Once again, I’d like to give a gold star to my northern friends.
My goodness, it sure is a lot harder to get my butt to the gym when it’s 26 degrees outside. You guys deserve a lot of credit for making it to the gym or running outside in frigid temperatures. Warm beds are so enticing!
Workout
Today’s workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical, followed by a leg workout that looked like this:
Yesterday I wasn’t sure whether or not I’d be able to tackle a leg workout because I was still sore from Friday’s five mile run. It’s crazy how one run after only two months away from running can completely shock your body.
I swear my legs were more sore after those five miles than they have been after nearly every lower-body workout I’ve done for the past few months. I blame the last mile of the run, when I pushed myself to kick it into gear and run faster than I probably should have after so much time away. Luckily I felt back to normal today and was able to do the above workout without feeling sore.
Breakfast
The return of protein pancakes!
I made myself a batch of oatmeal protein pancakes, topped with pumpkin pie spice and syrup.
As the pancakes were cooking on the griddle, I also ate a serving of roasted almonds.
Baked Ricotta Macaroni and Cheese
Remember when I was working on a recipe for a healthified version of macaroni and cheese for a recipe project?
Well, the recipe is officially up on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board’s 30 Days 30 Ways blog!
I promised to let you guys know when the recipe was posted, so you may now find my recipe for baked ricotta macaroni and cheese on their website.
It’s cheesy and delicious!
Mason Jar Cookie Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to…
Coco!
Please email me at pbfingers@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to coordinate your customized cookie jar with The Mason Jar Cookie Company.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
I have GOT to try your protein pancakes, because mine turned out, well, just a TAD rubbery. Haha 🙂
I gotta check out that recipe–sounds tasty!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I love pancakes! I haven’t made them in such a long time. I need to try your recipe. 🙂
I love a good macaroni and cheese recipe. Definitely checking that out! Mac and cheese is the best.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
i’ve really been craving pancakes lately… i need to whip up one of your protein pancake recipes SOON! i love how they keep you more satisfied and still satisfy a pancake craving!
looking forward to checking out that mac ‘n cheese recipe! sounds delicious!
Nathan Miller says
Congrats on the recipe being published. Nice work
Coco says
Goodness gracious, I am SO excited! Emailing you my info ASAP! Thanks, Julie!!!
Khushboo says
Pancakes are a great way to start the week…happy Monday!
Jessica @ RUNMEM says
I know what you mean about the cold temperatures! I moved to the south to get away from them and we’re having a wintry spell right now. Just gotta bundle up in the layers and head out the door – usually helps to promise myself a warm hot chocolate or tea post-run!!
Heather H. @ Run Eat Play says
I can’t wait to check out the mac and cheese recipe! Who doesn’t love mac and cheese?’
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
Getting out of bed for a morning work out in the winter is 100 times harder than it is during the summer months. That cold weather is definitely harder on your legs too. I ran outside this weekend in 20 degree weather and my thighs were so tight this morning it hurt to stretch them out!
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed says
I’ll definitely be making that recipe… simple & yum! I LOVE mac & cheese!!!!!!!
Nicole says
Just checked out your recipe, looks so yummy! I will be making that for sure, aweseom job!!
Julia Steele says
That recipe sounds awesome! Maybe once I hit my next weight-loss goal… Oops. That sounds counter-productive, huh?
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Congrats on the recipe feature Julie! And I hear ya about the whole running being sore on the legs thing. I am doing a half marathon this summer but am a total treadmill runner, so I know I’m going to have to get out on a REAL road soon. It just makes it very difficult when we have a ton of snow and it’s FREEEEZING! Have a great (and warm!) day!
Chelsa says
I’m in Florida right now, but I live up north in Connecticut and making it out of the house in the cold is horrible. Even just going out for a night on the town can be difficult in the cold. Luckily I workout at home so I don’t have to drag myself to the gym in the morning 🙂
Your protein pancakes look great!!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Whew – deadlifts always take it out of me.
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I need to try these pancakes! They l;ook great 🙂
joelle (on a pink typewriter) says
That’s awesome about your mac and cheese!! I’ve been craving some warm and cheesy pasta, so maybe soon i’;; need to make something like your recipe. 🙂
allison says
I completely agree with you on being sore. I have been skipping my run the last 2 months to focus on attack and pump at the gym. Last Sunday I did an easy 3 mile run at the park and my whole body was sore Monday and Tuesday. It really is weird how your body can do that.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Maybe you were just using different leg muscles when you ran than you do when you do leg weights? Shock to those muscles!
Charlotte @ Weekends So Sweet says
That Mac and cheese looks great!
Rachel says
It’s like 8* here in CO in the mornings, and Every. Single. Morning is a struggle to get out of bed. But the hot coffee I pour myself once I’m up always tastes extra-amazing!!
This Fit Chick says
I LOVE protein pancakes!!! really wish I could have some right now!
Liza says
Oh. M. Gee. Julie I am DYING for that mac and cheese right now! Ricotta is one of my favorite cheeses – I cannot wait to make this one! Thanks!
Jen @ Whittle My Middle says
Getting out of a warm bed is soooo tough! I find leaving a sweater and warm socks beside your bed makes it easier to get out since you have something warm to jump into.
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
Try living in Boston and going to the gym in 20 degrees! It’s tough, but it’s nice and warm once your inside the gym so it’s all good! That mac and cheese looks yummy!
Claire @ livingspreethegoodlife.wordpress.com says
It’s amazing how running uses different muscles! It’s funny because I’m the exact opposite. I rarely do any squats but when I do I can’t walk for like a week haha. Maybe it’s best to incorporate both?
Jasper @ crunchylittlebites says
I am attempting to bake a dessert with blue cheese as the main ingredient today! wish me luck 😀
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
OMG 30 different ways to do Mac and Cheese?! I must check this out!! And mm your pancakes look great! I love a comfort breakfast like that when it’s cold out!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
The cold makes me appreciate the warm that much more 🙂
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says
that macaroni and cheese sounds phenomenal!! I love ricotta cheese and could eat a whole container!
Allison says
I just made my first ever protein pancakes yesterday. Honestly, I probably would have never tried them if it wasn’t for seeing them on your blog so many times. All I can say is: Why didn’t I try making them sooner!? They were amazing!!! I used 1/3 cup old fashioned oats, 1/3 cup lowfat cottage cheese, about a 1/4 cup or so of egg whites, a dash of vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon. Blended with my immersion blender and cooked them in the skilled. OMG. So good! I made 4 small-ish pancakes and topped them with sliced strawberries and sugar free pancake syrup. I can’t wait to make these again with blueberries or chocolate chips!
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
Just looked at the macaroni recipe and it looks SO good! Thank you!
Amanda says
Yum, those pancakes look so good! Do you think I could sub the egg whites for a lesser number of whole eggs?
Melissa says
How do you do the bosu ball lunges? Is the front or back foot on it?
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