You probably know by now that I'm almost 33 weeks pregnant. Remember, I love thinking that you are a super loyal reader who's read every post and "knows" me well. Humor me, 'kay?
These two treats probably sound like a matter of cravings winning out over rational thought. I can assure you, however, that they are not. Although I can also assure you that the Nutty Buddy I ate the other day was, in fact, a craving that overwhelmed, consumed and gnawed at me until I gave in. Ehh. What can you do?
Twice this week, I served up my breakfast "dessert-style." And didn't feel a shred of guilt either time. I cannot say the same about the Nutty Buddy...so at least there's that.
First, I tried my hand at a Jamocha CocoAlmond Fudge shake. One can only see the Dunkin' Donuts commercials so many times before the urge becomes palpable. Those ice cream flavored iced coffees? I bet they're way too sweet to be good, and way too bad to be good, too, but they at least look kinda good. Enter "The I-Can-Make-That-Myself-Mad Scientist."First up, a new Almond/Coconut milk I found. Had used one before until I realized it had caraganeen in in...a no-no for healthy eating. I poured in about 3/4 of a cup, added 1/4 cup of chilled decaf coffee. I threw in a handful of ice, a splash (and I mean barely any!) of caramel extract and a healthy scoop of my chocolate Shakeology. Blended that bad boy until it was good and mixed, poured it into my shaker cup and headed out the door.
About 10 minutes later, kiddo safely dropped of with Nunny, I took my first sip of this new concoction. Did you hear choirs of angels sing? Because I did. It is fantastic. Make-again-so-good-can-I-please-have-more-and-this-isn't-even-gone-fantastic.Feeling cocky from this latest creation, I decided to go at it again the following morning. Pregnancy gives me super powers---I can grow a kid AND I can suddenly create the best recipes on the planet. Not really, but it's fun to think like that while I'm throwing things around in the kitchen at 7:whatever AM.
The next day's shake wasn't nearly as inventive, but it was pretty fabulous. I stole a scoop of my hubby's strawberry Shakeology, used regular skim milk and--instead of ice, I got crazy!--a handful of frozen strawberries (what!?). I could have left well enough alone right there, but I told you---I have super powers. I headed over to the pantry where I grabbed a box of Sugar Free/Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding mix. Yeah, that's right. Dumped in about a tablespoon of that and blended away. Well. If there were choirs of angels singing the day before, this time there was at least a resounding "Hallelujah!" from the skies. No fork, no guilt...alllllllllllllll yummy healthiness! I'll take it!
I was a non-breakfast eater for a while. Too long. And I know it's good for me---really. I know all the benefits to eating a healthy breakfast (improved concentration, tendency to make healthier choices during the rest of the day, better blood sugar/cholesterol levels etc), but I never made the time to actually do it. And then I discovered Shakeology---yeesh, talk about sounding like a commercial! But it's true.
I learned about its nutrients...did you know Shakeology has over 70 superfoods in its blend? For example, quinoa which contains between 10-18 grams of COMPLETE protein! It's also got goji berries which boast more vitamin C than oranges!
Shakeology has been part of my daily routine for nearly two years, and I've been able to share what I love about it with others. My family drinks it--in fact, if I'm not fast enough, my daughter will steal mine right off the counter!--and I've helped others enjoy its benefits as well. There are the obvious health benefits---it's helped me lose/maintain weight (the past few months notwithstanding) and cut down on cravings, but there are also the "other" benefits. My hair and nails---never stronger! My skin---not nearly as dry and flaky, even through the crazy winter we endured.
Bottom line, I love the stuff and love sharing it. And I really love trying new recipes. If you've got one to share with me, bring it on. I'll gladly give it a whirl...bad pun intended!
