Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

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I told my friends at gym class that I was going to make Paleo Pumpkin Muffins. When I was describing them, I don’t think they were too convinced lol! Sometimes I bring out one of my favorite recipes, which they ALL love, reserved for special occasions called, Slutty Brownies. They just sound sinfully good right?! I was so excited when I posted my muffins, because I couldn’t believe how great they turned out! I even added a special touch — chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate? Okay, don’t answer that because it will void the excitement. This was my first time making anything “sweet” Paleo. It was the right amount of sweetness and flavor, I just can’t believe I’ve been missing out! I look forward to trying more “sweets” recipes, especially ones that give me those good nutrients that fuel the body.

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 2 tsp almond butter
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin (optional: cooked and puréed pumpkin)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp  ground cinnamon
  • 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp of melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup of raw honey (optional) – you can scale back to 2 Tbsp if needed
  • 2 Tbsp of chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate and they are optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
  2. Coat muffin pan with coconut oil (or you can use paper muffin cups)
  3. Mix all ingredients and pour evenly into muffin pan. Using a spoon will help to distribute evenly.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes in the center of the rack.

Note:

If muffins look too stiff, just add a little water to the batter before placing them in the muffin pan/cups. All of these items are found at your local, healthy supermarket and/or possibly the health food aisle of your grocery store. To make them fuller in size add another 1/2 cup of coconut or almond flour.

Now go and Enjoy!

Recipe inspiration found here.

It’s Monday…

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It’s Monday *blah-blah* Yep! You guessed it…I’m having one of THOSE Mondays. I think we all do from time to time. Sometimes you just have to put a smile on your face and keep it movin. A start of a new week should be exciting right? New blessings, new opportunities, new goals, etc. “You are what you think.” I’m going to take my Monday Blues and invest them into positive thoughts and look at my cup as half full.

Carpe diem.

Every Mile Is Earned

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I shared in a previous post about my first half marathon. It was such an incredible experience! Running is something that I truly enjoy and love! It’s a personal thing for me. As I climb to higher heights, I set new goals (big and small). I push myself past limits and boundaries to prove to myself that anything is possible. People often ask me about the races I’ve done in the past or what races I plan on doing. Of course Mercedes Marathon was a big accomplishment, but I found myself being guilty of saying things like, “I only ran the half, not the full”. I would say, “Hold up now!” (to myself of course), “13.1 miles is a big deal!” One day I do plan on running a full marathon; but right now, I’m very happy where I am on this journey. To all of my runners whether it’s a 1K, 5K, 10K, 15K, 13.1, or 26.2…just KNOW “every mile is EARNED, never given”. Sometimes we just need that reminder. Be happy for every accomplishment, PR, health goal, and beyond!

I wanted to share this post via I ♥ to Run:

13.1 Miles… It ain’t half of anything!!!

I remember running my first half and thinking, “Oh, I’m only doing the half.” Excuse me? I’m ONLY doing the half? NO. No, no, no, no, no. I’m running 13.1 miles. THIRTEEN POINT ONE MILES. I’ve trained for 3 months, giving up most of my Saturday morning sleep in time to get up and run. I’ve forgone the Cheetos for Cheerios. I’ve swapped the brewskis for water. I’ve chafed. I’ve been sore. I’ve lost toenails, had blisters, pulled muscles. Basically, I’ve worked hard to get to the point where I can run more miles in one morning than most people will drive the entire weekend. So this is a big reminder to me and to all half-marathoners not to cheapen the distance. It’s COOL to be a half marathoner. No, it’s not the big dog, but that doesn’t make you any less of a runner. Be proud of your accomplishments! You’re able to run 13.1 miles! And that is pretty frickin’ sweet.

- Amy (The Bookworm Wife)

Success isn’t given. It’s earned. On the track, on the field, in the gym. With blood, sweat and the occasional tear.” #runningquotes