I’m a day late eating chocolate and raspberries (close enough to strawberries!) but boy was this oatmeal delicious! I used the Trader Joe’s Nuts About Raspberries trail mix – the dried raspberries are so chewy and have little seeds – great for those who appreciate texture. There are also peanuts and almonds in this mix (both roasted and salted, FYI – my other one has raw nuts), so I went without a nut butter today but I did add flax, 1/2 a small banana and cinnamon.
With hot Awake Tazo tea and a splash of skim milk-
This breakfast was 450 kcal, 9 grams fiber, 16 grams protein.
Workout
I considered skipping spinning this morning, as I was a little more tired than usual when the alarm went off (got to bed a little late last night too…) but I did my visualization trick. I pictured how I’d feel leaving spinning after a great workout, eating breakfast without one, leaving class at noon and thought how I would feel if I skipped or went, especially if I was planning an afternoon workout. The thought of having to go to the gym on a Friday afternoon got me straight out of bed!! I’m SO glad I went because it was a great class today.
Before I left I had a TJ’s whole wheat pita with PB and J
Weekend
We don’t have any big plans this weekend – yay!!! I love starting with a clean slate. And I’m done with my week of tests, so I just have a bunch of small assignments to complete, which I hope to finish this afternoon and tomorrow morning so I can relax the rest of the time. We’re planning a workout and brunch at a fun biscuit restaurant that has a healthy menu on Sunday and we’re doing a fun grilled dinner on Saturday night. And we have good weather planned too!
Off to two classes. I hope I get my tests back today!
VeggieGirl says
I love your oatmeal-variation, with the trail-mix – looks marvelous!
Sometimes, it is definitely a nice change having no plans during the weekend, and just being able to relax – enjoy it! :0)
Good luck with the results of your examinations, if you get them back today (I would be quite envious if you did, since my professors take WEEKS to grade papers, examinations, and assignments, haha).
anna says
Here’s a question for all of you. I just found out that an ex-boyfriend of mine (who dumped me three days before valentine’s day two years back…) is coming into town in two weeks for a really nice cocktail party. Now, I’m smart enough to know that crash dieting doesn’t work, but I also know that most girls (myself included) have all sorts of little tricks for when you want to lose weight in a quick amount of time (for when a situation like this arises 🙂 ) Any tips people feel like sharing would be welcome…thanks!
eliza says
well if I were you ..anna, i wouldnt concentrate on losing weight at all.
i would concentrate on eating healthfully and make sure you dont drink soda or bloating foods before the event
also, make sure you get a FABULOUS outfit for the event..a little black dress is calling your name! 🙂
eliza says
oh yeah. 2 questions
1) what would be some good foods to eat to reduce PMS?! is there any??
and 2) what is good food to eat when youre hungover?!
Kelly L. says
HELP! Does anyone have one of those Nike chips that goes in your shoe that tells you how far you have run? I am looking for that or something similar that tells me the distance of my runs. I am by NO MEANS a distance runner but I find myself going out for runs ranging from 20-45 minutes and I’d just be curious to know the distanace. I’m not interested in calculating calories burned or anything like that. I just run for the endorphins and general health benefits. I’m not trying to lose weight. ANyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
Aimee H. says
Matt.. regarding your hot sauce comment yesterday.. ever been to Los Angeles or Southern California? That’s where I grew up (living in Massachusetts currently) and I have to say that it might be worth a trip for authentic mexican food and hot sauce (I actually miss the food SO much). I think my older brother may rival you and your hot sauce tolerance though! There was this hole-in-the-wall mexican place in Los Angeles near where I went to college and my brother used to go there often.. the hot sauce literally makes your lips numb!!
I definitely understand your spicy food obsession though.. I always make food a little spicier than I think my boyfriend would like! I’m still nursing a couple bottles of habanero sauce that a friend sent me last year from CA.
arimcg says
Kelly L – try mapmyrun.com. You can put it where your route and it will tell you the distance. It’s free.
BethT says
KellyL – I have the Nike + Ipod and I LOVE IT!!!! It does not matter how far you go, even if it’s one mile it will track it for you. It is SO motivating! You don’t need the special nike shoes – I have a Shoe Wallet (google that name or look on amazon) and the sensor fits right in there and works fine.
Also, Kath – a healthy biscuit restaurant?!?!? Do tell!!! Love the visualization trick to – I do that myself!
Tina says
Hi Eliza,
Best hangover food: Peanut butter and banana sandwich. Bananas contain potassium, which is one of the nutrients you lose the most of when you drink. They are also high in magnesium, which can help with hangover headaches. They are yummy and work every time for me!
Courtney says
What does the Tazo Awake tea taste like? I’ve wanted to try it for sometime and it looks pretty good. Thank you!
Nancy says
Hey Kath!
I’ve been thinking about that trail mix you put in your oatmeal for weeks now! It looks sooo GOOD and the dark chocolate chips in it I bet make it taste delicious and really bring out the flavor in the dried fruit along with the nuts! MMMmmmm. I’ve been meaning on buying some and wanted to ask you where you got it… I imagined you mentioning you bought it at Costco? I was going to make a trip out there tomorrow specicifically for it tomorrow but today you mentioned Trader Joe’s so am I wrong about Costco? If not, are they both the same? I would really love your input… I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Nancy
Lindsey says
How do you all balance aerobics, weigh lifting, and then classes such as yoga, etc. I don’t want to workout out everyday, but it seems like to fit in sufficient aerobics and weight training I don’t have time for yoga (i don’t have time, like most people, to spend hours at the gym)
Also, I am not sure if any one know this, but I know snacking is supposed to be healthy, but the French don’t snack and eat a lot of saturated fats (cheese!). And those women’s diets are also supposed to be healthy?
Serena says
Kelly L, You don’t need the nike plus shoes for to use the chip, but you do need an ipod nano!
Cara says
You feel that much worse if you dont work out? I cant help but see that as an unhealthy mindset. Im not trying to be rude, just saying..
Aimee C. says
Cara who are you referring to?
kay says
Kath, do you know what you would specialize in once your studies go further? Such as children or adult nutrition, clinical, weight loss, eating disorders, etc. or maybe just general?
Thank you for your detailed response earlier; it really helped!! Love the blog and the plates! You must have a lot of storage/cabinets 🙂
Kiala says
Best hangover food –
MARIJUANA
I’m kidding! Ha!
Kind of.
Anyway, I really like anything spicy and this may sound weird, but sushi and green tea work really well for me. Also, some moderate exercise will kick a hangover in the pants. In fact, I’ll be doing all of that today because SOMEBODY had one too many margaritas last night. Oops.
Cara says
I’m referring to Kath. She she implied she would feel much worse if she did not work out today and she wouldn’t feel as good at breakfast (?) if sh hadn’t worked out. I am NOT saying she has a problem, I am just curious as to what she thinks the difference is between herself and someone who is a compulsive overexerciser. It seems as though Kath does talk days off, but she implies she feels guilty doing so.
Christin says
Haha Kiala, I was going to say the same thing about marijuana! Lol! Except it is legal in california if you have a prescription and get it from certain places under certain circumstances…but my favorite thing to cure a hangover though is a cajun scramble and a bloody mary. The Cajun scramble consists of eggs, spicy cajun sausage, cheddar cheese, and of course, hot sauce…you’d think spicy would be bad for queesiness (spelling?) but it somehow resets my system.
Kath, that TJ’s nuts over raspberries is my all time favorite trail mix!! I also like one they have with pistachios and cranberries…yum!
Hey Matt (the husband) i have to agree with Aimee regarding mexican food, as a californian who has eaten so-called “mexican food” on the east coast. There really is no comparison, it is worth the trip!!!
Tina says
Yay, I just noticed you added me to your blogroll! Kath, you inspired me to start it! 🙂
Nancy says
Cara-
I can’t speak for Kath but losing weight is a BIG accomplishment that really makes wonders in the way people feel. Once you do this and feel the confidence and happiness that comes along with being proud of the hard work you put in that paid off, you want to maintain that. Kath has lost 30 pounds and looks amazing. I’m not saying she didn’t before, but she has reached a point where SHE is happy and when you are able to be in control of how you feel through your eating healthy foods and exercising, it makes you want to do that everyday! She obviously takes days off, but when it’s not neccessary and the exercise is going to boost your confidence and happiness throughout the rest of the day, then why not do it and get it over with knowing how great it will make you feel throughout the rest of the day?
SRunner says
Hi Kath –
So I am curious about how you keep your daily food log – is it online, in a journal, etc? Also, do you record everything before you eat it or after?
Last question – do you make a “plan” of what you will eat for the day, wk, etc or just go off of what you are feeling?
thanks for the info!!! I really love your blog – you do a GREAT job creating interesting meals and they always look sooo pretty 🙂
Aimee H. says
hahaha.. “mexican food” is right Christin.. there really is no comparison.
Christin says
Seriously though…when I ate “mexican food” in Ohio, I wasn’t sure whether I should laugh or cry at their feeble attempt…no offense if you are from Ohio and reading this, but they just don’t have the ingredient selection that they have in Cali!! And I’ve been to Mexico, so I know Cali has it pretty much right, depending on where you go…
Tina says
Nancy I totally agree with you! Exercise definitely boosts my confidence and happiness throughout the day when I work out. (Sounds like Kath is the same way.) I feel accomplished at 7:30 am, which sets a good tone for the rest of the day. As long as you take a day off here and there (from vigorous exercise), I don’t think working out everyday is so bad.
Amandamoo says
I, like Kath, feel better after exercising and have to make a judgement call on days when I feel “just too tired”. When I talk myself into working out I ALWAYS feel good about it. There is nothing wrong with knowing that you will feel better after exercise and, knowing this consequence, choosing to exercise… common sense, right? Do what makes you feel good.
Also, Kath is a routine oriented person and sticking to her plan makes her feel good as well (Kath-correct me if I’m wrong). She had planned to work out this morning and stuck to her plan.
Everyone is different, what’s excessive for some might not be enough for others and visa versa.
Amandamoo says
SRunner –
Kath uses Calorieking.com. I know this because I followed her lead and subscribed a while back. I think it’s great and haven’t skipped a day. Plus there are courses through the database that teach you about nutrition, activity, behavior modification, etc. Those are valuable too.
Like I said earlier, Kath is a self-proclaimed planner and uses (I think) her google calendar to plan dinners for the week.
Christin says
Well I just give props to any and every one of you guys who can actually get themselves up early enough to exercise in the morning at all!! See, I wouldn’t have even made it to the gym! I am definitely an afternoon/evening exerciser…although I have been known to do a few sun salutations in my office in the mornings…I get lots of weird looks from co-workers though. 🙂
But my point is that everyone is different when it comes to exercising methods, so I say if Kath wants to exercise in the morning or debate exercising and feel bad if she doesn’t, then more power to her!
As a side note, I had to get to work by 5:30 this morning, and I had WAY too much coffee, so don’t mind me if I start to sound loopy, I swear I am sane.
SawSaw says
Tina-
I noticed you were added to Kath’s blogroll too! You are on my favorites!! So happy Kath could inspire your blog cause I looovvveee reading both!
-SawSaw
Anne says
I agree with all! I think Kath wanted to work out today regardless, so it was more of a “do i work out this morning and have it done and over with so i can enjoy my breakfast (because she worked hard and is more hungry for it!) and afternoon (totally free of obligation!)”? Or do I wait until later when it will be more burdensome? When I used to go to the gym in the mornings (totally turned into a night person now…), that was the arguement I would give myself. I always knew I’d be happy once I got out of bed and went and then was done and free the rest of the day, it’s just convincing yourself to do it that’s the hard part!
Scott @ One Food Guy says
Trader Joe’s trail mixes and such a great snack. They have such a variety that it’s hard to ever get sick of trail mix!
Rebecca says
Christine, I’m sorry I didn’t see your comments about milk in additions to Goalie’s, so thank you as well. The chocolate milk site made me realize that my fear is ridiculous.
Would you mind sharing the brand make up and chapstick that you buy. I typically use neutrogena. Thanks!
Kath, also, do you use less of pb or walnuts now that you add flax? If so, could you share with us how much? Also, that calorie count of breakfast you give does that include your pre workout food?
Ala says
Hi Kath and readers:
I ended up taking most of this week off of working out and I ended up loosing 2 pounds. What do you make of this? I hope I didn’t lose muscle (I am on a calorie reduced diet around 1500 calories), but I think I may have also subconsciously ate less to make up for mot working out. Has anyone experienced this? It isn’t making me very motivated to get back to the gym!!
Erica says
Ala –
If i’m correct, people often drop a couple of pounds when they stop exercising because of (like you had mentioned) muscle loss, not because of anything else. But don’t quote me on that! Can anyone else chime in?
arimcg says
Ala – You wouldn’t lose two pounds of muscle in just a week – especially if you’ve been up and about and active in other ways. More likely you were exercising too much and eating too little, and things balanced out when you took a break. I would still exercise, but maybe raise your calories a little.
goalie30 says
Kelly L. Try nike.com or a local running shoe store in your town. Also I got mine at a Dick’s Sporting goods, so maybe a local sporting goods store would have them where you live or you could try Dick’s Sporting goods online for one fo the nike chip sensor kits. I like mine, but I wear the chip in a pouch that attaches to my shoe, and I have to recalibrate it anytime I take the pouch off and back onto the shoe; it seems to not be very accurate for the distance I’m running when it’s super cold outside either. Just FYI. I like mapmyrun.com; I find it more accurate, and you can map out a run before you head out or map it when you get back to know the distance of your run…
BethT says
I feel the same as Kath re: feeling better after working out. It’s not because working out makes me feel less guilty about eating; it’s because my body CRAVES the exercise. I take a planned rest day each week and enjoy the heck out of it. But on the other days, I know I won’t feel as energized if I skip a workout.
the husband says
well i gotta say north carolina has the fastest growing mexican population, and there is quite a mexican community here. but i’ve never had mexican food in the united states that was authentic.
i worked on an archeological site in yucatan one summer during college… that’s where i discovered the greatest mexican (mayan) dish – pok chuk. grilled slabs of pork in an adobado sauce, with tortillas and the works on the side. also awesome was pollo pibil – chicken roasted in banana leaves.
so don’t give me any of that west coast lip!
Kiala says
Oh, it’s legal here too, Christin with a medical marijuana card. And anything less than an ounce is just a ticket with a fine.
About Kath’s exercising habits…. I think all of us feel bad one way or another if we don’t get some form of exercise in every day. And sometimes that bad feeling comes in the form of guilt. It’s just how far you take that feeling in regards to obsessing about it.
In fact, right now I know going downstairs and doing just 30 minutes on the ET will make me feel soooo much better physically and mentally but I keep procrastinating and that is making me feel anxious and guilty. See? It’s in all of us. A little bit of anxiety is just the brain’s way of telling us we probably need to take care of something.
Christin says
Rebecca,
I use Aveda chapstick, and it is wonderful!
The husband, haha! I have eaten mexican food in the yucatan peninsula also, but it has a very different (but also delicious) flare than the west coast of mexico…all’s i’m gonna say is SoCal probably has more mexicans than any other culture in its population! You can’t work in a restaurant here without speaking Spanish. It’s all about finding the little hole-in-the wall places for finding authentic food. I’d be interested to see what mexican food tastes like in NC, but if it’s like that of the Yucatan, I bet it’s still pretty good, it just ain’t west coast status Lol! It’s all about tri-tip, carne asada, and I mean REAL carne asada. it’s all about going over to your mexican neighbor’s house foran authentic mexican barbeque…nothing beats it 🙂 I invite you and Kath out here…I’ll show you real mexican food for sure!
the husband says
mmmm that sounds heavenly
Aimee H. says
yeah, my public high school in California was 70% hispanic (3500 kids total). And I was one of two or three caucasian people in my spanish classes!
Kelly L. says
NIKE CHIP & IPD USERS- I have the big IPOD (the video one) will the chip only work with the nano? I don’t mind buying a nano but I want to make sure I need it first. ALthough, it would be nice to have a smaller player. What all does your Nike chip do? Can i get it at Sports AUthority or Academy?
Christin says
I know right? I think there were more hispanic kids in my spanish classes than any other ethnicity also…I think it’s because even though they grow up speaking both languages, they don’t know how to write correctly in spanish…totally weird but it makes sense I guess 🙂 it doesn’t expalin how any of them managed to fail tests though…but then again some people fail english classes…it’s like, how can you fail english? you SPEAK english? lol just a thought for the day…
Cara_H says
hey all, my name is Cara too and I’ve commented here a couple times but I see there are other Caras, so my name is now “Cara_H”, heh heh. I’m not the Cara that thought Kath was exhibiting unhealthy exercise habits, I think quite the opposite – Kath is an inspiration for someone who manages to fit a perfect amount of exercise in a very hectic schedule.
Think of it this way – a lot of times we don’t feel like doing something, like our homework or going to work. But we think of the consequences of not doing it and usually that motivates us to do it. Kath is simply keeping herself on track to make sure she completes her exercise goal – just another goal among her big to do list.
I wonder, Other Cara (lol), if Kath had woken up early and blogged about how she didn’t feel like completing some extra credit homework or something but then thought about how she’d feel if she didn’t do it and that motivated her to do it, would you have written the same reaction? People jump all over others when they hold themselves to a disciplined exercise/diet schedule and say they have a problem. But holding oneself to a strict exercise schedule – a reasonable one, like Kath’s, has as many benefits as holding oneself to a strict schedule w/ other things in life – work, job, etc.
Haha hope that made sense, but in short, way to go Kath!!!! 😀
Kelly L. says
Hi everyone! I’m not putting words in Kath’s mouth (or blog I guess) but I think she had every intention of working out today but she wasn’t dying to go this morning. She basically said I’d rather have a good workout this morning, enjoy a liesurly breakfast and be done with it for the day, rather than go to class and have to come home and then go to the gym. I’m like Kath I like to workout in the morning. It just puts me in a good mood. I can’t do it everyday because my 3 weekly pilates reformer classes are in the afternoon after work but they are scheduled. Kath like schedules too. I can’t knock anyone that likes to get their excerise in for the day and over with.
I think all of us healthful minded people try to be physically active as much as we can. For me that’s running and weights a few times a week, walking at lunch for 30-45 mins on days I don’t run and doing pilates a few times a week. I don’t feel guilty for not working out, I more so feel STAGNANT!
BethT says
Kelly L –
You unfortunately need the Nano for the Nike + Ipod.
I love it because it tells you your time/distance/etc as you are running. I have used web sites like mapmyrun, too, but then I have to remember where to turn around, where to go to reach my mileage goal, etc. With the Nike thing, this nice little voice talks to me through my head phones 🙂
I also found the distance tracker to be pretty accurate once I calibrated it – though some people have reported problems with it being off my .1 or .2 miles. For this reason, I sometimes double check my mileage using a site like mapmyrun.
It’s a fun little tool for $30.
Becky A. says
There is a very large(and growing) hispanic population in my area as well. I definitly agree that the “hole-in-the-wall” places are where its at!! Also, do you guys have the roach coaches(aka taco trucks, aka lunch vans)? Those places are PHONOMENAL! Try one out, if you have them!
Rebecca says
How do you sore your avocado? Mine always goes bad. Is avocado healthier than nut fats?
the husband says
We keep our avocado as whole as possible and cut off wedges as we need it. It gets stored in a tupperware and while the exposed areas get a little brown, it’s usually fine for a week or so. I’ll have to defer to someone else for the full answer on the health question, but I do know avocados are high good monounsaturated fats.
Cara says
I appreciate everyone’s input. I have a past of being an overexerciser, and it just seems like such a fine line between being vigilant/using exercise as a motivator and having a problem. I did not mean to insinuate Kath had a problem- just curious. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Ala says
I agree it is a fine line with what is ‘healthy’ exercise versus an ‘obsession’, but like others have mentioned in the past, we aren’t in the position to judge what is best for Kath…
Ive seen Kath take days off when she truly wasn’t feeling well or she was sore, so I would think if it was really an obsession, she would not have skipped those days. I think she is quite balanced overall and has a good approach to everything!
Kath says
Anna,
Since there’s no safe way to lose more than a pound or two in in 2 weeks, you should focus on eating a very clean diet (minimal processed foods, not much sugar/alcohol and lots of whole foods) and getting lots of great workouts in. Not only will you be glowing with health when you see him, but you’ll be glowing from the inside out with confidence. If you feel great, you’ll look great. That’s my best advice!
Eliza,
For PMS: eat chocolate!!!
For hangovers: I like smoothies, if I can stomach them, made with bananas and berries. But thankfully I haven’t been hung over in a long time and hope to NEVER have another one in my life! What a horrible, horrible feeling.
KellyL
I use Google Pedometer: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
Courtney,
Awake is a very simple black tea. Kind of like English Breakfast without the citrus notes. I like it, but I don’t love it.
Nancy,
The raspberry, peanut, almond, chocolate one is from Trader Joes and the one with pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate is Bear Naked High Sierra brand, which I got at Costco.
Kay,
Right now I really know what fields of nutrition I do NOT want to go into (basically a lot of the clinical) but I’m very open to all different options. I’m taking a required course this semester with a different dietitian speaker each week, and it’s been really fun to hear the different fields. Basically my only requirement is I want to be able to discuss CHEWING food with people. So nothing dealing with blood levels, IVs, feeding tubes, gastric bypass, etc.
Tina,
I’ve been reading Carrots and Cake – you’ve got some yummy dishes!
SRunner,
I use an online food journal at CalorieKing.com where you enter in the ingredients, recipes, and foods you’re eating. I love getting the feedback of nutrients and keeping a ballpark on my portions. As for when and how I record, it all varies! Some days I log the whole day in advance if I know what I’m having for lunch and dinner, other days it’s a blank slate (usually the weekends when lunch is on a whim). And sometimes I plan and change my mind. It just depends on my mood.
Re. My Workout Thoughts,
I shared this with you all so you’d see that I don’t always bounce out of bed! Thanks for all the support regarding how we all decide when and how to workout – most of you had my thought process right on! It’s not that I was going to feel horribly guilty if I didn’t go because I was going to gain weight if I didn’t, it was that I was having a hard time deciding if I should go in the AM or PM. When you’re healthy, get your butt out of bed and get to the gym! When you’re sick or sore or need a rest, you’ve got every right to sleep in. I didn’t have an excuse other than my warm bed.
I think Anne hit it spot on:
I think Kath wanted to work out today regardless, so it was more of a “do i work out this morning and have it done and over with so i can enjoy my breakfast (because she worked hard and is more hungry for it!) and afternoon (totally free of obligation!)”? Or do I wait until later when it will be more burdensome?
I also loved Cara_H’s analogy to weighing the pros and cons of getting up early to do homework. Brilliant comparison!
Rebecca,
I’ve been adding flax on and off for months, but I recently made it a staple because of my conclusions regarding its satiety. So no, I still use the same amount of PB and walnuts along with 1 tbsp of flax.
Ala,
From what I’ve read, muscles retain water after a workout, so you probably just lost water weight both from your muscles and from eating less (which I think you said you did). Less food in your tract = less weight. Physiology experts want to chime in?
Kath