Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Why Leg Day Treats?

One of the most favorite aspects of the FASTer Way program is the “Leg Day Treat.” 

In the FASTer Way, we don’t believe in deprivation. That’s why we have a food cycle designed to allow us to enjoy our favorite treats on Leg Day, totally guilt-free. We work out a large muscle group, our legs, which results in a ramped up metabolism, turning our bodies into fat-burning machines all day long.


Leg Day strength training includes some of the more challenging movements of all the strength-based workouts, and the legs and glutes are among the largest muscle groups in the body. Challenging yourself in heavy strength training with the largest muscle groups means you’re likely burning more calories on Leg Day than on other strength days.


Most people who try a diet or “fat loss lifestyle” don’t stick with it for the long-term because it’s too restrictive and doesn’t teach them HOW to incorporate occasional treats. We learn how to still eat a treat and how honesty in that freedom is important. It's not a diet of deprivation, but a lifestyle where you eat mindfully and with purpose.


It is important to note that we participate in a treat MEAL...not a cheat DAY.  Going off course for an entire day can quickly unravel some of your hard earned work; however, a treat meal is unlikely to do so. A treat meal serves a couple of purposes. It can trick your body and turn your metabolism up a notch. Plus it gives you a mental release from feeling like you have to be "perfect" all the time.


Some people find the idea of “treats” to be particularly triggering and they have a hard time stopping at one treat or an appropriately portioned treat. Please understand that building in foods made of discretionary calories is entirely voluntary and I encourage you to make the best decision for you and your wellness journey.



How do you incorporate treats or do you avoid them?








Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Dairy Free & Gluten Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts

 

So, a couple weeks ago, I shared an easy Pumpkin Protein Balls recipe and then I found this donut recipe. I've never made my own donuts, but watching the video gave me confidence that if I was ever going to try, this was the recipe to go for it. It was much easier to make these donuts than I thought it would be.

It did require buying a donut baking pan. I picked mine up at Target, but this is the same one on Amazon.


Donuts are one of my favorite treats on leg days, but it can be hard to find some that are gluten free, dairy free and good. I am lucky to live near a shop that makes really, really good GF and DF donuts, but making my own lets me know EXACTLY what is going into them and figure out the macros.


Ingredients:

2 bananas

1 egg

1/2 cup pumpkin purée 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

3/4 cup GF flour - I used buckwheat and held back enough for protein 

1 scoop protein - I used FASTer Way hydrobeef vanilla 

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp pumpkin spice


Steps:

Mix all wet ingredients together.

Mix all dry ingredients together.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir. 

Add batter to nonstick donut pan -> I did the batter in a baggie hack…it was messy getting in, but worked. Don’t be afraid to cut a bigger opening!


Bake at 350 for 18 minutes!


These are tasty on their own, but I liked mine dribbled with some maple syrup 🙂





Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Pumpkin Protein Balls

 


I love getting into the season...whatever season it is!

When the days get cooler and the leaves start to change, I get in the mood for all the fall things. Even though I'm not a PSL fan like a lot of people are, I do love the smell of pumpkin. Plus pumpkin is a fiber rich carb making it great for your healthy gut. It's also loaded with vitamin A -> known as the anti-infection vitamin because it helps the body fight bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections.

These protein balls are such a great fall treat and super simple to make. They are great for any occasion, but perfect for those on the go days to throw in your bag.

Try them and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

2 cups of rolled GF oats

1 scoop of protein powder - I used FASTer Way vanilla

2 tablespoons of chi seeds (optional for a boost of healthy fats)

1/2 cup pumpkin purée

1  1/2 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning

1/4 cup of nut butter - I used almond butter

1 tsp of vanilla extract

And some honey to taste

Makes 12 balls


Steps:

Mix the dry ingredients together first and then add the wet ingredients. The mixture will be sticky, but not too wet. 


If you're like me and hate messy food hands, wet your hands with water before rolling mixture into balls. This trick works like a charm!


Place in an air tight container and store in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until you are ready to serve. Enjoy!


Macros: 

Carbs 15g, Fat 6g, Protein 6g, Fiber 3g


Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Frosty Almond Butter PUPsicles

When it's hot, I love a good smoothie, don't you? During one of our summer heat waves, I decided to help our pretty girl cool off with some homemade pupsicles. She already loves ice cookies and she deserves a cool treat, too!


I made this recipe with and without some of the locally grown blueberries we picked ourselves at a neighbor's invitation.

Ingredients

4oz almond butter

3oz water

2oz yogurt

Blend ingredients together - I use our Ninja single serving cup.

Pour into your baking mold - be sure to make room in your freezer ahead of time and put your mold on a cookie sheet so you can move it without spilling (learn from my failure).

Leave in the freezer until frozen and then store. Beware! Every time you open the freezer, your pup is going to want a pupsicle!


Let me know if you make these for your furry friend.




Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Pineapple Green Protein Shake

It's Tasty Tuesday! 🍍🍍

This one reminds me of living in Hawaii 🤙 but it’s perfect anywhere on a hot day! Which is what we are having today in Kittery!


Grab these ingredients for a nutrient packed shake that will quench your thirst and leave you feeling good knowing it’s packed with healthy fruits, veggies and protein.


Don’t forget to save this post for later!

Pineapple Green Protein Smoothie

1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup spinach
1 serving protein powder (I used FASTer Way vanilla)
1 cup pineapple (chunks)
1/2 banana (frozen)
4 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth.
Enjoy!!



Serving size: 1
Macros: 38g Carbs, 23g Protein, 4g Fat, 5g Fiber

Follow me in Instagram for more healthy food ideas! 




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