Crazy Life

Been SUPER busy with nursing school. It's hard to find time to sleep, eat healthy, study, and workout all in one day! That's why I focus on eating clean and squeezing in even just cardio when I can! I'll admit I've been slacking on eating well lately (study groups, late nights), but I am trying to stay positive! I'm currently wrapping up my 1st Medical Surgical rotation and getting ready to move onto Maternity :). So I should have more time then to workout because I'll have clinical one day a  week. (Yay!)

My goal this week is to limit my peanut butter intake (because I'm OBSESSED) and to cut back on my baking during the week (because I love to take bites). I've been pretty good with both! I just hide the peanut butter haha Well I'm off to clinical. Later loves <3

PS I'll try to post new recipes soon! Hopefully this weekend while I'm procrastinating catching up with non-nursing classes! :D

Peanut Butter & Yogurt Dip

I came up with this recipe a very, very long time ago when I first began to eat healthy. This recipe has just the right balance of sweet and salty and paired with a big, juicy apple it is just perfect. Bananas, pears, nectarines, etc can also be dipped as well! A quick, easy, and very portable snack for when you're on the go. This recipe can also be doubled or tripled to feed more people! :)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons non-fat greek yogurt

1/2 tablespoon almond butter

dash of salt

1 packet of Stevia

dash of cinnamon

1 teaspoon sugar-free maple syrup

The How To:

Add all ingredients in a small bowl, then mix! Dip apples, bananas, etc and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (without fruit)

Calories 61

Total Fat 4.7g

Dietary Fiber 0.6g

Sugars 0.6g

Protein 2.7g

Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have been trying forever to make a tasty, healthy chocolate chip cookie. They are my absolute weakness! These cookies are soft and packed with chocolate. You can make them chocolate chocolate cookies with chocolate protein powder or keep them the way they are with vanilla!  These cookies are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings and keep you full at the same. Have them with a tall glass of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and enjoy! :)

Ingredients:

3/5 cup Quaker Quick Oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup (2 scoops) vanilla protein powder

4 tablespoons Land O Lakes light butter, melted

2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

4 packets of Stevia

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg white

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

 To Prepare:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 20 seconds. Mix in 2 table spoons of unsweetened applesauce and 4 Stevia packets. Add vanilla extract and egg white, mix and set aside.

2. Place 3/4 cups quick oats in food processor and blend until fine powder. In a medium bowl, add ground oats, whole wheat flour and protein powder. Mix in baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 

3. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a dough is formed. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Place teaspoon fulls of cookies on a cookie sheet and bake for 7 minutes.

5. Transfer to a rack to cool and then enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Per 1 Cookie

Calories 48.8

Total fat 2.4g

Fiber 0.7g

Sugars 1.6g

Protein 2.5g

 

New Beginnings, New Starts, New YOU!

I am finally almost done with my finals for the semester! My last one is on Friday and I could NOT be any happier! :) I need a break from 24/7 studying and trying to cram in gym sessions. I usually try to study during my cardio, but it just never seems to happen. I feel like the gym should be a place to relax the mind and funny, but also your body. There really is nothing better than an amazing workout. You feel better, look better, and are doing a great thing for your body!

I have recently became very interested in building more muscle and leaning out. Over the semester I have achieved leaning out, but I have noticed my muscles are not "popping" and the reason is not enough protein. I have muscle wasting due to intense and long cardio and not consuming enough calories throughout the day. So recently I have been eating (or trying) 6 times a day. I've been trying to cut out processed foods and sticking to foods that have high protein content (cottage cheese, greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs, protein shakes etc.)

My one rule is to always have goals! Always strive to be better and want better for yourself! Do it for you and love it! And keep trying to find the workout or the healthy food you love and stick with it. Results come with time (I'm still working on mine!) and hard work. Don't give up, the results are always the best and most rewarding part! Happy Monday and get ready for Tuesday morning workouts and healthy recipes! :)