Howdy, friends!
Thanks so much for all of your insights from this morning’s post. I’m planning on grabbing some ibuprofen on my way back into work this afternoon, as well as putting in a call to my doc. As many of you said, I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about but a) it’s better to be safe than sorry, and b) I’m really not diggin’ the awkward Schwarzenegger arms look. Oy vey.
So for the past week or so, I’ve been having a HUGE urge to bake. However, I’ve also been trying really hard not to eat all of the baked goods while being on the nutrition plan (<—update coming next week!).
Over the past week or so though, I’ve noticed both Claire and Monica baking up batches of Jamie Eason’s Pumpkin Protein Bars, and today I just couldn’t resist.
I followed the recipe exactly, only I used SunWarrior protein instead of whey protein, and regular brown sugar. For the nutrition stats that these babies offer, they are definitely a winner in my book. I’ve already had two, which were much larger than the little nibble of a corner missing there…hey, ya gotta try ‘em right away, right?
While my goodies were baking away in the oven, I squeezed in a quick, 20 minute workout in the form of the JCORE 4X4 Cardio DVD.
I’m tempted to say that this video was even more challenging than the last one I tried out, and it definitely keeps you moving for the entire 20 minutes. No rest! I had to pull back a few times, since it incorporated more arm work than I anticipated, but overall, I still really liked this workout.
And better yet, not 10 seconds after I finished, the timer went off for my pumpkin bars. Talk about perfect timing!
*****
Eats for today have been sort of sporadic, and not all photographed either, but a couple winners from today include:
A vanilla Chobani mixed with 1 tablespoon PB2, cinnamon, and banana slices.
It was very similar to the honey cinnamon peanut butter, just extra creamy.
And extra awesome.
I also tried my first cara cara orange this afternoon and, well, they are fantastic. Like, super duper fantastic.
Now I’ve got to figure out something else quick to eat before heading back to work for a few hours. I have four group sessions to teach tonight, so I’m pretty psyched about that.
Hope everyone’s Friday is going great! What’s good for tonight? Anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?
Khushboo says
Courtney, do you think anything would work in place of the pumpkin? Applesauce perhaps?
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real says
I tried sweet potato instead of pumpkin and I would not recommend it. Jamie also posts a recipe for carrot cake bars, using carrot puree or jars of carrot baby food. Maybe this could be a substitue for the pumpkin.
Khushboo says
Thanks…really helpful :)..I have lots of carrots!
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
I’ve never thought about making my yogurt like that. I’m going to have to try it. Thanks!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
i think i need to try those jamie eason pumpkin protein bars again… the first time i tried them, they just didn’t turn out. i used stevia, and wasn’t a fan… i’m thinking brown sugar would be a lot better.
i actually just won a JCORE package from tina’s trading up downtown today! i’m glad to hear they are quality workouts!
Lauren says
I made those bars a few weeks ago and have made 2 more batches. Love them! I add chocolate chips to mine for an extra something something. :)
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I was planning on making those bars tonight – they seem to be a winner!
clare @ fittingitallin says
so glad you liked them! i love that the portion size is big too.
And you reminded me i need to get more PB2!
Carolyn says
I saw your post the other day about the Cara Cara oranges. Are they different than normal oranges?
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
I have seen those protein bars all over and have wanted to give them a try! Good to know they’re delicious!
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
I love putting PB2 in greek yogurt! I keep meaning to try those protein bars!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
They look great!! I’m hosting a little V-Day party for my friends and I. Red velvet cake is on the menu!! I am so excited to get to make a cake!! I live by myself, so my opportunities are far and few between!
erica says
my friends and i are hosting a baby shower this weekend!!! :)
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real says
I love the idea of mixing in PB2 into your yogurt! That is a great idea and adds extra protein. I am also looking forward to trying Jamie Eason’s Pumpkin Protein bars. I have made the Cinnamon Swirl Protein bread and it was delicious!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
We have boring marriage stuff planned this weekend … oil changes in the car, getting our taxes done, and trying to prepare for our big move! :) Have a great weekend!!
Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says
Yay! You tried Cara Caras! I hope it was per my recommendation :) Give a girl some credit. LOL. P.S. your Chobani looks fab. I always opt for the other flavors rather than vanilla, but I think I should do what you do and just dress it up. Happy Friday!
Courtney says
I did give you credit! It was in last night’s post :)
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Those bars look great! I’m not really doing anything tonight. Tomorrow I’m getting my hair and makeup trial done for my wedding! Eeek! So excited. Then we are celebrating Valentine’s Day :)
Courtney says
Oooooooo! So EXCITING! Have a blast!!! :)
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
They sound so good! And yes, a perfect treat for post-workout.
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
Love anything pumpkin! I’ve been wanting to try those bars, but I don’t really use protein powder, so I need to research if I can just leave it out or replace it with something else.
Kim @ The Family Practice says
I’ve never heard of a cara cara orange… are they sweeter or something? I just bought a big bag of blood oranges and I am in love!
Kristin says
That looks like a great workout DVD! I always like workout DVDs during the winter. My favorite is Jillian Michael’s 30-day shred! Always a great, quick workout.
Lisa B says
I have made most of Jaime’s bars and love them all except the lemon, and that is only because I am not a huge lemon fan. I make the chocolate and pumpkin on a regular basis for my husband and I although his favorite are the apple cinnamon made with amlmond meal.
Courtney says
This is the only recipe of hers I’ve come across! Oh man, I need to find the recipes for those other bars…apple cinnamon??? YUM!!
Lisa B says
check out: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/get-lean-eat-clean-with-jamie-eason-main-page.htm
and: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-easons-livefit-recipes-cinnamon-swirl-protein-bread.html
Happy baking!
Marie says
Hi Courtney, did you have to weigh out the oat flour? I don’t have oat flour and was going to grind my own but I’m not sure if I should measure before or after. I usually weigh all my flour for baking since I own a scale already. Thanks!
Courtney says
I actually already had a bag of oat flour, so I just measured mine out with a measuring cup. Sorry I can’t be much help on that one!