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! :)