After I wrote about banana smash toast I was making oatmeal one morning, or rather assembling some steel cut oats I made in the rice cooker that I did not make with banana (because I think bananas get too brown overnight in the rice cooker). I started to slice banana on top of my oatmeal, because that’s just what you do right? And I thought – I should smash it into that smooth puree again.
Banana Smash Oatmeal
Boy-oh-boy was that a good idea! I was able to dip my spoon into each layer – granola, PB, banana, oats and get a little of everything in each bite. Texture fans: this was a great combo!
My Morning Workout Routine
Remember when I wrote this post about clean sweat? Back when B was so little, I was wearing him a lot of the time. Naps were SO unpredictable! I never had a good time for a home workout so I would take a shower, put on athleisure, and hope for the best.
I Do My Most Important Task First
Because our first nap of the day is the most reliable, I always try to do the most important task of my day first. I flip flop back and forth between getting work done and then doing my workout later in the day or doing my workout first and fitting work during subsequent naps, which may happen during lunchtime and/or after Mazen is home from school.
Workouts Are Highest Priority
In Kath’s Hierarchy of Needs, workouts are a higher priority than working on future blog posts, recipes, etc. because I never procrastinate so I’m usually just chipping away at a list. I also have babysitter help a few times a week and try to batch write during those times. Thus, I decided that workouts should come first.
Timing
We get up sometime between 6:30 and 7 and Birch’s wake time is about two hours. After nursing, I put on my workout clothes and we head down for breakfast. I do a little bit of computer work – emails, etc. – if he’s happy in his bouncer or on the floor blanket.
Fuel
I also eat a little something, as I would rather be too full than too hungry for a workout. If we’re down on the earlier side I will eat a full breakfast, but sometimes if we’re running late and nap is creeping up I have half a breakfast so my stomach isn’t too full and then have the other half after.
The Second He Falls Asleep I Run Downstairs To Run!
As soon as I am sure Birch is asleep, I run down to my treadmill. All of the other chores can wait until he’s awake, but it’s hard to focus on a workout. By now I’ve had 2 hours to wake-up and get going, a full cup of coffee, some breakfast, and I’m usually ready for a good sweat. B’s sleep cycle is around 33 minutes and my workouts at minimum 30 minutes (doing the iFit French Polynesia program!) so I am fairly confident everyday I won’t get interrupted. If he makes it through his first sleep cycle sometimes I keep walking or do a second workout if I’m feeling especially zesty!
Either 30 Minutes or 2 Hours
On a good day, he’ll sleep for 2 hours and I have time to shower, have a snack, do some chores, AND get a little work done. On a bad day – at least I can get in my 30 minute workout. He’s usually pretty happy sitting in his seat during my shower when that happens.
The Consistency Is Great
All this to say: I found a pretty solid routine for getting my workouts in consistently everyday. Getting that boost of endorphins first thing really makes a difference in how I feel for the rest of the day. It’s also great that I take one shower and am dressed and ready for the day. Anything else that needs to be done can fit in the cracks of the day!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
This sounds so delicious and nutritious! I think I might try making this oatmeal too. Thanks for the fun idea! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Kristina says
Love reading daily routine posts. 🙂 Prioritizing sweat is key for me too. Changes my whole mental attitude.
Louise RD says
Morning workouts are a must; you’ve got the day beat before it even starts 😉
Rachel Kathryn Osborn says
Where does Mazen fit into your morning routine?
KathEats says
He leaves for the bus at 7:10 am!! Kindergarten starts early.
Georganna says
Oh I was wondering this too! How do you manage a baby while also helping Mazen get dressed, fed, and out the door so early. I am pregnant and worried about this (my oldest is mazen’s age). Our bus comes at 7:10!
KathEats says
I have an amazing husband : )
Paige says
I always mash banana into my oatmeal, ha! I was wondering if by chance you meant to write you’d rather be too hungry than too full for a workout? Or was that correct and you’d really rather be too full!
KathEats says
I wrote it correctly. I mean I never want to be STUFFED, but I hate working out when I’m hungry because I feel weak.
Meredith Smith says
You NEVER procrastinate? Could you maybe teach an online class? Because I have a Ph.-fricking-D in avoidance!
KathEats says
Haha I get anxiety just thinking about saving something to the last minute!
vicki says
I Love reading about routines! I get up at six every day and exercise straight away.
Then shower and the children wake up and the fun begins….
KathEats says
I think with my home treadmill, once Birch is sleeping through the night in his crib and especially once I don’t have to nurse first thing in the morning, it will be SO nice to get up and work out before the kids wake up. But that time has not yet arrived.
Jocelyn says
Your breakfast looks amazing… have you ever had buckwheat groats..(gluten free alternative) do you think it would give a similar result to regular oats??
KathEats says
I have had them – they are so good in granola! I’m not sure they’d make a creamy oatmeal-like porridge though because of their shape/surface area but I haven’t ever tried. Do they sell them pressed as flakes?
Sally A. says
Can’t go wrong with oatmeal and bananas. This will definitely give me the boost I need in the morning.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I need to do this – my workouts are SPORADIC and I think the morning nap is usually not long enough (it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.) I should just be ready to start that workout the minute he goes down for that AM workout. I’m going to go for it! I also have a sitter that comes a few times a week to get work done, always after the AM nap, it would be great if my workout was done. I HATE working out at night!
Olga Lucia @ Receta Típica says
Great, I loved this recipe, its easy preparation, I hope it has been like the truth, thanks for sharing.