Now that's Bananas... Addicted to Your Workouts?

When I was younger I absolutely hated bananas.

Really, up until this past year.  I used to eat them occasionally because I was told they calmed nerves before a big test or performance, but I never really enjoyed them by themselves. 

I could eat a PB & Banana sandwich, or a Strawberry Banana shake... but plain banana made me sick.

Now I have bananas all the time!

There are so many uses for them!! Adding them to your Protein Shake to make it uuuber creamy,

or even using them to make the most delicious pancakes!

Recipe completely inspired by Julie @ PB Fingers

Banana Bread Protein Pancakes

Serves one

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 banana, mashed

1/4 cup cottage cheese I didn't have cottage cheese so I used 5oz honey greek yogurt

1 egg  I substituted egg white beaters for the egg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

I've made protein pancakes before but I think the biggest difference this time was that Julie's directions said to "Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend with an immersion blender until batter is relatively smooth and all ingredients are fully mixed"

Blending up the oats with all the ingredients made for a much friendlier batter!!!

This Photo - Compliments of PB Fingers

 These were my favorite pancakes to date -- and Mike agreed!  Just topped with some Sugar Free Syrup and berries on the side!!!

The recipe makes about 3 pancakes, which is a perfect sized breakfast and keeps you fueled through an intense weekend workout. 

Speaking of weekend workouts... am I the only person who prefers weekend workouts??

When I workout on the weekend I don't feel rushed.  I get to accomplish whatever I wanted to accomplish.  I like that it's a bit of 'me' time where I can burn off some steam :)

The BF and BFF both agree that I'm cranky and whiney whenever I don't manage to fit in a workout for a few days... I've decided this is due to the ADDICTION WITHDRAWAL.  The endorphins released from working out are a happy happy drug - let's be honest!  I don't know about you, but I feel so much happier and less stressed when I fit in some time at the gym or a quick run!

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FitSugar even had a really awesome article detailing the different horomoes that are released when you exercise.

Check out their article here.

Quick Summary:

When you work out, your body releases the following horomones-->

Endorphins
 Endorphins make you feel exhilarated and happy and block any feelings of pain, so you can power through any discomfort caused by exercising. That's why people become addicted to strenuous forms of exercises and experience "runner's high."

Estrogen
Estrogen determines whether carbs or fat fuel the body during an intense exercise session. Women tend to burn fat for fuel, while men tend to burn carbs, because women have higher estrogen levels.

Serotonin
A chemical responsible for happiness, restful sleep, and a healthy appetite, serotonin levels will increase if you work out regularly. Serotonin works with endorphins to make working out a pleasurable activity. In addition, more serotonin means more energy and clearer thinking.

Growth Factors
Growth factors are the hormone-like compounds that work with satellite cells to help stimulate and regulate production of more muscle.

Dopamine
Dopamine is a pleasure chemical. Domamine is often associated with orgasms. Working out helps stimulate the production of dopamine, and increased levels of dopamine combined with core, quads, thighs, and pelvic muscle exercises may result in a "coregasm."

All good things.

Questions for the Day:

How do you feel after working out?  Do you start to get cranky if you haven't been able to make it to the gym?

Do you like bananas?  What's your favorite fruit?

My favorite fruit would most likely be raspberries.  I also love strawberries and nectarines!! I'm more drawn to 'sour' fruit versus the uber sweet ones -- and I only eat green apples or green grapes!