Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Finding the Bright Spots

By

I’m going to go ahead and admit it.

 

I’ve had a shitty week.  Work was frustrating, I didn’t sleep enough, my hamstring is pulled a bit, and I’m just grouchy.  Last night I showed up at the gym out of habit rather than desire.

 

 

On top of all that, it was the dreaded leg day.  I look forward to it because I love training with my coach, but I would honestly would rather work any other body part than my legs.  It was raining and thundering when I left the house.  I almost cancelled.  Habit prevailed.

Coach said I’d have a revelation at the end of the workout.  After squatting 2x my body weight and a set of leg presses with 8 plates on each side, I did have that revelation.  Sometimes the worst days produce the best workouts.  Mood = lifted.

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

Bad weeks can also product some amazing food.  It’s not on purpose, but I tend to eat “fun” food when I’m having a bad day.  Like it’s my bright spot.

There has been a whole lot of mood-lifting deliciousness in blog-land lately.  My three latest addictions are thanks to fellow bloggers:

 

This Cauliflower Pizza Crust inspired by Gluten Free Happy Tummy.  It’s the only cauliflower crust I’ve been able to pick up and eat like a slice of pizza.  Also, the egg I included in round 2 was sinfully good.  I heart runny eggs.

 

 

Kristen’s “Stuft”which – I do mine on P28 Protein Bread with sugar-free strawberry jam… sometimes I add a little Diaya and spinach.  It’s the jam.  😉

 

 

My Protein Breakfast Tart based on Tessa’s recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.  This one topped with “melted” blackberries (berries microwaved for 20-30 secs with 2-3 drops liquid stevia).

 

 

I have an ever-growing list of recipes to try.  Look for these on Instagram and #WIAW next week:

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

 

A bright spot in my week was the photos you guys shared with me of your takes on some recent recipes I’ve posted.  I always wonder if people actually try anything I make… so please do share when you do.  Unless you hate it.  😉

 

Meg tried her hand at the previously mentioned Cauliflower Pizza Crust:

 

Heather made some gorgeous Paleo Oat-less Oatmeal, subbing coconut flour for the protein powder:

 

Allie enjoyed the Oatmeal Cookie Protein Shake I made per her request:

 

Min tried my PB & Jeggs the DAY I posted it… and vouched for its odd deliciousness:

 

Heather (miss you!!!) made my Mexican Vegan Crustless Quiche, but did it in mini springforms and added smokey hot sauce:

 

Soben rocked a Tiramisu Parfait, adding chia seeds:

I swear I drafted this post before I saw Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli‘s post today… it’s titled “Sprinting with Broccoli.”  This girl – my prom date – wrote an entire POST about recipes of mine she’s tried.  I’m so flattered… I’m speechless and I could cry happy tears.

Thanks for making my week 100x better, Heather. 🙂

 ***

The only thing I have left to say is TGIF.

What blogger recipes have you been loving lately?

What brightens your mood after a hard week?

 

150 Calorie Chocolate Protein Cake

By

Kitchen failures are no fun.

Especially when they involve the microwave – an invention that is supposed to make things easier.

I’ve tried to make a good microwave protein cake over and over.  And Over.  And Over.  My attempts failed repeatedly.  God knows how much money I’ve wasted on protein powder.  But I’m stubborn (and obsessed with desserts), so I kept trying.

And, just like Dr. Seuss 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed, I did succeed!  Finally a winner!

My only requirements for this cake were that it must be low sugar, less than 200 calories, and have at least 20g of protein.  The spinach was just the icing on the proverbial cake.  One can’t live on green smoothies alone.

This ever-so-slightly green-tinted treat is light, fluffy, and wonderfully moist (yeah, I said moist).  It’s sweet and chocolate-y.  Not flavorless, dry, and/or oddly flat like some of my other attempts.

Here’s what I learned in my experimentation:

  • It will work with 2T of applesauce or 2T of pumpkin puree
  • It will not work with Xylitol, but Stevia is delicious in it
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder (the Kroger brand is terrible)
  • You may need to add another tablespoon of cocoa powder depending on your protein powder  
  • Make it vegan using a flax egg rather than egg whites… be warned that it won’t be quite as fluffy
  • It can  be made in advance and transported to work for an afternoon delight
  • Yes, the spinach is optional 🙂

Did I mention it’s under 150 calories and packs 24.5g of protein?  Can I get a gold medal?

Another pleasant discovery was the baking powder I used.  My training plan has me watching my sodium intake, and typical baking powder has a TON of it.  I was lamenting this fact when Sarena located this Hain sodium-free powder!  I ordered it online and was thrilled when it worked just as well as the full-sodium stuff.  (If you aren’t concerned with sodium, the standard stuff work too.)

Chocolate-Microwave-Protein-Muffin

Microwave Chocolate Protein Cake

  • 2 T chocolate rice protein powder (~22g)
  • 1 C fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 T unsweetened cocoa powder 
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
  • 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/4 C egg whites
  • 2 T applesauce (no sugar added, can also use pumpkin puree)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/8 tsp butter extract (optional)
  • ~5-6 drops chocolate liquid stevia
  • Optional: vanilla protein powder, cherry on top

Place all ingredients in your blender of choice and mix until smooth.  If not adding spinach, there is no need for a blender to mix.

Transfer to a large, greased (I use PAM) coffee mug and microwave for 3-4 mins (mine took 3:21).

Tip the cake out onto a plate and top as desired.  My cake was topped with a sprinkle of vanilla protein “powdered sugar” and a cherry.  I also really like to use melted cherries (cut into pieces and microwaved for 20 secs).

Makes 1 cake.

Approximate Nutritionals (will vary based on protein powder brand used; this is with Sun Warrior): 148 calories, 3g fat, 219.3mg sodium, 11g carbohydrates, 3.6g fiber, 3g sugar, 24.5g protein.

**

I was blown away by the positive responses when I posted this on the Chick-fil-a controversy.  The Dean of the  Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business (my graduate alma mater) wrote a great op-ed piece for the New York Times on individual freedom.  I respect his opinion, and hope you will take a second to read his thoughts.  Click here to read.

What is your most memorable kitchen failure?

Have you reached microwave cake perfection?  Do share!

PB & Aggs + Carrot Cake Batter {WIAW}

By

I’m a big fan of modifications.

Have you seen the dishes I bastardize exercise creative license with?

This week my nutrition plan has had one awesome modification.  After mentioning that I almost hurled last week after shoveling down lunch right before a workout, my trainer gave me an life stomach saving tip.  If a workout is scheduled right after a carb meal (Meal 1, 3, 5, or 7), then I can switch the order of the meals.  So instead of my scheduled Meal 3 carb + protein + veggie combo, I could have swapped it for Meal 4 which is just a veggie + protein.

3 Benefits to This:

  1. Quick protein boost before a workout (and a little energy from the sugar if this occurs in the morning when I get fruit rather than a veggie)
  2. Complex carbs post-workout are great for muscle repair/recovery
  3. No risk of regurgitation

Similar to running, you don’t want to lift heavy on a full tummy.  It’s hard work and being full just makes you feel draggy.  When you’re in prep for a figure competition the last thing you want is to have a junk workout.  I’ve been relishing in this modification all week.  It has done wonders for my energy at the gym, as well as my comfort level!

Enough tummy talk.  We have a new theme this week for What I Ate Wednesday!

Seasonal eating is a big deal to me.  Food that is in season tastes better, and it is less expensive.  Not to mention the fact that you can support your local farmers by purchasing your product through them rather than from far away places like Chile.

Check out my (mostly) summertime appropriate eats below, then click here to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s fitness foods!

Meal 1:

I’m recycling the pic from last week of aminos mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water.  I drink this down 30 mins prior to meal one for its benefits related to energy, digestion, and skin.

As I mentioned above, I’m doing some meal-order-swapping around my workouts.  Since I was about to hit the gym, I swapped meals 1 and 2.  So… Meal 1 = Meal 2, meaning I need a fruit and a protein.

You follow?

Last week’s PB & Jeggs were so good I did a little remix of that idea.  Rather than using mixed berries, I uses apples to create PB & Aggs!  (Any Aggie fans out there?)

I shook it up a little to be more like PB & Agg Pie. (Is that taking the naming thing too far?)

PB & Aggs:

  • 1/2 C egg whites
  • 2 T peanut flour
  • 2 T water
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 3 drops lemon liquid stevia
  • 1 small apple, cut into ~1/2 in pieces

See this post for detailed instructions.

Meal 2:

Post-workout I ate what was supposed to be Meal 1.  Hooray for post-workout complex carbs!  This is a seasonal cherry-ginger protein smoothie bowl (with spinach, obv) topped with homemade granola.  It was simple but hit the spot. 

Meal 3:

I often make it through the day with entirely vegetarian protein sources, but today I enjoyed a tuna burger with a said of salsa.  I’d love to share the recipe with you, but to be honest it was a little dry.  The flavor was good… I will keep tweaking and report back.

For my seasonal sides, I enjoyed carrot sticks and raw asparagus.  Produce is so sweet this summer!  I read somewhere that it is due to the extreme heat.  Apparently, some good does come out of 100+ temps! 

My complex carb was a slice of Ezekial bread with some Sunbutter.  After a nasty failed attempt at making my own sunflower seed butter, I sucked it up and bought a jar.

Worth.  It.

Meal 4:

Another seasonal veggie favorite is zucchini.  I’ve seen a lot of pics posted around the web of some massive zucchini. I wish I’d taken one of this sucker before I cut it up because it was a beast.

Eaten with no salt added cottage cheese mixed with peanut flour, nutritional yeast, and sriracha.  It was a sort of Thai peanut sauce!  To be honest… I went a little heavy on the nooch. 😉

Meal 5:

Apparently last Wednesday was particularly inspiring to me.  For dinner, I repeated yet another meal from the week.  What can I say, I fell in love with the (gluten-free) Cauliflower pizza!

I made the crust just like this one, but topped it with a local tomato, red onion, aged balsamic, a farm fresh egg, and a bastardized vegan version of spinach pesto.

 

The pesto creation was quite tasty – lots of herb-y, fresh flavor.  Here’s how I did it:

Vegan Spinach-Rosemary “Pesto”

  • 1 C fresh spinach
  • 1 large sprig of rosemary
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 tsp olive oil
  • A bit of water (just enough to blend)

 Place it all in the blender and mix until smooth.

If you haven’t made this yet… well, I feel sorry for you.

Meal 6:

Carrot cake is something of a tradition in my family.  It’s not surprising that my favorite protein shake is this carrot cake creation.  It’s what inspired the following snackage.  I had already had a smoothie at Meal 2, and since I try to vary my protein sources, I racked my brain to figure out what other sources I could get 20g of protein from.  The answer?  Greek Yogurt!

Ladies and gentlemen (do any dudes read this blog?!), I give you a bowl full ‘o Carrot Cake Batter:

This protein-packed snack reminds me of that recipe handed down from my MamMaw.  The freshly grated carrot and the hint of nutmeg make this batter is scarily close to the “real” thing.  I have eaten it as Meal 6 every night this week.  Admittedly, some cream cheese icing would be nice.

Recipe at bottom.

Meal 7:

I’m in comfort-dessert food mode.  Pumpkin Pie Mush, anyone?  I’m going to turn orange.

This has been done ad nauseam in blog-land, so I won’t beat a dead horse.  Basically, you mix together your desired amount of oats, protein powder, pumpkin, water or other liquid, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, stevia.  Let sit in fridge for at least an hour.  Devour.

Carrot Cake Protein Batter

  • 1/2 C Greek yogurt
  • 1 T vanilla protein powder
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract (optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 7-8 drops liquid stevia, or sweeter of your choice

Place all ingredients in a bowl, and stir to combine.  Depending on the thickness of your yogurt and the absorption of your protein powder, you may need to add a bit of liquid.

Note: This is also delicious with peanut flour, PB2, or coconut flour in place of the protein powder.

***

Are you keeping track?  I managed 149.1g of protein.  Even more exciting (to me) is the fact that I actually kept my sodium down to 1,137mg.  Shityeah.

What are your favorite summer foods?

Have you ever actually gotten sick during a workout?  I think I would die.

The Mailman Makes Me Smile

By

He delivers my packages!

 

Last week was a good week in terms of goodies.

Bulu Box was kind enough to send a sample of their July sample box.  Bulu is a monthly subscription service.

For $10 a month, you can get a box filled with 4 to 5 nutritional products from top brands.  Products include vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, energy, protein, natural remedies, endurance… and more.  Honest opinion: this was $10 worth of goods.

 

In my box:

  • Life Equals Omega-3 (2 pills)
  • RevHoney (a tube of energy – created with freeze-dried fruit and honey)
  • Pure Matters Vitamin D (this was a full bottle!!!)
  • NightFood Cookies ‘n Cream Bar (nutrition bar formulated for better sleep)
  •  Cellucor Super HD (fat-targeting weightloss supplement)

 

 

My favorites were the Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and NightFood.

The Omega-3s – as advertised – didn’t product “fish burps.”  I take Vitamin D every day and had just run out, so I was elated to get this bottle.

 

The NightFood Bar was only 150 calories!  It was low in sodium (90mg) and had 6g of protein.  The taste made me forgive the 9g of sugar.  Did you guys ever eat those Cookie ‘n Creme Quaker Oats Bars?  This bar tasted just like those!   Nom.

 

***Disclaimer: I received the Bulu Box for review purposes though the FitFluential program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***

_____________________________________________________________________________________

That box would have been enough… but there was another box!

I also received an incredible thoughtful box in the mail from my Foodie Penal, Edwina.  She doesn’t have a blog, but she is an avid blog-reader.

 

 

She did her research!  The items she sent were EXACTLY the sorts of things I like to eat.  She read my blog and knew I had a love of spicy food, protein, peanut flour.

She also must have known that I drink 120oz of water per day, because she sent me a tasty bottle of spring water from her home state of Idaho.

 

In my Foodie Box:

  • Chocolate-flavored PB2
  • Spring Water from Idaho
  • Melinda’s Habanero Hot Sauce (it’s hot, ya’ll)
  • Bhuja cracker mix (with wasabi peas)
  • Oatmega-3 Protein Bars
  • Annie Chun’s Wasabi Seaweed Snacks (I eat these ALL the time and love them!)

 

 

I used the hot sauce last night to spice up my marinade for this favorite Chili Nutty Baked Tofu recipe.  It gave it one helluva kick.

Served with quinoa, shiitakes, asparagus, and radish sprouts.  I was one happy Foodie Penpal. 🙂

_____________________________________________________________________________________

And one more box, though this one was FROM me!

My July Foodie Penpal, Peggy, doesn’t have a blog.  She was introduced to the program through her daughter, Bethany @ One Girl’s Taste On Life.  Peggy sent me the sweetest write-up of the box I set her to share:

 

My daughter, Bethany, a member of Foodie Pen Pals, strongly encouraged me to join. I was reluctant at first because I am not the primary “chef” in our home. My partner, Wes, has spoiled me in many ways; one of which is his culinary abilities.

I hit the jackpot!  Thank you, Laura, for making my first swap so much fun!  Her package arrived and I couldn’t wait to tear (gently mind you) into it to see what goodies I had.  Oh my, such great finds.

 

OK, so my eyes first focused on the Goo Goo Cluster.  I had my first sampling of this yummy treat when I moved to Tennessee in 1984.  I held off opening this true delicacy until I had taken the picture.  It was hard to do, but you will be proud of me.  I DID IT! I originally thought of slitting the back of the package.

I LOVE nuts and cranberries.  Laura must have had a spy in my house.  I’m going to savor this little baggie of treats until I have finished this write-up.  Work first, eat second is my motto.  Dumb motto, huh?

 

 Laura is health conscious.  What a good partner I have.  Her mission, which she chose to accept, was to send something healthy to inspire me to “live long and prosper” in the words of Star Trek’s Dr. Spock.  Quinoa is something I have had one time.  It was a very Plain Jane variety.  I think I did something wrong in the making because it tasted burnt.  Laura has given me a second chance to redeem myself.  Sun-dried tomato AND basil flavor.  I KNEW she sent a spy; I love anything sun-dried.

 

Last, but certainly not least…

Recently, I went to lunch with friends.  One of them had this product I had never tasted: Stevia.  She invited me to add to my tea.  It was quite good; I especially liked it because it was liquid and blends much better than some granules.  I made a mental note (they don’t work at my age) to buy myself some.  Never did, but GUESS what arrived in my “goodie box”.  I told you I won the jackpot.  Not only was it Stevia BUT it was orange flavored.  It was delicious in my sun tea.  Just added numerous drops to my glass pitcher and voila!  Oh YUM!!!!

 

Thank you, Laura, for the fun of being a first time Foodie Pen Pal.

HUGS
Peggy

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t you want to get in to the action?

 

To sign up for a Foodie PenPals in August, click here to fill out the form on Lindsay’s site.  It’s that easy!  You don’t have to be a blogger, and the spending limit is just $15.  The only requirement is that you be a US or Canadian resident.

Join in by August 4th as pairings will be emailed on August 5th!

 ***

The chocolate PB2 is really good mixed with almond milk and eaten by the spoonful spread on apple slices.

What is the best thing you mailman (or woman) has delivered recently?

What one thing would you send a penpal to represent your hometown, or your blog-style? I thought the water was really creative!

 

Peanut Butter & Jeggs + WIAW

By

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!

 

Meal 1:

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.

Meal 2:

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.

Meal 3:

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:

  • Thai baked tofu
  • Spinach
  • Sweet potato
  • 3 bean mix 

Thankfully, I didn’t vom during my workout.

Meal 4:

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.

Meal 5:

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!):

Meal 6:

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!

Meal 7:

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.

 

Peanut Butter & Jeggs

  • 1/2 C egg whites
  • 2 T peanut flour
  • 2 T water
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 5-6 drops liquid stevia
  • 1/2 C berries

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?

Indian Ginger Tempeh Stir-Fry + WIAW

By

Something very strange happened yesterday.

I woke up not wanting to eat anything.  That’s not too odd.  Often I prefer to wake up and hit the gym first thing, without breakfast.  That has had to change for two reasons:

  1. My heavier lifting, longer workouts mean I’m hungry about 3/4 of the way through
  2. My 7th meal would end up being at midnight since meal 1 wasn’t until 930 or 10a (way too late for me)

That’s why this morning I ignored the part of me that wanted to skip breakfast before my workout and shoveled down my “oats.”  When I returned from the gym it was time for meal 2 and I still didn’t feel like cooking or eating.  Nothing sounded appealing, and that didn’t change throughout the day.  I reworked my spreadsheet at each meal just trying to find something that sounded tasty.

This never happens.  I always at least enjoy the process of cooking.  Maybe I’m getting sick?  I hope not!

 

Sorry for the blah intro to the 3rd installment of the  “Food, Fun, and Fitness” What I Ate Wednesday.  I’ll bust out of this funk by next week.  I can assure you that (most of) my food still tasted good… I just didn’t feel like eating it.

Check out my vegetarian protein-loaded day below; then click here to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s fitness foods!

Meal 1:

The day started out as usual with a glass of my BCAAs mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water.

I’ve been repeating some of my favorite protein-filled breakfasts lately (like this Blueberry Protein Tart that I’ll be eating again tomorrow).  There have been a few crave-worthy meals!  Today I did my Paleo Oatmeal again, but this time using peanut flour instead of protein powder and vanilla instead of almond extract.

Meal 2:

The second meal of the day is a little weird, but it’s what I could get down post-workout.  Today was shoulders and glutes.  I pushed it to the limit and after my workout all I wanted was something to drink. 

These Isopure drinks are great because the entire bottle is 40g of protein!  I drink 1/2 at a time.

That was accompanied by an apple and my sorry attempt at sunflower seed butter.  It was a nasty sticky mess (which didn’t help my lack of motivation to eat).  #fail

Meal 3:

Lunch was really, really good.  One of my comfort foods is an egg sandwich, so I made just that.  I scrambled some egg whites with garlic and basil before stuffing it between 1/2 of a protein bagel.

The awesome people at P28 sent me a bag of bagels to sample and I am addicted.  It’s the first time I’ve had a bagel in years.  You definitely have to toast it, but who eats a cold bagel anyway?!  They are chewy and nutty and have 28g of protein per bagel.  Now I need to get my hands on the sliced bread and the rumored new product – wraps!

On my bagel I spread a mix of sriracha and cottage cheese before adding the egg, then stuck it in my George Foreman for a quick press.  Served with a side of roasted cauliflower, coated in a quick sauce of nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic, and rice vinegar.

This actually hit the spot. 

Meal 4:

This was the least satisfying thing I had all day.  I wanted a chocolate protein shake.  I wanted it super creamy, like a milkshake.  This did not hit the spot.  I won’t even go into details.  I’m still irked.

Meal 5:

Again, I couldn’t think of what to make and didn’t want anything.  So I went to my new staple – an Indian tempeh stir-fry.  I ate the same thing for dinner yesterday, and I ate it last Friday too.  It’s bizarre for me to repeat a meal so often, but it’s damn good.  This ginger-spiced, garlicky dish comes together quickly, and is easily changed up with different sides or mix-ins.

Last Friday I served it over parsnip rice, Monday night over a ton of fresh spinach, and last night I added zucchini and red pepper to the mix.

Confession: I tried to serve it over zucchini “pasta,” but I can’t figure out how to work my new spiralizer. 

My carb source with it last night was a sweet potato + cinnamon.

Recipe at end. 

Meal 6:

Eh.  I didn’t want meal 6 and I knew I was going to clear my protein goal for the day.  So I skipped it.  Sorry, Coach.

Meal 7:

Dessert is not a meal I ever skip.  Tonight was a bowl of Pumpkin Protein Dough with blueberries that I microwaved for ~15 secs with a bit of sugar-free maple syrup.

There’s not much  of a recipe.  Here’s what I  mixed together:

  • 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 
  • 2T of pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 C cereal
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 7-8 drops liquid Stevia 
  • Almond milk (maybe 2-3T?)

Stir together and let is sit in the fridge for 30 mins to let the cereal get soggy and form a dough-like texture.  Nosh away!

Indian Ginger Tempeh Stir-Fry

  • 1/2 tsp coconut oil
  • 1 T ginger, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 T green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 C red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 T rice vinegar
  • 1/4 C water
  • 1 serving tempeh, crumbled or grated
  • 1/2 zucchini, cubed
 Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add ginger, garlic, onion, pepper, and jalapeno.  Saute 1-2 mins, until fragrant.

Add spices and vinegar, stirring to combine.  Add water, tempeh, and zucchini, again stirring to combine.  Simmer until liquid evaporates, ~5 mins.

Plate and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving (easily doubled).

***

This day of eats was entirely vegetarian, and I managed 145g of protein.

Do you ever just not feel like eating?

What do you eat before working out?  Anything?

Carrot Cake Batter Shake

By

It’s perfectly acceptable to drink your dessert.

My sister made me my faovrite carrot cake for my birthday.  It was amazing, but sadly I can’t eat like that every day.  Well, I could, but it would require me to live in a sugar coma.

I’ve been working on a healthy alternative to my favorite cake for a while now.  In protein shake form, of course. 🙂

After a few weeks of tweaks with the spice levels, I hit it spot on.  This protein-rich carrot cake batter even got the stamp of approval from my trainer.

He’s picky, so I kept the green out for him.  Feel free to toss in a handful of spinach as you see fit.

I love the ginger and cinnamon in the “batter.”  Those spices are what seals the deal to make it reminiscent of carrot cake.  The tofu makes it creamy, like batter.  Add some vanilla and nutmeg, and you have a cake batter you can feel good about eating.  Yes, you may lick the spatula.

Last night I tried it one last time pre-posting.  I increased the spices slightly so that I could add more ice to create ice cream in my Vitamix without losing flavor.

It worked.

Carrot Cake Batter Shake

Carrot Cake Batter Shake

  • 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 carrot
  • 3 oz silken tofu
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 in piece fresh ginger
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 7-8 drops liquid stevia
  • Ice, to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Guar Gum (optional, but will add creaminess)

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and mix until smooth.

Makes 1 serving.

***

I actually went back and checked the ingredients a few time because I couldn’t believe anything so cake-like could really be healthy.  True story.

What is your favorite cake flavor?

Do you add spinach to your smoothies?  I felt weird drinking one that wasn’t green!

Gratitude and a Simple Giveaway

By

I have a confession.

When I added dairy back to my diet, I worried people would be pissed I wasn’t going vegan forever.

When I added seafood last week, I wondered if people would think I sold out.

When I read all of the encouraging comments you left, I felt gratitude.

Pushing myself to the limit in this past month of training has left me feeling a little vulnerable.  I’m feel strong and I am proud of what I’m doing, but I am outside my circle of comfort and that can be unsettling at times.

You reminded me that:

  1. The people who read my blog (yes, YOU) are amazingly supportive
  2. I shouldn’t worry about what others think of my eating habits (you’d think I’d never forget this since I blend spinach into everything)
  3. If you focus on doing what is right for you, and the rest will fall into place.

We’ve all struggled at some point in life with body image – if nothing else, its part of growing up!  What I continue to learn (re-learn?) is that you shouldn’t CARE what others think about you.  Especially when it comes to diet.  Your diet is just that – YOURS.  It’s a personal thing.

Some people are naturally teeny.  Some people have bigger bones.  Some were built to bench 200 lbs.  Some are aerodynamic sprinters.  Some people can eat red meat with no problems.  Some people can’t stomach the thought of eating an animal product.  And that’s fine.  Just don’t wear fur and we can all get along. 😉

Sunday will mark the beginning of the 29th year of my life.  The last year of my 20s.  Sometimes I’m amazed at what I’ve done in that time… and sometimes I panic because I wanted to accomplish more (wasn’t I going to rule the world by 30?).

From my perspective, the important thing this to keep your goals in sight and stay focused on the things that mean the most to you – family, career, athletics, crazy food creations, etc.  If you believe you can’t, you won’t.  If you belive you can, you will.

You can do anything you want to if you want to badly enough.  Bring it, world domination!

Thank you all for reminding me to stay true to myself, and that support will follow when you are genuine.  It sounds simple, but sometimes it’s hard to remember.

Speaking of simple…

For my birthday I would like to give you a gift!  The people at Simply Bar have offered to send a sample pack to one Sprint 2 the Table reader!

I first tried the Simply Bar at this spring’s Blend Retreat. The Simply Bars were in our (overflowing) shwag bags, and were there to fuel us through a strenuous hike.

I’m a big fan of anything that is natural, tastes good, is low in sugar, and is high in protein.  Here’s how The Simply Bar fits the bill:

  • 16g of protein from non-GMO soy crisps
  • 3g of sugar means no sugar crash
  • These gluten-free, vegan bars actually taste good too
  • At 160 calories they are filling, but won’t leave you over-stuffed

Their current flavors are: Peanut Butter Chocolate, Lemon Coconut, Caramel Peanut, Cinnamon Pecan, Cocoa Raspberry, and Cocoa Coffee.  I haven’t tried the last 2 flavors, but that Lemon-Coconut is positively addicting.  The texture is great – crunchy with a bit of chew, like a rice crispy treat.

How do you win? Receive up to 4 entries by:

  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 sample pack from @thesimplybar with @sprint2thetable http://wp.me/p16jDn-1rZ  #giveaway
  3. Be Social: Twitter Follow The Simply Bar, Pinterest Follow Me and/or Pin Something of Mine, Instagram Follow Me
  4. Comment: What goal do you believe you can/will accomplish one day?

Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST Wednesday night,  July 18th.  The winner will be announced here on Thursday, July 19th!

Open to US Residents only.  If you’d like to try these bars but didn’t win, check out their Store Locations to find a local retailer, or simply order your own sample pack on The Simply Bar website.

***

Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

~Dr. Seuss

Are you a Seuss fan too?

What are you doing for my birthday this weekend?

Follow Me!

instagram_b facebook_b twitter_bpinterest_b
rss_a email_ayoutube_b googlep_b

Popular Posts

Home | About Me | Privacy Policy | Fitness | Recipes | Training & Nutrition

Affiliate Links: This site is monetized through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Sprint 2 the Table would receive a small percentage of the sale price. Thanks for your support!