Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

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.

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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?

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. 🙂

 ______________________________________________________________________________________

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?

 

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?

Do I Spend Too Much on Groceries?

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Families of 3 or 4 are able to spend just $100 a week on groceries.

Apparently I’m eating for 3.

At least that seems to be the case according to a question posed on Facebook last week.  In my defense, I do buy a few things family probably wouldn’t spend money on.

When I want something, I buy it.  There’s not much grocery cart self-editing going on; however, I don’t waste food.  Thanks to my meal plan spreadsheet I stay on track.  If I end up with to much of something, I share with friend or my concierges.  That’s probably why my weekly haul hovers around $100… this week’s was $104.

I get a lot of questions about nutrition and diet, so I thought this would be a good time to give you guys a peek into my grocery bill.  It has certainly increased since I began training.  Protein costs a lot more than the pounds of veggies I was eating on my sort-of vegan diet.

Protein

Seafood: Mahi Mahi, Tilapia, lump crab meat (I just learned it’s very high in protein), and canned tuna and salmon

Dairy: Greek yogurt and cottage cheese

Vegan: Sprouted tofu

Produce

 

Veggies: Celery, 2.5 lb bag of spinach, cilantro, carrots, broccoli, red pepper, Spanish eggplant, cucumber, portobella, asparagus, cauliflower, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and ginger

Fruits: Golden kiwi, nectarine, apples, Thai banana, and pear

Other

Packaged/Canned Goods: Pumpkin puree, tomato paste, tortillas

Goodies: Teff flour, sugar-free chocolate covered espresso beans, cinnamon, lavender, flowers

This week I did my shopping at Atlanta’s local year-round farmer’s market where (most) groceries are much cheaper than a typical store (ahem… Whole Paycheck Foods).  For instance, I got the 1/4 lb tub of cinnamon for $0.68.  However, some things will always be pricey… my crab meat was $16.29.

This wasn’t a big staple-buying week.  Some items I already had include: tempeh, almond milk, egg whites, tomatoes, grapefruit, beans, nuts, and grains.

I already cooked my Mahi Mahi!

It’s really easy to prepare.  I squeezed a lemon over the filet and let it sit for about 30 mins.  Then I sprinkled it with paprika and placed it in the oven on broil for 10 mins.  Bam.

Served with roasted broccoli slaw and sweet potato tots.  No, I’m not sharing the tot recipe yet.  They weren’t the right texture and the flavor needed some “umph.”  Soon though!

 

Workout Recap

My plantar fasciitisis still raring it’s head.  Despite being responsible and doing the stretches prescribed by my podiatrist, it’s not 100%.  It’s not even 80%.

With some modifications I’ve still been able to do leg day (focusing on extensions, curls, etc.).  I’m crossing my fingers that I will be able to do more by tomorrow’s leg day.  The arms are still going strong.  I’m excited to be increasing the weight I’m lifting, and to be getting a little bigger.  Still a ways to go though!  Bring on the protein.

Workout Recap (8/20 – 8/26):

  • Monday – Back/Triceps, Calf raises
  • Tuesday – Shoulders/Butt
  • Wednesday – Chest/Biceps, Calf raises, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – Legs (w/ trainer), 1 mile walk
  • Friday – Back/Triceps, Calf raises, 2 mile walk
  • Saturday – Shoulders/Butt, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday – rest, 1.5 mile walk, Yes/No machine

***

This is going to be a busy work week and I’ll be working at home a good deal.  Therefore, I treated myself to a bouquet of pretty flowers to look at. 🙂

What are your weekly must-buy items?

Are there items you only buy on occasion as a treat?

Random Acts of Friday

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Time sure flies when you’re all jacked up.

 

 

The heel pain mystery has been solved.  No, it was not caused (or cured) by Jack.  This was my view on the way to the doctor though!

Many of you guys guessed it would be plantar fasciitis and you were right.  The Doc said I caught it early, so I should be fine with some daily stretches and rolling it on a frozen water bottle.  While I wish it had been nothing more than a random bruise, I’m glad it’s nothing horrendous!

 

 

How’s this for random: 

Kellogg is coming out with limited edition college-themed Pop Tarts.  As if college students need any encouragement to subside on a diet of PopTarts.  Did anyone else go through a cinnamon Pop Tart vending machine phase freshmen year?

Nothing like add a curve in the form of the “Freshman 15.”

 

 

Then I saw this nauseatingly random sandwich:

NPR reported on a group who found a creative, albeit unnecessary, way to fuel their 5K.  An Energy Bar Sandwich composed of “Luna Bar bread, a Clif Bar patty, topped with a Powerbar, carbohydrate goo and… Clif Shot Bloks.”  1,200 calories of fuel.  *barf*

The article is filled with hilarious quotes, but this one was my favorite Shot: “This is the perfect thing to eat before my new workout program, ‘Crossfat.'”

 

 

Less gag-inducing, but random nonetheless: 

This article entitled “Foods That Make You Pretty” is full on food remedies to common annoyances.

My favorite? Celery can apparently be used to scrub and whiten your teeth.  I think I’ve inadvertently used it as floss…

 

 

A random blast for my recipe past:

Photo from Amanda’s blog

Amanda @ Friday Love Song brought back my “Green Slime” Protein Icing this week in her What I Ate Wednesday post.  Rock on, my friend.

And additional random slime fact: a reader recently commented on my slime  post that she was slimed once At Universal Studios.  And I was jealous.

Totally having this for breakfast today on my PrOATein Pancakes.  Thanks for reminding me about it, Amanda!

Finally the random you’ve all been waiting for…

The Chike Protein Coffee giveaway winners!

Winner 1: Cari

Winner 2: Haley

Winner 3: Leslie @ Pixiepine Blog

Congrats to the winners!!!

Please email me your info to send along to Chike.

 

If you didn’t wine but would like to try Chike High Protein Coffee, click here to visit their site to place an order.  I will be ordering more for myself!

 ***

I can’t thank you all enough for the kind words about the loss of my dad via comments on yesterday’s post, Instagram, and Facebook.  You truly brightened my day. 🙂

What is something random you’ve encountered lately?

How much would someone have to pay you to eat that Energy Bar Sandwich?

Low-Fat Peanut Almond Butter

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I’m terrible at making nut butter.  

Does that get me kicked out of the blog world?  The only one I’ve ever successfully made was a Spiced Almond Butter.

Until today.  I found a workaround.

One my training diet, I can’t have a ton of fats.  However, I do get to have a handful of almonds or seeds each day.  I’m forever searching for a way to maximize the nutty deliciousness.  What can I say – I’m a volume eater.

With this low-fat peanut almond butter, I can have a heaping 2 tablespoons of the good stuff.  I’ve been taking full advantage – smearing it on toast, stirring it into Greek yogurt, dipping apple slices in it… name your favorite way to eat peanut butter and this is a worthy sub!

For a protein-filled breakfast, I slathered it on a piece of P28 high protein bread and topped it with fresh peaches.

The true test was when I craved it on a cheat day.  On a day when anything goes, I still slathered a piece of toasted bread with this butter and happily snacked away.  Of course, that “bread” was a slice of chocolate pound cake. 😉

Recipe at the bottom, after a quick, unrelated review…

You may have seen Energy Bits reviews floating around the blogs lately.  At 64% protein, I REALLY wanted these to live up to the hype.

Spirulina has been gaining popularity lately.  These bits are made from 100% organic spirulina algae.  It’s super high in protein, low in calories, and will supposedly “boost your athletic performance, supercharge your run or crank up your endurance while working or working out.“

Sounds almost too good to be true, right?

Well…. it was for me.  I didn’t notice the slightest difference.

Ideally you are supposed to chew them.  I tried one and nearly gagged, so I opted to swallow the rest.  I waited a good 45 mins to let it hit my system before working out, but no dice.  Maybe they’d work if you took them more consistently?

I received these at no charge through the Fitfluential Ambassador  program.  This is my honest opinion.  I wanted to like them… but I can’t see spending $115 on this product.  Thank you to the Energy Bits crew for allowing me to sample the product!

Low-Fat Peanut Almond Butter

  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 3 T peanut flour
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 6 drops vanilla liquid stevia
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Mix nut flours and almond milk until combined.  You may adjust liquids to desired consistency.  If too thin, place the mix in the fridge to thicken. Add sweetener and cinnamon, if desired.

Makes ~8T.

Approximate Nutritionals (per tablespoon): 32 calories, 2.2g fat, 5.6g sodium, 1.6g carbohydrates, 0.8g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 2.3g protein

***

Today my dad would have turned 57.  It’s hard to believe he’s been gone 4 years… but he is forever my inspiration.  Happy Birthday, Daddy.

“Death ends a life, not a relationship.” – Mitch Albom

Are you a successful nut butter maker? (Sarah, you can’t answer, #nuttybutter )

What is your favorite nut butter pairing?

Tales from the Gym + Caffeinated Giveaway

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There’s one in every crowd.

You  know the one.  The dude that you keep catching staring at you in the gym.  You know it’s just a matter of time before he comes over to chat.  Monday was that day.

First, you have to picture this guy.  Mid-30s, frat boy hair cut, tattoos up on arm… fairly big guy with a little beer belly.   He sauntered up to me while I was adding weight to the seated row machine.

He opened his mouth to reveal one of the most Southern accents I’ve heard in Atlanta.

Frat Man: “I believe that’s more than you weigh.”

Me: “Not quite, but close.”

Frat Man: “I’ve been watching you.  You’re strong.”

Me: “Thank you.”

We went our separate ways, but I notice he’s still glancing over at me.  Later I was doing my calf raises and he asked if he could work in.  I obliged, but before he started, he had to add more commentary.

Frat Man: “I’m sorry I keep staring at you.  I can’t help it – you look just like Tinkerbell.”

Me: “Well… thanks!  I love Tinker.”

Frat Man: “I mean it.  Straight from the TV… how much do you weigh?”

Me: “I’m not really sure.”

Frat Man: “Well, you look good.”

Me: “Thanks.  Have a great workout.”

All of this went down in the least creepy way possible (trust me – I know creepy).  Well, aside from the fact that he said he’s been watching me.  LOL!

Slightly less funny, but still amusing.  This was on the television at the gym yesterday morning:

Daria.

I kind of wanted to stop and watch.

But I mentioned a giveaway, right?

This is one of the more exciting giveaways I’ve done, IMHO.  Reason being is that I LOVE this product.  Often I see giveaways for products that aren’t so great.  Of course, everyone has different tastes… but I do make it a point to try samples before agreeing to a giveaway.  There have been products I’ve turned down – I feel like it reflects badly on me if you are sent something that isn’t that great!

That’s not the case with this giveaway (or with the P28 Bread – I am in LOVE).

Chike contacted me about their coffee protein powder a few weeks ago.  I was hesitant – often I find coffee-flavored stuff to be too fake.  I like the real thing.  The rep assured me the caffeine content was the same as a 2 espresso shots, and it was low sugar/low sodium I knew I had to give it a shot.  Enter: a new addiction.

Who needs Starbucks when you can have a homemade protein mocha frapp with a fraction of the sugar?  If you were to order a Grande (16 oz) Mocha Frappucchino Light at Starbucks, you’d be drinking 130 calories, 28g carbs, 26g sugar, and 4g of protein.  You might as well just swallow 2 tablespoons of sugar.

With 20g of whey protein, 23 vitamins & minerals, and just 2g sugar, this powder makes for a perfect pre-workout shake.  Sunday I was feeling really sluggish after eating too many salty truffle fries on cheat day (I woke up feeling hung over!), but I downed this before meeting my trainer and had a great leg workout.

In my re-creation of the frappuccino, you’ll only have the 2g of sugar from the Chike protein powder and an additional 6-7g from half of a banana.  This is a mocha (any excuse for chocolate in the morning), but you could change up the flavors to recreate your favorite.

Check out this Pumpkin Frapp I did last fall, for example.

You guys know I can’t make a smoothie without adding spinach, so this delicious beverage has a slightly green-ish tint.  The banana added natural sweetness and lent a creamy texture to the drink.

I can never stress enough – use good cocoa!!!  Your drink will be 10x better and 1T of the good stuff won’t break the bank. 🙂

Recipe at bottom.

I’ll get off my sugar-soap box now and tell you how you can get your own Chike High Protein Coffee.

3 winners will be randomly chosen to receive 5 packets of the coffee, and a Chike Blender bottle.  You can never have enough blender bottles.

Receive up to 4 entries:

  1. Follow me on Twitter or Subscribe to the Sprint 2 the Table RSS feed or email
  2. Tweet: You could say something like: I’ve entered to win a blender bottle and sample pack from @iLikeChike with @sprint2thetable http://wp.me/p16jDn-1rZ  #giveaway
  3. Be Social: Twitter Follow Chike, Pinterest Follow Me and/or Pin Something of Mine, Instagram Follow Me
  4. Comment: What is your go-to caffeinated beverage?

Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST Thursday night,  August 23rd.  The winner will be announced here on Friday, August 24th!

Open to US Residents only.  If you’d like to try these bars but didn’t win, you can order your own on the Chike website.

Mocha Protein Frappuccino

  • 1 serving Chike High Protein Coffee (or 1 scoop protein powder + 1 tsp instant coffee)
  • 1 C spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 medium banana
  • 1 T cocoa powder
  • 7-8 drops liquid Stevia
  • 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1.8 tsp Guar Gum (optional, acts as a thickener)
  • Ice, to taste

Place all ingredients in blander and mix until smooth.

Top with your favorite add-ins – I used raw oats here – and enjoy!

***

Yesterday we lost one of the most brilliantly funny comedians to walk this earth.  RIP to Phyllis Diller.  I’ll leave you with her wisdom: “Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: Eat out.”

What is your funniest gym interaction?

Are you concerned with sugar intake? 

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