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Jovan Abernathy is an international marathoner and owner of Houston Tourism Gym. To claim your free tour, contact her at info@tourismgymhtx.com. Follow her on Twitter @jovanabernathy. Instagram @TourismGymHtx. Facebook @TourismGymHtx
It is the last day of January. If you are like me, you started your new way of living 31 days ago. You have seen some progress (6 pounds), but you are starting to wane. If you read my last couple of articles, you would have already started on a program of supplements complete with a protein shake taken daily.
Usually a month later, you are really sick of the shake. By this time, they start getting chalky and start to taste really boring. I'm right there with you man. So, I decided to look up some different ways to take your daily protein. After scouring the internet, I found some great recipes. The best thing is....they are all dessert recipes. Just what we needed. Here they are.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie.
This smoothie makes for a tasty morning shake or a quick treat after a hard workout. You not only get your protein, but you get your fiber and antioxidants as well. To enjoy this smoothie, Make sure you have these items on hand:
- 2 tbsp flaxseed
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder.
Read the rest of the recipe and 21 others here.
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Coconut Protein Balls.
This protein snack is no bake and quick to make. You will spend no more than 20 minutes to prepare these amaze- protein-balls that everyone is sure to love. I have made them myself many times and they are always there at the right time. To enjoy these balls (see what I did there) , you will need these items
- 3 cups Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 1/2 cups almonds
- 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 4 scoops whey protein powder unsweetened
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 coconut flakes unsweetened
Read the rest of this recipe here.
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Chocolate Protein Brownies.
There is nothing like the chewy, chocolatey brownie after a workout, Enjoy this other amazing protein snack if you are a runner, a dancer, or a cyclylist. Make sure that you have these items on hand:
- Chocolate protein powder
- cocoa powder
- applesauce or smashed bananas
- your choice of nut butter
- pinch of salt.
Read the rest of instructions here to curb your chocolate addiction.
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Tiramisu Pancakes.
At first look, these pancakes that are packed with 46 grams of protein looked to be stacked with loads of whipped cream. Take a closer look and you will find that it is whipped cottage cheese. You can also substitute greek yogurt or tofu for the cottage cheese. To enjoy this breakfast delight, make sure that you are stocked up on:
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coffee extract
Find the rest of the ingredients and the directions to caffeine bliss here.
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Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Dough.
Then, there is some of us that cannot wait for the cookies to bake. If you are a muncher like me, this recipe is great for you because it taste great and it is no less than the favorite recipe that we grew up on. To enjoy this high protein confection, just keep these staples in your kitchen:
- 2 scoops of chocolate chip protein powder
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 75g dark chocolate chips
- 125g Peanut butter
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 20g of instant oats
- 250 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 40 ml agave nectar
To make this snack a reality, follow the recipe here.
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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