When Me Becomes We...

I won't lie to you, last week left me exhausted...really over the top warn out. Tony and I actually went to sleep Friday night at 8:30pm. I don't remember the last time we did that. I love that the boys are old enough to stay up and watch a movie while their old fart parents have to go to bed though. Oh and it didn't help that I had to work Saturday. So, early to bed, early to rise...

Sunday was a very productive day for me. I wanted to workout, but instead I cleaned the house from top to bottom. With the way I've been running around lately, a good house cleaner I have definitely not been. So, the house is clean for now and the laundry is done...unfortunately only for now. We also enjoyed an incredible linner with friends. Definitely a great day!

Monday, I was pretty much flying high after my workout in the morning. I got up at 5:50am with two workout buddies. People, I think my "me" time has become "we" time. Jay (13 1/2) is serious about running - this is a new thing. Max (11 this week) is serious about muscle toning - this is a new thing. I offered to workout with them after school yesterday, but they wanted to get up with me and workout in the morning. Since it's too dark to workout outside at 6am, I took them to the gym so Jay could run on the treadmill. I should make it clear to all those that don't like kids at the gym, I work at a small gym that is actually a good place for families to go. My kids are respectful of others at the gym and they clean the equipment better than most of the adults that go there. There were only 4 people at the gym when we got there so it worked out pretty well.

Anyway, Jay needed a treadmill and since there were only 2 left, Max and I did two rounds of HIIT cardio and then I ran a mile with Jay when the treadmills cleared out. People, I did not HATE it. I pulled out my New Balance 760 and they felt a lot easier on the run. I also took my friend Heather's advice and went with a smaller stride and I felt a lot better about how I was running. I'm going to read up on it a little more too. I think Jay would benefit from some information too. He's talking about being interested in track next year when he gets into high school (where has the time gone?). Here's the thing. I don't ever think I will be a runner, but it always feels better working out with someone, especially in the beginning. Jay loves it and I want to be there for him as a partner so he's not at it alone. 

The workout was incredible and left me feeling really great yesterday. The kids were on the ball and things ran smoothly in the morning. You can't beat that! Not only that, they want more! I'm totally loving this! Tony slept...not acceptable!

Now for a highlight meal as of late...

fluffy gluten free peanut butter and grape chia jam pancakes!

Making jams with chia seeds has become an addiction for me. No fruit is safe! This one turned out more like a sauce since I didn't cook it, but it was such a perfect sauce for these pancakes!

The pancakes were not only fluffy when made, but they actually remained fluffy for three days afterwards when Max ate the last two for breakfast reheated. We all loved this recipe! I took my nutmeg muffins, took out the sugar and played with a few things and they turned out exactly how I wanted them to be! Light, fluffy and a little doughy!

Fluffy Gluten Free Pancakes

(makes 15 small)

1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar

1 1/2 cup Almond Milk

1 cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)

1 cup Brown Rice Flour ( I used Bob's Red Mill)

1 TBSP baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp xanthan gum

1/2 cup egg whites

20 drops vanilla stevia (I used NuNaturals) or 2 TBSP sugar

Combine the apple cider vinegar and almond milk; set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flours through the xanthan gum. Next add the milk mixture, egg whites and stevia to the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Cook 1/4 cup at a time on a nonstick skillet until cooked on both sides. 

Grape Chia Jam

(makes 1 3/4 cups)

3 cups red grapes

2 TBSP chia seeds (I used Bob's Red Mill - but they are not gluten free)

Process in a food processor until completely mixed well. Allow to sit in the fridge overnight. 

I'm sharing these on Simply Sugar and Gluten Free's Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.