I Heart Burpees! The Deck of Cards WOD

Kelley and I played a nice game of cards today.  It's not the sit at the table and sip your tea kind of game though; this was a heart pounding, sweaty game played outside.  Speaking of, it got up to 75 degrees today; perfect weather for the Deck of Cards WOD!

 

After spending all day in the kitchen cooking (me) and cleaing all around the house (Kelley), we finally took a "break" from house chores and went outside to "play cards."

 

The Deck of Cards WOD is simple, face cards count as 10, Aces are 11, and the numbers are, well, their number. 

 

We would usually make Jokers something like run .5 miles, but didn't have any in the deck, so we just started and ended with a run around our loop; approx .45 miles.

 

Here's what we assigned for the suits:

 

Hearts - Burpees (hence the title)

Diamonds - Pushups

Spades - Situps

Clubs - Squats

 

After our first run around the loop, we set out laying down 6 cards at a time and going through as RX'd. We hit blackjack on burpees and I got excited (love hate thing), but Kelley, not so much.  I'd just work on my new found double under skill while Kelley worked through a few sets.  She did awesome; no matter how worn out she got, she carried on.

 

This is a great, fun way to get some exercise and spend quality time with others.  You can customize the game to make the suits whatever you want.  Other choices might be pullups/chinups, jumping jacks, jump squats, etc.

 

Tonight I'm having a sample of everything cooked this weekend. I used fresh garlic extensively and really love it in a spaghetti squash egg white casserole I made.  Yum!

 

Now, I must go on to a chilly protein smoothie of beets, spinach, cocoa powder, egg white protein, and stevia.

 

Do you have any crazy concoctions you like to puree into a delicious and healthy treat?

 

Have a great Monday....ughhhh.

 

WIAW #34 Healthy Microwave Birthday Cake with Greek Yogurt Icing

If I have been going for making shorter and less frequent posts this month, I have so far succeeded. But that’s not what I’m going for; it’s just panning out that way….boo.
 

My actual job has been taking up most of my time this month, but the super busy time has passed…for now. I was able to do more in the kitchen this past weekend, but hardly have any pictures for #proof. I do have some lovely pictures of Kelley, my dear wife, enjoying a delicious Chocolate Protein Layer Cake I made in the microwave. It was her birthday last Friday, but since I wouldn’t dare buy a cake from the store, I had to make my own.

She let me have a small bite, it was good, but that’s obvious from her leaving nothing behind. She was nice enough to take a big bite in front of me and rub it in, but I was just happy she liked it. Making a healthy yet delicious personal cake is perfect to avoid having leftovers staring at you and beckoning to eat it. Make it yourself, you'll see taste what I'm talking about; recipe at the end of this post.

Oh yeah, and, Happy Birthday, Kelley! I never made a post to say this on Friday, so I’m saying it on the blogosphere now.

Poor cake, never had a chance....

 

Aside from making microwave cakes, I ventured in the realm of non-dairy milk making this weekend too. My pictures are less than stellar, but this is pumpkin seed milk. The green tint is hard to distinguish in the pic, but it’s pretty green, just like my pistachio milk. Both would be perfect for a St. Patty’s Day beverage, and both are creamy, delicious, and healthy! I laugh at store bought milks now...ha ha ha ha....see.
 

The leftover pulp went to good use in another experiment; nut pulp dessert hummus. I’m sure you get the picture; I basically used the pumpkin seed pulp in place of garbanzo beans to make a sweet and healthy hummus. I think next time I’ll make it spicy with added peppers and of course cayenne. Once I get a chance to get the measurements down, I’ll have to share the recipe because you MUST try it!

I also ventured in making red lentil milk and a soy/black bean mix milk. The lentil milk turned very viscous and would hardly pour out of the bottle I put it in. This stuff was pretty much gel. Since there was no pulp left, I figure it’s what makes the milk so thick. I added stevia, vanilla, and sea salt to the gelatinous milk and used it to add to a couple bean and veggie dessert dips I tested. Recipes for these will come.
 

Soy/Black Bean mix milk is pretty good and similar to soy milk with a darker tint. I think I’ll try all black beans next time to see what that’s like. I bet it would be a good base for a Halloween drink! There, that’s my “Spooky Treat” for this What I Ate Wednesday. Sorry, I’m lacking in this department, so please work with me here.

Speaking of WIAW, I once again do not have a full day’s worth of eats, but rather some notable meals. Please accept these for now and hopefully I’ll get back on track soon! Thanks to Jenn at Peas and Crayons!

 

Enjoy and Happy What I Ate Wednesday!!

This is our staple Meatless Monday Meal...had on Wednesday

 

A tasty Kevita Mango Coconut Probiotic Drink along with my lunch. Refreshing!

 

More Spicy Peanut Butter Carrot Dip!!



Chocolate puree made with the think lentil milk, pumpkin puree, spinach, peanut flour, and cocoa powder

Pumpkin Pie Omelette. Recycled picture but sooo delicious! I see a lot more of these in my future. Belly beware!!

Today is supposed to be the last warm day here in Texas before a cold front blows in. Oh joy, just in time for the neighborhood garage sale at my mom’s that Kelley and I are helping out with. Nothing like waking up at 5:30am to sell our junk to others. Hey, that’s what coffee is for, right?

 

Oh yeah, here’s the microwave birthday cake recipe. Make it for friends, family, and yourself…..NOW!!

Microwave Chocolate Protein Birthday Cake

Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons vanilla or chocolate protein powder (I used stevia sweetened egg white protein powder)

3 tablespoons peanut flour or just more protein powder

3 tablespoons whole grain gluten free oats or flour (I used quinoa flour, but any other should work)

1/4 tsp salt

12 drops liquid stevia or 3-4 packets of stevia powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, applesauce, or mashed banana (I used pumpkin)

1/4 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)

1 whole egg or 2 egg whites; can use one flax or chia egg for vegetarian option

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons Peanut Butter Greek yogurt icing (optional; recipe below)

Directions

Combine dry ingredients and mix well; add liquid, stir, and then transfer half of the batter to a greased round, shallow dish like a ramekin.

Microwave 2 minutes and 10 seconds (may need another 20 seconds if not set). Wait for it to cool about 2 minutes, remove from dish and cook other half of batter.

Spread icing on top of first half, set other half on top and use remaining icing to cover the top.

Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon or cacao nibs with a cherry or strawberry on top. Oh, I bet sliced banana would be great too!

Chobani Greek Yogurt Icing

1/3 cup plain, non-fat Chobani Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup peanut flour, vanilla protein powder, or chocolate protein powder

1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

No worries if you have icing leftover because it’s wonderful by itself….YUM!

I'm Hooked! My First Food Expo...

Kelley and I had the opportunity to go to the 2012 Southwest Food Service Expo here in Dallas, TX on Sunday.  It's a 2 day event with today, Monday, being the last day.  Sadly, I have to face reality and go back to the accounting world in an office.  Good job, great people, not my passion.

Yellow bags in hand and read for some Expo!

Although I'm not in the food service business, being a blogger, and therefore possible product promoter, I had my place at the event.  I didn't know what to expect, but most food businesses took an interest when I told them what I do.  Of course, the ones with the lack of healthy food choices didn't seem too willing to converse, but the feeling was mutual.

Have you seen black garlic? The taste is subtle with strong notes of balsamic and its texture is silky with a little chewiness.  I like it alone, but this could be smeared on a giant portabello or steak.

Oh wow! The event was more than I imagined.  Upon entering there was a giant section to try various beers from small, local, and far away breweries all distributed by Ben E. Keith.  I was shocked to see such a vast array of quality brews that they distribute; they were all so good! I even quoted Will Ferrell from "Old School" where he says "Once it hits your lips, it's so good....", classic.

Banana Bread Beer; nuff said.  It smelled strong of banana bread in the oven and tasted great too.  This would be perfect for beer bread....hmmmm

Since it wasn't a health food expo, I was selective in the samples I tried.  I even just walked away from one booth when, after asking several times what ingredients were in his product, he just kept saying "It's gluten-free." or "It's all natural."  Really? Please people; if you're going to sell something, give me more details!!!

After a few rounds of beer sampling....I was no better, just the lucky one behind the camera!

And geez, I know many people need to avoid gluten at all costs, but what's with so many businesses making it a point to tell everyone their product is gluten-free?  I'm surprised bottled water doesn't have a giant label proclaiming that it's "Gluten-free."  No offense, but I am quite sure many people choose gluten-free foods thinking that it's just something healthier.  Please, if you're going to make drastic food choices or changes in your diet, know the reasons why.  Because the mainstream media says it's good, is not a real reason.

I volunteered to help the barista make latte art; he basically held my hand and did the whole thing.  Still fun though!

"My" latte art....not as good as most since I was stubborn and didn't move my arm the right way.

Where was I?  Oh yeah, there were some very healthy and knowledgeable people with great products too.  One business I enjoyed was Slim Ritas, who makes margaritas and a few other mixes sweetened with stevia. I don't drink often, but haven't had a margarita in years since most mixes are loaded with sugar.  The taste was clean with refreshing lime and a hint of sweetness that doesn't coat your mouth like sugary drinks. This is  perfect for the summer heat.

The delightful lady behind the stevia margarita mix wanted to have me try some to write about.  So, look out for my review along with a recipe or two using the mix.  I'd like to make margarita muffins, or maybe put a little in a mango-lime salsa.  Do you have any ideas of what else a stevia margarita mix would be good in?

Zilks Foods, the business that makes top notch hummus, salsa, pesto, and salsa, was there with several goodies. It was a delight to meet some of their kind representatives, and to try more food! They make a Tzatziki with Greek yogurt that I could eat with a spoon.....and I did!  You really can't go wrong with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill for a refreshing , low-fat dip, spread, or marinade.

There's plenty to talk about, but I must cut it short today.  I will have pictures of the event throughout the week and hopefully have a few sample and review postings lined up.  I am grateful Kelley came along with me; we had a great time, but I think I stayed longer than she cared for.  Sorry, Kelley, I have no good excuses, just can't get away from food!

Lychee and Rambutan basket....with I could've brought them home!

Q: Have you ever been to a food expo?  Is it your line of work or were you just lucky enough to have the chance like me?

I hope to go to another one next time something is around, these things are fun!