Protein Pancakes: An Introduction

Round one:

They looked ok 0_o   ?

As much as I don't want to admit it...this first attempt was an epic fail. *lowers head* I just jacked up Theresa's original recipe LoL but I'm a women who doesn't waste so these did get eaten! 

I really don't even want to share what went wrong but in a sense I feel obligated to keep things real with you all *lowers head again*... 

I only use 4 egg whites and after adding everything in (I only did the oats, eggs, protein, baking powder and cinnamon) things were still watery and I was out of eggs soooo I threw in the yolks...still watery...so I threw in some more oats. Once the mixture actually got..pancakey I tossed it in the skillet and although things were looking great...they weren't tasting great...thoughts for next time...

1. Stick to the recipe! I'm going to go ahead and buy a carton of egg whites so I won't have to worry about wasting.

2. The next batch of protein I buy will be vanilla again...don't thing chocolate and peanut putter pancakes is where it's at :-/

3. [kinda goes with #1] These things were soooooo dense! they were like cardboard! I'm guessing this is because I opted out of the cottage cheese? I'm not really a fan of it but if it will make this bad boys lighter! That would be a blessing!

They were pretty filling though! I exchanged my usual breakfast toast for
one pancake and I was super full but not as guilty because I was pretty much all oats. 

Hair Update: The Mini Twist Take-down

They're out! I gave my hair and scalp a good washin' with Suave coconut shampoo (I'm not sure how this got into my cabinet but I ran out of Tresemme so I had to do what I had to do! Hey...it did the job *shrugs*) deep conditioned with Shea Moisture's Yucca and Baobab masque, detangled, blew out and start re-mini-twisting all over again.

Unlike the last installation which took about a day and I have, it's going on day 5 and I still haven't finished putting them in :( between work and school (ie midterms) time hasn't exactly been on my side. Thank Neptune for head wraps, beanies and buns!

You all already know what my hair looks like with the mini twist in and I'm sure once they are completely...complete I'll have tons of pictures to share! But I just wanted to share this picture of how I kept my hair stretched out after blowing it out.

I didn't really realize how long my hair was until I did this! I thought it was pretty cool!

I was pooped after blowing it out this time so I didn't even start twisting until the next day. I slept with these in under a satin bonnet.

What's Cookin' ?

As my search continues for clean eats :)....

What started out as my meal of the week has stretched on to week number two...for what reason? Only that it's been that finger lickin good!! 

I've taken the Tilapia and pasta blend to a whole new level. Here are a couple variations I've been chowing down on lately...

As you may remember from a few post back, this is how things started--
Tilapia, Zucchini, Squash and Bow ties (sprinkled in Italian Seasoning)

Then we lost the Z&S and ventured into bell pepper
(green, yellow, and orange) + onion land...
(sprinkle of pepper and cayenne) 

THEEEN We covered the Tilapia in the BP & Onions and
added even MORE veggies :) I steamed the asparagus with
some garlic and a little butter (which I probably could've done without) 

Hair relaxers can cause Fibroids?

Via CurlyNikki....

"Katiera shared the following link on my Facebook wall--
      
A revealing Boston University shows hair relaxers can cause fibroids in the uterus, giving “having unhealthy hair” a whole new meaning.
If relaxers can be so damaging, why would women still use them? For starters, many women wonder if there is another hair-straightening alternative.


Some women say choosing not to wear a relaxer could be the same as choosing not to work or not to advance in a certain industry."




Click here for original article.

Things that make me smile: Coupons

Thanks Tony Truesdale ;)

Lunch today!: Tilapia, Zucchini, Squash and Pasta!

Ugh...lunch was finger-licking-good today! 

I sprinkled everything with Italian seasoning,wrapped in some foil and through it in the oven (400 degrees) for about 20 mins...

uuuggggghhhh smh...I don't know if I'm going to make it to my last class today lol! 

Quality meals put me in such a good mood that I just want to sleep [even though I do feel a little energized now].

Don't forget to watch those portions!

Camping/ Meditation retreat

This past weekend I went on a meditation retreat with some friends! Here are a few pix:

Food choices where definitely tough!
But after seeing what other's packed I'm definitely
ready for next time!

The treehouse where we slept

It was a really awesome experience and a great opportunity to meet wonderful new people. I couldn't really get any of my close friends to go because let's face it, most black women aren't into this kinda stuff...but I obviously am not the typical black girl lol!


We practiced a variety of Qigong meditation and I left the trip feeling relaxed, enlightened and ready to tackle the rest of the semester.

I also left inspired and eager to see other outdoor adventures ie hiking, possibly backpacking and definitely more camping. What can I say! Between the fresh air, the sounds of nature day and night, the stars, the smores...I'M SOLD!

Currently Reading:

With school I scarcely have time for recreational reading, but I try to squeeze it in as much as I can.

I learned about this book from a fellow Youtuber Naptural85. I was originally attracted to this based on her review as N85 referred to herself as an "introvert" [a person who thinks to speak, prefers to be alone and is often referred to by society as someone who's quiet, shy, a loner, and just plain ole weird] which is totally (believe it or not!). 

I've had the book for about 4 days now and while it's been pretty interesting and relate-able thus far, I've only managed to make it to about the 20th page *lowers head* #college life. I may have to postpone it as a Spring Break read so I can really enjoy reading it and get the full gist of the novel. 

Homemade: Spinach Salad and Vinaigrette

Spinach, carrots, almonds, mini red pepper, bits of turkey bacon

I bought some salad this time when I went to the grocery store so I wouldn't have to go hiking when I wanted a quality salad in between classes.

I realized (once I got home of course -__-) that I didn't have any "healthy" dressing so I decided to make my own and with a quick Google it actually came out really well :)

Super simple ingredients (in a small skillet w/ low temperature) I added:
1/8- olive oil
1/16- apple cider vinegar
a splash of honey
a pinch of ground pepper
1 whole red mini pepper
shredded about 2.5-3 inches of turkey bacon

I let this lightly saute for about 5 minutes and added it so the spinach. Deeeeeelic!

Mini Twist Update: Now entering week 4

This will be the last week I have my mini twist in. A few of them have started locing so I just unravel them and retwist. They don't look too bad. There's very little frizz; however, the new growth is a little outrageous..yea...I can't see my scalp other than the middle part lol.

This will be the style for the rest of the week. I may take the bun down and reapply oil but other than that this set is done. After I take them out I will wash and may sport a fro for a few days, but next weekend I plan on redoing the mini twist :) yeaaaa...I'm feeling this style lol!

Making minor adjustments...

I'm not sure if I mentioned it already, but I have a PB&J roughly everyday. I find that its a quick and easy snack that I can gobble in between classes and it's a rather good source for protein and extra carbs (ooh she eats carbs!...yea I do?)

Anywho...Last summer I started buying all natural/organic pb and jelly. This came as the result of actually reading the label of my old peanut butter. Long story short..major turn off. Like many other peanut butters it:

• was made with 60% peanuts (so what the H is the other 40% ???)
• Contains a numerous amount of "naughty" ingredients (ie high sodium, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup...blah blah blah

What's a girl got to do to just have..you know...peanut butter. The answer, like that of many other questions/ concerns was to go natural and I've gladly been buying natural/organic pb and jelly ever since! Why? :

• I eat it everyday so it should be the healthier choice because it's constantly in my system
• It's not that much more expensive
• It literally is peanut butter. (some of the ones I buy do have less than 2% salt and I'm perfectly fine with that as I don't add salt to anything I consume anymore).

Warning:

Major updates ahead! I've been entirely to busy to put but I can assure you I'm about to spend the next 30-60 mins uploading what's been keeping me so occupied!

My Idols...

Ok sooo some of you are probably wondering who I'm referring to when I mention Theresa. This is her :) !!

She's a fitness model and a huge inspiration for a lot of things I do within my healthy lifestyle. Her tumblr has introduced me to eating clean and even has me considering entering the fitness/bikini model world!

I wish I had time to dish out why she's the bomb.com but I'm afraid that would create an extensive post. That and I mean look at her?! Can words really explain her awesomeness??

Just check out the tumblr! No really...CHECK IT OUT!

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Through tedious scanning, high and low, I finally found whole wheat pasta in Big Lots today! The price you see is correct! Each 1lb bag costed $1.25. This trip I purchased 3, next trip I'll purchase more lol.  

Another way I've managed to save a lot of money while trying to invest in a healthier life style is buy freezing fresh food. Some of the stuff is a given ie meats but I didn't realize you could freeze...well...a lot of the stuff I freeze now. What's constantly been in my freezer upon this discovery has been mini peppers, onions, and bell peppers. I use them frequently when I cook but I don't cook frequently if that makes sense?

I try and cook major meals like lunch and dinner at the beginning of the week then feast on the left overs through out the week. This is awesome for my life style financially and time management wise. Of course buying items like peppers and onions is cheaper bulk but there's no way I can use all of it in a week; thus, freezing has helped me buy less and waste less.

Give it try! Anyone have tips or advice on saving while going healthy?

My Kitchen's on Fire!!

So this is actually about 4 days late 0_o...There were too many other things on my mind obviously lol bit here's another great almost clean meal :) 

This will officially be the last bag of white rice I buy for a while since I found the whole wheat section in Big Lots! Will share later! 

I the veggie of the week is brussel sprouts >=( ew right? Actually not so much! Yes world, yes...I actually like  them. I thought they'd be like baby cabbages but they're pretty earthy...they even remind me of broccoli and anyone who really knows me knows I loooove broccoli :)

I marinated the lean chicken breast over night in 1 tbsp of curry, 1 tbsp cayenne, juice from a whole lime, about a tbsp of soy sauce, pepper, and a few shakes of hot sauce...

Warning: If you do these measurements make sure you use 4 chicken breast..not 2 like I did! Needless to  say my chicken lit me butt on fire! It was super spicy! Good thing I like spicy food so I didn't toss it. The concept was pretty delic though! I'm sure when I use the proper amount of chicken next time it'll be peeerfecto!    

Epiphany: Finding you...

I was in deep thought today:

"It's such a blessing when you're comfortable with yourself, when you're comfortable in your skin, when you know who you are and what you want. You don't have to depend on anyone for happiness. You become a leader and an inspiration for so many others. I pray that many of you find yourselves so you can enjoy this feeling. So you can roll out of bed and look in the mirror without having to worry about whether you're good enough for the world; so you don't have to run around lying to and being envious of other people...because in the end you're only hurting yourself..."

Brunch @ Ave. Eat & Drink

I've been meaning to share...I'm a bit of a food critic ^_^ I love going to local eateries and mom & pop shops. They are truly the heart of any city. So today's brunch was dedicated to Ave. Eat and Drink. This place is A-MAZ-ING! First of all the decor is un-friggin-believable. Who ever did the interior design hit the nail on the head. It's very modern, very classy, and very sexy; When I entered this place I felt like a superstar 0_o? The whole aura made me feel like a VIP and if being there alone didn't make me feel great, the service made me feel like I'd just won an Emmy!

Now I can't lie..I didn't want to get too excited because usually with places like this [as in places that have the atmosphere, the service] the food will end up being crappy -___- . Nope. Not even close! I enjoyed smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese and my partner-in-crime savored a maple bacon and eggs benedict; however, I think he was more excited about his freshly squeezed lemonade! Needless to say...we cleaned our plates lol. No need to worry about not getting your money's worth here, the prices are EXTREMELY reasonable.

Give me life!!!

Love <3

I'm so glad someone finally addressed this...

-____- please stop doing this...just stop...

Get your fruit on!

I eat approximately 3 fruits a day :)

I have an orange with my breakfast, I mix a banana with my protein shake, and then depending on whether I hungry before dinner or after dinner I'll have an apple. I thought it would be a challenge to incorporate fruits but actually ended up doing so almost unconsciously. I guess when you give up all the junk and only buy healthy snacks you really don't have a choice when you're hungry!

Mini Twist Update: Now entering week 3

I really love this style :) It's completely versatile (even though most days I keep it up in a bun) and it's low maintenance. No signs of locking so I'll be keeping them in another week; hopefully two. I'd like to take them out and re-twist them right before spring break. 

iClimb

I worked out twice today :)

This morning I did legs and this evening I went rock climbing [Actually I'm in the rock climbing club]. Nerdy? eh...who cares?

Peep the arms trying to bulk up a little yall!! LoL

  

WARNING! Another HBCU rant: How am I in a rock climbing club AT an HBCU but I'm one of the only black women in the club? The guys are holding it down, but still the majority of the members (at least that I see when I go) aren't black?! Astonished MUCH! Two or three are whites and today and guy of Indian decent joined. Do you see why "Girlmetoo" is so important to me? I gotta hold it down for the sisters!

Don't be afraid to try things you've never done before, or your not accustom to, or your peers may think your a little strange for doing. I strive to do these things [that are strangely enough considered "foreign" to black people] not only to break boundaries, but because usually these things are actually activities I'm pretty passionate about!


Strive to be different, unique!

Lunch today!

It was HORRIBLE trying to find a healthy lunch on campus today. First of all, it's Wednesday. Universally (well...at least on my campus) this means the traditional "Fried Chicken Wednesday". This is like a friggin holiday at my school -___-..however, not exactly the clean way to go. Ironically enough, even though I could smell the grease boiling a mile away, I was totally craving a salad! Long story short there was completely no access to a decent salad anywhere on campus -____- UGH! I was sooo pissed. Sure, the few cafes on campus did have chicken ceasar salads but 1. between the watery iceberg lettuce and the dressing that's not really the"healthy" direction I was trying to go in and 2. The friggin credit card machines were down -__________- wth!?!?

So me and one of my girls had to trek our little butts to a local organic grocery store for lunch today but it was sooooo worth it! Check out what I got :)

1.Spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, carrots, almonds, feta cheese and croutons
2. All natural veggie soup
3. Vegan brownie #cheat of the week lol

I don't understand why on a HBCU it has to be so difficult to access healthy food? In the midst of our trek I even thought of the fact that these aren't any places on campus where students can even grab a piece of fresh fruit?! Sure in the book store they have those canned fruits that are sugared up and full of sodium. Yes they do have some peanuts and they've even started selling Naked; but it's definitely gonna cost you an arm, and a leg..hell, a few fingers for that matter.Nevertheless, it's completely unnecessary!

How are we having all these seminars and informationals about increasing the health of blacks in America when we can't even access decent food on our own campuses!? 

Daily Motivation

One of my friends via FB posted this and I thought it was cute/inspirational :)

I think one of the best part about overcoming goals is to be able to look back at where you started, especially when it's quite a distance! Haven't we all been at square one before?

Tackle those obstacles, you can do it :) 

Eating Clean

Lean ground turkey with  [green, red & yellow]
 bell peppers, onions & garlic;
 rice and brussell sprouts
onions and 

You can learn more about eating clean on Theresa's tumblr . Why am I focusing on eating clean? I like it because it gives me a since of balance and organization with my foods. Of course there's the obvious, that its the healthier choice; but I already eat pretty healthy. The "clean" diet seems a little more strict which I hope in turn will lead to achieving even better physical goals (bigger muscles faster).

Here's what I made for din din tonight...I'm hoping this will last me until Thursday or Friday.

My weaknesses:

• It can be challenging for me to eat every 2-3 hours (most of the time I'm just not hungry.
• Portions: With main dishes I'm getting a lot better, but with snacks...eh...sometimes I tend to over indulge which is why my "snacks" are usually healthy and low cal (carrots). I don't even buy the other mess. 
• Variety. I'm pretty sure I'll get past this soon.Sometimes my dishes can be a little rhetorical, and even though I'm only cooking for me and I like what I cook, sometimes I'd like to switch it up a bit.  

What changes are you making with your diet this year? 

Can't wait to try these!

These are Theresa's  protein peanut butter cups!

They look so tasty! I hope they'll make "cheats" a lot easier!

Ingredients:

-1scoop chocolate whey protein

-1 TBSP all-natural peanut butter

-1 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder

-1-2 packets of stevia

-4oz of water

-Almonds (optional)

Directions:

-Blend all the ingredients together in a blender
-Divide the peanut butter mixture into round muffin tins (USE a SILICONE tray!!!), filling about 3/4 full.
-Place filled muffin tin in freezer and let freeze for about an hour or until firm (Freeze any extra peanut butter cups for up to five days)

Re: Curlynikki's Upgrade Your Life: How to Become an Early Riser

I use so feel like there was NEVER enough time in a day for ANYTHING! Let me reinforce this: I'm a full-time college student, I have a part-time job, I'm the president of an on campus organization and all that seems nearly half the battle (throw in the RIDONCULOUS homework assignments my professors try to throw in, trying to lead a healthy life style, having bra strap hair length, etc, etc, blah blah blah). Even with managing my time and setting an agenda, my life some how is full of the unexpected and I always end up having to readjust. 

Long story short I readjusted :) For the past month my days have now starts at 6 am! Yes, for some of you this is gut wrenching LoL but let me explain...Just Like GG discussed in her article, I can wake up peacefully, not feel rushed and can even sit down at my dining room table and enjoy my pre-work out breakfast! Yes, #Pre-work-out! By 7am I'm off to the gym and I typically bust a sweat for an hour to an hour and a half. 

These first two hours of the day are exactly what I need to kick start my day for quite a few reasons:

1. Simply enough, there's no better feeling then being able to enjoy a quality breakfast rather than scoffing down a pop-tart on my way out the door and ending up starving in class. (And we know how embarrassing it can be when your stomach is lecturing more than the teacher!)

2. It gives me..well.."me" time! I must admit, I can be a little bit selfish with myself sometimes. Not only am I completely comfortable with myself, but I thoroughly enjoy, no, I love being alone with myself. For a lot of people this is very hard to understand and I'm quickly accused of being a loner, not having friends or a social life, however (and we'll have to make the importance of "me time" a separate post); That's everything BUT the case!

3. After these two hours I always end up feeling great! I'm not even completely sure why?! Yesterday I literally left the gym BEAMING! It cooouuld be all the motivation I get from all the eye candy ^-^ but I'm preeeetty sure it has more to do with the fact the working out helps me clear my mind. My confidence is totally boosted as well because I know I'm doing something great for my inner health and my outer figure and that, should be enough to make anyone happy!

So after all this is said and done, I come home, de-funk-afy and start getting ready for class. If I have any last minute work or studying to do I can squeeze it in before class. If I feel like being extra spiffy I'll put on a little eye shadow and I'm good to go!

Now depending on who you are and your lifestyle this may not be the routine for you, but find yours! And especially if you feel like there isn't enough time in the day, you may want to consider waking up a little earlier :) Here are GG's major points and I second them completely:

1. Go to sleep early to get X hours of sleep.

2. Get up at a designated time no matter what.

3. Express the importance of this project to your family [if you live with them].

4. Focus on what you will get out of it.

5. Don't beat yourself up or give up when you over sleep.

Click here to check out the original article!

Hair update: Blow out & Mini Twist

Mini twist have been my latest protective style and I LOVE them! I decided to blow my hair out on account of I didn't have enough to to allow my hair to stretch while air drying. Let me tell you...blow outs= work out! Especially with the amount of hair on my head! I figure it'll be worth it since I plan on having these in for at least a month. My only fear is that they'll loc up on me =/ so in the even that things seem like they're going in that direction, these bad boys are coming out! 

They took me about 10hrs