Hi, I'm Petra and this is my weight loss/fitness blog.
I used to be on Weight Watchers from January 2011 to October 2012, dropping approximately 45 lbs. I've made the transition from unhealthy and unhappy to athlete and this is my journey to becoming a healthier, happier me. I frequently post about my exercise (mostly running, yoga and lifting), the foods I eat, recipes I liked and my daily struggles. You'll also find the occasional tree hugger post, (travel) photography or anything else I find worth remembering and collecting.
I follow most blogs back that follow me. However, I do stay away from blogs that promote EDs, unhealthy methods of weight loss or negative body image.
Feel free to say hi any time!
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
LOL, the tags make me laugh! Unfortunately, a few blueberries make a syrup-drenched heap of simple carbs not healthy. Whatever you gotta tell yourself, I suppose.
BAKED OATMEAL WITH STRAWBERRIES, BANANA AND CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces, chopped
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. (Save the other half of strawberries, walnuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal). In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.
- Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top. Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shimmy/shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar on top then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 20-30 seconds. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of sugar or drizzle of maple syrup. (source)
This looks heavenly.
The Eat Seasonably Calendar
Eating in season is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your fruits and veggies - from a nutrition and money standpoint!
Sweet or Savory Spaghetti Squash Pancakes
A whole serving of vegetables in a pancake?!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked spaghetti squash (Microwave 15 minutes turning ever 5 minutes, or bake at 400 degrees F for 1 hour) (42 Calories)
- 2-4 tablespoon whole wheat flour (50-100calories), however it may cook better with all-purpose flour. I used 2 tablespoons, but some recipes call for 1/4 cup.
- 1 egg white (17 calories)
- Cooking Spray
Directions
- Combine squash and egg white in a large bowl.
- Separate the strands.
- Add flour one tablespoon at a time and stir until the mixture becomes like dough.
- Spray pan with cooking spray.
- Make thin pancakes and cook until golden brown on each side.
- Optional: Can also bake in conventional oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Toppings: salt and pepper, sour cream, salsa, or applesauce.
I’ve been so addicted to peaches lately. I could eat them ALL day.
Why You Should Eat Young Coconuts!
Here are some quick facts:
1. Young coconut water can replace Gatorade because of it’s naturally occurring high concentration of electrolytes.
2. Young coconut water is a universal blood donor - it is identical to blood plasma and has been used to save lives!
3. Young coconut meat or jelly has a high concentration of plant nutrients that help fight free radicals meaning it helps reverse and prevent damage in the aging process.
4. The water in 1 young coconut only has 39-42 calories!
5. “Coco” in Spanish and Portuguese means “monkey”
6. Coconut water has more potassium than a banana! 650mg vs. 450 mg.
Watch my vid on how to chop one up and why I think they’re so good!
If you can’t buy a fresh coconut and chop it up like me (umm that was it’s own story), then you can also try some Zico coconut water. It’s supposed to be pure coconut water and the nutrition facts seem to be in line with what I found for natural young coconut water.
The meat is super delish too and yesterday I ate a whole young coconut up by myself. SUPER YUMMY!!! Especially post workout.
Now keep in mind that coconut water is not the same as coconut milk. The milk is made by grating the meat from a mature coconut (which has more cholesterol and calories) and mixing it with the water. A cup can have up to 550 calories and most of it is from fat!
Here’s the nutrition facts for 1 young coconut.
I was lucky to grab a box of 9 coconuts for $7.99 at my local asian food grocer. I think they are normally more than $2 each. What a treat - loved the meat and juice but gotta be careful not to overdose! I can easily get carried away…
Have you ever had fresh coconut?
A new food for next week?
True Story.
