Great Ways to Use Protein Powder for Breakfast

I know, I know.  For all my ladies, I used to be a hater on protein powder.  I didn't want to bulk up... I didn't like the taste...but let me tell you...when you find a protein powder you love...STICK TO IT!  It's not just for shakes and trust me, do your research on your protein powders!

I recommend Trutein.  It's amazing.  They use actual vanilla beans in the vanilla protein and actual Swiss and German chocolate in the chocolate protein.  The tubs look like this and come in 2.5 and 5 pound tubs.

Protein is especially important to have in the morning.  Typically, most people don't get enough protein in their diet.  It is recommended that you get at least 20 grams of protein in your diet at the start of your day!  So, check out ways to get more protein in your diet without sacrificing some breakfast favorites!

Now here are three easy ways to use protein powder in your breakfast:

1. Put some in your Greek yogurt in the morning - not only does this bump up your protein count, but it's delicious and flavors it!  Add some nuts and it feels like dessert.
2. Put some in your muffin batter - another breakfast favorite and it's an awesome way to get simple protein in your diet!  
3. Put some in your pancakes - it's an amazing way to add protein to a breakfast favorite.  Use some Greek yogurt in your batter!  Check out this Carrot Cake Protein Pancake - indulgent AND delicious.

Recipe: Roasted Corn Mango Black Bean Salsa

Hello foodies!  This week I'll be posting twice, so be on the look out for my usual Tuesday post and also Thursday now too!  I want to share a ton of awesome healthy, simple, inexpensive recipes that are awesome for summer.

Today I'll be sharing my recipe for roasted corn mango black bean salsa.  I love serving this with multi-grain chips or topping it on grilled chicken or fish!  Check it out:

Roasted Corn Mango Black Bean Salsa
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: (including grilling corn) 45 minutes


Ingredients:

• 3-5 ears of fresh corn OR 1 bag of frozen corn OR 1, 12 oz. can of canned corn
• 1, 16 oz. can of black beans (I recommend Goya low sodium)
• 2 mangoes OR 3-4 champagne mangoes, diced
• 1 small can of chipotles in adobo
• 1 small jar of pimentos
• 3 plum tomatoes OR 1 medium sized tomato, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• 1 Tbsp of chili powder (smoked if you'd like)
• 2 tsp. of garlic powder
• 2 tsp. of onion powder
• 2 tsp. of salt
• 2 tsp. of black pepper
• 1 tsp. of paprika (smoked if you'd like)
• 2-3 Tbsp of cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 Tbsp of Cholula brand hot sauce

Directions:

1. Grill off your fresh corn on the grill or on a grill pan.  This will take about 10-15 minutes.  Make sure you turn the corn every 5 minutes.  You want to see those awesome smokey grill marks.  If you are using frozen or canned corn, defrost/drain the corn and add 2 tsp. of vegetable to a skillet.  On medium-medium high heat, add the corn and onions into the pan and add all the spices into the pan.  Let the corn roast in the skillet turning occasionally (~1-2 minutes) for about 6-7 minutes.
2. At the bottom of a huge mixing bowl, add the lime juice, hot sauce, and 2 tsp of the adobo sauce from the chipotles and spices (if the corn wasn't roasted) and mix well.
3. Drain and rinse the black bean and add them to the mixing bowl.  Add the corn and onions too.
4. Add the pimentos and tomatoes next.  You don't want them to break up them that they separate into the salsa.
5. Add the mangoes last.  Garnish with the chopped cilantro.
6. Mix well and serve with chips or top onto of grilled fish or chicken or top it off on salads!

These are an awesome condiment for lettuce wraps too!!! =)

Baltimore Restaurant Week: Summer 2012

It's BAAACK!!  Ahhh...how I LOVE the tastiest and most affordable week in the summer time!  In 2 weeks, Baltimore Restaurant Week is back!  Couple things I'm super excited for:

1. FOGO DE CHAO IS BACK! :D Go check them out for an awesome salad bar, and UNLIMITED Brazilian style roasted meats! 
2. Tapas Adela is only $20 for dinner?!  Awesome.  Check out this Fells Point Spanish tapas place for awesome sangria and finger foods - great for date night or with friends!
3. The Food Market is a new restaurant that opened up in Hampden by Chef Gauss (old executive chef of City Cafe) is also on the list!  It's a perfect time to go check them out.
4. Places that I highly recommend?  Salt Tavern, Blue Hill Tavern, Cinghiale, Tapas Adela, Alizee, The Dogwood Restaurant and City Cafe.

List of Restaurants and Menus

So step out of your comfort zone and try something new.  Surprise your significant other with an awesome meal that you can get at a really affordable price.

Comment and let me know which amazing places you try out this summer!  I'm always looking for new recommendations and restaurants I should be checking out!

Awesome healthy eating substitutions!

Hey foodies!  Check out these awesome healthy substitutions the next time you crave something unhealthy:

Love all of these!  Cool little fun facts:

1. Sweet potatoes are the most nutritionally rich vegetable.
2. Greek yogurt has double the amount of protein (15g) than that of regular low fat yogurt (7g).
3. Coconut oil is great for your hair, skin, weight loss, and metabolism.
4. Sea salt contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.  It's natural!  Instead of processed table salt.

Tune in next time foodies for awesome eats!