WIAW: Gluten Free Blueberry Protein Bars

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Designer Whey.

One of my goals for 2014 is to continue to make healthy food choices. Since giving up wheat in the summer, I have been more conscience of the foods I make and eat. 

One of my favorite snacks to make are my Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars. Now, even though I am a proclaimed creature of habit, while prepping to make my latest batch of protein bars I decided to change things up with a new flavor: Blueberry.

I used to eat blueberry muffins, blueberry bagels, blueberry toast...you get the idea. My smoothies often have blueberries, but it's not the same taste. So I changed up my peanut butter banana bar recipe and came up with this:

I mixed all the ingredients together (btw - I used a mini-chopper to mash up my blueberries), plopped the mixture down on wax paper, and then rolled it out before putting it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

After flipping the baked mixture over onto a cutting board and removing the wax paper, I cut it into squares.

It was blueberry delicious-ness! (full disclosure: I will probably double that amount the next time I make them...because I like blueberries that much!)

I love packing these homemade bars for lunch, grabbing one as a pre-workout snack, or munching on one after a good sweat session. They are so much healthier than my pre-gluten-free choices and using Designer Whey protein helps make my food work better for me.

What is your go-to pre/post workout snack?

In case you are interested in more healthy snack choices, head over to the WIAW linkup or join the fun!

WIAW: A Childhood Favorite

When I was a kid, I loved spending time at my grandparent's house and eating mush. Mush was pre-cooked cornmeal fried up crispy and served to me smothered in honey. No one could make mush like a Gpa. Over the years, I learned to make mush just like he did and would have it as a treat every once in awhile.

source

When I left Cincinnati, there were many favorites that would be left behind: LaRosa's Pizza, Skyline Chili, and Mush. I can order request some of my Cincy favorites and have them shipped to me (thanks to my wonderful friends and family), but I couldn't figure out how to get Mush since it was refrigerated and expensive to ship.

This past summer, while spending a weekend in Newport, RI, we stopped for breakfast at our favorite diner. For the first time I noticed Johnny Cakes on the menu. A Johnny Cake is a fried cornmeal flatbread that is claimed to have originated in Rhode Island. I was so excited to learn that I could order some mush whenever we went to Newport.

Then a few weeks ago I made another discovery: Polenta.  More cornmeal, this time with it's roots in Italy, Polenta is very similar to mush (so much so that I really don't what is different) and can be served fried. And oh-happy-day, it's gluten-free!

So, I finally tried some Polenta and it was like traveling back in time. It WAS the American cornmeal mush that I had as a kid. I couldn't believe it and it was so easy to make thanks to the pre-cooked rolls you can buy in the grocery.

I sliced the Polenta into 1/4" thick slices and fried it in a skillet. Some people use butter, but I used oil and tried to get it as crispy as I could. I served it just like when I was a kid, with honey on top.

What childhood favorite have you revisited (or would like to) lately?

Don't forget to check out other great recipes and food ideas at the WIAW linkup!

WIAW: My Gluten Free Thanksgiving

Tomorrow I will be celebrating my first Thanksgiving...gluten free. It should actually be pretty easy since there are several family members who have been GF for a while now, but I'm going to add some GF options to the menu myself.

For an appetizer, I will be preparing gluten free crab dip. A good friend of mine in Cincinnati gave me this recipe and I've made it for years. Now, I just make sure to buy GF ingredients.

A new recipe I'll be trying is gluten free stuffing. I found a couple of great looking recipes here and here, but I will be trying the one that I found posted by my fellow FitFluential Ambassador and Mizuno lover Krysten on her blog The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail.

In addition to the appetizer and side dish, I'll be bringing along some gluten free brownies that I picked up at a local g-free bakery. They are soooo big!

What item on the menu is your favorite to eat? to make?
Are you avoiding any foods this year?

WIAW: Chocolate Protein Puffed Rice Bites

My favorite post-workout snack is a little ball of chocolate. Literally. Normally I'm not a chocolate kind of person, but sometimes a little bite of peanut butter, chocolate, and crispy just hits the spot.

I'm a big fan of Lindsay Cotter and her delicious Healthy Bites. In fact it was her Muddy Buddy Mochas that started my interest in little bite sized post workout treats.

I've learned over the years that it is important to consume some protein within 30 minutes of a hard workout because it aids muscle recovery and also prevents over-eating later (my biggest problem). The (other) problem for me is that I usually don't feel like eating anything right away.

After ordering some Healthy Bites and then purchasing her recipe eBook, I was inspired to create my own bites. I thought about some of the chocolate candy bars that I've liked over the years and sometimes crave as a little snack: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and 100 Grand Bars were at the top of my list. 

After jotting down the recipe, I got right to work. Not only was I excited to see how my own creation would turn out, but ever since going GF, I have so much more energy! Most Sundays you can find me wearing my "Chef's hat" and going a little crazy with projects in the kitchen. Ok, back to the treats...I tossed all the ingredients into a bowl and started mixing it up.

After mixing all the ingredients together, I rolled the mixture into 1.5 inch balls (approximately) and placed them on wax paper before putting into the freezer.

About an hour later, my new bites were ready to try. The puffed rice wasn't as crispy as a candy bar, but they are absolutely yummy!

Disclaimer: I did not claim my recipe to be healthy, but it is gluten-free. Enjoy!

What's your favorite post-workout snack?

Today I'm linking up again with Jen from Peas and Crayons. Don't forget to take a look at a ton of other awesome recipes.

Gluten Free Crock Pot Chili and Pilates & More with Elina

Last week I met up with the NH Bloggers & Tweeters group for the monthly Blog & Tweet event, but not before having a bowl of my husband's delicious wheat-free crock pot chili.

He has masterfully created a yummy chili recipe that simmers in the crock pot for about 5 hours:

2 pounds browned hamburg
2 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1 can green chiles
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 can dark red kidney beans

I add crackers to my chili and like Glutino gluten free original crackers the best.

The October Blog & Tweet event was a Pilates Fitness Class at Pilates & More with Elina in Manchester. Pilates is a conditioning routine meant to help build flexibility and strength. It's a great cross training option for runners.

Pilates & More with Elina is located in the old mills buildings of downtown Manchester. Parking was free and easy, but finding my way to the studio inside the building was just the start of the adventure.

The studio, which opened in September, was a cozy space with hard wood floors that easily accommodated our group of seven.

Elina, who has 19 years fitness experience, greeted us right away and after filling out some paperwork, she led us to the Pilates mats we would be using for the class.

The 45 minute Beginner's Mat class was a mix of beginner Pilates moves put together as a sequential series and a lot of giggling. That's what happens when you put a group of girls together!

Photo credit to Janine

Some of the Pilates exercises involved a good stretch at the end, which felt awesome after Elina pushed us to do more repetitions. Even though we were not moving around a lot, I could feel my muscles tiring from the repetition or holding of positions. I wish I had remembered to wear my Polar Heart Rate monitor because I would love to know how many calories I burned in this class!

In addition to the Beginner's Mat class, Elina explained to the group at the end of the session that she also offers several other classes:

Cardilates - low impact cardio and Pilates with music
Bandilates - Pilates with resistance bands
Rehabilitation - Focus on range of motion and stretching

Pilates & More with Elina offers a range of pricing options from $15 drop in rates to packages and private sessions.

I've done Pilates before and had forgotten what a great workout it is. It was a nice change from the high energy workouts that I've become accustomed to doing. Thanks again to Allie and Janine for organizing our monthly Blog & Tweet events.

And special thanks to Elina for hosting our crazy Blog & Tweet NH group!

me, Amber, Sarah, Allie, Kathy, Karlene, Elina, and Janine

Have you ever done Pilates? What do you think?

WIAW: All Pro Science Inspired + (giveaway)

As a blogger, I occasionally get asked to review product. I don't accept every offer, just the ones that I have a genuine interest in trying. A couple of weeks ago All Pro Science sent me some 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein to try.  

The first thing that appealed to me about APS was the "free" list: gluten-free, high-fructose corn syrup free, soy free, dairy-free. I was impressed with the all-natural approach. Secondly, APS offers more flavors than I've seen in other protein powders. Complete 100% Grass Fed Whey is offered in six flavors: French Vanilla, Bavarian Chocolate, Strawberry Creme, Banana Creme, Cinnamon Roll, and Mocha Latte. APS sent me Banana Creme.

Now, you might be shocked to learn that I am not a banana fan. I can eat a banana after a race if there aren't other options, but at home I usually leave them in the fruit bowl for mr.C and the kids. Having said that, I wasn't about to let that stop me from trying the protein my friends at APS were nice enough to send me.

First I used it in my morning smoothie. Honestly, I could not taste the banana flavor at all. My wild berry smoothie tasted the same as always.

After that I had to search for recipes because banana is not a flavor I use in the kitchen at all often. The first recipe I found was for homemade protein bars. I modified the original recipe to make it gluten-free.

They were really good! I had them with my lunch and took them to a soccer game for my snack. I even grabbed one for a quick bite before a run. It was perfect.

Feeling a little more confident, I tried another recipe that I found here for some protein bites. The only thing I changed was the protein flavor.

The banana flavor was a little too noticeable for me in this recipe, but they made an excellent post-workout and after dinner snack.

APS also sent me some Natural Blue Berry Ice PreCharge single packets to try. These are suggested for pre-workout use, but I wanted to try it in a smoothie, so I added it to my morning wild berry mix. I absolutely loved this flavor!

I'm not an expert on protein, and honestly, I couldn't tell a difference between this brand and others that I have used, but knowing that APS focuses on offering all-natural products and has gluten-free ingredients makes this a winner for me.

Do you use protein powder? Or would you like to try it? All Pro Science is generously giving one lucky reader 1 tub of protein (your choice) + a $25 gift certificate.

To enter: 
- Leave a comment telling me which fitness activity you like most.
- For extra entries share/tweet/blog/Instagram/Pinterest this giveaway. Be sure to leave a link to what you did in the comments so I'll know! The more you share, the more chances to win!
- Earn more entries for following APS on Twitter and liking their Facebook page. Leave a comment for each letting me know that you did.

Giveaway details:
- Winners must be US residents
- Ends Sunday November 3 at 10 PM EST. Comments after that time will not be included in the drawing.
- One name will be selected randomly from the valid entries. 

Can't wait? Use this exclusive promo code RUN40 for 40% off your order of All Pro Science products.

Updated: Congratulations to NEW giveaway winner Electra!

Please email me with your protein flavor choice and mailing address.

Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

WIAW: What's Cookin'?

After frying my legs in my last half marathon, I have been giving them a chance to refresh. With no races looming on my calendar, I am totally not enjoying the pressure-free break from running, and mixing up my strength training with some daily challenges.

Trying to stay positive, I am spending more time in the kitchen cookin' up some new recipes, along with some favorites. All follow our new wheat-free diet and some are packed with protein to make great post-workout snacks.

Here's a sample of dinner, lunch, and snacks:

Also, I was sent some new protein and I've been having fun trying it out. The review should be up next week and will include recipes!

Don't forget to check out other great eats at Jen's WIAW link up!


What have you got cookin' lately?

WIAW: Indian Summer Treats for Runners

We love summer squash, not only because it tastes so good, but also for all its benefits: antioxidants help reduce inflammation, low in calories, and packed with vitamins.

I don't know about where you live, but here in New England we've been having some unseasonably warm weather. It's good for running and it means that the farmer's market is going full swing, so we can still find some locally grown summer squash.

mr.C loves to grill up the yellow squash and zucchini with some EVOO, rosemary, and garlic (to keep the mosquitos away!), but this weekend we decided to try a new recipe that gives these veggies some room on our fall menu.

This recipe is so simple, but you might need to plan ahead for the baking time. "Tian" is a French word used to describe a casserole dish in which veggies have been layered with spices and cheese, and are then baked.

It was good. Really good. And the leftovers are really good too!

One of my favorite Halloween treats has always been candy corn. This year I'm trying to stay away from the extra holiday calories, so I'm going to make some healthier treats. One of my newest recipe finds is great any time, but especially after a good workout since it's made with protein powder.

Find more healthy Halloween snack ideas at Jen's WIAW link up.

WIAW - Wheat Free ZOOMA Road Trip

Last weekend was my first BIG wheat-free road test as I headed to Cape Cod for some ZOOMA fun. Unsure of how I would do finding G-free restaurant/menu options, I packed some snacks in a cooler for the trip: rice cakes, PB&J, cheese, GF crackers, grapes, and yogurt. So for WIAW, I'm giving you a peek at my eats from the weekend!


When we arrived in Falmouth, I whipped out my trusty iPhone and opened the handy dandy YELP app. Using the search feature, I found three restaurants listed under GF menu options. After reading the reviews and checking the websites, we choose Stone L'Oven because it boasted delicious GF pizza. This very late lunch also became dinner.

After fulfilling my ambassador duties and serving up Personal Best medals at the post-race expo, we headed to Woods Hole for lunch and a little sight-seeing. After using the YELP app again to locate G-free restaurant options, we settled on Fishmonger Cafe after reading the menu posted on the door. mr.C and I shared a delicious serving of GF Rice & Beans: black bean chili, brown rice, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and fresh corn tortilla chips served with salsa and sour cream. Blogger blunder, I forgot to get a picture, but here's one of our post-lunch wild berry fruit smoothie made fresh at Woods Hole Market.

On Friday night when we skipped dinner but joined fellow ZOOMA ambassadors briefly after the Mocktail Party, I noticed that Red's (the resort restaurant) offered GF items on their menu. So for dinner on Saturday we ordered some take out on our way back to the room after watching the sunset on the beach. We both chose the GF veggie burger meal with fries. The GF bun was so huge I had to cut it in half. Despite my terrible photo, the veggie burger tasted homemade and included a spicy kick.

With so much success finding GF restaurants using the YELP app, we did it again on Sunday. This time we hit the jackpot with Idgy's - a 100% Gluten Free restaurant! It was so nice to be able to order ANYTHING off the menu. I selected the chicken panini quesadilla and mr.C chose blueberry pancakes and eggs.

We were so happy with our meals that we picked up some GF chocolate chip cookies to go. All I can say is, we should have bought more!

There were actually more cookies in the baggie, but I ate some before taking the pic!

For breakfast both Saturday and Sunday, I raided the mini kitchen and had PB&J rice cakes, some yogurt, and coffee. I've never been a BIG fan of the large restaurant-style breakfast, so this worked perfect for me.

Most of the food we ordered was made in restaurants that also made meals containing gluten. While we are not allergic, we knew the possibility of cross-contamination existed and all of our servers made a point to also tell us. We were comfortable with the small chance, although I recognize that some people may not be.

I'm feeling really good about my first time eating on the road and staying true to wheat-free diet. It was easier than I though it would be thanks to YELP and restaurants offering GF menu options.

How successful is your diet on road trips ?