Hello hello lovely humans! I have another recipe roundup for you today, and as usual, the sweet recipes dominate the savory. What can I say, I’m definitely a sweet tooth gal.
Before we jump into the food (I know, I know, you’re all hungry and salivating), let’s chat a bit.
Last Friday I went to a PureBarre class, my first ever. I really enjoyed it; it was challenging and sweaty, but very easy on the joints. Surprisingly my legs were sore the day after, so I guess the tiny movements really do activate muscles in a totally different way.
I mentioned that my goal for the next few weeks is just to try a bunch of new classes in NYC, without actually committing to any one studio for a full package. If anything, I’m hoping to just learn some new ways to move my body and get out of my workout rut.
One thing I am taking away from both PureBarre and Pop Physique is engagement of abs. I realized that my posture is usually less than stellar, and both those classes preach constantly tucking your tailbone in, and squeezing your abs up and in. The instructors are pretty hands-on with adjustments, which was great, because I FINALLY understood what ab engagement means. It’s not just flexing your muscles like I’d always thought, but it’s a kind of total body pulling in. Cool stuff!
I think in terms of which class was my favorite from the week, I’d still choose Pop Physique. It was just a bit more engaging and pump-uppy and really got me excited to be there. Plus it reminded me a bit of my Modern dance classes, which I had attended for 10 years prior to college.
I also felt that PureBarre was just a bit more cultish than the other classes I went to, a bit reminiscent of Soul Cycle. Like you go to a Soul Cycle class, and you KNOW who you’re going to see.
I think it’s cool that these places have a certain image and branding that attracts like-minded people, but occasionally it almost feels a bit exclusive.
I love when I come to a workout class, and there’s people of all shapes and sizes and ages doing their thing. With some of these classes, though, I can’t imagine that someone who doesn’t fit that ideal age or body type range wouldn’t feel a tad uncomfortable. And I’m not really about that.
Again, the workout was great, and you know what, I probably would do it again, but just something to keep in mind.
I was going to do a leg HIIT + strength workout on Saturday, but like I said, my legs were pretty sore from Barre, so instead I did a nice long stretching routine with Fitness Blender. If I’m feeling up to it, maybe I’ll do the leg day tomorrow. If not, that’s okay too. Planning on walking around with friends tomorrow anyway, so as long as I’m active, that’s good enough for me.
Alright, that’s enough chit chat; I know y’all are impatient for the recipes. Here ya go!
Banana Bread from The Ambitious Kitchen
If you guys only knew how many banana bread recipes I’ve made in my life…boy oh boy. I think I’m always on the hunt for a better banana bread than the one before.
This banana bread definitely makes it into some of my top choices!
Monique called this recipe her absolute favorite, which means a lot coming from her because every banana bread recipe I’ve made from her website was phenomenal.
I’d been craving banana bread, and a bake sesh, for a little while, so this afternoon I broke out the loaf pan and spatula and got to it.
It was such an easy recipe, too, because you use a blender to mix up the wet ingredients. WIN!
I ate two slices when they were still hot from the oven, and they may or may not have fallen apart on my plate because you really should let your baked goods cool down before you slice in. I WAS HUNGRY, OKAY?!
Black Bean Avocado Burgers from Hummusapien
This is one of my most-made recipes, and for good reason. These veggie burgers are totally DELISH, and make a fantastic lunch when you’re not feeling same old chicken. This week, I packed one of these on a bed of greens, sprouts, and baby tomatoes with a giant scoop of hummus. Easy and satisfying. That’s what I like to hear.
They also require minimal prep and the ingredients are probably things you already have in your fridge. Plus they’re super customizable.
I personally make them vegan because I prefer the texture with the flax, not the egg, but they taste just as good either way!
Blueberry Pancakes from The Real Life Rd
Again, an old favorite. I absolutely love slow Sunday mornings where I make blueberry pancakes in my pajamas, while my mom makes the coffee. More often than not, this is the recipe I use.
So if you want to have an awesome morning, make these pancakes. We usually eat them with just a bit of maple syrup drizzled on top, but no one would be mad if you added some of your favorite nut butter. 😉 Live life to the fullest, ya know?
One Bowl Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies from Hummusapien
DOUBLE chocolate? I’m sold. I love vegan baked goods because you can eat the batter without worrying about raw egg nasties. JK, I eat the batter anyway. 😉
I actually made these quite a while ago, but I came across the picture recently and realized it would be a crime not to share them!
These are so so simple, so delicious, and do a wonderful job of satisfying that chocolate craving without forcing you to ingest a triple fudge brownie sundae. Though hey, sometimes we all need a triple fudge brownie sundae.
My mom and I adored these cookies. They’re sweet, but not too sweet, and very soft and chewy. Chewy > crispy all the way!
Enjoy your Sunday, everyone! Make sure to treat yourself today, and laugh at least 5 times! 🙂
Xoxo,
Nicole
Thoughts on boutique workout classes? Any new classes you tried recently and loved?
Thanks, great article.