Summertime and the Livin's Not Easy...

Ok, ok, so I know I was going to post before the fourth...and I had fabulous intentions, but life and need for sleep keep getting in the way! I will say that my eating has been on point and I have been getting my workouts in, so at least that's good! I made it through the fourth of July barbecues without any setbacks, which is rare. I was actually quite surprised at how "good" I did not only in terms of my eating, but also my willingness to attend all events surrounding our nation's birth. You see, I have a bit of a confession to make. Those who know me well are used to it, but I realize that this bad habit is not normal. I have a tendency to decline invitations to social events such as holiday parties and barbecues for fear that I will overindulge in "forbidden" foods and feel guilty for days. I have also been known to exercise extra to make up for bad eating, again I know this is bad and I haven't done it in a long time, but I feel that I need to put it out there because I know that I am not the only one guilty of this.  Sometimes when I am at a party, I have platter envy.  I am jealous of the foods that other people seemingly have the freedom to enjoy. I watch as they pile potato salad and hot dogs and cookies on their plates and literally get angry.  Not angry at them, but angry at myself because I know I would never be able to eat like that, I wouldn't even enjoy it. Good thing there's always a protein bar in the diaper bag and a case of RTD protein shakes in the car!  I have declined invitations to restaurants that don't have websites because I was not able to pre-plan my meal. I am not upset by this, don't get the wrong idea. I just know what I have to do right now, and it's not always fun, but it's the only way that's going to work for me. Having said that, I will admit that I am nervous for our upcoming vacation.

     I made the list of food we plan on bringing. I had "the talk" with the hubs....ew, no, not that talk, the talk about which meals will be at restaurants, I told him he can sleep "in" as long as I can work out.  At least my intentions are good....for now. This year, I am determined to stay on track. Usually vacation is a time where I let go a little bit, but the quest to fit into these work pants before work starts won't be won with funnel cake and ice cream. My expectations are realistic, I don't expect to lose weight on vacation, but I am determined to not gain this time. Since the knees are shot, running won't be an option. I'm packing my Insanity DVD's, two kettlebells, and the trusty lap top. I haven't been weighing myself, but I will weigh and take measurements before we leave so I can see what, if any, damage is done. I guess it's time for (gasp) pictures again...I took the last ones on June 17th, so it's creeping up....not looking forward to it at all....

   In happier news, tonight was the ever popular Tees Family Breakfast for Dinner night.  For about 4 years, we have had breakfast for dinner every Thursday night, but with Kev's new work schedule, it has been switched to Friday. I have a few favorite staple breakfast meals that I rotate throughout the month. Tonight was chocolate chip banana pancakes, cheese omelettes, and turkey sausage. Kev can't get enough of these pancakes, even with a double batch and two for the dogs and a dinner tantrum from Mussolini (Rory) we still only have one left. These are quick and easy, and don't let the name fool you - healthy. We were so ravenous by the time we got to the table, that I forgot to take a pic, but I will share my recipe with you:

                                                                  Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes
                                                            2 cups whole rolled oats
                                                            2 tbsp. flax seed
                                                            2 scoops banana protein powder (I used Syntha 6)
                                                            1/4 cup Fiber One pancake mix
                                                             1 tsp Vanilla Extract
                                                             2 egg whites
                                                             2/3 cup water (or to desired consistency)
                                                            1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions: Use a blender to combine oats and flax seeds. Combine remaining dry ingredients in bowl and add to oats/flax. Add vanilla, egg whites, and water to desired consistency. Stir untill lumps are gone. Use ladel to make pancakes on hot griddle, add chips as desired.

     Sorry if this post is kind of boring...I knew that I was due for one, but the lack of sleep is really catching up with me.  The only reason I had time tonight is because Kev took Rory swimming at a friend's house...he's a good guy :) Thank God for smoothies...the only thing keeping me from being a complete zombie right now! Cheers!!