Hi all! Another week is flying by and I still have so much to accomplish before starting school again next Tuesday. Ah well, it’ll all get done 
FITNESS
I started today with a great leg workout with my trainer, followed by a meeting to discuss future STS events & promotions with regards to the social media work I’m doing for them. It’s so wonderful to be working with a company (and people) that I so strongly believe in. Everyone at STS has been amazing to me, so I love being able to help them grow! I also had to talk with my trainer about a decision I was struggling with..
Plans Change
After a lot of thought I decided to skip Jr. Nationals in Chicago in June and instead aim for the NPC Jr. USA Championships in August in Texas. It was a tough decision but it was based on a number of factors:
So although I’m a bit disappointed, I know this change of plans is for the best. Now I can both focus on taking care of the other aspects of my life and know I will be able to give my all to being the most prepared I can possibly be when I compete on the national level.
I actually ended up skipping my usual Wednesday Spin class because I could already feel my legs getting sore. Sooo, I went to yoga instead I hadn’t specifically planned on it, but after the first class I decided to stick around for the next, so I ended up doing 2.5 hrs! It’s amazing how fast the time flies. Needless to say, I’m anticipating full body soreness tomorrow :p .. which should be interesting considering I’m planning on going hiking, haha.. oh I never plan these things well.
NUTRITION
Today was one of those bottomless pit days.
Breakfast was lovely Pumpkin Overnight Oats topped with a tbsp of Coconut Butter..
Post-lift session I attempted to refuel with this gigantic Kabocha Protein Pancake! This is deserving of a laid out recipe..
Kabocha Protein Pancake
1.5 scoops Cake Batter Protein Powder
100 g Kabocha
1/4 c Egg Whites
1/8 tsp Cream of Tartar
1/4 c H20
Topping Options: WF Maple Syrup, Walnut Pieces, Coconut, Coconut Butter, Nut Butter
If the Kabocha is cold (I used slices) reheat in the microwave for ~1 minute, then purree in a food processor or blender. Mix all ingredients together on medium speed (definitely helps to use a hand mixer). Cook stovetop like a regular pancake. Enjoy the fluffy sweet awesomeness!
Pre-yoga I snack on 1/3 c Cottage Cheese topped with 1/3 cup Homemade Museli.. It’s not pretty, but it’s a tasty snack with a wonderful nutrition profile.
After Yoga, I almost always crave veggies, and tonight was no different. So into the Salad bowl went: Baby Spinach, Savory Tofu (TJ’s, which I am loving), Dried Tomatoes, Kabocha Squash..
Continuing on my granola experimentation, tonigh I baked up Apple Spice Granola, roughly based on this recipe by Steph Chows.
Apple Spice Granola
1 c Oats
1 c Kashi Go Lean
1/4 c Unsweetend Shredded Coconut
1/4 c Walnut Pieces
1/4 c Apple Sauce
1 tsp Cinnamon
2 tbsp Walden Farms 0-Cal Maple Syrup
Mix first 4 ingredients together. In a separate bowl combine Apple Sauce, Cinnamon & Maple Syrup. Then mix the 2 bowls together. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 F for 20 minutes.
Oh, I also threw in a few leftover Maple Apple pieces
For dessert I made Vega Chocolate Protein Pudding and topped it with fresh out of the oven granola.. yum!
Fun Links
Check out Eat Right NYC’s post for a fantastic giveaway.. Spiritual Gangster tees! This company was actually started by the same people who own the yoga studio I go to. Both companies are fantastic, and the clothes are super cute
As of tomorrow we’re 1/2 way through January. How are your goals &/or resolutions coming?
Fun Links
That pancake looks divine! I think you have made the right decision. I know how tough it must have been given how much you love fitness comps. You will kick butt in the NPC Jr!
Wow! Neat blog! Thanks for stopping by Prevention RD, I really appreciate it!
Those pancakes look delicious! Looking forward to coming back for more nutritious and delicious recipes and more!
Nicole
The granola looks yummy. Good job about being realistic with your competition planning. In the end, it’ll work out how it’s supposed to. As for resolutions, I’m doing great with not “can’t waiting” my days away. As for the negative talk, well, um, err…. I’m trying to be a cheerful person and smiling. It’s amazing how you can sort of lift yourself up just by walking around with head held high and a smile. How are your goals coming along?
Your decision to change your competition date is sound. Don’t have any regrets about it. You have to prioritize things and I think you have made the right decision. Best of luck in your endeavours.
I am sorry to hear that you are a bit sad about the decision, but this will allow you to focus on other things. Something always needs to fill the gap!
I love your granolla!! I will make this
XXOO
Okay. I do NOT like your change of plans. LOL! I was excited about meeting up!
I totally understand your train of thought, and I do think you made the right decision with all that is on your plate (not food plate hehe). Plus, this just gives you more time to bring in an even better package!!
Your decision makes perfect sense so hopefully you have zero regrets!
And that Vega Chocolate Protein Pudding looks to die for! On my list of things to make this weekend:)
Susan
As much as I was looking forward to doing Jr. Nationals with you, I can totally understand the decision you have made. I noticed I get dingy in those past few weeks of cut mode, and making decisions about the future could be influenced. I definately will see your hard work for August in an Oxygen magazine! : )
YUM just sent this page to myself so i can make that kabocha pancake later! love your meals, girl! you ROCK!
I love your healthy foods! I was inspired to make a pumpkin pancake today, but didn’t have access to a computer, so I winged it — also don’t have that Cake Batter Protein Powder! It turned out really well (pureed pumpkin, egg whites, soy flour, a pinch of baking soda, some whipped cottage cheese and a pinch of sugar). If I ever can find the protein powder, I would like to try your recipe. Is it only available on line?