Just another day in paradise …(minus a beach and a cocktail!)
Today’s combo was a little sour from all the blackberries. I added a lot to use up the last of them before we’re out of town this weekend. But I tried the Pomegranate Walnut Plank and like it a lot too! Blueberry still wins though.
- 1/3 cup prepared banana oats
- 1/4 cup wheatberries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1/5 granola plank
- Spoonful AB
I got home too late to make it to the gym this morning, but since I have the afternoon off from lab I may go before lunch at Winthrop’s gym or before dinner again. I’ve got an oat bar packed as a snack if I need it this morning.
We get our exams back for both of my nutrition class today! Yikes! And I have my chem test (which turned into a take-home exam!) to complete all afternoon. The husband is going camping and canoing with my dad tonight and tomorrow so I’m all alone tonight. Christy and I have plans to meet for an end-of-week glass of wine after Chem lab tonight. I can’t believe I’m already 2 weeks in! 3 to go 🙂
Sami says
Another Trader Joe’s bar, yay!
I tried the Cran Lemon Zest one today.
I liked it a lottt.
It’s much better than the lemon LARABAR.
No offense to LARABAR, I love pretty much every other flavor of theirs.
Today, I’m going to try your wheatberries.
I’m pretty excited, lol.
I’ll let you know how that works out.
And one last thing, why Smart Balance?
I’ve wondered about all those butter subsitutes.
I tried Promise but them realized it had palm oil, which I know isn’t “good” fat.
I use Land O Lakes with canola oil.
It’s very yummy. I’d recommend it
P.S. I commented last on your “Simple Summer Supper” post. This is the same comment, just copied and pasted.
Sami says
I should have said, “Honest Foods Bar.”
Whoops. . .
Christy says
Is it sad that it’s 7:45 AM and I am already looking forward to the celebratory/relaxation glass of wine?!
Good luck today!!! See you this evening.
Jessica says
I hope you do well on your tests! Yeah for 2 weeks down!
hk says
2 weeks down, and you’re doing great! YUmm, looks like a yummy morning bowl! Have a great day, and enjoy your girls’ night out 😉
mh says
kath and everyone, do you ever take a day off where you don’t work out at all? I take off usually one to two days a week, which includes no gym or walk but sometimes I feel like a slacker bc it seems everyone on here gets a work out every single day! sometimes I just don’t want to work out! haha
Suzanne says
Good luck on all your tests today, Kath!
See? Time is flying pretty quickly. 🙂
mh –
I usually take 1-2 days off as well. And like you, I feel like a slacker as well. But, I feel like we all need a break sometimes! I think it also depends on your workouts – they say you should take a day off between intense lifting workouts. But it is recommended to do cardio everyday. My 1-2 days off actually entails no workout at all.
I think it’s up to each person and their workout regiment and food intake. Sometimes when I feel like I’ve taken in too many calories, I work extra hard and long and don’t take any days off. But, when I am mostly on track, I take a well-deserved 1-2 days off.
That’s just my 2 cents! 🙂
Heather says
Everytime I see the granola “planks” on here, I think of a 2×4… but in name only- they look yummy 🙂 Enjoy your wine tonight!
MH- I usually take 2 days off per week from working out
Sarah says
mh—definitely don’t feel guilty!! I’m the same as you. I tend to take Thursdays and Sundays as my “off days” where I’ll go for a light 2-mile walk or do absolutely nothing. It prevents feelings of being ‘overtrained’, especially since I do heavy workouts on the days I exercise.
I think its good for the mind and body to take some time off…:) If it keeps you feeling refreshed and ready to go, you’ll probably get a better workout on the days you exercise anyways, so it can actually be *very* beneficial.
Trish says
I am just curious what is granola plank?
You breakfast does look yummy, I am not a fan of oatmeal but this looks good enough I might even give it a whirl, thanks for sharing!
sirenjess says
mh, I take a day or two off during the week. I am taking today off. I have been on since Sunday and yesterday I got a massage so I don’t want to ruin the benefits of it. I too feel guilty like I have to be moving but then I remember that I am always burning calories and that I am in great shape. And you should too. Have a good day.
DaisyMay says
I am going here tonight for dinner. Company outing. Please help me!!!!!! trying to be good
http://www.sunsetgrille.net/
Amy says
Kath,
Thanks for introducing me to Fage 0%! I was looking at the label, and I didn’t see any Vitamin D listed. Should I be concerned that it does not contain any Vitamin D to help my body absorb the calcium ou non?
Thank you for your upbeat blog, I’ve gotten so many product/menu ideas from it and you’ve kept me so motivated to continue a healthy lifestyle!
Amy
Laurenq says
I usually take a day off a week but last week I didn’t take any off. I guess I didn’t feel the need to. I usually do two hour weight lifting sessions per week and then cardio about 45 min-1 hr daily but I went from my cardio being only running/elliptical everyday to running about 3 days a week and the others taking a workout class so i feel like it’s a whole lot easier on my body. I jsut try to listen and if I do take a day off I still get some walking in of some sort.
I probably also eat alot more than you guys tho…like I average around 3000 cals a day
Andrea says
**Daisymay,
I checked out the menu at sunset grille. looks like a beautiful spot! if it were me, i would order: the mixed green salad and the penne a la vodka. one of my favorite dishes! enjoy 🙂
Justy2003 says
Okay, so the granola plank in my oatmeal was worth the $5.49/box. Yum 🙂 And you’re right about the texture…definitely chewy! Looking forward to using it in ice cream, yogurt, etc. as well. Thanks for introducing it to us, Kath…you should see if they’ll send you more free samples 😉
Suzanne-
You can use the locator on Honest Foods website to see if they have any near you…that’s what I did! Here’s the link: http://www.honest-foods.com/where_to_buy.html
You can order them on Amazon but I think you hafta order like 4 boxes…and what if you don’t like them? (That’s doubtful though…)
Re working out every day: I do some sort of activity every day…even if it’s just taking a walk in the evening. Just makes me feel better/clears my head. But, everyone is different so if you feel like you need a day off, definitely take it! Listen to your body!
sirenjess says
I would really appreciate some advice. Is it a good idea to do a yoga/pilates fusion class after getting a massage? I got a health massage yesterday and I would like to do a yoga/pilates fusion class at lifetime fitness. Is this a good idea? I would appreciate some help.
Kate says
Daisymay–
I would definitely get the gazpacho, it is like a more flavorful yet bland salsa type soup, served cold. one of my summer favorites and uber healthy!! Then as an entree I would order either the simple classic shrimp cocktail or the ceviche dish. Ceviche is just fish marinated in citrus juice that “cooks” it. It is delicious! This looks like a great place!
Christie says
Hey kath, What is the nutritional infomration of those bars? Just curious?
Thanks
Justy2003 says
My comments aren’t going through…I’m guessing it’s cuz I’m putting in a web address…so I’ll try it without that!
Tried the granola planks in my oatmeal this morning…definitely worth the $5.49/box. Texture and flavor are amazing! Thanks, Kath, for introducing me to those! I’m sure they’ll be yummy in ice cream, yogurt, etc. as well!
Suzanne-
You can use the locator at Honest Foods website to see if they have them in your area…that’s what I did! Looks like Amazon only sells them in boxes of 4…and what if you don’t like them?! (Although I doubt that would happen)
Re working out: Definitely listen to your body. Personally, I rarely take a day off…I’ll at least take a walk in the evening if nothing else. I enjoy exercise and it allows me to clear my head. However, everyone is different, so if you feel like you need a day off, take it!
Justy2003 says
Oh yay it finally went through!
Christie-you can get all the nutrition info at the Honest Foods website…it gives the ingredients and nutrition panel!
KatieTX says
sirenjess–Take the pilates/yoga class, it will help you stretch and just take it easy if you would like. You only should take the day off the day of the massage. You won’t build up too much lactic acid with this class so you should be fine. I love massages and I also teach a class called piyo! love it!
DaisyMay says
Thank you so much. I think i am going to go with the ceviche and gazpacho. Ordering at restaurants and trying to be healthy is always so difficult!
Trina says
Hi everyone 🙂 Almost Friday…
I take a day or two off every week of working out. I know that when I don’t, my body feels exhausted all week long and then my “regular” workouts aren’t as beneficial b/c I am tired.
Again, I guess it’s just listening to your body. Although, sometimes I hate it when I hear that because I can never tell what my body is telling me!! 😛
VeggieGirl says
Good luck getting your exams back today!! I’m envisioning an ‘A’ at the top of each one :0)
CourtneyS says
I take a day off most weeks, sometimes two. It’s usually dependent on my schedule because there are some days I just can’t squeeze anything in. I don’t really lift – mostly running and pilates – but I try to listen to my body and if I’m really tired, I’ll pass.
I’ve also had a crazy week of summer classes, studying, grading, and work…thank goodness this week is almost over! Enjoy your wine, Kath.
sirenjess says
KatieTX, where do you teach? At spectrum?
sirenjess says
Oh and thanks KatieTX for responding.
JW says
Hey Kath. I finally made your classic oatmeal this morning with banana. Delicious! Hope you’re having a good summer. Question- Did you ever finish “A Change of Heart”? What did ya think?
magpie says
I love your oatmeal pictures 🙂
Enjoy your night – do something girlie!
KatieTX says
No I go to Texas A&M and teach at the Rec center and a studio here too. I teach a little bit of everything.
Betsy says
i am dying to go camping this summer. literally.
that is one overflowing, but mighty fine looking, bowl of oats!
SarahF says
Morning everyone!
Regarding the whole “listening to your body” when deciding not to work out, how do you determine that your body doesn’t want to work out ? I find a lot of times I’ll be debating going to the gym and if I push myself to go (even though I think I don’t want to) I always end up having a great workout and am so glad I went. So am I not listening to my body when I force myself to go? Because I probably feel that way about half the time (usually I’m just tired/lazy).
Also, I don’t have a heart monitor but I heard that you can estimate every mile you cover (either walking or running) your body burns approximately 100 calories. A lot of times on the treadmill I’ll walk at a 15 min/mile pace (I have really long legs so this is a brisk pace but I’m not killing myself to maintain that pace) and I’ll usually maintain this until I’ve walked 3.25 miles (I usually also walk it with a slight incline). However, when I enter that I walked for 50 minutes (how long it usually takes) at a brisk pace onto selfdiet.com, it estimates my calorie burn at 200. So after that huge explanation, here are my questions:
1) How are they estimating their slow/moderate/brisk calorie burns?
2) Because my legs are longer am I burning less calories to cover that distance and am actually only burning around that 200 calories (obviously all approximations)?
Thanks to anyone who can help. Hopefully that makes sense. Sorry that got so long
Julz says
Hang in there girl! The weekend is almost here! I’m sure you did great on your exams, so don’t worry about it! And enjoy that lovely class of wine 😉
Liz H. says
FOOD BLOGS: I would love everyones feedback! I asked a similar questions a few days ago but would love some comments and thoughts for a paper I am writing.
Food blogs seem to be poping up everywhere and I am interested in why you think this is? Why is food becomming such a popular topic?
If you have a blog, why do you write one (for the discussions it ignites or for yourself?)
How do you think food blogs change the way we communicate about food (as opposed to reading cookbooks, food magazines, or discussing it in person)
I’d really appreciate your thoughts!
sirenjess says
SarahF, I know I don’t want to workout when I can’t decide for the life of me what to do. And I go back and forth. Then I look at what i’ve done during the week and the way my body feels. That’s how I decide. I couldn’t decide today about the yoga/pilates fusion only because I got a massage yesterday.
tfh says
This discussion about taking rest days is very interesting! Mentally I love working out and would prefer to sneak it in everyday if I have time. But physically I noticed I perform at a much higher level if I do take rest days.
Also, I was wondering about something related that maybe Kath or someone else who has studied such things could answer…I think they’ve shown a connection between stress levels and weight gain. Does heavy physical exercise (like training for a marathon or daily, hard workouts without rest days) cause the same kind of stress that makes it harder to lose weight? I noticed I experience many of the same physical symptoms from excessive mental and excessive physical activity (e.g. insomnia), so thought this might make sense.
Grace says
Hi Kath, I’m not sure if this question has been asked before, but I was looking through your archives and checking out the “net” calories in one day… usually you wind up around 1100 or 1200. Does this mean you’re consistently losing weight by having such a low net calorie intake?
I had the impression you were “maintaining” your weight at this time, but wouldn’t a net calorie count of 1200 ish a day allow you to lose weight?
KatieTX says
On the topic of rest days, it is important to take one or 2 rest days a week to prevent overtraining which can produce irregular sleep patterns, constant muscle soreness, fatigue, etc. I actually just looked this up in my AFAA manual. So pretty much if you do hard, intense workouts continuously you will burn out and go no where with your progress. You will begin to break down your muscles instead of building them if you never allow the tiny tears in your muscles to heal. I think this is a good philosophy…if you can’t decide if you just take off..plan on a 15 min walk, after 15 min and you are tired stop. If you get energy then keep going, try running see how that feels. Because if you are being lazy then you will get the energy and want to keep going. If you truly are fatigued and need a day off after 15 min of walking your body will let you know it. Those are my 2 cents.
Tracy says
I agree about taking at least 1 rest day a week. I love taking my Body Step class and I notice the day after my rest day I have sooo much energy!!
Christianne says
About taking days off from working out — I know that I need them in order to not get burned out but I also know that I can’t go willy nillly and listen to my body on any particular day b/c I’m usually tired and don’t really want to go but I know I’ll feel guilty if I don’t go. So, what I do is have a set schedule of what I do every M-F. For me, knowing when I’m going to do what is very important. If I go into the gym tired and THEN have to stand around and figure out what I’m doing I waste all kinds of time and have a pretty lame workout as well. I take Saturday and Sunday off to be with my husband and kids (if I happen to miss a weekday then Saturday is makeup day) and I try to not allow myself to feel guilty about missing over the weekend since I know I kicked my butt during the week. Everyone is different, but for me I couldn’t just randomly pick which days were off days, it would mess up my lifting schedule and just mess with my mind. I get really cranky if I have an off day that wasn’t scheduled b/c I get so guilty but if it is an off day that is scheduled I’m okay.
caitlinbo (in FL) says
sarahf – i had always heard the 100 cal/mile rule, but i was really disappointed when i got a heart rate mointor and found out its close to 75 cal/mile for me… and i run really, really fast. im 120 and 5 ft 4, so im guessing the 100 cal/mile rule is for heavier women?
caitlinbo (in FL) says
also, i kind of disagree you have to take rest days. our bodies were designed to be physically active every day. im not saying you should lift weight everyday, but theres nothing wrong with doing something everyday!
caitlinbo (in FL) says
annnnnnnnnd tfh —
regarding workout out and gaining weight…
im not sure if its stress-related, but when i am training for a race, i pack on the pounds. i think its because im really hungry all the time and overeat! i doubt its stress related, i think its actually that most of us only burn an extra 200 or so calories when training hard (unless its for a marathon or something) but we more than compensate through eating.
Sherri says
Hi Kath,
Thanks for posting your Elliptical stats….I’ve been meaning to send you this message and apologize for not doing it sooner! It definitely gives me some guidance. Your resistance level is amazing. I am definitely going to have to work up to that level, holy cow!!
You’ve also made me realize that I need to invest in a Heart Rate Monitor, so I can get a better feel for how hard I am pushing my body. Thanks again!
Sherri
Kath says
Sami ,
Based on what we learned in Food Comp. this week on butter vs. margarine vs. spreads, Smart Balance is one of the best choices if you’re going to use a butter spread.
Trish,
Granola planks:
http://www.honest-foods.com/granola_planks.html
Amy ,
Thanks!!! I HEART Fage 🙂 Glad you liked it.
Justy2003 ,
So glad you liked the planks too!! Blueberry is the best 🙂 Sorry you got in the spam blocker – I wonder if the websites have something to do with it? A few people have been getting caught in there.
JW ,
Glad you liked the oatmeal!! Sadly, Change of Heart hasn’t been picked up since I started school again. But I will definitely finish it in August! It was just getting good.
SarahF ,
I’d side with the lesser of the two. 100 kcal per mile is a general estimate for the population, but that includes men too. I burned closer to 75-80 per mile. I think 90 is probably a good compromise to get a good estimate. Calorie burn is based on your weight, composition and fitness level. My guess is leg length is negligible.
tfh ,
Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and has many other benefits, but overtraining is a different story. If you notice negative effects and feel you’re doing too much, you probably are doing too much. Go with your gut.
Grace ,
Check out the FAQ page 🙂 The first question should answer that.
Sherri,
Glad they were helpful!
Kath