Decadently... Healthy?!

Yes, you read that title right!

I've created (initially based off of and inspired by Jamie Eason) two new desserts/snacks so decadent that you wouldn't even THINK they were healthy if you didn't create them yourself! I mean, I don't wanna toot my own horn, but I PROMISE my family will back me up on this!  Today was my second batch of s'mores protein cake since Sunday... and it's only Wednesday!

I immediately got inspired for something s'mores-related when I found these at Target:

I would've bought these even if they were $400 because they're just that cute! 

Okay, okay, without any further procrastination...

S'mores Protein Bars (... or Cake!)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oat flour (plain oats ground into a flour texture)
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup Stevia/Splenda/sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 egg whites
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 (individually-added) tbsp apple sauce
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
handful of flaxseed (optional... I used 2-4 tbsp)
1/2 cup teeny tiny marshmallows (or mini marshmallows, halved)
1 tbsp baking powder

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Blend oats with protein powder, sweetener, baking powder and salt. Blend until oats are completely ground and everything's mixed. When done, pour into a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites with almond milk, apple and vanilla extract. Add into large bowl.
Mix, then pour in marshmallows and flaxseed. Mix until fully combined.
Pour into two 8x8 trays (or whatever size you want).
Bake for 21 minutes. (That's the time that seemed perfect both times I made these... I know, odd, but make sure you don't over-bake! They will come out dry if you do. Otherwise, they're moist for DAYS!)

Apple & Almond Protein Bars (or, again, CAKE!)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oat flour
2 scoops cinnamon roll or vanilla protein
approx. 2/3 cup apple, diced (I used Golden Delicious... My favorite!)
1/2 cup sweetener
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
2 egg whites
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 (individually-added) tbsp apple sauce
1 tsp almond extract
handful of slivered almonds
handful of flaxseed (optional)
1 tbsp baking powder

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Blend oats with protein powder, sweetener, baking powder and salt. Blend until oats are completely ground and everything's mixed. When done, pour into a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites with almond milk, apple and almond extract. Add into large bowl.
Mix, then pour in diced apple, slivered almonds and flaxseed. Mix until fully combined.
Pour into two 8x8 trays (or whatever size you want).
(Optional but recommended >>) Mix together 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/3 cup sweetener and a pinch of nutmeg. Sift on top.
Bake for 21 minutes. (Again, that's the time that seemed perfect for these! Haha.)

I hope you guys enjoy and make these for yourself! If you had to choose one to make, I'd 100% recommend the s'mores first. They came out incredible both times, and my family is obsessed! Even got my little sister's approval! 

Banana Nut Microwave Muffin (or Cake?)

Another microwave dessert, you say?

Yes.

Now, I bet you all are wondering; Alissa, how many different microwave mug cakes can you make?

The answer: a lifetime supply. I will never stop! 

Banana Nut Microwave Muffin (... or Cake!)

Ingredients:
2 tbsp dry oats
1/3 banana, mashed and melted
1 egg white
dash of cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 tbsp almond milk
1 packet of sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda (optional, but recommended)
sprinkle of brown sugar (around 1/4 tsp)
sprinkle of nuts of your choice (I used sliced almonds!)


Directions:
Mix everything, aside from the nuts, in a bowl. Stir in nuts when mixed completely.


Spray the mug of your choice (make sure it's microwave-safe, and keep in mind, it's gonna take the shape of whatever one you choose!) with non-stick spray. Pour in your "batter".

Microwave for 3 minutes. (Don't do any more than 3:30! At 4:00, it ends up drying up. It's still good, just not as moist.)

(^ Example of why you cannot microwave it for longer than 3:00! Haha. It still tasted AMAZING, though! I promise!)

P.S. It is only 80% necessary to wear completely mismatching pajamas while devouring.

The Most Random of All WIAW (#27)

I'm dubbing this 'the most random WIAW' because I have no intro, this post is filled with goodies from all throughout the past week, AND because this is a quicky post! 

11/6/12 - Snack/Dessert: celebrated having power and heat back for the first time in nearly 9 full days with a healthy MICROWAVE CAKE, of course!

Strawberry-coconut microwave oat (flour-less!) cake on top of a chopped apple + chocolate granola + cereals, topped with peanut butters & cinnamon roll #protein cream and homemade healthy "Almond Joy" almond milk ice cream, all topped with clean chocolate sauce!! 

11/7/12 - Breakfast: healthy banana split egg white oatmeal inside a nearly empty Dark Chocolate Dreams jar.

11/7/12 - Dinner: brinner. Breakfast food at dinnertime... The best of both worlds!

Pumpkin pancakes topped with peanut butter + cinnamon roll protein cream + cinnamon + banana slices + cereals/chocolate granola + clean chocolate sauce + light maple syrup and an egg white protein scramble over lettuce & hot sauce! And a mug of protein hot chocolate with 5 mini marshmallows. Mmmm!

11/8/12 - Breakfast: this was quite delicious!

Gingerbread tea infused egg white oatmeal with chocolate granola + cereals + apple slices (from the smallest and cutest apple ever!) + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + Biscoff spread + cinnamon roll protein cream + a mini gingerbread man! Oh, and an extra dash of unsweetened vanilla almond coconut Almond Breeze milk!

11/8/12 - Snack: nothing too special here... Just showing off our awesome $1 apple corer AND slicer!! Best invention for the lazy... aka me.

11/8/12 - Snack/Dessert: (this went with the apple!)

Banan anut oat microwave muffin stuffed with a pumpkin spice Hershey Kiss (topped with PB & cinnamon roll protein frosting) over diced apples + cereal/granola, with homemade "Almond Joy" almond milk ice cream, allllll topped with healthy chocolate sauce!!!

It's all about balance and moderation, lovelies!

11/9/12 - Breakfast: 100% clean 'coffee cake'/'crumb cake' egg white oatmeal with crushed up protein cereal + granola + lots of peanut butter (my one true love!) + banana + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon “crust”/bottom, topped with a healthy peanut butter crumb topping + cinnamon + crushed protein cereal & an extra dash of unsweetened vanilla almond coconut Almond Breeze milk!

This actually came out REALLY good! {Let me know if you want a recipe!}

11/9/12 - Snack/Dessert: nutrient-packed snack of microwave pumpkin cake on top of 2 small diced apples + a few banana slices (and some granola + cereal) topped with peanut butters and cinnamon roll protein frosting, with homemade chocolate protein almond milk ice cream, all topped with healthy chocolate sauce (that was a bit too liquid-y...)!

 11/10/12 - Breakfast: I love pancake Saturday.
rotein #pancakes (using a FULL SERVING! of protein powder!!!!) layered with peanut butters + cinnamon roll protein cream + banana slices + chocolate granola (gluten-free & nut-free) + a bit of cereal, all topped with some shredded coconut, cinnamon and a drizzle of light maple syrup.
A better look at these beauties...

11/10/12 - Dinner: went all out and made my family a super healthy and clean dinner!

An amazing church gave us a HUGE homegrown cabbage and a HUGE bag of fresh russet potatoes for free, so I decided to put it all to good use.

I baked mini 93/7 lean Italian hamburgers in cupcake tins then put them in a pot of sautéed beef soup broth & mushrooms, garlic & onion steamed cabbage, and microwaved “baked” potatoes! We also have some canned veggies, and I also added some salsa and garlic & onion diced tomatoes to my plate! Loads of nutrients going on (I had TONS of greens at lunch prior, btw), and calories were not being cared about at ALL! I even had BUTTER on my NON-SWEET potato with no regrets! (Including my other true love, feta❤, and some plain Greek yogurt.)

11/11/12 - Breakfast: I discovered how amazing warm oatmeal + cold pudding went together this day.

'Boston cream pie' egg white oatmeal with gluten-free & nut-free natural chocolate granola + banana slices + healthy chocolate Greek yogurt mixture + vanilla pudding & White Chocolate Wonderful mixture + a sprinkle of shredded coconut and slivered almonds + a dash of unsweetened vanilla almond coconut milk.

H.E.AV.E.N.L.Y.

11/11/12 - Snack/Experiment!: made really yummy clean and healthy egg-free, oil-free & flour-free peanut butter oatmeal cookies with natural gluten-free & nut-free chocolate granola since I had no chocolate chips!

I took inspiration from Chocolate Covered Katie, but I wish the batch came out to more!

My mom, dad AND little sister approve! I’d definitely add more peanut butter next time, though.

11/11/12 - Snack/Dessert: clean chocolate protein microwave mug cake topped with peanut butters & cinnamon roll protein frosting & cinnamon, on top of fruit, chocolate granola, and homemade chocolate protein almond milk ice cream!

11/12/12 - Breakfast: we also got a huge container of dry instant oats from that lovely church that I mentioned earlier, and I've never had them before, so I decided to try them out this morning...

Holy COW did this oatmeal come out big and FLUFFY! I don't know if it was the oats or not, but I'm gonna convince myself it was.

Healthy pumpkin CHEESECAKE egg white oatmeal with chocolate granola + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + a drizzle of light maple syrup + prepared sugar-free/fat-free cheesecake pudding mix + cinnamon + a dash of extra unsweetened Almond Breeze + Biscoff spread (more added after the picture!)

Everyone needs to add prepared (the night before or a few hours before) pudding to their oats immediately, okay? Okay.

11/12/12 - Breakfast: this oatmeal bowl deserved an award.

I added 2 egg whites plus a scoop of pumpkin puree to the oats before cooking, along with my other ingredients, stirred really well, cooked it in the microwave for a few minutes... And, BAM! A HUGE bowl of SUPER thick and fluffy oats appeared! It looked like I doubled the amount of oats I made! So awesome, so filling, SO delicious!

THICKEST and FLUFFIEST healthy caramel apple protein egg white oatmeal with pumpkin flax granola + a little bit of cereal + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + drizzles of light maple syrup + 100% natural peanut butter + caramel Greek yogurt + an extra dash of unsweetened Almond Milk.

I'll take four more bowls of this, thank you.

11/14/12 - Breakfast: clean and healthy 'brownie batter' protein egg white oatmeal with plain Kix cereal (one of the healthiest cereals… Barely any ingredients! Really dry and bland on their own, though) + chocolate granola + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + an extra dash of unsweetened Almond Breeze, all inside a nearly-empty White Chocolate Wonderful jar!

Here's a random workout diary featuring me, my naked face, and awkward "douche" pictures:

My other workouts can be found here and/or on my Instagram... which I post on a bit too much!

OH, and I didn't mention this to you guys yet, buuuuut...

I BEAT MY LONGEST PLANK BY ALMOST A FULL MINUTE ON SATURDAY!!

My arms and "abs" have been sore for DAYS since then...  And it's such a great feeling.

I hope you all are having an amazing November, an amazing week, and an amazing day! Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!! Can you guys believe it?!?! The holidays are HEEEEEERE!! YAY FOR FOOD, FAMILY, FRIENDS, DECORATIONS, HAPPINESS, HOLIDAY MUSIC, AND CHRISTMAS MOVIES!! 

What I Ate Wednesday #24 - It's Already Mid-October!?

It's October 17th already? W h a t!? It's already WIAW again?! This year is FLYING by!

On the bright side, at least the holidays are almost here!! YAY!! Can't wait to bake cookies, watch the snow fall, and watch ALL THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES!

Haha. Anyways, since today is Wednesday, that means it's time for me to post some weekly eats!

10/10/12 - Dessert/Snack: another clean dessert/nighttime snack!

Strawberry-pumpkin mini microwave cake stuffed with chocolate and topped with all the thingssss! And some homemade caramel almond milk “ice cream” (with some not-so-healthy PUMPKIN PIE ICE CREAM) alongside! 

10/11/12 - Breakfast: ugh... I just love OIAJ so much.

 I finished this entire jar all by myself... And I’m very proud! Hahahaha.

The most perfect and fluffy pumpkin pie egg white oatmeal with a sprinkle of granolas (plain, peanut butter & oatmeal raisin!) + a few Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter... All inside a nearly-empty Cinnamon Raisin Swirl jar!

10/11/12 - Snack/Dessert: probably my absolute FAVORITE single-serving dessert yet!

"Reese's" protein muffin with my usual sides!

10/12/12 - Breakfast: this came out SO good, omg. My oatmeals have been so greatly plump lately!

Let's call this my ‘Friday favorites’ oatmeal! Haha. The FLUFFIEST chocolate protein egg white oats with granola (plain & peanut butter) + a sprinkle of my favorite cereals (Cinnamon Toast Crunch & peanut butter Cheerios) + banana slices + some plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + White Chocolate Wonderful & Biscoff spread!

10/13/12 - Breakfast:  a super cold fall morning called for (PROTEIN!) PANCAKES!

I decided to try out some clean pumpkin "powercakes"... I mean, they took nearly an hour to finish and perfect, but they seriously turned out to be some of the BEST pancakes I've EVER had! Plus, this is ONE SERVING! 5 BIG PANCAKES! Without the toppings, the calorie count is only about 180-200 with loads of protein! Thank you, Kacey!

I topped them with healthy chocolate sauce & maple Greek yogurt frosting, along with banana & granolas and what not! This looks like the un-healthiest thing ever, when it was actually the COMPLETE opposite!

{Let me know if you guys want the recipe for all of this!}

10/13/12 - Dinner: eh... Treated myself to my favorites from KFC with absolutely no regrets... until afterward! I've felt nauseous with a sour stomach, on and off, for days after eating this. Bleh. The mashed potatoes, fries and popcorn chicken were worth it, though! Haha. Oh, and the biscuit... Mmmmmmm!!

But, anyways, even though I had treated myself to cheese-y bread the night prior, I decided to go ahead and eat this for dinner anyway because I really wanted it. I got my old absolute favorite meal — the "laptop"... Except it's now apparently 10x smaller and comes in a weird box, haha. I also had some of the best fries and mashed potatoes, and the best biscuit, evaaaah! The grilled chicken was alright... I think it's what made me kinda sick, though. My mom has felt kinda sick after eating from there, too... Bleeeh!!

10/14/12 - Breakfast: this smelled like pure fall in a dish/bowl!!

Perfect post-workout power-breakfast! The best pumpkin pie protein egg white oatmeal with some granola + some cereals + banana slices + a spoonful of pumpkin pie yogurt + a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + shredded coconut + clean chocolate sauce + maple yogurt frosting + a drizzle of light maple syrup + some of my favorite nut butters!

10/14/12 - Lunch: I love me some food.

Don't judge, don't judge... Haha. I found pumpkin spice bagel thins, and naturally HAD to buy and try them IMMEDIATELY! 110 calories, 3g of sugar and 5g protein? PLUS IT’S PUMPKIN?! Yessss!! Perfect!!

Haha. This lunch consisted of a pumpkin spice bagel thin (half with Dark Chocolate Dreams, banana & coconut, and half with Biscoff spread & granola), a Boca original vegan veggie burger (70 calories and 13g of DELICIOUS protein!), some baked chicken, a pickle & a plate of fresh vegetables with plain Greek yogurt + ranch powder to dip! I've had this a few times lately... Too goooood.

10/14/12 - Dessert/Snack: microwave protein cinnamon roll with maple Greek yogurt frosting & homemade almond milk pumpkin pie ice cream! I also had my usual side of a sliced apple and pear.

{Recipe coming soon!}

10/15/12 - Breakfast: this peanut butter took me/my family quite a bit to finish, even though it was a small jar... It was too salty for my liking, but otherwise, it was good! The granola gave it really nice texture and made it extra filling.

This OIAJ consisted of brownie batter protein egg white oatmeal with granolas + cereals + banana slices + a bit of plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + a mini dollop of Biscoff spread, all inside a nearly-empty jar of banana granola nut Planters peanut butter!

10/15/12 - Dinner: calories shmalories... This was PACKED with SO many nutrients, I don't/didn't even care if it's "high in calories". Forrealsies.

2 WHOLE hard boiled eggs (team yolk forever!), some lean deli turkey, chickpeas, vegetables, and a medium-sized microwaved “baked” sweet potato all over baby spinach, artisan & iceberg lettuce. Dressing is plain Greek yogurt + salsa, with a drizzle of hot sauce and grated Parmesan.

10/15/12 - Dessert/Snack: this microwaved clean dessert was VERY successful!

Banana bread FUNFETTI "cupcake" with maple yogurt Frosting!

My brother saw me make this and really wanted to try one, so he tried my "Reese's" cake (with even more peanut butter), and he loved it!! I'm so happy and proud, haha.

{Recipe is coming!}

10/16/12 - Breakfast: strawberry shortcake (it was actually pink-ish in person, haha. Promise!) & melted banana egg white oatmeal with granolas + cereals + banana slices + plain Greek yogurt + cinnamon + White Chocolate Wonderful & Biscoff spread! Oh, and a splash of extra almond milk.

This was absolutely delicious!

10/16/12 - Dessert/Snack: essentially, this is basically my "Reese's" mini cake/muffin with a bit of tweaking. I wish I got better pictures of it before devouring it, but I really didn’t expect it to be good enough to take pictures of, though! Haha. I expected it to be just like the original... But it was even BETTER!

It turned out to be bigger than my usual ones, and SO. SUPER. MOIST. AND. PERFECT. I don’t know WHAT I did so differently... Maybe it was the addition of baking soda, but I can’t even describe how good this was. It tasted like one of those “lava cakes” from Applebees/Chilis/Dominos, except 100% clean and healthy... AND stuffed with peanut butter goodness!

I know the measurements are weird, as are some ingredients, but it was an experimental on-the-spot thing that turned into something worth sharing immediately! Hehe. (Btw, you can always sub ingredients and add more/less as you please. I just add what I want!)

10/17/12 - Breakfast: I didn't have testing today, so I only had a 2 hour school day... Which means I obviously stayed home instead of going! Hehe.

Woke up early, had an amazing workout session, then got to have this beauty! (Currently eating, btw.)

The fluffiest pumpkin pie egg white oatmeal with granolas + some of my favorite cereals + banana slices + pumpkin pie yogurt & plain Greek yogurt (a dollop of both!) + shredded coconut + cinnamon + some Dark Chocolate Dreams, all inside a nearly-empty White Chocolate Wonderful jar!

Smells incredible!!

My workouts and awkward flexing poses are right here!

Happy WIAW, lovelies! Have a great day, and remember to stay positive and keep pushing.