Magical Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

First of all, I love peanut butter. I wish I could eat it by the spoonfuls and still hit my calorie goals LOL Alas, this recipe is the closest thing.

I called this recipe "magical" because it is only 3 ingredients, has great macros, and nobody will EVER know they are a healthy version of the classic PB cookie. SERIOUSLY.

Still been grinding in the gym. My squats are at 125 lbs for 4 sets of 3. Time under the bar matters so be consistent! Tip for barbell squats- try bringing your grip in closer. Your back where the barbell sits should feel better and it will keep your chest up!

I am joining an online powerlifting meet for a fun little competition this week since I sort of enjoy that kind of thing ;) oh and see my new decal on the wall?! Never give up.

I have also been working up my distance "running" barefoot on the beach, putting run in quotes because it's walk-jog intervals. Sand is NO joke, it's hard! I have a little fear of stepping on glass but so far so good after over a month.

But I digress, back to the recipe ha! This recipe is super simple to whip up. You can keep them in the pantry in a tupperware to eat in the place of protein bars or an easy snack!

Magical Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Makes 11 cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup, Peanut Butter (I used smooth)
2.00 tablespoons, Egg Whites
46 g or 1 scoop, Vanilla Milkshake Whey Protein (I used Premier Protein which is 180 cals / 30g protein per scoop)

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350*F. Grease a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

In a bowl, heat your peanut butter in the microwave for a minute so it is easier to mix. Stir in your protein powder then stir in the egg whites.

Using a tablespoon, drop cookies onto the cookie sheet. Use a fork to make the traditional PB cookie hash marks to helps the cookies flatten so they will bake evenly.

Bake for 5-8 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie

Nutrition Facts
Servings 11.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 88
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6 g	9 %
Saturated Fat 1 g	5 %
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 9 mg	3 %
Sodium 75 mg	3 %
Potassium 0 mg	0 %
Total Carbohydrate 4 g	1 %
Dietary Fiber 1 g	3 %
Sugars 1 g
Protein 6 g	12 %
Vitamin A	0 %
Vitamin C	0 %
Calcium	2 %
Iron	2 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Healthier Huevos Rancheros Breakfast

My mother-in-law recently came to visit in our new house by the sea. We were actually fitfam longer than we have been actual family ;) we met at the gym and became friends.

We both love to cook, so when she comes to visit we lift and cook for fun haha!

I was so glad my daughter has been joining in on the cooking fun lately too. Just makes my day when she wants to help me in the kitchen. This trip we made sopes (pictured above), tamales (here is Ana's recipe), gorditas, and chile rellenos (here is Ana's recipe). So amazing. And now I must diet. ASAP lol!

So last week, she sent me a Facebook recipe post with huevos rancheros, a Mexican breakfast staple. I was totally inspired to redo this into a healthy version that I can enjoy on the regular. And I must admit, I was a fan and will be making this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Healthier Huevos Rancheros 

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, fried
• Sandwich thin bread (you could totally sub corn tortillas but I did not have any on hand)
• 0.25 cup cooked pinto beans
• 4 tbsp salsa
• 1 turkey bacon (or bacon of choice)

Instructions

Fry 2 eggs in a bit of oil. Cook your bacon. Meanwhile, mash your pinto beans with a fork. Place bread into the toaster.  Smear bread with mashed beans, top with fried eggs, then salsa. Serve the bacon on the side. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info per Serving

355  cals

33 g carbs

15 g fat

25 g protein

X-Liss

Venus Veteran Kimberly Shares Her Secrets to Maintenance Success

Kimberly has been using Venus systems for over 5 years and placed in Venus’ very first open contest. I am proud to introduce her up next in our series on successful maintenance.

Kimberly placed in the VT1 Open Category back in 2011

Since 2010, she has continually improved her physique despite health challenges and global relocations. Kimberly knows what it takes to maintain and improve your physique!

Kimberly, Liss, Jenny, and Lou Ann in Vegas

So when I thought about interviewing veterans about maintenance, this sweet friend came straight to mind. I have seen her in person and even worked out together; we got to meet in 2014 in Vegas at a Venus meet up. Kimberly looks every part Venus.

Here is what Kimberly has to say-

During the VT1 competition back in Jan to April 2011, I set a goal for myself.  An “Every Day Venus”.  I wanted a body shape and appearance that I could have everyday.  A body that was not dependent on heavy dieting, posing or lighting tricks.  I wanted to learn a way to maintain a look that is athletic and lean….all the time.  There is no doubt Venus has taught me that.

... Continue reading, see more pics, and watch or listen to my interview with Kimberly HERE -  http://www.venusindex.com/venus-veteran-kimberly-shares-her-secrets-to-maintenance-success/