What I Ate Wednesday #37 – No Bars and Shakes
Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a great week so far! Thank you to everyone who enter the Giveaway!! I loved reading about all of your favorite spring foods and meals! It seems strawberries are a huge favorite amongst us! I guess I should take that as a hint to start making a few more strawberry recipes! 
I will be announcing the winners tomorrow, so make sure to check back to see if you’ve won!
This weeks edition of WIAW is all about “no bars and shakes.” My workout routine changed about 3-4 weeks ago (more on that later) and when it did I decided to try and cut out all protein bars and post workout shakes. It wasn’t for any reason other than I wanted to incorporate more ‘real’ foods/meals in place of those items. The only protein I was having was in my nightly greek yogurt/casein dessert, which you all know I will probably never give up! haha Well, up until Sunday, I had been bar and protein shake free! To be honest, I never felt better! I enjoy eating real foods more than I enjoy bars and shakes. Yes, I know the bars and shakes are yummy and are definitely great in a pinch (like Sunday), but eating those whole foods made me feel better and kept me satiated longer. Isn’t it interesting how a personal “mini experiment” can help you understand your own body better??!! Now, in no way am I saying bars and shakes are bad! There are plenty of bars out there that are healthy and if you make our shakes at home most likely they are made with fresh fruit, nut butters, oats and protein. I definitely will not be giving up these things, but I do think I will be limiting them and focusing in on the whole foods. Plus, in the heat of the summer, there really isn’t anything better than a nice big smoothie bowl! 
(As a side note, I was only have 1 shake a day after lifting and 1 bar a day)
Now…onto the meals!
Meal #1
Yes, my first ‘snack’ of the day would be a donut! I will be sharing the recipe Friday…so until then I also had a banana (not pictured)
Meal #2
I have been on a major kabocha pancake kick lately! It’s all I want for breakfast! with a side of sauteed brussels sprouts, greek yogurt and wild blueberries!
Meal #3
Before my workout I finished up the rest of these Healthy Bites made by Lindsay! I was VERY lucky and won a giveaway that she was having about 2 weeks ago! I was supposed to get the Key Lime Bites only, but she threw in some White Chocolate Raspberry Cookie Dough and Mint Chip & Irish Cream. Let me tell you…..I only had 3 left by Sunday!! They are THAT amazing!! These delicious bites are designed to give you an energy boost before a workout, help refuel after a workout or just meant to eat when you want a delicious (I mean delicious) snack!! All 3 flavors were AMAZING, but the Irish Cream took my breath away! WOW!!! I definitely recommend checking out her site and putting in an order! She has a whole bunch of different flavors OR you can get customized flavors! How amazing is that?! I need to be ordering some ASAP (since mine were gone in 3 days 
) I also had some greek yogurt with them.
Meal #4
I have been CRAVING sandwiches lately so I went ahead and satisfied that craving with this delicious sandwich! Julian Bakery Paleo Bread with fresh avocado, mashed fresh strawberries and no salt Boars Head Turkey (Thanks Laura) with a side of sauteed brussels sprouts, baby carrots and broccoli (oh and the last strawberry). This was AMAZING!!
Meal #5
Dinner was shredded chicken breast seasoned with hickory liquid smoke (ever tried that stuff??!! it is AMAZING), half an avocado, sauteed brussels sprouts, grilled summer squash and a side of kabocha squash!
OK, I know….the brussels sprouts are out of control, but I LOVE them!! At least they are green!
Meal #6
This meal needs no caption anymore — I don’t even take a new picture because it’s always the same! haha
As a side note, I was just re-reading through this post and noticed that I use the word ‘amazing’ A LOT to describe my food! I guess that’s what happens when you love eating healthy AND delicious foods! Do you think your food is amazing too?
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*How often do you drink protein shakes or eat bars?
*Have you ever done any personal “experiments”?
*Do you prefer meals or meal replacements?
*Most importantly, have you joined the WIAW party yet? If not, click below to get all the details!
And as always, a big THANK YOU to Jenn from Peas and Crayons for hosting this weekly food fest!
