Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Banana Creme Brownie Parfait + WIAW

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Bad smells piss me off.

You know when you’re in the gym and someone has offensively bad body odor?  That makes me insane.

I think I was that girl.  With garlic, not BO.  During leg day on Monday with my trainer, he asked what I had eaten that day.  I sheepishly had to admit to have excessive garlic.  He could smell it on my skin!  Is that weird?  I’ve never noticed that… have you?

On the flip side, there was a guy in the weight room yesterday morning that smelled really good.  I was going to thank him, but I thought maybe that would be creepy.

Speaking of training… no changes in my nutrition plan to report this week.  Yet.  

While I’ve been obviously gaining muscle, I haven’t actually gained weight.I think we’re increasing carbs a bit, and adding some addition little more fat.  I’m excited about the increase in fats – I’ve been craving avocados!  I also get to start doing some sprints.  Apparently sprinters have nice bums… I have no bum.  That asset is an important one in figure competitions.  😉

Lolo may not have earned a medal, but I will admit her body is bootylicious.

I’m going to assume you didn’t come here to talk about BO and butts… let’s move on to the What I Ate Wednesday  goodies.

Check out my summertime appropriate eats below, then click here to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s summer eats!

Meal 1:

This is an old pic; I now use Optimum Nutrition Orange Amino Energy mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water.  Enjoy this first thing, about 30 mins prior to meal one for its benefits related to energy, digestion, and skin.  I don’t even drink coffee anymore thanks to this.

I added another treat to my digestive system this week too: Good Belly.

These kind people sent me coupon to try out their probiotic shots.  I was pleased to see that there is a no-sugar-added option!  The taste was good – fairly neutral actually.  Probiotics are known to help keep your body’s bacteria in balance, and help the digestive system.  Nothing yet to report on the digestive end (get it?  end?  tee hee!), but I am a believer in the benefits of probiotics.

Isn’t the smiley face cute?

As I mentioned last week, I’m doing some meal-order-swapping around my workouts.  Since I went to the gym early, I swapped meals 1 and 2, meaning I need a fruit and a protein first thing and my post-workout meal would include my carb.

I’m on a PB & Feggs (fruit + eggs) bender.  Remember these PB & Jeggs?  Or these PB & Aggs?  This week it’s PB & Peggs!

I knew it would be good since I liked the others, but I didn’t remember exactly how awesome warm peaches are.  I used the now in season donut peaches to make what might be my favorite Feggs creation to date!

PB & Peggs:

  • 1/2 C egg whites
  • 2 T peanut flour
  • 2 T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 donut peach, cut into ~1/2 in pieces

See this post for detailed instructions.

Meal 2:

Post-workout I felt like a little treat.  I’ve had Brittany’s Sweet Potato Pancakes bookmarked for a while, and had just mashed some sweet potatoes.  Perfect timing.  I followed her recipe closely.  My sweet potato mash was about 1/2 C.  I used just 1/2 a scoop of protein powder and added 2 tsp of chia seeds.  I only needed 1 T of the milk.  Oh, and I was verrrry generous with the cinnamon.

For my topping, I mixed equal parts Sunbutter and coconut flour with enough water to form a paste.  I also threw on some caramelized bananas, using the same method from my French Elvis Toast.

Meal 3:

This lunch packed some color!  I made Lauren’s Beet Burgers earlier in the week… only I got too creative with the recipe and they won’t hold together.  They did taste fantastic (especially with the extra garlic I added… sorry again to my trainer)!  I used my burger crumbles to top a spinach salad sprinkled with nooch.

My carb and additional protein was a slice of my favorite P28 High Protein Bread with a schemer of artichoke spread sprinkled with red pepper flakes.

Meal 4:

I pride myself in making different meal constantly.  Repeats don’t happen often in my kitchen… until recently.  I’m absolutely obsessed with the Capella Cake Batter Flavor Drops I shared here last week.  This and the Carrot Cake Batter Shake happened at least 2x a week these days.  Good thing carrots are so sweet and flavorful this season!

Meal 5:

I was inspired by Heather’s field trip to the Asian market to make my own tofu Tofu Spring Rolls.  Heather even sent me this handy tutorial on how to roll them.  Seems easy enough…

Apparently I am not as skilled as my broccoli kissing friend because mine didn’t exactly hold together.

I'll keep working on it...

At least the sauce was good.  It was a simple spicy peanut sauce made from peanut flour, water, lime juice, and sriracha.

Served with a side of quinoa that I tossed in a very small amount of miso tamari, rice vinegar, avocado oil, and red pepper flakes.  It was healthy fried rice!

Meal 6:

I happened to see on Pinterest that someone pinned my parsnip fries.  It was a great reminder to make them again!

Of course, I couldn’t do it the same way twice.  And when I ate this it was 9:30pm, which to me = dessert time.

Cinnamon sticks with a protein frosting dipper.  Holy yum.  I simply tossed my parsnips in a teeny bit of coconut oil and a ton of cinnamon before roasting.  The dip was vanilla protein powder, stevia, a splash of vanilla, and water to mix.  I also added a few drops of the Capella Cake Batter Flavor Drops. Easy and OMG good.

Meal 7:

They say that everyone has a twin somewhere.  I don’t know about that, but I certainly have a food twin.  Meg @ A Dash of Meg and I share the same palate.  I’ve made several of her dishes and am always blown away.  She is a HUGE source of inspiration not only for healthy eating, but also for pushing harder in the gym.

It was her recipe for a Chocolate Brownie and Raspberry Parfait that inspired this lovely creation that I downed like a fat kid at recess.

 

This Banana Creme Brownie Parfait rocked my socks off.  A couple of my favorite summertime potluck desserts are banana pudding and brownies.  This killed two cravings with one stone.  As I slowly worked my way through the wine glass (that’s right – I eat wine parfaits), the creme was soaking into the brownies leaving a decadent, spongy, slightly gooey bedtime snack of champions.


Banana Creme Brownie Parfait

For the Brownie:

For the Creme:

  • 1 C plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp banana extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Bananas

 Mix the brownie ingredients in a small bowl.  Microwave until just done, ~ 1 min.  

Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt ingredients.

To assemble: layer yogurt, brownie pieces, and bananas in a pretty glass (yes, it must be pretty), alternating until you’re out of each.

Enjoy!

***

Are you keeping track?  I managed 158.5g of protein – all vegetarian!

Does body odor make you mad?

What is your favorite way to eat eggs?  Have you tried the PB & Feggs?  Or do you think I’m insane?

Finding the Bright Spots

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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.

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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:

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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?

 

Pick-Me-Up, a Tiramisu Protein Parfait

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Breakfast is the only reason I get up in the morning.

Not really.  I get up because I have to go to work.

Breakfast is the only reason I get up without too much grumbling.  Unless you count the grumbling in my stomach, which has been intense ever since I started training.

That’s a whole other topic.  I eat my last meal around midnight.  In theory that would hold me over.  Notsomuch.  I wake up so hungry you’d think I hadn’t eaten in days.

What’s really fun is waking up starving and remembering you have something really delicious prepped for breakfast.  Remember Meal 1 from yesterday’s WIAW post?  This is it – a Tiramisu Parfait.

The oats are cooked and soaked in coffee and cocoa overnight to produce a light, spongy pudding.  In the morning, I mixed up some Greek yogurt with vanilla protein powder to create the decadent, creamy layers in this Tiramisu Parfait.

Did you know that Tiramisu means “pick me up” in Italian?  Rightly so.  This breakfast rendition was so good it had this night owl up early and eating breakfast with a smile.

The Italian dessert certainly couldn’t be passed off a breakfast (not that it hasn’t happened in a moment of weakness…).  This is a much healthier version is perfectly acceptable in the morning, and you won’t be missing a thing with these flavors.  Espresso-soaked ladyfingers are easily replaced with coffee-cocoa overnight oats.  The sweet, tangy Greek yogurt mixture is the perfect sub for the mascarpone and heavy cream that layers a traditional Tiramisu.

If you’re feeling frisky, you could shake it up and top the breakfast treat with melted cherries.

A traditional Tiramisu can run upwards of 500 calories, 30g of fat, and 30g of sugar.  Never fear.  Depending on your protein powder, this Tiramisu Parfait is around 200 calories, 2g fat, 4g sugar… and 20g of protein!

I never wanted it to end.

Tiramisu-parfait

Tiramisu Protein Parfait

Inspired by this recipe.

For the Oats:

  • 1/3 C rolled oats (use gluten-free to make GF)
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 C water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp rum extract (almond would also work here)
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed, cooled coffee
  • 8 drops liquid stevia (adjust to desired sweetness)
For the Cream:
  • 3 oz plain Greek yogurt (use soy or almond yogurt to make dairy-free/vegan)
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 2-3 drops orange stevia (optional, you could also use orange zest or extract of you want the hint of citrus)

Combine the oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon, extracts, and water in a bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid is (mostly) absorbed.  Add coffee and stevia.  Stir to combine, then cover and place in the fridge overnight (or at least 2 hours).

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, orange stevia (or zest,/extract), protein powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.  This can be done the night before, or at time of serving.  

To assemble, place a spoonful of the oats in a cup, followed by a spoonful of the yogurt mixture.  Repeat until you’re out of each.  

Optional: Top with fruit of your choosing.  I chose melted cherries (cherries microwaved with a few drops of lemon Stevia for ~20 secs). Whipped cream would always be amazing.

Makes 1 serving.

***

This first time I made this, I couldn’t wait ’til morning and ate it as Meal 7 (dessert).

Would you eat this parfait for breakfast or dessert?

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Tzatziki Chickpea Tuna Salad + Giveaway Winner

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I did something I haven’t done since I was in middle school.

 

I ate canned tuna.  My mom used to make tuna salad every Sunday after church.  She mixed in pickles, apples, onion, mayo… it was a hodge podge.  Every Sunday.  One day I decided I no longer liked seafood, and that was the last of the tuna for me.

This was not me.

 

The Chicken of the Sea (canned tuna) is a cornerstone of the bodybuilding diet.  In my quest for new ways to add protein to my diet, it was only a matter of time until tuna salad had to return.  It’s easy to make, portable, and is actually better on day 2.  It’s also filled with protein, fat-free (if you get it packed in water), and has virtually no bards.  The perfect lunch to take to work.  

 

When I decided to give it a go, I knew I had to do something different (no offense, Mom).

In my salad, I incorporated smashed chickpeas for a variation in texture.  The ‘peas were easier for me to think about eating than tuna.  

If you are vegetarian, this would be a great salad with just the chickpeas!

 

Mayo is (of course) not permitted on my nutrition plan, so I opted for a version of tzatziki sauce to stir into my salad.  This slimmed-down version of the Greek classic is Greek yogurt-based, adding even more protein.  It is also full of flavor from the herbs and garlic, leaving no trace of fishiness in the salad.  Watch out for garlic breath though!

 

The verdict?  I’ve taken this for lunch twice this week.  Apparently I really like tuna salad.  Winner, winner… chicken-of-the-sea dinner!

Note: I made my chickpeas from dried peas rather than canned to keep the sodium low.  If you do this and have left over, try roasting them for a fun snack like I did here.

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Before the winner dinner recipe, I suppose you guys are more interested in the winner of The Simply Bar Giveaway?

Congratulations to….

Layla!!!

You are the winner of a sample pack of Simply Bars.  Send me an email with your address and I’ll pass it along to the Simply Bar crew. 🙂

Thank you all for entering, and for sharing your goals.  Click here and read through the comments – they are really inspiring!

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Tzatziki Tuna Chickpea Salad

For the Salad:

  • 1 can of tuna (packed in water)
  • 1/2 C chickpeas, smashed
  •  1/2 C red pepper, diced
  • Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

 

For the Sauce:

  • 1 container Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1T chopped yellow onion
  • 1/4 C fresh dill
  • 1/4 C fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 large jalapeno
  • 1/2 large cucumber, finely chopped

 

For the Salad:

Combine salad ingredients in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

 

For the Sauce:

Place all ingredients except cucumber into blender and blend until smooth.

Stir in diced cucumber and enjoy!

 

Makes 2 servings, with some sauce leftover.

***

I saw on Nightline last night that chin implants are the fastest growing plastic surgery procedure… because people don’t like the way they look online.  Wow.

Is there a meal from your childhood that you still can’t/won’t eat as an adult?  Meatloaf, anyone?

Would you ever get a chin-plant?

 

Veggie Sushi with Beet-Wasabi Sauce

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Sushi befuddles me.

 

How do they wrap it so tight and get the rolls to stick together?

I got a wild hair and decided to try my hand at veggie sushi.  No sushi mat, mind you.  I still have no idea how sushi chefs’ rolls don’t fall apart.  Mind did as soon as I picked a bite up.  But they tasted wonderful!  (Halfway through I discovered that cutting them with wet knife helps, FYI.)

 

 

I used parsnips to create the rice, making these rolls a light, veggie-only treat.

 

Even better was the sauce I served with them – a beet-wasabi puree.  I used Greek yogurt to achieve a creaminess that pleasantly contrasted with the crisp veggies in these roll.  The Greek yogurt I used was the Olympus brand I reviewed here.  Its a super thick and creamy yogurt – perfect for a hearty sauce.

 

 

The roasted beets gave the sauce an earthy flavor that was really neat with the nori wraps, and accented with the heat from the wasabi.

This sauce truly is a fun, unique alternative to spicy mayo that works perfectly with the milder, more sweet flavors of the cucumber and carrots in these veggie rolls.  I had some leftover, and it was quite tasty spread on a veggie burger, too!

 

 

 Looking for protein in your sushi?  Click here for a protein-rich vegan sushi roll idea.

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Veggie Sushi with Beet Wasabi Sauce

For the sushi:

  • 2 nori sheets
  •  1 parsnip, blended into “rice”
  • 1 carrot
  • 1/2 large cucumber
  • 1 radish
  • 1/3 C daikon sprouts
  • 1/2 avocado

 

Scoop a few tablespoons of the parsnip rice onto the nori sheet and spread it across half.  Add toppings and roll nori sheet as tightly as possible.  

Slice into sushi pieces, or eat whole.  Note: wetting your knife before slicing help to achieve a cleaner cut.

 

For the Beet-Wasabi Sauce:

  • 1/2 C beet, roasted
  • 1/4 C Greek yogurt (sub in almond/soy/coconut yogurt to make vegan)
  • 1 tsp wasabi paste
  • 1/2 in piece of fresh ginger
  • Salt, to taste

 

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  

If you are sensitive to heat, add the wasabi slowly, tasting to control for spice-level.

***

Totally unrelated, but I need to whine.  I had leg day with my trainer Tuesday night.  My muscles are so sore it hurts to even think about walking.  Second day soreness is the WORST!

When are you the most sore – the next day or the second day after a workout?  Or immediately?  😉

Do you eat sushi?  What is your favorite roll?

 

Blueberry Protein Tart + WIAW

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Happy 4th of July!

I wasn’t going to post today, but how could I miss my favorite day of the week – Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday.

Last week I talked a lot about the nutrition plan I’m on to achieve my new fitness goal (competing in a figure competition).  I’m still packing in the protein and keeping it (mostly) vegetarian.  I’m struggling to find a wider variety of protein sources.

One thing I noticed last week was that my skin is breaking out from the increase in dairy.  Greek yogurt and cottage cheese had become protein-staples.  I’m aiming to just cut back a bit this week, limiting it to 1-2 servings of dairy per day, to see if that helps.

Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday theme for July is of “Food, Fun, and Fitness.”  Girl reads my mind with these themes!

Check out my protein-filled fuel below; then click here to the WIAW round-up on Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s fitness treats!

Meal 1:

Last week I talked about how I’m now eating 7 meals a day.  Meal 1 occurred yesterday at 8am.  Knowing I had an appointment with my trainer later, I focused on getting as much energy as possible from my morning eats.

Workout energy can be quite tasty!

This is a Blueberry Protein Tart.  I ate it for breakfast, but it would make one helluva dessert too!
The inspiration for this creation was Tessa’s own creation.  I am not allowed the peanut butter she added, and I needed to reduce the size because when you eat 7 meals a day they need to be a tad smaller (yet still protein rich – that’s a whole other challenge).
Despite the omission of peanut butter, my crust was fantastically chewy and fudgey.  And the “cream filling” was just perfect.  If you haven’t invested in peanut flour, you should do so ASAP.  I’m not kidding.
Recipe at the bottom of this post.

Meal 2:

This was my pre-workout meal.  In effort to limit the dairy, I made a massive tomato and egg white scramble with basil and a drizzle of balsamic.  I’m also allowed 1 T of sunflower seeds, which I sprinkled on top of the mix.

Meal 3:

This meal is like lunch.  Since it was also my post-workout meal, a protein smoothie was in order.  I have to eat immediately after my workout to build muscle, so portability is key.  I also packed cereal for some carbs to top my smoothie and a water mixed with Amino Energy to drink during and after the workout for energy and recovery.

This is one of my new favorite smoothies.  Carrot Cake.  I’ve tried it before, but I think this particular combo is the winner.  A couple more trials and I’ll post the recipe.

It did get the thumbs up from both trainers who sampled it.

Meal 4:

This is like an afternoon snack.  That means I can have a protein source (25g) and a 3/4 C serving of veggies.  Hmmmm… a protein-packed nori roll?  Is that possible?

Yes, yes it is.  I mixed a scoop of protein powder and ~1 tsp of wasabi with water to form a paste.

I slathered my nori rolls with it and filled them with sprouts, beets, raw asparagus, and raw cauliflower.  Not too shabby for a snack on the fly!

Meal 5:

Usually I have some sort of dinner in mind, but today I was drawing a blank on where my dinner protein would come from.  My protein ended up being partially in the form of beans, and some of the secret was in the sauce.

Note: I know several will comment that I should eat more to beans, quinoa, and lentils for vegetarian/vegan protein sources.  The problem with that is that they count as carbs.  I am limited to 3/4 C of carbs at meals 1, 3, and 5.  3/4 a cup of beans is about 12g of protein.  That leaves 8-13g protein I’d still need for that meal!

For this protein-rich salad, I combined 1/2 cup of fava beans and cannellini beans with 3 oz Greek yogurt, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and lavar flakes.  Then I tossed it all with beets, sprouts, green pepper, and onion.  Topped with 1/4 C edamame, basil, more nooch, and red pepper flakes.

Sort of like a bean-based chicken salad.  Sort of.

Meal 6:

By this time of day I am sick of eating.  That’s something I never thought I’d say!  Meal 6 was a quick scramble of soy-based ground “beef,” egg whites, and zucchini topped with nooch and radish.

Meal 7:

Last meal.  This – I am told – is my “dessert.”  I’ve pulled some good ones, but tonight I was just proud of myself for getting in the 7th meal.  Typically I’m too stuffed by meal 6 to get anything else in mah belly.

1/2 banana covered in Greek yogurt and frozen with bowl of peanut butter protein pudding (protein powder, peanut flour, almond milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon).

Blueberry Protein Tart - delicious (mostly) make-ahead clean breakfast!

Blueberry Protein Tart

For the Crust:

  • 1/4 C cereal
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 T vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 2 T unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or liquid of choice)
  • 5-6 drops vanilla liquid stevia (or your favorite sweetener)
For the Cream:
  • 3 oz (1/2 container) Greek yogurt
  • 1 T peanut flour
  • 5-6 drops vanilla liquid stevia

For the Crust:

Place your favorite cereal in a blender and mix until it’s dust.  Pour into a small bowl and stir in cinnamon, protein powder, and chia seeds.  Stir in stevia and milk.  (Note: You may have to adjust liquid amounts depending on the powder and cereal you use.)  It should form a sticky ball.  

Spread the crust mixture evenly across a small plate (~1/4 in thick).  Refrigerate over night, or at least 20 mins.

For the Cream:

In a small bowl combine yogurt, peanut flour (you could sub more protein powder here), and stevia.  

Spread evenly atop your crust.
Top with the fruit of your choice and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Approximate nutritionals (without toppings; can vary widely depending on cereal, powder, and yogurt used): 219 calories, 6.9g fat, 22.4g carbohydrates, 6.8g fiber, 4.3g sugar, 23.6g protein

***

In case you’re curious, I managed 154.5 g of protein with these eats. BAM.

How do you refuel post-workout?

What is your favorite 4th of July dish?

Loving Friday + Zucchini Bread Smoothie

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On Wednesday I thought it was Friday.

 

That makes for a looooong week.  It’s not even a holiday weekend.  We only get 1 day off for the 4th.  Grrrrr…  Let’s focus on the good.

 

It is indeed finally FRIDAY!!!  And I have a cheat day!  After 1 week on the nutrition plan, I’m more than ready.  I’m sure most people look forward to these days so they can have pizza or cookies.  I’m just looking forward to a day where I don’t have to eat 7 protein-packed meals.

Vegetables are what I crave.  Raw, leafy delicious vegetables.  In fact I’m going to a vegetarian underground dinner tonight.  I love veggies.  *blissful sigh*

 

Here are 5 other things I’m feeling love for today:

1. Sunshine and Sunroofs

It may be 100 degrees, but I still love the sunshine.  Also, I love my car.  I couldn’t own one that lacks a sunroof!  Smog be damned.

 

2. Olympus Greek Yogurt

One of the packages I returned home to post-Chile was from Olympus.  They sent me a TON of yogurt to sample, and I am so grateful.  This is one of the best I’ve had in a long time.  Theirs is directly from its namesake – one of the only Greek yogurts in the US to be imported from Greece.  It’s SUPER thick and creamy, and it only has 88 calories (as opposed to the typical ~130).  This leaves plenty of room for me to add my own mix-ins.

 

In my bowl:

  • 1 6oz container non-fat Olympus Greek Yogurt
  • 2 T peanut butter flour
  • 2 T unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 C blackberries (cut in half and roughly mashed)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom
  • 4-5 drops vanilla liquid stevia

 

3. Fitmixer

I swear I’m not a product whore.  This stuff has legit been a lifesaver in this first week of heavy weights with my competition training.

The Fitmixer Amino powder has made a big difference in my recovery time and energy level (note: I like the fruit punch much better than the grape flavor), and their chocolate protein powder is actually tasty.

 

4. Nutty Butter

Ok, I do admit to being Sarah’s pimp.  I order my first batch of her Nutty Butter and I am in nut heaven.  Whatever you do, get the Cookie Dough.  The Oatmeal Cookie is a close second.  You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

 

5. Zucchini Bread Smoothie

I came up with this little oddity when trying to find a snack that had 20-25g of protein and a vegetable (Meal 4 of the nutrition plan).  When I threw everything in the blender I was nervous.  This was a weird one even for me.

Miraculously, the combo worked!  Despite the arctic temperature of my office, I slurped down this creamy glass of goodness faster than you can say “protein.”

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Zucchini Bread Smoothie

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 medium zucchini
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1/4 C 1% cottage cheese
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 in piece fresh ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 7-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia
  • 1/4 tsp guar gum
  • 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • Ice, to taste
Place all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth.

***

I might even have a salad for breakfast.

What would/do you crave on a “cheat” day?

What are you loving right now?

 

Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

By

Does blogging count as working over a holiday weekend?

I couldn’t wait to share a few highlights!  In case it does count as working, I’ll play it safe and keep this one short.  Literally.

1. Just when you thought it couldn’t get shorter…

I got my hair cut again.

I HAD to do it to prepare for Argentina. 🙂

Karen  @ Lava Hair Studio rocks my world.  She’s my longest relationship – we’ve been together nearly 5 years.

2. My sister isn’t the only artist in the family.

Sort of.

Heather invited me to one of those drink-and-paint places.  I was skeptical (I’m NOT artistic), but it was SO much fun!  If you have one in your area, I’d recommend trying it out for a fun girls night.

Thank you so much for a great evening Just for Giggles!

3. There was a first:

I ordered a seafood entrée for the first time in a restaurant.

One of my best friends and I met for dinner at a local spot called Haven.  It was a great meal!  We split some apps and a seafood entrée: a white grouper with zucchini, pole beans, cranberry beans, and a carrot-fennel salad.

4. Quality pool time.

Complete with a Todd-jito: strawberries, mint, vodka, limoncello, and a bit of powdered sugar and ice.  Tasty.

Check out the bottom pic.  Doesn’t the water fountain thing make it look like the guy is peeing?!  Yes, I’m that mature.

5. Best.  Yogurt.  Ever.

The Yogurt Tap in Decatur, GA is the BEST fro-yo.

I’d tap that.

It’s local, made fresh in the store from in-season fruits, and they are now offering a dairy-free almond butter flavor.  If you’re in ATL and haven’t tried it… you don’t know what you’re missing.

A holiday weekend and an ACL tear doesn’t mean I’m taking a holiday from working out!

Yesterday began with a soon-to-be disclosed workout designed especially for this blog by Lindsay.  It’s going up as a guest post during my travels next week.

Post-Linsday butt kicking

Workout Recap (5/14 – 5/27):

  • Monday – Quick Cardio Circuit, Back/Biceps w/ plyo, 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – P90X Plyo
  • Wednesday – 5-4-3-2-1 workout (2x), Wednesday workout, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – 100 push-ups, REST
  • Friday – Shoulders w/ plyo, 100 push-ups
  • Saturday – Tris/Chest w/ plyo, 2 mi jog
  • Sunday –  Lindsay’s workout, Ab Ripper X, 2.75 mi run/walk, 100 push-ups

***

I’m going to state the obvious: I vote every weekend be 3 days long.

How has your long weekend been?  Did you workout?

Do you still laugh at juvenile things?  I don’t think I’m growing out of it.

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