What I Ate Wednesday #23

Hiya and happy hump day, lovelies! 
I've been changing up my meals more and more, and I could not be happier about that!

10/3/12 - Dessert/Snack: microwaved low calorie, high nutrient protein brownie! This time, it was an “Almond Joy” flavored brownie, topped with more homemade pumpkin spice almond milk "ice cream" (and lots of other things)!

10/4/12 - Breakfast: OIAJ two days in a row?! Hey, I was NOT complaining! Hehe. My mom finished off the majority of this jar the night before, and I could NOT let the remainder go to waste!

Strawberry banana protein egg white oatmeal with granola + some Cinnamon Toast Crunch + banana slices + a bit of plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + shredded coconut + a little bit of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter, all inside a nearly-empty White Chocolate Wonderful jar!

10/4/12 - Dessert/Snack: I know my protein brownie dessert/nighttime snack posts may be getting old and annoying, but this one came out INCREDIBLY good and I HAD to photograph it!   I made my microwaved “Almond Joy” protein brownie, and topped it with homemade mint chocolate almond milk “ice cream” (and obviously lots of other things, including a slather of 4 different peanut butters!! Hehe), and it was AMAZING!! I just added a sprinkle of both unsweetened natural cocoa powder & mint chocolate flavored Duncan Hines Frosting Creations to my almond milk ice cream recipe. I never liked mint chocolate before tonight! 

10/5/12 - Breakfast: one of my weirdest, yet most delicious oatmeal concoctions to date~

Pumpkin pie egg white oats with different granolas + cinnamon cereals + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + defrosted frozen blueberries + shredded coconut + a nice spoonful of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter.

10/5/12 - Dinner: guess who treated herself to EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED for dinner on her REST DAY!? That’s right, MEEEE!  I was CRAVING Chinese food for SO long, but I kept convincing my mom not to get it... Until Friday!!  I’m SO proud of myself, and I'm incredibly glad I ordered what I wanted! It WAS a lot of food, but nobody said I had to eat it all! I ate almost all of it... I had some leftovers (barely any, hehe) for the next day, but it doesn’t matter anyway because I don’t do things like this everyday!

The biggest dish is my favorite steamed veggies & shrimp, and the smaller dish is chicken & broccoli with a few spare rib tips! Oh, and I had an egg roll too because I wanted it quite bad, and I was NOT letting myself deprive myself any longer.

I love little victories like this.

10/5/12 - Snack/Dessert: another day, another sinfully healthy and INCREDIBLY delicious clean dessert/nighttime snack! I couldn’t decide between a pumpkin muffin or protein brownie, so I created a super clean pumpkin and banana microwave brownie/cake, with a few mini marshmallows for fun! I topped it with my homemade mint chocolate almond milk "ice cream", and lots of other things, of course. One of my favorite easy recipes yet!

{Recipe coming soon!}

10/6/12 - Breakfast: I woke up wanting this, and I am very glad I "allowed" myself to have it with absolutely no regrets. (This is a big step for me, haha.)

A fallen apart pumpkin & banana “omelet” stuffed with granola + banana slices + some Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter + shredded coconut, and the best parts — one slice of PUMPKIN SWIRL bread topped with Biscoff spread + banana + granola + cinnamon, and one slice of 100% whole wheat cinnamon raisin bread topped with White Chocolate Wonderful + banana + granola + cinnamon. 

SO. DELICIOUS.

10/5/12 - Lunch: such a beautiful colorful and healthy lunch!

Veggie & spicy mustard sandwich on light soft wheat bread, leftover steamed shrimp & baked chicken, and lots and lots of vegetables with plain Greek yogurt + ranch powder.

10/5/12 - Dinner: after having loads of yummy Chinese food the night before, I decided to treat my family to a lovely homemade healthy dinner tonight (Saturday)!

Baked chicken seasoned & wrapped in bacon, mashed garlic & onion cauliflower “mashed potatoes”, and lots of corn & peas! I also had a mini “baked” sweet potato with salsa & plain Greek yogurt and a few pickle slices myself. Oh, and I put my chicken over fresh baby spinach!

I was SO happy with the result of all of this!! My mom, who's a cauliflower hater, LOVED the cauliflower “mashed potatoes”! YAY! Success!

10/6/12 - Breakfast: the best and fluffiest "pumpkin pie" egg white oatmeal with plain & PEANUT BUTTER (aka the freaking greatest, completely natural) granola + a few squares of Cinnamon Toast Crunch + banana slices + maple protein “frosting” + shredded coconut + Cinnamon Raisin Swirl & Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter + cinnamon + a drizzle of maple syrup... Inside a fall-themed dish!

This was probably the best bowl of oatmeal I've ever had. And I've had a lot of oatmeal. (Let me know if you want the recipe!)

10/7/12 - Breakfast: overflowing OIAJ for my post-workout breakfast on Sunday!

"Almond Joy" protein egg white oatmeal with plain & peanut butter granola + a sprinkle of my two favorite cereals (Cinnamon Toast Crunch & peanut butter Cheerios!) + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + slivered almonds + shredded coconut, all inside a nearly-empty delicious Biscoff spread jar!

Tip: stir in egg whites (or a whole egg) and a spoonful of pure pumpkin purée to your oats VERY well when cooking — it plumps them up without added flavor!

10/7/12 - "Snack": homemade healthy protein hot chocolate for a nice afternoon pick-me-up on this lovely cold evening! With some not-so-healthy, but still good for the soul, mini marshmallows! 

I actually NEVER liked hot chocolate until this moment... Homemade over packaged any day!!

(Plus, mine had added protein & nutrients... Totes a win-win! Hehe.)

P.S. Caloric drinks, including protein shakes, were kind of a “fear food/drink” for me... But psh, effff that!

10/8/12 - Breakfast: not to toot my own horn or anything, but I've seriously been making the best and fluffiest oats lately! I don't know what I've done so differently, but I LIKE IT!

~Banana bread egg white oatmeal with granola (plain & peanut butter) + my favorite cereals + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + defrosted frozen blueberries + White Chocolate Wonderful (I only put a little because I always add more as I eat... Hehe.)

10/9/12 - Dessert/Snack: I'm becoming a pro at my quick, easy, and 100% clean & healthy dessert/nighttime snack!

This came out looking odd because I mixed in the baking powder last minute, and because I didn't fully mix in the little bit of banana, but it literally tasted JUST like a#sugar cookie... EXCEPT IT WAS MICROWAVED! And HEALTHY! Hehe. I topped it with some healthy... and some not-so-healthy (hehe)... ice creamz, and lots of other things! I always have my nighttime dessert/snack with a side of either just sliced apples, or a sliced apple and slice pear.

{Recipe coming soon!}

10/10/12 - Breakfast: before anyone tells me how "unhealthy" Marshmallow Fluff is... I don’t currrrr!! Hehe.

Perfect pumpkin egg white oatmeal with plain & peanut butter granola + Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares + banana slices + some plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + shredded coconut + Cinnamon Raisin Swirl PB (which I'm almost out of... You know what that means!), in a nearly-empty fat-free Marshmallow Fluff jar! 90% clean and that is 100% okay with me!

My workout diary, including awkward pictures of me flexing, can be found here!

So, aside from the delicious food I've been eating recently, life has been pretty good overall. Of course it still has its ups and downs, but when will it not, ya know? It's all about staying positive at this point! Oh, and I didn't mention that I WON 'MOST CHANGED' FOR MY CLASS' SENIOR SUPERLATIVES!  Seeing I had lost 60-70 lbs since sophomore year, it made me feel really proud and happy that so many other people acknowledged that and voted me for 'most changed'. I know that winning a school senior superlative doesn't seem like an actual accomplishment, but it feels like one and I'm so happy about it. It's a really lovely memory to look back on.

Hard work always pays off, no matter what. The key is to never give up.

P.S. I got my mom addicted to everything pumpkin.

I have no regrets.

Easy and Sinfully Healthy

Have you ever had an extreme sweet craving or sweet tooth later in the evening/night?
Have you ever wanted to eat an entire pan of brownies, or batch of muffins, just because of that sweet craving?

Well, never fear! Instead of ignoring your craving, binging, or having to bake an entire batch of something just for you (then having to wait 30 minutes for it to bake), why not make a 1-2 minute microwaved little piece of healthy Heaven? Sounds impossible, right?
Wrong! It's actually the complete opposite!

This past week, I've been experimenting with new, easy, quick, and healthy dessert/snack ideas. Aside from my mini pumpkin microwave cake, I've actually made a few more successful goodies! A blueberry muffin/mini cake and (my newest and most "prized" dessert) a chocolate protein brownie, to be exact. And, yes, both are microwaved, healthy, delicious, and quite low calorie (so that means you can top with ALL THE PEANUT BUTTER!).

Now I bet you all think I should stop blabbing and get to the recipes, right? I understand completely.

Clean Single-Serving Blueberry Muffin with Maple "Frosting"

Ingredients:

2 tbsp dry oats*

dash of cinnamon

dash of salt

1 packet of Stevia/sweetener

sprinkle of brown sugar (optional)

2 tbsp blueberries, fresh OR frozen

1 tbsp liquid egg whites

1-2 tbsp almond milk

1-2 tbsp mashed banana (or apple sauce, butter, or some type of oil)

1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

frosting:

2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

1/4 tsp maple syrup

1/4 tsp melted cinnamon raisin swirl pb (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together really well in a microwave-safe mug. Your muffin will form to the size of this mug.

Microwave for 2-3 minutes.

When you can easily flip it out of the mug without it falling apart (use a fork or knife to carve around the muffin when you think it's done), do so, then top with your maple "frosting".

A look inside this beautiful creation:

*You can use flour in replace of oats, but if you do, only microwave it for 1 minute before checking if it's done.

Clean Single-Serving Protein Brownie

Ingredients:

1 tbsp whole wheat flour

1 tbsp dry oats

1 tbsp liquid egg whites

2 tbsp almond milk

pinch of salt

dash of cinnamon

1/2 tbsp unsweetened all natural cocoa powder

1 tbsp milk chocolate protein powder*

1/5 banana, mashed

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

1 packet of Stevia/sweetener

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Mix all ingredients extremely well.

Microwave for 1 minute in a rectangular or square microwave-safe dish.

Then top with all the things!

(On the left, I got a bit of plain Greek yogurt on top of the brownie... Oopsies! Yours won't look like that when it's done, haha.)

*This can be made with just cocoa or protein powder if preferred!

**WARNING: This can be deliciously addictive! Even the "batter" tasted like brownie batter!!**

Oh, and I also made a microwaved "Almond Joy" flavored protein brownie! I used a sprinkle of chocolate almond flavored Duncan Hines Frosting Creations, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut... Came outeven better than the plain!

Now, don't yell at me if you try one of these (or both!) and get addicted!! I warned you!  At least they're both healthy and clean addictions, right?!

Aside from my microwave recipes, you can also check out the lovely Chocolate Covered Katie for some more!

More single-serving and normal recipes will be coming soon! I've been loving making new meals and experimenting in the kitchen!

What I Ate Wednesday #22 - So Many Changes!

Before I begin this WIAW post... How is it already Wednesday again?! I feel like I literally JUST posted my last WIAW!
*I'm pretty sure I say that more often than not...*

Okay, anyways!! This past week, I've changed up my meals a TON! I'm not only very proud of, and happy about that, but I've also treated myself a couple of times with no regrets. Yep, that's right. I think I'm turning into a different person! 
Love this months theme! Thanks, Jenn!

9/26/12 - Dinner: I LOVE breakfast. And I love it even more when eaten twice a day!

Breakfast for dinner -- super healthy & low calorie cinnamon pumpkin spice pancakes topped with Biscoff spread, bananas, granola, a drizzle of light maple syrup & cinnamon + pumpkin pie spice, alongside an egg white scramble and warm cinnamon green tea.

These came out incredible. My pumpkin pancakes have never came out so good!

9/27/12 - Breakfast: oatmeal is best out of a jar.

This is what I like to call my "little bit of everything" oatmeal!

Cinnamon roll protein egg white oatmeal with granola + a few pieces of Cinnamon Toast Crunch + frozen blueberries + banana slices + a crumbled up leftover delicious banana pumpkin oatmeal muffin (so sad they're gone!) + White Chocolate Wonderful peanut butter!

9/28/12 - Breakfast: mocha cocoa egg white (with some yolk... Oopsies!) oatmeal with a sprinkle of oatmeal raisin granola + a few Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares + banana slices & frozen blueberries + a bit of plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + some of a crumbled banana pumpkin oatmeal muffin + White Chocolate Wonderful.

9/28/12 - Lunch (part of it, haha): things I will ALWAYS eat (in moderation!) and NEVER give up: spinach & feta cheese-y bread from Dominos. Not sorry.

9/28/12 - Snack: this re-started my love for mug cakes. This was definitely one of the most delicious, SUPER clean & healthy, low calorie dessert/snacks ever!

A mini pumpkin & banana oat microwave cake with homemade strawberry almond milk "ice cream"… (Yeah, it really was as freaking fabulous as it looks and sounds.) Also had some apple slices & a nice warm mug of cinnamon green tea.

9/29/12 - Breakfast: I had work for the first time in weeks from 12pm-3:10pm (originally, it was until 4:00 pm, but we didn't have enough business for me to stay any longer), and then I went grocery shopping with my mom, so I needed a nice hearty breakfast!

Baked cinnamon pumpkin spice egg white oatmeal with lots of toppings/mix-ins! A sprinkle of oatmeal raisin & pumpkin flax granolas + Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares + a few banana & apple slices/cubes + some plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + a drizzle of maple syrup + banana nut granola peanut butter & Biscoff spread. Delicious.

9/29/12 - Dinner: my semi-healthy dinner that made me incredibly happy. Hehe.

All I had eaten since my breakfast at 9:40 am (it was around 5:45 pm now), was 1.5 mini apples & a few grapes. I got off work early (like I previously mentioned; around 50 minutes early), but I immediately head out food shopping with my mom after! She thankfully brought me an apple, but that obviously didn't fill me! Haha. Anyways! My dinner was EXACTLY what I wanted (eff you, disordered & restrictive thoughts and habits!) -- a 9-grain honey oat sub with bacon & tons of vegetables & salsa, and a sweet onion teriyaki chicken & vegetable salad. Freakin' perfect!

9/30/12 - Breakfast: the best post-workout breakie; OVERFLOWING. oats. in. a. jar.

Pumpkin cinnamon roll protein egg white oatmeal with granola (plain & pumpkin flax) + a few Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares (no, I will never give them up!) + banana slices + some plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon & pumpkin pie spice + a bit of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter + shredded coconut… All inside a nearly-empty delicious Biscoff spread jar.

... Perfect.

9/30/12 - Snack: one for the best cookies I've ever eaten. Really.

Super soft, mouth-watering pumpkin cheesecake cookie by Pepperidge Farm. So good. So, SO good.

(I planned on having it as a nighttime snack, but I couldn't help myself and I had it in between lunch and dinner!)

10/1/12 - Breakfast: YAY! HAPPY OCTOBER!

Carrot cake egg white oatmeal with granola (plain & oatmeal raisin) + Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + raisins + shredded coconut + maple "frosting" + a drizzle of maple syrup + a dollop (or two...) of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter!

10/1/12 - Snack: mini blueberry microwave muffin topped with a delicious maple "frosting", granola, banana slices, and some melted Biscoff spread.

 I had this with some more homemade almond milk "ice cream", and my usual apple (and pear) slices!

{Recipe coming soon!}

10/2/12 - Breakfast: German chocolate cake inspired protein egg white oatmeal! Topped with maple & peanut butter "frosting" + granola (instead of nuts because I have none) + banana slices + some Cinnamon Toast Crunch (of course!) + Biscoff spread + cinnamon!

This was SO freaking good. I know I overuse that saying, but it WAS! I promise!

10/2/12 - Snack: guess who treated herself to an extra delicious scrumptious cupcake instead of refusing it when she really wanted it? This girl! Yay! Today (October 2nd) was one of the Autistic kids that I work with in school's birthday, and someone made him cupcakes... So, I enjoyed one with the rest of the lovely kids! I loved it, and I’m proud of myself, and I don't even care how lame that sounds. At first, I'll admit that I refused it. Then, I went back and got one because 1. I RARELY “treat myself” (which I'm trying to change, as you can tell!) and 2. I really did want one. So, yes, this was fabulous, and no restricting went on the rest of the day, which makes me even more proud!

10/2/12 - Snack: I cannot believe this was real. And that I created it, all on my own, on the spot.

On-the-spot successful recipes make for the best recipes... Am I right?!

Anyways! This beautiful creation was a microwave completely clean protein brownie, on top of some plain Greek yogurt and cinnamon, all topped with homemade pumpkin spice almond milk "ice cream", Biscoff spread & White Chocolate Wonderful, granola & some crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch (I. Can't. Get. Enough.), banana slices, shredded coconut, cinnamon, some more melted Biscoff spread, and a mini dollop of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter.

I had it with a sliced apple and pear. You can say I ended my Tuesday fabulously.

{Recipe coming soon!}

10/3/12 - Breakfast: I was so happy to have a FULL SERVING(!) of OIAJ for my breakfast today! Yay!

Pumpkin spice egg white oatmeal with granola (plain & pumpkin flax) + some Cinnamon Toast Crunch, of course + banana slices + a bit of plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + shredded coconut, all inside a nearly-empty Dark Chocolate Dreams jar! Perfection in a jar.

My workouts are located here-izzle, as always!
Oh, what else "fun" happened within the past week, you ask? Well, I finally got to work again! Even though it was only for a little over 3 hours, it's better than nothing, right?
Oh, and I got a new tattoo!

I've been REALLY wanting to get this done, and I'm so incredibly happy that I did. It's just a small reminder to stay strong and keep pushing everyday. I love it.

P.S. I'M SO HAPPY IT'S OCTOBER! This means the beautiful weather and the HOLIDAYS are on their way!! YAY!!