Decisions, decisions...

I saw something similar to this the other day, so I had a little fun in Photoshop last night and made my own version.  ;)

Banana Bread Muffins (with Chocolate Chips, of course)

Don't throw away your mushy, brown bananas!  Make these instead. They're super easy, you don't even need a mixer, I just use a wooden spoon. :)

You will need:

3 or 4 bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup of chocolate chips (I use the mini ones)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners or parchment paper, or spray/butter a bread loaf pan if you want to make bread instead.

Mash the bananas and mix with melted butter in a bowl.  Mix in the sugar, egg and vanilla.  Add the baking soda and salt.  Add the flour and stir in chocolate chips.  Just mix together with a spoon until combined.

Add to your muffin or loaf pan.  If you're making the muffins, bake for 22 minutes.  If you'd like a loaf instead, bake for 1 hour.

Let cool for a couple minutes, then continue to cool on a cooling rack. Unless you want to eat them warm, of course.  Enjoy! :)

Exposed.

Ok, I'm pretty sure racing is done for the year.  Now what?  I'm the type of person that needs to train for something or I will not find a reason to work out.  I need motivation, something to work for.  I want working out to be second nature for me, like having my morning coffee.  Right now I'm finding it hard to balance my health and fitness with motherhood.  Sounds like just another excuse, I know.  I mean, it's been a challenge in itself training for the triathlon and half marathon this year.  Between drop-offs and pick-ups, nap time and breastfeeding, lunchtime and dinner planning, it's seriously a work out to fit in a work out.  I need to do something to give me a little shove, make myself accountable.

So, I'm just gonna put it out there right now... My "before" picture.  It's actually my "right now" picture.

10.19.2011

don't laugh!

Oh Lord, I can't believe I'm putting this out there on the world wide web.  But, that gut's gotta go!  That's what three babies will do to you, I guess.  Soooo....

I want to continue running even though it's already starting to get quite chilly outside.  I suppose I'll need to incorporate some type of ab work outs, too.  I'm ready to start making more time for myself.  Here's to losing the gut!

Do you have any before/after/work in progress photos?  Please share, they're so motivating!

Oh, I have a Facebook page for Healthy. Because I Can! now.  Like me if you'd like :)

Running is ruining my life because...

My favorite jeans don't fit me anymore! Now I have to buy a smaller size.  Darn it!!

Road ID Bracelet

Better safe than sorry! I ordered a Road ID to wear when I go out for a long run (or bike, or swim for that matter).  I think I may even order one for my kids for field trips and what not.  Road ID was kind enough to give me a $1.00 off coupon code to share with you all.

Just to the Road ID website, choose your bracelet style, and customize it.  When you check out enter this code for your $1.00 off... ThanksJennifer8177806 


Hurry though, this code can only be used 20 times in the next 30 days.

Two Recipes, One Vegetable :: Sweet Potatoes

I think sweet potatoes are very underused.  They normally only make an appearance in my house on Thanksgiving.  But, I think they are so delicious and a nice alternative to regular potatoes.  With only a few more calories than a potato, sweet potatoes have almost twice the filling fiber and more beta-carotene.

The first recipe actually came home from school with my oldest son.  He (my pickiest eater) made them in class and loved them.  How could I not make something with vegetables in it that my kids would actually like?

SWEET POTATO MUFFINS

1 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, grease muffin pan (or arrange paper muffin cups in pan).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Pour the batter into the muffin tins until 2/3 full and back for 20 - 25 minutes.  Makes 24 muffins.

So yummy with a little butter and some brown sugar.

Look at that color!

The next recipe is a little easier, and sorry, I don't have a photo because we gobbled them down before I had the chance to snap!

SWEET POTATO FRIES

2-3 sweet potatoes, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, spray the bottom of a baking pan with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
2. Cut the potatoes into french fry sized pieces.
3. Toss the fries in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
4. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Makes 6 servings.

Try 'em, even your kids might like 'em! :)

A little motivation.

{image via Pinterest}

Sometimes I just need to remind myself that I have the ability to lace up my shoes and run.  And for that I am thankful.