Cookie Cravings!

A rainy Sunday led to a big sweet craving! I wanted to make something that wouldn't completely leave me feeling guilty. I searched through Pinterest and came across a cookie cake recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie. I've always wanted to try one of her million healthified desserts so I decided to give this one a whirl. I adapted the recipe, cutting it in half and reducing the sugar a bit. It came out a big gooey delicious cookie! I was really surprised at how good it was, I mean it was no full-fat cookie but yummy and kicked my craving non the less. 

Recipe:

• 1 can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1/2 cup raw oats

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

•  <1 cup brown sugar 

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend everything together (besides the chips) well in a food processor. Mix in chips and pour into oiled pan. I kept mine in cookie shape because I wanted it to be thicker, rather then spreading it. Bake for around 30-35 minutes or until it is the consistency you like. (I like my cookies ooey and gooey so I always undercook a little) 

Can you believe this cookie has chick-peas in it? You can't tell at all and it leaves you feeling satisfied but not guilty! What could be better? :) 

Clean Protein Bars

So I had to share this recipe because these are seriously so good! Clean Eating Protein Bars 

Mine kinda fell apart but they are still just as delicious and good for you too! I grab one of these on my way out the door and they're a perfect yummy breakfast!

Recipe:

• 2 cups rolled oats (first roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes)

• 1 cup organic peanut butter

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

• a couple tablespoons of whey protein powder (unflavored or vanilla)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed

• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• Combine all ingredients and mix throughly 

(make sure oats have cooled completely before doing so)

• Spread out batter in baking pan 

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown

• Cut into bar shape and Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry.

Food prep!

Brian is out of town this week so I decided to go to the farmers market and get a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables! I spent most of the evening food prepping for week. I wanted to be sure I wouldn't fall into eating popcorn for dinner everyday like I tend to do when Brian isn't home. 

I cut up all of my veggies and put them in containers for easy access at lunch and for a quick dinner. I made salad in jar for the first time, getting the idea off Pinterest of course. I put dressing {olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, and italian seasoning} chickpeas, snap peas, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and salad at the top! My homemade hummus: chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, mixed all together in a blender or food processor (I use my magic bullet!). 

Then I made energy balls (from my previous post!) but I decided to try it with coconut flakes this time! Below the balls are clean eating protein bars adapted from gracious pantry, I didn't have chia seeds so I add flax seed in it's place. Then I decided to try egg white muffins with spinach, onion, and peppers, adapted from this recipe. I'm so excited to have a full week of yummy clean things to eat! Being prepped and prepared for the week makes eating healthy super easy! :) 

What pre made recipes do you use to keep on track for the week?

Awesome April

 I wanted to do the kick-ass April workout I found on Pinterest this month and then I found an ab and arm month workout as well. So I decided to make my own combining all three into one calendar! Tack this onto to your normal routine and you'll be extra ready to get into that bikini in May! Since tomorrow is already the 4th (sorry for being late!), if you want to start this workout for an awesome April just double up until you get on track. Enjoy! :)

Clean Mexican Veggie Soup

This crockpot soup is so easy to make! That's why I love my crockpot :) I also got Brian to devour this clean vegetarian recipe which means a win in my book! It's full of flavor and full of yummy veggies.

Recipe—

• 1 can black beans

• 1 can white beans

• 1 cup of corn (I used frozen since good corn isn't in season yet)

• 1 large can of crushed tomatoes

• 1 jalapeño (optional)

• 1 poblano pepper

• juice from 2 small limes

• handful of cilantro

• 1 1/2 tbl salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1 tbl cumin

• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 cup quinoa (optional)

* I also added a little water to get it the the consistency I wanted

The great thing about crockpot recipes is you just throw it all in there and let it so for hours! If you choose to add quinoa be sure to cook it separately and add it to the soup when it's done cooking that way the quinoa doesn't get overcooked. Also if you don't want any spiciness you can leave out the jalapeño, but I think it gives it great flavor! Enjoy!

Breakfast Cookies

Yes I said cookies! These are great for both kids and adults alike. A yummy on the go breakfast, clearly my favorite thing to post about! These turned out really good and they're perfect for a clean eating breakfast. 

Recipe:

• 2 whole ripe bananas 

• 1/3 cups peanut butter (natural, organic)

• 2/3 cups unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cups vanilla whey protein powder

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal

• 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips (optional)

* you could also add raisins, craisins, nuts, you name it!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together throughly. Let the dough sit (I put it in the fridge) for 10 minutes. Drop dough onto a cookie sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool, and enjoy! 

I only had one banana so I just cut the recipe in half! Yumm! 

Let me know if you've tried and enjoyed them :) 

2 Day Detox

Today I started the Arden's Garden 2 Day Detox. It consists of distilled water, fresh grapefruits, oranges, and lemons. To me it takes just like grapefruit juice, luckily I'm a big fan of grapefruit. If you aren't though I would definitely suggest a different detox. So for 2 days you drink the juice (1 gallon a day) and water only, NO FOOD! Ahh. It was really intimidating at first, I mean who doesn't want to eat for two whole days? But I saw it at Whole Foods and finally decided to go for it! It's been a little rough, my stomach has been growling through out the day and I'm a little fatigued but it's nothing I can't handle!! The detox helps cleanse, detoxify , and rejuvenate your body. I'm excited to wake up Saturday morning and feel super refreshed! 

Here's the link for Arden's Gardens 2 Day Detox. I'm thinking next time I'm feeling like doing a cleans I'm going to try the Arden's Garden Love Your Liver Cleanse. It's a three day cleanse with the two days pre and post you eat raw fruits and veggies only. It may be a little more doable cause you drink 6 different juices instead of just one.

 Has anyone done either cleanse before?

UPDATE:

I did it!!! And Saturday morning I felt amazing! I lost 4lbs, but most importantly I felt refreshed and rejuvenated! I couldn't believe it. Don't get me wrong it was tough, but I'm proud of myself for accomplishing it! :) Now on to eating as clean as possible and working hard to get my body ready for summer (& a bikini.. Ah!) as well as in shape for that wedding dress!

Clean Banana Bread

This clean banana bread makes a great breakfast or snack! Add peanut butter or better yet pb2 (or chocolate pb2) on top...Yummy! 

Ingredients–

3 egg whites

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup honey  (agave or any other sugar substitute)

2 cups whole wheat flour (oat flour or spelt flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions–

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg whites then add mashed bananas, applesauce & sweetener. Mix thoroughly. In another bowl, mix dry ingredients. Then add the wet mixture to the dry mixture & lightly blend together. Pour mixture into a non stick loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out dry. Let the loaf stand in the pan for 10 minutes, then slice & serve.

Recipe adapted from here

Motivation Monday

Monday is the hardest day for me to be motivated! But today I was determined! I decided to start back up doing Insanity, a Beachbody 2 month workout program. Wish me luck, I did Day 1 today, go me! Bridal body here I come! :)

Colorful workout gear makes me get pumped up! :)

I also decided to try some new products. I'll let you know how they are! The Advocare products I've tried before and the spark is a pretty good afternoon pick me up. I try not to drink/eat these all the time. They're just best when your in a bind and can't reach for a clean meal or snack. From what I hear the Oh Yeah! Nutrition bars are pretty good!

Tips & Tricks!

Thursday's Tips and Tricks!

I wanted to give you a few ideas that I do to cut calories while eating out or even at home.

• I majority of the time eat vegetarian, eating meat on occasion mostly to please Brian. haha But when I go out to eat and get a vegetarian burger (can be regular burgers too!) I try not to eat the bun. Not eating the bread can save you a lot of calories and carbs. If you're really dying for the bread though, choose to eat it "open faced" and only eat the bottom part. Usually the top of the bun is thicker which results in more calories. I do this for all kinds of sandwiches as well! Or if available opt for lettuce. Jimmy Johns does this and I love that they have this option available. You can also make all kinds of yummy lettuce wraps, tacos, and more at home! 

• If you order salad out (or do this even at home!) make sure to get the dressing on the side. I also "dip" my salad in the dressing or on my fork then in the salad instead of pouring over the top. This will save you many calories, you will notice how much less dressing you use. I usually end up not even using a whole side of it. Also make sure to make the right choices when it comes to salad dressing. You can make a salad as fattening and loaded with calories as a cheese burger! Tips: Remove cheeses, croutons, etc. and stick with lighter dressing such as vinaigrettes, they tend to have lower calories than ranch and creamier dressings. 

I used to eat ranch ALL the time, I've finally broken my habit and don't miss too terribly much. But when I am really craving it I buy Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Ranch. It gives me the same satisfaction and its only 45 calories for 2 tbsp.

• When ordering out ask for all sauces on the side. It's okay to be that annoying person, I always am! haha Or opt for mustard instead of mayo. Easy switches like that can save you a lot. 

• When a fry craving comes about I usually try to go for sweet potato fries if the option is there. They give you the same satisfaction with less guilt! (for me anyway, I know not everyone is a fan!)

• Another way to save calories is to drink WATER! I know this is what people are always told but it's the truth. I don't drink anything but water, unsweetened tea, and coffee anymore. Cutting out soda (yes even diet!), juices, and other processed drink can save you so many calories and lbs. I've always loved water so that part has never been a problem for me. But try adding in different fruits to make it taste a little different! I always use lemon if I have them available. Sometimes I do "detox" water with lemon, cucumber, and mint (or just lemon and mint). Really it's so good!

 They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, and I swear I think it's true (but be careful it only takes a few short days to break it!) I, growing up in the south, grew up to love sweet tea. I'm sure a lot of you are right there with me! One day I decided (knowing how many calories & sugar were in sweet) to have unsweet tea, not pleasant at first losing all that sweetness but soon enough all I wanted was unsweet. Now I only order unsweet and don't really like sweet anymore! If you really really want sweet start by asking for half sweet/half unsweet. I also use lemon to add a little more flavor! 

• Greek yogurt has been the new wave of healthy eating these days. It is a great substitution for sour cream, mayonnaise, and much more! I also like to use it for desserts by adding cocoa powder, pb2, and more! 

• At home, try new things! Eat spaghetti squash or zucchini in place of pasta! Or eat quinoa, barley, or couscous instead of potato or pasta sides. Cauliflower is really big now too. Turn it into pizza crust or mashed "potatoes". There are a ton of recipes for these ideas on Pinterest right now.

• A few years ago I started eating dark chocolate when I was craving something instead of milk. Now I love dark (compared to milk) and it is better for you. It has many antioxidants and is good for heart health! Yes please :)

• PB2 in place of peanut butter or PB2 chocolate for those cravings. Check out my previous blog post on my love of PB2! 

Do you have any tricks of your own?

Quinoa

Quinoa is a common word in our house. Brian and I both love it (something we can always agree on!) and tend to always have it around. I love to find new recipes and ways to eat it, please share if you have any good ones! If you don't know what quinoa is... It is a seed, but usually considered a whole grain because it can be prepared like other grains such as barley. Quinoa is a great side to replace starches such as potatoes or pasta (we hardly eat these anymore!). I usually buy my at the farmers market but if you don't have a market you can find it hidden with the rice or in the organic section.

Bob's Red Mill products are always a good choice!

So tonight, while Brian was working, I had to make myself actually cook dinner since I rarely do it anymore! Having a chef for a fiancé really has its perks! :) We are really running low on groceries so I gathered all the veggies we had left and made this quinoa "salad". Learning from my chef I don't really have measurements but really all you have to do is cook the quinoa, add some flavoring and veggies and you're good to go.

Here's what I used...

Quinoa 

Mixed greens

red, orange, yellow & peppers

tomatoes

lemon

olive oil

splash of red wine vinegar

garlic

salt, pepper, italian seasoning

a little feta to top it off

Delicious! You really can use your imagination when it comes to quinoa!

Colbie thought it looked good :)

PB2

If you haven't discovered PB2 you should. I recently have and it is ah-mahzing!! If you're a peanut butter fan like I am it's a great way to include it in your diet and not feel as guilty with the high calories and fat. I also bought the chocolate version because I constantly have a sweet tooth and I like to use it to curb my cravings. 

Here is the nutritional difference between PB2 and Organic Peanut Butter & Co. Smooth Operator {the peanut butter I usually buy} 

PB&Co— 2 tbsp. 190 calories, 16g of fat

PB2— 2 tbsp. 45 calories, 1.5g of fat

Crazy huh? It comes in a powered form {it keeps longer!} and all you do is mix it with water to get the right consistency. I like to mix it up and have with an apple for a lo-cal snack!

You can also add it smoothies, shakes, pancakes, cookies, or anything else you want to make peanut buttery and delicious without the guilt! I haven't done too much experimenting with it yet but I'm looking to find new recipes to try and use it in! Here are some recipes on Bell Plantation's website PB2 Recipes. Have you tried any delicious recipes with PB2? Please share!

Winter Woes

I'm just not a fan of winter (I get it from my momma!). Is it just me or does coming home as it's getting dark in freezing cold weather make you just want to cuddle on the couch and watch your favorite TV show? I have to motivate myself daily during these cold months to get my butt moving and work out before I hit the couch. During warmer days I love to run outside with Colbie and since I'm too much of a wuss to do that when it's cold I have to come up with different workouts to keep me entertained. Yearly though, I get bored easily with workouts and like to mix it up constantly! I think that also helps to keep your body from getting used to the same thing and preventing you from changing. If you're stuck in a winter rut I have a few tips and ideas that I like to do!

• Target has a good selection of workout DVDs from yoga to kickboxing and they usually around $10! My favorites are definitely anything Jillian Michaels...she has a way of yelling at you, kicking your butt, and all in a short period of time. 30 Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones, and Kickboxing Fast Fix just to name a few! Jillian Michaels DVDs

• If you're looking for a DVD workout that will really kick your butt and get you in the best shape try Insanity by BeachBody. It'll cost you a pretty penny but it's cheaper than the gym and it's ok having a personal trainer, you'll see the results! BeachBody has other products like P90X (which you've probably heard of) and Body Combat which I'm really looking to try! BeachBody DVDs

• Xfinity has a ton of on demand workout outs available for free. If you have this service I highly recommend them to keep you entertained and able to change up your work out daily. They even break them up into categories so it's easy to find what you're looking for. Xfinity OnDemand Fitness

• The Internet is mother great resource to find free workouts. On Pinterest (of course!) you can find all kinds of sites/blogs that have free workouts. Pinterest Health & Fitness

I hope these ideas inspire you to find new fun workouts to get you out of your winter rut!

smartphone trainer

Your smartphone is a great tool to keep you motivated and on track! I use different apps to keep me in check when it comes to eating healthy and working out.

Here is a list of my favorites...

Health

• My Fitness Pal– Allows you to track what you eat throughout the day as well as your exercise. You type in your measurements and it gives you a calorie goal to achieve. They have a ton of food already stored in the system and there is a convenient barcode scanner that can automatically find the nutritional information. Also you can add friends to follow and help each other stay on track!

• Livestrong– Another way to track your eating and exercise. I'm not as familiar with this one but apparently it is what Carrie Underwood uses!

• Fooducate– Allows you to browse foods to find the healthiest options at the store. You can also scan barcodes and it will give you a grade rating (A,B,C, etc.). It will then let you few healthy alternatives to the product you were thinking of buying! This is a great app for shopping at chain grocery stores like Kroger or Publix.

Fitness

• Fit Commit– This app runs like a calendar that you can "check off" day you've worked out. I like being able to look at the calendar and say "I've worked out 5 days this week!" It makes me feel more accomplished. There are numerous amounts of workouts you can check off. It also can calculate your time and calories burned. If you're like me and do random videos or on-demand workouts I recommend also getting a heart rate monitor so you can get the most accurate number of calories you're burning.

 I have this one!

• Nike+ Running– I use this app when I'm out for a run. It will track your distance, average pace, and calories. Every mile you hit, it will announce your time and pace and will keep a record of your 5k runs to encourage you to beat your previous time. 

• Endomondo– This is another mile tracker. I usually use this one if I'm just out walking, but it will also track a run as well as many other activities. It tracks your duration, distance, and calories and has gps & map so you can see your path. You can also set goals for a certain time/distance/calories or make it competitive and try to beat your own record or even a friends. 

clean eating

What is clean eating? I came across this lifestyle concept about a year ago and try my best to eat as clean as possible everyday! If you're wondering "What is clean eating?" or "How do I start the clean eating life change?" I'd would highly recommend reading Just the Rules by Tosca Reno. It is a great book to get you thinking about what you feed your body! Simple put..."clean eating" is not feeding your body all those chemicals found in processed foods, to go back to foods that come from natural ingredients. The best way is to stay away from those middle isles in the grocery store, the purest foods are found around the edge of the store. And don't be fooled by words on the front of a box, take the time to read the ingredients list and if you can't pronounce some of the ingredients put it back on the shelf! The rule I try to stick with if I'm searching for something other than fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. is the 5 ingredients or less rule. Look at the ingredients list and if there are less than 5 (natural) ingredients you're good to buy! This is the best way to get something closest to natural as possible.

A few resources on clean eating:

Seven Principles of Clean Eating

Approved Food List

Great magazine to subscribe to!

Clean Eating Magazine

Clean Eating recipe mecca:

The Gracious Pantry

I try to eat clean 80%–90% of the time because it is more realistic than to say I'm never eating an Oreo again. Don't feel bad to treat yourself on occasion to your favorite indulgence (mine is ice cream!).

My favorite place to shop is the Dekalb Farmer's Market here in Decatur, it makes eating clean so easy because there are so many beautiful fresh foods! If you have a farmer's market near you I highly recommend making it your usual stop.

Since I've started eating clean I feel so much better and my body is much happier! I highly recommend starting the journey to make eating clean your lifestyle! 

a morning boost!

I love finding fast breakfast meals that will keep me full through the morning! As well as an easy snack to eat when I'm starving before my morning or evening workout! Enjoy my yummy finds! What do you eat for a fast but healthy breakfast?

These are great little snacks to pop in your mouth before a workout or even for an after dinner snack! If you like me I have a big sweet tooth especially at night after dinner and these are a perfect little treat. Or they are great to eat before a morning or evening workout when you need something to get you through!

Energy Bites!

Recipe:

1c. oatmeal

1/2 c peanut butter

1/3 c honey

1 c coconut flakes ( I'm not a huge fan of coconut so I use wheat germ in place of it)

1/2 c ground flaxseed

1/2 c mini chocolate chips (I use dark chocolate)

1 tsp vanilla

Optional: I also added 1 tsp of protein powder to give these an extra punch!

Just mix ingredients all together and make into round balls. It's that easy!

&

My favorite on the go breakfast are these protein muffins. They're pretty easy to make and easy to reheat in the morning before you head out the door!

Power Protein Muffins!

Recipe:

(makes 12 muffins)

- 2 cups dry oatmeal

- 2 scoops protein powder vanilla

- 2 bananas

- 4 egg whites

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1 tbsp vanilla extract

- 1 tsp cinnamon

- I also added 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed and 1 tbsp of wheat germ

You can add in other ingredients to mix it up like: dark chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, almonds!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together.

Divide mixture into muffin pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.

I like to eat mine with a little organic peanut butter or Justin's Hazelnut Butter {organic version of Nutella} so yummy!

ENJOY!

My little helpers :)

a new year, a new you!

I'm starting this new blog to help me & others stay accountable to living life healthy! Over the past few years I have grown to LOVE quote on quote "healthy food" and working out. But I, like everyone, go through low periods where working out and eating clean aren't my top priority (the holiday sesason anyone?). I also am marrying a wonderful chef who makes the most wonderful food and wants to go eat wonderful food that isn't always "butter-free". But it's all about making the right decisions all day every day!

I want this blog to be a place to post my fitness loves, goals, accomplishments as well as clean eating recipes and positive thoughts! I would love anyone else's comments and thoughts as well, we can stay accountable together! 

HERE'S TO 2013!