Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Stripper Heels + WIAW

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I got 99 problems but a bench ain’t one.

Yep.  That’s on my workout play list.

Last week I talked in this post about focus at the gym, and how purposeful lifting increases results.  I attribute that to many of the gains I’ve been able to make since beginning figure competition training.  I’ve also talked a lot about diet and eating to fuel workouts.  I’m doing a little better with my increased meal requirements.  It’s still not easy… but seeing that it works is encouraging.

So now it’s time for the other part of training to begin.

Posing in stripper heels.

If you ever want to feel totally awkward and like Bambi on new legs, try to balance in plastic heels while keeping your feet together, butt out, and shoulders “big.”

After last night – my very first posing practice – I learned that I have a LOT to learn.

This is the last summer edition of What I Ate Wednesday.  While I’ll be strutting my stuff in a bikini and stripper heels in the coming months, looking out my window at the rainy weather I know fall is in the air.

 

 

Check out my pescatarian protein-filled day below, then click here to visit Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s end of summer eats!

Meal 1:

I’ve been changing up my typical mix of aminos and 2T of apple cider vinegar but adding 1 tsp of glutamine and a couple drops of orange stevia.    I’m loving the hint of orange!  This combo has really replaced my coffee to aid in digestion and provide energy in the morning.

Something I have noticed since being on a training diet is that I get on food-kicks more often.  Right now it’s pancakes!  This morning I did a repeat of last week’s PrOATein Pancakes.

This week I spiced it up a bit by doubling the cinnamon and adding 1/4 tsp of ground ginger.

Served with a broiled grapefruit – recipe here.

Meal 2:

Remember the apple cupcake from last week?  I made that frosting again, but this week I enjoyed it out of a martini glass with pumpkin seeds and golden kiwi.

The golden kiwi was a farmer’s market find.  It’s like a sweeter regular kiwi.  I love them!

 Side note: late in the day I knocked this glass off the counter and shattered it.  See how graceful I am?

Meal 3:

This is one of my favorite seafood creations to-date.  I marinated tilapia in tequila, lime and some other stuff before cooking it on a grill pan.

I continue to suffer from over-stuffing.  My “taco” was more of a flat bread.  Whatever… it was still good.  My toppings: black bean dip, spinach, red onion, cucumber, red pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro.

Meal 4:

This gazpacho was made using some late season tomatoes and my über expensive crab meat.  It’s what I ate pre-workout the night I hit my bicep PR, so I thought I’d try it again!

Meal 5:

One of the best modifications my trainer has made to my diet is meal switching.  If it is time for a carb meal, but I’m about to workout out I swap it for a non-carb meal.

Normally right now I’d be eating 2 veggies, a carb, and a protein; however, I had leg day with my trainer.  What I did instead is have a veggie and a protein and saved the carb for Meal 6.

This is what eating just to get my protein in on the whey to the gym looks like:

GNC whey protein mixed with Greek yogurt and cinnamon.  With a side of cauliflower.  It was an interesting combo, to say the least. 

Meal 6:

Post-workout I happily slurped on my Carrot Cake Batter Protein Shake on the way home.  I added spinach and celery to get my second serving of veggies.  You can’t taste either one at all!  I also blended in some rolled oats and topped it with cinnamon Kashi to get my carbs.

Meal 7:

This week I have been really FULL.  I think I’m making such an effort to increase meal sized during the day that I get to meal 7 and am over the limit.  There’s nothing like 2.5 hours at the gym to cure that!  After posing practice and a brutal leg day, I was more than happy to squeeze in one more meal.

This is Lauren’s recipe for Vegan Bread Pudding, slightly modified.  Instead of the pumpkin I used a mashed up peach, added 1 T almond milk, and used the end piece of my P28 High Protein Bread rather than Ezekial bread (I’ll be ordering more of that!).  I also left out the walnuts, as I don’t eats fats in Meal 7.

So.  Good.

***

I still need to get a little more in my day, but I’m well on my way with the 176.6g of protein from today’s eats!

Have you ever had broiled grapefruit?

Any one out there with experience walking in stripper heels?  I’m going to need help.  🙂

Apple Peanut Butter Socca Pie

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When the moon sun hits your eye like a big socca pie…

I’m having a serious love affair with breakfast foods like these PrOATein Pancakes or this Tiramisu Parfait.

With fall fast approaching, each week the apples are more and more delicious.  The Galas I bought at the Farmer’s Market this weekend are almost dessert-like.  Almost.

All they need is a good pie crust.  

Filling and full of protein, this breakfast could masquerade as dessert.

Sweet Gala apples topping a creamy peanut butter “frosting” could make me happy after any meal, but as a guilt-free dessert breakfast it’s even better. 

I really loved the socca as the base.  It’s pancake-like texture was perfect with the juicy crunch of the apple.  The warm spices in the socca make it even more reminiscent of apple pie.

If you haven’t made socca before, this is the time to try it.  It’s not hard – easier than pancakes!  I should know – half of my pancakes become pancake scrambles.

Don’t you want to dive into that creamy deliciousness?!  

For my dairy-free and vegan friends: This can be easily made a vegan treat.  Just replace the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt.  Be sure to adjust for the added moisture (Greek yogurt is thicker than the regular stuff); you will probably not need the tablespoon of almond milk.  Alternatively, you could leave out the yogurt completely and simply have a peanut flour frosting!

Note: I always spring for organic apples.  Apples are the top offender on the Dirty Dozen list!

 

Apple Peanut Butter Pie Socca

For the Socca

  • 1/4 C chickpea flour
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 C water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4-5 drops liquid stevia
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract (optional)

For the Topping

  • 2 oz Greek yogurt (use soy/almond yogurt, or leave out completely to make dairy-free/vegan)
  • 2 T peanut flour
  • 1 T unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2-3 drops liquid stevia
  • 1 small apple

For the Socca:

Preheat oven to high broil.

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

Pour batter in a small, well-oiled (I used PAM) oven-proof skillet over med-high heat.  Allow to cook until nearly done, 4-5 mins.

Set aside, allowing to cool slightly while mixing the topping.

For the Topping:

In small bowl, combine remaining ingredients (except the apple).  Spread across the room-temp socca (still in the skillet).

Thinly slice the apple, and arrange pieces atop the socca. 

Place in oven on high broil for 3-4 mins.  Watch carefully – it will go from perfect to burnt very quickly (not that I would know…).

Remove from oven and transfer to plate.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Approximate Nutritionals: 3.7 g fat, 37.1mg sodium, 29.9g carbohydrates, 6.3g fiber, 13.6 g sugar, 19.3g protein

***

I need to place an order on iHerb for more peanut flour… any suggestions for new things to try while I’m at it?  

FYI: iHerb.com is a great place to find healthy ingredients your grocer may not have (like peanut flour).  Use the code USO924 for $5 off your first order!

Have you ever made socca?

What  are you most looking forward to bringing back to your menu rotation this fall?

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?

PrOATein Pancake + WIAW

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There isn’t much you can’t accomplish with discipline and focus.

After seeing my first body building competition last weekend, I re-committed to leaving nothing on the table in my training.

Studies have shown purposeful lifting can increase muscle activation as much as 18%.  When working out you should really focus on the part you are training.  Eliminating wandering thoughts, gym distractions, and general rushing is important to getting the most out of your workout.

For the past several days I have committed to purposefully lifting – focusing only on the exercise I am doing and the muscle groups I’m targeting.  If muscle soreness is any indication, it’s working!

A few tips:

  • Choose an optimal training time when you have the most energy and enthusiasm to work toward your goal.
  • Have a written workout with what machines or weights you’ll use.  Some even write out pace and rest periods.  This allows you to move deliberately about the gym, without sitting there looking around for what to do next.
  • Wear headphones to discourage others from talking to you, and to drown out distracting gym “chatter.”  Use your play list to capture your intensity and keep your body pumping to the beat.
  • Before beginning a set, think about your goal – visualize the muscle group you are targeting, and what good form looks like.
  • Use the buddy method – have a friend or trainer assist and motivate you from time to time.
These tips can be applied to running and other forms of exercise too.  Are you working out with purpose?

Despite the chilly early morning air (boo hoo!) we’re still on summer edition of What I Ate Wednesday.  I’m still digging all the sweet summer produce.  The changes in my competition diet have allowed me more veggies!

Check it all out below, then click here to visit Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s summer eats!

Meal 1:

First thing I chugged down my Aminos, only now I’m mixing it with both 2T of apple cider vinegar and glutamine.  Again, I won’t bore you with another pic… but this combo does wonders for my digestion and energy in the morning.

Since is has been chillier in the mornings, I’ve been craving warm breakfasts – like pancakes!  I am notorious for ruining batch after batch of pancakes in the past, jealously watching as everyone else posted pics of perfect fluffy cakes.  Knock on wood – I think that’s behind me now!

Everyone has their preferences, but I like a thick, hearty pancake.  My protein-filled oat cakes fit the bill.  Laced with cinnamon and vanilla, these are like cookie cakes!

The biggest secret?  Let the batter stand for a bit before cooking.  It thickens, leaving you with a batter that won’t fall apart as soon as you try to flip it.  That wait isn’t as bad as it sounds – mix it up before you go to the gym or take a shower.  It will be ready by the time you’re done!

Recipe at bottom.

Meal 2:

I brought back an old favorite – my apple cupcake.  I made essentially the same frosting, but added 1T of vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, almond milk, and a few cake batter drops.  No lie – it really does taste like frosting.

Leftover “icing” eaten with a spoon.   *swoon*

Meal 3:

On my training diet I’m supposed to limit sodium.  It has been shocking to see how much sodium is added to everything.  Protein powder, canned beans, and frozen foods are some of the biggest offenders.

Frozen meals were never prevalent in my diet, but I did keep a few on hand for emergencies.  Sometimes you need a quick lunch!  Now, rather than buying salty meals, I make sure to freeze servings of homemade dishes.

Yesterday’s lunch was a slice of my Vegan Mexican Crustless Quiche.  I thawed it in the micro at work and ate if with raw asparagus and a Nutritional Spicy Peanut Sauce (1 T peanut flour + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1/2 tsp sriracha).

Meal 4:

Given that I’m supposed to have at least 3 “real” protein source per day, I snacked on tuna salad.  Pre-figure competition training I would have never consider eating tuna in the middle of the afternoon.

This mix of tuna, nooch sauce (nutritional yeast mixed with water and paprika), red pepper, and broccoli slaw was surprisingly good mid-afternoon.

Meal 5:

This was an all-new experience for me – I made salmon cakes!  They were really good!  It turns out that canned salmon taste like chicken tuna.  I want to make it once more to be sure of the measurements, then I’ll share the recipe.

Served with random, yet delicious, sides.  Side #1: sautéed spinach with eggplant, ginger, and thyme.  Side #2: Grated raw golden beet and carrot sprinkled with dulse flakes.  Side #3: Ezekial garlic toast.

Meal 6:

I am powerless over cake batter.  I had some leftover shredded zucchini and carrot from dinner… so I decided to combine my favorite Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread Batters to make one epic Carrot-Zucchini Cake Batter.

Stick a fork in me.  I’m done.

Meal 7:

That batter was filling… I didn’t want meal 7, but I still am not hitting my increased meal requirements.  Never in a million years did I think I’d say this… but it’s hard to eat so much.  *My former fat kid is beating me up and stealing my lunch money right now.

I kept it simple.  Late-night cereal with bananas… and a side of a chocolate protein powder experiment.

The cereal was awesome.  The experiment… needs work.  Wouldn’t it be awesome if someone invented protein cereal?

PrOATein Pancakes

  • 1/4 C rolled oats
  • 1/4 C egg whites (or flax egg)
  • 1 T vanilla protein powder
  • 1 T peanut flour
  • 2 T unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp ground flax
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp baking powder
  • 7-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia

 Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.  

Place in refrigerator and allow to sit for 15 mins to 1 hour.  Remove from fridge.  Add more liquid if too thick.

Scoop into warm pan, forming 2 pancakes.  Cook ~2-3 mins (do not touch while its cooking) then flip and cook for ~1-2 mins more.

Serve with warm sugar-free maple syrup and fresh fruit.

***

Now I’m hating the accountability since I didn’t eat as much as my revised plan calls for.  I got 170.2g of protein.

Have you ever checked the sodium in your staple foods?  Any surprises?

Do you have a perfect pancake recipe?  Please share!

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? 

Lemon Cardamom Granola

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I’m a schwag whore.

 

 

Race expo bags, conference loot, free t-shirts, retreat goodies… you name it, I get excited.  You can imagine my eyes popped out of my head when I saw the gigantic bag ‘o schwag we were gifted at the Blend Retreat.  Lots of bars, cereal, Fitmixer Aminos, protein drinks, and even granola.

One of my favorite items was a lemon-blueberry granola by Nature’s Indulgence.  It’s loooong gone, but I still think about it.

 

 

When I saw this guest post on Lauren’s blog, I was excited to be able to combine those flavors once again.

I had to take liberties with the recipe, as my training diet doesn’t allow for the sugar.  You know what?  I don’t even miss it in this recipe!  A mashed banana helped to sweeten and bind the granola, and it lended a subtle fruit flavor since dried fruits are a no-no (pure sugar, people!).

 

 

Another twist I put on the original was to add a bit of cardamom.  You have to be careful with it – a little goes a long way – but a small amount added to sweet-ish recipes can elevate it to something uniquely delicious.

 

 

One of the things I liked the most about the Nature’s Indulgence version was the inclusion of millet.  It added a cool crunch to the texture.  I didn’t have any millet, but the chia seeds in my version to achieve a similar effect.

It is really fantastic sprinkled over a bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh plum and cinnamon.

 

Recipe at bottom.

______________________________________________________________________________________

First a little round up from the blog world!  I sometimes worry that much of the stuff I make is too weird for anyone to actually try.  More often that not I end a description with “Its really is good, I swear!”

Because of this, I get unnaturally excited when you guys share your own iterations of recipes I’ve posted.  Here are a few recent shares from around the blog/Instagram world… they’re good, I swear!!!

 

Allie ordered her very own peanut flour and tried my favorite sauce combo: peanut four, almond milk, and sriracha:

 

 

Heather rocked out a vegan version of my Tiramisu Protein Parfait using a coconut whipped cream that looks absolutely scrumptious:

 

 

Ashley made this Protein Breakfast Tart that I adapted from Tessa… coincidentally, I made it again yesterday morning. 🙂

 

 

Lauren made my PB & Jeggs with a grilled PB&J after I told her of my childhood love.  I wonder if anyone will try this lightened up version posted yesterday. 

 

 

Last but far from least, Meg made my take on a Cauliflower Pizza Crust.  It turned out beautifully, and I love her runny egg on top!

***Since the original post, I’ve remade and improved upon the crust.  Based on feedback from others I realized the measurements needed to be more precise and detailed instructions.  Look for that update on Monday!***

 

Thank you to everyone who has tried a recipe and/or given feedback!  I love learning from you all. 🙂

____________________________________________________________________________________


Lemon Cardamom Granola

  • 1 C rolled oats
  • 1/2 large banana, mashed
  • Zest & juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1T coconut oil
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 10 drops NuNaturals Lemon Liquid Stevia
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract

 

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.

Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl until well-combined.

Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 mins.  Stir the granola and bake another 10 mins, until golden brown.  

Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container.

Note: If you don’t have Stevia, you can sub in 1-2T of your favorite liquid sweet treat (maple syrup, agave, etc.).

Makes 4 servings (1/4 C each).

Approximate nutritionals: 117 calories, 6g fat, 16.4g carbs, 2.3g fiber, 2g sugar, 3g protein

***

I’m attending y first show this weekend!  I can’t wait to see the figure competitors… it’s hard to believe that’s going to be me in a few months! 🙂

What is your favorite granola combo or recent blogger recipe?

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

 

Maple Zucchini Bread Batter + WIAW

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I’m full.

No, not full of shit.

Full of food.  Protein.  Complex carbs.  Veggies.  This is a result of my my nutrition plan changes.  I mentioned Monday that they were coming.  And come they did. I was secretly hoping I’d just get another cheat day. No dice.

The veggies and carbs have increased slightly… and then there’s the protein.  It has doubled, and is now required to be from a “real” source (fish, egg, or soy) at a minimum of 3 meals.  I’m not there yet, so don’t call me out on this first WIAW.  It’s going to take me a little time to ramp up.  I’m fast learning that figure competitions are not for the faint of heart.  😉

In summation, this is the bulking edition of What I Ate Wednesday.  Tuesday morning was spent at a panel event where I knew I wouldn’t be able to get the foods I need.  It was fun to brainstorm some portable meals that could be prepped the night before!

I did keep it seasonal, thanks to a recent rampage of the Farmer’s Market.  Check it all out below, then click here to visit Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s summer eats!

Meal 1:

As usual, I began my day with Fitmixer Aminos mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water.  I won’t bore you with another pic,  but trust me when I say this stuff is the bomb.  Especially when you have to wake up for a 7am conference.  I wish I was making that up.

This week I managed to NOT have PB & Jeggs for once.  This week I planned ahead and – knowing I’d need the caffeine for my early morning – made Overnight Mocha Protein Oats.  Who needs Starbucks when you have this tastiness?

Mocha Protein Oats:

  • 1/3 C rolled oats
  • 1/2 C water (or liquid of choice)
  • 1/4 C coffee (chilled)
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1-2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 5-6 drops liquid stevia 
Place the oats and liquids in a medium bowl and microwave ~3 mins (some liquid should remain).

Mix in remaining ingredients and place in fridge overnight.  In the morning, stir, top with your favorite fruit, and enjoy!  

Note: If you prefer your oats warm, you can also pop these in the mirco again in the morning.

Meal 2:

Greek yogurt is a protein-rich staple in my diet.  Right now I’m hooked on seasonally appropriate strawberry Greek yogurt.

The fruit flavors in the grocery store have a ton of added sugar, but you don’t have to buy those!  I make my own using fresh berries and a touch of Stevia.

To make, simply mash up 1/4-1/2 C of your favorite fruit and mix it into a serving of yogurt.  I added a bit of Stevia and cinnamon as well.  Topped with  pumpkin seeds and eaten with a side of black tea.

This bowl was prepped the night before and frozen.  By the time I was ready to eat Meal 2 (at the afore mentioned meeting) it had thawed to an awesome fro-yo consistency.

Meal 3:

This lunch on the go was better than I could have found at a salad bar chain!  Once again, I prepped everything the night before.  The salmon, Ezekial bread, and edamame were stored in the freezer over night so they were just thawed in time for lunch.

Yes, those are individually packaged Dora the Explorer edamame packets.  I swear I tried to find the regular package   They were out.

In the tupperware I packed my veggies and arugula, and had a dressing ready in the mini container.

The dressing was a quick mix of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and cumin.

Beat that, Doc Greens! 😉

Meal 4:

I made it back home for afternoon snack and heated up a few of the Chick-less Nuggets I posed yesterday.  They are just as good on day 2!

The dip with this was awesome.  I picked up a jar of Marmite and couldn’t wait to use it!  It is a strong flavor, so I mixed 1/4 tsp with 1 T of peanut flour, 2 drops of liquid smoke, and 1.5 T of water.  I’m forever indebted to Heather for introducing me to this stuff!

Meal 5:

Other bloggers are a HUGE source of inspiration to me.  JL posted these tempeh patties 3 weeks ago and my only regret is that I took so long to make them!

I followed her method but increased the nooch to a full tablespoon and added fresh lime juice and thyme.  OMG.  Next time I’m tripling the recipe and freezing some for later.

Served with spinach socca (basic method here; this time I blended in 1 C spinach), sweet potato, raw asparagus, red pepper, onion, and a chipotle pepper pureed with a pinch of cloves, cinnamon, and teeny bit of water.

Meal 6:

I got called out on Instagram for eating Carrot Cake Batter every day week.  It’s addicting!!!

In an effort to be less boring, I decided on a different kind of batter.  I must have had Kristina’s french toast on the brain…. because this is what I came up with:

Maple-Zucchini Bread Batter.  Words cannot even describe.  Sweet with a little depth from maple extract and spice notes from cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

Carrot cake whaaat?

Recipe at bottom.

Meal 7:

I went simple.  Apple.  Casein pudding.  Uncle Sam’s Cereal.  Cinnamon.  Classic.

Maple Zucchini Bread Batter

  • 1/2 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 T vanilla protein powder
  • 1/3 C no salt added cottage cheese
  • 2 T unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • pinch cloves
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract
  • 7-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia 

Grate zucchini into a bowl and set aside.

In blender, combine remaining ingredients and blend until nearly smooth.  

Add blended mix to the zucchini and stir to combine.

Enjoy!

***

Are you keeping track?  I managed 171.9g of protein – pescatarian-style this week.

Have you ever had to pump up your meals to gain muscle/weight?

Do you think I’m nuts on the zucchini batter piece?  I swear it’s good!

Indecisive Love

By

It’s a travel week at work

That means a quiz post is on order.  I always do these when I’m short on time, thinking it will be a quick post.

The joke’s on me.  These almost take me longer than a regular post because I debate so much over the choices.  Indecisiveness prevails.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MORE?(Copied from a bazillion other bloggers.)

1. Strength training or cardio?

Strength training all th way.  Which is convenient since I’m going to do a figure competition. 😉

I do hate this machine though:

My Nemesis: Hack Squats

2. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Brinner!  (That’s breakfast for dinner.)  I’d eat breakfast for any meal.  PB & Jeggs, anyone?

3. Dress up or workout clothes?

Workout clothes.  Getting me to wear “real” clothes is like pulling teeth.  If you really think about it, it’s pretty stupid that we have to dress uncomfortably to go sit behind a desk all day.

4. Wine or beer?

Hi, have we met?  I love wine.  I traveled to Italy to drink it.  If I could, I’d live on a vineyard.  Or in a wine glass.

5. Peanut butter or almond butter?

I love all nut butters.  Especially these Nutty Butters.  If forces to choose… I’d have to go with my childhood classic: peanut butter.  Preferably in the form of a simple, grilled PB & J.

6. Heels or flats?

I’ll get even more specific than that.  Flip flops.

Please ignore the ugly feet, but these are a must-have. (Click for source.)

More terrifying than wearing a bikini on stage for my competition is the though of having to walk across that stage in stripper heels.

7. The actual cake or the frosting?

20 years ago (wow… that make me feel old), I would have said icing.  Now I’m all about the cake.  Unless it’s cream cheese-pecan icing on carrot cake.  That required equal parts of both. 🙂

8.  Spring, summer, fall, or winter?

Either spring or fall.  Maybe a little more fall because I love trips to the mountains to get apples and see the leaves change.  But spring is so fresh and full of possibility.

Ohhhh… just remembered that fall also means college football season.  FALL.  Go Jackets!

9.   Real animal or stuffed animal?

Stuffed. I love the idea of a real animal.  I’m a cat lover.  However, I am terribly selfish.

My boss and I were actually just talking about this and she said I’m centered around self right now.  Not self-centered, but focused on accomplishing specific goals.  So much so that it’s all I can do to keep my house plant alive.  Is that a terrible thing to admit?  

10.  Bright or light?

Errrrr… black?  If you look in my closet, it’s all black.  To me, it’s comfy like workout clothes.  Black workout clothes, that is. 🙂

Black with accents of gray.

***

I’m in Texas selling (I hope) some work today.  I forgot my cowboy hat, but the dude on the plane next to me let me borrow his.  (Not really, but he was wearing one.)

Don’t forget: click here to enter my giveaway for a loaf of high protein bread from P28 High Protein Bread – ends tonight at 11:59p!

Are you/have you ever been centered around self?

How about you?  Pick a couple and tell me your loves!

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