Cajun Shrimp Stew (Crockpot Recipe!)

I had (just about) the perfect afternoon. I spent a relaxing afternoon at the spa, and afterwards I felt so refreshed that I hit up the gym. I got in an AMAZING run on the treadmill, then I came home to get in another workout. I'm feeling great!

So tonight's clean eats dinner recipe is another cajun dish; this one, however, utilizes a slow cooker. If you recall, of course, I got several requests for slow cooker recipes, so this is one of the dishes I dreamed up--- cajun shrimp stew!

Recipe:
Cajun Shrimp Stew (Serves 2)

8 Ounces shrimp
1/2 Red onion, roughly sliced
1 Garlic clove, chopped
1 Celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1 Bell pepper (red or green), coarsely chopped
1 Large tomato (or 2 small tomatoes), coarsely chopped
1/4 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 Teaspoon cumin

In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the shrimp. Cook on high for 3 hours. Add in the shrimp, and continue to cook on high for an 30 additional minutes. Serve the cajun shrimp stew over brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or over spaghetti squash or with vegetables for low carb options. I served mine over corn grits cakes (I just whipped up some corn grits, then baked them in a ramekin for 10 minutes in the oven--- they came out nice and crispy!). Delicious!

I hope you guys enjoy!

Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes... Sinfully Good--- Yet Clean!

A long time ago someone had the ingenious idea to combine chocolate and peanut butter. This, of course, resulted in one of the tastiest combinations known to man--- so sinfully good that I'm convinced this idea was somehow influenced by the work of the devil! I've always had a raging sweet tooth, and the chocolate and peanut butter combo has always had its seductive allure. So what is a clean eater like myself to do? Bury myself in a bag of Reese's Cups? No thanks! Instead, I choose clean alternatives like these delicious pancakes... chocolate stuffed peanut butter protein pancakes! Yummylicious, right?! You know the drill--- keep scrolling for the recipe!

Recipe:
Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes (Serves 1)

Peanut Butter Pancakes:
1/2 Cup Big Train Low Carb Pancake/Waffle Mix
1 Scoop Peanut Butter whey protein powder (I used About Time/SDC Nutrition)
1 Tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
2 Egg Whites
1/2 Cup water

Chocolate Filling:
1/2 Cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (a clean variety, please!)
4 Packets of Truvia/Stevia
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional: carob chips as garnish

In a bowl, mix together pancake ingredients. Spoon batter by 1/4 cup increments onto a pan over high heat, cooking the pancakes on both sides--- until all of the batter is used. Set the pancakes aside, and, in another bowl, mix together the chocolate filling ingredients. Coat each peanut butter pancake with a layer of chocolate filling, alternating until all of the pancakes have been used. Garnish with a final dollop of the chocolate filling or with a sprinkling of carob chips if desired. Yum!

I'm off to the spa again today. I know, I know... I was just there last week! But the hydrotherapy felt so good on my aching hip, I just had to make another appointment! Of course, I got in my workout, as usual, bright and early this morning--- shoulders today! I blasted those babies to hell and back. Tell me guys, what's on your clean eats menu and your workout schedule for today? Muddy Melissa wants to know!

My fur baby making a cameo in today's pic!

Muddy Melissa's Spa Day

Well, guys, unfortunately there will be no WOW Wednesday video posted today. I really did try--- but my hip is in too much pain. I didn't think it was a good idea to risk injuring myself to post one this week. I have another physical therapy appointment tomorrow, so fingers crossed that appointment goes well for me!

I had an impromptu day at the spa today. I've been feeling under the weather (not to mention frustrated that I'm sidelined from running & lifting), and my hip hasn't been cooperating too well either. So my fantastic husband took it upon himself to schedule me for a spa day ASAP. Oh, and did I mention... he got me pink roses? I truly am spoiled rotten!

It takes a spa day to get Muddy Melissa all cleaned up!

Let me tell you--- the entire spa day was wonderful for my aching hip! I got an hour long hydrotherapy soak, and the combination of the hot water and the massaging jets felt phenomenal. I always make sure I get extra time in the hydrotherapy tub, just because I love it so darn much. Then I had an hour long massage--- with special focus on my hip. It really helped loosen up my tense muscles, and my hip felt tons better afterwards. Lastly I spent half an hour in the dry sauna. Again, the heat was great for my sore hip, not to mention just relaxing in general.

Now I'm feeling super relaxed... I just hope the pain relief in my hip lasts!