Almond Butter Protein Balls

Feb 24, 2011

Just think, sweetened almond butter AND instant muscle fuel!

This little ball of energy is sweet, nutty, protein packed and, unlike store bought energy bars, has simple ingredients that you can pronounce. The high quality protein, low glycemic carbs and healthy fats provide instant energy during or after endurance activities.  I typically eat it when I start to feel sluggish on my long runs.

Almond Butter Protein Balls
Yield: 1 ball

1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon protein powder
1 tablespoon agave (or honey)
3 tablespoons instant oats

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and form into a ball.
  2. Freeze for 30 minutes if you want to use immediately. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator.

Today, I packed a ball to fuel my 8-mile run and could really tell a difference after eating it. However, the ball had to be formed into a bar to fit in my running belt. I highly suggest a running belt if you need to run with a key, cell phone, snack, etc. It is small and does not bulge out from under your shirt.

I was excited to use my Garmin today. My pace and distance were streaming live from my own wrist. I love new gadgets!

Happy running and snacking!

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10 Rejuvenation Activities

Feb 19, 2011

Today I took a ‘Lana’ day. This is a day where I put schoolwork aside, ignore emails and do something for me. My rejuvenation day went something like this:

1. Waking up late (8:30am is late right?)

2. Playing with Bello (the kitten)

3. Driving to Austin with the music blaring and singing Katy Perry at the top of my lungs

4. After singing “Baby your a firework” four times, calling old friends to catch up

5. Buying new running shoes! With over 500 miles on my old shoes, I was due for a new pair.

The new pair are on the right.

New shoes = heaven for feet

I have fallen in love with Brooks. Their Ravenna 2, which are light-weight and made for stability, are an upgrade from my previous pair of Brooks. I love how these shoes naturally roll my foot through each stride and propel me forward. I’m not a huge fan of the color, but my feet were a huge fan of the comfort. Comfort trumps color when it comes to running shoes.

6. Breaking-in the new running shoes

I racked up 7 miles on the new shoes with a run around Town Lake. Austin is a very “fit” city, so it was fun to be out with tons of people that were enjoying the same thing I was.

7. Energizing with a Green Juice (hemp protein included) at Whole Foods

8. Eating a healthy lunch

9. Reading magazines at a book store

Magazines = brain candy

I also started reading The China Study, which I’m very excited about.

10. Spending time with family

****

I hope your having a wonderful weekend.

What are some things you enjoy on your personal days?

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A Day of Self-Love

Feb 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day! I enjoyed a wonderful day of love…

I bought myself flowers at the store….

I enjoyed getting a card from the family…

Thanks guys!!

I watched The Bachelor with the roomies….

We enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries…

…and fudgy vegan brownies!

These are based on an original recipe I developed awhile back. This is my go-to brownie recipe.

Vegan Brownies

1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 very ripe banana
1/3 cup agave
1/4 cup unsweetened Cocoa
1/4 cup unsweetened Applesauce
1/2 cup instant oats (non-instant works just fine)
1/4 cup natural cane sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F
  2. Grease 8×8″ pan liberally with cooking spray
  3. Combine all ingredients, except oats, in a food processor and blend until smooth
  4. Stir in oats and pour into baking pan
  5. Bake for 30 minutes
  6. Cool on cooling rack

Enjoy!

Sometimes all we need is self-love.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day!!

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
~Budda


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