Late Night “No-Bakes” + Suns, Flowers, and Seeds!

Hey my Absolutely AMAZING Buttercups! <3

Thanks for all of your comments on my last post: my Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes. Those are seriously my favorite pancakes now: and I love how incredibly filling they are!

There are some “healthy” things I probably will never be able to get my sister to eat. But, when I got her to try one of my single lady banana cream pies, she fell in LOVE.

She fell in love with them so much with that she and I, at 9:30pm at night, were in the kitchen whipping up some yummies.

We took different roles: she prepared the banana filling while I handled the crust.

She had never made them before, so I just guided her through the steps – she caught on pretty quickly.

Lastly, she decorated them with chocolate chips and some almond slices, and then we stuck them in the freezer.

This is what they looked like in the morning!

Awwwwhhhhh, so good. I’m so glad that she loves these as much as I do! I always know something’s good if my sister really likes it.

And just like how my sister has been making a lot of my single lady banana cream pies…

…I’ve been making a lot of these! Practically every day I have one of these, in one form or another.

But there is something different about this one than all the others I’ve eaten!

Can you guess? It involves suns, and flowers, and seeds, and butter.

Yep, it’s SUN BUTTER! <3

Don’t worry; I’ll be sharing the recipe next!

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Here’s what’s been going on with my workouts and sleep goal!

Workouts: I’ve been having fun with my treadmill recently: trying out different inclines, various speeds, interval training, running, jogging, etc. On Monday I did an intense incline workout (my backside REALLY felt it); yesterday was a 5k on my treadmill while singing/listening to the Tarzan and Little Mermaid II soundtracks (I was running at 7 mph to some of the songs) varying between running, jogging, and speed walking; and today was an incline workout with some weight lifting beforehand (total body and abs). Since trying different speeds and pushing myself a little, I’ve found that I CAN run: I am capable of it; I never thought I could, but I’ve found that I CAN!

Sleep: I went to bed at 9:15pm last night! I never thought I would ever be able to go to bed with a 3 digit number on my clock (and to willing do it makes me even more amazed!). Even though I went to bed at 9:15, I realized I was still tired this morning. I guess I am starting to recognize those messages my body sends saying “TIME TO GO TO BED!” Before, collapsing on my bed and practically passing out (three hours past the time my body wanted to go to bed) used to be what told me I was tired. Now I know I CAN go to bed at a decent time. I CAN.

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What are some of your favorite ways to spend time with your family? I like anything that I get to just spend that one-on-one time with them, whether that be folding laundry, doing dishing, grocery shopping, writing cards, riding bikes, coloring in a coloring book (when I have the time – yes, I still love doing that!), or just playing a game!

Do you have a favorite snack you just can’t get enough of? Bananas (frozen) with nut/seed butter for me!

Have you ever thought you would never be able to do something to find out later that you CAN do it? Have you ever just had to push yourself a little to try something to find out you like it? Like with school or work; fitness/working out; or cooking or baking. Overcoming hardships? Conquering fears? Jumping off a pole? (You can read about my experience here.)

xoxox,

My Home Gym + Blogroll!

Hey my Peanut Butter Banana Brownies! <3

Thanks for all of your comments on my Pumpkin Spice Muffins! Those are seriously one of my favorite muffins EVER! They were eaten all up within days of making them! <3

I don’t workout at Spectrum Fitness Gym any more. I’m kind of sad that I don’t, as I miss all the classes I could take, the variety of machines I could use, and the motivation I could get from the other individuals there.

But now instead of working out at Spectrum, I workout at home in my home gym. I love how it is really convenient (as it is just down the hall from my room), customizable, and all mine! It works for me and I truly love it!

Here’s a view from where you enter.

It consists of:

My workout DVDs (plus some more which are in a different area of the house); these are in the bookshelf to the right when you enter the room.

My dumbbells: 2 pounds, 8 pounds, 3 pounds, and 5 pounds.

The Stride Trainer! They have pre-programmed workouts on it and they are NOT easy! It may not look hard, but it has SERIOUS INTESITY in those pedals!

My big bouncy ball. He’s a jolly happy soul.

A mini-trampoline and a jump rope.

My blue yoga mat.

My mom’s stationary bike.

My treadmill!

And, a weight machine outside around the corner of the workout room (the workout room is on the other side of the wall behind it). I don’t use this one very much, as I prefer dumbbells, but my parents like it.

And that’s my home gym!

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I took some time the other day and reorganized my Blogroll into different categories (you can see it here). I’d love to know if you have any ideas for different kinds of categories I should use. Also, if I don’t have you on my blogroll, just let me know and I’ll be glad to add you!

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What is your favorite way to workout? Time of day to workout? Pre-workout/Post-workout snack? I usually workout after I get home from my early morning scripture study class, but some days I’ll do it in the afternoon.

Do you ever mix-and-match workouts on different DVDs to make one workout? I’ll do that with 10 minute workouts: like, I’ll do Tamilee’s Tight on Time DVD (Total Body, Arms and Shoulders, and Abs: each 10 minutes), pair it with Jillian’s 10 minute workout segment on the Cardio Max DVD, and then maybe do a 20 minute Winsor Pilates workout.

Which recipe do you want next? Carob Chip Cookies? Oat Pecan Scones? Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes? Pumpkin Spice Milkshake? Or Homemade Whole Wheat Bread sticks? You have the power in your hands.

xoxox,

Is Sleep More Important Than Exercise?

Hey My Lovelies! Today I’m blogging over at Lizzie’s from LactoseFreeLizzie! I’m answering the question:

Go over and tell me what you think is more important:

Sleep? or Exercise?

xoxox

P.S. Thank you to everyone who entered my Vegan Slow Cooker giveaway! And congrats to Ashley — I’ll be sending you your prize soon! To everyone who entered (or who didn’t get the chance to enter): The Vegan Slow Cooker can be found on Amazon and it is as of right now at an incredible price (I am not kidding — it is a steal) with free super saver shipping!!! In addition to Amazon it can also be found in Barnes and Noble and places like that. I would highly recommend going and getting it!

The Exclusive Insider’s Look Into My Life! Part #1

Good Day My Darling Ladies (and Gentlemen?!)

Oh my gosh. You guys are the sweetest Readers EVER!!! Thank you for all of your wonderful comments on A Balance Life Is! Kitties are one of my favorites, and that kitty showed what a balanced diet is perfectly!

All right. I promised you in my last post the Exclusive Look Into My Life,

and

HERE

IT

IS!

note: This is an average WEEKday for me. My life varies a lot, so this is just an average overview.

The EXCLUSIVE LOOK!

Wake up 5:15am

Snack (Meal#1) :

Almonds (or some other kind of nut)

Early morning scripture study class

(where we study the scriptures and have some fun!)

Workout!

45-60 minutes, give or take.

The hard part is picking which one to do! Go Run, Ride the Bike, or do an INTENSE workout video.

It’s hard to pick JUST ONE because I love them all so much! I always follow them with some stretching (don’t want sore muscles!).

Shower! Get ready for my day.

(Meal #2) Eat Breakfast at around 8:30am-9:30am (varies by the day):

Either Oatmeal, Pancakes, PIZZERTS, or Avocado on Toast!

An Almond Joy OIAJ is one example.

I had an apple with this.

I like to do the Sudoku, Word Jumble, Cryptogram, Crossword puzzle, and other word games — like Bananagrams —  that we get in our daily newspaper while I eat breakfast.

How about you?

After Breakfast, I check my emails and a little blogging.

SCHOOL / CLASSES

12pm (Meal #3) Lunch:

Either a Salad, a Sandwich, a Wrap, some Soup, or a BIG plate of veggies with a protein (veggie burger, beans, or something) and a fruit (apple, banana, mango, kiwi, pear, or whatever).

My Daddy made some Split Pea/Lentil soup (well, it’s more like a stew)!

YUM!

He used Split Peas, Lentils, Carrots, and some other stuff. REALLY good!

I have a piece of fruit on the side with my lunch as Dessert Jr.

——-TO BE CONTINUED——

Do you read the Newspaper everyday? Do you do the Puzzles in them? I don’t read the newspaper, but my mother does. My sister likes the comics, and I like the word puzzles.

What is your favorite way to eat beans? I like my Daddy’s Beans!

Coming Up:

–A New Goodie!

–Part #2; in this upcoming post, I’m going to not only finish up showing you my life, but also discuss how I incorporate Baked Goods into my diet.

xoxox,

FAQ!

You guys are so thoughtful with your questions!! I have had so much fun answering each and every one of them. You guys are AMAZING!

Alrighty, here we go!

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What is your favorite healthy food?

I would have to say Pizzerts! Especially Almond Joy and Reese’s ones!

What’s your philosophy on eating? (like are you okay with eating meat, what is your opinion on restrictions, etc)

I feel that you should feed your body the best foods you can. The more unprocessed, organic, and REAL, the better.

I am not against using animal products, but I try to use plant substitutes whenever possible. Since I am lactose intolerant, I do not use dairy products. Therefore, much (if not all) of what I bake/make is vegan/vegetarian.

I try to avoid processed sugar. I use fruits to sweeten my baked goods whenever possible, if not, I use agave/honey/stevia sparingly.

I focus on  Vegetables and Fruits, healthy fats, good carbs, complete proteins, and WHOLE grains.

You are so cute! do you like to workout? if so, what’s your workout schedule like?

Yes, I love to workout! Usually, I workout 4-5 times at the gym (cardio and weights). I also do abs every other day, with stretches after all my workouts. I like the Precors, Ellipticals, and Treadmills for my cardio, and I either do the weight machines at the gym or dumb bells at home. I also really enjoy workout videos and PILATES!!! They truly work the core!

What inspired you to start blogging?

When I see my friends making not so great choices about their health/body, becoming obsessed, not loving themselves, it really depresses me. We all have so much potential. I wanted to share my love of nutrition, my journey towards balance, my passion for all things health, my love of baking, and join the many health bloggers out here!

Are you a 3 meal person or do you eat frequently throughout the day?

I’m more of a frequent meal person. My typical day includes a snack in the morning (before my workout), breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and a snack in the evening. So I guess I eat 5-6  times a day, but it varies since I strive to listen to my body. If it says I’m hungry, I feed it. If I’m not, then I don’t. I strive to be in-tune with my body’s hunger cues.

Have your parents ever objected to your way of eating/nourishing your body? Have they ever thought it was “not normal” or “weird”?

I wouldn’t say that they have ever objected. They may think that I am really weird to eat 100% Bakers Chocolate, avocado on toast, etc., but I wouldn’t say that they object. I am so grateful for my family. I am so grateful for all of their support. They are always there for me, and I know that I can go to them with anything, and they’ll be there for me.

I am so grateful for my mom. She is the first person I go to when I have a problem. For example, she was who I turned to when I realized I was becoming restricting. We talk about everything. She helped me get back to balance.

I am so grateful for my dad. If I need to talk and have someone hear me out, I go to my dad. He always listens.

I am so grateful to my sister. She always reminds me to have fun! Especially with my food! Hehe, she is always trying new things!

How did you get comfortable with your body image- its SO HARD for me.. i hate the way i look even though I know im at a healthy weight?

One thing that has helped me is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. If I find myself criticizing my thighs, for example, I replace those thoughts with three positive ones like “Oh my gosh, Gorgeous! Your eyes are beautiful!”

When I look in the mirror, instead of looking for the things I don’t like as much, I try to compliment myself. I feel instead of hating mirrors and starting my day off disgruntled about myself, I feel why not have fun!

You know, I still sometimes look in the mirror and not like what I see. But, I have made a truce with the mirror. You might even catch me saying mirrors are sexy!

What’s your favorite past time outside of cooking/baking/nutrition? What do you like to do outside of food/nutrition?

Some of my favorite things to do include doing counted cross-stitch, playing the piano, and reading. I haven’t had much time lately to do a lot reading, but I really love it. I also love blogging, shopping, and hanging out with my friends!

What was your favorite city to live in and which one had the best local food?

I loved the Watermelon in Adana, Turkey (Adana is in the southern part of Turkey). Those melons were HUGE!

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Do you have similar views as I do?

xoxox,

Working Out + Pumpkin Cranberry Nutty Cookies

This morning, my mom and I went to the gym. As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I have been striving to try new things. Sticking to my resolution, this morning I decided to get on the treadmill do some running/walking intervals instead of  my usual Precor/elliptical workout. I love how working out relieves stress and tension! I love exerting all of my tense emotions into a good workout, and leaving invigorated and energetic. Even though I felt amazing while I was running, I found that I could really feel it in my quads –  I should expect that, right? I am thinking that as I become stronger, that feeling will begin to subside, am I right?

Over 2 miles later, I did some weight training with the weight machines, and then some stretches.  Unfortunately, I find that when I don’t exercise for a while, I lose that urge to go do it (does that happen to you?); when I don’t workout, I feel exhausted, lazy, and like I didn’t accomplish much that day; when I do workout, I feel so alive! If I feel tired, I know that all I need to feel better is to get up and get moving; I want to keep it up consistently. Do any of you guys have any thoughts? tips on how I can stay motivated? how I can increase speed? increase duration of the running intervals?

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Are you guys getting excited about Valentine’s Day? I know it isn’t even February yet (almost though!), but I saw Angela on  Oh She Glows  beginning her Valentine’s posts, so I thought why not!?

Pumpkin Cranberry Nutty Cookies

printer-friendly version

based on this recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• a dash of cloves, nutmeg, and allspice
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup applesauce
• 3-4 TB sweetener of choice (like maple syrup or stevia baking blend)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries

If you like your cookies sweeter, try adding 1/2 -3/4 cup dates. Blend ‘em up with the nuts and the oats.

Directions

Put walnuts, almonds, and oats (and dates) into your blender or the bowl of a food processor.

Pulse until a fine meal forms, about 25 times.

Add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice and pulse another 20 times to combine all the ingredients.

Combine the pumpkin, applesauce, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.

Add the dry mixture and the cranberries to the pumpkin mixture.

Fold in all the ingredients together with a large spoon.

(I use a cookie-scooper) Scoop little heaps, about 2 tablespoons, of batter onto sprayed baking/cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart. Flatten the batter slightly.

Bake 12-16 minutes at 375°F, until the bottoms are just browned. Allow them to rest on cookie sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Store in an airtight container, fridge, or freezer.

The nuttiness of the nuts and the sweetness of the pumpkin – Oh.My.NutButter. Simply Divine!!! It was true love at first bite.

Any tips for staying motivated? Increasing intensity of workout? 

Any recipes/foods you’d like to see me bake/make/healthify?

Any health subjects you’d like tp hear my point of view on?

xoxox,