I’m off to a good start this morning:
Breakfast was yummy and filling
The sun is shining
The floors are vacuumed
Breakfast dishes have been washed and the kitchen is clean
Candles are lit and classic music is swirling through the room!
I got this free sample of Hawaiian granola at EarthFare a few weeks ago and was sick of looking at it so it was consumed with breakfast this morning. I think granola is overrated, and this one was nothing to write home (blog) about. Perhaps by the half cup with hemp milk it would have been tasty – but sugary!
So the Oat Combo today was made with vanilla hemp milk, banana (1 small, shared), a little more than 1/2 a cup of pumpkin (fished off a can!), vanilla, cinnamon, granola and Fage-Maple Icing.
It was quite filling!
With coffee, this breakfast was about 400 kcal, 11 grams fiber and 18 grams protein. I’m missing my serving of healthy fats in the form of flax, walnuts and nut butter, so we’ll see if I get hungry sooner today!
Small Changes, Big Impact
So you guys probably know I’m always looking for ways to improve things. Well here’s something small that has made a huge impact on my life (and it’s kind of dumb but I thought it was noteworthy!)
As you also probably know, on Tues/Thurs I get up, eat breakfast, study and head to the gym around 9 or 9:30 before class. I usually do all the beginning stuff in my pajamas (pants, t-shirt and sweatshirt) and then go change into my workout clothes right before I go to the gym. Well, I’m always cold and the thought of taking off my warm clothes to put on cold gym clothes – especially the freezing cold HRM around my ribs combined with my icy hands – always made me dread the change. A few times I put my gym clothes in the dryer and changed in the laundry room. It was a solution, but not very energy-friendly, so I stopped. WELL, to solve the problem I have started putting on my whole gym outfit (including shoes) at 5:30 when I get up so I’m all ready to head out the door when it’s time. This has made me SO MUCH HAPPIER!! So I just thought I’d share 🙂
So I’m off to get cranking on this presentation I have to prepare for next week and then to the gym. So glad it’s a nice day!
Lindsay says
Great idea about the workout clothes 🙂 I do the same thing (on weekends when I go to the gym early)…
Your breakfast looks so yummy that it reminds me of dessert, especially the “icing”!
Have a great day!
Sarah says
You gave me incentive to try pumpkin in my oatmeal again. I used to hate it because it was so…blah…but I tried adding a banana like what you do, and absolutely LOVED it. It tasted much sweeter and was so delicious. I have a newfound favorite breakfast. 😀
I also added some clove and cinnamon to the mix…yum. 🙂
Suzanne says
Hi Kath –
I have the same problem with being cold before my workout! I do my workouts at night, and I bring my workout clothes to the basement where all my equipment is (it’s a finished basement – so it’s not THAT cold – but it’s still pretty cold).
When I get down there, I put on my HRM strap across my chest and it’s always FREEZING cold. Then I put my sports bra on top. But I have to put on my long sleeve thermal on top of it for the first few minutes of my warm up. Then I peel it off when I get hot.
After a few more minutes, I’ll take off my track pants and then switch to shorts.
It’s quite annoying because I have to keep stopping and taking things off, putting things on….
But when warmer weather comes – I don’t have to do this. I can just switch to shorts/sports bra and I’m ok.
I just thought it was funny that you had a similiar problem with being cold. 🙂
Glad you found a solution though! I’ll just have to wait for the warmer weather.
Have a great day!
Tina says
Your pumpkin oatmeal looks so good. I almost opened a can of pumpkin this morning. After seeing your breakfast, I wish I did! Happy Thursday, Kath!
P.S. We’re finally getting some warm weather here! I guess I can tough-it-out a little longer! 🙂
bikergurl says
That’s a great idea, I think it would also motivate me to get things done faster at home too!
Suzanne, I know what you mean about the HRM – I always dread when it first touches my skin!
Jim Purdy says
How do you accomplish so much? A great blog, with awesome pictures, lots of exercise, a busy work life, and much more? Are you some kind of wonder woman, or what? Thanks for sharing!
Tsbrown says
I sleep in my gym clothes sometimes!
Ally says
I am the same way with workout clothes! I find that if I put on my tennis shoes, I’ll be reminded to go out and move.
Isn’t it amazing how great a little bit of sun can make us feel?
Suzanne says
bikergurl –
I know, right? I’m glad no one sees me when I put the HRM on – I wince and let out an audible yelp. lol….luckily, it only lasts a few seconds. 🙂
KATH (adding to Jim Purdy’s comment) –
I think it’s amazing that you are so accomplished. You go to school, keep in shape, eat well, spend quality time with the husband, family, and friends….
And you keep up with this fantastic blog out of your own time. You take the time out of your busy schedule to post photos, recipes, and tips for all of us ‘strangers.’
Not to mention, you always answer all of our questions so quickly, and you even address each of us by name. I think I speak for all of us readers when I say that your blog is warm and welcoming. This applies to everything – the fellow readers, the daily posts – everything is just really positive. 🙂
I just want to say THANK YOU for taking the time to help each of us. Your blog has become a part of my daily routine. And my husband thanks you for putting some delish meals on our table!
THANKS, KATH! 🙂
VeggieGirl says
so glad to read that your Thursday morning is off to a great start; and with Hawaiian granola, no less!! how enticing!!
what a practical change/idea!! good way to motivate yourself to get into your gym clothes!
happy Thursday! :0)
rhodeygirl says
great idea about putting on your clothes nice and early.. it’s amazing how small changes can make big impacts!
the sun is shining in little Rhodey today! I actually didn’t have to wear a winter hat for my run this morning yeah! (although I am still wearing my NF fleece for a coat today yuck)
happy almost friday!
Marcy says
Drinking question,
Babycakes mentioned that you look young and get carded, but doesn’t really care since she is not a big drinker. That’s exactly my story. What do you all say to people when you are not drinking or just nursing a drink. I feel like I always have to make a joke. No one really harasses me about it, so it’s not a problem in that sense, but I still feel like people think I am being a “party pooper” (sorry for lack of better phrase). I honestly, just don’t like the taste of alcohol, so it just doesn’t seem worth it to me. But I don’t want people to feel they can’t go out with me either because I am no fun.
hk says
Glad the change has helped! Im the same way, all i need is to throw on my sneakers, and I’m up and ready to get moving! Have a great thursday!!
Katie says
Sounds like an AWESOME morning! I’m desperately waiting for next week so I can function normally again. I love improving routines too! Actually…b/c I go to the gym FIRST THING in the morning I, shamelessly, wear my gym clothes to bed. Then I brush my teeth, fill my water bottle and off to the gym for me!
JENNA says
wow! you do so much in the morning! it kills me!! Have you always been this motivated or did you it change when your decision to get healthy changed? Also when you were working at your job did you get up and excercise in the morning?
Cara says
I get up at 5am to get ready for work and it is freezing in my house, I know what you mean about changing. I have to do it in the bathroom, after I take a shower or I freeze. But of course you dont have that option if you are heading to the gym.
Romina says
It sounds like it’s indeed a happy thursday for you! Love the new breakfast combo. =)
When I used to go skiing as a child, my mom used to put my under layers on the heater to keep them warm so that I wouldn’t freeze when I put them on in the morning when the house is cold. =) But I found a similar solution like you, I put them on the night before now!
Betsy says
i remember as a kid before i went to bed at night, hanging my clothes over the heater so they wouldn’t be so cold to put on the next morning. it made it amazing to slip into my clothes.
happy thursday!
Erin says
Marcy,
My sister-in-law is the same way. She doesn’t drink because she doesn’t like the taste of it. But she’s still a lot of fun, and then she gets to drive us home! 😛
Another Kelly says
Regarding the stretch mark discussion yesterday, I’ve always noticed them more in relation to gaining weight than losing weight. My understanding was always that they are cause by when you gain weight or muscle rapidly and the skin stretches almost to the point of breaking. I never noticed them when losing weight but now that I have made weight training a big part of my routine I have noticed them around the areas that I train the hardest and with the heaviest weights (primarily glutes).
Marcy, I think that’s so interesting. I’m primarily a one drink girl and no one ever says anything. I think part of it has to do with how you carry yourself. If you don’t pay attention to it yourself and just focus on having fun people will probably be more apt to think it’s nothing out of the ordinary. I also tend to order things I really enjoy drinking (like a nice glass of wine or a mixed drink made with good quality liquor) and why would I want to drink it too quickly to enjoy it? It also may depend on what age you are. Back when I was in college someone might have said something, but now that I’m out of college (25) I feel like people are more secure so they don’t feel the need to call out something like that.
On carding, it’s very very interesting because I have always looked very young, but it really depends on the place. I have often found that the more expensive the restaurant, the less likely they are to card. My friends in hospitality have told me it’s because it can be viewed as rude. It also depends on what I’m ordering. I rarely get carded on a glass of wine, but if it’s hard cider or something similar I tend to get carded. As much as I complain though I appreciate looking young. My mom has never looked her age and I think I’ll welcome it when I’m older.
Nick says
Something about the gym ALWAYS makes me cold as well. Obviously the gym warms you up, but the gym is always cold too, so the first quart of the workout is quite cold, especially when I use those freezing freeweights!
Yummy sounding granola. I’ve still never tried hemp milk, I’m such a big fan of this vanilla soymilk nowadays, I can’t see it being better!
– The Peanut Butter Boy
Ange C. says
So not once in all the many years I have eaten sushi have I thought to put one of each on my plate and eat as I go…I usually just grab them off the plates, taking turns. Great way to keep an eye on what you’re eating. Thanks for the small, unintentional suggestion, Kath! I always learn something new from ya. 😉
Kiala says
I still get carded too. EVERY TIME. And I’m 34.
Whoohoo!! Thank you Irish genetics!
caitlin (in FL) says
hahah ironically, when my fiance and i realized that it was highly probable no one was whispering behind our backs that we were too young to get married, we were really disappointed.
also, we watched american idol a few weeks ago and realized we’re older than half the contestants.
dang it!
Kate says
Marcy,
I feel the same way about drinking!! While I do like beer and wine once in a while, most of the time drinking it just not “worth it” to me either! I’ll sip on a beer or two all night, refuse offers of shots, and receive comments about not being able to keep up, being a lightweight, not being fun because I’m not throwing back beers, etc. I feel your frustration. The old “I don’t want a hangover tomorrow, I want to sleep well tonight, I just don’t want to drink a lot tonight” doesn’t work! Any tips from anyone out there??
arimcg says
I actually like granola a lot, especially the nature’s path kind. It does have a lot of calories for the amount, I guess, but it fills me up in the summer with yogurt and fruit.
katieb says
Hey – question regarding hemp/soy milk. I made the switch from milk to soy milk about a year ago and find I like WestSoy nonfat vanilla or plain lite (low fat) best. The plain fat free is a bit too watery for me. Would the calories from the plain lite soy milk be counted as discretionary like they would from 1% milk? Just curious if I should really be drinking the nonfat soy milk like everyone recommends people stick to skim milk.
jen says
HRM: I had a question about the HRMs, I’m thinking about getting one, and I know no one probably owns both, but could anyone maybe tell me the advantage/disadvantage of owning the Polar F4 vs. the Polar F6?? I’m torn…
Petite Yogini says
I love granola, but not the boughten kind. I sometimes make my own and it’s awesome–a future post perhaps for my blog.
Carrie H says
Kath,
I am glad you found a way to make your mornings more enjoyable!
I have a silly question. With a heartrate monitor that is strapped to your ribs under your shirt, do you just wait until you are finished working out to check how you did — i.e., heart rate levels and calories burned? I always thought part of the point of a HR monitor was to help you meet your goals during your workout, but if it is strapped to your chest, you can’t really check it mid-workout! If you check it post-workout, do you use that info to know that you had to work harder/do less next time?
I’m thinking of getting myself one, but am really trying to decide if I’ll benefit because they are so expensive!
Thanks,
Carrie H
Sarah says
haha i ALWAYS put my clothes over the radiator to warm them up before i put them on. there’s nothing worse that getting out of a hot shower and having to put on cold clothes!
SarahF says
Kath-where is the recipe for the yogurt sugar icing? It looks delicious & I have a feeling it tastes even better than it looks! Also, could you use regular yogurt? Fage isn’t available in Canada (or at least no where I’ve found it)-and I can’t even seem to find Greek yogurt anywhere 🙁
katers says
Carrie H,
The strap is under your shirt is just a tool to measure (there’s no screen or anything) – similar to a heart pressure cuff. The wrist watch tells you how you’re doing: measures heart rate and cals, so you can check it during the workout like a watch.
Sonia says
Kath,
I have observed many times that “common sense is very uncommon in common people”.
Small things that we do can always be easily re-engineered to produce better results.
OK that is the engineer in me speaking.
But just to let you know, you are really something else and an inspiration to many.
Hope the husband remembers that everyday. 🙂
JB says
Just curious…what classic music were you listening too? Are we talking symphonies, etc? Or just good old classics?
angelcubbie says
I’d love everyone’s opinion on this! I’m planning on making dinner for my boyfriend this week & it’s the first time I’ve ever cooked for him. I don’t want it to be too fancy or complicated, but I still want to impress. Also, I’d prefer it to be reasonably healthy. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone! : )
Kristin says
Hi Kath,
How many calories did you aim for when you were losing weight? Do you eat more now than you did?
wordie says
Hi. Angelcubbie; I just love using Ina Garten’s recipes from foodnetwork.com. She has theme episodes. I love her parmesan chicken. You could easily lighten the recipes by using lowfat/nonfat milk, etc. based on your preferences. 🙂 Good luck! I love the four seasons, vivaldi’s spring would fit just about right. 🙂
Phoebe says
To all of you that put on your gym clothes in the morning or sleep in them — do you rotate your gym clothes/have enough/wash them frequently enough that they are CLEAN when you put them on?! I never ever put workout clothes on ahead of being at the gym because I only wash them once a week (I live in a dorm, it’s expensive) and I like to wear the same workout stuff every time, I only have 2 pairs of gym shorts, so they are totally drenched in sweat and smell like . . . gym clothes!
Suzanne says
regarding HRM question –
I actually have the Polar HRM for my bike, but I use it when I’m not on the bike as well. It has the chest strap and everything, but the only drawback is that it attaches to my handlebar – and there is no where for me to attach to myself in any way when I’m working out.
So what I have to do is stick it in my sports bra!
Yup, that’s the only way it will stay on me. It works just the same – and I really didn’t want to spend another $125 just to get the wristwatch form. 🙂
It’s flown out of my bra at times – especially when I’m doing push up or burpees! Luckily, I work out in the comfort of my own home.
But, I’m going to try some classes soon – and I am going to have to make sure it doesn’t fly out and hit someone in the eye. Just thought I’d share! haha….
Carrie H says
Thanks, katers! I feel silly for asking!
Amandamoo says
Udi’s granola! That comes from my part of the country! I thought it was local to Colorado so good for them that they’re expanding (although bad for the environment since it took a lot of fuel to get it from here to NC!).
Tracy says
angelcubbie-
My suggestion for you is lasagna! The first meal I made for my boyfriend (now fiance:) ) was a vegetarian lasagna recipe that I found in Cooking Light. He loved it (at least that’s what he said)! I think it’s perfect- not too fancy, not too simple.
Cat says
I never liked the taste of alcohol and, over time, my friends have gotten used to the fact that I’ll probably not have more than one drink, if any. (They’re happy that they always have a designated driver around though!) I really wished I like the flavor of wine because it would be nice to enjoy a glass at dinner with my boyfriend, but after one sip, I really don’t want anymore. I think the flavor is just too strong for me.
Allie says
Re: wearing gym clothes to bed.. as I sleep in mine pretty much every night, because I am not coordinated enough to dress myself immediately after waking up, I do try to make sure they’re clean! I am, however, in the habit of rinsing out my gym stuff after every wear but won’t sleep in what I’ve only rinsed off and not actually washed. If I’m out of laundered shorts, I’ll sleep in a sports bra so I can just slip on a rinsed top (kept by my bed so I can find it in my early morning stupor).
I have about 6 or 7 pairs of the same shorts from Target (the Champion ones) and enough sports bras to get by for a week without doing laundry!
And Kath, sorry to hear you don’t love granola! I can rarely keep it around, because I’ll try to make it part of breakfast, lunch and dinner… although I love to make it!
Elizabeth says
Kristin, if you check the FAQ page, Kath has info about her NET calorie targets and things like that there. 🙂
NATI says
I can relate with people who get teased for not drinking. I’m IN college and i am constantly surrounded by heavy drinkers. i dont judge what they are doing to their bodies and it is so frustrating to be judged for NOT doing it. I dont like the taste, and its not like anyone in college drinks for the uhhh taste of cheap beer. its to get trashed, which in my opinion is irresponsible on a weekly basis! Sorry… venting haha…
Kath says
Suzanne ,
You sound like me! Sometimes it’s colder in my house than outside and I bundle up only to sweat through my run…
THANK YOU for the sweet comment also!
Jim,
Not a wonder woman!! My philosophy is “just do it.” We spend so much of our lives procrastinating and dreading things when we’d be so happy if we just DO it!
JENNA ,
My PR job is what made me switch from an afternoon to a morning exerciser – and I’ll never go back! It forced me to be organized, which is the secret to getting a lot done. I’m SO much more productive in the mornings than I am at night so I get up early and try to get everything done by dinnertime and then relax, blog, read and go to bed after dinner.
SarahF ,
All it is is 1 oz of yogurt (about 1.5 tbsp?) mixed with about 1/2 a tsp of maple syrup. You could use regular yogurt but it wouldn’t be as thick and “icing like.” Although you could also strain the plain yogurt in a colander with a paper towel for a few hours to get a thicker texture more like Greek.
Sonia ,
Love that quote! Thanks for your nice comment as well 🙂
JB,
Classical as in symphony – it’s wonderful background noise. I’ve been putting it on when I work at home and it really does brighten my day.
Kath
babycakes says
Marcy, sorry I couldn’t respond to your comment until now – it’s been a busy day! I can totally relate to feeling self-conscious about being the only (or so it often seems) one who isn’t drinking. At this point in my life I feel totally confident in my decisions and who I am. Drinking is just not something that appeals to me – never has. I don’t feel bad or feel the need to explain/justify it to anybody. Anyone who gives me a hard time about not drinking (or being vegan or being health-conscious or any other lifestyle choice) is just not worth my time and is not a true friend. (Thankfully, this almost never happens anyway). I am very content with how I live my life and that is what matters! I hope you don’t let other people get you down with their comments or opinions. You have absolutely nothing to feel bad about or apologize for! 🙂
JENNA says
“My philosophy is “just do it.” We spend so much of our lives procrastinating and dreading things when we’d be so happy if we just DO it!”
GREAT PHILOSOPHY TO HAVE!!! i’m such a procrastinator and all areas of my life are affected by it!!