I started something new today. At 5:30 in the morning, five days a week, for the next 21 days, I will be attending an “adventure boot camp” class with a group of about 20 other women.
Ever since I made exercising regularly a goal for 2011, I’ve been doing a better job of making working out a priority. I have. But we aren’t members of a gym right now and so my options are somewhat limited.
All winter I’ve been stuck with either doing the elliptical machine that’s in the basement, P90X DVDs, or other workout DVDs I get from the library. Well, I get bored easily when it comes to my workouts, so these options got old fast.
When I saw an opportunity to do a boot camp for three weeks, I knew it was just the kick in the butt I needed to get me through until the weather is truly warm enough for me to run outside regularly. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m a big wimp and don’t run outside unless it’s at least 45 degrees.
I was so not ready to face the world at 5 o’clock in the morning.
This could possibly be the most unflattering picture of me. Ever. But this is the best you’re gonna get at 5 am. I rolled out of bed and put on my warmest workout clothes since it was forecasted to be 26 degrees. I am quite possibly the biggest dork in the world. I found this boot camp online and mistakenly thought that since all the pictures on their website were of groups outside that we’d be working out outside, too. I was wrong. So even though I could take off my hat, gloves, and fleece, I still had to complete the workout with two pairs of pants and a long-sleeved shirt on. Biggest. Dork. Ever.
I tell you all of this for one reason. I want you to know how very happy I was when I got home that there was a lovely strawberry banana yogurt muffin waiting for me. My stomach was growling and I still felt tired when I was driving home, but I perked up when I remembered that I’d made these muffins last night. Although they were absolutely delicious straight from the oven, it tasted pretty great this morning in my famished state.
After I devoured my muffin do you think I hopped in the shower and got an early start to my day? Got a few extra things done before the rest of the family woke up? No and no. I washed my face and jumped back in bed for one more glorious hour of sleep.
When Meghan woke up around 8am (thank you!) she started her day with a muffin and I started my day, for the second time, with a green smoothie.
You want to make these muffins whether you are crazy enough to work out at 5:30 in the morning or not. They are moist and have a great banana flavor with fabulous bites of strawberries throughout. You would never guess that they are low sugar. The only problem? I made them last night and there are only 4 left.
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Sucanat
- 2 large bananas, mashed (~ 1 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain yogurt (I used whole milk yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners and/or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Sucanat. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together mashed bananas, egg, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until they are just mixed.
- Fold in the strawberries.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tins and bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!
Good for you! That’s great! I actually picked up running AFTER I had my baby. I convinced a fellow new mom to run a half marathon with me. We now run every morning around a nearby lake after our babes wake up. It’s lovely and a fun outdoor activity for the kiddos. I can’t wait to try these muffins! They look delicious!
Do you run outside throughout the winter? I feel like such a wimp, but I absolutely hate running in the cold. Hate it. I ran a 1/2 marathon in 2005 (?) but that was when I was living in Arizona. I guess living there spoiled me!
I’m not sure if anyone looks amazing at 5 AM 🙂 In regards to the layered workout gear, at least you lost 5 extra pounds of water weight 🙂 The muffins look delish – and I love how basic the ingredients are. I also love that you make things that don’t include nut butters and coconut. I’m on a major coconut fix right now and need something new or I’m afraid I’ll be battling a serious coconut addiction 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
I gave up nut butters for lent, so you won’t see those around here for a while. 🙂
Oooh, I love muffins. Although it’s so hard to find good muffin recipes with an awesome ingredients list. I am giving these a try. I do work out in the morning, but not that early! Usually after everyone has woken up that way I have time to eat breakfast and digest a little. Post workout I usually just have some fruit and chia seed pudding if I have any in the fridge or a smoothie. If it’s a really intense workout I have some protein powder to help my muscles get back to normal as fast as possible but that’s about it. Just something that digests fast!
You’re hardcore lady! =) I wish I could make myself workout that early! I’ll keep trying though! <3
the muffins look heavenly!!!!!!
I’m far from hardcore, but I’m working on it. 🙂
these look so good! i know my dd will like these! must make this week!
before getting pregnant with baby #2, i would workout in the am before dd woke up…i did and still do, a lot of bodyrock.tv workouts and i saw results!! and now, with dd #2 (and still on maternity leave!) i have picked these workouts back up and am already seeing results!
once dd #2 is sleeping thru the night – i can’t wait to have my 5ams back..sounds crazy but I love working out first thing in the am, when it’s dark outside!
if you are looking for quick, intense, heart pounding and fat melting workouts..check out bodyrock!! oh! and i love your 5 am pic…lisa
I will definitely look into Bodyrock–thanks for the recommendation. I like having lots of different workout options!
You are such a cutie! You always make me hungry and give me a big smile on my face! YOU ARE AWESOME!!
Aw, thanks Aleaha!
I love the sound of adventure boot camp. I’ve actually used my gym membership more this winter than in the past few years. I miss my outdoor runs. This winter has gone on way too long.
Those muffins look fantastic. I will definitely be baking them with my 4 year old this week. I’m new to your site and I love it. Thanks for sharing your delicious recipes and tips for getting little ones to eat more nutritiously.
Boot Camp FIVE days a week? Holy sore muscles, lady! That is awesome, but now I’m not feeling so impressed by my twice a week Boot Camp class. (It’s at 9:30 am, not 5:30)–I’m such a slacker! 🙂
I’m with you–cold weather is not for running. I ran 9 miles while it was snowing when I was training for my half marathon…there is something to be said for being able to feel your toes while running. Rain maybe, but if the temp. drops below 40*, forget it!
Those muffins look yummy. I am missing whole wheat flour creations like you wouldn’t believe.
those look divine! I swear I always want to bake after i read your posts. And by the way…you rock for doing a bootcamp! Those can be crazy intense. You won’t regret it 🙂
Holy Batman, you are awesome! I’m not sure if I could do five days/week at 5 AM! That’s super intense. Although, I do always feel better after a really good workout. Good Luck! The muffins look great and I think we will definitely give them a whirl.
I LOVE muffins and these look fabulous! Now I’ve got to go to the store and get some fresh strawberries to try these today.
To workout, I do a Stroller Strides group and bring my two girls (ages 3 &1) and they love it. It’s nice to be able to workout and give them something fun to do as well. Good luck with boot camp (I would have gone back to sleep too!).
Good for you! You didn’t look too bad for 5 am! You will have to let me know how the bootcamp was. I love stuff like that!
The muffins look sooooo delicious! Yum yum yum!
Even with the rude braids? 😉 I couldn’t do a pony tail with the hat…
good for you, signing up for the bootcamp! sounds like it will be a great thing – and even better that it’s NOT outside when it’s freezing cold 🙂
the muffins look great!
This post made me smile – thanks! I look forward to reading about your workouts and results! Go mama go!
After having book-marked these over a year ago I finally made me a batch today. They were well worth the wait & I will definately make them soon again, maybe with lemons & blueberries. 🙂
I’m so glad they didn’t get forgotten about! 🙂