If Only.....

We would realize how important our diet is! We could save ourselves from not only being overweight, but also from so many diseases. It's really not hard to do and should be taken more seriously. It would change our lives. This is worth watching.

No-Bake Protein Bars

These are tasty protein bars! I found this recipe on the Oxygen website. I made some on Thursday and they were super easy. Next time I think I will add the honey. I'd also like to try it with chocolate protein  and almond butter. I cut mine into 8 pieces instead of 6. I also had to add a little extra water to mine because it was too dry. Oh and I didn't have parchment paper so I just lightly greased the pan with coconut oil.

This recipe for homemade protein bars ensures that you get all the benefits of whey protein. Best of all, it is freakishly simple to make! It takes just ten minutes to slap all the ingredients together and your freezer does the rest.

No-Bake Protein Bars
Ready in 40 minutes • Makes 6 servings

• 2 cups quick cook oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 4 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1/4 cup water

1. Line a loaf dish with parchment paper.
2. Using clean hands, kneed all ingredients in a large prep bowl.
3. Spread dough into dish or pan, pressing down to flatten. Use a spatula smooth out the surface. Freeze for 30 minutes. Cut into six large bars. Serve and refrigerate the rest.

Optional ingredients:

• 1 tsp cocoa powder (add it in the mix)
• dried fruit
• raw maple syrup or honey (drizzle on top of pressed dough you put it in the freezer)

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 310, Total Fats: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 25 mg, Sodium: 30 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 28 g, Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Sugars: 5 g, Protein: 22 g, Iron: 2

Helen Vong - Nutrition Editor

Here is a quick and yummy lunch that Paige and I like to make~

Tuna in Bell Peppers

 

 

 

I just use one 2.6 oz. pack of tuna and mix in about a teaspoon of real mayo ( not Miracle Whip because it has too many yucky ingredients) and sprinkle in some dill and pepper. It's also delicious with a pkg of salmon instead of the tuna. I love sliced cucumbers on the side! So there is a simple meal that I make often.

Have a great weekend!

Down 5

Woo Hoo! I lost 5 pounds in the last two and a half weeks. I haven't cheated once though and I have been very strict with what I'm eating. I have been working hard! I have about 10 more pounds to go. I decided to keep a food log. It is a new tab at the top of the blog. I will keep track of exactly what I eat each day. I'm really tired today. I didn't sleep that well last night. I am taking today off from working out. Normally Friday is my rest day. Maybe I should do a workout log too. What do you think?

I am not enjoying this gray rainy weather! It amazing how much the sun can make a difference in your mood and energy level. I LOVE sunshine! On these gloomy days I dream of relaxing on a beach in the sunshine listening to the waves.......

That would be so nice right now! Wanna go? Well I hope wherever you are and whatever the weather that your day is happy and cheerful!

I Like to Relax....

 At Barnes and Noble about once a week with a cup of coffee and a stack of magazines. I find it relaxing to sit in a bookstore with some coffee and flip through fitness and home magazines....a simple pleasure. There are a couple that I usually end up buying every month like Oxygen, Fitness Rx, and Muscle & Fitness Hers. Most of the time they have new workout ideas and sometimes I find different exercises to try.

My snack I brought with me to go with my coffee

Coffee... I love coffee. I LOVE the smell of coffee too. It's my favorite smell along with lavender :-)

I love decorating magazines...

and fitness magazines.

Looks like a good recipe to try

That's the truth.

 

I really want to do a pull up. I am going to start workin on it.

Unfortunately I hate Green Tea

Yes you are!

Good Stuff......

 I had a very delicious lunch at The Cheesecake Factory yesterday. Here is what I ordered ~

  

It was very YUMMY!

 These are from my "Good Stuff" board on Pinterest. I love Pinterest, don't you? These are all good things to think about no matter what your goal. It doesn't just have to be about losing weight or getting in shape. Everyone has different goals and different struggles. Something that might be important for you to accomplish may not be important for someone else. Focus on your own goals........

 

  

Not Really Neccesary........

But definitely more fun! Wearing cute workout clothes, that is. It feels good to have some decent workout clothes to exercise in. I think anytime we let ourselves look yucky, we don't feel as good as we could. Looking good always feels great, right? Even when you workout. Sometimes the Zumba and Hip Hop girls at Golds even coordinate the colors and clothes they are going to wear to class just for added fun. So, even though workout clothes are not something you have to have, it is something that makes working out more enjoyable.

I do think a good sports bra and a good pair of shoes are really important, though. Exercise can be a bit uncomfortable without a good bra and shoes!

There are all kinds of workout clothes out there. Some are quite expensive, but there are plenty that are affordable as well. Target and Old Navy have some cute things.You can even find a simple pair of yoga pants and a tank top at WalMart for under $20. Athletica, Lululemon, and Body by Brazil are higher priced, but have really cute stuff! I found some great tanks on sale at Sports Authority the other day. On sale is good!

It's fun to browse online especially on Pinterest to see what's out there. Here are some cute things ~

Great tanks!

Such a pretty tank from Athletica

I have these Nike Free Run 2 shoes and I LOVE them!

Comfy Yoga pants

More Nike Free Run 2 in purple and grey

 All the Hot Pink is so pretty ........

Well it is a cold and icy evening here and I have been cold all day! Tonight I am just going to relax and watch a movie. It's a perfect fire in the fireplace night too! I snapped a pic with my phone....

Have a cozy Friday night!