The Globe Trotting Winds Down

It's been a few months, so it's more than time for a new post!  It's been so long, so this is sure to be a doozy.

Since my last post, I completed a 100 mile bike ride (and signed up for next year! Visit BikeMS City to Shore to join).  The training was just as much mental as physical.  It took every last shred of determination I had to convince myself that it's possible to complete 100 miles, especially after all of the mishaps our training has delivered.

What was intended to be our first 20 mile ride was reduced to about 12 miles after an unfortunate wildlife related incident.  Our second ride was brought to an abrupt halt about 2 miles from home when my handlebars separated from my bike.  This resulted in a trip to the bike shop, where I learned that my brakes were permanently in contact with the wheel - no wonder I was struggling so much!  New bike acquired.  We didn't hit a solid stride until we started biking the Great Swamp - 24 miles of gargantuan hills.  Luckily, both Leor and I rode like champions (thanks to all those pre-ride pancakes) and celebrated with sandwiches.  Training = eats!  Race day alone burned almost 5000 calories :) Overall, one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had and am more than looking forward to next year. 

WEEEEEEE!!! We're finished!

Rookie Century Finishers - Team Amandas

After that, both Leor and I turned 25.  This obviously means it was time to celebrate - a LOT.  All over America.  We spent a week in Orlando visiting family, Mickey, and of course, Hogwarts.  Let me tell you, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the best thing to hit Universal since GUTS.  And thank goodness we are in good shape because we hustled through those parks like Olympic speed walkers.

YAY! I'm going to Hogwarts!!  If only NJ Transit was so fun...

Then the celebration moved to the Poconos for a weekend in the woods with some great friends.  An accidental 7 mile hike ensued in less than stellar weather, but we scored the chance to feed a giraffe.  Fair trade?  I say yes.

Giraffe time.

Finally, the quarter century celebrations are wrapping up with...drum roll, please...skydiving!!  So far, Mother Nature has been very much against this venture.  Every time we schedule, the weather jumps ship and we get October snow or 40mph gusts of wind.  Here's hoping we get to jump before 2012 :) At least we had a great time in Atlantic City at the Chelsea!

Stay tuned for some major news dropping this week!  I'm back for good this time :)

The Perks of Pumpkin

Everyone knows the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made its seasonal comeback (I've already had 4 and it's only been out for a week), which makes us think about how early is too early to let go of Summer?  It's the times when you see Christmas trees in stores in August that make you think about it - why do we want to rush everything (more importantly, the most fun season) every year?  I want to savor the last few days of weather that makes you sweat, beautiful days at the beach that don't require a sweatshirt, and the best food of the year...but luckily, that means I can start to think about Autumn harvest type foods!!  

With that said, all this thinking about Autumn flavors (since it IS my favorite season) has got me assembling pumpkin yogurt, baking pumpkin bread, eating pumpkin seeds, and anything else that has the word pumpkin in it.  Just remember - pumpkin is actually healthy and tastes great when it is NOT in pie form!

I personally LOVE to keep at least a can or two of Libby's Pumpkin Puree on hand (make sure it's not the pie filling!!) to mix into everything and anything.  It's massively nutritious since it's loaded with fiber, Vitamin A, and tons of antioxidants.  You can use it for everything from reducing fat/calories in a spice cake mix (similar to using applesauce for replacing oil and eggs) or making Fall-festive brownies.  I've been mixing it into my plain greek yogurt with a big dash of pumpkin pie spice for a happy treat!

Now, I'm just waiting for it to be an acceptable time to start drinking hot apple cider...tick tock!

ALSO - In just over a week, I will be participating in the National MS Society's Bike MS: City to Shore Century Ride.  This means I will be biking 100 miles in ONE DAY to help raise funds for finding a cure.  Please help support my efforts by donating, volunteering, or if you're feeling brave...participating!
For more information - check here.  Every single dollar adds up to real change. 

Follow me on Twitter: @fitcookiemonstr
E-mail me: fitcookiemonster@gmail.com

Back in the saddle.

Literally.  I'll get to that part later.

Please excuse the recent hiatus.  I moved back to Jersey and have spent the last few weeks packing, unpacking, and generally pulling out all of my hair.  But here I am, sitting in my gigantic and glorious kitchen.  I have all my favorite cooking appliances and tons of counter space at my disposal. 

So, now that I've got all this kitchen, what will I do?  COOK! YES!!  Banana macadamia nut pancakes to be exact  (recipe below).  Pancakes are absolutely my favorite breakfast item, so I needed to find a way to make them a bit less terrible.  I also need them to be protein packed to get the right balance of nutrients for training...which brings us back to the saddle part. 

My crazy boyfriend has convinced me to join him in the Bike MS: City to Shore ride next month.  All 100 miles of it.  Please support our fundraising efforts and click HERE to make a secure online donation!  I agreed not only because this is an incredible charity, but also because of the connection Leor has with the race.  It was his first major fitness accomplishment after deciding to turn his life around.  After losing almost 100 pounds since his last race, the two of us are ready to take it on as a team.  It seems more than fitting that there is a mile for each pound he's lost.  We will be sure to use that as motivation when we are both ready to give up around mile 80.  I couldn't be more proud of him, so I will support him in any insane idea he comes up with - especially when there is such a positive charity attached. 

With all that said, here's the recipe for my pancakes!

In a blender, combine:
1 banana (super ripe is best)
2 tbsp of nonfat greek yogurt (my allegiance is to Fage, the creaminess makes a difference!)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup instant oats
Dash of vanilla extract

Once blended into a smooth mixture, add 1 tbsp chopped mac nuts (or whatever nut you prefer) and give it a quick stir. 

Place a large skillet coated with non-stick spray over medium heat.  Pour batter into skillet to make 2-3 pancakes.  Flip after you start to see bubbles and cook on other side to desired crispness.  Drizzle with whatever topping you like - a little almond butter, some maple syrup, or a bit of blueberry jam.  Just be sure to keep the topping serving size in mind! 


For more information about The National MS Society's event, including donating, volunteering, or even participating (I'd love to have a bigger team!) - check here.  Your support is critical for all those suffering from MS and for our participation in the event. 

Follow me on Twitter: @fitcookiemonstr
E-mail me: fitcookiemonster@gmail.com