What I Ate Wednesday #132: Time For a Change

Heyooo! Look at me posting twice this week! Pretty exciting, huh? I’ve recently starting making a couple changes to my diet, so I figured a good WIAW post was in order.

I mentioned recently that I’ve had a bit of weight gain. Frustrating? You betcha! So I decided that I was going to make some changes to my workouts. I set a goal for myself; I wanted to lose 5 lbs by my anniversary. I know it’s not all about the number, but sometimes I find it helpful to have that goal.

I tried increasing my cardio, as that was what worked for me a couple years ago, but unfortunately, not this time. My next attempt was to go in the complete opposite direction. I started the 30 Day Kettlebell Challenge and while I’ve loved these workouts, I still haven’t seen the change I’m searching for.

Next change is diet. I reached out to my good blogger friend, Lindsay Cotter, who happens to be a fitness nutrition specialist. She’s been so helpful and I’m looking forward to seeing how her suggestions work out for me.

[Pre-Workout]
Half of a banana with almond butter and a cup of coffee is the perfect fuel for me these days. The workouts I’ve been doing are less than 30 minutes and this snack is just enough to tide me over.

[Breakfast]

Dude. Dude. You have to try these microwave grain-free english muffins! I don’t have any raisins, but these have been so good with some almond butter schmeer and have proven to be a great vessel for my sweet eggs. I also tried replacing half of the almond flour with protein powder on Tuesday and it turned out wonderfully!

[Morning Snack]
I had a busy morning so I wasn’t able to snap a picture of my smoothie, but it was lean, green, and protein-packed.. err mean? I used 1 scoop whey protein, 1 scoop Skoop Sweetgreens A Game, 10 cherries, 1 tbsp coconut oil, cucumber, ice, and a little almond milk to get things moving. The coconut oil in a smoothie was new for me but Lindsay said more fats, so I gave it a go and it was DEELISH.

[Lunch]

I was starved by the time I got home from work so I threw some kale, chicken, frozen butternut squash, and sugar snap peas into a pan with a little buffalo sauce and topped with avocado and ketchup.

[Afternoon Snack]
More fats? You got it. I went for an over-medium egg, a few almonds, and a carrot. A little #StrangeButGood action. And definitely not photo-worthy. You’re welcome.

[Dinner]

Coconut honey lime Filipino chicken with roasted red pepper and zucchini. All the protein and nice and light. I devoured it in between my evening clients.

[Evening Snack]

Oh heyyy, almond butter! I was happy to see it multiple times throughout the day. And apples and nut butters go together like.. well, nut butters go with everything.

The biggest changes I have here are breakfast and snacks. I definitely thought I’d miss my daily bowl of oats a little more than I do. I’m still getting used to the snacks, though; I’ve never been a big smoothie drinker and tend to grab a bar for convenience, but you have to make changes to see changes, yes? So far, so good this week; I’ll report back!

Food for Thought

What are your favorite protein-packed, grain-free breakfasts and snacks?

Link Love #80

Just like that our quiet couple of weeks without company is about to end. My college roommate and her husband are getting in late Wednesday night and staying with us for a week! They’ve never been out to San Francisco before so they’re definitely in for a treat. Do you remember how crazy we went when my parents came out last year? Yea.. there will be plenty of eating, drinking, and hiking! Get ready for some more delicious pictures 😉

Health

The Naked Truth: When Is Our Body Finally Good Enough? – Lifting Revolution

The Naked Truth: When Is Our Body Finally Good Enough? – Lifting Revolution
Why it is okay to gain a few happiness lbs – Darwinian Fail
So you want to study nutrition? Dietitian, Nutritionist, or Nutritional Therapist? – Gluten Free Rosie
Eat to Beat the Common Cold? Part One: Review of Vitamin C – Food & Nonsense
Using the stages of change model to adopt new fitness and nutrition habits – FitKnitChick

Fitness

Rock Your Body Workout – Fit Foodie Finds & Ambitious Kitchen

Rock Your Body Workout – Fit Foodie Finds & Ambitious Kitchen
Why Kettlebell Swings Aren’t a Good Exercise for Cardio – Trainer Paige
Don’t Skip a Beat: How To Train Using Heart Rate Monitoring – FitFluential
3 Creative Core Moves that Work Balance and Strength – Cotter Crunch
Stay on Track Workout – Coconuts & Kettlebells

Food

Green Goddess Hummus – Cookie + Kate

Green Goddess Hummus – Cookie + Kate
Microwave Peanut Protein Pancakes with Chocolate Chips {Gluten/Grain Free, Super Simple, Low Fat + Low Calorie} – Food Faith Fitness
Bahn Mi Spring Rolls – Minimalist Baker
Healthy Bananas Foster Donuts – The Almond Eater
Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Morning Buns with Blueberry Passionfruit Glaze – Half Baked Harvest
Almond Butter Fudgy Chocolate Eggs – Peachy Palate

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #79

Today is the last day to enter my MealEnders giveaway!

It’s my favorite day of the [blogging] week. Time for some link love.. catch up on all the goodies you might have missed! Enjoy 🙂

Health

The Perfect Snack When You Are Feeling… – The Nutty Nutritionist

The Perfect Snack When You Are Feeling… – The Nutty Nutritionist
Why Saying No Matter for Your Well-being – Crop Tops & Kale
4 “Healthy” Hidden Sources of Sugar – The Fit Cookie
‘But I Don’t Want to Look Like You’ – Gabby’s Gluten-Free
A Plant-Based Nutrition Q&A – Hummusapien

Fitness

The Gym is Everywhere – FitFluential

The Gym is Everywhere – FitFluential
7-minute barre squat burner – Fitnessista
Move It Monday: 10 Variations Of Kettlebell Squats – Lifting Revolution
5 Side Plank Variations to Try – Pumps & Iron
Another Super Sweaty 7-Minute HIIT Workout Video – To Live & Diet in L.A.

Food

Korean Style Fried Shrimp Rice Bowls with Kimchi + Crunchy Noodles – Half Baked Harvest

Korean Style Fried Shrimp Rice Bowls with Kimchi + Crunchy Noodles – Half Baked Harvest
Beet and Black Rice Seafood Salad with Lemon Lime Vinaigrette – Cotter Crunch
Bacon Asparagus Potato Frittata – Reluctant Entertainer
Fried Avocado Tacos with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce – Avocado a Day Nutrition
Slow Cooker Quinoa Energy Bar Recipe – Food Faith Fitness

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #76

Another quick pop-in to say hi! Yesterday we pigged out on some dim sum and went over to Baker Beach. Nathan and I had never been there before and it was beautiful! Except for the naked man walking around trying to get into everyone’s pictures.. Luckily mine made it out crack free 😉

I’ve had some catching up to do of my own on all of the great blog posts around the interwebs from last week and in case you missed some too, here ya go!

Health

How Many Calories do Runners Really Need – Run to the Finish

How Many Calories do Runners Really Need? – Run to the Finish
5 Red Flags That Show You’re Taking Healthy Eating Too Far – MindBodyGreen
Understanding Fasted Cardio and Fat Loss – Born Fitness
3 Tips to Restore Balance in Your Life – FitAspire
How to Know When You Need a Rest Day (or Week!) – Lifting Revolution via fANNEtastic food

Fitness

5 Reasons You Should Try Bodyweight Training + A New WAHM Workout – Mussel FIT

5 Reasons You Should Try Bodyweight Training + A New WAHM Workout – Mussel FIT
You, Too, Can Pushup! – Katrina Elle
Four 30-Minute Workouts – Peanut Butter Fingers
You Only Get Better By Doing: The Mastery Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution
6 Exercises for a Strong Back – Happy Fit Mama

Food

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri – Half Baked Harvest

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri – Half Baked Harvest
Bacon Gouda Chive Dip with Secret SUPERFOOD Ingredient! – Cotter Crunch
Fried Chicken and Waffle-Tots with Honey – Climbing Grier Mountain
Deep Dish Dark Chocolate Cake with Almond Butter Swirl – A Clean Bake
PB&J Grain-Free Breakfast Cake – Yeah…immaeatthat

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from last week?

Link Love #75

With my parents coming out to visit us tomorrow, I’ve been thinking a lot about how different things are this year then when they visited last year. A year ago, we were pretty fresh to the bay area; just about 2 1/2 months in. We took them all over the place touring, tasting, and pretty much making this place our own. I had just gotten my NASM book to start studying and aside from the occasional web design gig, I was completely jobless. It was a strange feeling and it was downright hard. I had Nathan, but good lord it was hard to meet people when I was at home all the time.

One year later, I have 3 jobs—2 of which are personal training at gyms—and a list of clients that thankfully keeps growing. Some friends have quickly come and gone, and others have become good friends. Like a spending-the-Jewish-holidays-with-her-family kind of friend. We’re living in a new area of the east bay and loving how much we have at our fingertips and how easy it is to get around. Things are moving in the right direction and I’ve said it before, the move to California has been such a great learning experience.

Last year, I was psyched to just see my parents again after almost 3 months. This year, while I’m just as psyched to see them again, I feel like we have so much more to show them. And not by showing them around the city, but by showing them what our lives have evolved to since they visited last. Shoot, we’re even giving them a place to stay this year.. it’s like we’re real, live grown ups!

And with that, a few things to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Health

How to Live in Harmony with High-Fiber Foods – Kris Carr

How To Live in Harmony with High-Fiber Foods – Kris Carr
Eating for Health & Eating for Abs. Do you know the difference? – Food & Nonsense
FYI Friday – Nutrients Requirements for Active People – Calcium & Vitamin D – Pretty Little Grub
11 Ways to Manage Stress and Feeling Overwhelmed – Love, Life, Surf
Because Being Healthy Means Not ALWAYS Being Healthy – fannetastic food

Fitness

DOMS: The Truth About Muscle Soreness & How To Recover Faster From Workouts – Lifting Revolution

DOMS: The Truth About Muscle Soreness & How To Recover Faster From Workouts – Lifting Revolution
Body part splits or whole body workouts | the pros and cons – FitKnitChick
30-Minute Jump Rope + Strength Training Workout – Pumps & Iron
Upper Body + Cardio Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Fit Tuesday Workout – Fitnessista

Food

Beef Barbacao Bowls – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Beef Barbacao Bowls – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Gluten Free Breakfast Power Bowls to POWER Your Day – Cotter Crunch
Irresistible Super Fudgy Chocolate Brownie – 1000 Lovely Things
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies – Running with Spoons
Apple Fritter Bread – Averie Cooks

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #74

Holy cannoli! I don’t know where all the time has gone but this is my 500th post! I never thought when I started this blog 3 years ago that it would become what it is today. I love having it as an outlet, creative or otherwise, and a way to share some wonderful information I find from across the web. I’m also so grateful for all of you readers that come back day after day to read, comment, and share. So a huge thank you to all of you!

Health

Is it possible to eat too clean? – Love & Zest

Is it possible to eat too clean? – Love & Zest
What Does It Take To Live a Balanced Life? – Cotter Crunch
Can Sweet Potatoes Help You Lose Weight? – PopSugar
Where Dietary-Fat Guidelines Went Wrong – Time
Mega Omegas – The Muffin Myth
Five Things Beginners Need to Know About Getting Lean – Eat to Perform

Fitness

12 minute workout to tone you up – Purely Twins

12 minute workout to tone you up – Purely Twins
Cupid’s Shuffle Partner Workout Challenge – Lifting Revolution
10 Workouts You Can Do in a Hotel Room – Pumps & Iron
10 ‘crunch-free’ exercises for a stronger core – FitKnitChick
18 Partner Workouts – Diary of an Ex Sloth

Food

Roasted Blood Orange Oatmeal – Kara Lydon The Foodie Dietitian

Roasted Blood Orange Oatmeal – Kara Lydon The Foodie Dietitian
Jamaican Jerk Veggie Burgers – Oh My Veggies
Homemade Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups – Mommy Run Fast
Idiot Proof Creamy Tomato and Curry Butter Lobster Pasta – Half Baked Harvest
PB&J Granola Cookie Clusters – The Nutritious Kitchen

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #73

I have to admit, I totally expected yesterday to feel like 2 days. And today? Oooh, it’s a doozy! But there were a few things that made the day a little easier. Before I even got out the door, I got a picture of this little cutie.

I can’t believe how big she’s getting! And look at those little curls. Gah she’s the cutest!

And finishing up my shift at my first job, a gym member came in with this guy.

Such a sweet dog. I wish they came in earlier so we could have played more! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the day better. And to make your day a little better..

Health

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training – Elisa Zied via Carrots ‘N’ Cake
Why You Should Think Twice About Vegetarian and Vegan Diets – Chris Kresser
How to Eat Clean: The Do’s and Don’ts of Healthy Clean Eating – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Stop Hacking Life – Carla Birnberg

Fitness

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch
Weekend Warrior 2: The Trifecta Workout – Lifting Revolution
Legs + Abs + Arms Boot Camp Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Barre Ab Burner {Video} – Fitessista
Build a Better Butt – Pancake Warriors

Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart – Eating Bird Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart + Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts – Eating Bird Food
The Last Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Nutella Oatmeal Cookie Shake – How Sweet It Is
Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

She’s Losing It Book Review & Giveaway

Well this is a new thing for me. I’m not a big reader [aside from blogs], but recently had the opportunity to read and review She’s Losing It!

She’s Losing It! is a memoir about how Lisa lost 50 lbs. at age 38 by entering a bodybuilding competition. She’s Losing It! is like Pumping Iron, only if Tina Fey played Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ultimately it’s a Rocky for moms who find the inherent humor in combining strength training with potty training.

Aside from it being an easy read, it also hits home for every lady out there, I’m sure. How many times have you told yourself you’d start tomorrow but it took a couple of extra days [or months..] for tomorrow to get here? Sometimes your bed is just a little too cozy.

Lisa started from square one; she was once a marathoner who gained a little extra weight over the years. After deciding she’d had more than enough, at 38, she sought out a personal trainer and decided that she not only wanted to get in shape and feel comfortable in her skin again, but enter a bikini competition. She also shares a whole slew of tips and tricks at the end of the book, including a sample meal plan from her trainer. I find those little tidbits extra interesting.. it’s almost saying “hey, you want to compete? Here’s what you’re getting yourself into!” Sometimes we need that extra heads up.

She’s Losing It! is such an inspiring and motivational story to follow of a badass mom rocking her new, killer bod and her struggles and successes that got her there. I’m so happy to be able to offer one of you a book of your own by entering my giveaway!
If you don’t want to wait, you can order a copy direct from Amazon, too. I’d highly recommend you do!

Food for Thought

Have you had struggles with weight loss?

Link Love #71

I deem this week hell week. I’ve recently started working at a new gym on top of Athleta and my existing gym. My schedule is pretty nutso but I at least made it through Monday which was the longest one. Success! There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Next week, we’ll be all moved into our new place and I’ll hopefully iron out some crazy schedule kinks. Not to mention, once we move, we’ll have a whole slew of visitors! It’s going to be an exciting 6 months 🙂

Health

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf
Making Fitness News: Which Is Best Cardio Or Strength Training For Decreasing Your Waist? – Lifting Revolution
20 Post-Workout Food Options – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Stop Being Disappointed With Your Body and Start Making Changes – Greatist
A Guide to FAT: Healthy Fats vs. Unhealthy Fats – The Little Honey Bee
FYI Friday – Nutrient Requirements for Active People – Iron – Pretty Little Grub

Fitness

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron
4 Compound Exercises Great for Tabatas {And a Workout to Try} – Cotter Crunch
Make Your Move with Weight Training – Hungry Healthy Girl
Developing Upper Body Muscles – Blonde Ponytail
What’s Your Fitness Missing? – Mark Crabtree via FitFluential

Food

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate
Paleo Cashew Coconut Protein Fudge – The Big Man’s World
Short Rib Black Bean Beer Chili – The Beeroness
Spinach, Prosciutto and Butternut Squash Pizza – A Zesty Bite
Savory Oatmeal with Soft-Cooked Egg + Bacon – According to Elle

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Foodie Friday: Protein Peanut Butter Cups with TastyWHEY

A few weeks ago I received an awesome shipment from Adaptogen. They must know me because I didn’t even choose my protein powder flavor and they sent me Chocolate Peanut Butter. How perfect!

I’m always on the lookout for a delicious protein powder that’s good, not only mixed in a smoothie, but simply mixed with water or almond milk too. The name, TastyWHEY, hinted that it would be meeting my requirements and I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Ironically enough, I had an afternoon workout planned that day, as opposed to my normal morning routine, so I scooped it into my new blender bottle immediately after with some coconut almond milk. It was so creamy and tasted like a peanut butter cup! It was nice and smooth too; there’s nothing worse than a gritty protein shake, am I right?

At 160 calories per scoop, this protein powder is a bit higher than what I normally use but the ingredients more than make up for it. TastyWHEY uses a proprietary combination of exceptionally high quality whey protein, along with MCT’s [want to learn more about MCT oil?], low glycemic index carbohydrates, and micronutrients that make the awesome taste that much better. Knowing that what I’m eating or drinking is made from high-quality ingredients has become so much more important to me in the past few years. There’s no doubt that the quality of ingredients has greatly impacted my health and the way I feel on a daily basis.

Back to the taste, though. I couldn’t help but make myself some peanut butter cups. It only seemed appropriate with the flavor I received!

Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Makes 3 Cups

Ingredients
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp Adaptogen TastyWHEY Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Powder
– 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 tsp peanut butter; divided

Directions
In a small bowl, microwave the coconut oil and maple syrup for 15-20 seconds until liquid. Mix in the protein powder and cocoa powder until smooth. Spoon 1 tsp of the mixture into 3 mini cupcake tins and place in the freezer for 5 minutes until hard.

Once the chocolate mixture has hardened, spoon 1/2 tsp of peanut butter to the center of each cup and cover with the remainder of the chocolate mixture. Place the cups back in the freezer to set. Once set, carefully remove from the cupcake tin with a knife and devour. Or store in the freezer.. your choice 😉

Nutritional Information
Per cup
81 Calories / 6g Fat / 4g Carbs / 1g Fiber / 3g Sugar / 2g Protein

Need Some TastyWHEY?

Of course you do! Purchase your own tub o’ protein or connect with Adaptogen!

Adaptogen TastyWHEY – http://adaptogenscience.com/tasty-whey
Adaptogen on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Adaptogen-Science/pages/default
Adaptogen on Instagram – http://instagram.com/adaptogenscience

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite way to use protein powder?

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Adaptogen Science.

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