Causes And Protein Cookie Dough Bites

My favorite meals recently have been breakfasts.  First, that amazing walnut raisin french toast with my favorite peanut butter and iced coffee.  The perfect combo of warm and cold for a leisurely morning.

The ugly but incredibly delicious overnight carrot cake oats, this time made with 1/4 cup greek yogurt and no protein powder – much different texture! 

Yesterday I featured one of these protein cookie dough bites on my WIAW post.  Again, they are a combination of many recipes I’ve seen in the blog world recently, so I can’t take credit for the idea (see yesterday’s post to links for inspiration).

My batch was made as simply as possible in a magic bullet cup.  I used:

1/4 cup cashews (salted)

2 Tbsp vanilla protein powder (I used Designer Whey French Vanilla)

3 Tbsp oats

2 Tbsp sugar free syrup (or honey or agave)

Blend, adding more syrup or oats needed until the mixture begins to form one giant ball.  I added chocolate chips to this batch and coconut flakes and walnuts to another.  They satisfy my sweet tooth perfectly after lunch or dinner, and the small size keeps them from breaking the calorie bank.

Portion out using a teaspoon cookie dough scooper.  Makes 10 balls.  Store in the fridge, as they are a bit sticky at room temperature.

Approximate nutrition (for a batch with 2 Tbsp chocolate chips): 40 calories, 2 g fat, 5 g carbs, 2 g protein.

I haven’t mentioned my broken ankle in a while and I’ve been trying not to dwell on it.  The day I was told that I’d be in a walking cast for 4-6 weeks, I had a complete breakdown.  I’ve been really diligent about wearing it and sucking it up, including answering the 15-20 questions/comments about it each day.  I take it off to shower, before bed, etc., and I’m getting really nervous – I’m still in a good deal of pain in the moments that I take it off (when my ankle isn’t forced to be stabilized).  I have a follow-up appointment next week and I’m so scared that nothing has improved.  I’m also scared that I’ll never be able to run again. 

I’ve heard nothing but horror stories from people who have suffered similar injuries and it’s really weighing on me right now.  I’ve found a few workouts that I can do, either with the boot on or without putting pressure on my ankle, but they can’t compare to a run outside with my dog or a butt-kicking spin class.

I can’t just go for an hour-long walk after dinner.  I can’t stroll around beautiful downtown Pittsburgh on my lunch hour.  My favorite summer activities and festivals aren’t the same when I know I shouldn’t be on my feet and I’m in a heavy, hot, plastic boot up to my knee.  Sun dresses and sandals aren’t so cute right now.

And I’m getting married 3 months from tomorrow.  And I can’t even try on my wedding shoes.

Get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather.  excercise because you’re ABLE to – what other reason do you need?

Moving on to some link loving…

• I’ve contributed to an incredible cause and you should too.  Props to Caitlin for sharing this story and Tonya being such an incredibly inspirational woman!
• Char tagged me in the Bootylicious survey a second time.  You can read my original responses here.  Thanks girl 🙂
• One of my favorite girls, Cait, is hosting a bake sale to raise money for Susan J. Komen.  I’m still thinking about what to submit but you should participate, too!
• Julie quit her full time job to follow her heart – she’s one of the first blogs I began reading on a regular basis and made me want to be a part of this community.  Send some love her way!

RD nerd moment:

The USDA just released the alternative to the goofy pyramid:

I’m glad that it seems to be MUCH more consumer friendly – and no “discretionary” fats or sweets are pictured!  What do you think?