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Maple Zucchini Bread Batter + WIAW

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I’m full.

No, not full of shit.

Full of food.  Protein.  Complex carbs.  Veggies.  This is a result of my my nutrition plan changes.  I mentioned Monday that they were coming.  And come they did. I was secretly hoping I’d just get another cheat day. No dice.

The veggies and carbs have increased slightly… and then there’s the protein.  It has doubled, and is now required to be from a “real” source (fish, egg, or soy) at a minimum of 3 meals.  I’m not there yet, so don’t call me out on this first WIAW.  It’s going to take me a little time to ramp up.  I’m fast learning that figure competitions are not for the faint of heart.  😉

In summation, this is the bulking edition of What I Ate Wednesday.  Tuesday morning was spent at a panel event where I knew I wouldn’t be able to get the foods I need.  It was fun to brainstorm some portable meals that could be prepped the night before!

I did keep it seasonal, thanks to a recent rampage of the Farmer’s Market.  Check it all out below, then click here to visit Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to see everyone else’s summer eats!

Meal 1:

As usual, I began my day with Fitmixer Aminos mixed with ~2T of apple cider vinegar and water.  I won’t bore you with another pic,  but trust me when I say this stuff is the bomb.  Especially when you have to wake up for a 7am conference.  I wish I was making that up.

This week I managed to NOT have PB & Jeggs for once.  This week I planned ahead and – knowing I’d need the caffeine for my early morning – made Overnight Mocha Protein Oats.  Who needs Starbucks when you have this tastiness?

Mocha Protein Oats:

  • 1/3 C rolled oats
  • 1/2 C water (or liquid of choice)
  • 1/4 C coffee (chilled)
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1-2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 5-6 drops liquid stevia 
Place the oats and liquids in a medium bowl and microwave ~3 mins (some liquid should remain).

Mix in remaining ingredients and place in fridge overnight.  In the morning, stir, top with your favorite fruit, and enjoy!  

Note: If you prefer your oats warm, you can also pop these in the mirco again in the morning.

Meal 2:

Greek yogurt is a protein-rich staple in my diet.  Right now I’m hooked on seasonally appropriate strawberry Greek yogurt.

The fruit flavors in the grocery store have a ton of added sugar, but you don’t have to buy those!  I make my own using fresh berries and a touch of Stevia.

To make, simply mash up 1/4-1/2 C of your favorite fruit and mix it into a serving of yogurt.  I added a bit of Stevia and cinnamon as well.  Topped with  pumpkin seeds and eaten with a side of black tea.

This bowl was prepped the night before and frozen.  By the time I was ready to eat Meal 2 (at the afore mentioned meeting) it had thawed to an awesome fro-yo consistency.

Meal 3:

This lunch on the go was better than I could have found at a salad bar chain!  Once again, I prepped everything the night before.  The salmon, Ezekial bread, and edamame were stored in the freezer over night so they were just thawed in time for lunch.

Yes, those are individually packaged Dora the Explorer edamame packets.  I swear I tried to find the regular package   They were out.

In the tupperware I packed my veggies and arugula, and had a dressing ready in the mini container.

The dressing was a quick mix of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and cumin.

Beat that, Doc Greens! 😉

Meal 4:

I made it back home for afternoon snack and heated up a few of the Chick-less Nuggets I posed yesterday.  They are just as good on day 2!

The dip with this was awesome.  I picked up a jar of Marmite and couldn’t wait to use it!  It is a strong flavor, so I mixed 1/4 tsp with 1 T of peanut flour, 2 drops of liquid smoke, and 1.5 T of water.  I’m forever indebted to Heather for introducing me to this stuff!

Meal 5:

Other bloggers are a HUGE source of inspiration to me.  JL posted these tempeh patties 3 weeks ago and my only regret is that I took so long to make them!

I followed her method but increased the nooch to a full tablespoon and added fresh lime juice and thyme.  OMG.  Next time I’m tripling the recipe and freezing some for later.

Served with spinach socca (basic method here; this time I blended in 1 C spinach), sweet potato, raw asparagus, red pepper, onion, and a chipotle pepper pureed with a pinch of cloves, cinnamon, and teeny bit of water.

Meal 6:

I got called out on Instagram for eating Carrot Cake Batter every day week.  It’s addicting!!!

In an effort to be less boring, I decided on a different kind of batter.  I must have had Kristina’s french toast on the brain…. because this is what I came up with:

Maple-Zucchini Bread Batter.  Words cannot even describe.  Sweet with a little depth from maple extract and spice notes from cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

Carrot cake whaaat?

Recipe at bottom.

Meal 7:

I went simple.  Apple.  Casein pudding.  Uncle Sam’s Cereal.  Cinnamon.  Classic.

Maple Zucchini Bread Batter

  • 1/2 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 T vanilla protein powder
  • 1/3 C no salt added cottage cheese
  • 2 T unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • pinch cloves
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract
  • 7-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia 

Grate zucchini into a bowl and set aside.

In blender, combine remaining ingredients and blend until nearly smooth.  

Add blended mix to the zucchini and stir to combine.

Enjoy!

***

Are you keeping track?  I managed 171.9g of protein – pescatarian-style this week.

Have you ever had to pump up your meals to gain muscle/weight?

Do you think I’m nuts on the zucchini batter piece?  I swear it’s good!

Comments

  1. dangity dang dang, it all looks SO good.

    I should have known that bread would inspire your awesomeness… that sounds SO good!

  2. I don’t know when you find the time to prep all this food! I’ve been adding about 500 extra calories/day to gain mass and muscle. It’s really hard..And the fact that I’m Asian does not help. Oh wells..I’m trying without pushing myself too hard if you know what I mean. I think zucchini is a mild enough vegetable that I don’t think it’s weird at all! I have to join this batter movement. I’m going to start with the carrot cake one first! Will let you know how it goes ;). Time to pin some things now!

    • The prep really isn’t as bad as it seems!

      Good luck with your weight gain. It’s certainly more fun than the alternative, right? 🙂

  5. No you aren’t nuts…you’re a flippin GENIUS!! I was so going to make your carrot cake batter the other day…what happened to that? Oh yeah, I realized I didn’t have any carrots! Bahaha! And for the record…you had me at maple! Maple extract is the BOMB DOT COM! Wait…do people still say that? If not, I’m brining it back. Like sexy…bringing that back too! 😉

    Flavored yogurts are such a waste…I love Chobani to death (they are SO good to us bloggers), but damn, could they cut the sugar down a bit?? I got my pack of big boy tubs in the mail over a week ago and I JUST opened the first one today….the chocolate chunk…it has 32g of SUGAR!! wtf?! I have to mix it with plain yogurt just so I don’t go into a hyperglycemic coma!

    Sounds lame, but I’ve always wondered how to make overnight protein oats. I usually don’t pre-cook my OO’s. I just throw them in a bowl with yogurt, milk, and chia and bam…breakfast, but once I tried adding protein powder and even though I stirred it up really well, it ended up separating during the night. Not very appetizing…but of course I ate it anyway! So the trick is to cook…then cook I will do!

    Mental note: Make zucchini batter, overnight protein oats, chicken-less muffins, roasted beet/orange smoothie…omg, you’re KILLING me! :-0

    • Zucchini batter…check!
      Chicken-less nuggets (not muffins…I’m a goob)…CHECK!!

      Two down, two to go!

      And seriously? I meant to say something yesterday…DOUBLE the protein?! And from natural sources?!! Girl, I don’t know how you’re gonna do it! But I can’t wait to see you try! 😀

      • #1 You rock.

        #2 I’m am so glad I’m not alone with the yogurt. I feel like everyone else is chowing down on it!

        #3 What protein powder did you use?! I’ve never had mine separate. Maybe try less liquid?

        #4 I made it to 183g today. So. Full.

  6. You know you’re a blogger (or into healthy food) when zucchini bread batter sounds delicious to you haha! Hey if carrots taste great in dessert, no reason why zucchini can’t live up! Love the combo of choc protein powder & coffee..I’ve been having it with Greek yogurt & cottage cheese and it’s somewhat like tiramisu!

    • I think that about so many dishes I read about. LOL!

      Did you see my tiramisu oats? Dessert breakfasts are the best. 🙂

  9. I absolutely love zuchinni in every way, shape and form and I’m always on the lookout for ways to use it – so thanks for the great idea!

  11. I am enjoying hearing about your experience with all of this Laura… way to go on doing what you need to diet-wise… I don’t know how you find the time to prep all of this, impressive lady 🙂
    The zucchini recipe looks like a good one, I love stuff like that! Happy WIAW Laura!

    • Thanks Tessa! It’s not so bad time-wise. You get used to it and I multi-task, prepping several meals at once.

      P.S. I have than tart crust in the fridge for tomorrow. Thank you again for the awesome idea!

  13. I still laugh when I think about how I used to eat and the way I eat now – veggies in my baked goodies, spinach in my smoothies, nutritional yeast on my salad….haha.

    I made zucchini muffins this weekend and still can’t believe how great they taste without oil, butter, etc!

    • I am the same way. I can’t ‘imagine wanting/needing to add all that oil to baked goods now!

  14. I am a HUGE Marmite lover. I love it on my over easy egg sandwiches and spread on my omelets. So incredible good! Oh I’m making that zucchini bread batter today! That sounds amazing!

    Great job on the protein. It takes a lot of dedication to get there on the protein especially from food sources! Too bad you can’t wear yoga pants to work!

    • Ohhhh… on an omelet. That’s happening asap. 🙂

      I would kill to wear yoga pant to work. Maybe I can negotiate that in my next contract. LOL!

  15. I do NOT think you’re nuts, that sounds delicious! I don’t even like cooked zucchini bread that much, but I’d make it just so I could lick the bowl/spoon clean of batter. And where in the US did you find marmite?? I love that stuff!

      • There’s one right by my work–And I refer to it as the Snooty-Dinner-Party-Grocery-Store (because I feel like you’d really only shop there if you were throwing a snooty dinner party), but YES, it would totally be the place to find marmite!

  16. Ahahaha – my boyfriend’s niece has those same Dora edamame packets!! And I do the same with flavored Greek yogurt. I almost find the store-bought flavored ones too sweet now!

  17. I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe I should resist looking @ your page during the times where my stomach is already rumbling for something, haha. As always, it all looks delicious.

  18. what is this called marmite!? i’m obsessed with your dressing recipes hahah so i need to get myself on marmite ASAP!

    • Did you check out the link to their site? It’s an acquired taste for many, but I love it mixed in with stuff. It’s salty and savory.

  23. I LOVE batter! You were so right… it’s zucchini week haha. I bet bulking is SUPER tough, mentally and physically. I’m sure you’ll be a trooper and your body will adjust well. How is your heel doing?!

    • It is – mentally especially. I feel like I’m on the Michael Phelps diet or something. 😉

      The heel still hurts. Apparently its my Achilles and calf (according to my chiro). Not much to do but give it time… *sigh* Thanks for asking!

  26. You are making me jealous with all the eats over here!
    That zucchini bread batter!!!! Oh my, I need that in my life as soon as I’m back from HLS and I get my grocery shopping on. Looks awesome!

    • At first I grumbled… but I have to admit it makes me smile at lunch and those packets are so convenient!

  28. Brilliant cake batter idea, I love cottage cheese Jd now this just got better!! Way to go on the great variety in your diet.

  29. I believe you!! Your eats look so yummy. I think its OK that you eat carrot cake batter all the time- you’re far more creative with your eats than I’ll ever be. If somethings good… why change it?! Especially when you have 6 other meals to eat the rest of the day… 😉

  30. Maple extract?! Normally any kind of extract (bar vanilla) skeeves me out, but I’d be so up for that. Your blog makes me so envious of having a full kitchen and pantry to play with! At present, I kinda have a kitchen, but the three boys living there seem to live on frozen pizza, take out, and alcohol, so I’m eating a lot of Clif and Luna bars at present 😛

    • It’s really good! you can find it at Whole Foods while you’re in the States.

      I think your eats are looking pretty good! So jealous of that B&J Greek. 🙂

  31. Ha I love the Dora snack packs! And I’m so impressed that you prepped so well for a conference! Good job getting in the protein for the day! It’s amazing the foods you come up with, I’d be stuck at greek yogurt 🙂

  32. Wow, you really do eat all day long. This is probably where I would get stuck with figure competitions. I am just not sure how it would be possible to get ENOUGH protein sticking with a vegan protein shake source and only fish or eggs as my non vegan sources. (No chicken, pork, red meat, or dairy for me). While I am sure it can be done, I think I would get tired of my limited options pretty quickly. I guess it is all about envisioning the light at the end of the tunnel and exactly WHY you are eating what you are. Not for taste, but for FUEL. 🙂 Wahoo!

    • You could totally do it! Allie (http://forgottenbeast.wordpress.com/) is prepping on an all vegan diet. I don’t eat meat (except occasionally on a cheat day at a restaurant) and I don’t feel like that holds me back. Half the fun is dreaming up creative concoctions. If I had to eat purely for fuel I couldn’t make it. The taste and the creative side is my fuel. 🙂

  34. I have finally realized what the WIAW posts were all about! So glad I found your through twitter and am excited to start participating! Totally intrigued about that zucchini batter, may have to try as I have some shredded already in my fridge from a failed cupcake recipe!

    • That’s awesome! Welcome to the party. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

      Let me know how you like the batter… and sorry about the cupcakes. 🙁

  35. Oh I cannot WAIT until my next gaining phase!! Your eats all look so good! That batter sounds absolutely phenomenal 😀

    • I bet you are ready for some real food! I can’t imagine going from eating all this to leaning out. I’m going to think I’m starving!

  36. Yay for real food! I love seeing your creativity shine in your protein-packed meals. 🙂

    Btw, I tried your carrot cake smoothie but replaced the tofu with cooked oatmeal… whirled it in my blender with some hemp protein and the spices. Sadly it was not as good as I was hoping. I think I needed more carrot and powdered ginger. Still experimenting, that’s for sure. 🙂 Maple zucchini sounds great, too!

    • I’m sorry to hear that! Did you use fresh ginger? That makes a big difference for me. It could be the oatmeal vs. tofu since tofu is so much lighter and flavorless. I do get some massive carrots from my farmer’s market… maybe I need to add a specific measurement. Thanks for the feedback!

  37. I really want to know where you got those Dora edamame snack packs…I kinda have a thing for edamame and Dora’s just an extra bonus 🙂

    • We have a massive farmer’s market that carries them. I’ve never checked the regular grocery store.

    • Yup – apparently drinking all of your protein isn’t the way to gain. I explained I was baking with it too, but no dice. 😉

      I read a great article about athletes and protein amounts/best sources you might like… I just need to find it…

  40. I am trying hard to get my mom to buy plain greek yogurt and add her own toppings, a work in progress.

    your zucchini bread batter sounds amazing! we have made a green socca last year, need to remake that yum

    • You guys actually inspired me to try socca for the first time last year! I am forever indebted. 🙂

  41. Zucchini muffins/bread are both awesome, so the batter HAS to be the jam! I trust you. Dora the Explorer is legit. There’s a dude who works out next to me at the gym every Saturday morning, and he watches Dora (on the Spanish Channel, mind you), for an hour with the resistance on his Cybex machine set to 100. I guess he’s in so much pain, he seeks comfort in Saturday morning cartoons…in Spanish? I don’t judge. To each their own. I do the SAME thing with yogurt. My method is just slightly different. I actually take some frozen berries and put them in a bowl in the fridge overnight. They melt, and the fruit juice stays sort of thick and syrupy, similar to the fruity sugary syrup at the bottom of a cup of yogurt (but without any added sugar). I, too, add a dash of stevia if the berries aren’t sweet enough. It’s definitely better to add fresh fruit to plain yogurt. Also, do you notice that there is considerably more protein in plain Greek yogurt than the flavored varieties? Like 18 g vs. 12 g in some cases. I try to add more protein to my diet if I need to gain weight, usually spontaneous handfuls of nuts will do the trick. Brazil nuts rock.

    • Ohhhh… I’m going to have to try out your method! Thanks for sharing! and yes – great point about the protein content.

      Your gym sounds like an interesting place .:)

  42. Definitely not nuts, babe! I love your eating style! You know that!

    Oh goodness me, Laura my lovie <3 I have missed you, but am so incredibly excited to catch up with you <3 I'll be responding to your email later 🙂 Within the next few days that's for sure…

    I'm proud of you for getting this much protein. I get more than that a day, but in a different way than you, so I admire you greatly. I have so much to say about this post it's crazy!

    – I need maple extract ASAP!
    – I will try your zucchini batter since I loved the carrot version!
    – I want to try those tempeh patties! I think I'll fall in love <3
    – I never buy flavoured yogurt, either! I never have and never will. People rave about how good some of the flavours are, but I like making my plain yogurt flavoured on my own with much less sugar 🙂 I'm glad you can agree 😉
    – I finally bought Uncle Sam's cereal at WF's! I can't wait to try it out, twin!

    • I have missed you to, Twin!!!! Can’t wait to catch up!

      I am supposed to get more… still working on it. I need to get more fish in I guess…

Trackbacks

  1. […] shredded zucchini and carrot from dinner… so I decided to combine my favorite Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread Batters to make one epic Carrot-Zucchini Cake […]

  2. […] talked a lot about diet and eating to fuel workouts.  I’m doing a little better with my increased meal requirements.  It’s still not easy… but seeing that it works is […]

  3. […] combo in effort to hit my carbs.  I was still low… but this was a tasty effort.  I made my Zucchini Bread Protein Batter, but added 1T of cocoa powder and eliminated the protein powder in favor of more cottage […]

  4. […] bowl of Zucchini Bread Protein Batter made with Greek yogurt as the base.  Topped with balls of Quest.  These balls were made from […]

  5. […] are actually pretty tasty… and the fact that I ate it with a Zucchini Bread Batter Bowl cancels out the chemical shit-storm, right?  Plus a scoop of chocolate Nuttzo, chocolate syrup,, […]

  6. […] old stand by: Zucchini Bread Protein Batter.  It’s good, I […]

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