Protein pancakes

Tried something new today:

Protein pancakes

They're not new to most people but this was my first attempt and I think they've gone rather well!

Don't be disheartened by any ingredients in a recipe just because you don't like them - the taste will change when combined!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup cottage cheese (yes yuck but trust me it works and you can't taste it) 

2 eggs yolk and all

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Method: 

First I added my oats and protein powder together to make an even mixture. Then two eggs - mix. Lastly cottage cheese. 

I tried mixing by hand . . .  IT DOES NOT WORK!!!!!!!!!

I had to get an electric hand mixer to it. That worked well. Or if you want really smooth pancakes blending will be your best option. 

Non stick spray your pan. Pour your mixture. And away you go. 

I made mine a little thick so you have to turn the temperature right down to cook through not just the outsides. This took ages!!! Make thinner pancakes or just a larger one as it'll be thinner. 

Toppings:

This is where the real fun comes in. I couldn't decide what I wanted to did three different toppings. 

1. Simple cacao powder - just sprinkled on top

2. Pomegranate syrup (proudest)

I tried mixing 100% pomegranate juice with stevia and reducing - didn't work so I also added honey. Lovely flavour not as thick as I would have hoped

3. Maple syrup - simply the best

Top tip of the day - don't blog and eat at the same time your pancakes go cold =P

Making Recipes - Protein balls

Everyone should be familiar with protein after a workout, but protein is probably also one of the best snacks as it keeps you fuller for longer. That said I decided to try make my own recipe for a little protein snack.

This is not a finished recipe as I haven't fiddled with it to try and get the best results but is a start and can be adapted to put whatever you want in it.

Ingredients:

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
100g Almond Flour
1/4 cup (american) cacao
1/4 cup sesame seeds
3tbsp Peanut Butter
5tsp oil (I used vegetable oil as its all I had)
Hazelnut milk

Method:

Add dry ingredients to a blender/mixer/processor and set on lowest setting to equally mix all the ingredients. 1tbsp at a time add the peanut butter. (I used organic but a cheaper crunchy pb with bigger nut chunks will just add to the crunch of your finished product) This will bind your dry products together.
Next I had to add some oil to help bind and this also gives the outside a nice glaze when finished forming.
I probably used a little to much cacao as it was a little bitter, as I couldn't take the ingredient out instead to sweeten and again bind as they were very dry, I added small splashes of hazelnut milk to the mixture and just keep processing until a lump that travels around the processor forms.

The mix is still very dry at this point so prepare to get dirty!!
Spoon out a heaped tsp into your palm and squash the mix to compact it, then roll  into nice even sized balls (mine made ten) and chill.

No cooking required although you could try it if you wanted - substitute sesame seeds for any other seeds that take your fancy - substitute veg oil for coconut oil or substitute pb and oil for any other binding agent.

The recipe will work with cocoa powder too but might need a different amount. If you have chocolate protein powder perhaps you'll need less binding agent?!

When you try my recipe send me a pick and let me know how you got on!

Personal Milestones

It's important, no matter how big your progress, to notice it and recognise all your improvements.

Although I've bee trying for a couple months I'm only just seeing results. 

A tighter frame than when I started

New trousers a size smaller than my usual pants

Getting fit makes so many differences. I might still look pale but since I've started looking after myself I have a skin tone, no longer a ghost!!!

What differences do you measure?

Getting Fit Doesn't Mean Losing Weight

Everyone thinks that getting for is measurable on the scales but its not always the case.

Don't get disheartened when you start exercising and the scales go up. It happens to the best of us. I had a tablet review with the nurse who had to take my weight and she moaned about the increase; not even she realised that they aren't always correlated. 

This photo shows the reduction in fat that I have noted with the body fat calipers. The calipers only measure millimeters less than when I started.

Even the doctors don't understand that getting for includes building muscle (you'll weigh more) and taking in more water ( you'll weigh more). 

Even if your weight goes up you're still improving don't give up!!!

Need inspiration? Just head to Instagram. So many to chose from but my fave is #naughtygirlseatclean who also uses #ngec workouts and recipes. She is also on fb head over to SJX Fitness

Lunch idea avocado chicken salad

Shake paprika over chicken mini breast fillets. Grill, I place tin foil to collect the juice help coat the chicken - plus it cooks quicker.

Cut half an avocado, 2 leaves romaine lettuce, cucumber, half bell pepper, handful of spinach and toss together. 

Throw the chicken on top. 

I grated some cheddar over the top to add a kick to the avocado =D

A lovely, healthy, filling lunch or dinner option. Low calorie, high vitamins great and quick meal idea!!!