I love muffins. Wait, no. I love muffin tops. Not the ones that are glued to my sides, but the ones I eat. I love them. Whoever decided to just sell muffin tops in stores is a complete genius. And these muffin tops in this recipe are by far the best ones I’ve ever made. You’ll be quite happy to try these muffins. The bf didn’t agree, but sometimes, he’s just wrong.
Enough about muffin tops. I want to talk about exercise. Yes, yes I do. So I wanted to chat about fitness, the ups and the downs, and creating a workout you love to do. That’s honestly why I started this blog in the first place. To not only talk about food, but what life is like when you CrossFit every day.
I have been struggling with CrossFit for a little less than a year now. After Regionals last year, I injured my shoulder, then I injured my elbow. It led to me taking a step back from competing. And since I wasn’t competing anymore, I wanted to look different. I had gained over 30 pounds, some muscle and some fat, and wasn’t comfortable in that body anymore. My body didn’t look like the ripped CrossFitters out there who become lean and more muscular, I just had more weight on me. And I hated it. So I stopped working out multiple times a day, cut back my weights, and started running more. But running more led to other injuries. Pretty much my body has been feeling like it’s falling apart and I’ve been upset and frustrated constantly about it.
But the thing is, I’m not one to stop working out. I would look like a bowl of tapioca pudding if I did. So I stopped going over head in CrossFit and I kept running, mixing it up with some sprint work as well as “longer” distances. I put the “” down because I run 2.5 miles, which is long for me. By the end, I feel like my body is crumbling. Literally, crumbling. My awkward turtle body was just not meant for running.
Anywho. I wanted to talk about this because I want it to be proof that you can create your own kind of CrossFit. Or really, any workout. I think a lot of people are intimidated by CrossFit or by a gym or a certain kind of workout, but they shouldn’t be. I’ve created a workout that I’ve begun to love again and look forward to because I’m changing my body and feeling good in my skin. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Last year, it was all about hitting personal records, not crying during muscle ups, and making it as far as I could in Regionals. Now it’s about not hurting during a workout, fitting into shorts and jeans, and feeling good in Mexico. Funny how priorities change.
I don’t know why I’m talking about all of this. Most people won’t care. But maybe someone will. Because honestly, I’m writing this to say…don’t give up. Don’t ever give up in your workouts. And if you haven’t started working out yet, start today. There is no better day than today to try something new. Try Zumba, try pilates, try yoga, try cycling, try p90x, try insanity, try CrossFit, try out a fitness class at your gym, try lifting weights, try swimming, try walking/jogging/running/sprinting, try anything. The more things you try, the more you’ll begin to figure out how exercise can be fun in some way. Or at least beneficial. Ok, I’m getting off my soap box. That’s enough ranting for the week.
I really wish we had soul cycle out here. I want to try it. Any workout with good music, I’m in.
Look at these cool people who came in to CrossFit Broadway to workout and visit. They are so great. Thanks for stopping by Lauren and Ryan! You guys had good movements. I love that.
Enough about exercise, I want to talk about food.
Maple Pecan Crunch Banana Muffins
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 4 bananas (I used the extra brown ones)
- 6 dried dates, pitted
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 5 heaping tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
For the delicious topping
- 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped (I used sliced almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
- 2 heaping tablespoons almond flour/meal
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In yourfood processor, puree bananas and dried dates until you get a paste. Let it go for a while so the dates can break up completely.
- Add in eggs, coconut oil, and maple syrup and puree.
- Then add in the coconut flour. Mix. Then cocoa Powder. Mix. Then finish it off with adding the baking soda, powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix well in your food processor.
- In a separate bowl, add together the delicious topping mixture.
- Now line your muffin tin with paper muffin liners (I tried using silicone and they were a pain to get out) and use an ice cream scoop to plop batter into each muffin. It should make 12 muffins so try not to pile too high because the topping will take up a lot of room.
- Then add a heaping tablespoon of topping on each muffin and spread out around the muffin.
- Place in oven and cook for 35-40 minutes. These guys take a long time because they are so dense and wet, so check them at 35 minutes and every couple minutes after that. All you need to do is press on the top, if it give a lot, they aren’t ready. Be patient.
- Once they are cooked, let cool for at least 20 minutes. That way they will come out of the muffin liners easily.
- Then eat up and love your life.
- I did. Multiple times.
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More Muffins, Please!
Chocolate Chip Espresso Banana Bread Muffins
Double Chocolate Almond Espresso Muffins
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You just inspired me to go take my dog for a walk. I’ve put on 100lbs in the past 5 yrs due to autoimmune issues and the fact that I’m lazy and like to pig out. I’ve been slowly adapting to the paleo lifestyle and need to get my arse in gear and burn some calories. Thanks for the push to get out there and move.
What brand is that awesome orange shirt?!
This post really hit home for me…about 8 months into crossfit, I started getting injury after injury…I’m currently battling chronic bicep tendinitis and patellar tendinitis and have had to modify many of my WODs to be able to do them. It has been SO frustrating, but the only thing I cling to is the fact that I’m still trying and haven’t given up. I love what you said about creating your own CrossFit and I really hope that is a mentality shared by most of us who love this sport. It’s hard not worry about falling behind others or comparing yourself to others because your body isn’t cooperating, and I feel like I’m just getting to a point where I’m REALLY understanding that I should only be focusing on myself and getting back to 100%. So thanks for being open about your own journey! And since I’m actually commenting here, I have to say, I love your site and your recipes–you are awesome!!
It’s funny how our priorities change, but then again, life would be so boring if we didn’t have variation. I was SUPER into running a few years back, then I transistioned into weight lifting. Now I’m starting to skip some strength workouts to make sure I get in enough yoga. I enjoy seeing my body change with each stage.
You’re right, any kind of workout you enjoy is a good one.
I feel you on the injuries though. It seems like one thing pops up after another. I don’t know if I’m genetically predisposed, not drinking enough water, or not refueling correctly. Maybe I just need some time off! I dk!
PS: These muffins look amaze
This recipe looks D-Lish. Also, thank you for posting about your workouts. I started crossfit to get lean and fit, and turns out I’m just growing with muscle everywhere. So it’s time to put the PR’s down and work on a new fitness routine. Lower weights and more sprints/rowing on my own time. Plus, better eating.
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
Hey Juli!
Have you thought about incorporating yoga in to your workout routines? I do a lot of research on pubmed and the studies are all showing positive results for yoga and health benefits. 🙂
I’ve definitely gone through the rollercoaster ride of fitness. From being all excited and pushing your limits to losing the fun and passion for it all. Like you, I’ve learned to figure out what makes me feel alive and I’m okay knowing it’s not always going to be the same thing. At one point I was ALL IN to the Ironman thing and then that lost its luster and I was left putting together the pieces, having to figure out what got me excited to workout again. Now I’m obsessed with trail running and strength training, but I am signed up for an IM. I’ll make it work and then I’ll go back to doing what I love. p.s. who doesn’t love a great muffin top?!?
Juli, you are so cool and so real! I can relate to you in so many ways. Sometimes you say exactly what I’m thinking prior to even reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You’re totally inspiring. Come visit Santa Cruz, CA sometime, I think you’d like it!
Two reasons I keep coming back to this site:
1. Awesome recipes
2. Awesome dimples
Amen to the post! By the way, what kind of food processor do you use/recommend?
i have a 9 cup cuisinart