*EAT LIKE ME*- January 23- Mini Pancakes, Mache Salad, & Taste The Rainbow Smoothie

To say “I’m on a chocolate kick” would be a complete underestimate of what the word “kick” is intended to mean. It’s more of a chocolate lifestyle, as I am a willing slave to any and all forms of it. Chocolate for breakfast is the best way to begin the day with the glass half-full.

Here’s one of my personal breakfast faves:

Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Coconut Protein Pancakes: (Makes 24)

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup vanilla coconut milk
• 1 6 oz. Chobani vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1-2 scoops protein powder (I use Muscle Milk-Chocolate)
• dash of baking powder

Preparation:

1. In medium bowl, mix dry ingredients together.
2. Mix wet ingredients together in separate bowl, then slowly add dry ingredients with mixer on low speed. (Be sure to cut the banana into smaller pieces before adding to mixture.)
3. Turn burner onto low-medium heat. Allow to heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Either measure or eyeball out around a tablespoon of the batter. Pour into pan.
5. Cook for about 2 minutes each side.
6. EAT

My lunch has consisted of lots of this lately with chicken or an egg salad on the side:

Mache Salad W/ Citrus Basil Balsamic Dressing:

Mache is incredibly flavorful and an excellent source of nutrients as opposed to an iceberg or romaine lettuce. I paired this with some chicken breast, onions, and avocado over top (not shown).

For the citrus basil balsamic dressing here’s what you need:

• 1/2 fresh squeezed Minneola or Navel orange juice (make sure it’s completely seedless)
• 1-2 fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• few squirts of lemon juice
• 1/4-1/2 balsamic vinegar (I used one with a sweeter flavor)
• dash of sea salt

Preparation:

1. Place balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon juice in blender on low.
2. Stop blender and add in basil and minced garlic. Blend on low again.
3. Stop and finally add in your orange. (Be sure to squeeze in separate cup before adding to blender to avoid seeds and pulpage.)
4. Blend on low again.
5. Season to taste if need be.

*This makes about 2 servings.*

Taste The Rainbow Pre-Workout Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 10 green grapes
• 12 blackberries
• 5 strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 scoop Muscle Milk chocolate protein powder
• Squirt of honey
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 handful spinach

Preparation:

1. Add in first four ingredients. Blend on low for 10 seconds.
2. Add in the rest and continue to blend for 30 seconds.
3. Pour and enjoy!