What a great start to a day! It’s not even 9 a.m. and I have gotten in a hard workout, eaten a delicious oatmeal breakfast, done a load of laundry, cleaned, mopped and swept the kitchen and dining room floors, and best of all the SUN is shining hard this morning!!!
“Exercise Is A Gift To Yourself That Keeps Giving”
Read this in Health Magazine this morning and it’s so true. Not only short-term (the article was referring to the “afterburn” from a hard workout) but long-term as well.
This morning I did 30 minutes on the stairmaster, 5 on the ET, and then pull-ups, shoulders, push-ups (which are getting easier!).
Before I left I had half a homemade bagel with some almond butter –
Pear Oatmeal
We put pear in our oats today – yum! We do this a lot in the fall when there’s an abundance of pears. Boscs are my favorite – I love the gritty skin. We add the pear in the beginning just like the banana so it cooks into the oats.
Topped with toasted almonds, almond butter, flax and maple syrup –
Check out that sunshine!
All together with coffee and daffodils –
Breakfast today was about 450 kcal, 11 grams fiber, and 19 grams protein.
Cleaning Challenge
After breakfast I worked my upper body again by cleaning the dining room and kitchen floors as quickly as I could. Now I’m sufficiently tired!! It feels SO GOOD to have a major cleaning project done. I challenge you all to do ONE major cleaning project that you’ve been putting off today – whatever you have time for, do something that will take one minute or an hour. Plus, it’s good exercise!
Canon
OK, in the spirit of all of you Canon in D lovers yesterday I HAVE to share my absolute favorite version ever! It’s by the Canadian Brass. This is the version I walked down the aisle to (our musicians even used the Canadian Brass music). However, my version skipped from the beginning to the middle to the end in 60 seconds with some editing. The end of this version is my favorite part! We had a brass quintet at our wedding – it makes me want to cry just thinking about it I love brass so much! It was probably my favorite part of my wedding day….. well, maybe second to eating our raspberry chambord cake 😉
BethT says
I love getting up early! Like you, I get up early most days – even weekends – and it feels awesome to accomplish so much by 9 or 10 a.m. Who cares if it means we go to bed early, too? 😛
Lindsey says
I’m sure everyone has experienced this. those nights when you could eat the entire kitchen! Yestreday I had balanced meals etc, no major differences from previous days and my hunger just couldn’t be controlled. What is your all’s go to food for these situations? Kath, I know you love pumpkin, but I can only stomach a little of that at a time.
Liz says
In case you haven’t seen it, the Brandaid newsletter of today is on flaxseed – a nutritional STAR! Just another reason to smile today…
Romina says
Your bagel is really beautiful, I wish I could make homemade bagels. =)
I think I might be up for your challenge, I will try to clean as much as I can!
Aimee H. says
I love Bosc pears best too! They are delicious! And I’m also an early riser.. I always try to make sure the dishes are all done and my cats have clean water and litter boxes before I leave for work at 7:45am every morning. I usually can’t wait to get up at 6 for my coffee and shower.
Cara says
That is a great idea for the oatmeal. Mmm. I bought a ton of strawberries at a local farmer market and might try those out soon. Have you tried that before?
ShaeLiz says
I got up early this morning to get all my cleaning done too! You have really inspired me to be much more productive in the mornings, and it sets the tone for a very productive day. Thanks Kath! Now off to do some hardcore studying…
Mariposa says
I am up for that challenge! My kitchen floor needs a good scrubbing!
Just wanted to say thanks for your response yesterday! I think it is probably more of my portion control than anything. I am 5’2″ and (used to) weigh 112. Now at 118, I’m “OK” with how I look, but remember how slamming I looked six pounds lighter and want to get back there!
I don’t believe that I was underweight- just totally nuerotic over what I was eating.. i mean you change up your meals once in a while- i was eating the same dang thing day in and day out.
now that i say that out loud- it’s no wonder I freaked and started looking for other ways to eat healthy! Two things happened- my grandmother moved in with me and I started reading this blog… my grandmother makes homemade meals everyday – which i would say I am very lucky for her doing this- but I am expected to be home from work at 5:30 and be hungry, when what i really want to do is work out and relax! i dont usually eat dinner until about 7:30 or so… so i eat what she gives me, work out… and then at 9 i’m hungry again!
but since i’ve tried increasing my cals for other meals- maybe i need to go back to decreasing cals during the day- so i can keep making gram happy!
anyone else experience this???
Tina says
Speed cleaning! My old roommate and I used to speed clean every weekend as part of our workout. We’d even add in push-ups or crunches between chores. You feel like you accomplish so much in little time!
Patricia says
I’ve have a laundry morning too!!
My mother is coming to visit for a week (she’s staying in my university dorm) so, I’m trying to get everything to her standards of neat and clean!! I’ll definitely take the challenge!!
Have a great day everyone!
Becky A. says
Wow, Kath…its almost like you know just what to say to motivate us! I have a couple loads of laundry in the basement just waiting to be folded….Every night I’ve thought about doing it, but I never did! I’ll be doing fodling this afternoon! Thanks for the inspiration.
Courtney says
Kath, I wanted to thank you for the Classic Kath Oatmeal video. I DO NOT LIKE oatmeal at all, but since it’s so healthy and seems very wholesome and filling, I gave it a try again after watching you make it. I’m SO glad I did. What a way to follow up a workout and start the day!
One change I made was adding flax seeds (not ground) in the first cooking stage to soften them. Yummy.
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
I completely agree about getting your cleaning DONE. I was procrastinating about cleaning my kitchen floor for weeks… and trust me with 2 cats, and 2 litterboxes near the kitchen, there was litter tracked all across the floor, not to mention hair, food…. ok GROSS! So last Tuesday night I just sucked it up and did! It took 2 hours (yeah, I get on my hands and knees with a sponge, none of that mop stuff!)… but it was done! And sparkly! And litter free! At least for a day or two….
LT says
i have a dried smoothie all over the interior of my car from about a week ago 🙁 it’s a daunting task.
Caryee says
I love waking up early and getting things done too!
Lindsey, I can relate to random times of uncontrollable hunger. Last night I had a mini splurge on carbs/grains. I think it was because I had fruit and soymilk for breakfast, and a huge salad at lunch. For dinner I had some vegetable lasagna, couscous, and cereal! I was all carbo loaded lol. I learned my lesson though; try to hit up as many food groups as you can at each meal (with another eye watching portions too).
This morning I woke up still feeling a little full so I hauled my butt to the gym and ran/lifted for about an hour. I LOVE getting my appetite going because my breakfast tasted fantastic! I had a whole wheat english muffin (carbs), a cup of vanilla soymilk (protein), a banana (fruit), a drizzle of agave nectar and cinnamon (flavor).
I normally would have almond butter at the breakfast “party”, but if any of you remember, I had an unfortunate “overdose” of it last week when I was really stressed out. Kath, I remember you wanted to know how my meeting with the RD went about that…I saw her yesterday actually and after looking at my food logs since then, her advice was just to “check-in” with all my senses prior to eating. I am pretty knowledgable about portion controls, ingredient lists, calorie counts/needs, but what is missing is my sensual relationship with food. So she suggests I ask myself, how is my food presented? (ex: daffodils! ;)) what does it smell like? is it the correct temperature? am i enjoying the meal with someone, or if i am alone, what positive thoughts cross my mind? by “checking-in” with myself, i will feel more like i’m nurturing myself, taking care of myself, mind, spirit and body, and will be less likely to take out frustrations, stress on specific foods or binges. It’s not my food hunger that is insatiable but my hunger for human senses!!! 🙂
I hope that makes sense. Sorry for the ramble everyone, but I hope you gleaned something helpful! Have a great day!!!
NCCarter says
I’m on a cleaning strike for the week. We just had new countertops installed this morning (plummer is here as I type installing new facuet). Tomorrow I’m having hardwoods put in 2 rooms, and new carpet in the rest of the house next week. I’m using it as an excuse not to clean!
Kath says
Lindsey ,
Since you said you ate normal balanced meals yesterday, my best guess for insatiable hunger is that you weren’t really hungry – you just thought you were. Often when I’m very thirsty (especially 1 hour after eating) it feels like this horrible “hunger” pit in my stomach, but I’ve learned that this signal is thirst. Now I’m not accusing you of not knowing what hunger is, but I have learned from experience when mine is insatiable it’s often not real hunger but emotions, thirst, exhaustion and I just interpret it as hunger. If you were really hungry, then perhaps you didn’t eat as much as you thought? Not being your or your stomach, that’s just my guess!
Cara,
I’ve definitely put strawberries in oatmeal – I love them hot! I do think that fruits other than bananas tend to water down the oats a bit so I don’t enjoy them quite as much, so that might be a reason to add them at the end of cooking rather than in the begining. Or cook them separately.
Mariposa ,
I would just talk to your gram and see if she could push dinner back. She might be totally OK with it.
Courtney,
Remember that whole flax seeds are basically indigestible for our digestive tracts and you need to grind them to release the omega-3’s. Also, I’ve read in Dr. Weil’s Eating Well for Opt. Health not to heat oils or it increases the oxidation rate, which increases free radicals, so I always add flax at the end.
Kath
GreenTea says
Hey all!
Kath (or anyone who knows)…
The superfoods book that everyone talks about…when I search for it on Amazon there are 3 different ones!!
Which one is the best? or are all 3 good??
Ange says
We are getting plummeteed with a snow storm today so I might just have to dedicate most of the day to cleaning!
Although they didn’t cancel school; so I am debating whether I will have to suck it up and go today!
MoniMoni says
Regarding spaghetti squash: I usually eat very “balanced” meals with a carb, protein and veg at dinner. When using spaghetti squash as a replacement for pasta, should I be supplementing with an alternative carb? Or does spaghetti squash provide the necessary carb component?
stacy says
Hey Kath I have a quick question for you since you are obviously the oatmeal queen! I make a bigger portion than you and I use milk. (3/4 cup oats and (1.5 cups milk). My question is about sweetening the oatmeal. The other day I put 1 tablespoon of agave nectar in my oats and mixed it in (also in there was flax and walnuts). I was very disappointed that the oatmeal barely tasted sweet after this 🙁 When you use maple syrup how much do you use? Do you think if I drizzled it on top instead of mixing it in that would be better? I feel like more than 1 TB of sweetener is a lot? Thanks!
Elizabeth says
I agree, cleaning totally makes you feel on top of your day! Yesterday I wanted to go for a run but it was raining outside…so while waiting out the rain, I vacuumed and mopped – something I’d been putting off for a few days. Once finished, the sun magically came out & I enjoyed a great workout, already feeling a huge accomplishment before I started. Hooray for productive days!
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
I wonder who else is eating Girl Scout Cookies lately? Tis the season! Luckily the woman selling them for her niece skipped my corner of the office, but I’ve been taking samples from other people. God knows I would have bought 6 boxes of Thin Mints & Caramel Delights for myself! Does anyone else indulge in these cookies? I have memories of selling these, eating these… eating these…. Also, I think they got rid of trans fat or something bad in them recently? Lord I love Thin Mints…
Courtney says
Kath, thank you for the flax info. I didn’t know either tidbit. I’m a little annoyed that the bag I bought at Whole Foods told me to sprinkle them whole on cereal, yogurt, and salads. Hmmmm. Anyway, thanks!
Kelly L. says
To Run or Not to Run…
So I’m kind feeling a bit blah today. I have no energy and my body is just kinda achy. I think I have that “gunk” that is going around. Frankly, I could take a long nap right now and that is RARE for me. I don’t nap. I’m debating whether I should go for a run or not. On one hand I feel like it might make me feel better and more energized but on the other hand I just am so tired. Any thoughts?!
Aimee H. says
Stacy, do you like cinnamon? I usually add both cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to my oatmeal while cooking. I also might add a little vanilla at the end sometimes. Plus adding fruit sweetens it up a bit too. If you were to add some of these things in addition to the agave (or instead), that might help.
brooke says
I have a question about flax seed. I recently decided to ground mine myself. This might sound totally silly, but how do you guys count for that calorically?
Heather K says
Kath,
If it’s not good to heat the oils, is it okay to heat the walnuts??
Mom says
Kath,
Hearing the Canon brass made me a little sad, reminding me of your sweet wedding!
Amandamoo says
Kelly L. –
I am a runner (a few days/week) and have found that a shorter, slower run than usual makes me feel better when I’m not feeling so great. A couple of miles will get the gunk moving through your system. You’ll go for a quick run, come home and blow the heck out of your nose (TMI?), take a steamy hot shower (mmmm….) and put on some cozy clothes while you sip a cup of tea… That’s enough to make anyone feel better : )
Now I’m jealous that you get to do that and I’m stuck at work all day!
Hope you feel better soon!
Kelly L. says
Amandamoo-
Thanks, I think I just might do that. I’m at work to but I threw my running clothes in my car this morning. I’m thinking about running on my lunch break. It’s relativley cool here in Houston (60’s) so I won’t get to sweaty. Much better than running in 90% humidity and heat like it is most of the year here!
Becky A. says
Brooke,
My flax seed is ground, and its 80 kcal for 2tbsp(14 g). I don’t suspect there would be too much difference in my pre-ground and your “home-ground” flax.
Becky
Betsy says
no sun here 🙁
although i think i need to take you up on the cleaning challenge. the pile of clothes in my room is not going to get smaller by itself…
other Betsy
I miss girlscout cookies. I don’t know where to buy them in Manhattan. Other New Yorkers-do you know where to buy them? We don’t have girlscouts sitting outside grocery stores.
Kelly L
As a runner as well, I also find when I’m really tired and blah and slow, leisurely run really perks me up. But, if that blahness is sickness, then don’t push yourself too much. When I’m sick (but still able to exercise) I always give myself the option of stopping midway. Feel better though!
Kiala says
Cooking the pears!!!! What a good idea! It’s like I am mildly impaired, why haven’t I ever thought of this before? Thank God I have you, Kath.
I’m totally going to mop the floors.
Alison says
Oh yes, I’ve definitely been indulging in Girl Scout cookies! They only come around once a year so I figure, why not?
Angie C. says
Caryee- your post was so enlightening! It’s great to hear what the RD explained to you….very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
And to anyone who can help– does anyone know of a good website that explains what being gluten-free entails? I’ve done some googling but can’t find exactly what I am looking for. It’s a possibility that my hubby may need to switch to a gluten-free diet and I’m afraid this may change how we eat and cook quite a bit. If anyone has any insight on this as well, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks all!
ashley says
Hey Everyone! Saw a bunch of comments I wanted to comment on this morning (officially addicted to this blog!) lol
Kelly L
As a runner I definitley feel better when I push my butt into the gym and do 2-3 miles versus skipping it, but you know sometimes it just feels really good to take a day off, if you don’t typically take many days off and you’re just not feeling like running today, I say don’t run and maybe you’ll engoy your workout twice as much tomorrow.
Betsy in Pittsburgh
OMG, Girl Scout cookies are both evil and ridiculously good lol I did good by not guying any but I’ve been sabotaged by being gifted w.2 boxes in the last couple days! lol Thin Mints and Samoas (mmm…) now all I need are Do-Si-Do’s and I have all my fave’s lol oh well, one cookie never hurt anyone. you only live once.
Kath – How much pear per serving of oats do you put in? Half or whole?
Cara- I just made my oatmeal with Strawberries the other day. I added it in the beginning w/half a medium banana and about 4-5 large strawberries and cooked it on the stove. The hot strawberries and banana combo was super delish but it does water it up a bit
Stacy- I add my honey (I don’t like Agave as much) on top because when it’s stirred in I definitley don’t feel like I taste it as much. Same with my pb
Question for everyone – how many cal do you eat a day? if the q? is too personal sorry, but after running and w.my sedentary office job sometimes my burned cal est. comes out to be like 2000+ and this seems like a lot…I don’t want to lose weight but I don’t want to gain it either. Just curious for those fellow office workers and exercisers (I don’t do an hour of exercise a day though) if this is actually a normal amount for you guys
ashley says
oh hey another question, how much is it to see an RD? I’ve been considering it
Kelly L. says
Ashley- I don’t count calories but I typically average 1600-2500 a day. Somedays I eat much less, other much more. I believe it all evens out in the end if you listen to your body. I’ll go a week where I am STARVING and will eat a ton but then I’ll go a few days where I’m just not hungry at all. I’m not trying to lose weight and I wouldn’t mind putting on a few lbs so I typically just pay attention to eating balanced meals and induldging in the things I want when I want them. I love ice cream!!
Emma says
good morning kath! my dad makes a huge pot of grain cereal every week and then eats it ALWAYS with pears…though he shaves off the skin. when i recently had my pear with oatmeal, it tasted kind of sour from the skin…is this the same for you?
Beth T, im right with you! early to rise and early to bed is THE way to go. at least for me and kath apparently!
have a great day everybody!! yay for spring time on its way!
ashley says
Emma & Beth
I totally agree on the go to bed early, rise early thing. My Dad always said the “early bird get the worm” Lol and you know the older I get the more I really understand the concept of feeling so much more fulfilled with your day when you get up early. I admit sometimes to staying up pretty late w/friends and my bf but hey, no ones perfect.
Kelly L.
Thanks for your reply! I believe it all evens out too, I am just scared to eat more on my “starving days” (which seem to happen around the time of the month to me hmm…) and feel like I should eat more on my full days. I guess I will just have to learn to trust my body. I love ice cream too! I love frozen yogurt quite a but also…w. sprinkles and whip cream..lol now I’m craving frozen yogurt at 9 in the morning..
Katers says
Betsy in NYC – We got our GSC from a friend my bf works at but I also know they sell them directly off the Girl Scout website. I was wondering how I was going to get my cookie fix in the city too! Luckily I’m “connected” 😛
Elina says
Brooke, I have some pre-ground flaxseed as well, and it says 60 calories for 2 tbsps. Sparkpeople.com says 60 calories for 1 tbsp. Maybe you can average out the two?
SarahF says
Morning everyone! Thanks so much for all the responses from yesterday. I have another question for all you knowledgable ladies….. How exactly does BMR work? How do I know what my NET intake should be? Is it more of a trial and error to see what works, or is there a definite number? And when I’m going with trial and error, how long should I wait before I can conclude that I’m gaining weight (or losing weight) from my food/exercise and not due to stress or normal fluctuations? Right now I’m working out fairly consistently, but it seems like everyday there’s a new reason for me to pig-out (Monday there was a friend in town so a bunch of us had a chocolate fondue party, yesterday my friend had made homemade ice cream and I had no self control,etc.) I’m not gaining any weight, and I really don’t want to, I love how I look right now, but now that I’ve hit this weight I’m afraid of starting to gain again (because it’s what I always do-hit my happy weight, relax off of exercising and eating healthy, gain weight, have to start again). Sorry for all the questions-I’m so confused by how this all works 🙁
KarenR says
I don’t know. Is it just me or are GS cookies not as good as they used to be? I wonder if they changed the recipes. (Now I feel even older than I usually do reading this blog! Why, in my day…)
Emily V. says
Kelly L. – That’s so funny that you woke up and didn’t feel like running this morning because thats exactly how I felt this morning too! I have no idea the rhyme or reason of it, and my body is used to running every morning! I figured that my body needed a break and that was its way of telling me. I think it’s very important to listen to your body and go from there. If you aren’t feeling well it may be best to rest up for a day.
Lucy says
I was reading the ingredient list on the boxes of girl scout cookies that was lying around my office and saw that partially hydrogenated palm kernel and/or soy bean oil is on the ingredient list.
For some reason, I thought Girl Scout Cookies got rid of trans fats last year??? Why is it back? I wish I read it earlier because I ate 8 cookies yesterday. I guess this will help me to stay away from them today!
Here’s the link to the nutrition info for the cookies
http://www.abcsmartcookies.com/cookies_nutrition.asp?id=02E8EFF9-9143-405E-8CE9-890CCE9241AC
Justy2003 says
Re fruit in oatmeal-
I LOVE putting fresh strawberries in my oatmeal (when they’re in season and not so expensive)! I put them in after cooking it though, so that probably helps it to not get watery!
KellyL-
I’m in Houston as well! As far as to run or not to run, I would go out for a nice walk and then, if you feel up to it, pick it up to a jog/run!
Ashley-
I usually eat about 1950 calories a day. The food journal I have (on Self) says to get about that much. Some days I have a lot less, and other days (aka splurges!) it’s a lot more, depending on how I’m feeling. I used to try to hit that number every day, but I’m realizing that it all balances out in the end and I should try to listen to my body more! I also work a desk job 40 hours a week, but I do walk to/from work (~1.5 miles total) and work out for about an hour each morning.
Oh, and about those Girl Scout cookies-
I didn’t order any but some coworkers did. I’ve been able to avoid them…except one night volunteering at the hospital they had some thin mints out. I popped one in my mouth and 3 more jumped in as well! That was that and I haven’t had any more. I like them, but I’m glad I don’t have them around…my sweet tooth tends to get the better of me! 😉
Justy2003 says
Lucy-
Any product can claim to be “trans fat free” if it contains less than .5 grams per serving. That’s probably the case with the cookies…as well as LOTS of other products. That’s why you must always read the labels!
VeggieGirl says
I too am (and always have been) an early-bird – why sleep the day away?? Oh and I already completed my cleaning challenge for the day, so I’ll all set!! Whoo hoo!! :0D
Wow, the Candian Brass is amazing!! Thanks for the video link :0)
Meg says
LT with the spilled smoothie–Take your car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. They will clean the interior for no extra charge.
Susa says
Great idea with the cleaning-for me it’s the bathroom today :O)
Where’d you get that bowl from? I love it.
-Susa
Amy A. says
I swear this Kath girl reads my mind. That’s why I am addicted to reading this blog! Kath, your cleaning challenge is just what I need. My floor is begging to be mopped, and I have been avoiding the mop for almost a good two weeks.
Next, could you challenge us(me!) to stop munching so much late at night and in response to stress?? And maybe offer some insight on how to break this habit? I eat well during the day, work out after work, and then my danger zone is like 9-11pm. It definitely affects my sleep, but I just can’t get out of the routine that’s developed since switching to the workday lifestyle (over a year ago though!). Anyone else have this problem???
Lindsey says
Kath, Thanks so much for all your advice!
When you cook and prep the night before how do you not munch on the stuff you are making. Even if its healthy stuff, such as cutting up veggies. For example, when I cut up fruit, I literally find myself eating half the big bag of grapes. I realize fruit is low cal, but this is after I have eaten dessert and all my cals for the day.
Mel says
Sarah F,
If I remember correctly from Jenna’s blog you are a runner and sounded under weight. Maybe your body just needs more calories.
ashley says
KarenR – I was thinking the same thing yesterday about my thin mint girl scout cookies, I remembered them being a lot better, but then I tried a samoa (im sure I spelled that wrong sry!) cookie and it tasted way better to me that I remembered it! Maybe your taste buds just changed. That’s what I think it is for me.
EmilyV – I totally agree, I love the endorphins from exercise so it’s hard for me to take a day off but sometimes I wake up and I’m my body feels like Pls. No. Gym. Today lol I think it’s our body’s way to tell us to take a day off and you know, the next day my workouts are generally twice as good.
Justy2003- thanks for telling me your info. It really helps to see that other thin, athletic desk job girls eat around that amount, makes the cal’s seem like not as much. I don’t walk around that much and probably only get about 30-45 min of exercise for most days (I feel that’s good for me), although its been going way up with Marathon Training. I just used to eat way less than my bmr without realizing it to I am trying to hit the number most days right now because I’m scared to go too far under to screw up my bmr again. I do think it evens out though
Hey does anyone ever wake up at like one am and have a small snack and go back to bed? I’ve been having problem’s sleeping through the night recently and I’m typically under my total cal for the day when I go to sleep so that 50cal snack (Cereal or whatever) shouldn’t cause me to gain weight right? any tips for sleeping the whole night through?
also, still interested to hear everyone’s daily cal intake, I know everyone’s different but I’m trying to gauge a normal amount, I really appreciate it!
Kath says
Caryee ,
Thanks for sharing your R.D. experience!! I love her response too – I think we all just need to slooooow down a little and really absorb the moment and pause before we reach for food. The slower I eat and the more pleasurable the eating experience is (visually, quality of food, etc.), the more I leave a meal both physically and mentally satisfied.
GreenTea,
Check my Amazon Store (on the Real Food page) for SuperFoods. I like the HealthStyle one the best. It’s sort of the “second edition” with more lifestyle info included.
MoniMoni ,
While I too try to include a variety of food groups at each meal, I don’t really worry about leaving one out at dinner every now and then. If I ate spaghiett squash every night I might try to incorporate grains, but not on the few occasions I eat it. I couldn’t FIT anything more! But you could add a slice of whole wheat bread or mix in a bit of pasta if you’re concerned about it.
Courtney ,
BrandAid had a great email today about Flax. (www.ebrandaid.com to sign up).
brooke ,
I log mine as 70 kcal for 2 tbsp, which is what CalorieKing has in its database.
HeatherK,
Good point! I think Dr. Weil would say to eat them raw, but since they have so much flavor toasted I’m willing to meet him halfway and toast the almonds and keep the flax raw. He also says not to cook with olive oil, but I still do that too. I just try not to heat it to its smoke point.
Kelly L.,
I suggest a brisk walk!! Once your out there if you feel better, pick it up to an easy run.
Ashley,
I think seeing an R.D. varies greatly by state and the person. Mine last year was through the YMCA and was $30 for 30 minutes (although we spent 45) but I think average is probably about $100. You could see if your insurance will cover it or if there are any lower cost options (like the Y).
And I split the pear with the husband in the oats.
Emma,
My guess is your pear was a green pear, which is more sour? I like Bosc the best (brown skin)
stacy ,
This is why I don’t stir things in – they get lost. I put my honey or syrup on top and try to get a little bit with each bite. By the bottom it’s mostly gone, but the first half is delightful. I don’t think it’s worth the added calories and sugar to stir it in – with the exception of brown sugar, which I do think permeates throughout.
SarahF ,
No one but your body knows your true BMR. There isn’t really a set number since so many factors can change it day to day (and over time) but the calculators and tests can give you a pretty good estimate. The best thing you can do is just play it by ear. Don’t worry about gaining until it actually happens or you’ll just waste energy. If you start to gain (it usually takes a few weeks to notice), cut back. And remember that your brain might think there’s a reason to celebrate with food every night, but your body doesn’t! It demands the same healthy foods no matter what the occasion.
Susa,
From CB2 – http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=222&f=3637
Amy A.,
Sounds like you might be bored in the evenings. You need a distraction! Something quality to take your mind off of food. Try to do something quality in the evenings – reading, baths, a good movie. There’s tons of advice out there on how to combat nighttime eating.
Kath
Kelly L. says
I ended up doing a 25 minute run in the park near my office. I feel much better and have more energy. My head and throat is still a little achy but energy wise I’m moving along better.
Ashley- Don’t be afraid to eat more when you are hungry. I was like this too. I was scared that I would never get full on those hungry days. Just listen to your body and eat when it tell you to. I just kept telling myself “your hungry so you need to eat, you will have days that you aren’t hungry at all and you won’t eat a lot” I have a desk job to and try to get in a 30-45 minute walk break each day. I run on my non walk days 2x a week and do pilates on the reformer 2x a week. I get a little bit of exercise everyday but nothing to intense. My cardio is never more than 30 minutes.
ashley says
Hey Kelly!
Thanks again for your reply! Glad your run went well! I think I’m going to do the same thing today, get in a short 25-30 min run. Glad to hear your exercise routine, for a bit there I was starting to feel like maybe I wasn’t getting enough exercise w.all you pro 60 min a day girls on here ! lol
Not to sound ignorant here, but what’s a reformer?
Kelly L. says
Ashely- Your not ignorant. Most people don’t know what a reformer is so no worries. Basically, a reformer is a piece of pilates equipment that uses different springs attached to a sliding board to work different muscles. Each spring adds more and less resistence and depending on what body part you are using you adjust the spring. Pilates on the reformer allows you to do SO MANY exercises. I go to a studio near my house for classes 2x a week. It’s really hard to describe but this might help…
http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/equipment/allegro-pilates-reformer.html
I’d love to purchase my own but they are pretty pricey. One day I will though. With all the money I pay to take the classes I could have purchased one by now. I jsut love my instructor though. 🙂
Melissa (L.A.) says
ashley,
regarding your inquiry on people’s intake…I’m about 5’1″ and my daily calorie intake is around 1300-1400 calories (I tend to indulge more on the weekends). Some people might think that’s too little, but with my tiny frame it seems to work out just perfect for me….I also try to do Vinyasa Yoga 2-3 times a week for 1 hour each….and then maybe a couple cardio days at 40 minutes or so. BTW, I just have to say how much l have fallen in love with Yoga! I love everything about it…and not only does it totally tone you up, there’s also an amazing spiritual connection going on…. And I find I’m much more calm. (I drive Los Angeles freeways, so “calm” is a virtue)
Susa says
Oh my….I’ll get my family in the poorhouse-beautiful things! :O)))
Thank you!
I’ve always enjoyed my healthy foods-but never realized what some nice “food staging” like you do it do for additional pleasure and keeping you satisfied. There were many times when I mindlessly shoveled down my food-impossible when you have it all set up nicely.
Elina says
Ashely, I’m 5’6” and consume between 1200-1550 calories 6 times a week and exercise 45-70 minutes on those days as well (pretty intense workouts). One day a week I don’t count calories (and eat whatever I want) and don’t exercise. I’ve been loosing about 1lb a week with this routine. I still have 16lbs until my goal weight.
stephanie says
Melissa (LA)-
I know what you mean about the LA freeways!! I go from Westwood to El Segundo and back every day…I just try to relax during rush hour, but it looks like a lot of stressed out people on the 405 could use a yoga class or two!!!
Where do you take your yoga classes?