Brownie Points

So, Wednesday seems like a good day to post a great low-cal recipe so you can start looking forwards for the weekend! 

100 cal? You got my attention!

You probably don't know me that well yet but see, thing is, I am a huge healthy eater. Well, actually, scrap that. I am a woman-woman; as in: I worry about my weight more than I should. However, I stay away from fad-diets (even though I have tried a fair share... I can share my experiences later) and try to keep a balanced, active lifestyle during the week with not-so-unusual splurges on weekends because life is jus too short (and eating is just too damn good) . Above all I love food; I really do! And I absolutely love baking, so I figured I should share some of my favorite low-cal (and some not-so-low cal but totally worth it) or healthy recipes with you guys. 

To kick off this section of the blog I decided on my most recent attempt: 100 cal brownies.. Yup you heard me! I got the recipe from The Londoner blog and the moment I saw her pictures I HAD to try them... so I did! Are they good? Yes. Are they great? No, but they make the cut. They are pretty great for mid-week sweet craves and delicious heated up with a bit of low-cal protein based ice-cream (post to come on those later, stay tuned!). 

I think I over-cooked mine a little which might be why they weren't as fudgy as I expected, so keep a close eye (and ear) on that timer! Also, I substituted the low fat yogurt for greek fat free yogurt to make it completely fat-free. Also recommend adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips just for the sake of it. Try it yourself and let me know how it went! 

Ingredients
3/4 cup Low fat yogurt (I used fat free greek)
1/4 cup Skimmed milk (or almond/soy)1/2 cup Cocoa powder1/2 cup Wholegrain rolled oats (I used regular rolled oats)1/2 cup sweetner of choice 1 free range egg1 tsp Baking powderPinch of salt150g Roughly chopped pecans (or nuts of your choice) (I omitted these altogether)

Preparation

• Pre-heat your oven to 2400°F & grease a small baking tray (about 8in x 8in).

• Throw everything except the nuts into a blender. Blend until smooth. 

• Pour into tray, scatter with nuts & bung it all into the oven for 20mins.

100 cal (2 WW points +) per brownie. Calorie count is based on cutting up 9 brownies. Without the nuts and fat free yogurt you can chop off some calories too - enough to add some chocolate chips! Also works well for a 6 muffin tin (small muffins, Vita-top style)

Messy good Sunday

I once read an interview where an actress (I can't remember who) said that when things in her life weren't good she would always tidy up her bed, but when things in her life were going well, she would allow herself not to make her bed for a day - just to celebrate that there is space for messy. So this is me, on a sunny spring sunday with a beautiful unmade bed! That's right, you heard me... a whole mess of duvet, pillows, sheets, and tedy bear, all intertwined because life is good. Fair enough it was laundry day and I just washed my sheets, but hey, the metaphor is still powerful! 

Cheers to mess

Part of the reason I am celebrating with my hurricane of a room is because Miami just gave me a day worth celebrating. Licoln road had a flea market today and that was where I headed right after not making my bed. The flea market itself was dreadful. Over priced not-do-great parafernalia scattered in 6 little booths. The fail of a market did not however spoil the amazing vibe at Lincoln today - packed as usual and just so much fun. Stopped at my usual go-tos: H&M and Forever 21 but had no amazing finds to boast about... next time maybe! I could have maybe found something if H&M decided to add some fitting rooms to their store, which would have allowed me to try some stuff on! Honestly people... the line was going around the racks corner, and that was not the first time I have seen this happen. Next time I'll post a picture I promise (its a given there will be a next time with the crazy brazilians  crowds that place attracts). 

A 'small' cookie dough crunch frozen yogurt at Tasti - only 80 cal for the whole thing!!

One absolutely MUST-taste while strolling around the area is Tasti's frozen yogurt. The place has  over 100 unbelievable flavors and even more unbelievable, in a good way, calories. Flavors range from 70 - 100 cal for a small... that's a large in any normal person's standards (the one in the picture is a small!).  I will leave this as my restaurant review for the day. 

Anyone has tips for good finds at Lincoln road? Restaurants? I have some more I've been there but I'll hold the suspense... and save for later posts! Tata!