Home Mae-d Gluten Free, Vegan + Paleo Christmas Cookies!

I LOVE Christmas! Who Doesn't!?

I wanted to create some healthy cookie recipes for all you that are guilt free!

Not only are these cookies super clean but they are vegan and paleo too! 

*The gingerbread have honey but it can substituted for maple syrup

These are also the first recipes I have mae-d in a while that also have a video! 

If you try these or do any other holiday baking we want to see!  post a photo on instagram and #maemovement #homemaed 

Watch the video HERE!

I hope you are all enjoying the Mae-hem of the Holidays! ;)

Blessings,

Haley and Dee 

XX

WOD Around The Christmas Tree- Dasher!

Hello Movers! 

We wanted to share a quick workout with you all today. The craziness of getting ready for Chrsitmas can be stressful and it is so important that we are mae-king time for ourselves as well. If you are short on time, because honestly who isn't these days, then give this quick, fat busting cardio workout a try! 

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins!

I have been mae-king a ton of protein muffins lately because of how on the go my schedule is. They are so simple to mae-k and you can easily take them with you. I love these little babies post workout because they are high in protein, but low in carbs so I can still have my fruit and yogurt with them! they are,

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

and

Paleo Approved!

I use frozen Strawberries because when you chop them they do not loose the juice and when you bake the muffins the oxygen that is stored in the berries releases making them almost foamy and they puff up instead of becoming like watery mushed fruit. 

I Use Dr. Mercola Whey Protein, but you can use Brown rice and add more strawberries. 

If you buy dehydrated Strawberries and grind them up in a food processor they become a powder, which would also work. 

If you guy try any of our recipes #maemovement and #Maekandbake so we can see!

Enjoy!

xx

Haley + Dee 

Mocha-Coco Protein Muffins

I have had MANY attempts when baking with protein powder and let me just say these are by far the best muffins ever! They are not airy like most protein muffins, these are dense and delicious :) The ingredients list is a bit long but let me tell you its worth it!

* I continue to add Almond Milk because the Physillium Husk Makes the batter very thick.

*Add stevia to taste I used about 1 cup.

For a dairy free option you can can omit the Greek Yogurt and add Soy or Almond Yogurt.

This mae-d about 18 muffins.

I take 2 with me for after my morning workout. They are low cal, so I also eat fruit and yogurt with nuts and granola !

Enjoy!

P.S. We are working on our Christmas recipes, stay tuned!

xx

Skin Saver Smoothie!

I don't know about you but once the clock's go back, and my mornings are greeted by a frosty lawn and   a very chilly walk to my car, my skin goes crazy! I start glopping up with heavy duty moisturizer, lip balm and hand cream. We all know it is important to take care of your skin but it does not stop as products. What we eat and drink plays a major role in keeping your skin healthy! This Smoothie recipe is the perfect balance to not only enhance the moisture in you skin, but also aid in anti-againg and luminosity!

Why is this smoothie so A-MAE-ZING!?!?!

• Coconut Oil -which helps keep skin supple and healthy with emollients, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
• Spinach-which prevents oxidative stress (when UV rays cause damage or dull-looking skin).
• Strawberries- are a major anti-inflammatorie. 
• Peanut Butter- Protein rich and a great source Vitamin B6 which aids in Metabolism.
• Bananas-Full of Potassium, Rich in Vitamin A, B and E, hence the anti-aging benefits.  
• *A fresh mashed banana works wonders as a face mask :) 

Why the need for Extras?!?!

Depending on your activity level this smoothie can make a great Post-Workout as well! We have a Vegan option too! 

• Adding the Tofu and or Protein Powder adds the essential building blocks for muscle recovery. 
• The Raw Cocoa is rich in Anti-oxidants and provides the body natural energy! 
• Pumpkin seeds are one of the most protein rich seeds. They also have a long list of benefits! 
• Help the body create ATP for energy
• Rich in Zinc for immunity
• plant based omega-3's 
• Anti-inflammatory 

This particular smoothie was post workout so I added half a scoop of 

• Mercola banana whey protein 
• few cubes of Tofu 

Enjoy! 

Home-Mae-d Tofurky Dinner Collard Wraps

I have been trying to incorporate more Vegan meals into my daily diet. I must say I have really been enjoying a veggie based meal! 

Collard wraps are one of my favorite go-to lunch options, they are great to take with you to work and school. Plus you pack a ton of nutrients into one wrap! 

• Collards are packed with Vitamins A,C, and K.
• They are also a great source of Folate which is a B Vitamin.
• As well and Magnesium, Calcium and Fiber to help with digestion! 
• Collards have anti-inflammatory benefits and help with cardiovascular support. 

This particular wrap was inspired by a popular local sandwich here in Delaware called the "Bobby." It Consists of your classic Thanksgiving leftovers, Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce. I loosely based my recipe of the Bobby because at one time... when I ate subs, it was my favorite! 

P.S. I will be uploading a new video on Haleshealth today all about why I chose to go Gluten and Wheat Free. Plus find out some of my favorite snacks! 

Enjoy! 

Haley

xx

MAE-k and Bake... Peanut Butter Pumpkin Brownies

Every Fall I seem to consume more pumpkin than the year before. I am not complaining, but thus far I have used 5 cans of pumpkin puree and it is not even half way through October.
This new recipe is hands down the best pumpkin recipe I have whipped up! I tend to eyeball ingredients a lot when I am baking healthy because the chemistry just is not the same when you are using ingredients like protein powder, coconut flour and stevia...

If anyone tries this recipe post it to instagram and tag @haleymcairo and #maemovement #Maek&bake.... you could win some Mae Movement Bracelets ;)

Preheat your over to 350F

In a mixing bowl combine....


1/4 cup Hersheys Dark Cocoa Powder
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder ( you can use vanilla too, I use the Mercola brand )
1/4 cup Stevia
1/4 tsp Vanilla extract
2 Tb Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
1/8 tsp Baking Powder and Baking Soda
2-3 Tb Coconut Flour ( I add more if I need to thicken the batter)
2 Tb Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Un-sweetened Almond Milk
2 Egg Whites

Pour into greased loaf pan or brownie pan. ( cook time will vary ) I used a loaf pan.

Next Combine...

1/2 can Pumpkin Puree
1/2 cup Un-sweetened Almond Milk
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Stevia
2 TB Organic Yogurt Chips (optional)
2-3 Tb coconut Flour
1/8 baking soda and baking powder
eyeball- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice, Ginger

Pour mixture on top of the brownie mixture

divide up 1 TB Peanut Butter throughout the mixture.

In a small ball combine....

1 tsp coco powder
stevia
almond milk

makes a sauce like consistency
Swirl on top before baking.

Bake for 45-50 minutes

Enjoy!

Stop Thinking, Start Feeling

You know when you when you have those moments where you wake and realize how fast your life is going by. I know for me this happens A LOT whenever I am going through some sort of trial in life. I think it is because it makes me appreciate the times when I am feeling good. Now I do not mean to say that right now everything is bad for me. No things are great in certain areas and others not so much. Unfortunately the “not so much” areas affect the goods ones causing me to feel down all over. 

It is no secret I have a sleep issue. I have written about it before. Most of my posts on social media happen at 3 o’clock in the morning. I do not expect people to sympathize with me on this because it is very difficult to understand unless you go through it yourself…. And believe me when I say, I do not wish it on anybody.

I have a whole lot of time to think, compared to most people. In fact I have about 7 more hours to think. Humans have around 49 thoughts per minute, 2,940 thoughts per hour and about 47,040 thoughts per day. Little miss “lets only sleep two hours” over here generates around 64,680 per day. Trust me… it is sooo not worth it…. You end up worrying more, over analyzing and thinking about strange, off the wall things like this blog post for example…. But stick with me it gets less weird. 

Somewhere in one of my 64,680 thoughts I realized how this one negative thing in my life is setting me back from so many positive things in my life and you know what? That really stinks. I am an active person I am always trying to beat my best times in a run, or challenge my self with new workout or training method. I have to really push myself when I have not slept because I get down. I’m tired. I do not want to see anyone or do anything.  It is very easy to fall in to a pity party. I feel like I am slipping away from my goals. Work seems harder, school is nearly impossible and training is on and off. I am a little OCD, I like to control things in my life, I hyper-focus. So this is very frustrating for me. 

Now for the important part J

This past Weekend my boyfriend Jordan and our friends Mark and Natalie were in a Sprint Triathlon. I went to cheer them on and be the photographer, surprise, surprise. We all take classes together at our local gym and they are all insanely fit. No really, they’re insane. I am always so impressed by them; they are go, go, go all the time. They train so hard, but they have fun with it too, it’s bonding for them and you can tell they really love what they are doing. It makes them happy. They MAE-k the time for themselves to do these things, even though they have jobs, families and other everyday circumstances just like the rest of us. They did not get this way over night. They made the decision somewhere down the road. They chose this. They stepped out of their comfort zone to make the necessary changes in their lives to MAE-k it happen.  People who I happen to know, who do not do these kinds of things, I do not mean just physical activities but branching out and trying new things is not their strong suit… yet, always ask why? Why do you kill yourself to at the gym? Why would you run that long? I now have an answer.

In those moments when your crossing the finish line, ripping through the forest or doing whatever it is that gives you that all or nothing feeling, that adrenaline rush.  Maybe for you it’s something different like dancing or playing music. Your brain thinks about that moment. It’s not consumed with 49 thoughts about tomorrow, or next week or even 10 years from now. So if we spent more time doing the things that gave us that rush, we would decrease the amount of negative thoughts that run though our minds. Creating an over all happier more positive life. MAE-ks sense right? 

A new school year is coming up, it is a fresh start and I am sure there are some things that maybe you did not get to try this summer or maybe finish? Now is your time. I am challenging all of our movers; Dee and I included starting this year with a new outlook.  It does not have to be as drastic or thrill seeking as a triathlon or jumping from a plane… I know I am getting ahead of myselfJ We all need time away from reality. You need the feeling of thinking nothing, trust me it great.

I decided to MAE-K this a challenge for the next two months we will be posting challenges for everyone. You will all have a chance to win A-MAE-ZING prices! The best of all though is the one that you are giving yourself J I will have more info in the following week on how to participate. In the meantime start thinking about the things in your life you maybe use to do, want to do

How can you stop thinking and start feeling.

Much Love,

Haley

Xx 

What I Learned This Week- FIREFLY 2013

So Firefly was the most a-mae-zing experience. Never have I seen such a colorful group of people. Reflecting on it puts such a smile on my and on my heart because not only did I get to hear and see some of my favorite bands and share my vision of Mae Movement with thousands of people, but I was with the people that I love most.

Granit I see them almost everyday, but there was something different about working Firefly with them. It was like going to battle. Up at 6am… well 2:30 in my case and home by 3 am. We did this from Thursday to Sunday. Tired? Yes, extremely.

With my sleeping disorder I cannot help but go into a state of sarcastic snappiness. In my head I know I sound awful, but it’s as if I have no control over. Dee always says she has to love me through it. My best friend in the entire world Ali has to deal with me too. I love her more than she will ever know and the fact that she stuck it out put up with me and worked all weekend shows her strength and I know she loves me and my family or she wouldn’t do it. Then there is Jordan, my boyfriend, who drove down Friday and sat in 6 hours of traffic before turning around to go home. That alone would make me not want to attempt the drive again. However he finished work on Saturday and headed back down to Firefly.  He worked with us till 1 am and then did it again Sunday and was there to help us breakdown our setup and load it all up in to the car. He and Ali both did an A-Mae-zing job sharing the Mae Movement story. I was so prod of them, I felt like all of us and of course Dee were such a team!

It really Mae-ks you appreciate the people in your life. No one said Ali and Jordan had to work and help me out but they did and that mover’s is love.  There were plenty of times throughout the weekend where we wanted to call it quits, pack up and go home. We were so tired at some points through out the day that when we were telling people about the bracelets we accidentally said they were from France! Needless to say we were kicking on caffeine and the realization that the longer we stayed awake and worked the closer we were to sleep again. 

Working together Mae-d us all closer. It Mae-d me appreciate the people in my life and the opportunities God has blessed me with. Now this is only a fraction of why this past Firefly weekend was A-MAE-ZING but I wanted to share with everyone that for the people in your life that mean the most to you, the next time you see them give them a hug and let them know how much they mean to you. You will Mae-k their day, I promise. 

Enjoy The Ride

Enjoy The Ride

Here we go again. I know, I know, Haley with her crazy analogies. This one is big though, so hang tight.

For months, maybe even a good year, I have dealt with self-sabotage. Not being successful enough, thin enough, and smart enough. I let anxiety get the best of me. I was stuck in a narrow-minded way of thinking and was not to open to trying other ways. These thought patterns affected everything from my career, diet, fitness and sleep. I was trying to do things my way, certainly not Gods way. I spent time reading my devotionals, praying, asking for guidance. I had it all wrong though. God wants his children to be “strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy31:6)

Being strong physically can help you be strong spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

I could give advice on things I was struggling with, but did not have a will power to do it myself… that is kind of messed up, don’t you think?

Recently some people have come into my life that I am very thankful for and am blessed to know. With out even realizing it they are helping me to grow and break thorough a lot of what is holding me back. For instance, I have been so afraid of not sleeping I have weird rules about not eating late. Or I get very rigid in my diet and workout routine. Its makes it very hard for me to plan things, commit or enjoy just being present in certain moments. I wanted to enjoy life, who doesn’t! I started doing an intense interval training class and realized the people around me had something I didn’t. peace. Granit I am sure there are things they struggle with too but in this particular area they had peace because it was not about what they looked like. It was about what they could do. How hard could they push themselves to get through to the end. I left my first class feeling invigorated like I had just tapped into something completely new. This past month I have continued the class, along with other high intensity classes and even tried crossfit. My thought patterns began to change. I did not worry about what I looked like; I just focused on how I was physically improving. What I was capable of doing and let me tell you the body is an amazing machine and if you let it, it can do things you did not know were possible. I have not felt so alive and excited about life like I do know while everyone’s movement may not be nutrition and fitness the concept works for everyone. We work so hard to achieve goals, happiness and satisfaction. What does it really matter though if we are not enjoying the process? The best part of the adventure is getting there right? Whether you have exams coming up or a big presentation at work, you can find peace in the process. If you worry about that final grade or how your boss will react, your not enjoying it are you? Instead focus on how you’re going to study and prepare. What can you do to better your study skills or you speaking skills? Who can you go to for guidance? How can you make the process something you will look back on and say? “Wow that was awesome, I feel good about what I accomplished and it even brought me closer to my final goal”.  What are some things that you have been trying to accomplish that seem to go know where fast? So step back and look at your life. Are you doing things for the right reason? Are you faithful and hopeful? This can help you have positive lasting strength in life! So ask yourself.

 Are you enjoying the ride? 

Keep it Simple

Keep it Simple

Lately I have been given the chance to have some good talks with my padre. Being that I still do not have my car he drives into the city to pick me up and we have a good 20 minutes to catch-up.

He noticed a difference in me, and my attitude and I was not so quick to anger, I would not be negative or crude. I was just down right jolly and I don’t think he knew how to handle it.

One day he finally just was like, “ What is this whole Mae Movement, Tone it up thing doing to you?!” I explained that I realized something about life that I had never thought of before. He was always asking me questions and than having some sort of realization, where I just wanted to smack him on the head and be like “DUH!” Or sometimes I would listen to him and think about how many dreams he has but always puts a negative block on them.

If you know me in person, than you know I suffer from anxiety and to be honest I could be pretty darn negative too. I would let that nasty self-talk paralyze me and I could get real snappy, really fast. You know what though… it is not worth it. Life is way to short to sweat the small stuff and try and over analyze everything. We think way to much. You just have to go with the flow, dive in and be terrified. The greatest things in life happen when you’re terrified. Right now for me, I am extremely terrified and it’s awesome. I love the free fall.  I am really trying to take each day and make the absolute best of it. When I can’t workout, I use to become an anxious mess. Now I feel more relaxed than Bob Marley… btw his birthday was yesterday… you should all know that ;)

There are many possible life lessons’ I could touch on but one thing that was very present in my Dad’s conversations were these excuses that he had and I just wanted to scream, “do something about it!” “Your alive, dude, stop waiting!” Saying you do not go out, see friends or try something you say you have wanted to do for a long time. Whatever it is your complicating it. I Promise. I had to break through this myself and this is what I had to repeatedly try and get through my often-thick head.

      So Why Complicate Life?

Missing somebody?                                                    ....Call

Wanna to meet up?                                                  …Invite

Wanna be understood?                                            …Explain

Have Questions?                                                        …Ask

Don’t Like Something?                                              …Say it

Like something?                                                        …State it

Want something?                                                      …Ask for it

Love someone?                                                          …Tell it

We just have one life. Keep it simple.

                        Love

                       Haley <3 

                         xx