Lately I've been trying to lift weights more. I think that lifting has produced some results, but it's been slow going. I haven't seen much progress with my weight, but at some point, the numbers matter less and the physical changes are more important. Though I am trying SO hard to stop weighing myself everyday and relying on that number to set my mood for the rest of the day, it's hard. Everyone has been telling me I look like I've lost a lot of weight recently, so even though I may not see it, others are, so I guess I am doing something right. I suppose slow and steady wins the race.
It's also around that time where I have started my training for the Broad Street Run! I am determined not to get hurt this year, so I have been very careful with my training. It's been a delicate balance with also teaching about 3 Spinning classes each week and having 3 running days, but I am managing so far.
Lately, I have been focusing on eating clean. Just cutting out processed foods and focusing on homemade and whole foods. It's been a bit of a challenge, but I am really doing my best. Here are some of my favorite products that are considered clean and help me get through my days.
Quest Bars:
Quest bars are all natural, high protein, low carb, gluten free protein bars. Some of the flavors are ABSOLUTELY delicious: chocolate chip cookie dough, cinnamon roll, apple pie, and the peanut butter cups. I have not had all of the flavors, but the ones I had were awesome. They are a little chewy and dense, but if you heat them up for about 15 seconds, they're softer and even more delicious. Each bar has 20-21 grams of protein and between 3-6 active carbs (meaning they have a lot of fiber that 'cancels out' some of the carbs - very scientific wording, I know..). *If you use the code 'SAMPLE' when you order, they will send you an extra bar for free as well as ship your order for free!*
Peanut Flour:
Peanut flour is defattened, ground up peanuts. I have an ADDICTION to peanut butter, so this is my go to option for the next best thing. Similar to PB2 but without the added salt and sugar. I mix 2 Tbsp of the peanut flour, 1 Tbsp water, a dash of salt, and a few drops of Stevia and spread it on one slice of bread to take for lunch. I also use it in smoothies. It can be used to thicken soups, in baked goods, or for coating meats for dishes like Pad Thai. In 1/2 cup (4 Tbsp) there is 110 calories, 4 g fat, and 16 g protein. Even though it doesn't specifically taste like peanut butter (especially the processed plastic butter that almost everyone eats like JIF and Skippy), it is enough to satisfy my cravings! If you click the picture of the peanut flour, it will take you to the website iHerb.com. *Use the code 'MMM553' to get yourself - as a first time customer - $5 off any purchase under $40 and $10 off any purchase over $40. I will also get rewarded for you using the code, so spread the love!*
Little side note:
Make sure you check your labels. Jif (and many other peanut butters, not to mention things like cool whip..) contain hydrogenated oils. They're terrible for you. I'm not getting into it, but you can read up on it here if you would like.) Look for organic peanut butters that contain ONLY peanuts (and probably a tiny bit of salt, but avoid it if you can). Just check out the ingredients in the pictures below and decide what YOU want to put in your body. You really are what you eat.
Protein Powders:
I really struggle with protein powders. I really HATE whey protein. I think it's very gritty and has a weird taste. So, lately I have been using Jay Robb egg white protein - strawberry flavored. It's pretty delicious and mixes well with shakes and is a great supplement to an PWO meal (post workout meal). I would not recommend baking with it, it turns out pretty rubbery. Per scoop, there are: 120 calories, 0 g fat, 4 g carbs, and 24 g protein. Can't beat that! Click on the picture to check out the website!
I also just tried About Time Whey Protein. It is made of whey protein isolates, so it's not as gritty and it is absorbed quicker especially PWO. I have only tried the chocolate flavor, and it was pretty darn good. I mixed it with almond milk and the peanut butter flour previously mentioned and had one kickass protein smoothie. They have a bunch of different flavors and they're all clean!! The nutrition for these are: 105 calories, 0 fat, 0 carbs, and about 25 g of protein. Check them out by clicking on the picture. *if you use the code "BEAN" you will get 25% off your order!* Check out their trial packs - you can get 2 for $3.99 or if you use the code 2 for $2.99. For trying out a new product, you can't be mad about that!!
I am going to try to start posting more, especially since I've had people coming to me to ask questions. If you have anything specific you would like me to post about, leave me a comment!! :)
Peace, Love, and Happiness. xo
