Self-Worthy Competition!

If you don't have a partner for that extra support sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge to stay motivated all the time. Lifes difficulties and daily stresses can easily break us down if we are not strong enough to let them pass by with ease and just grow from them instead of letting them get the best of us. I workout alone, do my meal planning alone, look for/create recipes alone, create/search for workouts alone, prepare my weekly food alone, and do most of my cooking alone. I create, study, and accomplish all of my goals alone. This might sound like a challenge and sometimes it is (especially when your significant other/family isn't nearly all as into it is you). This is no excuse for failure to reach success. Plus, would it really be worth it if it wasn't a challenge? I don't think so! If everyone could just have the perfect body with the perfect health then that would be AMAZING! Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. So you must challenge your strengths and weaknesses each and everyday and only grow stronger mentally and physically from each block you have tackled! I promise that in the end you will feel all that more proud of yourself and be much more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle forever!

If you need some motivation just look in the mirror. If you are not happy then tell yourself right then and there that you are going to turn your frown upside down! You are going to challenge yourself to a personal competition! You are going to out-do the OLD YOU and let the NEW YOU shine brighter than ever! Your opponent is going to be your concious! When you want to stay at home and lounge instead of going to the gym you are going to have to talk to yourself and beat your minds comfort zone! When your mind tells you to eat that cookie/bread/ice cream/bag of chips/or whatever... the new you is going to have to challenge the old you. This is where your strength, discipline, dedication, drive, fearlessness, courage, and passion must come through with full force and stronger than ever! It is important to constantly be in tune with your thoughts and replace any negatives with positives.

You literally need to enthusiastically talk yourself through any temptation that will not lead you closer to success! Tell yourself exactly WHY you are choosing a good behavior over a bad behavior (let it be a reminder each day as to why you make the right health choices while so many others are making the wrong health choices), doing so will keep you consistent! Be your old you's worst enemy! Eventually when you become consistent in this practice your body image, energy levels, and positive mood will be the reminder as to why you challenge yourself each day to become a healthier and stronger version of your old self! You will look and feel so amazing and eventually all of those challenges will become accomplishments! You will not see healthy choices as being obstacles, but more so as rewards to your health because you deserve nothing less than success!

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes!

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Ingredients:
* olive oil cooking spray
* 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 cup oat flour
* 1/2 cup egg whites
* 1/4 cup cottage cheese
* 1/4 cup apple sauce (no sugar added)
* 1 baby apple or 1/4 of a reg apple
* 1/4 cup raw walnuts

Utensils:
* 1 blender
* 1 nonstick pan
* 1 large spatula
* 1 stirring spoon
* 1 grater
* 1 sharp knife
* 1 liquid measuring cup
* 1 (1/4 cup) measuring cup

Directions:
1. Pour eggwhites, oat flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, cottage cheese, and applesauce into blender. (Blend until well combined)
2. Preheat pan on stove to low/med heat.
3. Peel & grate apple. (I eat the peels for fiber).
4. Chop up walnuts.
5. Pour blender contents into liquid measuring cup. Add grated apple & chopped walnuts. (Stir well).
6. Pour desired amount of batter to preheated pan and cook for 3-4 mins on each side. (Edges will usually brown when ready).
7. Enjoy with sugar free syrup, low sugar preserves, or fresh berries.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Ingredients:
* olive oil cooking spray
* 2 tbs cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup oat flour
* 3/4 cup egg whites
* 1/4 cup cottage cheese
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Utensils:
* 1 blender
* 1 nonstick pan
* 1 large spatula
* 1 stirring spoon
* 1 liquid measuring cup
* 1 (1/4 cup) measuring cup

Directions:
1. Pour eggwhites, oat flour, cocoa powder, and cottage cheese into blender. (Blend until well combined)
2. Preheat pan on stove to low/med heat.
3. Pour blender contents into liquid measuring cup. Mix in chocolate chips
6. Pour desired amount of batter to preheated pan and cook for 3-4 mins on each side. (Edges will usually brown when ready).
7. Enjoy! (These are so good, I eat them plain)

100 Calorie Packs.

Don't be fooled! I am sure that everyone has seen the 100 calorie packs that come in many varieties; cookies, cupcakes, chips, ice cream bars, fruit snacks, rice cakes, to name a few! I can tell you from first hand experience that they are a waste of money (totally over-priced) and not a good option for those looking to manage their weight (empty calories). I will admit that I have actually eaten an entire box of them in one day, along with my regular meals! What once was supposed to be a guiltless 100 calories turns into a meals worth of 600 calories! Wait... I'm not done! And... the snack craving doesn't go away, it only grows larger. This is because they have absolutely no nutrition and are loaded with preservatives and other "things" that make you crave more and more "things".

Instead of wasting your time and money, grab a healthy snack that will actually keep you full and satisfied until your next meal. You can buy a bowl full of fruit for the price of one 100 calorie pack box! Some healthy & smart options include: apple slices & peanut butter, cottage cheese & diced peaches with walnuts, rice cake topped with peanut butter & banana slices, homemade protein bars, veggies & hummus with almonds, or healthy ice cream cookie (by: ashley horner). 

Get creative and think of whatever you want, as long as it is healthy and portioned correctly! Be sure to always pair a protein with your carb & add in a small amount of healthy fats occasionally throughout the day.

Remember... Stay away from the calorie packs & prepare your healthy snacks! If you have any snacks that I haven't listed, I would love to hear your ideas! Please don't hesitate to share! Have a happy & healthy day! Thanks for reading!

Puffed Millet Cereal!

Are you ready to try one of the most simple & healthy bagged breakfast cereals (aside from oatmeal) that is only 175 calories with all the toppings? I have the recipe right here and highly suggest it to anyone who needs a little change in their first meal of the day! It only takes 3-4 ingredients and about 2 minutes to make! Another bonus to this cereal is that it is budget friendly! 1 bag contains (11)-1cup servings and costs only $1.99.

Puffed Millet Cereal

1 cup puffed millet + 1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup mixed berries

= 175 cal/3.5g fat/29g carbs/10g sugar/4g protein