Protein Pick Me Up

This weather has a way of affecting my mood and not in a good way either. Lazy, grumpy, stir crazy, and did I say lazy? I did have a great morning meeting up with my grade school friend, walking the mall, catching up, and talking about our babies. Crazy how things change and seeing each other as Moms. It seems like yesterday we were pretend Moms to our dolls. Looking out my window today, my view is actually quite nice but enough already! No wonder us Iowans put on shorts when it is 50 degrees outside, we are dying for a nice day or a break from shoveling.

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In honor of this blah day, I decided everyone including me needs some motivation, a pick me up! Yes my friends, I know it's only Tuesday. I found this quote on my Pinterest account and thought this would be a great starting point to get my mind motivated.

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And I know it is hard to get up and get a workout in when it's cold out and all you want to do is cuddle up on the couch and watch tv or online shop. Guilty! So throw in your favorite workout dvd and get your booty moving, seriously it helps boost your mood and your butt :) . My favorite is Tone it Up, like I have mentioned before. Those girls kick my butt! I am dreaming of the day when I get to run outside though, so I have been researching running/jogging strollers for this Spring. From the imput I have received it looks like BOB wins. There is nothing like running outside in the Spring smelling all of the yummy blooming plants and listening to nature...or a good playlist. So here is one of my favorite running playlists on my ipod to get you motivated to move!

1.) Mony Mony- Billy Idol 2.) Cyclone- Baby Bash ft. T-Pain 3.) Maneater- Nelly Furtado 4.) Kerosene- Miranda Lambert 5.) Another one Bites the Dust- Queen 6.) Milkshake- Kelis 7.) Catch me if you Can- Outasight 8.) Wavin' Flag- K'naan, Will.I.Am, & David Guetta 9.) Hurts so Good- John Mellencamp 10.) Whatever You Like-T.I.

Enjoy! After you are done with a workout or maybe you are on the go a lot and looking for a treat or pick me up that is new and healthy, try my favorite protein bites. Easy to make and even better tasting, I promise! I freeze them and keep 3 bites in a small Zip lock, and when I leave I throw them into my purse for a tasty snack. This recipe is modified from my Tone it Up nutrition plan.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls Ingredients: 1 cup Natural peanut butter (use creamy, can use Almond butter) 1 cup Honey 1 cup Old fashion oats ( gluten free if you wish) 1 cup diced dried apricots ( or whatever dried fruit you like) 1 cup sliced almonds ( I rough chop raw unsalted whole almonds) Cinnamon to taste 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder ( I use Vanilla flavor)

1.) In a medium pot, on lowest heat, melt honey and peanut butter until texture is runny. Remove from heat and add protein powder. Stir well. Add in apricots, almonds, and oats. 2.) Mix until all is coated well. Cool in fridge for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll into bite sized balls. About 1-2 Tablespoons each ball. Store in the fridge for best results.

You do not have to add the protein powder unless you are looking for an easier way to get in your extra protein. According to Tone it Up, the serving size is 3 balls, calories 275.

I hope you enjoy this post and let me know if you try the recipe! Have a great week. Some little lady is already looking up during tummy time! Sometimes that face is all the motivation I need, then again, so is that bikini drawer :)

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