant Greek yogurt bowl kick lately. That has to stop. 3 weeks out from my competition my trainer sad no more. The idea is to eliminate foods that could bloat. Dairy is one of them. No worries. I’ll just have Red Velvet Cake.

The deliciousness below is basically my 150 Calorie Chocolate Protein Cake, but I used Cocoa Cardio* instead of cocoa powder. Topped with popcorn, cacao nibs, and Nuttzo.

*Cocoa Cardio from iHerb. Use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!

Red Velvet Protein Mugcake

22g chocolate protein powder (I used 2/3 scoop Growing Naturals)
1 scoop (7.5 g) Cocoa Cardio*
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
3 T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 egg white (or flax egg)
2 T pumpkin puree (can also use applesauce)
~8 drops NuNaturals orange pure liquid stevia
Optional toppings: popcorn, cacao nibs, nut butter

Place dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until smooth.

Transfer to a large, greased (I use coconut oil) coffee mug and microwave for 1:30 mins.

Tip the cake out onto a plate and top as desired. My cake was topped with nut butter, cacao nibs, and popcorn.

Makes 1 cake.

*Cocoa Cardio from iHerb. Use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order! You can also leave it out or use cocoa powder and 1/8 C beet puree to keep it red.

***

Thank you all of all of the kind comment on yesterday’s post. It’s sometimes hard for me to tap into the more emotional side – I use humor more often than not. So thank you for being empathetic and kind.

Are you a sriracha fan? What’s your favorite thing to add it to?

Have you ever attempted a homemade Asian roll? Oddly, I found the cucumber easier than dealing with rice paper or seaweed.

Work it Out: My Fitness Journey

October 22, 2013 By Laura

Life is a jungle gym.

And I like monkeying around.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned lately is life isn’t linear. This sounds obvious even as I write it, but over and over I’ve been surprised when my carefully laid plains deviate from the path I’ve plotted. Things change – you grow up. You learn new skills. You have setbacks. Life happens.

Plan changes have happened in all aspects of my life – career, relationships, fitness, etc. – and I’m sure you’ve experienced the same. I gt a lot of questions about how I began competing, so today’s Work It Out is my fitness journey. My jungle gym.

Before I get into it, I want to be very clear that this is my path. I’ve done things that were right and that were wrong. Some are tender subjects; they were part of my journey. I know you all have your own stories. I simply submit that I hope no matter where you are in your journey, that you stay true to yourself and have FUN. No regrets.

I love a competition. Sports, spelling bees, pie eating… you name it, I’m up for the challenge. It’s how I’m wired. This has taken me on many a fun ride in my life.

Related to fitness, I have tried just about any sport you can think of. I was lucky to have parents who encouraged me to sign up for all sorts of things – from ice skating to horseback riding to softball. Softball stuck – I still play every season!

Years later I still morn the day that bat broke.

In my college years, I wasn’t very active unless you count partying and working. I was a bartender. I smoked, drank too much, and ate crap. Not surprisingly, I gained the “freshman 15” (and the sophomore 15) and was always tired. When my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer something clicked in my head. His disease wasn’t related to unhealthy living; he had actually lost a ton of weight through diet and exercise a few years prior and never smoked a day in his life.

The message that life is short came loud and clear to me. While my dad was getting treatments he continued light exercise to keep strength that allowed him to turn 6 months into 4.5 years with the disease. Through his example, I was inspired to clean up my act a bit and started workout out casually. It wasn’t a total turnaround… but it was a start.

Which beer shall I drink first…

Fast forward a few years and I discovered a new passion – roller derby. I only wish my dad had been around to see that! I had a blast, met some really cool people, and skated about 12 hours a week. It was thrilling. I’d found a sport I loved again!

It also proved to myself that it is impossible to out exercise a bad diet. I was doing intense workouts nearly daily but gaining weight. I am not saying I was “fat,” but I wasn’t healthy and, more importantly, I didn’t feel good.

Looking at my unhealthy habits, I decided it was time for a cleanse. It was the derby off-season and I took the opportunity to give my body a break from getting beat up (literally and figuratively). 21 days of clean eating was amazing for me. I reset some habits, had boundless energy again, and I learned to love running.

That Thanksgiving I ran a 10K with my baby sister and my mom!

Then came a new season of derby. I was still doing really well with healthy living and had come back for the next season with more energy and passion and ever. Whatever was in stow, I was ready to jump on it. Life had other plans.

I broke my jaw during an expo bout (bout = a roller derby game). It was miserable. I looked like Jay Leno and it cost me a pretty important trip in my new job.

6 weeks later my jaw was as good as new but I decided it was time to find something a little safer. Plus, I’d lost a TON of weight from not being able to eat solids, which was not good for playing a contact sport. I looked unhealthy, and I’d basically forgotten how to eat. All I’d been able to have was soup, pureed oatmeal, and smoothies!

I struggled with the aftermath of that injury for a while. Rather than derby, I ran all the time. I was faster and going longer than ever, but – even though I was eating – my new teeny body couldn’t keep up. When you are at a deficit and continue to workout at the level you were before… well, you are just going to get skinnier (read: my mom was worried sick).

I almost didn’t post this pic. It pains me to look at it… but it’s what happened.

Unrelated to that, my knee decided to give out. I got half a mile into a run and was in so much pain I had to stop. The doctor told me my PCL was hanging on by a thread and if I wanted to run distance again I’d need to have surgery. That may have been the best thing that could have happened to me.

Time for a new hobby! Instead of going under the knife, I decided to go the route of building. Body building. If I could build up my quads, my knee wouldn’t bother me in daily activity and running short distances. I’d always loved lifting weights and had done a round or two of P90X, so it seemed to be the perfect next bar to grab.

Two and a half years ago I met with my trainer the first time and started down the path of something that would forever change my life. Lifting feels like it did when I fell in love with softball – I look forward to going to the gym, I want to talk strategy with anyone who will listen… it’s my passion!

Lisa and me at Palmetto – both Top 5!

Since then, I’ve gained 10 solid pounds of muscle, ~~2 pounds of boob,~~ and competed in 2 figure competitions. Much to my surprise I placed in both! Rounds 3 and 4 are in 3 and 4 weeks… they are on very competitive stages, but I’m excited just to have the experience. I’ve been watching the success of others around me and am stoked (do people still say that?) for the off season and a sold year of building.

I feel great: inspired, focused, and having fun.

The Bottom Line

Fitness looks like a million different things. What you do isn’t important, as long as it’s something you love and something that contributes to your health. Don’t be afraid to change your course as you evolve. Yoga, walking, lifting, cross-fitting… whatever. Find something you are passionate about and embrace it.

Having been both active and inactive to my detriment, I can promise you that finding balance and the thing that turns you on will make all the difference. That high, that endorphin rush, is sheer joy. It’s worth it to make time for it.

YOU are worth it.

***

Need some inspiration? Check out this post full of inspiring athletes from all walks of life.

Have you always been “healthy,” or was there a turning point for you?

What brings you joy?

Pumpkin Almond Protein Batter

October 21, 2013 By Laura

The closer I get to my competition, the more fun I have.

Ask me again in 2 weeks and I may tell you different.

Right now life revolves around the gym, food, and work. I love all three of these, so why wouldn’t I be ecstatic? Here’s how my typical Saturday goes down:

1. Wake Up, Eat, Get Dressed

I started my day with a delicious combo of oats, TVP, egg whites, cinnamon, ginger… and cheesecake.

The cheesecake part was thank to a Loranne Cheesecake Flavoring. I topped with frozen cherries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

2. Go to Competition Suit Fitting

No pic till competition day… but I LOVE it!

3. Posing practice and Back/Tri Workout

I did this at my trainer’s gym, which I love because it’s an actually a training gym vs. a fitness club. The icing on the cake was that I was the only one there for the last half of the workout, which was amazing.

Clearly this called for a photoshoot.

4. Meet with 1st Personal Training Client

I am SO excited to be working with a former roller derby teammate. She is going to kick ass in the gym too!

5. Grocery Shop

I hit out massive Buford Highway Farmer’s Market and bought a TON of food for less than $70. Including this new to me fish – Sheepshead:

6. Cook Dinner

I couldn’t wait to try my Sheepshead, so that’s what I had. It’s delicious – a mild, meaty white fish that’s low in fat and high in protein.

Seafood is one thing I prefer to prepare simply. I baked this fish with lime and a dusting of Indian spices. Eaten with bok choy sautéed with garlic, green onion, and coconut oil, and roasted portobello with a runny egg, and a slice of Ezekial.

7. Clean Out/Organize Work Emails

This was a productive activity while watching FSU beat the you-know-what out of Clemson. Goooo ‘Noles!!!

8. Eat dessert

The following is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Designer Whey and Smari. As always, all opinions are my own.

Dessert is my favorite par of the day. Even better was the fact that I got to try 2 new things: Designer Whey Vanilla Almond Protein Powder and Smari Icelandic yogurt. I normally make my protein bowls with Greek yogurt, but I am loving this Icelandic too! It’s very similar to Greek in that its super thick, high in protein (higher than Greek, actually!), and the plain is low in sugar.

I decided to create a pumpkin protein bowl using the ingredients. What resulted was a Pumpkin Almond Protein Batter that made me a little sad when I was over. It tasted like cake batter.

Overall, it was a marvelous weekend!

Pumpkin Almond Protein Batter

1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/2 C Greek yogurt
1/2 scoop Vanilla Almond Protein Powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Pinch of cloves
5-6 drops stevia
1 T unsweetened almond milk (or other liquid)
Optional toppings: cocoa powder sauce (cocoa powder + liquid + stevia), cherries, cacao nibs, popcorn

Combine everything in a small bowl and mix until smooth. You may need to add more liquid to achieve desired consistency.

Top with your favorites and enjoy!

*You can sub any vanilla protein and add 1/4 tsp almond extract

***

Did you notice anything in that pic of me? I went dark for the winter… every time I look in the mirror I double take at the dark haired girl.

Have you ever tried Icelandic yogurt?

What does a typical Saturday look like for you?

Strange But Good: Thai Peanut Salmon

October 18, 2013 By Laura

Fish is a diet staple for me.

Oddly, I refused to eat seafood until 2 years ago.

When you eat as much seafood as I do, it’s bound to get a little strange. I’ve had some fails, but often it pretty good!

Today’s recipe involves salmon and peanut butter, as I further attempt to prove that peanut butter is good on anything.

This isn’t so far out there. Many of you have had Pad Thai before. That’s just noodles and shrimp (or chicken/tofu) in a peanut sauce. This is a similar concept, but baked. I used my Thai Peanut Sauce as the topping. I think it work really well here with the rich, slightly sweet salmon.

I topped mine with fresh basil and ate it with raw asparagus and BBQ Cauliflower Bites. This would also be fantastic on a salad or on pastas. Maybe with red bell pepper and carrots?

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Thai Peanut Salmon

1 batch of Thai Peanut Sauce
6-8 ounces of salmon

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place salmon, skin side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet (you can use a non-stick sheet, but the foil makes for an easier clean up).

Prepare peanut sauce and spread evenly across salmon.

Bake until salmon is just cooked through, 10-12 minutes. This may vary based on the thickness of the filet.

Plate and enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.

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Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

Sarah, don’t comment. I know you think this is normal. You embody strange. But good. 😛

Can anyone name something peanut butter (or nut butter of your choosing) is not good on?

Have your taste buds changed a lot over the years? Do you like seafood?

Yogurt Cocktails + 70/100 Miles

October 17, 2013 By Laura

Cocktails as a health food?

Could be #strangebutgood…

Yogurt cocktails are apparently a thing. I can’t imagine the texture. Or how the booze doesn’t curdle it… but this looks mighty tasty.

Heirloom Tomato and Frozen Goat Yogurt Float

This article claims it “sounds terrible, tastes good. I’d try it… click through to read them all. Some are really cool. You get probiotics and protein. I’d try it… would you?

I want to make a few of these into a breakfast meal! Maybe without the booze. ~~Unless it’s Sunday Funday.~~

Enough of my sober competition diet cravings! Kat is back this week with a much healthier post about the crazy 100 mile race she did. This is truly awe-inspiring…

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70/100 Miles, Not Bad!

(A race report…and adventures on my radar)

By: Kat

I ran 70 miles (out of 100) at the Oil Creek 100 (Editor’s note: Total slacker). While it is a DNF (Did Not Finish), I’m not injured, and I’m healing up nicely.

The first 62.2 miles were incredible, and I was right on my expected pace as I crossed in to an aid station, after finishing my first 100K.

I ran a great 70 miles, but a couple of things went wrong in the last 5-6 that caused me to stop, honor my body, and get pumped to try 100 again. (Editor’s note: And this is just one more reason why I admire you.)

RECAP:

The race started at 5:00am, and I was off. It’s a race with 3 50K loops (31.1 miles), and then another 7.7 mile loop at the end. I made it through 2 loops, and another 7-8 miles, totaling 70 miles. I ran from 5:00am until about 11:15pm. 18 hours on my feet, a new distance record, and an awesome day leaves me feeling so grateful for a healthy, strong, body and mind.

My new friend, Mark, decided we would run it together, so I could help him slow his pace, and he would help me finish. (Editor’s note: Race friends are the best!) We started together and ran well together for over 40 miles. My pace was nearly perfect, which allowed me ample time at the Aid Stations where I had my drop bag. I had plenty of nutrition, was taking care of lubing the places that needed lubing, and really enjoying the day.

Oil creek was gorgeous! I ran the first 50-ish miles with my friend Gabe. It’s amazing the things you learn about people on the trails. We had very intimate conversations about any number of topics from relationships, to food and nutrition, to past experiences, lifestyle, etc. With Mark as well, we talked about so many things that I feel like I have known both of these men for years and years.

Across ages, socio-economic status, and so many other differences, the trails are a place where you bond with other human beings like you don’t in many other situations.

This was the most I had ever run with the same 1-2 people in a race, and it made me feel wonderful! I literally had a smile on my face 95% of the day. (Editor’s note: That’s the first thing I noticed about these pics – you look beautiful and radiant in your element.)

What I learned:

So a few things went wrong in the last 6 miles. My shoe laces fell out of my right shoe when I stepped in mud, and my foot got stuck, my headlamp batteries started to die, I forgot to eat enough calories, and I was chafing between my butt cheeks and other nether-regions (Editor’s note: Ewwww! 😉 ). And then I realized I was all alone with 30 miles to go. I felt a twinge of something in my right hamstring and thought, I will be out here for another 8 hours by myself, through the night, risking injury.

That being said, I decided that I want to run 100 miles, but I need a pacer (someone to run with you, make sure you get food and water, make sure you’re not talking yourself out of finishing, helping you with your headlamp and other various things, like lubing your butt). So, I have decided to run another 100 in the spring. I have had 3 volunteer pacers and I can’t wait to get back at it! (Editor’s note: I’ll pace you. For 5K. LOL!)

Diana

In the meantime, I have found a new trail hobby to keep me busy while I heal. Horseback riding. I started a few weeks ago, and I am loving getting to know the horses, spend time on trails and be with nature. I’ve been riding at Serenbe, a 1,000-acre sustainable living community, just south of Atlanta. It’s beautiful and amazing. (Editor’s note: I have been there a few times and it is the most serene environment! With good food.)

It’s also a great workout that allows me to fly though trails and get some good endorphins flowing while I have myself on running restriction to heal. I have told myself not to run farther than 6 miles for 3 weeks. I’m halfway through these weeks! Horsey-rehab and healing my body!

Maggie, the fastest ride, and super fun!

I have also decided on my next 100 miler, and another fun running-swimming race to do in Sweden next year, ÖTILLÖ, where teams of two race together from island to island (Ö TILL Ö) from Sandhamn to Utö in the Stockholm archipelago. The teams swim between the 26 islands and run on them.

The total distance is 75 kilometers of which 10 km are swimming and 65 km are running!

***

Reading this I now realize why Kat said she’d run with me this weekend. I’m a short distance pacer. LOL!

What do you do for rest and recovery after a big race or competition? Yes. Waffle House after every competition!

Do you start planning your next adventures right away? What adventures are on your radar!?

Here’s to Kids Who Are Different

October 16, 2013 By Laura

Why are we so judge-y?

Seems to be a theme lately.

Anytime you go against what people view as “normal” you’re going to get remarks. I have no problem with that. I actually welcome them because it opens the door for a conversation. And I’ve always been a little different. #strangebutgood

Story number one.

I ran into a friend this weekend who wouldn’t quit when I explained that I couldn’t join them for burgers and drinks 3 weeks out from a competition. (Granted, she ad been drinking and we all know that when you’ve been drinking you can’t understand why everyone doesn’t want to join that party. I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this.)

She kept on and said something along the lines of “How long are you going to do this? It can’t be fun. I’d be miserable.” Something clicked in me and I told her I choose NOT to go eat burger because I am in a good place. I am focused and happy. In fact, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. She paused and said ‘I can’t argue with that!” And let it go.

Story number two.

I was in the gym locker room in my office building yesterday and a lady complimented me on my workout. She called me a beast AND said she liked my hair. I was totally flattered and thanked her… but then she said something that really struck me.

She said “No homo.” I asked her to repeat herself and she explained “I’m not gay or anything.” Okay…

I went to Pride this weekend in Atlanta. I had a blast. I have no problem with who you want to screw/marry/raise kids with. If you compliment me, I’m going to be appreciative and feel good about it. I’m not going to assume you’re trying to get in my pants (although it’s been a while, so if you are trying let me know 😉 ).

I appreciate the compliment, but I’m sad that women feel the need to qualify compliment – giving and receiving. I’m guilty too!

Lately it seems there have been more unnecessary remarks than usual. Lindsay wrote a great post last week asking why it’s so hard to compliment women. I replied to her, realizing I am guilty. It dawned on me that I have an easier time accepting compliments from men than from women too. My chiro said I had good arm muscle and I said “I know.” A lady in the elevator complimented my hair and I said “Oh no! I need a cut! It’s bushy. But thank you so much for being kind!” WTF?!

My point is… I think there’s a lot of judging lately. People bitching about the pregnant bodybuilder lifting weights. The article about a super fit mom I posted last night. The stories I relayed today. I believe it comes from insecurity about ourselves. Lacking confidence.

No matter who you are and what you do, there’s going to be someone with an opinion. Their opinion doesn’t matter. Know what matters to YOU, who YOU are, and why you live your passion. Be confident in those things.

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This is WIAW I am 3 weeks from my next competition! No big diet changes yet… but next week… well, let’s just say food prep will get easier with limited options. Hello, stinky asparagus pee.

Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else delicious creations!.

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Breakfast:

Typical start to the day I had my Aminos and ACV morning cocktail.

My breakfast was one that I never wanted to end. I scrambled egg whites with turkey, pre-roasted kabocha, and blackberries mashed into pico de gallo. Then I threw it into an almost empty no salt cottage cheese container for my ride to work.

Mid-Morning Snack:

I discovered the gym in my office building. It’s made my life 100x better. As such, I’ve begun bringing my post workout smoothie to work. Today I had a Strawberry-Lime-Jalapeno Smoothie.*

*I had a killer workout and was too hungry to bother with a pic. Pretend this is it. It all looks the same after I add the spinach.

Lunch:

Turbot with cucumber and a delicious new recipe. I made Janet’s Tamarind Roasted Eggplant and Chickpeas. Just a few tweaks, but it was absolutely delicious!

My modifications:

Replaced the coconut oil with 1/2 T of olive oil
Added ~ 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Reduced tamarind paste to 1T (the flavor is too strong to me)
To save time, I cubed the eggplant before roasting (only took ~15 mins; I prepped the rest of this dish while I was waiting)
Added chickpeas directly to the post without pre-heating or mashing

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

I have a little yellowtail sashimi (SO good) and a little turbot… so this became a “I only have bits of things left” meal. With sweet potato, snow peas, and chipotle hummus.

Does anyone else snack on raw snow peas? They are so sweet it’s almost like dessert. Not really – dessert is scared. But they are really good and make a refreshing end to a meal.

Dinner:

Dinner was an experiment gone right. I baked tempeh with my Thai Peanut Sauce. It was delicious with red pepper and kale chips.

Dessert:

Giant bowl of Zucchini Bread Protein Batter made with Greek yogurt as the base. Topped with balls of Quest. These balls were made from the new double chocolate chunk bar, rolled up and baked (I still like the cookie dough best). Also topped with blackberries, popcorn, and almonds

Rock out with your carbs out.

***

“Wearing a mask wears you out. Faking it is fatiguing. The most exhausting activity is pretending to be what you know you aren’t.” ~Rick Warren

Do you struggle with compliments? Does it differ depending on who is delivering the compliment?

Have you seen more judging lately? How do you handle pressure from others?

1. Meringues

2. Muscles

3. Mom

4. Muffins

Mocha Mint Muffins

5. Munchies

Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

Breakfast:

Mid-Morning Snack:

Lunch:

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

Dinner:

Dessert:

The Bottom Line

1. Wake Up, Eat, Get Dressed

2. Go to Competition Suit Fitting

3. Posing practice and Back/Tri Workout

4. Meet with 1st Personal Training Client

5. Grocery Shop

6. Cook Dinner

7. Clean Out/Organize Work Emails

8. Eat dessert

Pumpkin Almond Protein Batter

Thai Peanut Salmon

70/100 Miles, Not Bad!

RECAP:

What I learned:

Breakfast:

Mid-Morning Snack:

Lunch:

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

Dinner:

Dessert:

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