Flour Less Chocolate {Garbanzo Bean} Cake

Today was a great day.... in a completely and utterly exhausting sort of way. In fact, if I had time to think about it, most every day seems to end up that way. Especially lately, the kids are out of school for the summer and it is hot here, damn HOT. The poor little bugs are cooped up in the house most of the day unless they are swimming or I can come up with somewhere cheap, cool and fun to take them. Also,  I've been working more than usual at the hospital because people are on vacation and want the surgery that they've been putting off for months or years done N.O.W. All of a sudden everything is an emergency. This means less time to get every day things done and even less time to entertain the kids.

4 very hot, extremely bored, cooped up kids   =   NOTHING GOOD.   Complete madness I tell you.

It also makes for one  very  scatter brained and irritated mommy.


*Cue me to enter the picture with my unkempt hair and unpainted toe nails dragging my tired,  out-of-shape-B.U.T.T.  into the embarrassingly neglected house. 

Case and point:

I made this cake weeks ago for a friend of mines birthday who has a severe gluten intolerance and have been trying since then in vain to get a post and recipe up on my blog. I've sat down at least 9 times this evening alone trying to edit pictures and write something articulate and witty or  at least  legible and coherent and am quickly coming to the conclusion that smart, funny and easy are things of the past for me. Replaced with loud, messy and bewildered.

Flour- Less Chocolate Garbanzo Bean Cake

Like I said, at least it was a good day. We went to the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) in Phoenix and had an amazing time! It was far more beautiful and grand than I thought it would be. I could definitely spend my summer there. Even the little ones had a good time and enjoyed listening to all of the different music from around the world.

Mona Claire enjoying a musical selection from Germany and the costumes from Africa.

Most flour less cakes have an exorbitant amount of eggs in them which is fine in moderation I suppose but wanted a healthier option for an every day sort of cake. I searched high and low and found this recipe which sounded too good to be true but in fact was perfect. I love garbanzo beans and all of their healthy benefits but in a cake?  I chose not to tell that tid bit of information to my unsuspecting co-workers. 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

• 4 eggs

• 1 teaspoon real vanilla

• 3/4 cup turbinado sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you have a powerful microwave, reduce the power to 50 percent.Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the sugar and the baking powder, and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the corners to make sure chocolate is completely mixed. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Be Merry and EAT CAKE!

Linked to:

Iron Chef Mom's Chocolate Edition 

ACCOMPLISHED!

Such a fantastic word…I love feeling accomplished…can you relate?  When it comes to a workout and it is on a day where I am feeling unmotivated and I kick it into gear and do it…ACCOMPLISHED.   I can also feel this way after cleaning the bathrooms…YUCK…but it has to be done.  I can have such an overwhelming AWWWW feeling inside after I have completed something on my long “to do” list…or even my short one.  It is like falling back on the couch and saying to myself…well done Darla…I do not need to look for anyone’s approval to feel this way.  It is my inner contentment, and love for self that I long to satisfy…and make God happy with what I do of course.

Believe me…I see so many people get caught up in the race of competing with others, comparing to others, wanting to be like others…that they are missing out on their own accomplishments…great or small...why oh why I say…and I further say STOP already.  I have got on my soap box a few times about the whole comparison subject and probably will touch on it again and again…it is that important.  Life is really too short to live someone else's dream, to try to walk their walk…crap…who really knows what goes on behind the closed doors of anyone’s walk.  I mean really…the only walk that is known for sure…is mine and yours…right?  I am not going to waste my swagger trying to be someone else, or constantly compare and think I do not match up…heck would never  feel  ACCOMPLISHED if this were the case.   Instead, I will focus my energy on the things I know that I have control over in my life, work on my goals of having a balanced healthy life, and strive for my own feeling of accomplishment. 

Sometimes it takes years to understand this…believe me…I have had to walk a journey of life learning just like you.  Today as my laundry lies in piles around me, my ARC trainer calls my name for a ride and as I juggle my domestic engineering chores and prepare for my upcoming week…I WILL FEEL ACCOMPLISHED.  Feeling accomplished does not have to be some news making event, or something off the charts WOW…it is the small every day things that are done on a daily basis that give me that feeling of accomplishment…my workout, a call to a friend, time with God, laundry, cleaning the house,  creating a new recipe, eating clean for the day, got my water intake in for the day…you see…anything goes…it is the things that are done day in and day out on a consistent basis that bring accomplishment and create this life that I call HEALTHY! 

IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATIONS

My Workout Today with Modifications(NO pushups or dips for Me)

 

 

 

 

Remember to stop by my Stay Healthy Recipe Page!

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

 

Have a Fabulous Week!

 

Stay Healthy!

 

Darla:)

RECOVERY AND ME

Celebrating 48!!!!

MAN have I noticed a few things over this past year and as I near 50…front and center …I NEED MY RECOVERY TIME…and I better listen to what my body is telling me or … low energy, burn out, unmotivated…and all the things that fatigue can bring me…YUCK.  YES, I have taken care of myself and try to be the BEST me every day…does that mean over-the-top grueling workouts…OH NO…no more for this girl.  I do not need to be that intense athlete of my teens, 20-30s anymore…and I really do not want to.  It is has developed muscle for me which is YAHOO good, but also some wear and tear…not so good.

I create programs that are intense but do not push beyond my limits…nope…not for this fitness girl.  I mean…Why? ...What is the purpose…the point…really…do I need to lift enormous amounts of weight to put extreme pressure on my spine, joints, tissues, and grunt until I pop a hemorrhoid…YIKES… do I need to prove something to someone…NO, NO and NO.  It is not my goal to further injure myself, or put myself at risk of re-injury.  My goal is to take care of my body, nourish it with healthy foods, and REST when my body says…for goodness sakes Darla…lay the hell down already. 

I must admit, sometimes, I do not listen to this voice and I pay the price.  I will attempt a workout and my body just says…NOT HAPPENING GIRL!  Ughhh…then I think about the demands I have placed on it over the past few days, coupled with a few days of not getting enough sleep and I clearly understand what my body needs.  The point is, I can no longer ignore and push through these moments…I NEED to listen.

I understand that my physiological self is much younger than my age due to my healthy lifestyle, but what is fact… Darla on the cellular level is indeed 48…I am having all the hormonal and cellular changes that go with being 48...this part can suck…can’t change it…it is a fact.  I also realize that I do not have to work out every single day, but NEED those recovery days here and there to ensure my body is able to respond and build in a healthy way.  So am I saying that growing older is not a good thing…NO…it is a great honor, gift, and privilege every single moment of every day.  What I am saying is that I need to modify how I treat my body and allow for more TLC during this fabulous stage of my life…it is a transition of my body which is a part of my life’s journey. 

I will be human and say…YUCK…sometimes, especially on the hormonal changes…and I can go on and on about this one.  I will also say that WOW…what kind of brick hit this house today…meaning my body definitely will scream for a day off.  This is sometimes hard to accept… I will be truthful, but on the other hand, if I do not listen…I will feel like dog doo…so life is truly a balance of recovery, fitness, nutrition, spiritual being…and more RECOVERY.  What works for me at this stage is paying close attention on my intake, and not working so hard on the output…I have fabulous workouts don’t get me wrong, but I am not in there trying to burn off calories of OMG…what did I do yesterday with my food intake.  I cater my workouts on the energy level of that day… if I feel like a HIIT workout I do that, cardio and core on a Darla feels slow day…I do that, or back to the basics weight circuit that is controlled and methodical achieving a good burn on a day that says to take it easy with the plyometrics…that gets done. 

So, I do not believe in abusing my body through a workout…never again…maybe a part of my past…but definitely not in my present or future.  And although it has been difficult to accept that I need more recovery, I also have embraced that I NEED more recovery…my thinking about it has changed in a positive way…I do not have a guilt trip because I am not hitting the gym when my body says rest, and knowing that the rest is rebuilding ME to be my BEST recovered me…FABULOUS! The absolute best part…I feel so much stronger when I do my next workout and love coming back feeling better and stronger.  When I look at RECOVERY like that, it is the healthiest gift I can give myself…so today…I RECOVER!  

TIME FOR IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATIONS 

LOVE MY RECOVERY!!!

 

Definitely on STRONG Darla day with modification

 

Check out this fabulous In Your Face MOTIVATION to eat healthy!

 

I dedicate this Blog to my fabulous daughter Hope who celebrates her 21st Birthday tomorrow!!! Happy Birthday and I am so very proud of you Babe! xoxo Mom

Mom and Daughter LOVE

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and look forward to responding!

 

Have a Fabulous Week!

 

Stay Healthy!

 

Darla:)

Spinach Pesto Pasta

Pesto is one of my favorite things to kick up a boring dish. It's simple and versatile and deliciously healthy. Typically basil is used but did you know you can use other greens like spinach, kale or even carrot tops? Basil is growing like crazy in my garden right now but I chose a big handful or two of baby spinach and then tossed in a few basil leaves to tone down the pungent flavor so that my kids would eat it.

It worked, score! My kids willingly ate a big bowl of spinach and were none the wiser.

I think it's important to serve a variety of colors and textures to your kids so that they get used to trying new things and have a balanced, healthy diet. Green is usually the hardest color to get my kids to eat, especially if it's not served in a typical fashion, like this pasta. They love salad and broccoli but will turn there noses up if I put collard greens in soup or kale in pasta. I keep at it though because I'm very attached to my leafy greens and am holding on to the hope that my kids will eventually get over there unwarranted loathing for them.

This pesto whips up in just a couple of minutes and can be used in pasta, as a dip on top of crusty bread 

layered with fresh tomatoes or on top of baked fish. The raw garlic is a healthy addition and adds a pop of spiciness to the pasta, I add several cloves but if you haven't built up a tolerance for loads of garlic like me, start with just one clove. Don't forget the Parmesan, it really goes well with pesto.

I like using rotini pasta because it holds the pesto well.

Ingredients:

1 box of rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions

2 big handfuls of baby spinach

1 small handful of fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

1-3 cloves of garlic

2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

pinch of salt (preferably Himalayan pink sea salt)

Put spinach, basil, nuts and garlic in a food processor. Pulse till smooth while drizzling in olive oil. Add a bit of water if needed to desired consistency. Add salt and pulse till combined.

Toss pesto with the cooked pasta. Serve warm, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

What are you planning on making for dinner during the hot summer months?

My PIGS

NOT MINE...but OH MY...I DO NOT WANT MY PIGS TO SUFFER

OK...what is on my mind...MY PIGS...Oh My YES...I am talking about my feet and the need for comfortable high heels, wedges, etc...I am on the hunt to no longer wear heels that kill my precious pigs.  I rarely wear them, but when I do, I want the experience to not be a horror foot story where my husband has to carry me back to the car by piggy back ...I mean really????  YUCK...what in the heck.  YES...I am still talking about my health...foot care is so important...I want to take care of what I use everyday...I realize how important my feet are when it comes to supporting my structure, and do not want pain, callouses or growths of any kind to suddenly appear on my PIGS because I was lax in taking care of ME.  So, what I have read so far...skimp on a shirt, but never on the shoes...that would include my fitness shoes...Asics being my Fav fitness shoe...but back to the search of heels or wedges that are not only sexy...but I can walk as if I am on a cloud, without my PIGS being squished into contortion and OMG...take these damn things off already, would rather walk bare foot, or ride bareback on a horse to get back to my car.  Moving on to cost...WOW OH WOW...talk about expensive...anxiety producing...OMG...life savings for my PIGS...this frugal, coupon clipping, deal of a girl has to calm down here and realize that I am worth the cost of a few marvelous shoes that will be so beneficial to how my PIGS feel and ultimately, how I will feel during an episode of wearing them for several hours.  So...what am I doing this early Frisky Friday morning before clients...researching the BEST sexy shoes and COMFORT will be KEY for my PIGS. I would love YOUR input on heels, wedges, etc...I love personal feedback experience from great shoe finds. Kind of random...but hey...this is ME!  Have a fabulous Frisky Friday!

Friday In Your Face MOTIVATIONS

Consistent Exercise IS key to a Fit Stay Healthy Life

LOVE THIS IDEA...GOT PLAYGROUND...GOT WORKOUT!

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  Let me know if you LIKE this entry, I look forward to reading your comments, and I am always in the mood for a Protein Shake;)

 

Have a Fabulous Week!

 

Stay Healthy!

 

Darla:)

I Am All About the Cookies and IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATION

I See Potential Here!!!!

WHAT???  Yep...in between clients I have dashed into my kitchen and throwing this and that together to create some sort of healthy treat in the shape of a cookie.  Because I use nutrient dense ingredients like ground oats, flax meal, whole wheat flour, and nuts, my cookies are typically not smooth, not greasy, and have a nice bite to them....I mean there is a substance...not some airy zero nutritional value crap that are found in stores everywhere...oops...YES...I said that.  I would not touch a processed item with a ten foot or even one foot pole.  WHY OH WHY would I waste any calories on that...I simply don't.  Besides, when it comes to any splurges, the calories have to be quality.  Yes...I love home baked cookies and if I make them in such a way that scratches that itch, then I am an over-the-top happy girl.  Today I made my favorite Stay Healthy Oatmeal Date cookies with a few modifications...I reduced the coconut oil to 1/2 cup, and added 1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce, reduced the whole wheat flour to 1/2 cup and added 1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder, and 1/4 cup Stevia in the Raw instead of organic Blue Agave...FABULOUS!!!  Fresh out of the oven and into my face...POWER UP meal is what I say.  Now...do I sit and eat the whole pan of cookies...NO...tempting to eat 2 or 3...YES, or course...I am human.  It is enjoyment of the savor of one coupled with the discipline of knowing that regardless of my baking being great for me...calories are calories.  I do have to say that I am all about the cookies...so I enjoyed 2 warm out of the oven for my meal four and I am looking forward to meal 1 with my cup of Joe this morning;) Stay Healthy!

Stay Healthy Oatmeal Date Protein Cookie...YUM!

Newly Added...Stay Healthy Protein Banana Bread!

If you are looking for a couple of simple recipes to start out with, try the cookies and bread....your kids will LOVE them too!  These are regulars in my house and I have them on hand instead of wasting tons of $$$$ on protein bars with ingredients that should not be in our bodies in the first place...saving $$$ and eating fabulous nutrients...I AM ALL ABOUT THE COOKIES!

You know me as the "In Your Face MOTIVATION" provider on FB and now bringing that flavor here.  Starting out today with this fabulous find...Actions speak louder than words right...it is GREAT to be MOTIVATED by what I offer, but if YOU do not put that MOTIVATION into YOUR OWN ACTION...what good is that?  Agreed....

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Start Reading the INGREDIENTS...not just the Breakdown!

I LOVE HIIT WORKOUTS

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  Let me know if you LIKE this entry, I look forward to reading your comments, and I am always in the mood for a Protein Shake;)

 

Have a Fabulous Week!

 

Stay Healthy!

 

Darla:)