NJAPP Guest Contributor: Jill May

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Have you ever felt like you lost yourself? Have you ever put yourself and your health on the back burner? Have you ever been afraid to go to sleep with the fear of waking up from a panic attack? Allow me to introduce my fellow Strong cast member (and friendly competitor), Jill May, who has spoken very similar words about herself.  Jill, along with her trainer Bennie Wylie Jr., became NBC’s STRONG season one winner!  Together, Jill and Bennie became known as the unstoppable Blue Team or the “Tower Eliminators” as I like to call them (inside cast joke).  Jill can and will inspire you in so many ways.  Not only is she a mom of four beautiful children (who have inherited her basketball skills) but she is using her fitness transformation to motivate and inspire so many women to become the best version of themselves.  Our time together on the set of Strong may have ended, but our friendship remains intact.  Jill (from Minnesota) and I keep in touch via text and Instagram chats/posts.  We both share a Strong-sistership that will forever connect us.  We also share an agape love for our families, friends and husbands.  With so many parallels in our lives, it was hardly a surprise what she would share when I asked Jill to send on over an entry for NJAPP.  Thank you JillyBean for sharing this perfect Saturday morning pairing! You had me at Apple and No-Hassle.

I love the traditional activities that come with each season!  Every fall, my family and I look forward to carving pumpkins, jumping in leaf piles, picking apples, and of course, whipping up some baked goods!  When I bake, I look for simple recipes that have clean ingredients and taste yummy (which helps ensure that my kiddos will also eat them)!  It is a such a great feeling to smell the yumminess filling up the house and to know that what I am baking will not only taste great, but also complement my goals!  This Apple Cinnamon Protein Muffin recipe was a hit on all levels and will be a staple in every fall season to come! ~ Jill May

Jill May’s No-Hassle Saturday Morning Workout

6 exercises

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Push-Ups
  • Burpees
  • Drop Squats
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Suitcase Crunches

30 seconds each

30 second rest in between each exercise

Repeat 4 times

24 minutes total

Jill May’s Apple Cinnamon Protein Muffins

Yields:  12 Muffins

Prep Time:  10 Minutes

Cook Time:  20 Minutes

Total Time:  30 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I used whey)
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2tbsp. organic raw sugar
  • 2tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2tsp. baking powder

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350.

Prepare a muffin pan by either brushing each with a little coconut oil or spraying with some cooking spray.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  Once everything is combined, divide evenly amongst 12 muffins.

Bake 18-20 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy!

Makes 12 muffins.