{Cookie monster}

Its Friday night.. and I'm officially in a cookie coma. I have an obsession with chocolate.. but you knew that.. mainly chocolate shakes, chocolate pudding and of course dark chocolate chips, 

Besides eating them by the handful,  I will admit I have a weakness for making cookies and inhaling them straight from the oven.. is there anything better? Sure, I may be sick later from overdose of chocolate and flour.. but I'm going to bed soon so its alright.. I will just have never ending dreams of me dressed like the cookie monster and double fisting cookies into my mouth.

I bet you want some cookies to. Am I right? C'mon, its Friday night and its never to late to celebrate!

Yay!! cookies!

{Chocolate Chip Cookies}

You will need:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oat flour (ground rolled oats)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 egg whites 
• 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a medium bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt and sugar together. Add two egg whites, then the milk. Stir in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. 

mix well

Try to resist the urge to just eat the dough by the spoonful, because we all know we are as guilty as the next person when it comes to eating raw cookie dough.

Shape into round balls and place on a non-stick cookie sheet.

oh, dough balls, drooooool...

Bake 12-14 minutes or until browned around the edges. 


Again, resist the urge to eat them too soon to avoid scalding your tongue with chocolate. But 2 minutes should do the trick..


Then when they have cooled and you know you ate to many...  stack them up.. and pour some milk to dunk them in because that just makes them that much better. 

One serving size is equal to the height of your glass of milk.. right?..

But then you realize that you ate to much dough and you only have enough cookies to fill one plate in which your actually supposed to bring two to a party later.. 

Don't turn your back for one second.. These cookies cannot be unguarded.... 

the cookie monster- "me like cookies mommy!"

Yes, that just happened.. At least I know she is learning something from watching me.. cookies anyone?

lemon balm

Today I had a "new to me herb" that I got from a friend. (Thanks Judy!)

I had no idea what lemon balm was.. and or what to do with it! I love experimenting with new things so I of course googled "lemon balm" to find out exactly what I could do with these green leafs. 

After researching it and finding out that it is versatile and a great addition to any salad, smoothie, eggs, and fish I knew it was made for me. After brainstorming several different options I came to the conclusion that a lemon balm tuna salad would be delish!

{Lemon Balm Tuna}

• 1 can of no salt added albacore tuna

• 1 tbs grapeseed veganaise 
• 1 tbs mustard (any mustard would work)
• 1/2 lemon
• 3 leafs of lemon balm finely chopped
• 3 tbs Purple onion finely chopped
• Diced red pepper (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, squeezing desired amount of lemon juice in.

and place on top of your choice of salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine). I used Romaine.

Super Easy, and came together in a flash. The lemon balm was a sweet, subtle addition that gave it just enough of a lemony fresh flava!!

This tuna salad was perfectly paired with some Rutabaga fries and sweet potato fries!

Rutabaga peeled and chopped

Sweet potato peeled and chopped 

I simply just cut them and spray with olive oil and sprinkled half of a simply organic ranch packet over the top and some chili powder for a little added spice! 

Baked at 350 in the oven for 20 minutes turning every 10. For crispier fries continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes till desired texture is achieved! (Note: Make extra for a quick and healthy snack!)

This was a perfect lunch after a tough workout, including a carb, protein, veggies and healthy fat makes for a great recovery meal. Makes me feel strong and healthy and FULL! 

Q. Anybody have any "new to me" spice or herb ingredient? 

Q. Anybody have any recipes for lemon balm? Link it up in the comments! 

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GPP explained

Hey friends! This morning started out early with a Body Pump class at the gym and the GPP workout.  I love both, but now my legs are sore! And its only 9 am. Should make my open water swim/bike ride fun. (if the weather cooperates) Its been a little rainy the past few days!

WHAT is GPP? 

 I frequently get emails asking me this question. I have done a short explanation here. But lets elaborate..

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GPP stands for GENERAL PHYSICAL PREPARDNESS

Every exercise mimicks everyday movement. If you think about it, every exercise is going to make you stronger in some aspect of your everyday life. Whether you are involved in sports, dance or just striving to be stronger individual.
As a mother I see the relation while
Lifting my babies
Carrying my bag
Taking the groceries in the house
Walking
And doing it all at the same time so I don't have to take more then one trip from the car ;) Ha!

Its all about finding a balance. Not just in the gym but LIFE! Nobody says it better then Neil himself...

"GPP Fitness training is blindly focused on helping you achieve optimal health.

To become "optimally healthy," we believe you must have balance across ALL aspects of health (mental, emotional, spiritual, social, PHYSICAL and financial).

GPP Fitness's unique training method is the most complete, effective, efficient, and safest way for you to achieve balance over all ten aspects (cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, coordination, balance and accuracy) of PHYSICAL health. This type of training is the fastest way to decrease bodyfat and improve all aspects of health while improving fitness across broad time and modal domain. In other words, through proper exercise and nutrition you will be completely fit for the long and short term while being supremely capable of the known and unknown physical stressors and challenges your life may present.

It is not lost on us that many who enter within strive for more than improved PHYSICAL presence and capacity. We believe with mastery of the physical you will have new skill sets that you can use to become more successful across all other aspects of "optimal health.""

Click here for the FAQ's

What to expect when you walk in the door-

A hey, how are ya, quick introduction to the show and right into the workout you'll go!

You will see the WOD (workout of the day) written on the board, A quick explanation will be given AND SHOWN to you to guarantee you a safe and effective workout. Depending on the WOD whether it be for time, on your own time, or strength challenge you will know what to expect and how to perform each movement.
This was today's WOD

Notice the board has the workout on one half and the other half is where you sign your name and your time/weights, etc. people even get creative sometimes...


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Since I became part of GPP I didn't just become a "member" of a gym but I became part of a gym family. We all have related goals and strive to achieve optimal health- we are not there for competition, you will not feel judged or intimidated. This isn't a gym full of meat heads or poppin princess's (you know what I'm talking about.) Every level of fitness is welcome. Everyone has to start somewhere. Why not get the support from friends along the way. Even if you don't live close to the gym or out of state, the workouts are posted here, everyday! FOR FREE!  Try a workout and make a comment! Become part of something great. You won't regret it.
My body has changed, and it do so in just a few short months since I started at GPP. Progress pics here-

With each workout you will feel accomplished and paired with a healthy diet plan you can reach your fitness goal.

;)

Post-workout I came home and was craving a smoothie bowl! I haven't had one forever and it was time to have ice cream for breakfast again.

In the blend

• 1 1/2 C. Almond Milk
• 3 frozen strawberries
• 1/2 frozen banana 
• 2-3 ice cubes (if needed to thicken)
• 1 scoop of chocolate protein (I meant to use vanilla..but dumped the chocolate before I noticed.) 
• 2 handfuls of Spinach 

Dump in a bowl and eat with a spoon. Yum! 

Time to face the garden.. Yes, I know its August and summer is almost over here in Utah but its starting to resemble a jungle and I can't tell the difference between a flower, small tree or WEED!?
Wish me luck?!

Q. What do you love most about your gym? 
I'm part of several gyms but I enjoy a friendly atmosphere. Why go somewhere to do a grueling workout if you actually "gruel" going?

Salmon Cakes

Things are getting a little fishy up in here.

I was up till the wee hours of the morning watching cartoons about killer mayonnaise?? For reals. that is all I got out of it.

If you are wondering what your kids are watching.. the mayonnaise never" ketched" up. to the mustard.

T was up with his molars breaking through and I spent the time trying to figure out who made up that crazy cartoon.

"cheese mom!" Its playtime!

Breakfast came quick and there was no mayonnaise involved.
But there was fish.

Salmon Cakes

Ingredients

• 3 tsp extra virgin olive oil- divided
• 1/4 C. onion chopped finely 
• 1 stalk celery diced
• 2 tbsp Parsley
• 1 1/2 C. Salmon (canned salmon will work also)
• 1 lrg egg beaten
• 1 1/2 tsp mustard
• 1 3/4 C. Almond Meal
• 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 450
In a skillet heat 1 1/2 tsp olive oil in skillet with onion and celery until cooked then add parsley

Flake salmon in a bowl

add egg, mustard, onion mixture, Almond meal and Pepper.

Mix well

Shape into patties

 and cook on skillet until black golden brown (I was a little pre-occupied)

Then bake for 15-20 minutes!

I ate 2. and yes, that is a grapefruit in the backround not a basketball and I ate more then half...

Salmon cakes for breakfast.. and lunch? Probably. Hold the mayonnaise. 

I got some mustard. 

Bring on August!

Thanks for all the sweet words, about yesterday's post. As I went to bed last night, I just kept thinking how wonderful the blog world is and how I have the greatest, most supportive friends and family out there!
Thanks again!

This morning I woke up refreshed and recommited to making this week a good one!

I started by making a plan! Plan to succeed-- 
I made my training plan..chore chart and party events... plan.

I decided to not only schedule in my work, workouts and tri training, but household chores to, because in this last month (which was a little Cahrazy..) My home was neglected, I need to clean--majorly and I'm more likely to get it done if I WRITE IT DOWN. That way, when its done, I can check it off and I get a feeling of accomplishment when I do so. 

I also jotted down my meal plan- I go through my fridge and make my weekly meal plan with what I have on hand, I really only tentatively plan 3 main meals. My snacks are usually the same every day, which can but are not limited to- as choices- are apples with almond butter, protein shakes, sweet potatoes, Veggies with olive oil, boiled eggs, & chocolate. I use this printable template for my grocery list/meal plan

Then I go ahead and made the shopping list! I include items that I am low on or in need of. (this is actually fairly small.. GO me!) Now lets see if I can stick to it.. .I know we may need to add a few items as the week goes on.

My sister-in-law is in town and we had planned to do a workout together with the other SIL's.  As I headed out the door with my pre-workout snack...

to my BIL's gym this morning it was POURING.. and yes, we ran outside. I love the rain! It made the run a little humid though.. (Utah humid?) I felt as if I was running in Hawaii again!

 It was so fun to work out with them.. He took us through 3 cycles of multiple exercises with a run at the end of each one. The exercises included the use of a TRX, bands, weights, jump ropes, punching bags and body weight exercises! To bad we didn't take the picture pre-workout. We are all  a sweaty hot mess!

I love my fam! Way to work it girls!

I came home and ate some breakfast, 

I know you may get sick of seeing egg scrambles every single day.. but in my defense they are my "go to" breakfast and are always a little different everyday depending on the veggies I have on hand! 

We played on the stairs for about an hour before the twinners nap. Up & Down-- I figure if they can now go up stairs by themselves, I better teach them the right way to go down. Lets just say they are much better at going up. 

And yes, this game never gets old. I don't know why my little thrill seekers find the stairs to be the funnest place to play.

After their nap I headed to GPP to get this workout done! This workout you can totally do at home.. no equipment! Just give your husband or child a whistle and go wild. Haha! 

Lunch was a chocolaty protein shake but I was still hungry and I decided to have a wrap to! 

Low carb wrap, low sodium turkey from the deli, tomatoes and spinach! And of course an apple for good measure! 

I have a happy belly :) The babies are down for their 2nd nap and according to my schedule I have some laundry to put away...

be jealous. Hopefully the twins get a good nap.. this may take awhile.

Have a great day!!

Q. Do you schedule your workouts, meals etc. ?

I'm a total list person! I love to write things down so I'm more likely to get it done!