Roll your eyes, but when I swirled the yogurt into this pumpkin oatmeal I HAD to put a face on it and make it a snail!!
So my idea today was to swirl in maple/yogurt icing like I did for the carrot cake oatmeal into pumpkin oatmeal. It worked OK, but greek yogurt would have been better (because it’s so thick) and I only had Stonyfield on hand. This bowl of oatmeal was HUGE!!! I added 3/4 cup of pumpkin (started with 1/2 a cup but it didn’t look orange enough!) as well as 1/4 a cup of egg whites (for protein) and both made my portion double in volume! The egg whites changed the consistency a bit and make it all thicker – I kind of liked it! It wasn’t as creamy as my usual banana combo so I don’t think I’d add egg to that, but with the pumpkin it worked.
Wheeeeeeeee!
So this oatmeal combo was:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup hemp milk
- 1/4 cup skim
- 1/2 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 3/4 cup pumpkin (stirred in mid-way through cooking)
- 1/4 cup egg whites (also stirred in mid-way through)
- 1 tbsp shredded unsweet coconut (which got lost in the mix – bummer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (stirred in at end)
- 1 tbsp ground flax (stirred in at end)
- About a tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 oz of plain yogurt blended with a drizzle of maple syrup for “icing”
The smile counts as a freebie!
The bowl could have been sweetened a little – perhaps with brown sugar? It was very pumpkiny once I got through the topping
Con cafe –
This humongous bowl ended up being 440 kcal, 13 grams fiber and 25 grams protein. With the extra protein, I’m hoping this carries me through my back-to-back tests and an hour-long trip Uptown (taking the lightrail) before a late lunch with the husband. We’re going to Taverna 100 – not sure what I’ll get but it all looks good!
Spinning
Went to spinning this morning. ‘Twas fun, as usual. I had half a KIND bar before I left – and added a tsp of almond butter mid-way through for a bigger punch.
After lunch I’m going to my old office to go over my work with the new hire (yes, 4 months after I left!), so I’m not sure what time lunch’ll be up. Soon enough!
Katherine says
Oat eaters:
I was wondering if you all noticed a difference in satiety between steel cut oats, Scottish, and rolled oats or quick oats. For example, if you eat the same calorie amount of each oat, I am wondering if it really makes a noticeable difference. I actually eat two packets of instant plain (which is more calories than one serving of regular oats) and then flavor it. I am thinking of switching to the others but not sure if it makes a difference. Thanks 🙂
Katie R says
oh my gosh Kath you win the prize for best breakfasts of the week! I definitely have a list of what I will be trying for next week!!
Katherine- I actually feel more full after eating regular quick oats than steel cut. I’m pretty sure this has to do with actual volume and my eyes are just tricking my stomach… but I do prefer the texture of quick oats and rolled oats over steel cut. As for Scottish oats, they tend to have the same effect one me as quick oats.
hk says
adorable!! Plus, adding two chocolate chips for eyes…I mean, it’s just asking for a touch of chocolatey melty-ness…eyes it is 🙂 I’m excited to add 3/4 cup of pumpking to my oats next time for little more pumkin flavor, and color, this looks so pretty!! I always eat a dollop of fage, about 1Tbsp-1.5Tbsp, and I can attest to it’s delisiousness!!
happy friday, have fun at lunch!!
Romina says
Kath, that’s so cute! I don’t know who wouldn’t eat your breakfasts. =)
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
Question about fennel…. last night I roasted some – just the bulb – and I’m wondering, do you ever use the stalky celery-ish top part? I should have kept it to make a veggie broth or something but I just tossed it. Any suggestions for using the whole thing?
Tina says
Kath, you are going to make the best mom!
Petite Yogini says
The oatmeal makes for a cute picture. Perhaps you are a future food stylist!
Betsy says
I think you should write a book on whimsy breakfasts. too cute!
Betsy in Pittsburgh
nice name, by the way. I normally use the entire fennel. I like the top parts chopped up and put in salads. Or you can save it in the freezer and put it in stock. i LOVE fennel-and the entire thing is edible.
arimcg says
I always feel more satisfied off the regular oats – for steel cut, it seems like the portion is smaller even if it really isn’t.
Nate says
I am a big fan of steel cut. The texture can’t be beat.
Cara says
That breakfast looks so awesome! Wow.
Good luck on your tests today and all the other stuff you are doing!
KarenR says
Good morning all! I have a baking question. I am about to make a banana bread that calls for 6 tbsp of melted butter. How much of this can I sub with applesauce? I’ve only subbed for oil before. Will this work? (If it matters, it also calls for 1/4c plain yogurt)
Nadia says
So I FINALLY got around to making “Kath’s Classic Oatmeal” last night for a snack/second dinner?…and it was soooo freaking good. The only thing I changed was to make it entirely with almond milk and no water because I can’t stand oats with any water (i’m weird)…I’ve never had banana in oatmeal even though I adore bananas, let alone walnuts or almond butter (glad I found a good pairing for almond butter…thought I would have to toss it after I tasted some). I’m so glad I got around to making it and I wanted it again for breakfast but was running late for work…oh well, i guess I’ll have to wait for tonight. Oh and I also added a lot of cinnamon. Thanks for the awesome recipe 🙂
Nick says
Very creative, food always tastes better when it looks good too. I remember making smiley faces in my oatmeal with strawberry or grape jelly every morning as a kid. But not jelly and I no eat it. How are those Kind bars? I can never see myself buying those “raw” bars because they’re so expensive and I might as well just eat a handful of nuts and dried fruits!
– The Peanut Butter Boy
Anne says
Aw yay smiley and fun swirl! Your blog brightens my day 🙂
Another Kelly says
KarenR – I would start by substituting 1/2 and see how you like the taste and texture from there. Fat does help in carrying taste so you may lose some of the richness. Or you could try splitting the recipe and making 1/2 completely without butter and the other half using half the butter and compare how you like the taste.
bikergurl says
Katherine, here’s my take on oats:
Instant (plain) – these fill me up initially just as well as regular rolled oats. The only thing is that I feel hungry sooner. If you mix them with some protein and healthy fat though they will probably hold you over pretty well.
Quick cooking – I think these are somewhere between instant and regular rolled oats in terms of how long they will hold you over.
Rolled Oats – These are my favorite, they fill me up initally and also keep me full a long tome.
Steel cut – my only problem with these is that they make a pretty small bowl when they’re cooked. I find that my initial satiety is lower than with other oats, but they do hold me over pretty well
Just my opinion, but I hope it helps 😀
kim says
I made oatmeal and swirled in peanut butter and jelly oatmeal. used vanilla extract, cinnamon, natural peanut butter, sugar free blueberry jam and fresh blueberries.
Holly says
Hey Kath!! I just wanted to let you know about the IUD conversation we all had a couple weeks ago, because you mentioned that you may want one. Just thought I would let you know that it went great for me!! TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! Yes… it was a T-bit painful… more so really uncomfortable. But I have a very low tolerance for pain, so I’m sure for anyone else it would be easy as pie. I have never had a baby before, so it was a little different for me…
Anyways, that’s all I had to say. It’s not that bad at all, and I’m so happy I got it 🙂
NC (need to change my name) says
that breakfast is gorgeous!
Kelly T says
your so silly, kath. Looks delicious though. I keep forgetting to buysome chocolate chips for my oatmeal
JennS says
Kath, are you pregnant? i know thats weird and I apologize!
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
You have the CUTEST breakfasts!
Kiala says
I can barely manage to slice strawberries in the morning. In fact, sometimes the idea of filling the tea ball with loose tea and then adding stevia and milk seems so overwhelmng I stay in bed for awhile until it feels less suicide making.
I may have overstated that a little.
Holly says
I hope your not asking if Kath is pregnant because of what I put!! The IUD is to prevent pregnancy! Just to clarify 🙂
carrie says
Kath, I was going to make some more pumpkin bread, but using your recipe. I am unable to find Hemp Milk, but was going to include applesauce. Do you think it would still turn out okay. Thanks!
PS says
Kiala, c’mon now. You know where overstating gets you.
SarahF says
Morning Ladies,
I know I’m a few days late on the conversation about that article regarding orthorexia (or whatever it was exactly called) but I was thinking about it today at work & it makes me laugh. I work in a large corporate office, and today for example, we have cinnamon buns in the morning (a man comes in at 10 and sells them for $1 and there’s practically a Stampede when it’s announced he’s here), then for lunch they’re providing us pizza, and mid afternoon we’re stopping to celebrate somebodies birthday & we all are going to have some cake.
And then studies show that people who are planning their foods are the problem? In a 4 hour time period I could eat about the amount of calories I should have in a day-so of course I’m planning what I’m going to eat!
It’s just so ironic that people complain about the obesity epidemic & then people who are thin are attacked for watching what they eat.
Sorry for the rant-but I couldn’t help it after the stampede by my door for the cinnamon bun man occurred. I stayed in my office and enjoyed my hot tea & oatmeal- & I packed my own lunch to avoid devouring the pizza at lunch, but don’t worry, at least one person will come by and make some type of comment about how thin I am & how I should enjoy a cinnamon bun- never putting it together that maybe I’m thin BECAUSE I don’t want a cinnamon bun, I would rather have cake
Ok-I’m done my rant now, I swear
Kori says
I am 21 years old, and I take great pride in what I eat and the fuel I choose for my body. My family and friends have slowly begun to understand, but sooooo many people think that I’m weird and attempting to lose weight. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! Somehow by taking care of myself I have become the minority. Something is wrong with this picture! I just care about the ingredients that I introduce into my body. My boyfriend’s mom is always, “well, it’s sugar free and fat free, so have a piece.” Uhh…I don’t care if all that’s left is air. I want to eat nutritionally sound foods with depth, flavor, just like the foods shown on this blog. I don’t live in a state of constant fear of gaining weight. I just want to live a long, prosporous life. I thoroughly enjoy what I eat, and I NEVER feel deprived if there is cake, pizza, etc. around me because I know I can easily enjoy those foods if I make them myself. I don’t consider a hamburger unhealthy. In fact, it can be highly nutritious because it all depends on the meat chosen and fillings chosen. It’s about choices, discipline, and desire. Just because I care to plan my food does not mean that I need help! I wanted to thank you sooo much for writing your post because it felt as if you took the words right out of my mouth.
VeggieGirl says
Kath – you are BRILLIANT!! I love the snail design – too fun!!!
Going back to your old workplace should be interesting! Happy Friday! :0)
KarenR says
PS, you just made me choke on my soup, because that is exactly what I said (out loud) to myself when I read Kiala’s comment. Beware the Samaritans!
Another Kelly, I tried 1/2 butter and 1/2 applesauce like you suggested. It just came out of the oven, I’ll let you know how it went.
tiedtogetherwithasmile says
What a cute idea! Have a great Friday!!
Gretchen says
Sarah F –
I totally know what you’re saying. I get all kinds of stares and questions in my office regarding my lunch. They can’t get over the fact that I actually take the time to make my lunch (salad, stir fry) rather than pulling out the take out menu everyday. Sometimes I feel they think I have a disorder, when I just care enough to plan ahead and eat healthy lunches. Then, there’s my co-worker who complains at least once a day that she needs to lose 10 pounds to fit in her suits again, then she goes and eats 10 reese cups or whatever candy is available. It makes me laugh…
Andrea says
KATH, you are freaking adorable! you definitely made me smile when i saw the post. so creative and entertaining!
katieb says
Hey guys – it seems I missed a conversation on orthorexia – ironic, b/c I was just about to post this link to an interesting/disturbing article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/fashion/02drunk.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=drunkorexia&st=nyt&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
and orthorexia is mentioned. I’d never heard of it before …thought it might spark some interesting convo.
JennaV says
Kath-
I have been reading your blog for a little while now but this is my first time commenting. Your breakfast made me smile! So cute.
Kirsten says
I get weird looks all the time at work too! The comments do get annoying… “hey there’s donuts in the…. oh, wait, you don’t eat those” . Or if I do indulge in a piece of candy they actually make an annoucement out of it like the boogedy man just walked in. The ironic thing is I probably eat more than everyone else because I eat more often and they live off of fries all day. I hate that I feel the need to defend myself with my food choices, but I’m happy that I’m not the only one! So thanks to Kath and all of you for creating an environment where we can feel comfortable with our healthy selves!
Kori says
Simply ditto to all that you wrote. 🙂
SarahF says
katie b-that is a really interesting alcohol. I’ve never heard of the drinking one before, but I could see how people who restrict calories would offset their food for the day so they could drink more.
Reading the article leads me to a curiousity question-that if no one wants to answer it is totally fine because it is personal. What does everybodies drinking life look like?
For me personally, I try & eat very healthy most days, but I’ll typically go out with friends about once a week and drink more than the suggested 1-2 drinks…it probably ends up being closer to 10 throughout the night. But I try & eat really healthy the day before I go out, the day I go out, and the day after I go out. I’ll also occasionally socially drink, and have a glass of wine with my dinner.
SarahF says
lol-oops. My first sentence should read “that is a really interesting article”…can you tell it’s Friday? 😛
Allie says
All I could think when I saw this photo was Smithson’s Spiral Jetty. Interesting choice.
Amandamoo says
I’m lucky in that my coworkers admire my choices. They’ve even asked me to teach them how to make my oatmeal (that I nuke in the office micro every day, making the kitchen smell heavenly).
I work with a bunch of ladies in social services though… I guess my field of work is a little different than a typical office group!
Julz says
Your breakfast posts always bring a smile to my face! This one was so adorable 🙂 Happy Friday! Weeeeeeee!!!
Katie says
Hahaha! So cute! LOVE IT! Food’s gotta be fuN! 🙂
LolaFunk says
Awww little snail hahah
Ive always wanted to try those Kind bars….
which ones your favorite?
Ana says
I don’t know guys, I honestly think it’s ok to indulge now and then in moderation. I do eat healthy most of the time, but (a good example) my anatomy class gets a free donut breakfast every Friday, and I always have one with a cup of coffee (not 4 or 5, just one that I savor and I am so much happier than if I didn’t). That one donut is about 330 calories (less than kath’s oatmeal), and though not nutritious, satisfies my sweet tooth and keeps me from overindulging. Plus, I balance it out with a fairly decent menu later on.
Eating is very social, and it’s fun to gossip in the morning with my friends over donuts!^_^Not meaning to accuse you or anything SaraF, but it sounds like you are maybe just a little jealous of the others ability to indulge every now and then? I know I would feel pretty sulky if everyone else could have a donut (or pizza) and I couldn’t!
There are ways to eat those items and still keep it healthy. For example, you could have a donut paired with a yogurt or piece for fruit (that would be about 450 calories depending on actual amounts/brands), a slice of pizza (even if it is greasy and cheesy with no veggies) and a carton of milk or carrot sticks to fill you up (pizza averages about 350-450 calories and with the milk and carrots, that lunch could be 500-650 and fairly healthy-vegetables, dairy and protein (cheese and milk), grain (even if not whole), and tomatoes (sauce) for vitamin C).
I think this is what they mean when they talk of “othorexia”-that people are terrified to have anything they don’t believe has nutritional value. Well, these foods actually DO have nutritional value! Not as much as others, that’s true, but still enough! You won’t die (or grow fat) if you keep portions in control and eat a balance of foods. Pay attention to your body, and stop when full.
NC (need to change my name) says
“Drunkorexia” is fairly prevalent on college campuses.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/drunkorexia-threatens-long-term-health-of-women/1175443662
NC (need to change my name) says
Hope your tests went well!
Becky A. says
I was drunkorexic in college….I would “drink my dinner” quite often.
Kiala says
I drink wine every
morningnight and well, we’re prettypopularsocial so we go out a lot and I usually have about 3-4 drinks.OMG…I’m a drunkorexic. Except I eat dinner and sometimes I eat a Fourth Meal.
I’m fat. Just say it.
Kate says
Haha, cute breakfast! I had pumpkin oatmeal this morning too but mixed in half a banana as well. Like yours, the bowl was huge! I barely finished before running out the door, but it definitely held me over until lunch. Fun idea with the icing.
JennS says
Kiala, i love you. seriously, i’d love to go to a bar with you to drink our calories away.
Ally says
Aww, that is cutest breakfast ever! It even beats the hotdog and fries post!
I’ve never seen a KIND bar before and noticed the label said ‘dairy free’ Where do you find them?
Happy weekend by the way!
Smiles says
Well said Ana, well said!!
angelcubbie says
Ally- You can find Kind bars at Whole Foods type stores, probably Trader Joes too? I love the Date and Nut one, so good!
Kiala says
Jenn S, that would be the funnest.
Lbelle says
Hi Kath! I’m a 17 year old student leading a healthy lifestyle, and I just started a blog! Today is my very first day blogging my meals, check it out!
http://lbelle16.blogspot.com/
p.s. i love your blog and i read it religiously!
SarahF says
Ana- I completely agree with what you’re saying. I think people do become afraid of eating the terrible things & then never enjoy food. For me personally, as you might notice in my first post, I said I didn’t want the cinnamon bun or pizza because I wanted to enjoy the cake. It’s not all about deprivation-I still enjoy the occasional treat. My point was more about how people judge as soon as you don’t have every treat that’s offered to you.
Kiala- I love the fourth meal. It’s 3 in the morning, you’re just getting home- and you happen to pass a pizza place on the way home. Let’s all be honest, there is nothing better than a greasy piece of pizza at 3 in the morning…..I’m sure the alcohol makes it taste better as well
Elizabeth S. says
I also have an IUD and love it. I have the Mirena.
I have a pretty high pain tolerance, though, and getting it inserted was the most painful experience of my life, no joke. It’s worth it, though.
angelcubbie says
Does the IUD cause weight gain or emotional side effects? I’m on Ortho-Lo and I’m reasonably sure it didn’t add any weight gain to me and it doesn’t affect my emotions(although I read that weight gain from the pill is a myth these days due to the fact that the hormone levels in pills are much lower than what they used to be and therefore no longer cause you to gain weight) but Depo caused me to gain weight and so having something inserted in me that stays in for a longer period of time sounds like it may have negative effects.
KarenR says
I couldn’t handle Depo at all, so my doc recommended the IUD because it’s physical instead of chemical.
I couldn’t decide, so had a third baby instead.
CutiePie82 says
Regarding orthoanorexia, I don’t think I understand why it’s a bad thing. Why is wanting to fill your body with nutrious, fresh foods viewed negatively? If I look at people who are eating Big Mac’s & think it’s poison, why is that wrong-it is bad for you. I look at people who are smoking and think it’s poison-does that mean that I have some other “disorder” since I’m choosing to be good to my body. Your body is your temple-you only get one, treat it good. I’m not against the occasional treat but mass amounts of sugar is NEVER “healthy”. It’s just been integrated into our system where people are now viewed as odd if they don’t want the cake/donuts/pizza.
And why is ok for people to judge either way? No I don’t want the pizza, but its not like I’m going to comment on how fat your ass is getting because you eat it everyday. So why should you judge me because I eat healthy foods to be thin?
And Ana, maybe you’re right, maybe it is jealousy. Sometimes that piece of cake, or piece of pizza might look appealing-but at the end of the day I would rather love my body & know that I have fed it with proteins, carbs, fruits & vegetables and dairy products that are going to fuel it to keep me looking good, feeling good, and living a long and healthy live. And they’re calling this a disorder?
angelcubbie says
lol Karen, you’re too funny
Kiala says
I’m married. Which means I’m abstinent.
Ha! Whew!
No.
Lucy says
Am I the only one checking to see if Kath has posted her lunch? =) All this refreshing is keeping me distracted from work on a friday afternoon. hehehehe
Justy2003 says
Lucy, you’re not the only one! 🙂 Only 15 minutes left in the workday, so I’m just trying to kill time before the weekend begins!
Holly says
Oh man, ok maybe I wasn’t being a wuss when I got the iud!! haha. Yes, totally worth it 🙂
I have heard from lots of people that the depo is bad news, so I will NOT be getting that ever. I have the Mirena as well!! I haven’t had it for that long, but I haven’t had any weight gain. It’s different than taking a pill, so I don’t think you get those same kind of side effects as you would with a pill.
After I got it I was really, really dizzy and what not… but a few hours later I felt great, and the next day I didn’t feel any pain or anything. Nothing is painful. I LOVE IT! And it lasts for 5 years… so that’s great.
angelcubbie says
How much does the IUD cost?
angelcubbie says
Oh, and I was reading through the comment’s from last night’s dinner post and I can’t believe so many of you don’t like running! I think nothing in the world beats the feeling of a good run. What are some of everyone’s favorite exercises instead?
Holly says
Well my insurance covered a TON of it… but it was like 1100. I ended up paying 400 after all was said and done. It’s not that bad if you think “well, I only have to do it every 5 years” It’s a good investment I think if you want to be safe. My gyno said that it’s just a tiny bit more effective than BC… I think like 1% more. But still.
And about running…. I LOVE RUNNING!! It’s the best exercise I know of, and it clears my head sooo much.
Jessie says
Hey Ladies, adding to the IUD discussion, i have tried depo, every kind of pill you can think of, patches and the nuvaring…but what i am on right now KICKS BUTT!!!
Its the implannon implant, it sounds intense but the just inject a small piece of plastic in your arm and its good for 3 years. It swelled a bit for the first day but nothing major and the best news of all…..I HAVE BEEN PERIOD FREE FOR 6 MONTHS!!!!! It’s fairly new and uncommon but i swear by it now and try to spread the good word whenever i can! I suggest talking to you gynos for more info!
Jessie says
oh, and all i had to pay was a $50 copay…it will actually save me money over the pill in the long run 😀
Katherine says
Kath,
On the mornings that you eat your trail mix with the chocolate chips or brown sugar in it, do you find that you crave chocolate or sweets more? The chocolate looks so good, but I am a chocoholic, so I am afraid it will start my cravings earlier!
Katherine says
Kath,
just so you know I didn’t see read all the previous post before mine, so I am sure my question is totally off topic! 🙂
Amandamoo says
Jessie-They’ve been using the implant in prisons for quite some time now! Apparently, having your period in prison is a no-no… Not commonly talked about but I work in social services : )
Angelcubbie-I KNOW! Now that I run, I feel like it’s the best workout both physically and emotionally and I look forward to my running days! I still lift some weights and do the bike and elliptical but running is my most favorite… Of course, it took me many years and the C25K program to figure that out. Many people will never know how amazing a good run can make you feel!
Kath says
Katherine ,
I agree with the others that what’s most important to me is volume and I get the most satiety out of rolled oats because while I like steel cut, the portion is much smaller.
Thanks Tina : )
Nadia ,
SO glad you liked the oatmeal!!
Holly ,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Without getting too personal, “all systems go” for me soon to try it 🙂
Nick ,
I like the KIND bars a lot, but they are missing the great texture of LaraBar and Nectar bar (my favorites) and are a bit too sweet.
JennS,
NOOO!!!
carrie ,
I would use some sort of milk or milk substitute. Soy milk? SKim? Applesauce is normally subs. for vegetable oil, not milk.
Katherine ,
Good questions. I haven’t noticed any difference in the breakfasts with trail mix or brown sugar and cravings. I don’t think it’s enough sweet to make a difference in combo with all the fiber, carbs, protein, etc. in the whole bowl.
Thanks for all of your enthusiam on the Snail!!
Kath
Suzanne says
angelcubbie –
I was one of the posters who dislikes running. But believe me I really TRY to like it. I’ve been running on the treadmill for a few years, but I find it very monotonous and 45 minutes seems like an eternity.
I’ve even tried running with my friend outside (he’s done a few marathons) to see if I liked it any better. But, I was short of breath the whole time and the pavement was hard on my knees/legs….there was just no point where I felt GOOD. I always felt like I was going to pass out.
So, even though I still run on the treadmill for my cardio – I have just come to the conclusion that I just don’t like it and sometimes you have to do what’s good for you even if it’s not your favorite thing to do.
Sorry to drone on – but I just wanted to try and explain why I dislike running. Since you love – I’m sure it’s hard to see how anyone can not.
The activities I do enjoy: kickboxing, bike riding, boot camp workouts.
Any advice on how to make running more enjoyable? Haha…I doubt it….there’s no real science behind running – you just move your feet and go! 🙂