I’m much better this morning. I took a nice bath last night, which made me feel like I had nothing in the world to do. It was a good feeling! I love just laying there and floating with my eyes closed. I set the alarm for 5:00 and told the husband I’d make the call in the morning if I was truly better or not. I felt fine when we woke up and the thought of a easy workout was appealing, so to the gym we went.
Pre-workout Snack
I had a piece of oat/nut/flax toast with a little PB and J before we left –
Workout
At the gym I took it easy and just did the elliptical on a lighter resistance than normal. While my body feels fine, my stomach still feels a little funny, so Everyday with Rachel Ray wasn’t what I was in the mood to read with all the food – but all I have in my magazine stack is that and Cooking Light! Is there some kind of magazine mail strike? I haven’t gotten any of my main ones in SO long!
Spring is on the Way!
It was also great to wear SHORTS again to the gym!!!! It’s a mild 60* here this morning and I’m loving it! I think I take North Carolina’s mild winters for granted because there are some days that are freezing here (I was cold 24 hours a day for most of January) but the good thing is our winters are super short. I think the high today is 70*, which isn’t normal, but I hope it will at least stay in the 50s and 60s for a while.
Lighter?
So since my stomach isn’t quite ready to handle giant bowls of oatmeal, I decided to have cereal this morning. Cereal doesn’t fill me up nearly as much as oatmeal does so we’ll see how this goes. I had 1.5 cups of Kashi Heart to Heart with milk, banana, a few walnuts and ground flax sprinkled on top. Surprisingly, my “light” breakfast was the same amount of calories as my normal oatmeal! AND I feel about the same amount of fullness. I guess this isn’t a true test of the two since my stomach isn’t 100% normal but we shall see if it holds me over until lunch. I have cereal more frequently in the summertime and it’s usually about an hour less than oatmeal.
Raspberry tea –
This breakfast was about 425 kcal –
Today
The husband has a JOB INTERVIEW this morning. Cross your fingers for him! This is a horrible time in the market to look for a job and he’s put so much effort into networking and his search and just keeps encountering “Sorry, we’re not hiring” with everyone. This position would be something really creative and I think he’d be perfect for it, but we’ll see….
I’m off to Chem, Physio, Lunch, Blogging, Lab ( 👿 )…
Then tonight, we’re going to Uptown Charlotte to see my favorite history professor from Davidson speak on her new book, Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Women’s Rights Movement. I wrote my senior history thesis on Lucy Stone and her marriage with Henry Blackwell during the early women’s rights movement so this should be really fun (she is best known for being the first woman to keep her last name upon marriage and for refusing to have “obey” in her wedding vows – part of the reason I kept my name and wrote our wedding vows). I haven’t seen my professor since graduation – when I was 30 pounds heavier – so I hope she recognizes me!
The talk and reception start at 7 so we’ll have to grab a quick dinner somewhere on our way up. We’ve tentatively planned a stop at Fuel Pizza, famous here in Charlotte but we’ve never been, to get NY-style by-the-slice pizza. Something we wouldn’t normally think to do but would be fun for a change from sandwich and salad places!
Off to Winthrop!
rhodeygirl says
good luck!
NC says
Good luck Matt! Don’t stop baking tho. 🙂
MLT says
Hey Kath,
Just had to say that my family is from Seneca falls so we go back every year and although it’s a small sleepy town these days, some amazing things happened there! Thanks for mentioning the name of the book-it sounds awesome! I was a history major and altho it has nothing to do with my career, i love a good history book.
And I, too, kept my name after marriage! Kudos to you for being thoughtful and intentional about what you wanted at your wedding and after and not just going with the flow because it was expected. (i have nothing against women who take their h’s name, but i think it’s awesome when people put thought into it- one way or the other).
have a great day!
Mikell says
Good luck, husband!
ibex says
yeah, matt! rooting for you!
Nicole says
Being as my college nickname was “the Fem-Nazi”, my friends were a little surprised when I took my husband’s last name. The way I see it, I didn’t get to choose my maiden name either. And my mother didn’t choose very wisely 😉
I’m going to Napa next week and then heading to Charlotte in April. Husband – if I bring a good bottle of wine, can I come over for some bread?
jenna says
Good luck, Matt!!!! Keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂
CKMeg says
I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better, Kath! And yes, my fingers are crossed for Matt! 🙂
JennS says
Hey Kath, you should definatly put a patent on the oatmeal pancakes! I had them with almond butter, blueberries and banana this moning. It was AMAZING! I let the oats and egg whites sit overnight and it came out to be the perfect consistency.
ibex says
jenn (and Kath of course!)-would you tell me your exact pancake meausrements from this morning’s perfect pancake? I’ve tried a few different things, and I think I still need some tweaking. Let me know!
the almond butter, blueberry, banana combination sounds right up my ally, YUM!
amber says
I’ve been lurking around your blog for a while (your love of food/fitness/health makes me want to hit my exclamation point repeatedly) and have yet to comment, but felt the need to on this entry. First of all… good luck to the hubby on the interview! Secondly, I’m originally from North Carolina (born and raised in Salisbury, but I’m also familiar with the Concord/Kannapolis/Davidson area because after my parents divorced, my dad moved down that way… he used to teach a few classes at Winthrop actually, and CPCC). I moved to New York when I was 18 for college and have been here in the city for over six years now (I’m 24), but POINT IS, I’ve been to the Fuel Pizza in Davidson and Charlotte and it is pretty good! Not quite as tasty as my favorite Brooklyn pizzeria (obviously you can’t compete with the real thing 🙂 but it’s definitely a nice change from the other types of pizza you find in NC. Anyway, I’m glad you’re feeling better! Enjoy the talk tonight.
Melissa says
Hi Kath,
I always get so jealous when you talk about how warm it is there! As much as I love NYC, it makes me consider how attached I really am to living in cold, rainy, snowy or yucky weather at least 4 months a year!
But if you ever do visit NY, I would love to treat you to dinner at Pure Food and Wine. I think you would love it, everything is 100% organic, plant based, no refined anything, no sugar–even in the molten lava fudge cake! Just some of the most beautifully present food you will find in NY.
The same goes for Jenna. I can’t even believe how selfless you two are in sharing your tips, time and health journeys!
Have a great warm day!
Tina says
I like your pre-work snack idea. Some mornings, I feel like I have no energy to exercise…perhaps this will help. Thanks, Kath!
Justy2003 says
Just wanted to wish the husband good luck!
And glad to hear you’re feeling better today, Kath!
Amy C. says
Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Kath! Have fun tonight. That book sounds really interesting. I went to an all female college so I took several classes on women’s history and really enjoyed them. Also, it’s cool that you kept your last name. I love mine and have thought of doing the same when I get married.
Quick off topic question about NC. I’m a New England girl but absolutely hate the long winters so I’ve considered moving somewhere milder once I finish grad school. Do you find Charlotte a good place for people our age? It seems like it would be.
Husband – the bread looks fantastic! Good luck with the job interview.
arimcg says
Amber – What’s your favorite pizza place in Brooklyn? Just curious, I live in Clinton Hill 🙂
Cocoa says
Matt – I wish you the best of luck with your interview….Keeping my fingers crossed!
Kath – your breakfast looks delicious! Yum! So glad you’re feeling better! 🙂
Brianne says
I’m sending the husband good luck vibes..! Glad to hear your feeling better, Kath!
Katers says
Melissa, Pure Food and Wine looks awesome! I’m definitely going to hit that up soon. I’m in NYC and always looking for new organic, vegan restaurants to try! Have you ever been to Blossom on 9th and 20th? Oh man, they have the best food in the city! They have this tofu chilli which is flat out amazing, and this soy ice cream that is pure heaven.
Katers says
Oh and best wishes to the husband!
Becky A. says
Good luck, husband! Bribe them with some bread 😉
Kath, so glad to hear you were able to figure out the misfits causing trouble. I love the positive vibe here and it was a drag to have to wade trough all the crap to get to the good stuff! Have a great day!
JennS says
ibex, the only thing i did was double kath’s recipe she posted (to make more for the week) and let the oats and egg whites sit from about 9pm to 7am. In the morning, I added the rest of the ingredients and mashed banana in with with the mix. I then cooked them and topped them with almond butter, sliced banana and blueberries. they were awesome.
amber says
arimcg — I live in Williamsburg. 🙂 I love Anna Maria right off the Bedford L train stop. I used to live in Brooklyn Heights, though, so obviously my favorite brick oven style is Grimaldis.
Amandamoo says
Hey Kath,
Two things:
1. I signed up for Calorie King last week (and have you to thank for the referral) and LOVE IT! I have used online food diaries before but have never come across one so user-friendly, so thank you for the recomendation.
2. I wanted to wish the husband good luck, my boyfriend is in the same situation… overqualified for most jobs and struggling with the “we’re not hiring” epidemic.
Have a great “humpday”!
Tara says
OK, I have to ask, what’s the purpose for eating flax?
Good luck Matt!
PS – I live in CA and there’s no way I am wearing shorts! Our 5:30am walk was definitely in 40 degree weather. I was completely bundled, with only my eyes showing!….I probably sound like a wimp compared to you east coasters!
Tara says
Oops, I forgot to ask my other question.
Matt,
I noticed that the bread was used to make a sandwich. I notice when I make homemade bread, it is difficult to use for a sandwich because the crust is so thick and the bread kind of crumbles apart. What am I doing wrong? Is your bread comparable to the store-bought consistency?
Christin says
First off, good luck “The Husband” on your interview! second, on keeping last names, I thought I was always going to keep my last name because my family is the last of them, but my husband is actually from a family with the same problem, so in the end I decided to take his, and now I am very glad that I did. I don’t see anything wrong with keeping your last name, obviously, but sometimes you change your mind for whatever reason 🙂
Oh yeah, and Tara, I am totally with you on that! I live in SoCal, and I am FREEZING right now! There was actually ice on my windsheild this morning! I seriously considered taking a “snow day” haha! 🙂
Allison says
Matt,
Good luck on the Interview today! As you can see, all the readers are rooting for you.
Kath,
I love that you kept your last name, and wrote your own vows. I would have rather keeled over in my wedding than have the word “obey.”
Hope you continue to feel better!
Anne P says
Good luck today Matt!!
Carrie says
Good luck at your interview, Matt!
Okay, okay. I have to comment. I live in WYOMING, so all of you who are complaining about 40, 50, 60 … even 20 degree weather … I don’t feel too bad for you! :0) I had a flat tire this morning and had to walk to work in three, yes, THREE, degree weather. And today is considered a warm day. I love, love my state, but our winter lasts eight months and gets very cold!
Thanks, Kath and Matt, for all your help and ideas all the time. And I too am glad you weeded out the negativity.
Kelly says
Good Luck Matt! Please let us know how it goes. I’ll say a little prayer for you.
Glad to hear you are feeling better Kath. Have fun tonight.
Happy Hump Day Everyone!
VeggieGirl says
Kath, I’m so relieved the read that you are feeling better, and that you are able to get back to your normal routine/healthy self; but your busy class schedule doesn’t sound like too much fun, with the labs and everything – hang in there!!
Best of luck to Matt with his interview!! **fingers crossed**
Happy Wednesday!! :0)
Aguccion says
Good luck Matt!
To ANYONE that uses a heart rate monitor. My shiny new Polar F4 is coming today, but now I’m worried. Will it “cross-talk” with other monitors in spin class? I saw the the F6 is made specially NOT to do that. Also, is not having a back light super super annoying? I figure the room isn’t that dark, I can always lift my wrist up and read it…
Thank you!
Jana says
Good luck to the husband today! I hope he gets the job; I know how frustrating the job hunt can be. 🙂
Christin says
Carrie, admittedly, I am a huge wimp! 🙂
Carrie says
Christin,
It’s all about perception! I love where I live so I really don’t mind the weather at all.
My in-laws live in SoCal and have outdoor heaters to turn on in 60 degree weather … They wouldn’t live in Wyoming for a million dollars. To each thier own!
I hope everyone stays warm today, wherever you are.
And, Kath, I am glad you are feeling better.
goalie30 says
Weather: Ya we’re having a HUGE snowstorm here today in the midwest where I live, 6-12 inches today and another 6-12 tonight…windchills in the single digits to negative numbers…Kath, can you post a few outdoor pics of you and Matt enjoying the warm weather? I need to see some sunlight even if it’s only through a computer screen!
Flax/ Flaxseed:
I have Epocrates on my palm piolot which gives me doses of uses for all meds and alternative meds, so here’s what pulls up for Flax…
USES: atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cancer prevention, chronic constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, breast pain/ PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms, skin inflammation ( you use the flaxseed oil on the skin)
DOSES: vary, it depends on if you’re using the seeds or the liquid oil
AVOID using flaxseed if you have: bowel obstruction, breast cancer, diarrhea/diverticulitis/irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, esophageal stricture, hormone sensitive conditions, high triglycerides, acute inflammation of the intestines, open wounds (if using the oil on the skin), ovarian or uterine cancer, or uterine fibroids.
CAUTION: if you’re diabetic on diabetic meds, the combo of your meds and this supplement can cause an increased risk of LOW blood sugars
PREGNANCY: oil is likely UNsafe in medicinal amounts, avoid use; seeds possibly safe, use w/ caution (I would tell my patients who are preganant or looking to get pregnant NOT to take this supplement)
**Just remember, all the ‘supplements’ out there aren’t FDA approved, so they do not monitor the contents of the pills/oils, so you might get higher or lower doses/concentrations than what are actually in the recommended tablets/doses…
goalie30 says
PS Go, Matt!! Best wishes! My mom just lost her job recently too along w/ a co-workers husband, so I know how unemployment can be, stay positive!
Andrea says
i have a question for kath or anyone who can answer… i have a tendency to use Equal (not splenda) in lattes (usually one every day) and I even put it in oatmeal… is this a bad habit like splenda? i simply love the taste and the fact that there’s low calories/carbs etc. but i’m not so sure if there are bad side effects of using equal everyday that i don’t know about.
thanks in advance 🙂
Elizabeth says
Goalie…you must be near Wisconsin…My office is closed for the day because of all the snow! We’re expected to get up to 18 inches in my area!! Crazy!!
HokieShelley says
yay for warm weather! It’s 75 in Richmond today. Definitely going for a walk down by the river during my lunch break!
Good luck, Matt 🙂
the husband says
Thanks to everyone, the interview went really well.
And now I’m sitting at home with the door open feeling the breeze!
Jules says
Glad the interview went well!
Kath, I’m LOVING the Pumpkin pie cake recipe!! You also got me to try spaghetti squash and oatmeal (how sad is it that I’m almost 30 and had never had a bowl of oatmeal beafore?!!?) – and I’m hooked!!
Thanks so much for all you do, it’s so inspiring. 6 years ago I lost 100 lbs, but ate a lot of “diet” (i.e., unnatural) foods. Now that I’m at my happy weight and am comfortably maintaining, I’m really focussed on eating whole, real foods, and on being healthy above all. So for me, you’re an inspiration!!
Thanks!!
edamame says
I was wondering about that crosstalk too. Is that a big deal? How would i know i am getting crosstalk. Would the numbers be off? I called the company and they were less than helpful. What are the pros and cons between f4 and f6? kath, how did you come to choose the polar F4 rather than others on the market. I value your opinion, knowing you spent time to make the right decision
goalie30 says
Kath, I hear ya about the magazines…it’s so funny, I emailed 3 of my magazine companies yesterday (Shape, Fitness, and Glamour) becuase I haven’t received an issue since at least December!
Elizabeth- I’m in Michigan, we were closed 1 1/2 days last week due to 2 storms, too! We’re open today, but I bet we get out of here early this afternoon…Drive safe to all those out there where the weather is less than sunny and warm 😉
Kath says
Amber,
Glad you think Fuel is OK – wish I could be in NYC tonight to have some of your fav.!
Melissa,
Thanks for the nice comments on Jenna and me 🙂 I wish I lived in a big city with all the new organic restaurants and a WHOLE FOODS, which we still don’t have here in Charlotte, ugh! If I ever take a trip to NYC, we will have a been blog dinner there!
Amy C,
Without writing a whole page, we really like Charlotte. It’s got the pros of a big city (like lots of good restaurants) but the neighborhoods and trees of the burbs. There is somewhat of a traffic problem, but the new lightrail they built is great if you live on that side of town. You should come for a visit and I’ll take you to lunch!
Amandamoo,
SO glad you find CK as user-friendly as I do!! It really makes calorie journaling a piece of cake, especially when you can save meals and upload with the drag of a button. Thanks for your nice comments too!
Aguccion,
I’ve only encountered Crosstalk like once or twice -and it was during a spin class where my bike was RIGHT next to the other guys. I looked down and my HRM was in the 180s! I knew it wasn’t right 🙂 On the cardio machines I’ve never had a problem, so I wouldn’t worry about it unless your numbers look really off.
Goalie,
Thanks for the flax info – but a lot of the things surprised me. Not so much the digestive tract things, but why would omega-3’s be dangerous for pregnant women? Is your report talking about a pill/oil vs. regular fresh ground flax?
Andrea,
From what I’ve read, Equal is *equal* to splenda. Sweet-n-low is the only one (because it contains saccaharin) that MIGHT have harmful effects. Regardless, I always try to keep my artificial sweeteners to the absolute minimum – usually 1 per day in tea. If I have a second tea I make myself go without.
Jules,
Thanks for the great feedback!! That’s awesome you like oatmeal, but you had really never had it!?!? Sounds like your new plan to eat whole foods is paying off 🙂
Edamame,
In my opinion Polar is the best brand. I chose the F4 because it’s a lot less expensive. If you have money to spend, go for the F6! I hope to get one one day, but for now the F4 does all that I need to keep me working out hard – heart rate, time, and kcal estimate.
Kath
Jules says
Nope, had never tried oatmeal! Growing up my family always had cereal and/or toast, and since I’ve been a “grown up” (debatable!), I pretty much stuck with that – either cold cereal, or toast with any type of natural nut butter and a banana. But your oatmeal is like the best of both worlds – what could be better?!!?
goalie30 says
Kath,
The information I gave was for flax which includes the seed, crushed/ground, and oil. It is not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding, becuase from animal studies it has shown “possible harmful effects” and there is little information due to very few human studies out there to show the effects Flax would have on a fetus. Flaxseed has a “hormal” effect, and can act similar to estrogen in the body, so it may stimulate menstruation or have other hormonal effects would could be harmful to pregnancy, and it could also worsen symptoms for women with problems like polycystic ovary disease, endometriosis, etc. This is why it is NOT recommended for women with breast or ovarian cancers as well.
I always tell my patients the BEST way to get omega 3 fatty acids, or any other vitamins/nutrients, in the diet is to eat it in real foods. A multi-vitamin daily usually is sufficient to help people cover any other deficiences that they don’t get in their foods. I do see some people on omega 3 fatty acid supplements in my practice, but it is not something I recommend routinely, since these supplements are not proven by the FDA to be beneficial, and a lot of the supplements can interact with other medications and can cause side effects. I just tell people to take caution when taking supplements, and if you’re looking to get pregnant, the only thing you should be taking would be prenatal vitamins and only medications your OB/GYN agrees with…
Kath says
Nicole,
I missed you! We’ve been to Napa and Sonoma – SO JEALOUS you’re going!!!! If you want recommendations, send me an email : )
And when you’re in Charlotte, email me and we’ll do lunch if you have time! And I will bring bread!
Kath
Kath says
Goalie,
Thanks for the info!!
K
goalie30 says
i meant “hormonal” not “hormal” effect…sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain can keep up!
NCCarter says
Amy C –
Just had to add that I’m an NC native, too, and the weather is great here. Gets a little hot in the summer, but it’s worth it to get some 75 degree days in February. I’m in Raleigh, and it’s just a great place. The longer I’m here, the more I love it. I’ve got the windows open today and am loving the breeze!
bev says
Matt….Hope everything goes well : )
Rachel says
Hi Kath, I am loving the blog it’s nice to read about someone who really thinks about what they are putting in their body and it is very inspirational. I am from Concord and it is always nice to wake up to 70 degree weather in February or march or January..
I was wondering what dose of Flax seed you take?
Amy C- I’ve lived in NC my whole life and it is wonderful to have mild weather and in the piedmont you are just a few hours drive to the beach or the mountains. I live in Greensboro now which is a beautiful growing city, not as large as Charlotte but there are 5 colleges in the city alone so there is always a lot going on. if you are seriously considering a move you should definitely visit the major cities in NC, I bet you fall in love with at least one of them.
Sorry for such a long post, hope you liked Fuel pizza, and one last question are you a Carolina fan or Duke one?
Kath says
Rachel,
GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I usually have 1 tbsp or so of flax at a time, sometimes less depending on how “strong” I want it to be, but I usually don’t have more than 1 tbsp because it dries out the substance a bit.
Kath
Holly says
Has anyone ever tried the DreamField’s pasta?? It’s supposed to be lower in digestible carbs? If you’ve tried it, did you like it, does it taste the same as regular pasta?