Monday, June 11, 2012

My top 5...

My biggest battle in life is...  food.  I failed numerous time at getting in competition shape and failed because of fad diets but last year I discovered that there's ways to get good food in without it to be unappealing and gross.  Off season is even better.

I decided to share with you my top 5 recipes and the athletes and role models that made me discovered them

Sara is the gorgeous blond in the middle 
My coach, Sara Fennell just place 1st overall at the Toronto Pro Super Show last weekend.  I discovered 2 recipes from her before I even had her as a coach
Carb free bread
Great for the gluten sensitive people 

Taste and has the texture of a bran muffin or looks like pumpernickel bread 

Use a sandwich size tupper ware container but one that has a couple inches of depth because the mixture rises
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or peanut butter protein work best)
3 tbsp ground flax seed
1 tbsp cinnamon
pinch of ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1 whole egg
3/4 cup water

Mix all dry ingredients, add water mix well, add egg, beat well. microwave for 8 mins, take out flip over microwave for another 3-4 mins. let cool, cut in half, then slice.
I LOVE natural almond butter or Skippy Natural peanut butter and honey...  TO DIE FOR!



Healthy Protein Frappucinno

In magic bullet or blender: (makes 1 shake)
Ice cubes
1/2 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
1 scoop protein powder
1 pack stevia
1 tsp coffee grains
1/4 - 1/2 cup water (to fill if using magic bullet)



No need for Starbucks...  you can make your own!


My 3rd recipe is from another role model and inspiration Dominique Matthews.  She competed in Winnipeg for the IFBB qualifier in April.  Dominique is a personal trainer at GO Gym in Granby, Quebec and she is passionate about fitness and training.  She kept talking about her awesome chocolate protein bar.  They are awesome indeed.  I'm at my 3rd batch of the week.  :o)


Chocolate protein bars
2 cup of oatmeal
3 scoops of chocolate protein (whey or isolate)
*optional - 2 tbsp of cocoa 


Mix with 1/2 cup of water


Add 
2 tbsp of natural peanut or almond butter
1 hand full of dark chocolate (I use 70% cocoa)




Mix
If too dry add a little of water but not too much.  Should be a little dry and sticky


Mix
Spread it in a rectangle glass/plastic container lightly covered with oatmeal (so it doesn't stick), cover and put in fridge or freezer.


Cut in bars 
I wrap then in saran wrap, in individual serving
Follow her blog, on the road to the Nationals in August


My 4th recipe is from someone I discovered through Joan MacDonald from Daydreams.  Her name is Michelle MacDonald.  She is a fascinating woman.  She is an athlete, a yoga instructor and a chef...  Her website is filled with awesome recipes, workouts, etc.  She's part of Active Performance Team from the Montreal area.


My favorite recipe is her real mayonnaise... so easy it's almost ridiculous to buy already made...
1 egg
1 teaspoon dijon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 tsp white balsamic vinegar, (or any other "soft" white vinegar like champagne or rice)
1/2 cup cold-pressed, neutral tasting organic oil like grapeseed oil (you may end up using more or less)

Whiz the egg, dijon, juice, vinegar and salt in a blender, and then start to VERY SLOWLY drizzle in the oil. It should be pouring into the blender slowly like a thread of honey! This will allow the oil to be emulsified into the other ingredients. When a little over half the oil has been added the mixture should suddenly start to thicken. At this point you can taste the mayo and adjust the ingredients according to your taste.



I just love it!


The last but not the least is from one very well known fitness inspiration.  She's been published numerous time in Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers...  Jamie Eason


She has a cookie recipe I really like :o)



Low Carb Coconut Macaroons (makes 10)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2 egg whites
2 packets Truvia (I replace Truvia by stevia)
1 tbsp Agave Nectar
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Add egg whites, Truvia (stevia), and Agave to a medium sized bowl and whisk well.  Add protein powder and shredded coconut and stir until combined.  Use a tbsp to scoop batter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Batter will spread out so keep them far apart.  Bake for 22 min.  Voila! 
I didn't put the Nutritional facts because it depends on what ingredients you're using BUT I discovered last week a fantastic tool.  Probably many of you are familiar with myfitnesspal, a very popular iPhone/iPod app.  There's also a website.  If you create a profile or already have one, under the Food tab, recipes...  put in your ingredients and the servings...

Carb free bread

IngredientsCaloriesCarbsFatProtein
Quaker Oats - One Minute Oatmeal, 2 cup (uncooked)721120120Ico_delete
Six Star (Walmart) - Elite Series Triple Chocolate Whey Protein , 3 Scoop (42g)51024590Ico_delete
Water - Municipal, 0.5 cup (8 fl oz)0000Ico_delete
Tout Natural - Peanut Butter, 2 Tablespoon2006168Ico_delete
Selection - Dark Chocolate Chips, 30 g1602092Ico_delete
Add Ingredient    

Total:159117042100
Per Serving:1331448
I love it!

Hope you'll enjoy it

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

My ying and my yang...

I mentionned it many time, to keep me balanced I need to workout AND I need to create...   but I'm not selfish.  I am far from saying that I'm perfect at one thing but I am good at a lot of things and I think young people these days spend too much time either in front of their computer or TV.

There is many benefits in creating handmade crafts soothe your senses and help fight stress.  A single piece of craft usually takes several hours to complete.  The teenagers will learn to follow a serie of steps which require them to memorize the process and concentrate on following through.  This is a good way to learn patience and to understand that sometimes, it takes a lot of work to get to a final product. 

Shawl and brooch made by Dolphina :o)
It's funny to see people's face when they see me pull out something I'm knitting...  I certainly don't fit the stereotype and that is what I'm trying to break..  There is also a good feeling of accomplishment when I complete a project.  It's beneficial for self confidence.

I will present about a dozen of workshops, of about 3-4 hours about all kinds of different crafts: hand sewing, machine sewing, knitting, crochet, felting, jewelry making etc. and I think I came up with project with new and recycled material.  I tried to find accessories that could be useful on a daily basis...  Hopefully, it will work and I will be able to pass on my passions.

So June 12, I am meeting with the art and cultural coordinator of the City of Rockland, I keep my fingers crossed...