Blueberry Bread

I exercise every day. Not because I like it. I could probably think of at least 100 other things I'd rather do than exercise. I don't like to sweat. I don't like how I look in workout clothes. I don't like watching all the "I've had three babies and I'm thinner than I was in high school" ladies bounce on the elliptical.

(That last one makes me SO jealous, by the way. How do you moms look like that after three babies????)

I get myself to the gym every day because I like to eat. And, no matter if I workout or not, I will eat. A lot. So, by getting an hour of cardio in each day I'm able to feel (a little) less guilty about what goes into my mouth.

Since Jordan started first grade, a few of the other moms have been walking after drop-off. I decided to take a day off from the gym and walk with them. I was a little worried, because when I walk on weekends it's not the same workout I get at the gym. I was worried I'd spend an hour walking and then have to go home and do more.

I needn't have worried.

Our first walk was about 3.7 miles. With hills. The walk was good, the conversation better. Female companionship is like a drug, let me tell you.

Last Friday I walked with them for the second time. We walked over five miles. With hills. Almost two hours of exercise outside in the fresh air with friends. Did I mention it was over five miles? That little ditty, with the addition of the kickboxing class I had taken the day before, has made it so I could barely walk on Saturday. So yeah, I think I got a good workout.

You know what happens after you walk for two hours? You get hungry. This blueberry bread is a perfect snack after a workout.

I know, I know. The experts say "have some milk, yogurt, fruit" after a workout. Blah blah blah. What you need when you're that hungry is substance. And this bread fits the bill. Plus it is fruit. Duh.  It has blueberries in it.

So, the next time you don't want to go to the gym, think of the end game: a yummy snack. Go get your sweat on, have a good snack, and then take a second and click HERE to vote for me. (You know I had to slip it in somewhere. Only a few days left, I promise.)

Blueberry Loaf

Adapted from www.lowfatcooking.about.com

Printed from Crazy for Crust

Ingredients

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 eggs

½ cup nonfat milk

1 ½ cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

¾ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (I like to use mini frozen ones)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2.       Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

3.       Whisk eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Stir in oil and lemon juice. Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring just until moist. Fold in the lemon zest and blueberries. Pour into pan.

4.       Bake about 40-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

5.       To make glaze: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour over cooled blueberry loaf and let dry before slicing.

Yield: 1 loaf


Enjoy!

This recipe may be linked with:

Monday: Mingle Monday (Add a Pinch), Joy of Desserts. Tuesday: 2 Maids a Baking (2 Maids a Milking), Tea Party Tuesdays (Sweetology). Wednesday: Cast Party Wednesday, Made It On Monday (Lark's Country Heart), This Chick Cooks.  Thursday: Sweet Treats Thursday (Something Swanky), Chic-and-Crafty (Frugal Girls), Turning the Table Thursdays (Around My Family Table), Tasty Thursday (The How-To Mommy). Friday: Sweet Tooth Friday (Alli-n-son), I'm Lovin' it Fridays (TidyMom). Saturday: Sweets for a Saturday (Sweet as Sugar Cookies). Sunday: A Well-Seasoned Life,Sharing Sundays (Everyday Sisters)