OMG CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES

Alright people. I got something to tell ya. THIS girl is running the mini marathon! I know what you might be thinking, "yea yea I know tons of people who run the mini every year". But for me, it's a pretty big deal!

Being an athlete since I was a wee little tike, I was always "in shape" but i was never "a runner".. Chris hates when people say that :] but it's true. I never ran more than a mile at a time.. ever. That is, until I went through Bridging the Wellness Gap last year.  In the beginning, the running workouts were my LEAST favorite out of everything in the program. But by the time that it was over, running was one of my favorite things about it! Once I learned how to make the connection, or "Bridge the Gap" if you will, with my spirit, mind & body, another thing I learned through BTWG, running had a whole new purpose! Now, don't get me wrong, it does suck sometimes, and there are alot of days where it's the very last thing that I want to do, but the feeling I get once my run is over makes it all worth it.  Euphoria, accomplished, proud of myself, unstoppable, happy, strong, humbled... just to name a few.

So anyway, back to the mini, I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon to prove to myself that I could do it. Being a weenie and not wanting to do it alone, I knew my sister in law would totally be up for the challenge. She is flying in from Georgia to run it with me! Having someone to keep you accountable, even if its from a few states away, helps more than you can imagine. We talk and text daily about our diet, our workouts, and our daily struggles or accomplishments. I recommend everyone finds an accountability partner, and I am so blessed to have mine be my sister-in-law!

This picture was taken last year at race that we did at a winery, we ran the 5 mile and our moms walked the 5k. We had a blast! 

I have been training like crazy for this race and I am determined to run the entire 13.1 miles. With hard training comes big eating. duh. I am always starving after my long runs, and that's where these pancakes come in. These pancakes. OMG. That's literally all I can say. OMG OMG OMG. My new favorite meal. Ever. OMG. [drool...going to make some more of them right now].

These pancakes are so good that I made them for Kyle and he had no idea that they weren't made from boxed pancake batter! Last weekend he said "I cant believe you're eating pancakes for breakfast". LITTLE DID HE KNOW THEYRE HEALTHY HAHAHAHAHAHAHA GOTCHA!

I came across this recipe at this blog: http://www.spoonfuloffit.com and decided to try it. I made some substitutions like using almond flour instead of oat flour and honey instead of stevia, but they turned out AMAZING. OMG. I have made these a few different ways. The first ingredient calls for a scoop of protein powder. I have both chocolate and vanilla flavored, so I just decide which one I'm in the mood for that day. If I am having a chocolate day, I like to add some almond butter to the batter or spread almond butter on top of the pancake. If I am having a vanilla day, I make this:

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop protein powder (I have Sunwarrior Vanilla, it's a raw plant based protein powder)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon non-fat greek yogurt (I just used Fage)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon honey
• pinch of salt
• maple syrup 

1. In a mixing bowl combine protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon & salt
2. add in egg whites, greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and then fold in raisins
3. mix until pancake-like consistency
4. Bring the skillet to medium heat, and add spoonfuls of batter to form a pancake
5. Cook until you have used all of the batter 
6. top with maple syrup and EAT EAT EAT

This made about 3 nice sized fluffy pancakes, enough for one person. When I'm cooking for kyle and I, I just double the recipe. Like I said, I have switched it up based on what flavor protein powder  that I use, so try some new concoctions and see how it turns out! And if you come up with something yummy then make sure to share it with me. Because I love yummy food. duh. :] 

I will rave about these pancakes forever because they're that amazing. You need to try them. PLEASE try them. I'm pretty much begging you. But it's your own loss if you dont :]

OMG. PANCAKES.