The Protein Pancake

With the new workout regiment comes a new eating regiment. I've never really done things halfway and tend to jump in full force.

This recipe comes from an amazing friend, who like me, has no idea of what slowly easing into something means and goes straight away for the top (eh hem, CMG).

My breakfast consists of a serving of protein, a complex carb and a simple carb, along with copious amounts of coffee. This pancake, topping and a cup of coffee do the job marvelously.

The best part is the kids love it and I couldn't be happier with that.

Ingredients:
4 egg whites (can reduce to 2 or you can use egg whites in carton)
1 whole egg
1/2 cup uncooked oats
1/2 banana
1/2 to 1 scoop of protein powder of choice. I use vanilla or pumpkin protein powder for this
Cinnamon - as much as you like, I use a ton (optional)
Capful of Vanilla

Variation: you can sprinkle in pumpkin pie spice for a pumpkin pancake, add some pumpkin too.

Waffle option: I make these into waffles over weekend, store in fridge and pop into toaster during the week.

Topping:
Mash up other half of banana or eat plain.

Use a small amount of coconut oil to grease your pan. Blend all ingredients together (or whisk) and pour into heated greased pan. Let pancake cook, cut into fourths and flip each section. Top with banana, yogurt, or enjoy plain!


Fine print: The actual pancake does not look as beautiful and tempting as the one pictured but come on, the one picture would have you doing cardio for two hours to burn off and no one really likes two hours of cardio.

Changing Direction (but no pivoting and cutting)

I blew out my ACL on July 4th and tore my medial and lateral menisci. Had the reconstruction on the 18th and began recovery. It wasn't pretty. I don't take well to resting and recovery. I wasn't able to workout. It was depressing.

When I finally stopped feeling sorry for myself, I resolved to the fact that throughout the next six months I'd have to find a new way of working out. Under strict orders from my PT and surgeon I could not cut or pivot, jump or run. 

I decided to go back to my roots and weight train. Found a great trainer, a routine, a new eating plan (and new obsessive goals). Ohhh do I feel better. 

It took one week, one workout back at the gym to feel better. I honestly don't understand how people do not move their bodies in exercise (medical limitations excluded, I do get that). How can you not want to feel better than your current state - whatever that current state is? I am so much of a better person, better mother, better partner, better employee and just a better version of me when I work out. I sleep better, eat better, fit into my clothes better. I honestly think it's the only hour in my day that my mind isn't doing ten twenty fifty things.

I've never once worked out and thought, "Wow, that was a waste of time".

So, why do you workout? Maybe a better question for yourself - why are you not?