Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan & Gluten-freebies rejoice)

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I have the biggest sweet tooth ever (thanks, mom).

I also do not like consuming ungodly amounts of sugar, sooo ta-da. These cookies are low calorie, high in nutrients, super filling, and pretty allergy friendly. I originally got the idea from 3 – Ingredient cookies floating around the internet, these are just a little jazzed up.

A lot of tips with these, the oatmeal, banana, pumpkin, and protein powder are just a base. You do not need to use cache nibs or cocoa powder. Some great alternatives include regular chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, almonds, walnuts, raisins, cranberries – just about anything you could think of 🙂 In my opinion, no sugar is necessary, but I have to say there is a little stevia in my protein powder which makes it a little sweet. I highly recommend using Tone It Up’s Perfect Fit protein or something similar.

Ingredients:
2 cups oatmeal
2 ripe bananas
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 scoops protein powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
cocoa powder (optional)
1/3 cup cacoa nibs (optional)
Makes 18 Cookies @ 75 calories each 🙂

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a bowl, mash bananas well so it becomes one even consistency. Add in pumpkin puree and stir together.

3. In separate bowl, add in protein powder, cocoa powder, and oatmeal, mix together.

4. Slowly pour in the banana-pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix together until it becomes dough like.

5. Form dough into about 1 Tbsp size balls, and place evenly across baking sheet. (tip: I highly recommend using a baking mat, or greasing the sheet beforehand)

6. Bake in oven for about 18 minutes.

7. Let cool, then dunk in milk of choice 🙂

Enjoy!
Hayley

Staying Active During Workday

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I am the first to admit that sometimes it can be darn hard to stay active during the workday.  After noticing weight creep from going from being a personal trainer & group exercise instructor in college, to a desk job at a tech company – I learned the importance of being active.  These little tips / tricks are things I have learned from fellow healthy colleagues and from first hand experience, and can make a big difference.
Before Work: 
  • To make the most out of your time in the morning, workout at home or go for a run.  Check out workout videos online (my favorite are at http://www.toneitup.com), or grab your sneakers and head for a walk or run
  • Workouts do not need to be fancy, a 5-20 minute mix of squats, push ups, planks, and lunges can make for a great workout. Doing so first thing in the morning gets your metabolism roaring and sets the tone for a healthy day!
  • If you have no time in the morning to get in a workout, do squats, calf raises, side leg raises, and lunges while blowdrying your hair 🙂
All day:
  • Take. The. Stairs.
  • Set a reminder on your phone to get up and fill your water bottle every hour, this gets you up and keeps you hydrated, which is a major factor in keeping your metabolism up
  • Every time you go to the restroom (which should be often, because, ahem, you’re drinking a lot of water, right?) do 10 squats if you so dare
  • If your company offers, get a standing desk – you burn 50% more calories standing rather than sitting
  • Get in mini workouts while at your desk / in your car for commute. For your abs: squeeze the muscles in your core tightly for one minute, then release.  For your legs: do calf raises for a minute.  Every little thing adds up!
  • A lot of technology is out there to remind you to move! Use your phone or wearable device to make sure you move & check your steps.  Most phones will track your movements under a folder called “health” – make sure you’re hitting at least 10,000 steps a day 
  • Take meetings and phone calls during a walk around the block
  • Don’t email – get up & talk face to face 
Lunch:
  • If you can, use your lunch hour to get something in.  If you’re able, do a full out session at the gym.  Most boutique fitness classes, like SoulCycle, FlyWheel, Pure Barre, etc., have classes catered to the working professional at this time, as well as a fully stocked shower / bathroom changing area. If that’s unrealistic, put your sneakers on and walk as much as you can during lunch hour, even once around the block adds up
  • If you normally eat out, order ahead of time for pick up, and instead of waiting in the long line to grab your lunch, use that time to walk around the block a few times
Commute:
  • If you live close to work, walk to work as much as possible.  I add an extra 2.6 miles to my daily activity if I do this.  If you do not live close to work, park your car farther away, get off at bus stop one or two away, or bike
I would love to hear your tips & tricks to stay healthy during the workday!
xo
h

10 Minute Full Body Workout

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With travel, the holidays, and crazy schedules, it can be tough to fit in a gym session.  However, the truth is, to get in a good workout and reap it’s amazing benefits, all you need is enough space for a yoga mat and 10 minutes!  With this routine, you will work every muscle, get a good sweat in, burn about 120 calories, and feel great afterwards!  If you have more time, double this workout for a super intense HIIT session.

Warmup:
20 Jumping Jacks
20 Squats
20 Second Plank
10 Pushups

Round 1: 4 minutes
Squat Jumps: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds
Plank Jacks: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds
Squat Jumps: 50 seconds  / rest 10 seconds
Plank Jacks: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds

Rest 30 seconds/div>

Round 2: 4 minutes
Burpees: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds
Skater Lunges: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds
Burpees: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds
Skater Lunges: 50 seconds / rest 10 seconds

Stretch for 1 minute (or longer) to bring heart rate down safely.

You’re done!

xo
hb