PROTEIN POWER!!

So I'm not going to lie, i've begun down that deep dark hole....and i can't get out...obsessing over it. I admit, I have fallen into the protein-eating-obsessed trap lately. All i can think about is increasing my protein intake and coupling that with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Especially now that I am marathon (half marathon....relax....i know, it just sounds so much cooler when you say 'marathon' instead of 'half-marathon'....) training on top of my workouts.

Now the week looks like this:
4-5X weights with HIIT intervals
3-4 times cardio running (2- days 2-3 miles, 1 day 5+ miles, 1 day 3-4 miles)

So now my body needs a lot more protein and complex carbs to not only recover from workout out, but keep me from crapping myself at the gym and flaking out because my "legs are sore from running." Well tough shizzzz! Make it happen!!

Enter: INSPIRATION

 

 SO, every week now I am trying to find creative ways to increase my protein intake with only mid-range count complex carbs and lots of fruits & veggies!

 

Here are some of the things i've "created" (with IG and help of course) that are high in protein, low in calories, and very low in fat! Note to reader: i don't take very pretty/good/professional food photos, so some of these don't do the taste justice...but...you get the point!

 

PROTEIN PANCAKES

Sweet Potato Protein Pancakes (recipe in IG)

 

"Plain" Protein Pancakes (recipe in IG)

 

 

Bean "Empanadas"(approx 211 calories for 3- 20g protein, 0g sugar)

-White beans rinsed & drained
-1 sprig fresh rosemary
-handful fresh basil
-1/2 sheet phyllo dough (unfrozen)


1. Puree all ingredients in food processor

2. Cut into 4 squares and evenly place spoonful of bean mixture into each
3. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until outside is crispy

 

PROTEIN "ICE CREAM"(recipe & nutritional info on IG)

 

 

Stuffed Zucchini Boats and tomatoes!

These were soooo good!! Filled with onions, ground chicken, tomatoes, and diced zucchini, these babies were tasty and nutritious!!

Fairly simple too, and really, you can put whatever you want in them! =) 

Ingredients:

-1 zucchini (for 2 people)

-4 firm tomatoes

-ground lean chicken

-onion

-bread crumbs

-garlic

-spices to taste

-diced celery (1 stalk)

-chopped fresh basil

-Parmesean cheese

How To-sies: 

1. Sautee your ground chicken with spices until done, set aside

2a. Slice longways, the zucchini. Using a melon baller, scoop out the middle to form a "boat"- dice remaining zucchini 

2b. Using a small pairing knife, remove the "lid" of the tomato (kinda like carving off the pumpkin top!) then use your melon baller again to scoop out the middles of tomatoes!

3. Dice onion (1/4 onion) and celery and mince 1 clove garlic- sautee with diced zucchini and then drain

4. Stir chicken and onion mixture together. 

5. Fill boats & tomatoes with chicken mixture- top with a little cheese and bake 350 for 8-10 minutes! 

Protein PB2 Banana Ice Cream

Super easy and super quick & delicious, this came from an inspiration by @thebrojehealthnut - with a tweak of my own! 

What you need:

-1 frozen sliced banana

-1/2 c fat free milk

-few ice cubes

-1 scoop chocolate PB2

-1/2 scoop chocolate whey protein

Blend all together and donesky!!! Super quick and easy!! Next time I'm going to add some oats to the mixture to thicken it up a bit but I was out! It was great!

Approx 208 calories, 36g carbs, 22g protein!

One Pot "Pasta"

So this dish was inspired by the "what can I cook without have 5,000 dishes to do" idea... And it actually turned out VERY good!! I used corn spaghetti to cut back the carbs but you could use whatever! 

Super easy and delicious!!

Literally throw everything in ONE pot, including the pasta-- and awesome goodness comes out!!

What you'll need:

-corn spaghetti (or u can really use whatever kind of pasta you prefer)

-garlic

-onions

-tomatoes

-oilve oil

-basil

-mushrooms

-shredded carrots

-seasoning of your choice

LITERALLy, throw it all in one pot Over boiling water and let cook for 10-12 minutes or so or until pasta is to your liking. I also added red pepper and some shredded chicken I had in the fridge.

Super delish and you have plenty leftover for lunch =) 

Approx 240 calories per serving.

Peanut Butter Oat Smoothie!

This was so super easy and delicious!! Healthy and a great wake up call!

What you need:

-1/2 c Nonfat Greek yogurt 

-1/2 c oats

-1 scoop (2 tbs) PB2

-3 tbs fat free milk

-1 banana

Blend all these babies up and wholia!! Easy peasy! Next time m going to add a scoop of instant coffee =)