Something's Coming...

Tony had the right idea in "West Side Story."  When you feel like something exciting is coming you can't quite hold it in, and sometimes you get so excited about it you break in to song.

Now I can't say you will find a YouTube video on this post of me singing, but you can expect things to change.

I have been 24 for a little over a week now.  Every day since my birthday I have woken up with the most exciting butterfly feeling in my tummy.  Now when I get this feeling it's because I can feel great things coming around the corner.  If you follow my twitter (@MacKenzieAGreen) or facebook page you know that I am a spiritual and faith grounded person.  And with that being said I truly do believe my steps are ordered, and I just have this feeling that this year is moving me toward who and what I am meant to be.

I hate to get mushy or all preachy on here, but it felt like it needed to be said.  When I originally started this blog it was to just chronicle my life in pageantland.  Now I'm still an accidental beauty queen, but that's just one facet of the story.  I'm a soon to be accidental spin intructor, accidental financier, accidental health and wellness guru (my family has labeled me this haha), accidental fashionista, and the happy accidents go on and on.

I hope my evolution and growth are as inspiring as this blog was when it began, and I hope that you all enjoy the ride this year as much as I have enjoyed taking you all with me.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

P.s. Here are a few overdue photos from the Miss DC MAO pageant (If you're wondering I placed 2RU, but don't worry I'm still Miss DC USA 2010)...a post will come down the road about my experience in pageantry

Martha would be proud a.k.a. I'm clearly no food stylist a.k.a. I'm soooo not a photographer

It has been a while since I posted anything on my blog.

In an attempt to get back on my blogging, and to take the easy way out, I figured I'd post a few photos of some wonderful meals I've cooked and enjoyed.
 The nom-ilicious banana bread quinoa from Rabbit Food for My Bunny Teeth.  If you know me you now about my ever growing love of breakfast, quinoa, and bananas! So when I ran across this website yesterday and this recipe...it was love at first sight.  If you've never had quinoa you are missing out and I feel sorry for you.  Come on try something new!

Also you may notice the giant starbucks in the photo.  I love to start my mornings (at least during the summer) with a venti unsweetened coffee.  And if you like your coffee a little sweet, do like I do and add some stevia...leave that artificial sweetener crap alone.

This picture is further proof of my lack of food styling ability...but its absolutely delicious so that makes up for what the photograph lacks.

This lovely meal comes courtesy of the ladies at Tone It Up.  It's a quick and simple recipe that utilizes frozen veggies.  I'm not going to post the recipe, because I want to create my own spin on it...and that's the recipe I want to post down the road.

 Last but not least a delicious Glowing Green Smoothie.  Another recipe that I want to tailor differently so that y'all who read this can have an original MacKenzie Spin on a delicious classic.  I think my favorite thing about blended greens in a smoothie is the pulp, it makes the smoothies taste so filling and satisfying.

Hopefully y'all enjoy this post, and maybe it'll inspire you to take some risks in the kitchen and try something new, delicious, and good for you :-)

XOXO,
MacKenzie

The Gym Is My Sanctuary

I live at the gym regardless of whether I'm doing a pageant or not.  I swam at a national level for years, and horseback rode in competitions around the country.  Every fiber of my being is that of an athlete.  Nothing settles my mind or makes me feel more empowered than a good workout.  And when I saw workout I mean full on, Gatorade ad, pouring sweat, feeling like you'll pass out kind of workout.

So today is dedicated to my sanctuary...

I loved these Nike ads, and they are forever my mantra and dedication to my own body...I'm proud of every inch of muscle...there's nothing to hide

 I urge you today to take pride in your own body, to be proud enough to stand tall with your strong powerful shoulders, or to take pride in the gift of the one body you have and take care of it.  Push yourself and don't be afraid to go past your limits.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Leggo my Eggo...a.k.a. my not so decadent recipe to make you feel you're being bad

I have always been a picky eater so it may come as a shock to people that I learned about the magic of pancakes in high school and the joy of waffles in college.

(This beautiful shining temple was where I had my first waffle...obviously not this exact one though)

So obviously when you are preparing for a pageant, just trying to stay healthy, or want to look good come swimsuit season, I've got a great recipe that you will love, or maybe you won't...if that's the case you should probably just turn away now.

I introduce the incomparable, filling, and deceptively delicious *trumpet blare* PROTEIN PANCAKES!!!! (imagine me doing awesome Kermit the Frog waving celebration arms)

1 egg white
1 Tbsp psyllium husk or ground flax-seeds (it doesn't matter which, but I personally love psyllium husk)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (or use chocolate, it doesn't matter...I use Promasil's vanilla whey)
1/3 cup of water

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and wisk together like regular pancake batter.
Spray a pan with PAM, or any other type of cooking spray.
Keep your pan at medium heat.
And get to making your pancakes.
Oh and then chow down on the delicious protein meal that makes you feel like you're being so bad.

(This is not a picture of my own pancakes, its courtesy of Blogilates, because my food styling is awful)
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories 125
Total Fat 1.1g
Saturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 10mg
Total Carbs 4.2g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 0.2g
Protein 24

I promise you this is a total diet rut buster, it can be made gluten free, it's low carb, it's high protein, high fiber, low sugar...it's basically perfect.

Feel free to add fresh berries to the top if you want, maple syrup if you want to be indulgent and use the calories there, or maybe you want to go with a sugar free option.  Top with greek yogurt with a little truvia, or even add 2 tablespoons of sweet potato puree to the batter...whatever floats your boat.  Just have fun with your food, it's not that serious.

And let me leave you with one final thought if you are wondering if you want to eat this recipe...

LOOK AT THOSE ABS!!! HOLY SIX PACK BATMAN!!!
If the only thing standing between me and killer abs are cutting out my favorite recipes and replacing them with some smarter alternatives, I'm all for it.

If you try the recipe leave a post and tell me how it goes, or send a picture of your creation.

XOXO,
MacKenzie