Food By Ayaka -

Easy Vegan and GF Protein Waffles

My name is Ayaka and I like to lift weights. I also like to eat waffles. And while there’s definitely nothing wrong with regular old waffles, I do try to eat protein with each meal to fuel the gains. The solution? Protein waffles. That’s right – you can make delicious, crispy, fluffy waffles that are…

Sesame Ginger Roasted Eggplant

Growing up, eggplant was one of my least favorite foods. It was one of the few vegetables that, even when she battered and fried it, my mom could not get me to eat. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve learned to appreciate its tender texture. Eggplant is a fantastic base for seasonings, as it absorbs…

Blueberry Cobbler Baked Protein Oats

Oatmeal has been one of my go-to breakfasts for several years now. Since I started bodybuilding, there has hardly been a day where I go without my beloved protein oats. It’s quick, customizable, and well-balanced nutritionally. By using different flavors of protein powder or adding different toppings, I can easily switch things up so I…

Vegan Banana Bread Protein Pancakes

Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. Many days I go to bed already excited to wake up and eat my first meal. This is especially true when I know I’m having pancakes in the morning. There’s just nothing better than a nice fluffy stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning. As…

Vegan Protein Cookie Dough for One

As a vegan competitive bodybuilder, people often ask me how I manage to get enough protein in my diet. I follow a macro-based approach, where my coach gives me a certain amount of protein, carbs, and fats to eat each day. As far as the actual foods I use to hit those goals, I choose…

Quick and Easy Vegan Corn Fritters

Let’s talk appetizers. Everybody loves finger foods, but for hosts they can be a nightmare. What can you make that everyone will enjoy? Does it fit the rest of the menu? Will it be too filling? Not to mention trying to please a wide variety of ages. If you are hosting a dinner that both…

Cranberry Oatmeal Scones With Vanilla Glaze

Does anybody else always seem to have a bag of dried cranberries in the pantry leftover from Thanksgiving? No matter what time of year it is, those darn craisins just continue to sit there. You don’t even remember what recipe you bought them for; you probably just threw a handful on a salad or something….

Banana Nut Pancakes (Vegan)

Pancakes are my favorite food of all time. They’re fluffy, sweet, and come in a wide variety of flavors! Not to mention the endless combinations of toppings you can add. Syrup, whipped cream, chocolate, fruit… you name it, I have put it on a pancake! Part of the reason I love pancakes so much is…

Vegan Blueberry Lemon Waffles

Pancakes or waffles? It’s a debate as old as time. Some like the softness of pancakes, while other prefer the crisp edges of waffles. Personally, I have always been on team pancakes, because they remind me of the Saturday mornings of my childhood. However, since purchasing this mini waffle iron while Black Friday shopping, I…

Sautéed Garlic Lemon Kale With Pine Nuts

I love vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes… they’re all so refreshing and delicious! There is one category of veggies I don’t eat too often though, and it just happens to be the most important: greens. Dark green leafy vegetables are great sources of nutrition, according to the USDA. They’re low calorie, yet packed with…