Scary, but I’m really starting to love my Mondays. I’ll wait for you to finish gasping before I explain why.

Done yet?

K good.

Actually, I’ll let you wait a but before I explain. Just need to recap Sunday first.

Breakfast started with an English muffin topped with leftover guac and scrambled eggs. Pretty dang delish and tons of protein. Helps with the hangover, too. Ok, I’m not sure if that’s proven, but it is in my case.

After breakfast and oodles of coffee was consumed, Tyler suggested we head to Bowmont park for a walk. (Note: It was really my idea, but using the power of suggestion and persuasion, I made Tyler think it was his idea..this is how successful relationships work, people.)

And of course, the youngin’ found her way into the water. I’m pretty sure Tyler almost took a dunk. She was not behaving on the leash AT ALL. There were tons of people out with their dogs and she was just overwhelmed. Lots of whining and half-woofs and scampering.

I managed to take a shot of the river while we crossed one of the bridges. I just thought it was so pretty that you can see the mountains in the background. Look harder, they’re there. (Ooooh correct grammar on their, there and they’re. Jen for the win)

Of course, since it was Sunday, I had to make some sweet treat once we got home. BUT, I decided to make it a healthy sweet treat. For the sake of my thighs. And hips. (Oh god, my hips. Cringe)

Here’s what I suggest: If you want something sweet and indulgent, go ahead and make the full fat version. Honestly, it’ll satisfy the craving. But, if you just want something to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it, try this recipe (I came up with it myself!!!)

Protein Brownies

• 3/4 c unbleached flour
• 1/4 c cocoa
• 1/4 chocolate protein powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2/3 c sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 c applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 c nonfat plain greek yogurt
• 1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In one bowl, combine flour, cocoa, protein powder, salt and baking powder.

3. In another bowl combine softened butter and sugar. Once completely mixed, add in egg, applesauce and vanilla.

4. Add flour mixture to egg mixture. Then add the yogurt until fully incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips

5. With a spatula, spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely before removing from dish and serving.

If you try this recipe out, let me know what you think! (I didn’t tell Tyler they were healthified and I caught him going to the kitchen a few time for a brownie!

The sun was still out after I finished baking, so I decided to take advantage. I mean, who knows- it might snow again.

And I got started on another book

I forgot about the whole sun thing, and now sport a terrible sock and capri tan line. G-ross.

Once dinner rolled around…I was craving veggies. And veggies we did eat.

Grilled carrots, mushies and onions and Frank’s RedHot Chicken. To grill the veggies, I slathered them in olive oil, s&p, wrapped them in foil and tossed ’em on the grill. The carrots look burnt, but that’s actually where they carmelized and were really sweet! All in all, good dinner.

Sunday night’s workout was a quick 20 minutes of cardio/strength intervals. It consisted of:

• Jump squats
• Leg lifts
• Pushups
• Jump rope
• Sit ups
• Squats
• Mountain Climbers
• Stability Ball hip raises
• Jacks

Ok, now I can tell you why I love Mondays. Well, for starters- it’s the first workout post-weekend. For some reason, I always have tons of energy. And I can really just get a fresh start.

Pre-workout, I tried out some of this stuff

Razor Blast Powder 8 in Triple Berry. I was nervous to take it because I haven’t yet tried it, and I didn’t know how my body would react to it.

WELL.

Holy balls, did it work. I walked to the gym at 7:30 this morning and absolutely killed my workout. What workout did I do? Glad you asked:

Fuel (otherwise known as breakfast) after this workout was a bowl of eggwhite oats. Delish

I combined oats, an egg white, almond milk and water with a scoop of pumpkin and 1 tbsp of chia seeds. 2 minutes in the microwave and topped it with almond butter.

YES. ALMOND BUTTER. Finally, after three weeks sans any nut butter, I finally have to jars of this nutty goodness!

Happy happy happy Jen. 🙂

Off to take advantage of this lovely day and take my terror of a dog on the trails!