Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls

“This post is sponsored by Dr. Axe but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.”

Fall is upon us which makes me excited for a variety of reasons: cooler weather, cozy sweaters,

and my favorite Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls! I came up with this recipe a few years ago when I wanted

to indulge in my favorite seasonal pumpkin flavors, but in a more health-focused and filling way.

These totally fit the bill and really do taste like a piece of pumpkin pie!

The type of protein that you use for these Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls really does matter. I use Ancient

Nutrition Bone Broth Protein in all of my recipes because it is so easy to mix and the nutritional

benefits just can't be beat!

One big nutritional gap found in our modern day diets are the compounds found in real bone

broth like collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid - all of which are especially

important key nutrients to athletes like us. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein provides a delicious

and easy way to get these important nutrients into our diets in an easy to use, no-fuss powder!

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein comes in multiple flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate and Pure, their savory variation. I'll be using the Vanilla flavor

in my protein ball recipe but I like to have the Chocolate on hand to blend into my morning smoothies

and the Pure variety to mix into savory dishes like sauces and soups. Each bone broth collagen

protein variety delivers 20 grams of protein with collagen type II. 

Another big highlight of bone broth protein is that it isn’t made with dairy or other common allergens that people, like me, can react to in a protein powder!

I love the convenience of having the beneficial protein, bone broth, and collagen all in one

easy to use powder. I can easily get all the beneficial nutrients, including 19 amino acids,

which help support a healthy gut and joint and skin health too. As an athlete the biggest difference I notice when taking  Ancient

Nutrition Bone Broth Protein daily is my increased joint support. As an over 40 runner, I need

all the extra support I can get and regularly consuming bone broth protein with collagen helps support

my joints and ligaments and helps me feel more recovered after tough workouts too. In fact, these protein

balls make a perfect pre or post workout snack! 

Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls

Ingredients:

2 cups oats ground into flour

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs, plus additional amount to coat outside of the protein balls

3 scoops Vanilla Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a bowl and stir well. Once thoroughly mixed,

roll mixture to form 1 inch balls. Roll each ball into additional graham cracker crumbs. Store in

the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Makes approx. 20 protein balls

                                                 

You can get the grocery items needed for this recipe from your local store and add

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein to your Amazon Cart HERE.

How I Fuel My Day With Protein + Cake Batter Protein Ball Recipe

This post is sponsored by Biochem.

Did you know that eating protein after a workout can actually increase the impact of the exercise, help repair muscles, and push them to grow stronger? Making protein rich-snack choices all day long also helps keep me fuller for longer, so that I have a long lasting and steady energy supply all day long.

Some of my favorite ways to kick up the protein content of some of my everyday foods is by adding protein powder!

• Add a scoop into my morning coffee
• Mix into oatmeal
• Stir into yogurt
• Make protein balls (make sure you check out my Cake Batter recipe below!)
• Add into muffins and other bakes goods
• Mix into salad dressing
• And of course, blend it into my favorite smoothies!

I prefer a protein powder that delivers 20 grams of protein per serving and is naturally unflavored, so that it can be added to a wide variety of foods and drinks.

 Not all protein powders are created the same, I recommend Collagen+ Protein Powder from Biochem because they combine collagen peptides with whey protein isolate to provide 20 gram of grass-fed protein. Whey protein is a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids and is especially high in BCAAs and is KETO friendly. Collagen peptides help support healthy aging and strengthen bones, joints, and ligaments. Having both whey and collagen together in one protein powder ensures that I'm supplying my body with a dual action protein to fuel my body and my health goals.

One of my favorite things to make with protein powder are protein balls. Having healthy snacks on hand helps keep me on track and my energy levels up all day long and these Cake Batter Protein Balls are some of my very favorites!

Cake Batter Protein Balls

Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter (sub sunflower butter if you have nut allergies like we do!)
1/2 cup oats, blended into oat flour
2 scoops Biochem Collagen+ Protein
1 tsp Vanilla

Directions:
Melt PB in the microwave for approx. 30 seconds. Stir in oat flour, protein powder, and vanilla. Roll into balls, top with colored sprinkles and place in fridge until you're ready to eat!

I love eating these protein balls for a quick snack, dessert, or before or after a run!

BioChem has so many other great protein powder options including plant based and vegan options! When I' m wanting to reach for a chocolate protein powder I love their 100% Vegan Protein - it too has 20 grams of protein per serving and is made with a blend of organic hemp, pea, and cranberry seed protein. Biochem also offers a  really unique line of P+ proteins which are plant protein blends with added ingredients to address specific health concerns. I love the Vanilla flavored Mood blend, which contains ashwagandha to help with occasional stress and tension.

Which Biochem blend piques your interest? What is your favorite everyday way to use protein powder?

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds 2020 NSale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NSale) is one of my favorite shopping events of the year! I LOVE getting good deals on quality items that will last for many seasons and this is sale that let's me do that. I like to look for good basics that can be mix and matched into what I already have in my closet and also stock up on a few higher end beauty products too.

The Nordstrom sale is the best time to buy your Patagonia gear - most of it is 40% off, like this adorable jacket, shown here in black but also comes in a stunning rose gold color. Shop it HERE. 

This Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is the best of the best hair styling spray EVER. While it can get pricey on its own, it can't be beat when it's bundled with it's equally as wonderful Dry Shampoo. It's bundled together at an unbelievable price. A little goes a long way, I can get about 9 months of use out of these two bottles so I also try to buy a set during this sale. Shop them HERE. 

These pants looked too comfy not to share - lounge pants made my UGGs, so they've got to be blissful, right?! Shop them HERE.

If you're in the market for a new curling iron, I have heard this is a great one and 40% off! I've had their blow dryer in the past and it was well worth your money. Shop it HERE.

I have been debating the SPANX Faux Leather Leggings for YEARS and last year filling pulled the trigger and now I'm sad that I debated for so long over them because they are EVERYTHING. So cute and comfy, so much more fancy that regular leggings, but you can totally dress them down with slip on sneakers and a tshirt/cardigan combo and they are just perfect. Under $65 on sale so a total steal. They have both regular and petite length sizes, petite is recommended if you are 5'4" or shorter. I'm 5'2 1/2" and have the regular length and wish I had gotten the petite, but they for sure still work, Shop the petite length HERE and the regular length HERE.

Speaking of cardigans, I have this one in a dark grey and I LOVE it! Seriously, it is the cardigan that I always wear everywhere, out, in the house, and on vacation, It's lightweight but still warm, not too clingy, not too big, goes with everything. I'm excited to see it in black and lots of other colors too. Shop it HERE.

This is another favorite cardigan of mine from past Nordstrom sales. It's by Barefoot Dreams and the softest cardi you will ever feel. I love this color! Shop it HERE.

I discovered STS Blue brand jeans during last years sale and I think they are the best fitting jeans for your money. You can't beat the look of designer jeans for the price of Target jeans! They are some of the most comfortable best fitting jeans I have ever worn! The link for the pair above is HERE.

And these ones are under $30!!! Linked HERE.

Speaking of pants, these looked amazing, super cute if you worked in an office or needed something nicer for an event or dinner, but also equally cute (and comfy!) for everyday too! Under $35 and linked HERE.

I thought this dress was adorable, especially in the leopard print. A great long sleeve dress is priceless and this one is under $32! Shop it HERE.

This tank looks perfect for workouts and casual wear! I love a good white cropped tank but they also have several shades of pink I have my eye on too! Shop it HERE.

I love a good PJ set and this one is under $25 and so soft! Shop it HERE.

This brow set is essential for me and my super sparse brow hairs - the bundle price can't be beat! Shop it HERE.

Last, but not least, is this great Coola sunscreen bundle for $35 that smells like coconuts! I love their suncreens. Shop it HERE.

Most Nordstrom card members can shop the Nordstrom sale early on August 13. The sale is open to everyone on August 19. 

So tell me, what are you loving from this years sale? Anything that I need to add to my list?

Always Eat After 7PM - Final Thoughts

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

I have been following the Always Eat After 7PM plan based on the science presented in the book Always Eat After 7PM by Joel Marion. If you want to catch up on my goals for following this plan you can read about them here. You can read about the science behind this book and learn more about the author here. I also share my goals and updates in this post here. 

After a month of eating after 7, eating foods that were thought to be "forbidden" by current diet culture - aka simple carbs and ... I feel honestly, the best I have felt in a very long time. I have WAY more energy that I have had in years. I am not dragging at 3pm and counting down the hours until bedtime, I never think twice about bouncing out of bed at 5AM to workout, and, most importantly, I have more energy to keep up with my kids!

The most challenging times to curb hunger are just before bed and in the morning. By following the Always Eat After 7PM program, you have the most willpower to stay on the diet because you are eating during the hours when you are most hungry. This also puts you into both intermittent fasting increasing testosterone and your metabolism, while putting you into ketosis.  

I feel like I have learned so much from this book and put so much of Marion's knowledge to the test and had great success with it. This is one of my favorite tips:

“A research paper published in Sports Medicine in 2014 showed that people who eat the majority of their carbs at dinner actually sleep better. Carb-induced, quality sleep decreases cortisol (a fat-storing hormone) and ramps up the production of your sleep hormones, serotonin and melatonin. Restorative sleep increases fat-burning hormones—the main one being growth hormone—overnight.”

I have been eating the majority of my carbs at dinner and it has helped me sleep so much better at night, so that I wake up refreshed and have so much more energy throughout the day! I can't recommend this method enough!

We’ve been traditionally taught to avoid carbs, have an early dinner, and never eat before bed. But the fact is, the latest scientific research shows us this earlier model is not the most ideal .Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. “Learn more about the book and how to purchase here

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Always Eat After 7PM - Goal Setting and Progress Update

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

I hope you've loved following along on my journey with following the Always Eat After 7PM plan! You can read more about why I started following this plan here, and more about the author, Joel Marion, here.

My goal with this plan was to have more energy to keep up with my kids. Now that we are together all the time, keeping them active and happy has been a big priority of mine. Before I started the Always Eat After 7PM plan, I would have a MAJOR afternoon slump, always wanting to take an afternoon nap. After consistently following the advice that Marion has outlined in his book, I can tell you that my days have been busier and my energy has never been higher! It's pretty incredible actually!

I think I've had great success with this plan because it is so easy to follow. The meal planning is so easy and Marion even includes food lists and helpful tips like this to set you up for success:

"One of the simplest 3-Minute Fat-Burning Morning Rituals, lemon water is a glass of water mixed with the juice of one half of a lemon. This drink provides all the benefits of regular drinking water, which supports weight loss, digestive health, physical performance, and cognitive function.”

Always Eat After 7PM also includes lots of tasty and eat to follow recipes. One of our families favorite is this Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet. It includes many foods that were traditionally thought to be "off limits" on some diet plans, but Always Eat After 7PM recognizes that the combination of protein and carbs, especially at dinnertime, helps regulate cortisol, help you sleep deeper, and wake up with more stable morning blood sugar levels. We’ve been traditionally taught to avoid carbs, have an early dinner, and never eat before bed. But the fact is, the latest scientific research shows us this earlier model is not the most ideal.

The most challenging times to curb hunger are just before bed and in the morning. By following the Always Eat After 7PM program, you have the most willpower to stay on the diet because you are eating during the hours when you are most hungry. This also puts you into both intermittent fasting increasing testosterone and your metabolism, while putting you into ketosis.  Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Always Eat After 7PM - Why I am following this plan and my author interview

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

If you read my recent blog post, you know I have started following the Always Eat After 7PM plan based on the book with the same title by Joel Marion. Why did I start following this plan? I wanted more energy to keep up with my kids! I have been feeling so run down lately and after interviewing the author - I knew he was one that I could trust and relate to. We’ve been traditionally taught to avoid carbs, have an early dinner, and never eat before bed. But the fact is, the latest scientific research shows us this earlier model is not the most ideal 

After reading quotes like these in Marion's book, I couldn't wait to learn more about him and his reasoning's. “Always Eat After 7 pm is a three-phase program that teaches you how to lose big by strategically eating big when you are naturally hungriest—in the evening. This may sound too good to be true, but let me assure you it is no gimmick. It’s all about making strategic and smart food swaps, and you can still eat your favorite foods.”

These are excerpts from an interview with Joel Marion, author of Always Eat After 7PM:

What inspired you to write the book?

After authoring 6 best selling books it was glaringly obvious there were 2 huge
misconceptions about dieting that needed to be exposed. The first is that you
can't eat late at night or before bed, which science now shows is NOT true. And
second, you can't eat large portions that satisfy your natural instinct. This book
solves both these problems by providing an evidence-based, enjoyable approach
to dieting that can be used by any person to quickly achieve their weight loss goals.

 You’re a six-time best selling author, what is different about this book compared to
your others?
Although many of the concepts are similar, the biggest difference is that you don't
have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. You don't have to deal with the burden
of eating every few hours. And you don't have to skip the carbs at dinnertime or avoid
eating before bed.

How difficult is the Always Eat After 7 PM plan to follow?
It's not. And that's exactly why I wrote the book. While any diet is never truly easy, it
can be more enjoyable and much easier to adhere to when you understand how Always
Eat After 7pm works because it caters to our bodies natural instincts.

Based on surprising science, Always Eat After 7 PM debunks popular diet myths and offers an easy-to-follow diet that accelerates fat-burning and allows you to indulge in your most intense food cravings: Eating the majority of your calories at night. 

Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Intrigued? Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Always Eat After 7PM for More Energy? I'm In!

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

I recently picked up a new book that I'm really excited about - Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion. My energy levels have been at an all-time low lately, So much that I have had several blood tests done to see if something (iron levels, thyroid) weren't at their optimal functioning levels. While I workout out and try to eat healthy, I struggle big time with finding enough energy to make it through the day. I'm really optimistic that Always Eat After 7PM can help!

One quote that really resonated with me from the book was, “Avoiding carbohydrates and restricting calories later in the day can have an adverse effect on your thyroid hormones, which play a major role in metabolism. When the thyroid fails to secrete enough of the hormones that control metabolism, this can trigger symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, thinning hair, and dry skin.”

I really love and appreciate the author's science behind his revolutionary diet approach. We’ve been traditionally taught to avoid carbs, have an early dinner, and never eat before bed. But the fact is, the latest scientific research shows us this earlier model is not the most ideal.

 Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Learn more about the book and how to purchase HERE.

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.