Shamrock Shake --> The Skinny Version!

Everyone LOVES McDonald's Shamrock Shake. So I figured why not make it a little bit healthier with an extra boost of protein?

Ingredients

1 serving of Vanilla Shakeology (or other brand vanilla protein powder)

8 ounces of skim milk (may use almond or coconut as a substitute)

1/2 banana

⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract or mint extract

5 drops green food coloring

2 packets Truvia, Stevia, Splenda or your favorite sugar substitute (optional)

3-4 ice cubes

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.  Pour into a glass. Top with light whipped cream, if desired and enjoy immediately.

Enjoy!

Twin Day 2016

Today is twin day in the Haynes household. A day that didn't exist 3 years ago or I didn't think would ever exist. A day that I will forever remember every second. Its the day we went for an 8 week checkup with my OB GYN a nervous wreck and left with our world changed forever. The day that Scott turned a pale white in the Dr's office and I am pretty sure I had a complete panic attack in the car on the way home!

Every time when I feel overwhelmed, stressed or down, I think about how lucky we are that we were blessed with two amazing, healthy babies at one time. I will forever call it our miracle.

We weren't sure if were going to get pregnant and it was a journey to get there. I had no idea twins actually happened naturally AND that they would happen to someone that doesn't have twins in their family. But guess what. It does. And just like that our world changed.

My point of sharing this story is you never know how things are going to work out or what god has in store for you. I am in a big believer in things happen for a reason. I would have never imagined in a million years our life the way it is today but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Oh yeah, and trust your gut. Because I had a dream we were having twins the night before and talked myself out of believing it was true!

Happy Twin Day :)
p.s. They have a pretty fabulous big sister too!

3PM Sugar Buster! --> Peanut Butter Protein Cookies!

I am not sure about you but everyday at 3pm I am ready for some M&Ms, candy or some sort of sugar pick-me up. For some reason I can do great the entire day but then 3pm hits and I am ravenous for sugar and a snack. I call these my "sugar busters" because they taste like a treat but are not. They are made with protein powder, oats and bananas. Its the kick of protein and energy you need to keep going for the rest of the day! (They are also great for breakfast too!)

These are super easy to make and are a great substitute for that sugary snack when you are craving something sweet. The best part is there is zero sugar added. I make them on the weekends and then freeze them to pack in my lunch for work. (I think they taste better frozen or in the fridge...Kids and toddlers love them too!) Savannah and I made some this weekend. :)

Ingredients:
1 cup Chocolate or Vanilla protein powder. (I used vanilla Shakeology)
2 servings of PB powder. (I used Honeyville Organic PB powder from Costco)
1 cup of quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup raw honey
2 ripe bananas
Dash of cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Combine all ingredients and mix well in large bowl.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon size balls onto a cooking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until brown on top.

The cookies will still be somewhat gooey when you take them out. I let them sit for 10-15 minutes and then put them in a large bag in the freezer.

If you do not have PB powder you can substitute 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter. I count 2 cookies as 1 serving. (1 yellow on the 21 Day Fix / Hammer and Chisel plan).

Enjoy!