33 weeks + Double Chocolate Skinny-Fat Brownies

 in the beginning of the 2nd tri i remember sometimes forgetting i was even preggo.  didn't feel anything on the inside most days and definitely wasn't showing on the outside yet.  yeah, those days are OVER.  i actually feel great and my energy didn't deplete like i expected at 33 weeks now, but as my little nugget grows, obviously the discomfort does too.

#magicbump now ya see it, now ya don't!

you know that hasn't stopped me from moving though!  outside of teaching my Lifetime classes, i look forward to Zumba and Kickboxing for my cardio because they are just so FUN to take.   some days all i want to do is move, nothing serious.  i've been constantly reaching for healthy fat to nourish the baby and i and i'm slightly addicted to Dark Chocolate Dreams by Peanut Butter & Co on my early morning pre-workout snacks as you can see!

other healthy fat sources:

• avocado! homemade guacamole (2 avocados, 1 roma tomato, sea salt, juice of 1/2 a lemon, 2 tbsp minced cilantro - BLEND)
• raw or roasted, unsalted almonds, pistachios, and cashews
• olive & coconut oil
• lite & full-fat coconut milk
• natural peanut butter, nut butters in general
• flaxseed
• mackerel & salmon

today was my last ultrasound scan until we meet baby Odego.  my OB just wants to make sure he is measuring correctly and will compare his progress to the last scan.

Sonny always asks me why i cuff my bump. i don't know!!!! it's just something we do. my hand just goes there automatically. especially in pictures.

here are some recent eats! if you follow me on Instagram though you've prolly already seen all of these ;)

lean protein, plenty of fresh & raw veggies, fruit, healthy fat, and whole grains, even when dining out.

 remember, your postpartum 'transformation' starts the MOMENT you get preggo, not after you deliver your baby! smart food choices and physical activity from start to finish is what makes the difference in your recovery time.

for my Sunday Dinners cooking class last evening, we made Fit N' Crispy Chicken Parm and Thai Coconut Curry Chicken (recipe coming up next post!) - two flavorful, fun, things you can do with those plain ol' chicken boobs.

i sent my students home happy and packed up all the leftovers for them to kill later.  which left me with, well, nothin'!! it's all about you guys though.  sooo, i made a big pan of parm for mysel....err, my family today and my Italian fix has once again been satisfied.

they also went home with a sample of these guys: Double Chocolate Skinny-Fat Brownies! why? cause i used skinny / healthy ingredients (no processed sugar, whole wheat flour, no butter) but it still tastes like a brownie should.  i had my fingers crossed that they would be a hit and they were!  which means i'll be whipping some up for a 'Skinny' themed private 30th birthday event next month.  YES, i do those too!  email me for all the details at le@fitfoodiele.com.

ok, ok.

Double Chocolate Skinny-Fat Brownies

the stuff:(source)

• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + 2 tsbp
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chunks, chips, or mini morsels
• 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour (i used King Arthur)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg, beaten and at room temp
• 1/4 - 1/2  cup pecan pieces (optional;  can add to batter or save for topping)

do this:

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat an 8 in square pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. mix the maple syrup and cocoa powder together really good (you'll be stirring for a minute, just keep going).
3. combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. in another bowl, add the applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla.  work in the maple syrup / cocoa mixture.
5. add the wet mixture into the flour and stir until well combined.
6. pour into your pan and let bake for about 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

TIPS:

*remember, there are chocolate chunks in the batter so don't mistake the melted chocolate on the toothpick for uncooked batter like i did.

*let the pan cool a little then place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving. i just popped a piece in the microwave for 10-15 secs before eating.

*when cutting, run hot water on your knife for a few secs first to make clean cut squares each time.

makes 16! for 1:

nighty nite!

le