peanut butter

Coconut Mug Cake

Ohhh my gosh, I am so excited to share this recipe with you! On Tuesday, I went to a Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Group social and came home with the BEST recipe! My fellow sister, Carter (sorority sister for those of you who may be confused) told me all about her new healthy dessert creation, and I was all over it! Only 6 ingredients and takes 2 minutes to make, what’s not to love?! Carter has a Tumblr with tons of delish healthy recipes so make sure visit choisis la joie!

Choisis la joie

Coconut Mug Cake
When I asked her how she came up with the recipe, she explained, “I am not Paleo, because I love cheese and sourdough bread too much, but Paleo recipes are a great place to start, because they are focused on veggies, fruits, healthy fats and proteins. This makes it so that overall, the foods I make for myself are healthier and more nutritious. Then I can indulge without guilt when I’m out for happy hour or food-truck day!” I love her philosophy on using Paleo guidelines as a starting point or base for her recipes. It’s a great way to explore different healthy foods and experiment with new recipes!

I like to emphasize that all types of foodies are welcome here whether you are vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, candy lover, paleo, gluten-free or if you follow Weight Watchers, or a low carb diet like Atkins. I want my blog to be a place where anyone can come to find inspiration and motivation to try new healthy recipes. There is no foodie judgement here! Plus most of my recipes can be easily adjusted to fit your dietary needs.

I do however want to talk about the pressure to follow a certain “diet.”
My most requested recipe adjustments are usually to make meals gluten-free, but recently I have been asked about Paleo options. I don’t follow the Paleo diet, but I love the way that Carter explained it! It makes Paleo seem less cult-like and more approachable! If you are an avid healthy living blog reader, you probably know what I mean by “cult-like” haha but if not, let me explain. CrossFit has recently turned into a phenomenon. Not only for fitness, but for it’s own “language” (box, WOD, AMRAP, etc.) and even adopting it’s own diet; Paleo. It seems like any blogger that I follow (or even Facebook friend) that goes to CrossFit, gets sucked into this crazy CrossFit cult! Suddenly they give up their vegetarian lifestyle to become full-blown carnivores and LIVE to plaster their new weight lifting PR all over the internet. It seems more like people are quick to jump into the Paleo world for the trendy CrossFit reasons than for their health. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, I’m proud of all of my friends who do CrossFit. I know it’s something that I A) would never enjoy B) would probably suck at, and C) would most likely get hurt doing, so props to the CrossFitters in the world! But why has CrossFit gone from a trendy new exercise to intimidating hardcore lifestyle? Honestly, I would be so scared to set foot into a “box” because I wouldn’t be able to lift more than 10 lbs, would feel guilty that I ate whole-wheat, and think that Fran is my instructor, not my workout! As you can tell, CrossFit is probably not for me, but it’s a great match for so many others! Long story short, I like Carter’s approach for creating healthy recipes by starting with paleo guidelines. To me, that’s how special diets should be used. You shouldn’t feel obligated or pressured into eating a certain way to sit at the cool table haha. Not every diet or lifestyle works for everyone, and most of the time it takes a little while to find out what works for you and makes you feel your best. I don’t want anyone to think that because I eat a certain way, that they have to as well I also want everyone to know that no matter what their diet is, they are very welcome here and I respect their choices. The important thing is to eat clean whole foods as much as possible and have a healthy balance and relationship with food. Healthy eating should be fun, not intimidating!

choisis la joieAlso love that Carter made my DIY Workout Shirt before meeting me or knowing that this was my blog! So awesome!

Coconut Mug CakeI had some very curious kitchen assistants today. Elin (Labrador Retriever) & Teddy (Corgi) had tons of fun as the cleanup crew.

Coconut Mug Cake

Coconut Mug CakeSince this recipe requires a heaping tablespoon, I thought I would show you what that looks like. If you are unsure of anything in my recipes, always feel free to ask! I had no idea what a heaping or scant Tbsp was a while ago haha yay for learning new things!

Coconut Mug CakeThe batter before microwaving.

Coconut Mug CakeCoconut mug cake cooked!

Coconut Mug CakeMy favorite way to eat it, with one tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter!

Coconut Mug Cake
Serves 1

1 heaping Tbsp coconut flour
1 heaping Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp almond milk (or coconut)
1/2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 egg

Combine all all ingredients together in a microwave safe mug and mix well. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes until cooked.
Carter’s notes: Enjoy with a big dollop of peanut butter if you’re as obsessed with the pb/choc mix as I am! You can also add some dark chocolate chips in the cake for a little extra flavor.

Banana Roll-Ups

Hi bunnies!

Some of you may have noticed my blog went down a few times last week. I had some technical difficulties, but thanks to Go Daddy, it’s all good now! The response to my last post about bridesmaid dress sizing was overwhelming! It’s absolutely crazy to see how many of us have been through the same situation with clothing sizes or that darn number on the scale. I loved reading all of your comments, and I’m sure that other readers appreciated them as well! You guys are truly empowering! I was also so excited to hear from some of you that had never commented on my blog before. It really showed me how powerful that post was and how much you appreciated it. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about weight and sizes because it’s often uncomfortable and embarrassing, but your support and responses make me happy to share my ups and downs! Just one comment from someone who says “thank you” or “I can relate” makes it all worth it! Knowing that I can help others with my blog is an indescribable feeling. I love you all very much!

Motivation Monday: “Take it day by day. Results don’t come overnight. Change doesn’t happen immediately. Keep working towards your goals.”

Over the weekend I found another “before” photo. Sometimes I really dislike seeing these photos, but when I see them next to my “after” I can’t help but be extremely proud of myself and how far I have come. I hope that these photos can help to motivate and inspire you to continue on your journey and never give up!
Before & After Weight Loss I have a super simple healthy snack for you guys. I love having Banana Roll-Ups for breakfast with some Greek yogurt, as a pre workout snack to fuel me through my barre classes or runs, or as a post workout snack. They’re easy to make and totally hit the spot!

Banana Roll-Ups
Banana Roll-Ups
Serves 1

2 soft taco size whole corn tortillas
1 banana
1 Tbs almond butter, peanut butter, or natural nut butter of your choice.
sprinkle of cinnamon to taste

Cover the tortillas with a damp piece of paper towel and heat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Spread the tortillas with nut butter. Cut banana in half and place on the tortillas. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and roll the tortillas tightly around the banana. Slice into half inch pieces like sushi, and enjoy!

Banana Roll-Ups
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: whole corn tortillas
Protein: complete the meal with a side of Greek Yogurt or a cup of milk!
Plant Based Fat: nut butter

Why I like whole corn tortillas vs. whole wheat tortillas: First things first, in the rabbit food world, corn is a whole grain! There are less calories and carbohydrates for two soft taco sized corn tortillas than in 1 whole wheat tortilla. This way you can have more!

Stay tuned for an delish giveaway this week! xo

Post Surgery Ouchies

Hello Hello!

The announcement email has officially been sent, congratulations to the winner of my 23rd Birthday Giveaway: Megan J from Oklahoma!
Congratulations Megan, I hope that you enjoy all of your goodies! xo

I cannot believe that there were over 775 entries for my birthday giveaway! You guys are truly amazing and your support is so incredible. Thank you so much for making my birthday so special. I am sitting on the couch with my foot propped up watching Shrek 2 on HBO because there is absolutely nothing on TV! Thank you so much for all of the get well soon comments and tweets! I had my surgery yesterday at 2:30, and the procedure lasted a little over 40 minutes. I came home with 4 stitches and two shiny crutches. I’m stylin’! My foot was numb for most of the day yesterday so I didn’t have any pain, but lots of awkward throbbing (omg I hate that feeling). I woke up this morning with an intense stinging pain.Yikes, I guess I won’t be doing much today… Talking about not doing much, my doctor told me that I could not be on my foot for 2 weeks until I get my stitches out. I was worried about being stationary and not exercising for a couple of weeks, but I have already been proved wrong. Crutches are the new cardio! Oh my, I forgot how exhausting it is to be on crutches. I take so many little things that my legs can do for granted. Getting up to even grab the remote turns into a 3 minute+ workout of hopping, one legged squatting, and balancing. P.S. has anyone attempted stairs with a foot injury? When I got home from the doctor I conquered the stairs on my hands and knees like a total noob. I have 2 weeks to master those bad boys!

Hello from the couch!


I just thought that I would keep you guys posted and let you know that I am working on my Q&A right now and am planning to get it posted later today or tomorrow morning. You guys submitted so many great questions!

My snack of choice at the moment is this awesome NUT-trition Cinnamon Raisin Granola Peanut Butter that Planter’s sent me yesterday. It has an actual crunch to it. Not your basic “crunchy peanut butter” crunch, but a granola crunch. I love it! The idea of cinnamon raisin peanut butter is brilliant, but a little ingredient listed as “hydrogenated vegetable oil” kind of bums me out. I wish that Planter’s would make a more natural salt-free, sugar-free, peanut butter without hydrogenated oil. This is totally inspiring me to make my own cinnamon raisin pb, or even almond butter!

Thanks again for your support! xo

The Secret To Thick Smoothies

I cannot stand watery smoothies, I drink them way too fast and they end up feeling more like a juice! I have found the solution to end all of your watery smoothie problems: Xanthan Gum!

Instead of the usual, “Maybe my smoothie will get thicker if I just add one more banana… no maybe 1/4 cup more oats… and an extra Tbsp of nut butter!” We’ve all been there, and before we know it, our smoothies have doubled in calories, carbs, and fat!
Xanthan Gum a simple way to thicken your smoothie without adding unnecessary calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc.

So what is Xanthan Gum?
It is made from a tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris and is a natural carbohydrate. Xanthan Gum is a thickener and byproduct of fermentation of glucose or sucrose given off by specific bacterium. The xantham byproduct is dried and forms a powder which is added to liquid to form the “gum.”

Show me the stats!
One tablespoon contains only 30 calories, 7g of carbohydrates, 0g of fat, and a whopping 7g of fiber! Xanthan Gum is gluten free and from my research, it’s vegan too.

If there were such thing as fairy dust, this would be it. Who am I kidding, this stuff is magical, it’s the modern day fairy dust in my book!

All you need is 1 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum and your smoothie can go from this…

to this!!! 


PB Kale Smoothie
Serves 1

2 cups chopped kale
1 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 Tbsp unsalted peanut butter
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.


Where to buy Xanthan Gum:
I buy Bob’s Red Mill Xanthan Gum at Whole Foods, but you can also purchase it online on Bob’s Red Mill’s official website. An 8oz bag is about $12 and will last you quite some time!

Peanut Butter & Banana Toast

Happy Toast Tuesday to all of my little bunnies!

Sam and I  are on the last leg of our road trip making our way from Tucson to LA! Yesterday we drove  15.5 hours, so we are really excited for the shorter drive today. In the past couple of days I have been smothered by a countless number of incredible emails and a plethera of new readers, pinners, Facebook fans, and Twitter followers. I love reading your stories and seeing your DIY photos! Thank you soooo much for continuing to read my blog everyday. Your support means the world to me. Because I have been attempting to blog via my iPhone (appologies for any awkward autocorrections and spelling errors!) in the middle of the dessert on my road trip, I haven’t been able to respond to emails as promptly as usual. I love chit chatting with readers and really appreciate the time and courage that goes into so many of your emails and I like to do the same for you! I’ll be emailing everyone as soon as I can, you are so important to me! I love you little bunnies!

Now onto the toast! Not only is this toast a classic, but it’s the perfect post workout snack with a purpose.

It may seem counterintuitive to eat after you have just exercised, but this is the best and most important time to eat. Your body needs protein and carbohydrates to repair muscle tissues and replenish glycogen stores, which are depleted after a strenuous workout. You can avoid cancelling out the calories that you just burned by eating the correct combination of foods to meet your body’s fuel needs.

After a sweat session, you want an ample protein (nut butter) combined with a high-glycemic carbohydrate (banana). By adding a complex carb like whole-grain toast, you are getting extra fiber without empty calories to make a more substantial post-workout meal. Eaten together within 45 minutes after a workout, this combination will go a long way to help your body repair and restore.


Peanut Butter & Banana (PB&B) Toast
Serves 1

1 slice whole-grain bread
1 Tbsp unsalted peanut butter
½ banana

Toast the bread and slice up half of a banana. Spread the toast with peanut butter, and top with banana slices.

1 2