5 Delicious Ways to Eat Pancakes + My Go-To Batter

Hello and Happy Monday! Hope that you all had a great weekend.

Let’s dive right into my weekend highlights!

Workouts

After another awesome workout at Fitwall on Friday, I knew that strength training would need to be kept to a minimum over the weekend so that I could let my sore body recover. On Saturday morning, my little family and I headed to Elfin Forest to hit the trails.

Whew, it was one hot morning! We lasted about 90 minutes before heading home to cool down. I had some Cocogo on hand to keep me hydrated:

Electrolytes are a lifesaver when it comes to replenishing and hydrating during and post-workout, especially in the heat!

Side note: Since I’m a brand ambassador, you can use the code FOODIELOVESFITNESS at the Cocogo store to get a 10% discount on all purchases.

I forced myself to take an active rest day on Sunday, because although I love to go-go-go, my body needed a break. First thing in the morning, I rolled out my mat in my backyard to do some light practice and stretching. It’s always a great way to start my day!

Fun Stuff

Over the weekend, I got a present in the mail from my recently engaged best friend Meaghan, asking me to be her bridesmaid. I obviously said yes!

She already picked a wedding date for next summer in Jersey just a few days after my birthday, which means that I’ll be spending my birthday with family. I can’t wait for all of the wedding planning and festivities!

Also on the fun front, post-hike on Saturday, I spent some time lounging in my pool. The strong sun feels much nicer when I’m submerged in cold water! I try to get in my pool at least once a week (especially since a pool is a pain in the butt to take care of!) but it doesn’t always happen, so it was nice to take some time to swim and relax this weekend.

Food

On the eats front, my weekend was full of yumminess. On Saturday night, we had dinner at our friends’ house, and they made us some authentic Mexican food. I had cheese enchiladas, beans, rice and guacamole:

For the first NFL Sunday night football of the season, I made some spinach and artichoke dip for dinner the next night. Always a winner in my book!

As usual, smoothies were part of my diet over the weekend. I’ve been looking for a vegan protein powder that I actually like, and I found that in Manitoba Harvest. I had gotten a few free samples to try, and this is the best tasting vegan protein powder I’ve had to date. I had their chocolate hemp protein with chocolate soy milk, frozen strawberries, raspberries, banana, and cocoa powder for one refreshing meal:

This may come as no surprise to anyone really, but I had pancakes not once, but twice over the weekend! I’ve been consistently obsessed with pancakes for a few years now, and my love for them is not dying down in the least bit.

My Go-To Pancake Batter

Though I’ll play around with different pancake creations sometimes for fun, I have a go-to pancake batter that I mostly use as my recipe base. It’s pretty simple and not at all decadent, which is why I can make pancakes all the time and feel good about it – because they’re not just delicious, they’re healthy! Here’s my batter recipe:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup almond or soy milk
• 1/2 TSP baking powder
• Pinch of salt, cinnamon & stevia

I blend all of the ingredients in my high-powered blender to make a smooth batter. Sometimes I’ll make a smaller portion and only use 1/4 cup oats and 2 TBSP flour, then including 1/3 cup of milk instead of 1/2, but this is the ingredient base that I use for pancakes, and sometimes waffles as well. I’ve come up with many different toppings and variations for my pancakes meals, and I thought I’d share my favorites with you. Here we go!

1.) With grilled nectarine slices & honey – This is my newest tasty pancake creation. While I’m cooking the pancakes, I slice a nectarine, and throw the fruit in a pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat. I cook the slices until they’re lightly browned on each side, then I top the pancakes with them, drizzling honey & sprinkling cinnamon on top.

2.) Chocolate protein waffles –  While pancakes are my absolute favorite, sometimes I use my go-to batter in my waffle maker. Sometimes I’ll make a post-workout meal of chocolate protein waffles to both satisfy my sweet craving while fueling my muscles. I add 1/2-1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, use chocolate soy milk instead of regular, and add some cocoa powder to the batter, then I top the waffles with a bit of good ole butter.

3.) Blueberry Greek yogurt pancakes – Another way I add some protein to the batter is use Greek yogurt. Sometimes I add 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/4 TSP vanilla extract, and fresh blueberries for a tangier batter.

4.) Chocolate PB banana pancakes – Another obsession of mine is nut butter, so it’s only right that I include a peanut butter dish on the list. To make these, I add banana slices and a few chocolate chips on top, spread Peanut Butter & Co’s Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter, and sprinkle some of Nature Valley’s Oats & Dark Chocolate protein granola around. To.die.for.

5.) Chocolate strawberry pancakes – Rounding off my list is another fresh fruit/PB creation. I love to throw sliced strawberries into the mix, then drizzle chocolate PB 2 on top.

Questions: What’s your favorite breakfast food? How do you eat your pancakes? And don’t tell me you don’t like pancakes… that would just be absurd. 😉

PS – Over the weekend I updated all of my recipe, travel, and fun pages, so if you’re looking for something specific that I’ve written about, everything to date will be listed on its corresponding page!