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
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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
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
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Cravings
Cravings are like the monster in your closet. They seem to only creep out in the wee hours of the night and they bring out the absolute worst in you. With all the change that's going on in my life right now, I've had to work hard to avoid emotional eating. Let's face it, even the healthiest people have their weaknesses...and sometimes, that weakness is a roll of Tollhouse cookie dough. Last night, I threw all self control out the window and went to town.
It's important to allow yourself the foods that you enjoy, so here are a few tips to allow yourself occasional (not daily!) indulgences without packing on major pounds.
Know your reasons - Why are you craving the family sized bag of Ruffles? Is it because you got in a fight with your best bud/lost your job/can't pay the bills or is it because you are just after a little salt fix? Be cautious about the former. Emotional eating is dangerous and will only make you feel worse afterwards. If it's the latter, continue on to keep the craving in check.
Know your weaknesses - Do you have certain trigger foods? If you can't seem to walk past the aforementioned bag of chips without sneaking a handful, then another, then another...don't keep it around! If you have a craving for something, then you have to make the conscious decision to go to the store and buy it in that moment. 95% of the time, you'll realize you didn't want it all that bad. And if you just need a few bites of that cake you just baked to satisfy, share the rest with your coworkers in the morning. Don't keep the temptation around longer than necessary!
Know when to stop - Before I began my sugar fueled binge last night, I knew how much I could afford to allow myself before guilt would outweigh the pleasure derived from my indulgence. Set a limit for yourself by scooping your Ben&Jerry's into a coffee mug (it will look much fuller than a big bowl with that same serving) instead of eating it straight out of the carton. Again, you will become aware of your decision to have a second helping instead of noticing you've hit cardboard after mindlessly eating the entire pint.
Damage control - Preparing for and undoing the caloric damage helps. If you know you have a birthday party to attend this weekend and won't be able to resist that slice (or 2!) of red velvet cake and cocktails, amp up your workouts for a few days prior and be sure to eat lean and light. I could feel my willpower unraveling all afternoon, so I set out for a long run to preempt a little of the damage I knew I'd be inflicting later on. TAKE NOTE: this is not a good practice for daily life and canceling meals. If this behavior becomes habitual, it is considered exercise bulimia and is incredibly dangerous.
Getting back on the wagon - If you're feeling a little regret for your choices, be sure to stay extra diligent about your eating the next day. Kick off your morning with a healthy (and not cheese laden) omelet loaded up with veggies and a side of fresh fruit. Don't let one bad decision justify another!
Satisfy your cravings with healthy alternatives - Looking for something cold and sweet? Try frozen grapes instead of ice cream. Need a little salt? Give PopChips or Pirate's Booty a try. Love the satisfaction of crunching away? Baby carrots or sliced apples will take care of your need to nosh. My current craving smasher - Apple Straws. The fruity, desserty cousin of Veggie Straws.
Got a way to beat your craving demon? Send your ideas my way!! Got a craving you want to satisfy in a better way? E-mail me and I'll get cracking on a recipe!
Follow me on Twitter: @fitcookiemonstr!
E-mail me: fitcookiemonster@gmail.com
It's important to allow yourself the foods that you enjoy, so here are a few tips to allow yourself occasional (not daily!) indulgences without packing on major pounds.
Know your reasons - Why are you craving the family sized bag of Ruffles? Is it because you got in a fight with your best bud/lost your job/can't pay the bills or is it because you are just after a little salt fix? Be cautious about the former. Emotional eating is dangerous and will only make you feel worse afterwards. If it's the latter, continue on to keep the craving in check.
Know your weaknesses - Do you have certain trigger foods? If you can't seem to walk past the aforementioned bag of chips without sneaking a handful, then another, then another...don't keep it around! If you have a craving for something, then you have to make the conscious decision to go to the store and buy it in that moment. 95% of the time, you'll realize you didn't want it all that bad. And if you just need a few bites of that cake you just baked to satisfy, share the rest with your coworkers in the morning. Don't keep the temptation around longer than necessary!
Know when to stop - Before I began my sugar fueled binge last night, I knew how much I could afford to allow myself before guilt would outweigh the pleasure derived from my indulgence. Set a limit for yourself by scooping your Ben&Jerry's into a coffee mug (it will look much fuller than a big bowl with that same serving) instead of eating it straight out of the carton. Again, you will become aware of your decision to have a second helping instead of noticing you've hit cardboard after mindlessly eating the entire pint.
Damage control - Preparing for and undoing the caloric damage helps. If you know you have a birthday party to attend this weekend and won't be able to resist that slice (or 2!) of red velvet cake and cocktails, amp up your workouts for a few days prior and be sure to eat lean and light. I could feel my willpower unraveling all afternoon, so I set out for a long run to preempt a little of the damage I knew I'd be inflicting later on. TAKE NOTE: this is not a good practice for daily life and canceling meals. If this behavior becomes habitual, it is considered exercise bulimia and is incredibly dangerous.
Getting back on the wagon - If you're feeling a little regret for your choices, be sure to stay extra diligent about your eating the next day. Kick off your morning with a healthy (and not cheese laden) omelet loaded up with veggies and a side of fresh fruit. Don't let one bad decision justify another!
Satisfy your cravings with healthy alternatives - Looking for something cold and sweet? Try frozen grapes instead of ice cream. Need a little salt? Give PopChips or Pirate's Booty a try. Love the satisfaction of crunching away? Baby carrots or sliced apples will take care of your need to nosh. My current craving smasher - Apple Straws. The fruity, desserty cousin of Veggie Straws.
Got a way to beat your craving demon? Send your ideas my way!! Got a craving you want to satisfy in a better way? E-mail me and I'll get cracking on a recipe!
Follow me on Twitter: @fitcookiemonstr!
E-mail me: fitcookiemonster@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)