New cookbook arrived:)

So my Precision Nutrition Gourmet cookbook just arrived, and the recipes are TO DIE FOR!  There is a banana creme pie oatmeal recipe, and it looks fabulous.....oatmeal, coconut, banana, milk and vanilla protein powder.....so yummy and healthy.  I've been getting a little bored with what I've been making lately and I can't wait to whip up some of these easy, healthy and fresh recipes.  Mint chocolate shake, lamb chili....and staying thin...?  Perfect!

Carbs, carbs and how they fit into getting lean:)

Me in the middle of the mess that was my hotel room in California:)  Oh and sooooo tired, and clearly needing carbs after the two hours I spent shopping!  Noooo really!

These days it seems like everyone has become a little afraid of carbs....or.....all they eat are carbs, and their diets lack the protein that they need to stay lean.   There needs to be some sort of a balance, where there is variety in your diet.....eating the same boring things day in a day out is enough to drive any of us into a snickers (or whatever is your preferred crash and burn!) filled food overload.  When you constantly deprive your body for too long, there will be a day when the proverbial dam breaks....and you eat anything, and everything!

When I am working towards getting leaner ( and yes, I go in phases.....so often times I am) I focus on protein, fruits and vegetables for most of my meals, and usually only have a serving of carbs at breakfast, and for the meal right after my workout to speed up my recovery:)

For carbs I usually choose things that are less refined:

Oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread and sweet potatoes.

I stay away from: white sugar, white bread, white rice, sugary cereal......

When I am as lean as I want to be I usually have a small serving of carbs 4 times a day.  Carbs can be a bit of a slippery slope for me.  To a point, I feel great when I add them into my diet....but too much, or too refined....and I go overboard!

Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe

One of my favorite breakfasts is Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal. I make it on a daily basis, and when I'm in a pinch....I use plain Quaker Instant Oatmeal to make it more quickly. You'll be surprised how good this recipe is. Most people think they don't like protein powder, but after having BSN Dessert Protein Fresh Cinnamon Flavor, they change their minds. This is my healthy version of the prepackaged flavored oatmeal, and it has fewer carbs, less sugar, and more protein, so it will give you longer lasting energy throughout your morning.

Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

1/4 Cup steel cut oats

1 Cup water

Just a pinch of sea salt

1 Full scoop of BSN Dessert Protein Fresh Cinnamon Roll Protein

1. Boil water (add a bit of sea salt if you like....I do:) 2. Stir in oats 3. After about five minutes, when the oatmeal starts to thicken, reduce heat and simmer for 30 4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes, then stir in BSN Cinnamon Roll. This step is very important, if the oatmeal is too hot, it will alter the taste of the protein and.....well, yuck!

Alternate quick Recipe

Substitute 1 packet plain Quaker Oats

Follow directions on box:)

Add BSN= Easy!