Just GO For It!

Hiya & Happy Tuesday!

To me Tuesdays seem to be the most tedious day of the week. Last weekend is long gone and we've still got a ways to go before next Friday rolls around. {Yes people, I live for the weekend!} So, to make this Tuesday a little more special and exciting, I thought it was the perfect time for sharing something that's been on my mind for quite some time now.....pursuing the things you desire.

Are there things that you'd like to do that you are putting off until a better or more convenient time comes around? Do you have dreams that you are just dying to purse, but there seems to be something that's holding you back? Do you have a feeling deep down in your soul telling you that you are meant to do something different or something more but you're too afraid to take the first step?

My answer is: yes! yes! and yes!

It could be something as simple as, "I'm going to start eating clean and working out" or it could be more life-altering like a change in careers --- you always plan to start it next week, next year or sometime down the road, but for some reason that time never comes around. Sound familiar? This is, or I should say was, so totally me. Take the eat clean and working out example ~ I might start to eat clean and workout, but if I fall off the wagon by Wednesday (which I often did), I would just continue rolling downhill all the while promising myself that I would start again...next week. Oy, what a vicious trap we set for ourselves.

This is in fact one of the goals I've been wanting to accomplish and as you know I am now into week 3 of a 12 week program to get me started on the right path. There's no more excuses, no more waiting ---- I decided to just Go For It! As a gift to myself for my 35th birthday (coming up in November), I want to be healthy, fit and confident enough to rock a beach in a super cute bathing suit. I have never been healthy, fit and confident all at the same time and I decided that it was either now or never, so I committed to a plan, found a buddy to do it with me and just jumped off that ledge.  I really didn't want to look back in 20 years and think, "Now why couldn't I have just buckled down done it?"

Source: Pinterest via Robin Craig

 I don't want to look back at my life with regret. The example above is just one thing that I've been wanting to do and have been putting off  until a more convenient day, until I have some downtime where I can commit without any challenges, etc. etc. The reasons why NOT to do it were endless, but the reason why I needed to do it was what was important; it is something that I really, truly want and I deserve to give myself the chance to accomplish my goal and be the best me possible.

We have the power to control our own destiny. If you want something, there is nothing stopping you from going after it. All you need is desire and drive. It can be really scary to take a risk and do something different or challenging, but fear is normal....just don't let it paralyze or inhibit you to the point of not doing it. Heck, do you remember how afraid and intimidated I was to go into the free weights area of my gym?? I know it sounded ridiculous to some, but it was a true and valid feeling for me. The first day I went, I was literally shaking in my sneakers praying as I walked through the door that the gym would be deserted. Now, after only 2 weeks, I remember why I had the fear, but I know it was a little bit ridiculous. I love the free weights and I am getting more and more comfortable in that area of the gym each time I go. I'm so glad I looked that fear in the face and worked through it because I look forward to each and every workout and can already feel the benefits of my hard work. I survived and it was SO. WORTH. IT. (it was a helluva lot easier than I expected too!!)

So, before I send you on your way, I want to encourage you to take a leap of faith this week. Take some steps towards a goal or dream that you've been wanting to achieve and Just Go For It! I know you can do it and the end result is going to be worth the work to get there.

Source: Pinterest via Betty Lefler

What is one thing you have been wanting, but have been putting off until that perfect time rolls around? Now, whatcha gonna do about it?!

Good luck friends!

Andrea

xoxo

Bananarama Protein Pancakes

Hi there! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty lowkey, which was really nice and unexpected for the middle of summer. Next Saturday is jam-packed with plans, so I enjoyed the downtime in my sweats chillin' at the homestead.

Somtimes it feels so go to be a homebody for a day  :-)

Source: Pinterest via Wendy Adam-Vila

Yesterday I had our lunches made, laundry folded, this blog post prepared and all my food prepped for the week by 2 p.m. The rest of the day was spent watching James Bond movies, drinking coffee and perusing my favourite blogs. It actually felt quite decadent!

Part of my food prep included making a batch of protein pancakes that I can toast up for breakfast or a post-workout snack throughout this coming week. I seem to have developed a bit of an obsession for these pancakes recently. I've been experimenting with all sorts of different recipes and today I decided to give my own combo a try. I must say they turned out to be fabulous --- they're dense and healthy and packed full of protein. I'm actually having a hard time keeping them in the fridge without diving in for one every few minutes --- ah, the dangers of successful recipe creation ;-)

Bananarama Protein Pancakes

Makes 10 3" pancakes

1 c old fashioned oats

3/4 c 1% cottage cheese

3/4 c egg whites (6 egg whites)

1 banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder ~ I used Vega Vanilla Almondilla*

1 tbsp chia seeds*

1tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp sea salt

*The protein powder and chia seeds are optional --- if you omit the protein powder, you may want to taste test your batter and add a little sweetener (sugar, stevia, etc.) to your tastes.

Add all of the ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth.

Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Spray with cooking spray between each round of pancakes. Pour the batter into the skillet to make 3 to 4" round pancakes. Cook on the one side until the edges start to look dry. Flip the pancakes and cook until cooked through.

Serve with a bit of Earth Balance (butter), some pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon or whatever pancake toppings rock your world!

The chia causes the batter to get really thick as it sits, so be ready to cook the pancakes as soon as the batter is made for easier pouring.

Cook slowly on medium heat.

Come to momma... 

I cool the leftover pancakes on a wire rack and then store them in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator so that I can eat them all week long.

Enjoy!

What is your favourite pancake topping?

What do you love to do when you spend a day hanging out at home?

Have a great day,

Andrea

xoxo