Plantain Pumpkin Muffins

I am by no means in the absolute slightest way a food blogger. I honestly know that I can cook well (thanks Mom) but the majority of the time I am cooking solo and whip up random concoctions to feed whatever craving I have.

I always have plantains on hand because I am obsessed but now that fall is upon us pumpkin is creeping into everything.

Which is how these plantain pumpkin muffins came to be!

 (I also have awful lighting and an iPhone and these photos are oh so awful but the final product is not).

These have gotten the stamp of approval and recipe asked for by my sister and coworkers so I figured I would share it.

I have made a batch every week the past several and one night maybe ate three as soon as they were cool enough.

They are also on the healthier side with no added sugar but I don’t think they need them – and also right around 80 calories a pop if you care about that sort of thing. Very dense and moist (ugh makes me cringe describing as such) and delicious.

This is the basic recipe but I have made subsequent batches with chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, coconut, nut butter…the possibilities are endless.

Make them and see for yourself! But without further ado:

1 very ripe plantain

½ can of pumpkin (pure not pie mix)

1 egg

1 egg white

2 tbsp of coconut oil

½ cup of oat flour (have also made with wheat and almond – would have to tweak for coconut since it absorbs the liquid they would probably be dry with it)

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Not measured:

Vanilla extract

Pumpkin pie spice

Cinnamon

Sea salt

Baking soda

I threw everything into my ninja and pressed blend. Then into the pan (I spray mine and don’t use liners).

Into the oven at 350 degrees – mine have been done anywhere from 12 – 15 minutes but my oven sucks so after 12 check to see if the tooth pick comes out clean.

This recipe yields 12. If you make them let me know!

Plantain and pumpkin everything. 

August - A Month of Running Happy

I haven't really recapped much about my running in detail on the blog, just mentioned that I am running quite a bit. I have a loose plan most weeks of 2-3 quality runs: tempo, speed/hill and long run. The rest of the runs have just been whatever. For the most part I like to "workout" for at least an hour most days which has translated into a lot of days hitting 6 miles or so.

Nevertheless, I was kind of surprised when I saw my mileage for the month and it was 179 miles!

I have not run that volume in quite some time. From what Daily Mile is telling me in fact, even last year in my Chicago and NYC marathon build up I wasn't running that much. Although to be honest I didn't look back further than September because I am lazy.

But August was pretty awesome for running...

I was away in Montauk which translated to my first real run since NYCM outside.

I love the open road.

August means summer streets and me further getting comfortable with breaking free of the treadmill.

Who doesn't love a desolate Park Avenue?

More than anything else though running became less anxiety filled over my stomach (not without a couple dicey runs that ended in less than ideal situations...but I blew those off immediately) and a lot less frustrating. A short time ago 11-12 minute miles on the treadmill were hard. I've managed runs outside in the past month busting out miles in the 8's and steadily in the 9's. I know pace isn't everything but good lord it is satisfying.

AND I finally feel ready to take the plunge back into races. I haven't raced ONCE this year. The past few years I have run 20+ races each year but this time around I just didn't want to waste the money not knowing how I would feel.

While I am not in the least bit thinking I will be throwing down PR performances (because sub 1:53 half marathon is kind of doubtful right now) I want to get through them feeling good and strong.

I have 2 half's planned right now and have not problem saying that I would really be thrilled to break 2:00. I haven't since fall 2012. That is ridiculous.

If things on the Crohn's front continue to be positive then at least I can get through them happy if nothing else!

But thank you August for a great month. Everyone else might have been bitching about the never ending heat and humidity but every day that I was well enough to wake up and chase down the sunrise, I was happy.

How can this not make you happy?

Onward and upward.

September, I'm coming for you.

Vacation Balance

This past weekend, I spent a long weekend celebrating my sister’s bachelorette in Miami.

One of the things I like the most was that in the planning stages she requested various classes that she wanted to attend while we were there.

I am one of those people that genuinely ENJOYS working out and while yes I suffer from days where I have to kind of drag myself to it, I feel worse if I don’t move my body somehow.

And let’s be honest, when you are in Miami and rocking a bikini the majority of the day – you WANT to do some sort of workout to feel your best (or maybe that is just me…).

So luckily I was able to get in something each day.

Thursday – we all arrived late morning and went to an evening barre class at Exhale

Friday – we started the day with an early morning Flywheel class and I wound up running and lifting at night while they got their blowouts (yay for Japanese straightening, a blowout is kind of counterproductive since it does not get frizzy at all).

Saturday – repeated the same and hit up Flywheel first thing

Sunday – I was CRAVING some alone time before leaving and ran a little over 8 miles (on the ‘mill because Miami humidity and heat is already ridic at 8am).

Getting in something each day definitely had me feeling my best as I threw on my bikini! I know I don’t have a “perfect” body but, I am damn proud of the work I have done this year to try and whip it back into stronger shape.

Then for eats, each night there was a dinner planned. It was nice knowing where we were going each night to plan ahead meal wise (especially since my Crohn’s hasn’t had me feeling that great). We hit up some great spots: Lure, Katsuya and Prime One Twelve – all meals to die for!

I refrained from any day drinking the first two days and only had one at each dinner. The final day we had a cabana (we were staying at the Delano) so there was a little champagne during the day and then the night I had more than one drink ;)

Overall even though I am super tired and in post vaca coma I am happy that I was able to both stick to routine without feeling like an outsider because of it and also party it up! (I am way too old for the late nights – dinner wasn’t until 9pm each day, YAWN).

AND obviously so much fun to celebrate with my sister! 

Sister shot! 

Weight Watchers Week 4

Another week, another weigh in! 

Not the most exciting post but knowing I am going to post about it helps keep me accountable :) 

Weeks weight loss = 0.6 lbs

Total loss to date = 8.4 lbs 

I am not surprised at all by it being a little less - but regardless moving in the right direction. 

I was snacky all week long which makes sense as it is now that time of the month. I had a very difficult time reigning it in at night. I didn't really go over points but I utilized the majority of weekly and activity for the first time. 

Plus the the cold and long weekend made for less time being active and more time sitting on the couch ;) 

It does help that I keep NOTHING to really munch on in the house so when the will to boredom eat hits I don't have many choices! Minus all the roasted carrots. That is still going strong. I am waiting for my skin to begin to turn orange. 

I will say that I am curious to see how much I will lose before it becomes more "difficult". I am a few pounds from where I was in 2012 when I was feeling most confident but I was also more muscular then. I am really working on hitting the weights and starting to see some more muscle definition, so yay for that! 

And also yay for weeklies resetting for the weekend so I can have some wine. I have been waiting all week for wine because I will NOT drink if it comes down to my last few points for a snack versus food! 

And I have one of my favorite bottles of red waiting to be opened. 

Happy Friday all! 

WIAW - Miami Edition

This is oh so long overdue but I have been wanting to share some of the deliciousness that happened while in Miami!

Sadly I was too ravenous on a couple occasions to take out the camera. 

Namely the last dinner that we went to at Jaquar - seriously if you are in Miami, Coconut Grove, do yourself a favor and go there. Between the endless ceviche and pisco sours I was stuffed (and tipsy) by the end. 

My day there we were off the plane, stopped by my sisters apartment to drop off my bags and then on a walk down to the water to hit up happy hour and an early dinner. 

Cannot get any better than some cold beers with a view, am I right?

The next day we wandered off to a great brunch. There may have only been 3 of us but boy did we do some damage. I like ordering with like minded people - none of us could make up our minds on what we wanted...so we each ordered 2 dishes. Totally approve. 

However, I think my favorite part BY FAR, was our adventure down to Florida City. My sisters friend mentioned a farm stand with all types of exotic fruits and I was sold, I had to go. Luckily my sister had been there before and was up for the adventure. Enter our trip to Robert Is Here. It was seriously amazing. 

Look at these gems that we found! 

We couldn't wait to get home to taste test, so we didn't. They drilled us a fresh coconut to drink and we dug right in. Oh. So. Good. 

Just thinking about it, I want to go back immediately.

Commence flight searching. 

WIAW #2 - Clean Eating Goodness

I'm back for another What I Ate Wednesday!!! 

I love being back on track with clean eating, thank you to the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge. I am feeling better and honestly still not craving the sugar and fatty stuff like I thought I would (although I am not entirely sure that I will ever permanently give up coffee, that is the one thing I am missing and really cannot wait for!). I am still in the thick of it with another week to go but going strong! 

I have been doing a LOT more food prep, and it has been so nice to have quick and easy meals waiting for me. On tap this week:

For breakfasts I have been doing the meal replacement shakes. I am kind of picky about my protein but this chocolate is pretty darn delicious I must admit. In a pinch I am just mixing with water in a shaker bottle - but mornings when I am home I have been mixing with frozen banana and spinach and chia seeds. Delicious! 

I also made a batch of the Fitnessista's quinoa pancakes - I had a ton of leftover quinoa I had prepped and do yourself a favor, make them. Simple, quick and nutritious! 

For snacks I finally made homemade hummus. What have I been doing buying this my whole life??? It is so simple to make, and such a money saver. I went a tad heavy on the garlic this round but it was still so so good. 

I have been eating rice cakes for snacks as well. This combo - one with spicy mustard and daiya cheese, plus another with mashed avocado and sea salt, so tasty - and with a side of shredded beets. Yum!

I have been eating tempeh a bit lately - I was feeling so lazy Sunday night and wound up just slicing up some 3 grain tempeh with a side of raw veggies. I like tempeh straight out the package, don't judge! 

Then some quick grilled chicken (with Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute - it is addictive) with a side of roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash. I think some times the simpler the better. 

And of course can't forget my favorite date night this week - went to Guantanamera for some great Cuban food and live music, this paella was loaded with seafood and simple and delicious. And massive! Love me some seafood. 

I have been really good about not eating after dinner, but Sunday was feeling snacky so whipped up this massive chocolate protein muffin in the microwave. I will share the recipe it is sooooo good. Topped with some peanut butter and berries, heaven. Totally hit the dessert craving I was having. 

And there we have it. So much good food and all my eating has been on point. That makes me happy! 

Dessert Me!

Lately I have totally been struggling with my night time eating.

My day eats are pretty perfect. A solid breakfast, usually a big salad of greens + protein for lunch and then a decent snack before leaving.

Then I get home and all bets are off. I am sure it is a combination of waking up even earlier lately because I now have to be in an hour earlier...so alarm is going off any time from 4:15-4:45 to workout. Then at work for usually 12 hours without much time for a break. I am super busy so my mind is just in over drive.

But I am really feeling these night time binges and I am not amused.

So I had to sit back and remember what has worked for me in the past as far as keeping it under control.

And that was when I remembered about this oldie but goodie which is a favorite of mine. And oh so filling and oh so big! And boy am I a "volume" eater.

Enter this lovely Chocolate Protein Muffin!

Fresh out - and steaming!

Now this is a pretty basic recipe with a LOT of wiggle room to alter it to what you are looking for or have in your kitchen.

2 T of flour - I like coconut but use whole wheat when I out
1/2 - 1 T protein powder (works without though!)
2 egg whites
1/4 pumpkin (today I used sweet potato puree! also mashed banana, apple sauce)
1 T cocoa powder
1/2 t baking soda
a few drops liquid stevia (or other sweetener)

Today I also added cinnamon and vanilla extract for a little more sweetness.

Also as you can see to the batter I diced up a couple of strawberries and threw in some blueberries.

Mix all ingredients together and then pour in a bowl that you have sprayed with cooking spray so that it slides right on out.

Microwave for about 3 minutes (today took about 4 probably because of the berries).

Slide that baby on out of the dish, and if like me you want to top it with something. Today I added just plain chobani, but I will make a protein fluff, heat up some almond butter or pb2 or you know, chocolate syrup for extra chocolately goodness!

Like I said this recipe is HIGHLY customizeable! You can do it without the cocoa if you don't want chocolate, I have added a dollop of almond butter to the batter for some oozy goodness, put chocolate chips in there...the possibilities are endless based on what you have to work with.

And not to mention, this baby is HUGE. My bowl that I used is probably about 3 inches in diameter so that is a good size.

If you try it out let me know what you think! Healthy dessert in a few minutes...there is nothing bad about that!