29 April 2013

I am a devoted addict of all things Starbucks and probably spend $50 a week there and consume way too many calories in caffeinated beverages and on those days I can't resist a bfast sandwich or banana bread.  So this morning I made the following bfast smoothie:

Supercharge Chocolate Banana Smoothie

1 Banana
1/2 scoop of Cacao Powder
Chocolate Almond milk
1 handful of fresh washed Spinach
1 spoonful of Espresso Roast
1/4 cup of sliced Almonds

It tastes pretty good, except I literally just dumped ground up espresso beans in it so its pretty gritty and I have it all stuck in my teeth so as I'm drinking it I'm  trying to keep my mouth mostly shut as I talk to people because I went and looked in the mirror and I know what they're seeing hahaha.  Also, I feel wide awake and I'm still working on it at 1022, which means I haven't been snacking on junk or anything all morning.

Ideas for next time - Brew a shot of espresso or some coffee and add it like that.

Before I left for work I also made a lunch smoothie:

2 Bananas
3/4 cup of washed Blueberries
1 handful of fresh Spinach
1 Broccoli stalk
1 green Apple
Water

So for lunch I'll have the smoothie and I brought my remaining 2 sweet potato & black bean burgers.

I'm beginning this blog as a way to track my progress as I attempt to slim down for two upcoming weddings (thus the title of this blog).  Last night I bought the new Nutra-Bullet, the newest 'Magic Bullet' blender thingy and so far I love it.  Last night I experimented by making:

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers
1 Sweet Potato
1/2 a can of black beans
2 large cloves of garlic
1 handful of fresh cilantro
1 small chunk of peeled ginger
black pepper
garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 350
2. Blend all ingredients and form into patties on a baking sheet.
3. Here's the 'I had no idea' part....I first put it in for 10min...then checked it every 5min for another 15min.  The outside was crisp but the middle was still too squishy.
4. I was too hungry to keep baking them so I transferred them to the frying pan with a little olive oil and crisped them up.
5. Made approx 6 small patties.

I ate them with spicy mustard...very delicious!

Suggestions for next time...bake on a higher temperature and for a bit longer! Also, try using lettuce as a wrap with the mustard or even a pesto sauce.