Banana-Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

I am probably one of the clumsiest people you'll ever meet. On a normal day I have bruises I can’t explain (I'm told I have a tendency to walk into things….I’m pre-occupied okay?)  Minus my normal scrapes and bruises I usually have one major injury that I am recovering from. This winter I ended up bruising my tailbone and let me tell you, I wouldn’t wish that pain on my worst enemy, About a month ago, I nearly sliced my finger off…I kid you not, and today, I somehow managed to injure my wrist by slamming it into a door….it’s already swollen a bruised….Sigh…there goes my arm workout for tonight. 

All That to Say I'm surprised I didn't burn myself making these amazing Protein Muffins....

Now what you've all been wait for.....the Recipe:

2 cups of Oats

2 1/2 scoops Isoflex Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Powder (or your fave!)

1 tbsp. Flax Seeds

2-3 packets of Vanilla Stevia

1 tbsp. Baking Powder

1/2 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/2 cup Egg Whites

1 medium sized Banana

(Sprinkle of choco-chips on top)

(PS I forgot to spray down my muffin tin so they stuck slightly but let me tell you these were DELISH!)  This is an extremely off calculation for the muffins which makes 12 servings it does not include the chocolate chips I put on top after.

Calories: 133     Protein: 17.3g   Carbs: 11.7g   Fats: 2.2g

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Masa

I have a soft spot for brunch. If I could I would eat eggs for every meal. I’m not kidding. While in Boston, my sister took me to Masa a Mexican inspired restaurant for brunch. I was floored by their plantain stuffed empanadas not to mention their mouth-watering corn bread. What was great was that we were all able to share the three course brunch menu (pancakes, eggs, empanadas and cornbread. What more could a girl ask for?!

I won’t lie….I still dream of the empanadas…if you’re in the Boston area, don’t walk, run, because you’ll need to burn off some of those calories that are well worth it.

To die for....I kid you not.

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Pop Tarts & Coco

If you like trying new foods, Boston is such an experience for the tastebuds. During my visit, my sister and I went for brunch and 647, for if you can believe it, pop tarts. I must say only in America, can you get pop tarts for breakfast with a grown-up twist. I can’t remember the last time I ate an actual pop tart from the box, but this one was homemade, fresh and stuffed with rhubarb. If you get a chance to go, visit 647 for their pop tart flavour of the day. They have some other amazing brunch options as well. Did I mention the coffee was amazing?

I loved the idea of a hug mug!

Chocolate and Caramel Fondue

Following this sweet delight, dessert later that day consisted of visiting the Max Brenner chocolate shoppe. I have to say, I was slightly disappointed in what I thought was going to be the highlight of my trip in Beantown. My hot chocolate was a bit runny, and the chocolate fondue was wasn’t that great. I don’t want to tout any horns, but I am pretty sure I make a pretty mean fondue. Sadly this was not worth the calories for me but the experience was delightful. The inside is somewhat like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Exposed piping have been refitted and labelled so you think that there’s actual chocolate flowing through them. While the concept  is great, they need to rework the biggest part of their menu…chocolate!

This was extremely rich...I think I would have preferred fruit.

Have you been to Boston? What are your favourite eats?

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Mike's Pastry

Mid-March I finally made the trip to visit my sister in Boston for the first time in the 4 years she has been there. I loved Boston and its probably one of the best American cities I’ve visited. I loved the architecture, the coffee, the sights, and of course the food! On one of my days there, we explored the city walking, went to the outlet malls in Wrentham, and I even managed to get in a workout at her dungeon gym so I didn’t feel too guilty for eating the most amazing Italian food EVER! 

Stuffed with pasta and red wine, I had no room left for dessert. But my sister insisted that Mike’s Pastry was a must in my exploring Bean Town.

As we walked over to this pastry shop, I was floored to see a line up at 9 PM on a Thursday night…right out the door! Maybe my sister was on to something! We grabbed two Cannolis and headed home. 4 of us sampled two Cannolis with left overs to boot. Rich, light and creamy, I don’t think I have ever had something so delicious.

My Favourite….Pistachio.

yes that's the crazy line up inside to get these famous pastries!

the line up continues outside....

The box of deliciousness....

The rival Cannoli place a block away....

Back at her place taking my first bite...I was Sold.... : )

Pistachio and Hazelnut flavours....

Have you tried any amazing eats? 

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Art Deco & Pink Cadillacs

Friends,

As promised here are some fabulous pictures of Miami. While there are only a few…they are the ones that made MIAMI an experience of a lifetime. I just have to mention that I bought a bad of almonds from the Airport...and well....AFTER i was on the plane, I noticed that they tasted stale..Not cool. 

The view from my room however, was to die for...the beach just steps away!

I honestly can't remember feeling heat like I have in Miami….then again Dubai seems similar! The heat was just thick…that's the best way to describe the humidity and the scorching days in South Beach.

I have to say I loved it. Every minute of heat and warmth. With my huge water bottle by my side, I ventured to all of the touristy places in SoBe…I have to say I loved how the hotels were considered heritage buildings and almost every single one had an Art Deco feel. I visited Every hotel on the strip not because I am crazy but because a friend is getting married there in the Fall and we were looking for the perfect venue for her wedding and reception. I think we found them!

In addition to the Art Deco, you automatically feel transported back to the 80s. For example... This Pink Cadillac was a staple on Collins Avenue where I took many walks.

Food however was not so great. In fact I was a bit disappointed. I did manage to eat at a few Cuban restaurants but I wasn’t "wowed". I also had a hard time with portion sizes. For example. This Salad was the size of my HEAD. I kid you not. I could barely get through half…and I left the bread…minus a bite here or two.

I also fell in love with many many many pairs of shoes that were on sale...Cant wait to who you which ones I actually bought!

I wont bore you with too many pictures but I am so glad this is where I ended up post competition. I took many amazing walks, ran on the beach and enjoyed the heat.

Have you been to Miami? Any places you suggest going? I plan on taking a trip again!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter

O. M. G.

So as you know I have been eating. All the things I have wanted to since the competition ended. One of my favourites is this high protein Peanut Butter with Dark Chocolate mixed in. IT IS LOVELY.

I have to say it was so good to eat right out of the jar Yummo! 

One thing I have noticed post competition is my tummy is upset ALL THE TIME. I am eating clean for the most part but even cereal and almond milk are making it unhappy. Did any of you feel this way?

Also As an FYI, I am heading out for a week and a bit for a wedding and a trip to Miami so apologies in advance I won't be able to comment much or respond to comments. I promise once I am back though that I will reply! :) 

I heart this PB do you have any yummy treats that you could share with me?

Brunch and Bling!

Friends
I apologise for not posting for the last two days let's just say doing two competitions in one day was tiring! I didn't place but I am OK with that. I won something more important for myself - I completed a goal. I followed through! and.....I can't wait to compete again.

Yup you heard me…I have the itch! For me I really don't enjoy getting on stage, I am shy for the most part and getting on stage makes me do something vulnerable and also helps to prove to myself that I can do it.

I love the training aspect of it and more improtant I love the women who are part of the competitions. Everyone I met was so wonderfully sweet and supportive. Ready to share lipstick, Bikini Bite and words of encouragement. I can't  think of anything better.

I will be posting pictures tomorrow but here are some pictures from the brunch and bling from yesterday.

Love you all and cannot thank you enough for all of the wonderful words of encouragement, support and friendship you all have shown me the past months.

I will still continue to post about my fitness journey, but will also do more fashion posts, food and recipes as well. I can't wait to see what I will do next.

What's your favourite treat? do you enjoy brunch?

Carrot Cake Fever and Post Comp Treats

Day 4 is coming to a close and want to know whats on my mind? 

1) Brunch

2) CARROT CAKE

Sunday Morning following the Competition, I am hosting along with my friend a Stella and Dot Jewellery Party along with Brunch. My Favourite Food Group of all time. If I could eat breakfast food for every meal I would gladly accept. Give me Oats, Eggs, and a bowl of Fruit and I will be your best pal EVER. : )

Other than brunch  ALL I WANT is Carrot Cake. Seriously? YES. All different types of Carrot Cake. Carrot Cake in the form of cupcakes with cream cheese icing.

Carrot Cake like the 6 layer carrot Cake that was made lat night on Kitchen Nightmares. OMG can I JUST shove my face in it?

This is not the actual cake I couldn't find it online but it was worth of a blog post :P

Carrot Cake from Murray St.

They have fabulous Charcuterie too!

Carrot Cake with Walnuts

Carrot Cake Bites....

Carrot Cupcakes and Muffins

I think you get the point.... clearly I have been torturing myself with Carrot Infused goodies via Food blogs. Please note these pictures do not belong to me and I used Google images to get them. 

Other than my fixation with carrot cake, I really just want a huge bowl of oatmeal (with almond Milk and nuts) and fruit! Those are the things I trully want to eat : )

So weird how it all changes, No longer to do I want that burger or pizza. Its really simple clean eats :) and maybe Nutella : )

What do you crave? what are your favourite treats to eat?

I feel like Chicken Tonight

Yeah Chicken tonight :) 


Ok does anyone remember that commercial? Have I just dated myself? As I told you all before I am allowed to have a few meals of chicken so I decided to mix up a different options. 

With day 8 coming to a close - Tomorrow marks 7 days if not 6! till stage day!

I've been feeling pretty exhausted these days...taking it as best I can - My knees are starting to hurt from all the cardio and I am not recovering as fast. Its a good thing that I've taken three days off work next week to be able to prepare and sleep! On top of exhaustion, its been really difficult to get through my meals. For some reason I am just not hungry…I mean I am (hungry), believe me but I think it may just be boredom of looking at tilapia.  


Anyways, Last night I prepped three different types of chicken that I will be Pan "frying" or baking in the oven


One: "Chicken Wings" I saw this recipe HERE - Becca is a fellow figure competitor, so thought I might as well try this out! I marinated my chicken in The red hot overnight and then I added some Club House Tex Mex Seasoning and made in a non-stick pan.

Two: Harissa and Tagine inspired chicken with cilantro  (I love me some spicy food so this will be baked and stuffed with Zucchini yummmy!)

Three: dash of olive oil, paprika, salt, green onion - I am going to stuff this with some broccoli florets - rappini and mushroom that I had going on the stove

What's your favourite way of cooking chicken? I am always looking for recipes!