Banana cream protein pudding

Hi friends 😀 How are you? Hope you’re having a happy Indian Food Wednesday 🙂

sabino

I started my day of with a bowl of cereal:

cereal

-multigrain puffins

-almond milk

-1/2 banana

-organic raspberries

-cinnamon

Cereal almost never fills me up –I could eat 4 bowls and think nothing of it- so we’ll see how this one does 😉

I also got lunch/snacks packed up and ready to go for work today:

lunch

Seaweed snacks

Organic green grapes

grapes

a queenly gluten-free bagel sandwich

bael

(with goat cream cheese and raspberries)

and some of this:

pudding

Banana Cream Protein Pudding!

Last night, I soaked 1/4 C raw cashews

cashews

and this morning, blended it up with 1/2 banana, 1/2 scoop Sun Warrior, 1/4 t cinnamon, pinch of sea salt and 1/4 t vanilla.

Since it’s like a raw ice cream base, I’m going to put it in the freezer at work and enjoy post-workout 🙂 Let me know if ya try it!

So have ya heard about the new food pyramid?

I still remember the old one from elementary school days:

image

and even as a child being so confused and overwhelmed with it. 6-11 servings of grains? There was no way I could eat that many grains in a day! Also, which category were enchiladas in? I had no idea.

The newer version was even more confusing.

image

Well the newest version, is supposed to based off a dinner plate instead of a pyramid design and emphasizes fruits and veggies, eating smaller portions, lower fat and less sodium.

The thing I’ve never really enjoyed about food pyramids is the “one-size-fits-all” mentality. We’re all different and have different nutritional needs. On the other hand, I can see how it can be helpful when you’re starting to create a healthier lifestyle and want a starting point.

I’m anxious to see it. Nothing online yet, but I’ve heard it will be officially released tomorrow.

Well I’m off to do the work thang 🙂

See ya later today!
xoxo

Gina

In honor of national running day:

My breakup with running

What I miss (and don’t miss) about running

Something to think:

“You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you’ve done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you’ve lost them forever.”

– Wayne Dyer

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77 Comments

  1. jenna on June 1, 2011 at 10:17 am

    yum! those gf bagels look great! i’m anxious to see what the new pyramid looks like as well. I agree with the one size fits all bit. It’s so unrealistic.

  2. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food on June 1, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Your cereal looks delish! I could also eat multiple bowls of cereal and think nothing of it!
    I love the quote at the end…it’s so true and pertains perfectly to my life right now! Isn’t it funny how quotes can be sooo inspiring!? 🙂

  3. AJ on June 1, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I feel the same way about the pyramid. No wonder I am carb obsessed after growing up with that thing!

  4. samantha @ fresh n fit on June 1, 2011 at 10:19 am

    oooh indian food wednesday sounds fantastic right now! hmmm (;

    ps i love that quote! dr dyer is incredible & i haven’t seen that one before

  5. Babs on June 1, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I’ve heard it’s more plant based…and I hope so!

  6. Holly @ The Runny Egg on June 1, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I heard about the dinner plate food guide — hopefully it is better than the last two — I agree with you on the “one size does not fit all” mentality, but I guess I appreciate that there is something out there for people to start at?

  7. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table on June 1, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Love the pudding idea! I have been mashing banana with protein powder and vanilla almond milk to spread on my bagel, but I love the cashew addition!! I bet that’s going to be an awesome frozen treat.

  8. Alicia @ This Organic Body on June 1, 2011 at 10:26 am

    I saw the plate yesterday at the gym. It was divided into four equal parts, grains, protein, and I believe fruits and vegetables were the other too. I was semi paying attention.

  9. Katherine: Unemployed on June 1, 2011 at 10:29 am

    the food pyramid is so bizarre because the actual triangle shape means nothing and misrepresents the fraction of foods needed!

    PS: love the placemat colors you have going on

  10. Gina @Running to the Kitchen on June 1, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Goat cream cheese w/ raspberries sounds delicious! I used to love cream cheese and jelly sandwiches (my mom hated peanut butter so this was her alternative!) as a kid. This sounds like a healthier/adult version 🙂

  11. SaraRM on June 1, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I am anxious to see the new pyramid myself. Im like you and do not like the “one size fits all” but for many many people it is a good guideline.

    I love love love the quote, its a good one and so true!

  12. Silvia @ skinny jeans food on June 1, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Haha, love that the new US food pyramid includes exercise (similar to the Japanese one).
    http://skinnyjns4me.blogspot.com/2010/11/japanese-food-pyramid.html

  13. Rebecca on June 1, 2011 at 10:35 am

    The new pyramid is confusing. Though the older one I found a lot less confusing except for a serving size. When I was little my teachers never really explained that beyond ‘the size of your palm’. I also always looked at it and thought ‘that’s a lot of food’ towards the grains.

  14. Julie (A Case of the Runs) on June 1, 2011 at 10:41 am

    If they put veggies at the bottom, it could work!

  15. Becky @ The Bex Factor on June 1, 2011 at 10:52 am

    That bagel-wich looks soooo yummy!

  16. Stefanie @thenewhealthy on June 1, 2011 at 10:52 am

    The idea of a new food pyramid is so interesting and necessary – let’s hope the plate is filled half with veggies! 🙂

  17. Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat on June 1, 2011 at 10:53 am

    I didn’t realize that they were coming out with a new food pyramid… I like the idea of using a dinner plate, but again, I agree with you that the one-size-fits-all mentality should be thrown out the window. I’d like to see more emphasis on fruits/veggies, nuts/protein-packed grains, and a “use sparingly” remark around meats.

  18. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on June 1, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Wow, that is a bit of a confusing pyramid! I’ve always been baffled by the large number of grains servings. Veggies are definitely the biggest part of my plate!

  19. Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) on June 1, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Banana Cream Protein Pudding looks and sounds awesome. Anything with soaked cashews as the base is automatically super creamy and lovely…mmm, good stuff!

    The current food pyramid…geometry was a very long time ago for me, but I find it visually super confusing to have those narrow little “triangles” all running vertically…I don’t get that. I never did. Then again, geometry was a long time ago 🙂

    I am anxious to see what they are revealing but you’re so right, one size does NOT fit all. I think that even if someone love meat and loves animal products, that’s his/her choice, I hope the new pyramid does make mention that plants, fruits & veggies, DO a body great and to eat lots of those. I will be happy if the new pyramid reflects that. Even just that would be a great start.

  20. hippierunner on June 1, 2011 at 11:01 am

    The things cashews can do are amazing lol.

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:21 pm

      very true 🙂

  21. Keelie (SweatEqualsSuccess) on June 1, 2011 at 11:06 am

    I LOOOOVE those seaweed snacks! I polished off an ENTIRE bag yesterday… oops…

    And I’m definitely going to try that pudding! 🙂 YUM!

  22. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) on June 1, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I think the $2 million dollars spent designing the new food pyramid, or plate now, was a waste of money. The health and obesity problems in this country are linked to the overuse of corn, soy, and wheat, all which are heavily subsidized by the government. The government, which helped create the problems, is trying to fix it the wrong way. Ending corporate and farm subsidies is what will get more people back to whole foods and far less junk food.

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 11:21 am

      I couldn’t agree more.

      • Kristen @ Chocolate Covered Kristen on June 1, 2011 at 12:34 pm

        As a former employee of an agency that shall not be named, the Dept. works really hard to utilize it’s funds ($2 million is not a lot for such a large scale project) and gather experts to put together a tool that can be used to educate the masses in the country that don’t know anything about nutrition and lack the resources. Federally subsidized food programs are working very hard to provide better options to cafeterias and increase education/availability of educational materials. The problem isn’t the government subsidizing crops, it’s education about foods and nutrition. The resources are all there – funded both federally and privately, but it’s the job of parents, educators, and the local community to make sure that the information is seen and heard. You and I both live in the same country as the obese population in question, but because we took the time to educate ourselves on healthy living options, we lead healthy lives. People at the agency level are hard-working and passionate about this cause; however, they can’t do much unless Congress says they can and then agrees to fund it. If people have issues or suggestions about how the government is handling something they should (not sarcastically; I 100% believe in this) contact their Congressman and encourage others to do so as well. Sorry for the novel; just a topic I’m passionate about 🙂

      • Alicia @ This Organic Body on June 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

        I completely agree!! End subsidies and end the use of feeding animals the wrong food and adding soy, and corn to everything!! Personally I think that chemicals, GMO’s and feed lots should be illegal. Organic food should be the only food. We shouldn’t support big ag and montsano. Money talks and they have more than enough to keep themselves in business and americans fatter.

    • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman on June 1, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      I 100 percent agree with you, J3nn. When the government’s funding the growing of corn, etc. how can we expect to eat healthier? Most farmers, who apparently need food to feed and clothe their families, will grow what pays the most. Hint: It’s not organic fruits and veggies.

  23. Arianna on June 1, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Banana cream protein pudding sounds so good! Have a wonderful Wednesday 🙂

  24. Carolyn (Life in the postcard) on June 1, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Another winning combination of foods today Gina! I seriously want to eat everything you showed. I plan to give the banana cream protein pudding a try later this week. As always, thank you for the ideas and motivation Gina!!

  25. Laura @ prettylittlewords on June 1, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I know, I remember thinking that 6-11 servings of breads/pastas sounded crazy….I know for certain that that had a lot to do with my gaining weight when I was younger. I thought that because the food pyramid “said so,” that gave me free reign to eat as much pasta as I wanted! Horrible!

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:20 pm

      too many carbs was definitely one of my probs for being overweight as a child, for sure

  26. Erin on June 1, 2011 at 11:44 am

    I nutrition school I was basically taught that the FDA food pyramid is a bunch of bologna and for the same reason you mentioned…it is one size fits all. I’d much rather go by what my body tells me it needs!

  27. Meggie on June 1, 2011 at 11:45 am

    It’s really interesting to see Americans eat seaweed as a snack! 🙂 Here in Korea or Japan, we eat it with rice. It’s not a snack, it’s sorta sidedish. This is how it is eaten here. Imagine that you have some ‘steamy’ hot rice on your spoon and gently place a sheet of seaweed onto the rice, roll it and eat them together! 🙂 Speaking of, I remember my friend (also American) finishing up 6 packs of seaweed while watching a two-hr movie, 6 packs… 6 packs… Wow, it was just jaw-dropping…. hehe.

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:20 pm

      wow, 6 packs! i’ve maxed out at 3 🙂

  28. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on June 1, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I am drooling over that pudding, I want to make it…now. Slash do you think it would work with basically any vanilla protein powder?

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:19 pm

      of course!

  29. Alicia on June 1, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Hm interesting looking pyramid, I’m with you everyone is different, but I would imagine that this is a good starting point for people that don’t know much about nutrition. Ok I’m off to whole foods to buy some udi bagels, thats one thing I miss since going gluten free, bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and salt and pepper, mmm. 🙂

  30. Abby on June 1, 2011 at 11:58 am

    That pudding you made sounds so good! 🙂

    I just started following your blog a few days ago and I tried your famous breakfast cookie today! 🙂 Pretty tasty!

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:14 pm

      yay! i’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂

  31. Emily on June 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    I recently stumbled across your site, and I just wanted to say how much I enjoy it! Also, thanks for the quote you shared today. My seize-the-day skills have been lacking recently, so that was just what I needed to hear.

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:14 pm

      thanks so much for saying hi- glad you liked the quote 🙂

  32. Kristen @ Chocolate Covered Kristen on June 1, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Cereal never does it for me, either… 45 min later and I need something else.

    They changed the name to the “Food Guide Pyramid” to emphasize that it isn’t for everyone, but a starting point and an educational tool. In terms of servings of grains, 6-11 isn’t that much if you break down your day: 1 bowl of oatmeal at breakfast (1 serving), 2 slices of bread at lunch (2 servings), 1 C of rice at dinner (2 servings), plus the granola/crackers/bars etc you have as a snack is easily six servings.

  33. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat on June 1, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    From what I’ve heard/read, this one will definitely be more consumer friendly, which is great. The simpler the message, the better.

  34. Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free on June 1, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I agree with the one size fits all mentality being a little off. I was just thinking how I wanted indian food how did I forget that its indian food wednesday!?

  35. jen @ taste life on June 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I heard about the new food plate instead of pyramid – looking forward to checking it out. Remember when there were just four food groups? I can’t even remember what they were….dairy, meat, fruits/veggies, grains? Maybe? What about coconut butter and hemp seeds and raw cashews???

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:13 pm

      right?

  36. Katie on June 1, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    I love puffins!!! I have not had them in forever!!!

    Hope you had a great day!!!

    xoxo I miss u!!!

  37. Alexa @ Simple Eats on June 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I’m so intrigued by that banana pudding, I’ll definitely need to try it…maybe tomorrow morning for breakfast!

  38. Krystina (Organically Me) on June 1, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    I think the food pyramid core ideas are good ones – eat more fresh produce, whole grains, and reduce portions – but I think it should be followed loosely. Do whatever makes your body thrive. 😀

    That bagel sandwich looks amazing.

  39. ellalinea on June 1, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    That cereal looks amazing! 🙂 I’m also curious about the new food pyramid, be sure to do a post in it pleaaaase :))

  40. Gina (Yogattude) on June 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    Banana cream protien pudding…yummmm! I finally broke down and got a Vitamix and it is truly life-changing!!! I’m seriously sitting at work, thinking about the next thing I want to create (and blog reading, of course!)

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:12 pm

      hahah! welcome to the vita obsession

  41. Colleen on June 1, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    I’m attending a webinar tomorrow at work for the new plate release–I’m excited!! I think reference points are really helpful for people as they first start to change their eating habits before they have the confidence/knowledge/ability to personalize their eating plans.

  42. The Teenage Taste on June 1, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    What is this talk about a new food pyramid? I never knew this was supposed to be happening! Ooops, I guess I am out of the loop! Can’t wait to see what it says…I still think chocolate should have it’s own food group…who’s with me?! 😉

  43. Sam on June 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    6 services of grains is not too much if you work out as much as Gina does!

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:11 pm

      that’s still a lot of grains!

      • SAM on June 1, 2011 at 10:20 pm

        Yeah probably:) I eat SOOO many beans, and HATE vegetables so I get a lot of carbs:) Don’t worry – I drink amazing grass.

  44. Allison @ Food For Healing on June 1, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    a new food pyramid? im very curious to see this. i hate the old one so much, its ridiculous.
    what is the new one going to have? Mcdonalds? burgers and fries as a main food group? lol lets hope not!

  45. Brenda on June 1, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    Ooh, be sure to post what you find about the new food pyramid. I teach a nutrition unit every year to my second graders. They LOVE learning about it!

  46. kaila @ healthy helper! on June 1, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Looks like some good snacks for the day! I am curious to see the new pyramid too!

  47. Jena on June 1, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Reader’s Request – how to tone that jiggly bit under your (my) arms.
    I’ve managed to tone my triceps on the side of my arm, but that underneath part isn’t firming up.
    Help please!!!
    🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:10 pm

      that’s mostly clean eating and cardio 🙂

  48. britt on June 1, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    i’m anxious to see the new food pyramid for sure.

    wish i had known it’s national running day, i would have tried a little harder to fit my run in. i got dressed for it but my fussy baby sucked all the energy out of me so we went for a walk instead. walks always calm both of us.

  49. Babs on June 1, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I made my first indian meal the other day **pats self on back** and when my hubby took leftovers to work he said a co-worker commented on how amazing it smelled 🙂 I was so proud. It was a coconut base with lots of seasoning and I used pumpkin & peas!

    Instead of spending all this money on these new “eat this much of this” the government should be educating people on the harms of dairy and making fruits/veggies cheap!

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2011 at 10:10 pm

      that sounds amazing!

  50. Dee on June 1, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    I didn’t even know they re-did the food pyramid. I am really curious to see it though. 🙂

    ps. I love that quote!

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