The Power of Positive Thoughts & Zucchini Brownies

Let me just preface this post with: yesterday was awesome.


First, I woke up early and ran 4 miles really fast. Well, not that fast, but faster than normal! I kept visualizing myself with only a few miles remaining in Richmond 1/2 Marathon and pushing to j-u-s-t break 2 hours. It could happen! I've just got to keep training, mentally and physically...Actually, sometimes I wonder if running is more mental than physical. How any miles do I think my body could run right now? If I said 8 miles, then I bet I'd have a hard time physically running further than that. Right?

You've got to believe.

Then, later on in the day, I got some news that I'd been waiting very impatiently for since Monday morning. News that had the potential to create change in my life---I feel like I should be a bit cryptic until its "official". What's funny is that by the time the news did fiiiiinally come, I had just convinced myself that I'd be ok when the news I heard wasn't what I wanted. But the news was GOOD news and that news means change. Good change! And I can't stinking wait!



Lastly: I baked not once, but TWICE yesterday. No better way to end an awesome day :)



Of course, the baked goods aren't all for me; I'll be sharing them, along with some positive thoughts, I hope. Special positive baked goodies!

We should all take some time to let our positivity shine; and then, with a simple smile (or brownie?), just pass it on. I think our world could use some more.



These zucchini brownies are heavenly and healthy. Yes, believe me: look at the ingredients! There are vegetables, protein, and whole grains in these dark chocolate lust bars. While the texture and taste are a bit different from the usual decadent brownie, these are still dense and chocolatey. Someone at work mentioned that there was a hint of earthiness in the aftertaste--which I totally didn't get--but in the same sentence said they reminded him of the brownies he used to get in the cafeteria at school.

Hmm. That sounds like a male compliment if I've ever heard one.

Wait, there's slime in my brownies? Note: You probs shouldn't not let your children/men see you making these.

Make sure to try 'em out while the zucchini are aplenty!

Frosted Zucchini Brownies

Recipe take from The Yummy Life

Servings: 24 brownies

2 cups raw zucchini, chopped
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup vegetable oil of choice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 cups white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 baking pan. In a food processor, add zucchini, yogurt, oil, vanilla, and sugar; blend until pureed. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

• Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes (I removed mine at 18 minutes). While cooling, top with frosting with below, if desired.

Seven-Minute Frosting
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup Natural Bliss Non-Fat Vanilla creamer
2 tablespoons Smart Balance Light
1 cup powdered sugar

• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips, creamer, and Smart Balance in 30 seconds increments, stirring each turn, until melted and smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Pour on top of brownies while still cooling in the pan. (Note: This frosting may need to sit overnight until set...or you could just eat these melty, messy, and warm!)