Vanilla Coffee Banana Protein Pancakes

I have five words to say about this weekend.  I ate all the food.  I didn’t eat a lot of one thing (i.e. deep dish pizza by myself), but I ate a lot of little things.  I didn’t track all my food. I woke up with a taste for apple fritters, but cooler heads prevailed and I made a hash waffle.  This time topped it with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese so the top is nice and crispy, which the sides are kind of mash potatoey.  You know what I mean

I had some errands to run.  Ran to Tuesday Morning for some tissue paper, and bought a small bag of gummies at the check out and ate the whole thing while driving around.  300 calories (not even sure about how many points).   Came back from running errands and sliced up cheese and had cheese and triscuits – did I weigh out my cheese or measure out my crackers.  Nope.  I had plans to meet up with my step-son Joe and his wife Lizz for Lizz’s brothers high school graduation party.  Make up on – with jewelry!

Within five minutes of getting to Lizz’s parents house, I was presented with all this food:

In case you don’t know this, the Mexican community makes A LOT OF FOOD.  Later Lizz’s dad threw grilled chicken on my plate.  Her Mom presented me with fresh homemade corn tortillas, two salsas, guacamole and chips.  Oh, and Modelo beer.   I had three over the course of the evening, which I now know is 12 points.  Even with all this stuff, I was trying to make better choices, and basically could drink this chile de arbol salsa.  I dipped all my food into it.  I asked her what the recipe was, and when she got to “then I add a cup of olive oil” realized I’d probably eaten 4 tablespoons of olive oil.  Amazing stuff though!

That salsa above was just as amazing, but I could tell had all fresh ingredients.  Didn’t even mind the onions!  Lizz’s Dad was the BBQ chef:

The chicken was outstanding. I am not sure if these were chicken quarters, just cut in half?

It was great to catch up with Joe and Lizz.  The weather held out, and while it didn’t rain, when it got dark, it was chilly enough that you could see your breath.  I was still wearing a short sleeved sweater and was fine.  However, Joe and Lizz have been living in Texas going on five years, and have lost their midwest skin.  I was happy when Lizz changed into comfy clothes!

Those are Lizz’s cousins – I loved being behind the scenes of this mini photo shoot 😀

I realized after I got home that I never got a picture of Joe and I that wasn’t silly – but this will have to do. 😀  I still can’t believe I met Joe 17 years ago already.  He was a chubby little 10 year old when I first met him and this fall he’ll be 28 years old.  Crazy!

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Sunday morning I had the house to myself.  The kadults had to work at the coffee shop, and I got to meal prepping and recipe developing.  I tried a protein powder muffin – epic fail.  Then decided to make protein pancakes and these were amazing.  Made with Premier Protein vanilla whey protein powder, this recipe made 4 pancakes for a total of 6 smart points.  I actually started to put all of them on my plate, but decided to eat two, and if I was still hungry, could always go back for more.  Two was plenty!

Vanilla Coffee Banana Protein Pancakes (makes 1-2 servings)

• 1 ounce vanilla protein powder (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons strong cold coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 mashed banana

Mix the protein powder, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon together with a whisk.  Add remaining ingredients and mix just until combined.  Let the batter sit for 15 minutes to let the baking powder do its magic.  Cook for about 2 minutes a side over medium low heat.  I made a syrup of PB2 mixed with a teaspoon of real maple syrup.

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I have to regroup this week.  I am back to my old habits of doing great Monday through Friday, and then throwing all my hard work in the garbage by not tracking over the weekend.  The hamster wheel that kept me at the same weight (or gaining and losing the same five pounds) all of 2016.

So guess what I am bringing back?  INSANITY!  I started Insanity back on June 1, 2013.  I declared that June was going to be Insane.  I am not going to lie, a little piece of me was like “why not just wait until June of 2017.”  But I know me.  That would only give me more of an excuse on not to keep track because I am getting “back on” June 1.

Tonight is the fit test.  Back then I did the workout between 8-9 at night.  I am always home at that time, and in the beginning the workouts are only 35 minutes long.  Totally doable.  

Zen, I am shipping out your package tomorrow – I realized I never responded to your email, I will shortly! 😀 

Happy Monday!  I am actually looking forward to work this week because my boss that keeps me really busy is out of the country for the week on business.  I am finally going to have time to organize my files/desk/emails.  Jenn, can you walk today?  I need to text you.

How was your weekend?  I’d love to hear your highlights.  Mine, of course, was seeing Joe and Lizz. 😀