Over the last few years, I've become massively into my health and fitness. As regular readers will know, I struggled with body image for a long time, and it's only through learning about health and nutrition (and becoming a mum, too!) that I've been able to overcome this.
I'm proud to say that I've finally reached a point in my life where I absolutely love the body I'm in. Like, really love it - and I'm proud to show it off! I know that it's become almost like blasphemy for women to say they love their bodies, but you know what? I don't care. We should all start learning to love what we've got, to celebrate the bodies we're in, and to take care of them.
After years of body loathing, it feels amazing to be able to say that - and to actually mean it - and I truly believe that this is down to fuelling my body with the right foods, and daily exercise.
Thanks to this new fitness regime, I'm endlessly searching for new and exciting products, as well as brands which don't cost the earth (absolutely essential when you're a mum and your entire earnings go on buying clothes for kids - who knew buying teeny tiny onesies could bring such utter joy?). One of my absolute favourite finds in recent months is The Protein Works - an online sports nutrition brand offering an array of products.
From whey protein (the vanilla flavour is AMAZING - it tastes just like liquid ice cream) to fat-burning supplements such as Raspberry Ketones, CLA and the BEST flavoured Super Greens Powder I've ever tasted, the Protein Works is the ultimate fitness mecca.
Anyway, when The Protein Works sent me a bundle of goodies, naturally I got to work in my fitness kitchen, creating some recipes. Here are my favourite creations....enjoy!
Sam x
LEMON CREAM PIE TRUFFLES
Oh my. These truffles are utterly amazing - everyone who tries them demand the recipe and are amazed to find that not only are they low-carb, but they're also low-fat AND low sugar. Created with a mixture of my favourite whey flavours from TPW (vanilla creme and lemon shortcake - seriously amazing) and coconut flour, these can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients:
2.5 tbsp extra-light cream cheese, at room temperature (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
Juice half a lemon
1.5 scoops protein powder (I used a mix of vanilla creme and lemon shortcake)
3 tbsp coconut flour
1.5 tbsp unsweetened dessicated coconut
1 tbsp raw honey
1/2 tsp lemon flavouring
Stevia sweetened white chocolate / 85% dark chocolate to coat (optional)
Method:
1) Mix together the truffle ingredients until smooth and combined. Roll into truffle-sized balls, then place on baking paper and put in the fridge to set. (If the mixture is a little wet to roll, add a touch more coconut flour or protein. If it's too dry, add a touch more cream cheese or honey.)
2) Once set, coat your truffles with melted chocolate, if desired, then eat!
SUPER GREENS "NICE CREAM"
So, like I said, TPW Super Greens powder is the BEST I've ever tried. Packed with 23 of the world's most nutrient-dense super foods (including wheatgrass, spirulina, and chlorella), it's like eating your 5-a-day, but in one glass. Since none of the above super foods taste that nice, those clever bods at TPW have flavoured it - I tried the Tropical Punch flavour and absolutely LOVE it! Here it is, recreated in ice cream form:
Ingredients:
2 bananas, sliced and frozen
1 ripe avocado
Splash almond or coconut milk
1-3 scoops of Super Greens, to taste
Method:
1) Blend the frozen banana slices in a high-powered blender until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined and lump-free. Pour into bowls and top with whatever flavourings you fancy, then enjoy!
