Roasted Carrot Cake Pancakes + Special AZ Delivery!

got a special delivery todaaay!

i knew it was a delivery cause once again i heard an engine start up and a truck burn off before i even got to my first floor, haha.

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Arctic Zeroooooo! *backflip*

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i had been home for hours been home just a lil' while from teaching my 530am HIIT class and hadn't even showered yet but i had to capture this glorious moment with my AZ goodies!  keepin' it real!  no highlight reel over here.  perfect pictures all the time make me apprehensive.  that's just not real life.  plus those 'Perfect Picture' apps i recently found out about (i'm so outta the loop)... i mean, after using it once i'd feel like i'd have to use it every single time and that no picture would be worth posting without it. so i just won't use it at all!  that's just me though.   getting sexified from head to toe is fun too (it's part of the reason we work out, hello) don't get me wrong, but i love meeting followers out in the streets and being in my element = bun, headband, gym clothes.  i should be easily recognizable that way lol #nofilter

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personalization wins me over every time. THANK YOU, ARCTIC ZERO!  i am so appreciative of this! y'all know i've been lookin' for that darn Key Lime Pie flavor for weeks now.

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they sent this Product Request Form with my goodies and i thought that was such a genius idea.  i will be dropping this guy off at my Sprouts Farmers Market ASAP.  after i circle Key Lime Pie of course.

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shucky ducky quack quack. #whostillsaysthat

the new chunky pints all have bits and chunks of goodies in them!  75 cals per 1/2 cup serving and 300 cals total for the entire pint.  they are lactose-free, gluten-free, non GMO, fat-free, low glycemic, Kosher and a highly recommended fit frozen dessert.

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chunky pints... meet Chunky Butt.

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 what you're seeing up there is bits of graham cracker crust in the key lime pie chunky pint. YES!!!! THIS is what i have been waiting to devour and i finally have. two thumbs waaaay up from me. key lime pie is my fave (Papadeaux's specifically) but i said i was gonna make a completely RAW key lime pie for my birthday which is coming up faster that i expected, sheesh. it's all about the kids now anyway; i don't even remember mine is coming until somebody mentions it.  next on our tuesday to-do list was breakfast!

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with hidden veggies! yeah, it's fun being a professional veggie sneaker and all, but i do wish i wouldn't have to go through 'so much' just to get my 3 yr old to eat them.  nevertheless, I CAN'T EVEN with how good these cakes were.  and there's a Chocolate Covered Katie inspired greek yogurt frosting on top!

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 i roasted the carrots on 400 degrees in the oven (spread them in an even layer on a foiled pan) for about 30-40 min or until they are super soft.  i did drizzle them with about a tbsp of raw honey first.

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Roasted Carrot Cake Pancakes

the stuff:(source)

• 1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour OR all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• dash ginger
• dash cloves
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar OR brown sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cashew milk
• 1 tsp melted coconut oil
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups roasted carrots

do this:

1. add every single ingredient to your blender or food processor
2. blend until super smooth
3. heat your griddle to 400 deg or set your cast iron skillet to med-high heat and coat with no-stick cooking spray
4. spoon batter onto griddle by the tbsp; cake size is up to you!
5. once bubbles start to form on top (3-4 min), flip the cake and continue to cook for another 2-3 min or until lightly browned.

top with raw, shredded carrots, greek yogurt icing, and pecan. keep scrollin' for that icing recipe!

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Cinnamon Vanilla Greek Yogurt Icing: (combine & mix!)

• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp Tofutti dairy-free cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp dairy-free greek yogurt
• 4 tbsp Stevia for baking or Truvia
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

make these toddler-friendly, #fitmom approved pancakes and TAG ME on IG!

Q: YouTube ideas needed....what would you like to see?! recipes? more workouts? 

have a terrific tues, y'all.

le

because i do. Chevron Houston Marathon EXPO

we moved right on along to carrots today in the homemade baby food chronicles!

i switch new foods every 4 days or so to give any allergic reactions time to reveal themselves. we'll see what happens. i just eyeballed and simmered raw carrots + cinnamon + water until tender then puree in the Ninja. carrots are naturally sweet like sweet potatoes so they don't need any extra sugar! they also:

• slow down aging
• reduce blood pressure
• reduce risk of stroke
• helps prevent cancer
• facilitates digestion
• boosts immune system
• improve eyesight

my eyesight has been terrible for as long as i can remember.  i've worn glasses since elementary school and only need them to see far distances and to drive.  i pray the boys get Sonny's eyesight cause i am pretty much legally blind!  i hope they get his teeth too cause i went through braces, a head-gear, a retainer...the whole 9.  i'd love to get Invisialign as they are shifting again from not wearing my retainer years ago. i was so happy to be DONE with all that stuff i didn't care. but now i do. that's how it goes!

so far so good!

i've been doing solo dates once a week with Chiso for a while now and today i took him downtown to the GRB for the Chevron Houston Marathon EXPO!  i registered for the 5k while i was there and ran right into my Sorority sister and fitness expert, Crystal!  she was there to do the same thing.

only she was using the 5k for her warmup for the marathon on sunday! superwoman status!  I will be running along side her in a marathon one day, mark my words!  i have yet to do my very first full marathon, but my goal is to do a half mar sometime this year.

i can't wait until this guy can keep up and run alongside me.  i plan to put him in his first 1k this year and i am SO excited to watch him run across his first finish line.

we walked around and visited the booths for a little while,  ate Cliff Bar samples, and eventually made our way to the 'I RUN HOU BECAUSE....' wall.  i gave Chiso the marker and he started drawing shapes :D.  then i asked him, 'why do you like to run, Chiso?' and he simply looked at me and replied 'because i do.'

i didn't even ask him to explain! this time.

pose for the frame! neat idea!

then we went to Whole Foods for lunch.  we discussed his new friends in the child care center at our gym and also sports he would like to try this year.  3 is still tougher than 2 in my opinion but it has its highlights like all ages i'm sure!  i'm loving our discussions these days.  pepperoni pizza for Chi,

spring mix salad with pomegranate vinaigrette,

and a few scoops of the hot bar items for me which included: chicken fajitas w/ peppers & onions, hoke (white fish), cilantro-lime rice, and a scoop of spinach/mushroom enchiladas- they looked too good not to try!  the enchilada pan was pretty much empty and i saw why. YUM.

i got my race stuff ready as soon as i got home!  the ABB 5k shirts matched my shoes this year, how cool is that?  bib #55808 is ready to RUN! that said,

and blogging of course!  have a relaxing friday night, friends!

Q: what special things do you do for one-on-one time with your kiddos?

le

snacks and certifications

saturday i did an all day (and i do mean aaaaalll day- 9am-6pm) re-certification class for Lifetime, you know, so i can keep my job.  only the best job EVER!!! the day went by super fast though.  the trainer was pretty amazing and super easy to listen to.  plus, she was funny. that always helps.  i went through the training with my fav gym buddies Anna & Julie- we all used to teach/workout together at 24 HF a few years ago and have stayed in contact with each other ever since.  this was my first time meeting Kris (far right), but i love him just the same! we all teach Total Conditioning (among other things) part-time for Lifetime and absolutely  LOVE IT.

refueling on our lunch break in the Lifetime Cafe.

 quick pic with our trainer for the day, Abrea.

i brought my gigantic, obnoxious lunch kit with me filled with snacks and food for the day.  (cell phone pics, blech!!!!)

i dined (lol) on humus with sugar snap peas, carrots, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, strawberries, and chicken breasts cutlets w/ roasted vegetables ( entrée courtesy of My Fit Foods).

i'm also super excited to announce that i'll be getting certified in Turbo Kickboxing by the end of this month, whoop, WHOOP!  i have always been a hug fan of TKB and i'm elated to add it to my instructor repertoire.  two thumbs up for cardioooooooo.

alright, now. you asked for snack ideas between meals, so here are a few to get you started. preparation is KEY, so go get you some baggies, buy your snacks in bulk, and ration them out for the week.  i don't mind several trips to the grocery store, but some people do!

go to your nearest warehouse club and stock up.  Sam's is closest to me.

 cherry tomatoes and sugar snap peas.  i'm so hooked on these peas- looks like edamame but you eat the whole thing.  they're sweet and crispy.  great eaten raw or dipped in you know what- hummus! i do carrots too.

fresh fruits- buy whatever's on sale at the time. natural sugars trump processed foods/sugars EVERY TIME!

unsweetened apple sauce. 50 calorie, naturally sweetened snack. great for baking- i'll get to that though;)

1 serving (1/2 cup) of 2% cottage cheese (90 cals) with fresh blackberries.

or strawberries!

pistachio nuts!  sam's. 8 bucks for this big ol 24 oz bag.

grab some sandwich baggies and ration out your mixed nuts. they are high in good fat and great for you- but don't go overboard. 1/4 cup of either a day fine.

0% or 2% greek yogurt

keep it plain and add your own toppings. the flavored varieties usually have way too much sugar. try it with pistachios, flax-seed, and honey,

or pecans and blueberries.

cheese! babybel and string. perfectly portioned protein. 50-60 cals each.

there are also the laughing cow cheese wedges- perfect for spreading on crackers or fruit. '35 cals a wedge!'

deli meat. you can roll some string cheese up with the turkey/chicken/ham/roast beef, etc. for a lean, protein snack.

these two ingredients are great separate...but together?  unfortunately, i don't care if they aren't considered healthy at this point LOL. this is one snack i'm keeping.

air popped popcorn! 4 cups for 100 cals. i bought this air popper on amazon a few days ago and i am still waiting for it to arrive *taps foot impatiently*

sliced apples with PB2.

La Tortilla Factory tortillas- tons of flavors and varieties of low calorie, low carb tortillas! make a wrap using your deli meat and babybel/string cheese. (also great for breakfast tacos, enchiladas, and homemade tortilla chips).impressive, huh! but they taste good too.

you remember ants on a log- celery, pb2, and raisins!  also take one of those wraps, add some pb2, then microwave for a warm,  healthy 'pb sandwich'.

whole, hard-boiled egg. 70 cals, 7 grams protein.  exclude the yolk for a fat-free, 20 calorie egg.

freeze-dried fruit, all kinds! i order mine from Brothers All Natural for around 20 bucks for a 24 pack.  they have sales frequently, so use those coupon codes when you see them!  i really like the bananas though and so does my little one.  1 bag = 1.5 bananas.  the sugar is lower in the freeze-dried bananas vs. fresh!

a few readers expressed to me how much they hate the taste of green tea lol, and if i had any flavor recommendations i sure do! try making a quick and easy green chai tea using:

a shot of torani sugar-free vanilla syrup and 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

steep the tea as normal, and add those two ingredients, and stir!  if you like it as much as i do, LET ME KNOW! and sorry, i don't have a cool cinnamon stick or garnish, yet.

i do hope you found a few snacks you'd like to try or are already eating!

le

i might slow down, but i will not stop

i decided to take a slow walk around the neighborhood with my little guy yesterday instead of heading to the gym.  rest is equally important..i have to keep reminding myself of this.  i always want to go hard, every single day.  moderation is key- yes, even with exercise.  how can you tell you should just chill out for a day or two?

• persistent muscle soreness.  i used to think this was a good thing.  unfortunately if your muscles don't have time to repair themselves, they can't get stronger.  don't confuse that initial soreness you get from not working out after a long time with this kind of soreness. it's more like a dull ache.  means your muscles need a BREAK. sit down somewhere.  this also proves how important it is to switch up your workouts (i do so on a weekly basis) because doing the same thing day after day can lead to overtraining, injury, and just pure boredom!!

• decreased performance.  when i know i can lift a certain weight easily but all of a sudden it feels like it has tripled in size, that's a major sign of exercise overload.  don't take backwards steps.  rest, then come back to that bar ready to add weight, not subtract.  if i'm taking a cardio class and i get winded extremely fast and we are barely getting started, that's another red flag right there.

• simply burned out.  i love me some fitness. but there have been times where i've hopped on the elliptical machine and hopped right back off after like 30 seconds cause i just didn't want to be there.  i just wasn't feeling it. at ALL.  when it gets like that for me, i know i don't need to be anywhere near the gym. at that point it's about recovery and letting that 'missing the gym' feeling come back on its own.

• always tired. more like exhausted.  working out is supposed to have the opposite effect and give you energy, making you feel better.  even if you are getting enough sleep at night but find yourself mentally and physically drained all day long, too much exercise could be the cause.

• fat gain.  working out too much can actually reverse the weight loss process.  overtraining signals the body to start burning muscle for fuel and store more fat, resulting in some weight gain. boooooo.

i taught my weights class this morning and was so pumped i hit the stairmaster for some cardio afterwards.  it's amazing what a break and a good night's rest can do for your body.  when you think it will slow your progress down or mess up your routine, it does the exact opposite!  i had a big bowl of oats for b-fast with some blackberries (currently in season and on sale) and some toasted pecans.  yeah i burned them all up!!

for my mid-morning snack, i threw the rest of those burnt pecans in about 3/4th a cup of 2% greek yogurt (21 grams of protein, remember!!).

the 0% has a tendency to taste like sour cream, it's true. i like the 2% because the added fat makes it creamier.  i also added some fresh strawberries, flax-seed, and a drizzle of honey for less than 200 cals.

lunch.

hummus & carrots and some of the tuna salad i made yesterday.  i have NO bread in the house right now whatsoever:( not even a whole wheat tortilla or crackers, nothin.  so i just ate the tuna as is.  for my starch, i roasted a sweet potato in the oven for about 30 min on 400 deg.

i cut it like an avocado, then sprinkled some brown sugar and cinnamon on it. ok and a little butter. delicious.

sweet potatoes also make AWESOME baby food.  toss a roasted one in the blender and add a little chicken broth, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. the little one loves it.

it's been two weeks since my perm and i am determined to take better care of my hair once and for all.  washing it TODAY. i'm so bad about going too long without washing it- i mean i'm always sweating it back up anyway! sigh... i wrote it, you read it, so i'm gonna stick by it.  now to decide on dinner...

what do you top your plain yogurt with?

le