Chia Seed Pudding

Hey Everyone!

Happy Thursday! It has been quite some time since I posted. I've been beyond busy with work. I have a Chia Seed Pudding recipe for you today. This pudding makes a great breakfast (with berries on top) or a lovely dessert. I posted this video on my YouTube channel quite a while ago and completely forgot to update my blog with the video. Better late than never right?

I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe! If you try out this recipe, please post a photo on Instagram and tag me (molliesinaction). I'd love to see it.

Sunshine Smoothie

Happy Thursday everyone!

Have you been looking for a new smoothie recipe? I recently posted my go-to smoothie recipe for spring and summer on my YouTube channel. This is a really simple and refreshing recipe! I tend to make it after a hike or a day at the beach in the heat.

Please leave me a comment if you try out this recipe or tag me in a photo on Instagram! (My account is: molliesinaction).

I hope that wherever you are that you are getting some sunshine :)

Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Chia Oatmeal

Hi Everyone!

I'm back with another oatmeal recipe. I love love love oats in morning. I always feel so full after and have great energy for the morning. This is a recipe I just randomly came up with because I was craving that delicious chocolate peanut butter combination.

I hope you enjoy it!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Chia Oatmeal

Makes one serving

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Irish oats (1/3 cup dry; I used the ones that cook in 3 minutes)

2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 Tbsp chia seeds

1 Tbsp peanut butter (I like Justin's classic peanut butter)

1 Tbsp semi sweet chocolate chips (I like the Enjoy Life Dairy Free version)

Directions:

1) Combine oats and almond milk in a pot & set on high

2) Cook for two minutes

3) Stir in chia seeds

4) Cook for one more minute and remove from heat

5) Pour oatmeal into a bowl

6) Melt peanut butter for 30-40 seconds in microwave

7) Drizzle peanut butter on top of oatmeal

8) Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of oatmeal

9) Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 315

Fat: 17.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 33 grams

Protein: 10 grams 

If you try out this recipe, please leave a comment! ALSO if you have Instagram, please tag me in a photo (my account is: molliesinaction). 

Have a wonderful day!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins (Gluten Free)

Hi Everyone!

I'm back today with a delicious muffin recipe. This muffins are vegan, gluten free, and contain no white sugar! They are a very healthy & easy breakfast choice. Let's jump right in!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins (GF)

Makes 6 muffins

Ingredients:

1/3 cup oats (dry, uncooked)

1 tsp baking powder

1 banana, mashed

1 flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax seed & 3 Tbsp water)

2 Tbsp peanut butter

2-3 Tbsp chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life brand)

1 serving vanilla protein powder (optional)

1/4-1/2 packet stevia extract (optional) [my banana wasn't super ripe so I added a little stevia]

Directions:

1) Combine oats & baking powder in a bowl; stir

2) Mash banana with a fork or blender

3) Add banana & peanut butter into oat mixture

4) Combine flax & water in a small bowl; stir until the mixture thickens

5) Add flax egg to oat mixture

6) Stir in chocolate chips, protein powder & stevia (if desired)

7) Bake for 14 minutes at 350 degrees F 

8) Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

per muffin (without protein powder)

Calories: 90

Fat: 4.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 11 grams

Protein: 2.5 grams

If you try out this recipe please let me know & send me a photo! (Instagram: molliesinaction & Twitter: molliesinaction). 

Happy Thursday!

Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake

Hey Everyone!

Today I have a delicious, simple, and healthy dessert for you. I have been really into mug cakes recently. They are single-serving cakes that you can make in the microwave. I am a huge nutella fan so I came up with a healthier nutella-inspired dessert. This chocolate hazelnut mug cake is perfect for one person for a simple dessert.

Learn to make it in my new YouTube video:

If you try out this recipe, please let me know! If you do make this cake, please post a photo on Instagram and tag me (my IG: molliesinaction). 

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Shake

Hi Everyone!

Happy Tuesday!

Today I am going to share an extremely easy & delicious protein shake recipe. This protein shake is great to drink for a quick breakfast or after a workout. And who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly? It's a classic combination. But my version is a much healthier alternative! I used powdered peanut butter (you can find it here if you are interested in purchasing it). I like using powdered pb2 because it has 45% less fat than regular peanut butter but you still get the flavor; I tend to use it in smoothies & baked goods. I also used frozen strawberries in my recipe; this was my alternative to jam. By using fruit instead of jelly, my shake had a lot less sugar. Strawberries have a lot of other health benefits as well. They are high in vitamin C, which is beneficial for your immune system, and they are a good source of fiber.

Anyway, let's get to the recipe!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Shake

Makes one serving

Ingredients: 

1 frozen banana (slice & freeze the night before)

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup unsweetened, original almond milk

2 Tbsp powdered peanut butter (or regular peanut butter) (I used PB2 powdered peanut butter)

1/2 scoop or 1 scoop of protein powder (I used 1 scoop or 1/2 serving of Tera's Organic Plain Whey) (use soy for a vegan alternative)

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients into a blender (I used my magic bullet)

2) Blend until smooth

3) Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 287

Fat: 5 grams

Carbohydrates: 45 grams

Protein: 19 grams

*Nutrition facts reflect my ingredients list; if you modify the recipe, these amounts would be inaccurate

I hope you try this recipe! If you do, please comment below and let me know! AND if you have an Instagram account, PLEASE post a photo & tag me! (my Instagram is molliesinaction & please use the hashtag: #mealswithmollie). I would love to see your photos! 

There will be a new video up on my YouTube channel later this week!

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

Hi Everyone!

I have been experimenting a lot with granola recipes recently. I stumbled upon some Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter in my pantry and thought it would be great in a granola!

This recipe is really simple & delicious. It makes a great breakfast with some milk or Greek yogurt and fresh berries!

Learn how to make it in my new video!

If you try out this recipe, please please let me know! ALSO, if you have an Instagram (mine is molliesinaction), please post a photo and tag me! I'd love to see it! 

Happy Thursday!

4 Exercises for Sculpted Shoulders (At Home)

Hi Everyone!

Looking to change up your workout routine? I have four great exercises for you to train your shoulders!

These exercises can all be done at home and all you need is one set of dumbbells. It is important to remember that these dumbbells should be a weight that you can lift comfortably, not the maximum amount you can lift.

For this workout, you want to complete 3 sets of 8-10 reps, with a 30 second rest break between sets. If that seems a little confusing, let me break it down for you. Basically, you'll perform the exercises 8-10 times or repetitions/reps (i.e. 8-10 front raises) then you'll stop and rest for 30 seconds. After your rest break, you'll repeat the exercise again (8-10 times/repetitions) then rest for 30 seconds then complete the exercise one final time (8-10 times/repetitions). After completing 3 sets of one exercise (i.e. front raises) you'll move onto the other exercises. Don't forget to stretch once you've finished the workout!

I hope you enjoy the video! I'll be creating more in my 'Get Strong with Me' series!

Happy Saturday!

"Churros con Chocolate" Protein Waffles

Hi Everyone!

In 2010, I studied abroad in Spain. I stayed in Valladolid, which is a town that is about two hours outside of Madrid. It was an amazing experience for many reasons. I got to live with a Spanish lady, study at the local university and I was even there for the World Cup!

I tried tons of delicious food while I was visiting. One was the popular breakfast treat, churros con chocolate. These churros are shorter and thinner than the giant ones we have in the United States. They are also served with hot, thick chocolate; almost a pudding like consistency. They are served in most cafes in the morning.

I think they are, of course, delicious but also far too rich. I came up with this churros con chocolate inspired recipe. The initial waffle recipe idea came from my good friend, Danielle. I created the chocolate sauce and voila, churros con chocolate protein waffles! 

This recipe is quick & easy! It doesn't require many ingredients. I hope you enjoy it!

Churros con Chocolate Protein Waffles

Makes 3 waffles

Ingredients:

1 cup whole grain waffle mix (I used Kodiak)

1 cup water (as per instructions on my waffle mix)

1 scoop/serving vanilla protein powder (I used Tera's)

1 tsp cinnamon 

For Chocolate Sauce:

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk

1 Tbsp agave syrup 

Directions:

1) Combine waffle mix, water, protein powder, & cinnamon in a bowl

2) Whisk until smooth

3) Pour into heated waffle iron and remove when cooked

4) For chocolate sauce: combine chocolate chips, almond milk & agave into a small saucepan

5) Warm until melted; stir regularly 

6) Serve immediately 

Please comment if you try this recipe or tag me in an Instagram photo (molliesinaction). 

On Thursday, I'll have a shoulder workout video on my YouTube channel so please check that out!

Happy Tuesday!

Açai Berry Kale Smoothie & Açai Bowl

Hi Everyone!

I have been really into açai for a while now. Açai berries originated in South America and are popular for their antioxidant properties, among other health benefits. I have been really into açai bowls (essentially a smoothie with granola & fresh fruit on top) for the past three years. In college, there was a coffee shop I used to go to at least once a week for their açai bowls, which were topped with their homemade granola. After graduating I became inspired to recreate their açai bowls and smoothies at home. I'm still attempting to come with the perfect granola recipe. If you have a good one, please share it with me!

I have come up with a açai bowl recipe that I really like, learn how to make it in my recent video.

I have also recently come up with an açai berry kale smoothie that I really like! I love making smoothies in the morning because they are quick and are great when you're in a hurry. Also, if I can add in some kale or spinach, that is even better. I promise you don't even taste it! I always use my Magic Bullet blender (if you're interested in getting your own, click on the photo on the right side of my blog!). This blender evenly blends my smoothies and is good for single serving drinks (super easy to clean). 

I hope you enjoy this smoothie recipe!

Açai Berry Kale Smoothie

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup açai juice

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (I used Trader Joe's Very Cherry Berry Blend)

1/2 frozen banana 

1/2 cup chopped kale (spinach works too)

Directions:

1) Combine kale and juice in blender (or Magic Bullet)

2) Blend (by adding the kale and juice first, you mask the kale taste in the smoothie)

3) Add frozen berries 

4) Blend until smooth

5) Add frozen banana 

6) Blend until smooth 

7) Pour into glass and enjoy! 

NOTE:  If your smoothie is too thick, add more açai juice

NOTE:  ALWAYS blend in this order. My old roommate taught me this because it covers up the taste of the kale (or spinach)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 150 

Fat: 1 gram

Carbohydrates: 34 grams

Protein: 1 gram 

I hope you try out this recipe. If you do, please comment and let me know if you liked it! Or Instagram a picture and tag me (molliesinaction)! 

I'll be posting a Cranberry Orange Kale Quinoa Salad cooking video on my YouTube channel on Thursday. Stay tuned for that!

Happy Tuesday. 

5 Valentine's Dates On A Budget ❤

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is excited for Valentine's Day! I know after the winter holidays, I am always looking for something inexpensive to do for Vday. So I've come up with 5 fun ideas to make your day special.

Please check out my new video here to get some budget-friendly date inspiration (friend dates, romantic dates, or just things to do by yourself!). If you try out one of these ideas, please leave a comment and let me know!

Joe and I will be experimenting with some new recipes. Fingers crossed they turn out ok! Assuming they turn out somewhat presentable, I will of course be posting photos to Instagram.

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

♥ Chocolate Raspberry Sweethearts Protein Shake ♥

Hi Everyone!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner (..or Friday). Whether you are spending this lovely day with a significant other, friends, or just in your sweatpants watching Netflix (my average Friday night), celebrate with a delicious treat. I thought I would share one of my go-to protein shakes. This is the perfect sweet treat for your Valentine's Day and it's totally guilt-free (score).

I came across this recipe one day when I wanted to use up the frozen fruit in my freezer. In my opinion,  bananas are a great thing to cut up and keep in your freezer. They are the basis for virtually all of my smoothies. AND they make the texture similar to a milkshake (what's better than that?). Raspberries are another frozen fruit I tend to keep around. They are packed with fiber and vitamin C (as per the label). They also are a low glycemic food; this means that they don't spike your insulin levels the way that some other foods do (e.g. candy). You should aim for unsweetened raspberries or freeze your own. 

Protein powder is a staple for my pantry. I don't rely on it all the time but I like it keep it around for protein shakes, baking, and quick meals. It's a great on-the-go source of protein. I particularly like Tera's Whey. Aside from it being organic, I love the texture and taste. A lot of protein powders can be overly processed and gritty in texture but Tera's blends easily and tastes great. I tend to buy my protein powders on Amazon.com because they are often much cheaper (check the right side of my page for a link to this protein powder). 

Now let's get to that protein shake recipe!

Chocolate Raspberry Sweethearts Protein Shake

Ingredients: 

1 banana (sliced & frozen)

1/4 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 cup plain, unsweetened soy milk

1 scoop (or serving) chocolate protein powder (if vegan, use soy)

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients into a blender (shocker, I used my Magic Bullet)

2) Pour into a glass (or Mason jar) 

3) *OPTIONAL* Add a fun straw

Nutrition Facts:

(Using 1 serving/2 scoops of Tera's Chocolate Whey Protein Powder)

Calories: 270 

Fat: 2.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 37 grams

Protein: 25 grams 

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and tell me how you liked it! Also, I would LOVE to see a photo (tag me on Instagram).

I will also be posting a Valentine's themed video on my YouTube channel on Thursday so please check that out! 

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

Post Workout Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

Hi Everyone!

Need a pick me up after a tough workout? I just posted my post workout smoothie video on my YouTube Channel. This smoothie is my favorite because it is so simple and quick. In my video, I used my Magic Bullet (the blender I have used in the bulk of my videos thus far) and I highly recommend it. I like using a Magic Bullet to make my smoothies because it is easy to clean and portable! It is also easy to make this recipe vegan by switching the soy protein.

Please check out my video to learn how to make this delicious smoothie! 

If you have an Instagram & make this smoothie, please take a photo and tag me so I can see it (my IG: molliesinaction). 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Power Breakfast & Today's Workout Playlist

Hi Everyone!

As I am sure you've heard, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I notice that if I eat a big, well-balanced breakfast then I eat better throughout the day, am much happier and generally have a better day overall. I have recently come up with this oatmeal recipe that I love and I want to share with you today.

I love how simple and delicious this recipe is. If you watch my YouTube channel, you know that I include the nutrition facts with my recipes so you'll find that at the bottom of this recipe as well.

This oatmeal is perfect for a cold morning, however, if you find yourself wanting something refreshing. Check out my Acai Bowl recipe (this is more of a smoothie).

Please leave a comment if you try my recipe!

"Peanut Butter Cookie" Oatmeal:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup steel cut oats (before cooking)

2 Tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 Tbsp peanut butter

1-2 tsp sweetener (brown sugar, stevia, agave, & maple syrup are my favorites)

Directions:

1) Cook your oatmeal according to instructions on the box (I use precooked oatmeal from Costco and you just pop it in the microwave for one minute)

2) Mix in the almond milk, peanut butter, & sweetener (today I used 1.5 tsp agave)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 310

Fat: 11 grams

Carbohydrates: 42.5 grams

Protein: 9.5 grams

Once I have a great breakfast or meal, I'm fueled for my workout of the day. I tend to listen to a lot of pop/top 40 music & remixes to get me pumped up during my workout. Here's my workout playlist of the day (WPOTD?):

Playlist (2/4/14):

Call 911 (Florrie Remix)

Work Work (Britney Spears)

Save The World (Swedish House Mafia)

Dark Horse (Katy Perry)

How I Feel (Flo Rida)

Take Me Home (Midnight Red)

Gold Rush (Macklemore)

212 (Azealia Banks)

Silver Screen Shower Scene (Felix da Housecat)

Dancing On My Own (Robyn) [Girls on HBO, anyone?]

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and got some inspiration for your workout playlist!

What are your favorite workout songs right now?

Please leave a comment if you try this recipe or tag me in a photo on Instagram (mine is molliesinaction)

Also, I'll be posting a Post Workout Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie on my YouTube channel on Thursday, so please check back for that!

Thank you for reading,

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Mollie. I have a huge passion for health and fitness. I recently graduated college and earned my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. I am also a certified personal trainer, which I worked as for three years in college.

I recently started my own YouTube channel (molliesinaction), with the intention of posting recipes or how to videos on a weekly basis. I realized that I wanted an additional platform to post to more frequently and with greater diversity in topics. This healthy lifestyle blog will feature content geared towards those interested in pursuing a healthy and happy life. I plan to post a little of everything: recipes, work out advice, DIY, travel, style, and just tidbits of happiness!

Stay tuned for all the fun. I hope you like my blog!