I’m sure it comes as no surprise after reading my evening post yesterday that I went to bed dreaming of peanut butter stuffed French toast.
There was absolutely no question what I’d be making for breakfast this morning!
Woop, woop!
I made the French toast by soaking two pieces of Nature’s Own specialty honey wheat bread in a mixture of two eggs, cinnamon and a splash of milk.
Then came the fun part!
Paula Deen’s strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast gave me the idea to mix peanut butter and cream cheese together for the filling of this French toast! I placed about a tablespoon of each to a small bowl, added a pinch of brown sugar and mixed it up until I had a smooth, creamy spread. I then spread the peanut butter cream cheese in between my two slices of French toast, topped it with a bit of syrup and dug in.
This breakfast was a winner.
My peanut butter-lovin’ taste buds were having a field day in my mouth. I couldn’t get enough!
Workout
Clearly I was pretty pumped to talk about breakfast this morning and went a little out of order, so let’s back up a bit and cover today’s workout!
Today I tackled round two of “Workout B” from the Best Body Boot Camp plan.
You may remember my frustration with this workout from last week. It made me want to punt a stability ball across the gym because I felt so incredibly off balance and irritated with my lack of ability to do one of the moves.
Well, today I scaled it back a bit.
I completely omitted any weight from the three sets of split squats with the stability ball and concentrated on my form and balance. As it turns out, doing the exercise without any weight was plenty challenging for me! I did the move slowly and tried to maintain my balance and was definitely feelin’ the burn… especially on the 15 pulses on the final rep of each set!
Though I am not a competitive person at all when it comes to running, I think my pride comes into play a little bit in the weight room. Since I love strength training and have been doing it for a while, I feel like I should be able to handle heavier weights on new-to-me exercises, but that is often simply not the case.
I need to chuck my pride out the window and work my way up to heavier weights on certain moves to make sure I’m getting the most out of every exercise. I also don’t want to injure myself by pushing myself to do something that my body simply isn’t ready to do just yet.
Question of the Morning
- Are you a competitive person?
- Are there certain aspects of your life where you struggle to keep your personal pride in check?
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Running is an area where I vacillate wildly between proud and strong and lame as crap. The last few runs I’ve gone on have been really disappointing, and it’s kind of been a ding to my pride. Just when I started to think I was getting better, and feeling good about it, BAM, I’m struggling with a single mile again. What’s up with that?
Ok, I’m absolutely drooling over that french toast!
I’m not a particularly competitive person, but I think my pride comes in handy when I’m working out with someone else. I’m much more likely to give my workout all I’ve got when there’s someone else to ‘compete’ with!
great job on your workout Julie! now I am inspired! I wish I were not a competitive person but ugh how it just TAKES OVER when I am playing a game or trying to beat a deadline at work …nerd, I know
I am very competitive with myself. I used to be more competitive with others, but I found it more harmful to me and everyone else – it’s not good for me, at least, to compare my achievements with others. I like to take each little goal I set for myself and make it important in its own right – and from that, I gain a greater respect for myself. What’s important is that I work as hard as I can, and that I can see my hard work benefit me 🙂
(sometimes I do get competitive with my boyfriend about who can eat more pizza….)
I am the most competitive person ever no matter what I’m doing- even if its a board game or seomthing like that! For me its always more fun to get into everything Im doing and give it my alll!
i’m actually quite competitive with board games… for some reason they bring out my competitive side!
heck yes I am competitive…and so is my sister…growing up was a nightmare b/c we competed with each other in eevvrryytthhiinngg and both played the same sports. It was crazy.
haha – i love the “heck yes, i am competitive.” 🙂
I am pretty competitive when it comes to running with my boyfriend. I get so frustrated when I cant keep up with him, but truth is he has 14 inches of height on me and that does make a difference. Now I just work on outlasting him.
That french toast looks absolutely scrumptious. Have you ever added a little honey to it?
I’m actually not that competitive of a person at all! I guess sometimes with board games I’m competitive but I’ve never really been good at a lot of sports and never played many team sports. I stuck to dance mainly. I would agree that I am competitive with myself and always strive to do better for me but I’m not competitive with other people.
Oh wow, that is a breakfast of champions! Looks delicious! I’m not really a competitive person when it comes to running against others (like in races), but I am very competitive with myself in that I like to always be improving. As for weight, like you said, sometimes I just need a swift kick in the backside and some heavier weights handed to me! It’s so easy to get comfortable with weights that you know you’ll be able to do for x number of reps, but it’s when I change it up and lift heavier that I tend to see more results. We can do this, girl! 🙂
I’m not the biggest peanut butter fan on earth but that breakfast looks amazing! I want nothing else but to try it out for myself NOW!
That looks so delicious! I thought my pineapple mango smoothie breakfast was pretty good, but it pales in comparison! I am pretty competitive, but mostly I’m just stubborn when I get my back up. If someone challenges me (or says I can’t win/do something) then that thing is GETTING. DONE.
I am super competitive with myself when it comes to running–and very hard on myself when I fail (in my eyes). But with others? Not so much. I’m running my own race and you’re running yours–we’re both awesome. 🙂
And the breakfast? YUM. I need to get out of my oatmeal rut and this seems like the perfect answer. I’m thinking a little PB2 mixed with the cream cheese??? Yeah, totally doing that.
looks scrumptious! yes, i can be competitive, but only with certain things. i guess im most competitive with myself when it comes to running
oh man julie, it looks like you definitely created a winner of a breakfast!! that stuffed french toast sounds incredible. i already know i’m planning on making it for breakfast saturday morning when i have more time. 😉
i’m competitive, but my competitive nature has definitely decreased as i’ve gotten older. i would say i’m more determined than competitive.
Hey Julie,
Recipe looks amazing!!! One quick question— do you put the filling in before you cook it? Do you use a frying pan? I’ve never made french toast before haha! and I didnt see the step where you cooked it 🙂 Thanks!
i cooked the two pieces of french toast first on a griddle then added the filling after they were cooked! 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
I can definitely get competitive, especially since I read other blogs and see runners going much faster or further than I am! I have to remind myself that it takes time to get to where they are and I should focus on myself! PS that breakfast looks AMAZING!
I’m kind of doing the Live Fit plan in terms of lifting each day – I’m much more content to lift a weight I feel safe with but I know I should push myself to lift heavier.
I need that french toast.
That breakfast look so delicious. I think we can all be a little competitive at times. I notice it when it comes to things I think I’m particularly good at. I try to tame the beast and not be a total competitive freak.
I am definitely a competitive person! I would say one of the activities where my bad attitude comes out the most is putt-putt! Ha ha I don’t know why, but it makes me so frustrated!
I’m insanely competitive with myself. The other day I was doing pushups in the living room when my husband walked in and told me I wasn’t going far enough down. I was on number 45 at that point and made myself start all over and do them “correctly” otherwise it would’ve bothered me for the rest of the night! Not sure if that’s a bit compulsive or just competitive 😉
All the peaches you’ve been posting are killing me! I love stone fruit, it is my favorite by far, and it is not yet available up here. Can you send me some?! 🙂
I am 100% with you on the weight training competitiveness. I learned a few weeks ago on a new move (smith machine, standing on a 3 inch platform, step back to the floor single leg lunge) with way more weight then I should and ended up having to remove weights as I went (an total no no in my book). It was humiliating to me, but a lesson learned…
I never thought I was competitive until my boyfriend pointed out how aggressive I get at the slightest sign of competition! Natural instinct I guess! 🙂
I’m not competitive until it comes to something that I take pride in–I always like to do my best and put forth a great amount of effort so when I’m in a situation that where I don’t think I am doing my absolute best, I get aggravated!
Oh my goodness…can I have breakfast at YOUR house?!?
I am definitely not a competitive person when it involves others. I feel like that’s partly why I never got involved with sports of any sort. (besides the fact that I royally suck!) I just lack that competitive drive!! 🙁
That bread is perfect for making French toast- I’ll have to remember to pick some up (I used to get it all the time!).
I’ve been bringing Kashi frozen waffles to work for breakfast this week, and smothering them with Skyr and peanut flour butter and fruit. They’re good- but nothing beats French toast. I might have to test out making some in advance and re-heating it in my toaster oven at work!
I’m competitive, for sure. But, with weight lifting, I always focus on form much more than how much I can lift. Then, when it becomes easier, I add more weight and my form is better.
That french toast sounds amazing!! Have you had TJ’s peanut butter cream cheese?! Life changing.
I’m not competitive with other people at ALL, but, like you, I’m super competitive with myself. I guess it’s good for motivation, but it does get frustrating sometimes!
yum that sounds/looks delish!
I am definitely a little competitive for fun, my bf on the other hand is the aggressive competitive type haha
That is such a good idea for French toast – really takes it to a whole new level!
I don’t think breakfast could get any more amazing than that!
Yep! Better good form than anything and the stabilization phase is meant to go lighter on the weights because of the slower tempos and things. You’re a beast in the weight room (meant in the loveliest way possible of course!) and you have nothing to lose on your pride there. I mean come on – 100 squat woman! 😉
I am competitive, but not a “crazy” competive person.
Competition drives me to be ambitous, but I’ve learned the real meaning in life is not to “win” but to be happy with oneself and not loose sight of te truely important things in life! I think that keeps my competition level-headed/balanced!
Okay, there’s my “soft side”….
Howver…..it’s always fun to be a little competitve!
I have noticed that I have better workouts when I’m challanged (i.e. want to kick someone or somethings butt!).
For instance, I ran a 5k a 1 1/2 weeks ago…I would see someone potentially in my age group, focus on passing them. Once I passed them, I did the same thing to the next potential competitor. It worked…came in 2nd in my age group. Whoo hoo!
French toast Wednesday definitely trumps Waffle Wednesday..at least thanks to these!
Oh girl I hear you loud and clear! I have a little too much pride in the weight room too. Especially because most of the members know I’m a personal trainer I think – but it’s so silly! Bad form is way worse than lighter weights.
I get very competitive with myself when I run. After a run I feel like I could have and should have gone faster and stronger. And during races I usually push myself by trying to pass people. My latest injury has taught me to keep myself in check and take each day as it comes.
That breakfast looks awesome!! I need some french toast in my life!
im kind of competitive in my head but not super aggressive like i’ve seen some of my friends get :/
that french toast sounds absolutely amazing, this will have to make a breakfast appearance for me soon…yum!
I’m competitive with certain things. I definitely consider myself a perfectionist, which can contribute to my competitive tendancies every now & then!
I can definitely get competitive, especially if it is something that I believe I am good at. I’ve tried to relax this over the years as sometimes it just isn’t healthy!
Wow!!! That french toast looks seriously delicious!!!!
Oh my goodness! This french toast looks incredible! It reminds me of something you would see on the menu at iHop. Yours being much more healthier though 🙂
stuffed french toast is gilding the lily in the best way possible. Makes me sooo happy
I did the same thing with the split squats this morning. I was making the most obnoxious faces in the mirror just trying to maintain my balance. And yes, I caught people staring. Sigh, no pride left in me after this morning!
I’m super competitve. I CrossFit and our “scores” for the workout are posted on the white board. There is one girl who is at about the same fitness level as me, and I always make my goal to beat her score. I don’t get mad when I don’t beat her, but it’s motivating to have a little competitive goal. (BTW, I adore her and she is a super supportive workout friend. She often kicks my butts at strength stuff and I kick hers in cardio stuff.)
Yumbo! I am not even going to tell my boyfriend about this breakfast, he will be drooling on my computer! Looks great!!
I am a *wee* bit competitive, yes. My boyfriend and I are having an “Abs in April” competition where we are counting down until April, working out like banchees, and eating healthy to see who can get the best abs by then.
Granted, he is one of the “naturally blessed” and can have abs QUICK by just thinking about them, I am going to have to work slightly harder.
My mantra is if you don’t try you will never know…so I would say I am a bit competitive 😉
I can definitely relate! I tend to think I can do anything in regards to athletics because I have been doing it for so long! Its always good to get pushed back to reality though 🙂
I know you use to be really into body pump, doing it 2-3 times a week, then when you moved you no longer had access to it. How did your body change from utilizing body pump to your own strengthening sessions?
Glad to see you scaled back a little on the bosu exercises. I think you really need to master the balance stuff before you add weights! (Ok, my trainer told me that when I used to work out with him, so that is a stolen though. But it makes sense to me!)