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

pan fried curry zucchini fritters + yeeeee-haw! Rodeo Run 5k

the response from my last post was incredibly overwhelming.  i'm already hormonal yall, jeez!!!! some of you even shared your heartfelt, REAL life preggo journeys with me.  it just reaffirms the fact that all women have a story to tell.  we all jump through, over, and under hoops all day, every day.  that's life.  God is true to His word though!  i'm honored and elated that women were able to connect with me on a more personal level and get encouragement and inspiration to keep pressing through their own struggles.  we all need it.  anytime you ever feel the need to share with me or ask any particular question about my journey, do so without hesitation!  le@fitfoodiele.com.  again, thank you all for reading and commenting openly and privately.  to God be the glory.

the Rodeo Run went down yesterday morning!  i picked up my race packet Friday and brought along a list of 3-year-old b-day party locations to check in the area.  yep, Chiso's getting a birthday party this year.  we did a small gathering at the house last year for his 2nd and remember i went batty for his 1st  so now it's time to venture out.  i think. suggestions? email me.

i broke my 'no oats pre-race' rule and had big bowl of them topped with bananas, blueberries, and some coconut crystals before we hit the road.

i walked/ran with a friend of mine, Krystal, and Chiso got to play and hangout with her son, Max.  Krystal is in FAB shape, right!? that's her 9 month old daughter in her arms.  she is such a big fitsporation to me!

 grateful to still be moving and shaking at 25 weeks now. my next race is the Bayou City Classic, and the link is over there in the events side bar!  strollers are welcome, so moms, let's do this!  email me if you'll be there; i'd love to meet up at the post-race party.  and if you see me running, SAY HAY!!!!!

   

so about that zucchini fritter recipe i own ya.... ugh, they are so incredibly tasty.  Sonny took a bite of one and was like, 'there's no meat in this?'

nope.

pan fried curry zucchini fritters

the stuff: (source)

• 3 large zucchini, shredded/grated
• 3 green onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup almond meal or flour
• 1/2 cup light parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1-2 tbsp liquid aminos
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper

do this:

1. use the larger holes when grating zucchini and shred them onto a dry cup towel.
2. use those muscles and squeeze out all the liquid possible.
3.  add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and incorporate well.
4. heat a pan on HIGH coated with nonstick cooking spray (or pour a tsp of olive oil into the pan and spread it around)
5. place heaping tbsp size scoopfuls of mixture onto hot skillet and press down flat.
6. convert heat to LOW and cook for approx. 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and done. be patient.

makes 20 small-medium cakes!  for 1:

i have the patience of Chiso sometimes when i'm cooking and i often end up with a scramble instead of a perfect patty or cake.  i am sooooo dang proud of how these turned out!  best ones yet and so much savory deliciousness in every bite. please enjoy them as much as we have.  i got some garlic & herb goat cheese from HEB after the race that i have been spreading on them and, well,

i really need to go to bed. now.

le

savory protein-packed albacore tuna cakes....and stuff

it is NOT tuesday already!!! seriously?  please, come back with me to the weekend for a sec.

it started with this awesome quote above by Jim Rohn. when a quote hits home and find myself reading it over and over again, i GOTTA share it.

if you're satisfied with being unsatisfied, stop complaining and UPROOT YOURSELF.   take comfort in knowing that you have the power to change your situation for the better, especially if you are unhappy  with the way things are.  less talking, more action!!

we met up with a few of our 6 Pack USA clients that morning for body fat testing and progress checks, then hit the gym, together! we make the effort to work out together at least once a week, minimum.  it's our kinda date.  this man pushes me like NO OTHER.  buttons and all :lol:  but it brings out the best in me as well as fantastic results.  i always see more progress in my body working out with Sonny vs. solo.  working out with a partner (or sig. other) provides:

*support

*encouragement

*partnership

*motivation

*accountability

*companionship

*friendly competition

choose a workout partner that truly pushes and inspires you to do better and go harder.  friends don't let friends SLACK!

also, being able to see Sonny across the (weight ) room  is....nice.  even if we are both doing our own thing on opposite ends of the gym, i take comfort in knowing he is simply there.

afterwards, we went on another date.

a lunch date.

to my fave Greek spot in Houston, Niko Nikos!  peak or off-peak hour, it don't matter.  they stay busy because the food is that good.

i started with the greek salad- it's automatic.  it was topped with a block of salty feta, calamata olives, tomato, red onion, peppers, and a splash of their famous vinaigrette dressing.  i usually get my dressing on the side, but they never load it on ridiculously and i have always appreciated that.  their salads are always cold, fresh, and crisp.

the salad was followed by a spinach & chicken pita loaded with lots of feta and melted mozzarella.

ok....as much as i LOVE me some cheese, it was too much.  i watch my sodium intake and because i had just murdered that block of feta on my salad, i was good in that department already.  soooo, i definitely took some off before i dove in.

this one's at the top of his list...the massive, impressive, Hercules Plate.

like mother like son! i'm always reaching over my own plate for Sonny's food too.

i sure wish i had read this statement straight from their menu while we were there:

'We challenge you to finish it: Gyros, Souvlaki, Chicken kebob served with tomato, cooked onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, tzatziki, yalandji dolma and two pita breads.'

cause Sonny KILLED IT.  maybe we could have gotten free dessert or something!? i'll ask next time.

after church and teaching my gym class on Sunday, we sped over to a kiddie b-day party for Titus, the Engineer!  he turned the ripe ol' ago of TWO. happy birthday big boy!

Chiso will be two in May, and i plan to do a similar type of party, meaning, somebody else will be doing all the work this time!  nothin like last year's 1st birthday party at all!

Chi chowing down on cheese pizza.

once home again, meal prep sunday was in full effect.

i did a combo of grilling and roasting for my vegetables this week.

even had some egg-plant up in the mix!

i also made egg-plant 'fries' by slicing the starchy veggie into fry sized stalks, seasoning them with Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic & herb, and placing them flat on a baking sheet, 7 minutes each side. different and tasty!

roasting and grilling over steaming, ANYDAY.  brussels sprouts, multi-color bell peppers, and egg-plant for the next few days.

last nights dinner:

savory, protein-packed albacore tuna cakes

the stuff:

• 2 cans albacore tuna, drained
• 2 egg whites
• 1 heaping tbsp 0% greek yogurt
• 1 heaping tbsp course ground mustard
• 2 tbsp red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp yellow, orange, or green bell pepper
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• juice of half a lemon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash no-salt garlic & herb seasoning ( i like lots!)
• 1 tbsp green onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

do this: * in a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix very well.

* coat a medium heated pan with no-stick cooking spray

* scoop out some of the mixture and place it in the hot pan, pressing it down flat, like a pancake.

*cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until done and cooked through!

that topping is just 0% greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and sriracha.  i didn't measure, but play around with these components to make a dipping sauce to your liking!

i made 8 cakes, and these are the stats for 1:

if you hadn't noticed yet, 

SO,  i started a new section up there titled FFL approved!  but you noticed already, right!  that page will be filled with all things health and fitness that i have either eaten, worn, or used myself!  e.g. good ol' PRODUCT REVIEWS!!!  i mean i've really been doing them all along, but this time the products will be mostly complimentary which i appreciate TREMENDOUSLY.  sooo, head on over there if you haven't already... there's more to come. way mo!

**p.s. if you make ANY of my recipes, i'd LOVE to see them! how? take a pic and post them to the Fit Foodie Le Facebook Fan Page, or Instagram it and tag me to it -----> #fitfoodiele. **

le