Pumpkin Pie for Breakfast?

Yes, I did have pumpkin pie for breakfast, and I didn't gain an ounce. Since venturing into the world of fitness, (almost eight years ago) I have developed quite a repertoire of protein shake recipes. They always start the same way, but I add something different each day to satisfy whatever I am craving that morning. There are some I go back to regularly (peanut butter and chocolate, pumpkin pie, and mixed berry and banana namely) and some I'll never do again...

Today I would like to share with you my basic smoothie recipe, and my Pumpkin Pie smoothie recipe. Don't be put off by how they look, the TASTE is what's important.

Basic recipe:

3/4 cup water
4-5 Ice cubes
1/4 cup 0% balkan-style yogurt (I use Astro)
2 tbsp rolled oats
1 tbsp flax seed (fresh ground)
3 tsp Greens Plus powder
1 tsp cinammon (it's in nearly everything I eat, honestly!)
1 scoop protein powder of choice (I LOVE Whey Gourmet...it's soooo delish!)
*Add 1/2 cup of whatever frozen fruit you like...I always buy extra bananas, then peel them, slice them, and flash freeze them on a cookie sheet in the freezer...then I throw them in a Ziploc and they're ready to go! I also love to add 2 tsp of natural peanut butter...sooooo delicious

Blend all ingredients for approximately two minutes on the maximum speed of your blender.

To make the Pumpkin Pie smoothie, omit the oatmeal from the original recipe, and add

1/2 small, cooked and pureed sweet potato
1 pinch cloves
1 tiny pinch nutmeg
*Be sure the protein powder is vanilla here!

Mix it up and enjoy!

p.s. Every smoothie that I make comes out a light green colour because of the Greens Plus. If you'd prefer not to have the tinge (or the health benefits associated with Greens Plus:) then simply omit it.

Breakfast of Champions!



Enjoy!

Toronto Island: Central Park of the T-Dot?

The more I discover about my new city, the more I love it. Toronto offers me at LEAST a gem a day...Today's gem? Toronto Island. Yes, yes, I realize I am about one of seven Canadians that didn't visit centre island as a child. My first trip today however, necessitates many more in the near future.

I attended a picnic hosted by a friend of a friend...with whom I now have a "high five" pact...if he ever ventures north of Bloor to my hood, or I south to his (both rare occasions :) but I digress...It was a lovely albeit chilly occasion. As I explored the island, I realized what a totally amazing little slice of T. it really is. There's a BEACH with a pier, lots of bike paths, fountains and gardens everywhere...Simply put, I loved it. Of course, though, my camera died before I could take any pics, so I pilfered some from Google for y'all.

Here's the beach and the boardwalk:



The water:



A pretty bridge:



More real photos to come later on this summer, as I anticipate at least a million more picnics and beach days, right in my own backyard! There was some discussion as to whether Centre Island is the Central Park of Toronto...I agree, but it may even be a BIT better, because there's also a little west-coast flare mixed in.

I feel so lucky!

Getting back into the swing of things...

I once read a cheesy quote that was very inspirational to me (I am a total sucker for these types of things)...I think it was on a journal at Chapters or something. Basically the quote said something like: "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about CREATING yourself." As a self-professed perfectionist (the kind that does nothing if she can't do it perfectly) I like this quote because it helps me to remember that even small steps are better than inertia. At this point in my life, I am trying to establish my career, maintain strong relationships, and determine my place in the world. I have decided I will begin to create four monthly goals to motivate myself...The goals will focus on the following aspects of my life: Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual, and Interpersonal.

Goals for May

Intellectual: Finish John Steinbeck's "East of Eden"



Physical: Run outdoors 3 mornings a week (5km)



Spiritual: Set up a meditation area in my bedroom and use it every morning for five minutes.



Interpersonal: Lunch/Brunch with my ladies at least once this month.



The prospect of getting started on these goals has me super-excited. I think I should reward myself...with a nice glass of red vino (for the health properties, of course!)