Friday Favorite - YUM ALERT!!

Haha.  This one is a yummy recipe.  I heard about this on the Dr Oz show & it got me at chocolate :)

Butt Blasting Brownies (these made with dark cocoa)

He calls them "Butt Blasting Brownies".  They are so easy to make & honestly they satisfy a craving & I don't find myself going back for more!  I eat 2 in the afternoon with a cup of coffee.  I'm not sure if they are blasting my butt at all but all my lunges & squats are hopefully taking care of that :)

Ingredients
1 cup raw cacao powder  ( I use regular unsweetened, powdered Hersheys cocoa)
1/4 tsp cayenne
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup low fat milk ( I use unsweet almond milk)
1 cup organic raisins
1 cup oats

Directions
In a food processor purée the cacao, cayenne, cinnamon, milk and raisins until a smooth paste forms. Add the oats to the food processor and quickly pulse to incorporate them. Transfer the mix into a square or rectangular container lined cross wise with wax paper. Press down to form the ‘brownie' base. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares before serving. Enjoy!


Do you have a go-to snack that just hits the spot & doesn't make you feel guilty about indulging?  I love new ideas & recipes.  Please share!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorite - Hemp Protein Powder

Oops missed a week! 

After my workouts I really look forward to the protein smoothie I make.  I started out with a soy protein powder a while back (it was sweetened) mostly because I didn't realize the extent of protein powders that are out there!  Not necessarily at Walmart or your local grocery store but they are out there.  I ended up going to an unsweetened version of soy protein that is organic.    I am not concerned about having too much soy but started noticing having a harder time then I thought I should with toning my abs.  Looking into it a little bit I realized maybe the soy is causing this problem.  Estrogen tends to cause weight gain around us women that are getting up there in age a little bit (no I'm not getting old :)  )  So, I started looking into other proteins and found hemp.  I like that it's different for sure and honestly don't think I have been using it long enough to tell you I see a big different in the toned ab area.  I use almond milk with it & add some other things as well. 

It's also nice to know I'm getting some extra protein given that I don't get it in the usual ways people do eating meat.  Not my cup of tea.  I choose not to eat meat so love new ways I can incorporate protein into my diet.  Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder has 11g in the 3Tbsp serving.  I add about 1-1/2 cups almond milk, PB2 (look for this fave coming up soon), chia seeds, blueberries & strawberries.  This powder is not sweetened which I prefer.  The berries I add made it just right.  It has 12g fiber & 240mg potassium.  80 calories per serving!  Love this choice!

So, there you have it.  Hemp Protein Powder is my fave for this week.   Look into it.   Research these things.  It is so important to be informed.  Don't just take someone else's word for it.

Do you have a protein powder/source you prefer?  Do you make smoothies?  Leave me your recipe!  Would love to give it a try.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

BTW - I found mine at Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Protein-Fiber-16-Ounce/dp/B001E5E1LE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344451246&sr=8-5&keywords=nutiva+hemp+protein

Friday Favorite - Log Book

Years ago I decided to have an accountability partner for my workouts.  It helps a few ways.  For one, there is NO slacking if you have a good accountability partner!  She keeps me honest for sure.  Second, it helps me see I'm making progress.  I have also found that when I injure myself I can make notes about that as well & that comes in handy. 

I have since started a log that I write in each day (you can purchase a caledar with space enough to write in or just use a regular notebook).  What workout I do, if I don't do a workout, if I get hurt or something is feeling crampy during that workout.  There have been times I realize I may have focused more on cardio or strength training too & need to readjust things. 

So, here is my Friday favorite.  My fitness log book.  Just like writing down what we are eating all day long (including snacks) it's important to keep a log of workouts if you don't stick with one program in particular.  I also put down how the workout felt.  If I pushed it.  If I felt particularly challenged with it.  Don't forget, if you are using weights, write down what you used.  That way the next time you do that workout you can see your progress

I hope to start writing down the calories I burned during my workouts too. 


Tell me something you do to help hold you accountable.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!