Hi everyone! You are all seeing this post now but I actually put this together a few days ago (I love the magic of technology). When this posts for you, I imagine I will be enjoying the kick off to Thanksgiving week with my loved ones far away from technology. And hope you are all doing the same. I know the holidays can be hectic and for some, super stressful but I hope we are all able to settle into gratitude b/c we are all so blessed.

Today I am sharing this AMAZINGLY HEALTHY cookie recipe that I initially made as an 'experiment' after watching the Karlie Kloss recipe video below!  Experimenting with recipes in the kitchen can actually be so much fun! It used to intimidate me but, not anymore. I have created plenty of epic fails that landed in the trash can but, sometimes I get it right.

So, yes, I was watching Karlie Kloss's YouTube video (P.S. I love her and she motivated me to learn how to code - Merci Karlie) of her making a healthy version of Peanut Butter Cookies.  I didn't have any peanut butter, so, I substituted (here is where the experiment began) fresh roasted almond butter. Here's the thing....once you have fresh roasted almond butter, it's hard to ever go back to almond butter in a container. It's a must try!

Anddd thennnn I got the idea (smile) to use half a cup of gluten free flour and a big scoop of Vega Sport Performance Protein (Vanilla). And this was a DELISH decision! You can read my blog below to learn more about Vega Sport Performance Protein!

These cookies are protein packed (thanks to Vega), gluten free, soy free, grain free & dairy free. And nope, no refined sugars! You will not get that sugar crash after eating them rather, you will gain energy. These will now be a staple in my home.

Thank you Karlie Kloss for your scrumptious recipe ideas! And I encourage all of you to choose your favorite recipes and tweek them to your liking.  Two ladies who I am personally inspired by in the kitchen are Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows & Anna Shadid of Gorgeous Gut! Both have delicious recipes on their sites with variations of some of our favorite comfort foods. 

Almond Butter Protein Packed Cookie Recipe (original version by Karlie Kloss):

A cup & a half of fresh roasted almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extractZ
½ cup oil (I highly recommend Organic Coconut Oil)
½ cup maple syrup
½ tsp sea salt
½ teff flour (aka gluten free flour)
1 big scoop of Vega Sport Performance Protein -Vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°F. Set aside an ungreased cookie sheet.
In a large bowl combine dry ingredients, set aside.
In a food processor blend syrup, oil, vanilla and almond butter.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; blend well. If the dough seems too dry to shape, continue to mix.
Shape dough into walnut size balls. Place on cookie sheet and flatten gently with the tines of a fork. Bake about 13-15 minutes. Cool on wire rack. And enjoy!

Below is Karlie Kloss's actual recipe if you prefer peanut butter! I also think Vega Sport Peformance Protein in Chocolate would be yummm with the peanut butter recipe!

I hope all of you have a gratitude filled & joyful Thanksgiving ahead! My next blog will be the week of Dec. 18th (& my next blog will also be my last of 2015)!

Are all of you so excited for the holidays?! This weekend, Chicago was greeted with the biggest snowfall in documented '120 year history of the city'! Wow! It was that soft & fluffy snow which was absolutely beautiful! And I think it got everyone into the holiday spirit.

If you are like me, your mind is stirring about what holiday gifts to purchase for friends & family! I always love to give (and receive...hint hint mom) gifts that contribute to my wellness journey. And I have an ideal gift idea for your friends & fam who are into fitness (Note: This could mean fitness via working out or even shopping...shopping is exercise too)!!

I'm really (genuinely) excited to introduce Snapshots of Wellness readers to Vega's NEW Vega Sport Performance Protein!

The Vega Team keeps upping the ante as far as leading in the industry with the absolute highest quality of ingredients via their products for their community. I believe they have the highest quality protein on the market. And it's one of the TWO biggest reasons why I personally drink Vega daily! Do you want to know the other reason? TASTE!

My mornings have consistency started with a Vega One Chocolate or Vanilla shake daily for a very long time. And now my afternoon and/or evening snack, is a Vanilla Vega Sport Performance Protein smoothie! I know I am getting a protein filled, nutrient & antioxidant packed breakfast quickly each day. And the taste is the BEST! Let me tell ya that I have trialed the majority (I think I have tried all) of Vega's competitors and the taste of Vega products are pure deliciousness (and the most clean nutrition in a glass).

So, now Vega went and listened further to their community! You wanted MORE protein for your Vega Sport post-workout shake?! Well, you got it!!! You asked. Vega answered. The Vega Team has launched it's 'New Vega Sport Performance Protein' which has been formulated to assist you in reaching your 'competitive edge'  by not only reducing recovery time but also so that you can perform again that much better. I know that was a long sentence (haha-phew) but it's an important one!

This product is PERFECT for that friend, co-worker, sibling, etc. who travels a lot, works out often, runs marathons/half marathons, runs after children all day or who is recovering from any illness. This is a gift to our bodies!

What has been added to this formulation that I am super stoked about? Vega Sport Performance Protein has an additional 5 grams of protein and added performance ingredients like turmeric, tart cherry, and probiotics, Vega Sport Performance Protein now offers 30 grams of multisource plant-based protein, 6 grams BCAAs, and 6 grams glutamine, to help athletes build and repair strong muscles and reduce recovery time post-workout.

Vega Sport Performance Protein is an Informed Choice certified plant-based protein shake that is Non-GMO Project verified, certified vegan, gluten-free and made without dairy or soy ingredients, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Each clean protein serving contains:

• 30 grams of premium and complete, plant-based protein
• 6 grams of each BCAAs and glutamine
• Performance ingredients turmeric, tart cherry, and probiotics (1 billion CFUs)
• Bromelain, a source of natural enzymes made from pineapple to help support digestion

Notes from the Vega Site:
Vega Sport Performance Protein is made from pea, pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein for a complementary amino acid profile that tastes great. Best consumed 45 to 90 minutes after a workout, Vega Sport Performance Protein can be enjoyed shaken with water or non-dairy beverage or blended in a smoothie. Vega Sport Performance Protein is a key component of the Vega Sport Nutrition System, a three-stage system made for before, during, and after training.

I also want to add that Vega Sport Performance Protein is a really healthy option for those of you healing from any acute or chronic illness. Adrenal fatigue anyone? Thyroid health? Gut health? Consider adding this to your healing arsenal!

I think when numerous people hear of a 'new' product, we kind of scroll through the ingredients at lightening speed prior to purchasing. I am encouraging all of you to 'take your time' with understanding the ingredient list of Vega Sport Performance Protein. And then you will fully understand why I am gaga over this product (and all of the Vega products).

Let's just look at a few of the ingredients quickly.
Glutamine: During intense training, Glutamine levels are greatly depleted in your body, which decreases strength, stamina and recovery. It could take up to 6 days for Glutamine levels to return to normal - and Glutamine plays a key role in protein synthesis. Studies have shown that L-Glutamine supplementation can minimize breakdown of muscle and improve protein metabolism.

Glutamine plays key roles in protein metabolism, cell volumizing, and anti-catabolism. Glutamine also increases your ability to secrete Human Growth Hormone, which helps metabolize body fat and support new muscle growth. Glutamine's anti-catabolism ability prevents the breakdown of your muscles.

30 GRAMS of protein?!!! And did you really read over where Vega's protein source(s) are from?! Vega Sport Performance Protein is made from pea, pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein for a complementary amino acid profile that tastes great. Yes, I mentioned that earlier but really educate yourselves on these various 'seed's and you will see all of the healing benefits!

BCAA's (branched amino acids) are really important for 'recovery' after a workout of any kind. Why? BCAAs are prominent (highly prominent) in muscle tissue, and can account for around fourteen to eighteen percent of its amino acid make-up. For this reason, BCAAs are important for muscle protein synthesis (muscle damage reduction...even mental clarity). Google BCAA's benefits and you'll learn a ton!

Finally, the fact that they added in tumeric & a whole host of ingredients to aid in eliminating inflammation & digestion just impresses me.....beyond. We need to KNOW what you are putting into your body folks and make sure it is of highest quality!

There are SO many more benefits (dairy free, soy free, gluten free, no sugar added), etc. Are you jumping on board w/ me yet to try Vega Sport Performance Protein?!

I personally love the Vanilla & Chocolate best. I toss a scoop of either into my Vitamix, add about a cup and a half of unsweetened almond milk and blend.  It's THAT SIMPLE!

So, I will start to wrap this up by letting you know where to purchase! You can head over to the Vega site for a store locator near you. If you are in Chicago, they sell Vega at all of the Whole Foods & I am sure numerous other places (I go to WF on Kingsbury)!

And hey, lastly, if you are not a 'smoothie' or 'shake' type of guy or gal, Vega has a TON of recipes to get creative with Vega Sport Performance Protein - head on over to whip somethin' up. And some suggestions of my own are adding Vega Sport Peformance Protein to your acai bowl (sooooooo yum), cookie batter (yes, recipe coming soon) or energy bites! I have added to gluten free flour as the dry ingredients to numerous recipes. Knowing I am increasing my whole plant based foods ingredient list makes my body (and me) feel I am loving myself.

OH wait....the TASTE! Rich - Decadent - Creamy/Smooth - Filling - Deliciousness!!!!!

And that's a wrap.....I think that about covers it (0:

Snapshots of Wellness wants to wish you & yours the healthiest & most joy filled holidays ahead!

For the remainder of 2015, I will be focused on my real life adventure off of the blog. There is a possibility I will blog once or twice via the 'Daily' as well as adding articles to other 'tab's above but, because I cannot promise that, I wanted to wish you all a sparkly winter season ahead!

I personally learn the most 'in the trenches'.  I have always been this 'tactile' person who likes to touch, feel & experience all of life! In other words, I don't want to read about organic recipes from sustainable gardens - I want my hands underneath the soil, pulling up veggies. I enjoy the cooking and crafting of recipes. I want to meet you in person - wrap my arms around your shoulders  - meet you for coffee vs. read about you in an article. This need for tactile experiences extends to all areas of my life. I have very literally gained my health/wellness education by actually living it out through my personal journey. And then I of course, write about it after the fact.

This year on Snapshots of Wellness, I shared absolutely every single thing that I learned about wellness from the experts that I have interacted with (across the entire country). And my hope & prayer is that you feel better educated on wellness by reading Snapshots of Wellness. If I was able to help you on your health & wellness journey then, my heart feels thrilled!

I'd like my 2015 closing written words for SW to be this:
Life is genuinely spectacular, joy filled & so deeply meaningful that it takes your breath away. And this 'life' that I am referring to exists right in your heart. It's 'IN' you. It's a grace filled gift from God. So, no matter what season you are in right now - living in abundance & healthy - stressed & fear filled or experiencing trials & pain - just reach toward God to find the 'sweet' in your day to day. Reach for God to find the 'love' in this season of your life. There is always a duality to love that plays out in every single experience of all of our lives. What I mean is, when you choose to love fully, you will experience pain as well because love is a beautiful messy experience. And yet if you choose love, life pretty much becomes magical (even in the hardest times). Allow God to love you & your heart until your heart is so tender that it could melt (0: Let Him take you exactly where He wants to take you. Say 'Here I am, send me' (Isaiah 6:8). Go on the journey of a lifetime. Abandon 'safety' for Him.  Let Him change you - grow you - transform you entirely until you are unrecognizable.

Thank you all for such a wonderful blogging experience in 2015! I am deeply grateful because this was a shared experience for all of us collectively on SW. Love to you all. 

What is the point of all of this, if you are not going to let it change you? Francis Chan