Update From the Bat Cave-May 2015

Update From the Bat Cave
May 2015

I haven't posted an update in awhile, and it's long overdue! 

Some things have transpired since my last update, which was in March. Following my own program and watching my calories was helping me continue to gain muscle, but I wasn't losing any fat. None, really, or so it seemed. So I had actually gained a pound (of muscle, likely) but my clothing was not fitting the way I wanted it to and I just wasn't seeing results fast enough. 

I had been following a coach on Instagram for quite some time. I was very inspired by his posts, and liked his philosophy. I had also seen some before-and-after photos of his clients, and they were very impressive! Plus, he is a vegan, which is important to me. I decided to email him and inquire about a quote for his services. I was pleasantly surprised with his pricing, and couldn't send him my money fast enough! *take my money!* Let me tell you, this was a great decision. He customized a workout plan and sent me supplement and nutrition guides. I have been following them very closely, and am very excited about my progress!

In fewer than 3 weeks, I am down 7 pounds and my musculature is really changing for the better. I'm not hungry, have only had one minor potato chip craving (which I did not indulge), and find the nutrition plan easy to stick to. It requires some preparation, but is well worth it. 

Starting weight: 158 lbs.
Current weight: 151 lbs.
Time lapsed: 20 days

So who is this superhero fitness trainer who can move mountains of muscle and motivate in a single bound? His name is Jordan, and he is the owner of Conscious Muscle. Whether you're just starting out, or like me, fairly experienced but have plateaued, I highly recommend Jordan... Just don't ask him where he gets his protein! ;) ha!

Hiring him was one of the best decisions I have made in attempt to reach my goals. He can customize a plan for anyone, regardless of fitness level, and you don't even have to be a "gym person". He can come up with a plan based on the equipment you have at home. in addition, he has a positive approach and he is a great motivator.

Since I'm sure you're dying to know where to find him, here are some links:

Instagram handle: @conscious_muscle

Facebook: Conscious Muscle

Get on it and get fit!

Coming up next: a healthy oil-free salad dressing recipe with a kick! Maybe a punch also. :)

Cobweb Pizza Recipe

Motivate your Bat Self-Cobweb Pizza
Vegan, 250 Calories or Under!

The weekend is here! Pizza on a friday or Saturday is a staple in many American homes, including mine. Luckily, I have found a way to have my slice and eat it too, without undoing all of the good I have done for my body during the week! I have this pizza every single Friday, changing up the toppings depending on my mood.

This week I made it with crumbled tempeh, so that will be the basis of this recipe. Of course, the calorie count will vary depending on the exact cheese and topping you use, but it's really easy to keep the calorie count down because of the awesome crust that is used.

This pizza is the perfect portion for one person! Feel free to pair it with a piece of fruit or a side salad (just watch the calories in your dressing). for an EASY, filling meal.

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/8 block of Teese vegan cheese (Teese tends to be lower in calories than most vegan cheeses) or 1 slice of vegan cheese slices of your choice
• 1/4 cup crumbled tempeh
• 1 tbs pizza sauce or pasta sauce
• 1 Joseph's pita bread, the Flax Oatbran Whole Wheat variety
• Italian spices, to taste
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tbs water

Method:

• In a small bowl or cup, mix soy sauce, water and a bit of Italian seasoning taste. Add crumbled tempeh and mix well. 
• On a lightly greased pan, broil tempeh for 5 minutes, or before it starts to burn. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice your vegan cheese into thin, 1/8" strips.
• Add pizza or pasta sauce to crust (Joseph's pita).
• Add your toppings, in this case the tempeh. Spread evenly and flatten a bit with a spatula.
• Add your cheese, making a cobweb formation.

Your creation should now look something like this. I decided at the last minute that I wanted "bugs" in my cobweb, so I aded some sliced black olives. Isn't it cute?

Bake on a lightly greased pan for approximately 15 minutes, checking on it periodically to make sure it does not burn.

That's it! Now let cool, and nom nom away, completely guilt free..

The Batty Breakdown:

Approximate Calories: 215

Fat: 8.5 grams

Carbs: 25.4

Protein: 14.7