Rainbows and Blueberry Banana Crumble

Lake days are always good days. I was bone tired yesterday after spending most of the day out by and on the lake. The weather was perfect for a lake day too- sunny and 82. It started clouding up late in the afternoon, but by that time we were already thinking about where to go for dinner.

I started off the morning with a run and refueled with a strawberry banana protein smoothie (check out the link for the delicious recipe). It was so peaceful to sip on my smoothie and gaze out at the lake, it really was the perfect way to refuel post run. 

Mid-morning I ran into town to pick up a few things we needed at the cabin and to pick up food at the grocery store. By the time I got back my tummy was rumbling for lunch. I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture of my meal-sorry! I heated up a salmon fillet and had some veggies with it. As a "dessert" I threw together a blueberry banana crumble parfait.

Blueberry Banana Crumble Parfait

• 1/3 cup vanilla greek yogurt
• 1/3 small banana, sliced
• small handful of blueberries
• 2 tablespoons homemade healthy granola
• 2 tablespoons prepared PB2

I put everything in a parfait dish except the PB2. I prepared the PB2 in a separate small dish and then added it on top of the prepared parfait and mixed it in. You can add in just the PB2 powder if you choose, but I prefer the prepared version for a stronger peanut butter taste. If you want to be daring try almond butter instead of peanut butter!

When we were out at dinner it started raining. While we were bummed at least we got to enjoy most of the day outside at the lake. By the time we got back to the cabin we were treated to a beautiful rainbow making the rain completely worthwhile!  

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." -Genesis 9:13

Morning Run and Post Run Smoothie

After resting up from traveling I hit the trails bright and early for a run. It was so refreshing to be back out running and even though it was not an overly long run I still enjoyed being back at it. 

Once I cooled down and stretched I was hungry. I love smoothies and nothing beats a fresh fruit smoothie made with delicious summer fruits. Smoothies are a great pre and post workout snack/meal because they are loaded with protein and the carbohydrates help your body recover from a workout. This strawberry banana smoothie is my go to smoothie because it is loaded with 33 grams of protein and it tastes like a dessert!

Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

• 1 small frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen strawberries (about 6 medium berries sliced)- I cut and freeze my own, but if you're going to buy frozen make sure they are unsweetened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or skim milk
• 1 scoop protein powder of choice, this morning I used cookies and cream

Blend banana and milk together first. When the banana is almost completely pureed add in protein powder.

Once protein powder and banana are completely blended stop blender and add in strawberries.

Blend until no chunks remain and it is smooth. The smoothie thickness will depend on if you are using fresh or frozen fruit and the type of protein powder you are using.

If you make them tag me on instagram and use the hashtag #thesimplelife and go like my new page on Facebook!

Nutrition (serves 1):
Calories: 312
Carbs: 42 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Protein: 33 grams
Sodium: 259 mg
Sugar: 26 grams

*Nutrition Note: Some are going to say the carbs and sugar content is too high, but it really is not. The sugars are all natural from fruit and not artificial junk found in highly processed foods. The 33 grams of protein will help keep you full all morning and the carbs will help your body recover from a workout.

Road Tripping

Yesterday morning after a quick workout I left for a mini road trip. I had fueled up with my chocolate deluxe protein parfait beforehand, so I was not about to start munching on all the not so healthy road trip snacks. 

Cora is not a good road tripper. She has to have medication before getting the car otherwise she gets extremely carsick. I've cleaned more dog barf out of my car than I care to so the medication was a must! 

To avoid a snack temptation I packed my own food for the trip. I consider eating in the car a skill- and yes I need to practice! I did not want to pack something messy because who wants to clean crumbs out of their car? Not me. I stuck with something simple, yet I made sure it had enough protein to keep me going. 

For lunch I packed an almond butter banana sandwich. I used 2 tablespoons Maranatha Creamy Almond Butter on a slice of gluten free bread and topped it with 1/2 of a banana cut into slices. With my sandwich I packed a bottle of water and half of a gigantic granny smith apple.

After unloading and unpacking I reached for the california turkey griller salad I was smart enough to pack for dinner. The only addition to the salad I made was a hard boiled egg (not pictured). 

I was tuckered out after traveling and unpacking (I HATE unpacking with a passion). I hit the hay early, but still got up early to workout. I laced up my sneakers and hit the trails and pavement for a short run. YES I GET TO RUN AGAIN! Sadly I am back to square one building up my mileage (again), but I am running! It was beyond refreshing to breathe in crisp, clean air in the early morning sun.

I need to stop procrastinating and write my internship essay that is due in two days, but I have a delicious strawberry banana protein smoothie to share tomorrow. Enjoy the last bit of the weekend!