I ran down the street in my underwear this weekend.
It was Christmas underwear…. which makes it totally acceptable…
Atlanta holds a Santa Speedo Run every year. I’ve always been curious and had friends who’ve run… but this year curiosity killed the cat. I paid money to run down Peachtree Street in my undies. Thankfully, it was a pretty warm day and the “race” was only 1.5 miles. And it was for charity! It was a fun way to stay active and donate to a good cause on the holidays!
…
Life gets busy.
I know this isn’t news to any of you, but it’s hitting me hard this week.
I’m 10 days out from my next figure competition. The asparagus (click here for the reason behind that) begins this weekend. I’m thinking next Friday’s #strangebutgood link up will take a twist as my diet gets to the most strict point… not-so-strange but good, anyone?
Balancing work with the competition preparation is not easy. In addition to my 7 meals and regular workouts, I’m running sprints every day. It’s a lot of fit in, especially since I dislike working out at night. I’m TIRED. Cutting a good amount of carbs and basically all sodium and fat leaves my energy level a bit low.
But I’m focusing on May 4th (competition day) and staying motivated. I don’t want to get on stage and have any regrets!
I’ve been taking a couple of products I received from GNC through a FitFluentiual campaign that have helped me maintain my level of activity: Ultra 25 Probiotic Complex and TriFlex.
The probiotics (said to replenish good bacteria needed for digestion) made a BIG difference. Those 25 billion active cultures kept my gut healthy (translation: I have no problem going #2). This make me happy and had prevented bloating! This particular pill also has “enzymes and ginger for additional digestion support.”
The TriFlex I think I need to take longer to say 100% whether it’s made a difference. It is supposed to “promote joint mobility & flexibility” and contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM – all of which are great for joint health. I have been taking it regularly. That, in addition to seeing a new chiropractor, I *believe* have kept my joints are feeling good despite some crazy workouts!
My WIAW meals were still pretty good, despite and lack of yummy, yummy fat. Mmmmm… peanut butter… I digress.
Check out my 7 low-fat, low-sodium, protein-laced meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how more normal people are eating!
My day began with my morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, and Aminos), as always.
I was going to go ahead and run sprints before breakfast, but my metabolism is out of control lately… I am STARVING all the time. Breakfast had to happen before I entertained the idea of working out. I wanted everything at once… so I had it! It was PB&J-ish… with a coffee flair! After adding baking powder to my Mango-Coconut TVP Oats, I’m hooked. I used it again here for an especially voluminious bowl.
Bring TVP, oats, coffee, and water to a boil. Cook until liquid is mostly absorbed. Add in remaining ingredients, adding additional water if needed.
Allow to simmer until water is absorbed and your TVP oats reach your desired level of thickness.
Note: I add 1/2 the berries at the end of cooking and use the other half to top because I can never decide if I like them better cooked or as a topping.
First, I ran my sprints like a good kid. Then I put a Mexican Sweet Potato Pie in the oven to bake. It only made me wish I made a second one for myself. This was to take to a good friend who is a new mom!
Finally, it was food time. And my continued bison obsession. As part of my Sunday food prep, I made up several burgers to be able to grab quickly.
I ate this one atop a spinach, heirloom tomato and cilantro salad. With red pepper flakes, obv.
Lunch was my current favorite – sea bass. This is even better than swordfish right now… and that’s a big thing for me to say since I consider swordfish the “steak of the sea.”
Eaten post-workout with a giant mound of lightly sautéed kale and a super-fast sweet potato and shiitakes with rosemary and garlic.
Clean chicken salad made from the “naked” (nothing added) Whole Foods rotisserie chicken, a little Greek yogurt, vinegar, cumin, and diced cucumber.
I couldn’t totally cheat on my favorite fish. Steak of the Sea for dinner (swordfish)! Served with my BBQ Roasted Cauliflower and eggplant chips.
Evey time I post eggplant chips on Instagram, I always get a billion questions about how to make them. It’s the easiest thing ever, so I felt silly blogging it… but even simple meals can count a recipes, right? The “secret” is at the bottom of this post. 🙂
This was a hodge-podge. I had a little chicken left and a little Monchong (fish) from last night. So I made a combo to get my protein in. I had celery sticks and sugar peas on the side. I adore sugar peas – the dessert of vegetables!
My favorite meal of the day is desert. I took some non-fat Greek yogurt and mixed it with cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little stevia. Then I melted some frozen cherries in the microwave with some ginger so my “sauce.” Then I topped all that with homemade popcorn and more cinnamon. Paradise.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut eggplant into thin slices (~1/8 in thick). Spray with olive oil and spread evenly across a foil-lined baking sheet.
Place in over and bake ~10 mins. Remove from oven, flip slices, and top as desired. Return to over for another 5 mins, or until crisp.
Note: These can be stored in the fridge – simply place them in the oven under broil for 2-3 mins to crisp back up.
I’m linking these up to Heather’s MMAZ – check out all the eggplant love!
***
Protein count for the day: 163g
What was the best thing you ate yesterday?
What keeps you motived when you’re tired/busy/etc?
2012 was a great year for discoveries.
I can’t believe I survived without some of these things before.
I feel like I’ve gotten to know so many inspiring people (like YOU). Becoming a member of the FitFluential community has been a huge game changer. The members of that community are constant sources of motivation and positive energy. I’ve discovered new blog, learned a lot, and been able to learn about new products (shameless plug: perfect example is my Polar HRM from h.h. gregg – check out the review/giveaway here).
Another amazing discovery was Instagram. It’s unbelievable how much it’s changed the way we interact. I love that when I can’t decide what to eat, I can just scroll through my feed. It has been a fun way to have conversations with people throughout the day! It’s basically Twitter with pictures and open comment threads! I also love seeing recipes people are interesting in. I forget that just because I make a certain snack every week doesn’t mean everyone else does!
I also have to give a holla to my morning cocktail. Apple Cider vinegar became an addiction in 2012. I drink it every morning with my Fitmixer Aminos (fruit punch flavor). It is delicious and has totally replaced my need for coffee in the morning. Love. It.
One last love. Peanut flour. I cannot imagine my life without it. I use it in savory sauces, smoothies, PB & Jegg-like creations, Elvis French Toast… to quote the Texas Pete lady: “I put that shit on everything.” You can order it online through iHerb.com. Use code USO924 to get $5 off your order!
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This popularity contest is my first WIAW post of 2013… What I Ate in 2012! Below are the Top 10 Sprint 2 the Table posts of 2012 (based on page views). Click on titles to link to the recipe.
Check out the Top 10 below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how other started out their 2013.
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These take the prize for my favorite veggie sneak. If you tasted these, you would have NO idea they have zucchini. OR that they are basically sugar-free.
What’s better than brownies? Brownies with (healthy) icing.
Seeing this recipe pop up in the top 10 made me realize I’ve been making new versions and not sharing. I’ve share a new twist on this soon! I always have a few in the freezer for quick breakfast or snack.
I would like to vote this my favorite invention – and worst pic – of 2012!
I’m actually eating one as I draft this post. This cake is my most repeated dish of 2012!
I made these for a French-themed book club while I was eating vegan. The meat-eating crowd ate them with no problems!
Otherwise known as “the ones that mom likes.” She requests them. 🙂
It shocked me to learn how easy sprouting is!
I don’t know which of these made this post popular… but I eat both almost weekly.
This is one of my favorites because it’s the post where I announced I was training for my first figure competition!
***
I’m so excited to start Junk-Free January! My sister came over for dinner last night, and we enjoyed a tasty kombucha cocktail over out collards and black-eyed peas.
What was your favorite recipe last year?
Did you have any group/social platform discoveries on 2012?
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]
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!
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.
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*
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
For the Oats:
For the Oats:
***
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?
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!
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. 🙂
Two things make me euphoric: good food and hard workouts.
Yesterday I was on the receiving end of both. My spreadsheet delivered today!
Breakfast was mind-blowing. Meal 2 is a new go-to protein source. Lunch – although it was inhaled – was delish. Meal 4 wasn’t exciting, but the GNC Vanilla Whey tastes cake batter-ish when mixed with water. Dinner… well, if it was legal to marry pizza I would. Meal 6 was fun and close to being a new staple. Dessert was a new (to me) recipe from one of my fav bloggers.
On the training front, I had a GREAT workout with my trainer. I squatted 1.5x my body weight. That’s a HUGE jump in just over a month of training.
Click for source
During a workout it can be overwhelming to push and go all-in. That’s when you know you’re doing it right – when you are out of your comfort zone and breathing hard (provided you are using a good form and common sense). I hit that point during my 4th drop sets of horizontal leg presses.
I looked up at my trainer and said “I don’t know how I’m going to do this.” Then, with his encouragement, I just kept going.
Click for source
It was HARD, both physically and mentally. I was careful not to say “can’t,” but I won’t say the thought didn’t cross my mind. I shoved it out of my mind, and after the workout was incredibly proud of myself.
Which leads me to the 4th installment of the Fitness-themed What I Ate Wednesday. If you’ve been following, I’m aiming to get ~150g of protein each day as I train for a figure competition (hopefully in NOVEMBER!!!).
In an effort to vary my protein sources, I try not to repeat meals throughout the day (ex: I don’t want to have 7 protein shakes, or 4 servings of scrambled egg whites). Today’s eats included a whopping 5 different sources of protein!
Check out my vegetarian protein-loaded day below; then click here to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s fitness foods!
Like I do every morning, I enjoyed a glass of my aminos mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water. I swear it gives me more energy than a cup of coffee… in fact, I no longer make coffee in the morning.
30 mins later I did enjoy a coffee-laced breakfast parfait:
It was a fabulous as it looks. No joke. Recipe tomorrow because I cannot hold this one in much longer.
A new go-to: Peanut Butter & Jeggs. I do enjoy savory eggs, but sometimes you just want a PB&J. Meal 2 doesn’t get a carb, and PB&J doesn’t pack 20g of protein (the minimum I need at each meal)… so I got creative.
Egg whites, peanut flour, berries… it’s not as weird as it sounds. Really. Recipe at the bottom.
This might be weird: dose anyone else like the little crunchies left over from scrambles? They’re especially good when they are laced with PB.
Lunch was wolfed down. I was slammed at work and running out the door for a lunchtime appointment with my trainer for the afore mentioned leg day.
This was a tasty combo… but I spent the drive to the gym wondering if eating all this so close to a workout would make me hurl.
On my plate:
Thankfully, I didn’t vom during my workout.
This is what eating for fuel looks like:
GNC Whey Vanilla Protein I received as part of this Fitfluential protein powder review, mixed with water to form a “pudding.”
Followed by a giant carrot when I got home.
I’m still swooning over this meal. It’s one of the best I’ve had in recent memory… and that’s saying a lot.
Cauliflower pizza perfection (recipe here).
Topped with baby bellas, red onion, garlic, red pepper, French sorrel, and purple basil, and drizzled with nooch “sauce” (1 T nutritional yeast + 1 T water) before placing back in the oven for 15 mins.
Once cooked, I topped it with a balsamic reduction, red pepper flakes, and this KASS vegan grated parm (which is actually really good!):
After being corrected by Coach last week (seriously… he busted me in the comments section), I did NOT skip meal 6. This is a new creation… one I’m still working on. As soon as it’s 100% I’ll share. 🙂
No coach, these aren’t protein macaroons.
Served with celery sticks and “honey” mustard. I say “honey” because it’s just Dijon with a drop of lemon Stevia.
I read this one someone’s blog but now I can’t remember where… please claim it if it’s your idea. Sorry!
Dessert was this Blueberry Protein Microwave Cake I’ve had bookmarked from my friend Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen.
Just a couple of modifications: I left out the oats, reduced the egg whites to 1/4 C, and used just 1/8 tsp of baking soda. I added 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and used lemon stevia in the coconut “frosting.” Mine only needed 4 mins in the microwave.
It was friggin’ fantastic.
In a greased pan on med heat, scramble egg whites until 3/4 done (still a bit runny, ~2-3 mins).
Meanwhile, mix together peanut flour, water, cinnamon, and stevia to form your peanut butter (note: you could always use 2 T of your favorite nut butter here).
Add peanut butter and fruit to the eggs. Scramble together and allow egg whites to complete cooking (~1-2 mins).
Plate and enjoy!
Serves 1.
***
This day of eats was entirely vegetarian, and I managed 156g of protein. And it included 2 of the best meals ever. OMG.
Have you made a cauliflower pizza?
Any guesses about what meal 6 is?
A new fitness goal has been set.
The magazines I tend to read are full of health and fitness advice. One such mag is Muscle & Fitness Hers. they feature some great workouts, but my favorite parts are always about the figure competitors. The ladies in those competitions blow me away – they are smaller and less and vascular than bodybuilders, but have a physically fit/well-balanced physique. Getting to that level of health has long been a dream for me.
Last week I took action to reach that goal. I joined and gym and hired a trainer to help ready me for a competition. 8 days (and a chunk of money) later, I’m on my way with a custom workout schedule, a diet plan, and a whole lot of support and encouragement.
I’d met with trainers before, but after talking to this gym I knew it was the perfect fit. Despite the fact that it’s 30 miles away. House of Payne is a serious gym – none of the “see and be seen” BS. They offer everything I need from training to posing classes!
My first workout with the trainer was legs and butt last Monday. I wasn’t able to lower myself to the toilet without a firm grasp on the counter until Friday. Good workout, no?
One of the most challenging things about training is the food. In addition to not being allowed booze (*whimper*), I am aiming to get 150g of protein a day over the course of 7 meals (basically, I eat ALL the time). I have to gain weight and some serious muscle! This is especially difficult on a vegetarian diet – it involves a ton of Greek yogurt, egg whites, cottage cheese, beans, tofu, and tempeh. The heavy rotation of dairy, beans, and soy gets old, so look forward to a couple of protein powder creations each day.
Which brings me to the next topic – the loot I returned home to after the Chile trip!
I thought it was Christmas in July… errr… June
I was given the opportunity to sample and review a variety of GNC and Vega protein products through Fitfluential! If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I have always been a stickler for getting my post-workout 20g protein in to build muscle and aid in recovery. Protein shakes are a great way to do that – especially if you find it hard to eat solid foods after a hard workout (like me).
Below is the line up of powders I received, pics and some quick thoughts. I made them ALL into green smoothies with spinach and banana for 2 reasons.
Slow digesting, making it perfect between meals or before bed for overnight muscle repair.
I am a big fan of casein; however, this one is a bit gummy/slimy. I even tried the smoothie sans spinach to see if it would help the texture. Notsomuch. The flavor is great, and I do think having it in a smoothie at night contributed to my being able to getting out of bed in the morning.
Great for breakfast, and for the lactose intolerant; consume just before or after workouts.
This one is a favorite. I’d never tried an egg protein powder before, and I really expected it to be slimy too. Quite the opposite! Great texture and a natural-tasting chocolate flavor.
Fast absorbing; consume just before or after workouts.
This one also has a great texture when blended in a smoothie. You can tell it’s a “protein powder vanilla” flavor. I’m totally used to it, but if you’re new to powder it can take some adjusting. Add a cap of vanilla or almond extract and it will be just fine. I also tried it mixed with water just for fun… and remembered why I always make smoothies.
A plant-based protein; good pre-or post-workout, or as a snack throughout the day.
I’m a sucker for chocolate. This made an awesome midnight snack while I laid on the couch lamenting my sore glutes.
Another plant-based protein; within 30-90 minutes of working out, or to recharge/repair.
This was my #1 vanilla-flavored pick. The plant-based powders tends to taste a bit more natural to me. I had tried Vega a couple of years ago and didn’t care for it – their new formula is awesome though! Perfect texture and just the right amount of vanilla flavor. One warning – if you are sensitive to salt, it is a bit on the salty side.
These products were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my own. Like I could ever keep them to myself.
Thank you again to GNC, Vega and Fitfluential for the opportunity!
***
20-25g pf protein per meal is hard… but I already notice a difference! Now I just need a sponsor… anyone? 😉
Have you ever tried to amp up the protein on a veggie diet? Any new ideas are welcome and appreciated!
What is your favorite protein powder?
