Bad Habits

As hard as I try to be good (I’m a people pleaser by nature, which I am desperately trying to overcome), sometimes I’m bad. As pointed out in a comment on my last post, I have a bad habit. A very bad habit. A habit that is unhealthy and even dangerous. I microwave my food in plastic containers- a lot. Often a few times a day. The worst part, I know this is bad. I know all about BPAs and that chemicals can seep into my food. I’ve seen the Facebook posts and rants and links about how horrible plastic containers and drinking from plastic bottles can be (I do that too- eek!). So why do I do it? Convenience (read: laziness), I guess. And that’s not a good excuse. #noexcuses, right? So what am I going to do about it?? Well, as a start, I am certainly going to make a better effort to microwave my food on glass dishes. That seems easy enough. And, I might also look into investing in a set of glass containers that I can use to pack and store all my meals in... Although that would mean even more heavy stuff to lug around L See?? Laziness, again. That’s not an excuse. In any case, if anyone has any suggestions of what brands are good or where to buy some glass containers, lemme know. And thank you, Mrs. Anonymous, for making me aware of this bad habit :)

And, while we are on the topic, I thought I’d share another one of my bad habits… (and, clearly, I have many others, but let's not get carried away here). I have noticed lately I have become fairly addicted coffee. Actually, that’s not even it. I’m not ‘addicted’ per se, more just obsessed (although, how can you not be when there’s a Starbucks in your face around every corner… literally?). I can function without it (well, I am definitely dependent on that first cup in the morning – I do need that – but for the rest of the day I am fine and usually just get a decaf anyway), but for some reason, I always want it. And I think, aside from it being a delicious and dreamy beverage (mmmm, coffee), I’m using it as either a distraction (i.e. “I need a break, let’s go get a cup of coffee”) or as a replacement for other treats since coffee is so satisfying and fits easily into my meal plan (I drink it black with no sweetener). Sure, it’s not the worst thing in the world (aside from the expense- $4 for a grande (of course it would have to be a grande) Americano?? That adds up fast!), but it is a mindless (bad) habit. Something I do without even thinking about. I could also be replacing that habit with something healthier, like just drinking water and saving money. Huh, what a novel concept. Ha!

How can something this nice be bad for me??

 

The good news is, however, good habits can form just like bad habits J There are many things that I have started doing over the past year that took a little while to get into, but now are just things I do mindlessly. For example, packing my gym clothes with me, every day, no matter where I go. It just makes it easier. Or taking my food with me, every day, no matter where I go. It used to be one of those things that made me feel a little awkward, but now I’m whipping containers (damn it, those plastic containers) where ever I go. On the bus, on the ferry, at the gym, at family dinners, and even at the baseball game (true story, see the pic below… it was actually a whole purse of food).

On the ferry

At the gym

In my purse

 

I don’t even care. #whateverittakes I do it without even thinking about it now. Just like those small bad habits, these repetitive small good habits will make a difference.

What kind of difference are you making?

XOXO
Jen

WIAW: What I Have Not Only Been Eating, But Also What I Have Been Doing Wednesday

Whoooo hooo! After a brief hiatus, I’m finally back for What I Ate Wednesday, but let’s make it, What I Have Not Only Been Eating, But Also What I Have Been Doing Wednesday. With so much going on, life has just been a little bit cray, cray lately. But first, the food!

Here is what this week’s daily menu is looking like. I’m eating so much/ so often, that I couldn’t fit it all into one collage. Hahaha.

Morning meals and lunch:

 

M1: The same ol’ porridge and eggs with coconut oil. Nope, not sick of this yet. Still a delicious way to start off the mornings.

M2: I like to call this one "frittata in a cup". It’s a new guy on the menu this week. I essentially pack a 2 cup sized Ziploc container full of veggies (well, yams, oats and spinach with some hot chili flakes), then pour a ½ cup egg whites over it all and pop it all into the microwave for a minute. It comes out so yummy. I also top it with a little more coconut oil.

M3: Pre-workout snack. Since I have been going to the gym at lunch to do my weights workout, I eat my pre-workout protein and oat muffin before I go. So easy. Just oats and protein powder mixed with egg whites and baked in the microwave for 54 seconds (exactly). It comes out smelling and tasting like a dreamy piece of chocolate cake. Such a great carb and protein combo.

 

M4: Tilapia, rice and broccoli salad topped with avocado and lemon juice (and more hot chili flakes). This is a slight modification of what I was previously eating for lunch. I get my post-weights carbs and protein in the most delicious (and fast) way.

Afternoon and evening meals:

 

 

M5: Chicken, beans and oats. Exactly what it sounds like, but really satisfying for some reason.

M6: Quinoa with chicken and stir fried vegetables. Tonight I topped it with some avocado, but I have also used Udo’s oil.

M7: Chocolate blueberry “ice cream.” One of the best summertime treats. Frozen blueberries blended with chocolate casein and cocoa powder. That’s it. That’s all. But so delicious and a perfect bedtime snack.

So, that’s what’s been going on with my food. As you can see, I have been trying to switch it up a bit, but am still keeping it pretty basic and simple. I like simple. Whatever is easiest for my Sunday prep. Here’s a couple of pics what that looked like on the weekend.

 

 

Training-wise, I have just been keeping at it, doing whatever I can do to get it all in. Right now I am on a 6 day a week weight and cardio plan. As I mentioned above, most days I am able to get into the gym on my lunch break to do my weights workout (it’s legs day tomorrow), and then head right back there after work to get my 30 minutes of cardio in. It may seem a little crazy/ obsessive/ too much to get going to the gym twice in one day (and I do sometimes get strange looks from the staff- haha), but it’s really the best for many reasons:

1. It gets me off my butt and out of the office at lunch which is a nice physical and mental break from sitting and staring at a computer for hours on end;
2. Instead of one long workout, it’s two smaller work outs which, scheduling and timing wise makes it much easier to fit in; and
3. It splits my weights workout from my cardio workout and allows me to properly refuel and recover in between sessions which helps with muscle growth J

See, all good things. I have definitely seen some changes in my muscles. Here's a sneaky shot at the gym. Check out the bicep vein J J NBD.

 

 

 

The downside to the new gym plan- I have to get on public transit after sweating my face off in the gym. I’m still not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I think, “Whatever it takes, no excuses” and “I am still, by far, not the worst smelling person on the skytrain.” And, on the other hand, I am slightly embarrassed and aware that I may just be the second worst smelling person on the train. But, you know what, after years of taking public transit, and tolerating the weird smells and disgusting behaviours of others, maybe it’s my turn to be that person on the train, right?? Thoughts?

Today for cardio, however, I went for a run in the watershed with my dad J Nothing, no treadmill or stepmill or whatever can compare to that. Pure bliss.

 

In other news, since I posted last, I have also been to Chicago and back. Yay Chicago, I love that city!! We had an amazing trip, and the food (we’re talking pizza, deep dish cookie pizzas, and lobster macaroni and cheese) and fun deserves a post of it’s own. I will however, quickly point out that although I may have indulged a little too much, I also kept up with all my training J Our hotel was actually located in an athletic club. #noexcuses

And, the countdown to Vegas is on!! Only 13 more sleeps until I leave. Things are getting real! Photoshoots are booked, tickets to the WBFF Pro Show are purchased (I cannot wait to cheer all the Team Blessed Bodies ladies on plus see all the girls I follow online!! It'll be a who's who of the fitness industry) and pool party is booked! A lot more prep and planning to go, but it is all coming together. More deets soon.

XOXO

Jen

Happy Anniversary- To Me!

Today, July 15, marks my one year anniversary with FitnessPrint and Team Blessed Bodies. It has been a year of change, of dedication and self-discovery. Reflecting on from where I started – too scared/ embarrassed/ nervous/ unsure to even say “I want to do a fitness competition” out loud (seriously, even writing it in an email made me feel sick and ridiculous) – to competing in 3 shows, I know I have grown in more ways than I can even recognize. I’ve found and followed a passion for food and fitness, trained hard and heavy, pushed my mind and body beyond its limits, learned to support and encourage without feeling threatened, discovered a disturbing affinity to Enrique Iglesias and Justin Bieber lyrics, and became hungry for more!  

And, when I think of all the things that I have done and achieved, I know I couldn’t have done it alone. I have been surrounded by the most supportive and encouraging people. First and foremost, my hubby Bryan. I cannot even count all the ways in which he has been there for me. From spending Friday nights grocery shopping, to calling friends hosting dinner parties ahead of time to let them know of “my situation” (i.e. I’ll be bringing and eating out of my own Tupperware), to driving me to tanning appointments (I stress while driving and cannot be sweating when sprayed), to not complaining when I say “5 more minutes” when it’s actually 20 (okay 30) more minutes, to being neglected for 12 hours straight when I hit the gym right after work. He has been nothing but encouraging and supportive. I could not ask for anything more.



Bryan supporting me at the NPAA show in May :)

I have also been blessed beyond belief to have found such an amazing coach, Fatima Leite Kusch and the team she has created. I haven’t written about them much here, but seriously, the all the Blessed Bodies ladies are so amazing and each of them in their own way have inspired and motivated me to keep on going. When I am struggling to get out that last rep, or talking myself out of doing cardio, I think of all the other girls on the team getting it done with whatever they have going on in their lives. There are moms (one with 5 kids!!), college students (even a girl in med school!), older women, younger women, some women with weight to gain and others with weight to lose, women who are training for their first competition, for their pro card or their first pro show and women who just do to do it. It’s truly awe inspiring. Every day I am so thankful and honoured to be a part of this team. They have strengthened me in more ways than one.

If the past year is any indication of what’s to come, then the sky truly is the limit. Never could I have imagined a year with so much strength, so much growth, and so many opportunities. It has truly changed the way I see the world (ugh, see?? This is the cheesy inspirational quote/ cliché thing I was talking about).  

 

 

 

Team Blessed Bodies at the Bust a Move fundraiser. Big muscles and big hearts.

 

Here’s to wishing for many, many more!

XOXO

Jen

 

WIAWA: What I Ate… While Away :)

Whoa, life has been busy lately. Since moving two weeks ago, I have been to 7 different gyms (I felt like Goldilocks- needed to find one just right); to Napa and back, to Thetis Island and back; planning, preparing and prepping all my meals; working fulltime; and, in the middle of all of this, I have started taking an online course with the University of California on nutrition and disease (which is super interesting). I also have a couple of other things up my sleeve, but can’t reveal anything quite yet. So much is going on, but the sun is out which makes everything just that much easier :)

It’s Wednesday. Usually I would do a quick check in to post what I ate, but there really hasn’t been too much of a change since my last WIAW post mainly because I have just been keeping the menu the same to make planning and prepping easier. I know what I am making, what I have to buy and how it all totals up. Not too much thinking is involved, which is exactly what I need right now.

So, instead, this Wednesday, I thought that I would share what I have been eating while away. One of hardest things to do when away from home (for either business or pleasure) is to stay on track with the food plan. First, there’s the mentality of “I am on vacation, I should eat whatever I want,” which can be troublesome. Of course, vacations do usually mean a time for some indulgences and treats, but why hurt your body and undo all your progress just because you’re away? That doesn’t seem like a vacation. Taking the time to properly feed your body is a treat and what your body wants- and makes you feel good J Secondly, food is not always immediately available on vacation. Depending on where you are, where you are staying, and the time of day, grabbing a snack (healthy or not) may be difficult, if not impossible. And, eating out all the time gets expensive! Finally, going in with a plan and being prepared makes is so much easier to stay on track and avoid temptations. If you have put the time and effort into bringing your own food, it’s just that much easier to stay committed. #noexcuses.

Since May, I have been to Vegas with my sister, Napa Valley with girlfriends for a stagette, and Thetis Island with the hubby for a wedding. For each of these trips, I planned a menu ahead, prepped meals and packed snacks. Even when faced with various restrictions, such as crossing international boarders, flying, or not having refrigeration, it is possible. You can do it- I did! Below are the details from each trip with examples of what I ate while away.

Vegas: Keeping it Clean in Sin City

When planning any meal plan, I always start with the same questions. First, what do I need? I need proteins, carbs and healthy fats. Next, what am I working with? What are my constraints?

Well, this trip included crossing the US border (so no fresh fruits or vegetables) and flying (so no liquids- which, to note, apparently includes yogurt L I learned that the hard way while in the security line up). Also, once arriving at the hotel, I may or may not have access to a fridge and I definitely won’t have a stove.

So, what am I left with?

Well, for carb sources, oats is an easy one. Delicious, nutritious and portable. I can even pre-portion out bags, and mix with some protein powder for an on-the-go meal (as long as I have access to hot water, which, you’d think be easy enough). I can also bake a batch of my protein muffins to pack as well. You can also buy these handy dandy pre-portioned and packed bags that even come with a measuring pouch so you know how much water to add. Someone was thinking.

For proteins, the obvious is protein powder. Again, delicious, nutrition and versatile. I can pre-portion out servings or even just bring a tub to scoop out of. I can mix it with water (or coffee!), stir into my oats or mix it with yogurt. Enough said. Beyond that, however, proteins get a little trickier. My usual choices, chicken, fish, and eggs don’t travel well (for obvious reasons) and probably won’t make it through the boarder, or on a plane. This one requires a little more creativity…

Healthy fats are easy to pack, with lots of options. There are nuts (almonds, walnuts, mixed nuts), flax seeds and chia seeds. All can also be mixed with oats (and protein powder!) to make a balanced, travel friendly meal.

Once figuring out the basics, I realized I probably wouldn’t want to live on oatmeal, protein shakes and nuts for four days, so started to look into grocery store options in Vegas. Guess what!? There’s a Whole Foods a couple miles from the airport. Easy peasy. That opens up a whole new host of options- like fresh fruits and vegetables, egg whites and yogurt. After confirming there would be a microwave in the room (which seems fairly standard nowadays), I started planning my meals. Here is what I came up with:

• Meal 1 (pre-workout): Protein muffins (packed in my luggage frozen)
• Meal 2 (post-workout): Oatmeal with protein powder and flax seeds with a side of egg whites
• Meal 3: Salad with avocado and tuna
• Meal 4: Yogurt and berries
• Meal 5: Apple and almonds

Prep-wise, I brought the oatmeal, flax seeds, nuts and protein powder from home and bought a carton of egg whites, salad mix, avocados, tuna, yogurt and fruit at Whole Foods on the way to the hotel from the airport. Sure that added a little bit of time and expense onto the taxi ride, but the extra $20 was well worth it and would have easily been spent of food if I was buying my breakfast, lunches and snacks poolside at the hotel. I did also have to plan ahead and brought a couple containers and plastic utensils to make sure I had something to eat with in the room, although, it is easy enough to find around the hotel too. Forget the minibar, here’s what our well stocked room looked like:

I also left room in the menu to enjoy a few dinners out (with a couple glasses of wine) which was nice :)

And, it was all worth it. Not only did I have an enjoyable, relaxing and memorable vacation, I was also able to keep up with my training and stay on track which was very important as I was only 4 weeks out from my second competition of the season. 

 

Yay for eating clean and training mean in Vegas!

 

Napa Valley: Oatmeal and rice cakes with a side of wine?

A couple of weekend ago, I got to visit Napa Valley on a stagette with my beautiful friend Katherine :)

 

 

Obviously, Napa Valley = wine. And I may be known to love a glass, or two, of red, so I was stoked for this trip. I’m not currently “on season” and training for a show, but I want to keep up with my training and food plan because (a) I am working on Operation Bigger, Better, Stronger; (b) I am prepping for some MAJOR opportunities coming up (more of the stuff I can’t reveal quite yet) and I want to bring my best, and (c) for all the other reasons listed above. I demand a lot from my body and it feels better when I treat it right.

 

The tricky aspect of this trip, in addition to crossing international borders and airport security, was the lack of control. I didn’t plan this trip, it wasn’t my stagette, and there were 10 other ladies. Who knows what we’d get up to (and we got up to a lot :P) or where we would end up (over the four nights away we stayed in 3 different hotels). The good news is that I could control what I ate by bringing my food with me. So, I packed up a little bag of goodies:

 

 

In addition to the protein powder and oatmeal I took to Vegas, I also brought whole grain crackers and rice cakes for carbs, flax seeds and nut butters for fats, and some Vega and veggie-based bars to help round out the nutrition since I couldn’t bring fresh fruit with me (although, I was able to find apples and bananas along the way- either in airports, at Starbucks, or in the hotel). Having all of this on hand was awesome, as I was able to eat something immediately after my morning workouts and have things in my purse to eat throughout the day when we were out and about. 

Of course, when in Rome… I did also allow some room in my food plan for wine and some tasty meals out, one of the best being at this Italian place Ca'Momi Enoteca.  It was soooo delicious that I had two appys (to myself) and a whole pizza. Hahaha. I’m still dreaming about all of this:

 

 

Mmmmm. All, so good. And yes, while a little (okay, a lot) indulgent, overall, I was able to keep it on track most of the time, but still fit in a few treats- the best of both worlds :)

Thetis Island: Back to the Basics

This was a trip I was really looking forward to (although, I was really looking forward to all of them). But this trip was more like a little retreat. We were going for a wedding, but made a weekend out of it. Thetis Island is one of the southern gulf islands just off the west coast of B.C. and it. Was. Beautiful! Luckily, we had found a nice little cottage to rent that had a full kitchen, and we weren’t crossing any borders, or taking a plane (just two ferries and a bit of a drive), which meant I could take anything I wanted to eat!! Yay! This made things much easier. I created a menu and packed up a whole box and cooler with fresh veggies and fruit, nut butters, eggs, and yogurt.

 

 

I also had prepped some of the meals at home the night before to have them grab and go so I could eat them anywhere.

On the ferry:

In the car:

At the picnic table:

 

Anywhere. This made it so easy. #noexcuses and lots of time to enjoy the scenery.

 

And, even though I had planned and prepped all of that, I still couldn’t resist the fresh berries at the produce stand and bought some blueberries, cherries and peppers.

Again, I also allowed for some treats at the wedding. No alcohol, but a little bit of cheese and crackers, and a chocolate covered strawberry… or 5 of them. I couldn’t help it. They’re my favs :)

 

Anyway, the point of this WIAWA post is to share some ideas for keeping on track while travelling. It’s funny, even though I have now been through this a few times, it is still a little daunting and takes a little figuring when a new trip comes up. Next week I’ll be heading to Chicago (yay! I looooove Chicago) for a few nights. So, again, I’ll be faced with crossing international borders and airport security and I am already stressing about what to bring. BUT, I know it can be done, and I will do it. Sure, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

 

XOXO

J

 

WIAW and Waaaaaaa (That's Me, Crying)

It's Wednesday. Life has been cray-z for me lately, but I've been making the time to make some good eats. Here is some of what was on the menu for today:

M1: Porridge and egg whites topped with melted coconut oil... even though I've been eating this for weeks, I still look forward to it every morning. Every morning.

M2: Spinach, green bean, oat and egg bake. This was a little experiment based on a pancake recipe I made up during my last peak week. To make a lot all at once, I just threw all the ingredients in a pan and baked in the oven for 20 minutes. It turned out really good! Especially when warmed up in the toaster oven for a crispy top and then served with coconut oil on top. Seriously, good stuff.

M3: Warm spinach and tilapia salad with green beans and yams.

M4: Mixed bean and tuna salad with avocado, lemon juice and sriacha sauce. Similar to my what I was eating last week, but with the added beans for a bit more carbs :)

M5: Chicken and rice stir fry with mushrooms and green beans and some Braggs.

M6: Yogurt, vanilla casein and bananas. There is also a scoop of crunchy peanut butter underneath that all. I am seriously in love. Crunchy peanut butter!?! Have you tried it lately. I had forgotten how good it can be.

Also, for my pre-workout snacks, I am been making a little protein mug cake to eat on the way to the gym, but forget it at home today :( So, instead, I had to improvise and bought a Vega One Nutritional Shake which I mixed with coffee and water and had a couple of rice cakes to round it out. It was good, but I missed my chocolate cake.

So, that's the WIA, this is the waaaaaaa.... I hate change. I like structure, I like schedules and I like to know what's going on. And nothing, nothing, has been remotely like that this week. Over the weekend we moved out of our condo. The good news is that we sold it (yay!). The bad news is we haven't bought anything else (booooo). So, we moved in with my parents while we figure out what to buy. My only concern in all of this has been, but what about the gym?? I had a pretty good set up where I used to live. The gym was literally a block away and right next to the bus stop I got off at on my way home from work. It was easy and convenient. It was familiar. No excuses not to go. And, while I have complained time to time about the gym (like the TVs not working on all the cardio equipment, or the smell of old lady perfume, or the lack of some machines), I had it pretty good there. But, nothing lasts forever, and obviously, there are other options. One of those options was a temporary pass to another gym in my new neighborhood. Location wise it works out perfect (again, right near my (new) bus stop) and it is a big name, well known gym, so I was sure it would be filled with everything I could possibly want and need... and I am sure it is filled with everything I could possibly want and need- not that I would know. Walking into the new gym was actually quite intimidating. I was surprised at how nervous and awkward I felt in the new setting. I mean, I like the gym. I loooove the gym and I was excited to get at it in a new "play ground," but once in there, I was lost. Even with a little orientation, I still couldn't find what I was looking for (and a Smith machine can't hide) and I couldn't figure out the process for jumping on to machines. There were people (mostly men, which is unfamiliar for me) everywhere. Everywhere. Doing everything. Nothing was free. As much as I am ashamed to admit it, I scurried back over to the ladies only section and did what I could of my training program, improvising where I had to. I was shocked at my reaction and disappointed in myself for feeling this way. The gym had always been my sanctuary, my me time, and now I am not finding that at all.

Fortunately, my husband felt the same way, so on Tuesday we tried a different location. While it was a little better (and a little, a little, less crowded), it was still so overwhelming and slightly terrifying. I was able to find the pull up machine, and rep out 3 sets of 10 (whoo hoo!), but after that I couldn't find a bench for the life of me, let alone get on the cable machine, so, again, I scurried away- this time to the cardio area. After mulling it through over a 30 minutes serious sweat session, I pulled up my big girl panties and went back out there to get done what I came to do. I wasn't able to superset what I needed to, and I didn't follow the exact order of exercises I was supposed to, but I got it done. I got the space I needed, found the machines I was looking for, and was able to get through my routine.

Tonight, I was back at my old gym (yay!) surrounded by familiar faces and friends. It was awesome! It felt luxurious to have as much space as I did, and I didn't have to fight or stare down anyone to get it. I was back in my comfort zone. Unfortunately, this was only a one (but hopefully more) time fix. I'm going to have to get over myself and just make it happen in the other gyms. I'm out of my comfort zone, but I guess that's what this is all about, right?

In any case, up first is a trip to Napa!! Yay! Tomorrow I leave for a weekend filled with friends, fun, sun and wine :) It'll be a nice little reprieve and a chance to distress and relax- for once, a change that I like :)  

XOXO
J

Flipping Pancakes and Packing Up

Hey-oh! It’s the weekend! Time for some rest and relaxation, the gym, and pancakes of course! For me, however, this weekend, I only get two out of those three things.

Next weekend I’m moving out of my condo, so this weekend has been spent making arrangements and packing. Ugh. Feels like a never ending process. In the span of a week, we went from spending our Saturday night living (and eating) the high life in the city to shopping at Walmart in Surrey. Ha. How things got real- fast. Oh moving, I hate you so much.
 
Despite all the packing, the organizing, the cleaning and doing everything else that goes into moving, I’m still making it to the gym, and even started a brand new training program this today (which, as a side note, was insane! During my leg work out I was seriously sweating through my eyeballs and am pretty sure I will not be able to walk tomorrow… or even tonight.  I can already feel the soreness/ stiffness coming on- which I love. I know I did something right). Whoot whoot! #makingithappen Operation Bigger, Better, Stronger is now into full effect. The countdown is on. I have 65 days (9 weeks) until Vegas and I will be using each and every one of those days, hours, and minutes building my body so I can bring my best.

Every second, minute, hour, bigger, better, stronger, power! #thatpower



 

Repping it out at (well, resting between sets when I took the picture)

on the Smith machine

Yes, I am now following the creed of Will.I.Am and Justin Bieber... not sure if that’s better or worse that Enrique. You tell me.

As of last night (after a final trip to Menchies), I am back into competition prep mode. No, I’m not training for a show, but am preparing for a photo shoot and the look I want to create will take my complete focus and dedication over the next two months. But that’s okay, I do well in crunch times. I will confess, I will be taking two breaks or ‘off times’ during this prep. The first break will be when I go to Napa at the end of month for my dear friend Katherine’s stagette. While I can keep up with my training and eat (fairly) clean while away, I simply cannot go to Napa and not do a wine tour, right? I am pretty sure I’d be banned from ever returning if I didn’t drink at least some wine while there J And then the second break will be when the hubs and I hit Chicago in the middle of July (one month out from Vegas). Again, I can’t go to Chicago and not eat pizza. I’d be run out of the town for sure!! Plus, we have already bought tickets for a pizza and cocktails tour which will undoubtedly be amazing!! I heart Chicago. It’s really one of the best cities. Here’s a pic from our last trip there.

Our reflection in the Bean

 

 

Other than that though, no excuses. I’ve already scoped out post-move gym options in the new ‘hood, I’ll be prepping all of my meals for the weekend of the move, and I will do what it takes to keep up with my training schedule. I’m making it happen.

Somehow within all the chaos going on because of the move, I created and tried out a new pancake recipe yesterday morning. After being phased out of my competition prep food plan in March, bananas are (temporarily) back on the menu. And, in homage to the Chunky Monkey cupcake I inhaled/ ate last weekend, I wanted to try to make a banana pancake. It turned out yummy. Here’s the recipe:

Chunky Monkey Banana Pancakes

Ingredients (for 1 serving)
 
Pancake:

• 1/3 cup/ 30g oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 17g vanilla protein powder (I used a whey based powder, but you can use whatever you like. Be aware, however, each powder and brand had different absorption so you may need to adjust the amount)
• 50g/ half a banana
• ¼ egg whites

Vanilla Icing:

• 2 TBSP non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 TBSP/ 7g vanilla casein

Directions

1. Mix the three dry pancake ingredients today until well blended.
2. Mush the banana into the egg whites (you can keep the banana chunky or puree it right in- your preference).
3. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Pour batter into a pre-heated sprayed pan.
5. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip. Cook 2-3 minutes on the other side.
6. While the pancake in cooking, make the icing by mixing the yogurt and casein together.
7. Once the pancake is cooked through, top with the icing while still warm.

 

I also added some chunky peanut butter (which I just rediscovered- OMG, amazing!) on the top of mine with the icing. While it was a little dry (next time I might add a couple of tablespoons of milk to the batter), it was still really yummy with the peanut butter and bananas- one of my favorite combos.

I also want to try it with a little chocolate next time. I thought about it for this recipe (and seriously spent way too long debating whether or not to add it in), but in the end wanted the vanilla flavoring more. If I were to add in the chocolate, I would either add a tablespoon of cocoa to the batter or make chocolate icing instead of the vanilla. Or, if your diet permits it, you could also add in a couple chocolate chips, or make a chocolate sauce. The possibilities are endless. See, I told you I thought about it for a long time).

 

Okay, enough about pancakes and back to the packing. Ugh. Seriously, how do I have so much junk??

XOXO

Jen