the BUFF life

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Welcome to ‘The BUFF Life’!

BUFF stands for "Believers Uniting Fitness and Food." Together we are a community, and here I hope you will feel connected and encouraged through all things FAITH + FAMILY + FITNESS + FOOD! Summer is finally here and there are so many things that are new and exciting. We are all finding a new sense of normal and I hope that you’re embracing it. No matter how hard it seems, change is good, and there are so many blessings we can experience in this new season we’ve all entered together!

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FAMILY: Connecting virtually!

Although this will never replace in-person interactions, I have been loving connecting virtually over Zoom and Skype with my family and friends. Whether it’s a virtual happy hour, a Friday night couple’s date, a Monday night “grow group” with church friends, or a Saturday brunch date with extended family (from Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey and Belgium), it’s fun to get creative with ways we can connect. Think of fun ways you can connect with your family and friends and schedule it. Despite being apart, there are actually many more ways we can connect and can create that community that we all desire and need.

FAITH:

Life is beautiful, messy and hard, all at the same time! God uses the biggest trials and the hardest moments for the greater good. He has a purpose and plan through it all, but it’s up to us to trust and believe that God is doing a great work in us and through us. The tough moments are opportunities for us to lean on God, to go to him, and to take on these challenges together. God knows your pain and unlike the saying, “God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle,” the truth is that he will give you more than you can handle, so you will go to him and not rely on your own strength. True strength is when you know you need help and you ask him for it!

Three

FITNESS: Get outside!

If you’re feeling like you’ve been stuck inside, it’s probably because you have! There is so much benefit to getting outside and being in nature. These next months, take advantage of the warm weather, aim to get at least 30 minutes of activity outside each day. Walking is probably my favorite, as it’s very therapeutic as well. Fresh air and stress-free movement is something my body loves. Bonus: track your steps and set some goals.

FOOD: Patriotic Protein Pancakes!

This will be your new go-to breakfast (and snack), as these protein pancakes are a breeze to make. Not only are they completely plant-based (no eggs or milk), but they are also packed with protein. This is the easiest, healthiest and tastiest way to make pancakes that are great to make for a crowd and they’re ready in 15 minutes. I had some fun with toppings for the Fourth of July, but feel free to add whatever you like.

INGREDIENTS for plant-based protein pancake mix:

1 cup oats

½ cup whole wheat (or all purpose flour or more oats)

½ cup protein powder (vegan/plant based vanilla)

¼ cup ground flaxseed (flax meal)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

ALSO:

2 cups non-dairy milk

Pancake toppings: fruit, nuts and chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine all into a blender to fully blend oats into a powder.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix two cups mix and two cups non-dairy milk, then pour onto lined baking sheet, add fruit and other toppings.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

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