hunger danger zone Archives

Peanut Butter Protein Bites

March 31, 2017

If you love peanut butter like I love peanut butter, I have a present for you—just between us PB lovers.

PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BITES

2 c. peanut butter (natural, no sugar)

2 scoops chocolate protein powder

¼ c. molasses

2 T. honey (raw/local if you can)

2-3T. whole flaxseeds*

Throw it all in a bowl and mix with a silicone spatula. It’ll turn into the consistency of play dough so get your hands in there and knead it when it does. Form little, bite-sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. Freeze for an hour or two.

*The whole flaxseeds have virtually no flavor and give your protein balls a little bit of a crunch which I love, so I put the whole 3 tablespoons in there. If you’re a little leery about it, go ahead and put 2 and see how you like them.

These are a great, quick snack when you’re getting into the Hunger Danger Zone. They can save you from breaking down and hitting up that vending machine until you’re able to get a proper lunch in you. Be sure to use the hashtag #JDhealthysnacking if you’d like to share your snacks on Insta!

5 Healthy Protein Smoothies

March 31, 2017

Try out one of these tasty smoothies when you’re feeling hungry!

It’s important to keep your body fueled throughout the day. And what you put in your body is doubly important. You know by now that fried, greasy or overly processed foods are a big NO NO while you’re on this awesome health journey of yours. And since I’m here to help in any way that I can, I’m sharing some of my favorite protein smoothie recipes to help you during those weird in-between hours when it’s not time for the next meal and your last feels like a distant memory. (Hunger Danger Zone!) I have a Nutri Ninja that I love but you can use any plain ol’ blender.

Go check out my post about healthy snacking and preparing for snacking so that you’re always putting into your body things that will only benefit it.

**NOTE: When bananas in my house start to get overripe, I peel them, bag them and stick them in the freezer. They add awesome flavor to your smoothies, are perfect for baking and you’re not throwing them out. I hate wasting food. That said, if all you have are bananas of the regular, not-frozen variety, those work just as well!

Mocha Banana
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 banana, frozen
1 c. cold coffee
handful of spinach
2 T. fat free vanilla greek yogurt
A few ice cubes
OPTIONAL: 1 T ground flaxseed

Berry, Berry Tasty
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 ½-2 c. frozen berries (or fresh)
handful of spinach
½ c. low fat greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
1 1/4 c. almond/soy/fat free milk
A few ice cubes
OPTIONAL: 1 T ground flaxseed

Apple Pie
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 apple, cored and sliced
¼ c. uncooked oats
handful of spinach
2 T. fat free vanilla greek yogurt
sprinkle of cinnamon ( or to taste)
1 c almond/soy/fat free milk
OPTIONAL: 1 T ground flaxseed

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 T. peanut butter
1 ½ c. almond/soy/fat free milk
handful of spinach
OPTIONAL: 1 T ground flaxseed

Pumpkin Pie
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
½ c. pumpkin puree
1 T ground flaxseed
¼ c. uncooked oats
1 c. almond/soy/fat free milk
2 T. fat free vanilla greek yogurt
½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Tell me which is your favorite and then create your own! I’m obsessing over that Mocha Banana lately. Make sure to share in the comments any variations you come up with! Use the hashtag #JennaDanielleFitness to share your favorites on Instagram!

Healthy Snacking

March 29, 2017

It’s so easy to stop and grab a snack at the gas station. Or the vending machine. Or the pantry where you proceed to eat an entire bag of Goldfish in one sitting (guilty). Snacking is a huge area where if you fail to plan, most of the time you’ll find yourself stuck and hungry. No one wants that. Have a back up plan.

Because of my stomach issues, I can’t eat very much at once. I eat small portions about every two hours (if I can). And when I’m working out regularly I find that I’m constantly hungry.

This will probably happen to you as you become consistent in your fitness journey. It is completely normal but you need to really pay attention to the things you’re putting into your body as a result of all those munchies. Processed and fried foods are simply not the way to go. They’re empty calories that really don’t do much for your hunger. If you find yourself starving in between meals, reach for some good stuff instead. And please beware of granola bars and the like in the store. Most of those are laden with sugar. Protein bars as well. Many of them are high in protein, which is nice to keep you feeling full, but can be high in fat, carbs and sugar too. Always check the labels.

- Cottage cheese (low or non fat)

- Nuts

- Whole grain bread with peanut butter

- Celery sticks with peanut butter

- An apple with peanut butter (I really like peanut butter….)
- Hummus and veggies
- Guacamole and salsa with veggies

- A cheese stick (you know those individually wrapped ones you pack in school lunches?)

- These protein bites

- Boiled eggs

- A piece of fruit

- One of these protein smoothies

- Lightly salted popcorn (NO butter/cheese/artificial flavors)

- Beef jerky (tasty, but pretty high in sodium, make sure you’re not eating it all the time)
- My Harvest Muffins

I like to set myself up for success every Sunday evening/night. I’ll boil, peel and bag some eggs, slice and bag celery or carrots, bake some Harvest muffins, or put cottage cheese (liberally splashed with Cholula) into small tupperwares. These things don’t take much time (unless you’re baking the muffins, then set aside a little over an hour) and they set me up for success during a busy week.

Remembering to grab your snacks on your way out the door is another matter. I’ve yet to master that. Any tips? Do share in the comments or on Insta!! Go ahead and include #JennaDanielleFitness so I can see what you’re snacking on!