Chocolate Latte Oatmeal
with Peanut Butter, Almonds + Coconut
Another serendipitous surprise!!
I received some Chocolate Granola in the mail from OhNuts.com, a great site for ordering bulk dried fruits, nuts, and mixes.
The choco-granola is surprisingly nutritious!
Ingredients: Oats, Puffed Rice, Cashews and/or Peanuts, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds, Cocoa, Coconut, Honey, Brown Sugar.
For a 1 oz serving (my oatmeal had half an oz) it’s 120 kcal, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar and 5 grams protein. Not bad, but not something I would eat by the half cup. So I treated it like trail mix and sprinkled it as a topping (you might see this over ice cream too!)
So I knew this would be the basis of today’s breakfast. And what goes better with chocolate than peanut butter!? And toasted almonds. And coconut.
I love this coconut I bought at EarthFare. It’s unsweetened, 17 kcal per tablespoon (I used half of one so a little goes a long way) and it’s light as a feather (unlike the sweetened, which can be kind of heavy and grainy).
But after about 3 bites of my oatmeal, I realized it was way too dry. So I stole about 2 tbsp from my milky homemade latte (just coffee with steamed milk from our cappuccino machine) and instant latte oatmeal! It was wonderful.
+
=
YUM!!!
From above, before mixing:
I ended up having a second cup of coffee (we had extra due to more milk percentage) and now I’m so full of liquid! With the second cup, this breakfast was almost 500 kcal, 11 grams fiber and 24 grams protein.
Sleeplessness
About once or twice a month the husband and I toss and turn all night. He sniffs, cracks his knuckles, I roll over violently. I swear this has to do with the moon – it’s too bright in our room even with our closed white curtains and we can’t get past more than a light snooze. I always end up putting on my sleep mask about halfway through the night and sleep perfectly thereafter (which is why I think it’s light related). So last night was one of those nights. We were all set to go to spinning this morning, but I never choose a workout over sleep deprivation so I slept until 6:26 this morning!! 😳 I’m headed to the gym mid-morning instead with a few good magazines 🙂 Lucky for me I didn’t have class today!
Girl’s Day Out
And THEN my Girl’s Day Out with myself begins!
After my workout I’m headed to EarthFare for lunch at the salad bar!!! Then I received a gift certificate for a pedicure from my mother in law for Christmas and wanted to wait until open-toed season to cash it in. Today’s the day!
I’m going to make myself study Chemistry until workout time (about 2 hours) and then my Fun Friday can begin 8)
rhodeygirl says
have a lovely girl’s day out! i love pedis!
thank you so much introducing me to CK and to oatmeal! and i love all these cool combos of healthy foods!
funny about the moon, because i always keep my curtain open and when the moon isn’t really bright i DON’T sleep as well- i need a little moonshine (haha) in order to have a good night of sleep!
Melissa says
Have a wonderful “Girl” Day. You deserve it!
Nikki says
Kath – I thought you were cool before, but now you’re officially my hero for the following reasons:
1) latte oatmeal – seriously? delish!!
2) a solo Girls Day Out is just what I need, and I didn’t realize it until you said it!!
hahaha! Enjoy your Friday/weekend!
Julz says
So divine 🙂 Girl’s Days are the best! We don’t have Earthfare around me, but would you say it’s similar to WF? Enjoy your day! I looove saladbars so much! If you know how to “do em” they’re GREAT for volume eaters!
?: Have you ever tried making your own granola or trail mix? Or granola bars? I am so intimidated by them, plus I have trouble digesting granola and can’t stop eating it once I start! lol But I’d imagie you + the hubs would come up with the most fantastic combos! Anyways, just wonderin! 😉
Enjoy your day pretty lady! 🙂
Kath says
You guys all made me smile all by myself in this cold house 🙂
Julz,
EarthFare is just like Whole Foods, but maybe a little bit smaller? But the salad bar is A-MAZING. I’ll try to take some photos if I can manage it!
And we haven’t made our own granola, but I’ve been wanting to make my own bars for a while now. I guess the problem is I’m not a huge fan of granola bars to begin with (texture-wise, they’re not my favorite) so I’m not sure if I’d like my own any more! But ED&BV has some bar recipes I’d like to try soon.
Kath
beth says
Sounds like you are having great start to your fun day!
hk says
have a Friday! I’m in serious need of a pedicure 🙂
eliza says
i too am taking an all-by-myself girls day! instead of work i am going to central park for exercise, sunbathing, and lots of relaxing! question for you (or others): frequently the only time i can squeeze in exercise is at night, after i’ve already eaten dinner. is it bad / not conducive to weight loss to exercise without eating afterward? i’ve heard it’s better to have a small, healthy snack even if it’s late, but since it’s so late and i’ve already had dinner i’m never hungry and always antsy to get to bed. what’s your take? enjoy your day and thank you!
Tina O. says
I love spending the day alone! When with someone else, there’s always discussions of what to do next, where to go, compromises in general, I guess. Its hard (at least for me) to find someone to do all the things I want to do when I want to do them!
Since spring is finally here, I plan on getting some sun today with my new Women’s Health! Maybe a walk. Maybe a pedicure, too.
I am off today and have 6 whole hours till the kids get home, and then I think we’ll cook out at a friends’ tonight. I am just too excited. I hope everyone has a great day!
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
Ugh. Am I the only one stuck at work all day while the sun is shining? I don’t even have a window!! And this afternoon I have to teach a Photoshop class in a dark dark media lab for 3 hours. Blech.
Thank God for Saturdays!
PS says
Hi, Kath, I don’t comment very often, so I’ll put ’em all here at once:
~Latte oatmeal? That sounds like the best oatmeal ever!
~I’m reading “Fit from Within” on your recommendation. So far I’m really enjoying it! Thanks.
~I made stuffed peppers this week based on one of your dinners and they turned out great! Even my hubby, who I figured wouldn’t like them since there was no meat, loved them.
~I’ve made your pumpkin bread twice and I’m hooked.
Ok, I think that’s all. Have a nice weekend, all!
Kelly L. says
Off topic!
Hi ladies (and gents). One of my friend’s dad is in the hospital and will be there for quite some time. She is in another state so I can’t take her anything. I do want to send her some stuff though. Any thoughts? This girl has a sense of humor like no other so I want to send some fun random stuff rather than the typical magazines, snacks, books, etc. I’m racking my brain but can’t think of anything. HELP!
On a food note: I made the oatmeal pancakes this morning using oat bran instead and they were FABULOUS. Very pancake like and a 1/2 cup serving made a ginormous pancaked. I topped it with some apple butter and had two madarins on the side. Fab breakfast!
Suzanne says
KATH – Have a wonderful girls day out! You deserve it. It sounds like it’s going to be a good one. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous! What a nice way to end the week. 🙂
I am having a solo girls day out too – on Sunday. Since it’s spa week, participating spas are offering treatments for only $50. So I am booked for a massage, facial, and scrub. What a bargain! It’s been a tough week – and I really need it.
Luckily, my husband and I are off to Sedona on May 1st for a real vacation (haven’t had one in over a year and a half). Lots of hiking, spa treatments, biking, eating….I’m looking forward to it! Has anyone been?
ELIZA-
I’m just like you. I only have time to workout after dinner during the week. I don’t feel too hungry either – especially after cardio. I try to eat a little something though. I usually have a piece of wheat toast or some fruit. I’m not sure if you’re supposed to eat carbs or proteins after a workout. But I do crave carbs more.
KATH, or anyone else – is it better to have a carb or protein snack after a workout?
JennK. says
Have a wonderful girls day out – I think we all need to learn from you and have one of those too! 🙂
Romina says
Mm, that sprinkled coconut looks delicious!
Betsy says
whoa. coffee with oatmeal? that’s intense-in a good way.
Nick says
Excellent idea, latte oatmeal, I love it! There’s another brand that makes a pretty nutritious chocolate granola…I think it’s bear naked. It’s got low fat, low sugar and like 3g fiber and 3g protein per serving, something like that. It’s super tasty too!
– The Peanut Butter Boy
Cara says
Sounds like you have a great day planned ahead, aside from the chemistry 😉
Heather says
Good call on adding the latte! I would never have thought of that.
Enjoy your Girl’s Day 🙂
Julz says
Pictures would be FAB 🙂 I am going to try and take some pictures of my WF salad bar this weekend as I’ve been told it’s the best in philadelphia! (There are 3-4 in the city, alone!) Can’t wait for yours tho!
Suzanne: In my experience, though I am NOT an RD, I’d say that it all depends on what your doing in your workout. Normally, post workout snacks/fuel includes both carbohydrates and proteins, due to the fact that one should try and include both cardio and strength training, if possible. If you’re only doing cardio, it’s best to have carbohydrates. Just strength? = Protein for your muscles to rebuild/repair any torn tissue.
But it’s always best to have the combo of proteins and carbs! Hope this helps! Again, I’m not an RD, but this is what I’ve been told from previous RDs + other bloggers! Have a Wonderful Day! 🙂
Kris10 says
You’ve combined some of my greatest loves–oats, chocolate, peanut butter, coconut, and lattes! Mmm. Will have to try this soon.
Julz–after eating the most fabulous homemade granola at one of my favorite Portland restaurants, Besaw’s (http://besaws.com/), I scoured the Web to find a granola recipe with similar ingredients and stumbled upon this one: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/236182. I made it and it is my new favorite granola! I’m actually making and packaging it to give away as a favor at my wedding next month. 🙂
mel says
hey kath! I missed the bar convo last night but have you ever tried GNU fiber bars? the banana nut is my favorite and it has only 130 cals and 14 grams of fiber!So good!! have a great day everyone!!
bikergurl says
Woa… Latte oatmeal sounds great, and so perdect to go with the other flavours in there!
Have a great girls day out!
Claudia says
Suzanne & Eliza, I’ve heard the best thing to have after a workout is a glass of chocolate milk. It has the perfect combo of protein and carbs, which is what your body needs to recover after a workout. I’ve heard this from proffessional athletes, coaches and trainers.
Patty says
Suzanne – Sedona is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! We were there in November and had a fabulous time. Take time to go see Montezuma’s Castle (about an hour away) – amazing! Also, we loved a little cafe called the Secret Garden – lots of healthy, fresh choices and really yummy! We enjoyed a jeep tour and also did a lot of hiking & walking…if you love the outdoors (& spas), it is the ideal spot!
Hannah says
That oatmeal is making my mouth water. Its getting way too hot here to have oatmeal for breakfast. I start sweating. I love having tons of mixins in my breakfast and yogurt just isnt as versatile!
Clara says
Just want to add in a little to what I missed in the convos yesterday:
Kath, have you tried the Pure bars? check em out thepurebar.com – the ingredients are all vegan, raw, organic, and… haha…. pure! Lots of nuts, goji berries (another excellent super food. have you ever tried them)?, some raw cocao.
Finally, Kath, I have to say that I love your maintenence approach when it comes to calories/exercise. I think it is very important to keep calories in mind; and for me it IS liberating! I’ve recently lost about 10 pounds through more mindful eating/exercise, and am now quite slender with no desire to lose any more weight. I’ve found, though, if I don’t keep an eye on calories then I’ll just assume I’ve eaten enough and eat smaller portions than what I truely need and continue to lose weight. For me counting calories is just like keeping an eye on the gas meter to make sure I put enough fuel in my “car” – my body! Thanks for being an example of such a realistic – and fun – lifestyle 🙂
Clara says
and omigosh – chocolate latte oatmeal?! I love chocolate and I love lattes and I love oatmeal, so Kath, I think you’re officially something of a genius.
JENNA says
that oatmeal looks so nourishing and yummy! thanks for the idea!
Kath….do you always use cloth napkins? I love how every meal is so proper. with the candles, place mats, cloth napkins. 🙂
Katie says
Sorry for the bad night, but I hope your day goes well! Sounds like a lot of fun.
OH! Btw – totally tried a Kath-inspired oatmeal (1/2 c. with some banana) and apumpkin yogurt (about 1.3 c. total) for breakfast. OH my gosh…I am SOOO full I feel sick. hahaha. I guess I should integrate a little more slowly. 🙂
Kim C says
Hey guys, question for you. Has anyone tried CLA supplements? (CLA = conjugated linoleic acid). They are supposed to increase fat burning in some people and I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this. The research shows mixed results (but they haven’t shown any significant side effects) and has been done mostly on obese people. I have about 5-7 stubborn pounds that I can’t seem to get rid of with the usual healthy diet and exercise (I’m well within my healthy range but have put on about 5 lbs this past year d/t stress and possibly meds and want to get back to my lower weight). Anyway, please let me know about your experiences with CLA supplements. Thanks in advance!
bikergurl says
I have a question for Kath or anyone else. What does pumpkin taste like? Does it taste similar to squash? I’va always thought that I didn’t like it, but I don’t think I’ve ever tried it 😳 I keep hearing about it recently, so I am getting very curious!
Candice says
Question for everyone. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s where I live 🙁 but I am going on a business trip next week to a city that has one :). Any ideas on things I should pick up while I am there? The tricky part is that I’m flying so it can only be pantry items (nothing that is frozen or needs refridgeration). Last time I went on a trip I only had 45 minutes to shop, but this trip I’ll have as much time as I want!
Suzanne says
JULZ + CLAUDIA,
Thanks for the post-workout snack advice! 🙂
PATTY –
Your Sedona trip sounds wonderful. We also have a Pink Jeep tour planned, some star gazing, and lots of outdoor activities. And of course some spa treatments for me, and a trip to the skate park for my husband.
Thank you so much for your recommendations. They sound great – especially Secret Garden. We’ll have to give that a try! 🙂
katherine says
Bikergurl,
Pumpkin has the texture of mashed squash (pumpkin is a type of squash actually). If you like most types of squash then I think you will like pumpkin. Do you like pumpkin pie? Add some sweetener and spice at first because it is kinda bland until you get used to the taste – then have sweetener whenever you like, but you may also like it without eventually! I wouldn’t eat it by the spoonful, but mixed in some oats, yogurt, or pumpkin loaf – is delicious!
Kat
VeggieGirl says
Wow, that Chocolate Latte Oatmeal looks wonderful!! Talk about a caffeine-fix, haha!
How fun that you received that granola to try! Sounds great – I just wish it was vegan :0(
Have an AWESOME Girls’ Day Out today – savor every minute of it! :0)
Tracy says
Kath- Just wanted to let you know I made the salad dressing you had the other day: balsamic vinegar, maple (I used the sugar-free syrup to save some kcals), and dijon mustard. I loved it!! It was soooo good! Thank you so much for the introduction;) I’m going to make it all the time now; makes me feel a lot better than using the high-sodium bottled dressings!
Suzanne says
Candice –
Love Trader Joe’s!
Let’s see…I’m trying to visual my store as I walk in.
They have good snacks and cereals. I always get their jams and peanut butter. Kath gets their almond butter I think.
They have great prices on nuts and mixes (with fruits, nuts, etc.).
Also they have a lot of various dried goods like pasta, quinoa, polenta, etc. I always stock up on these.
My Trader Joe’s is small, so these are the type of items that are available to me. (I also get lots of their produce and frozen goods – but I know you can’t carry that on the plane!).
I hope this was helpful!
Anne P says
Katie – try making the oatmeal with 1/3 cup measurements of milk, oats, and water, instead of 1/2 cup! When I first tried it it was too much for me, too, but the 1/3 cup measurement combo is perfect 🙂
Megpie says
Kath, that is so weird you totally described our sleepless nights too! My boyfriend rolls around sniffs and cracks his knuckles all night too, which drives me crazy then finally I end up putting my sleep mask AND ear plugs in too!! Hahah. How funny 🙂
Justy2003 says
I hate those nights when I just can’t sleep…it’s sooo frustrating! At least you were able to sleep in today though and you can still get a good workout in later…and enjoy the day all to yourself! 🙂
I’m going to an Indian restaurant tonight and, surprisingly, I’ve never had Indian food! I was just wondering what everyone’s favorite Indian dishes were seeing as how I’m a newbie at this! I don’t like super spicy things, so if you have suggestions just keep that in mind! Thanks!
Liz H. says
Sagg is a great indian dish, i’m not sure exactly what is in it, but pureed spinach is the main ingredient
bikergurl says
Thanks katherine! I like lots of different types of squash and I just realized today that pumpkin was probably similar since it is a squash, so that’s why I asked. I don’t know why I’ve always thought I hated pumpkin because I’ve never tried it in any form – pie, seeds, mashed… Must be because I associate it with Halloween!
Ange C. says
Hey Kath (or anyone), When you made the danish pancakes, did you put it all in a blender first to puree it? Thanks!
TGIF!
Kris10 says
Ange C.–yes, blender first–it breaks up the oats and makes them into a flour-like texture to make the pancakes fluffier and less dense (like regular oatmeal pancakes).
Justy2003–for a veggie dish, I like alo chole, a dish with chic peas and potatoes cooked in onion and garlic. For meat dishes, nothing beats chicken tikka masala for me! It’s got pieces of chicken in a delicious curry and is usually served with rice.
sexywife17 says
I forgot who asked about Trader Joe’s (sorry) but one of the best things I’ve found there are the flax seed chips and the sugar and salt body scrubs. Flax seed chips are delicious (just watch the serving size ) and the body scrubs are SO moisturizing and feel so great. i use my sugar one every time before I shave and it gets my shave really close– my brother-in-law (who is really anti-girl products!) used to have really nasty cheese-grater knees and elbows but now he says that they’re soft and “pink.” They smell good too! Have fun!
For indian food– they usually ask you whether you want your dishes prepared mild, hot or super spicy, so you don’t have to burn your mouth off. My FAVORITE thing at Indian restaurants is the RAITA which is a yogurt sauce to put on everything– I love to dip Naan bread in it.
Laura says
Ha,my hubby always picks on me about going on girl’s day out solo, glad to see I’m not the only one that enjoys it.
From TJ’s:
I agree with sexywife about the sugar scrubs!
pesto
whole wheat sourdough bread
almond butter
pastas
Greek yogurt (cheaper than Fage)
Dark chocolate bars
flowers
and of course, wine! 🙂
Yaz says
hey kath, is earthfare as expensive as wf? do you mind giving us an estimate of how much you spend when grocery shopping?
it seems like everything is so much more expensive nowadays. but it may be just cause i’m in l.a. and everything is going up here. i usually spend around ~ $140 every week.
i’d also love to hear from other readers on this topic.
Kiala says
All right. I was going to go to Whole foods but I guess I’ll go to Trader Joe’s today instead.
FINE BLOGPEOPLE.
Suzanne says
KATH –
I read in one of your recent answers (I think it was last nights) that you prefer Larabars. But I saw you eat a KIND bar a few times, so I went out and bought some to try. They were good! So I bought 3 boxes of 3 different flavors.
Do you prefer the LaraBars over the KIND ones? If so, why?
The LaraBars have a greater number of calories than the KIND bars, which is why I kind of veered away from them. I use the KIND bars as a mid-afternoon snack at work to tide me over until dinner.
Which LaraBar flavors do you recommend?
I just want to make sure I’m having the best bar as my everyday snack. Thanks!
Katy says
Here’s my favourite oatmeal when I want something that tastes decadent:
– 1/2 c oats (natures path flax&oats
– 2/3 cup brewed coffee
– 1 tbsp Peanut Butter
– 1 small banana
– splash skim milk
mmmmmmm so good! I LOVE coffee
have a good day!
Carter (formerly NCCarter) says
Yaz – I try to keep to a budget of about $100/week for groceries, which is for my husband, my 2 year old daughter, and me. I don’t really buy any meat – only fish – so that helps to keep the budget lower. This week I was able to stay under $100, but we ate out last night and have plans to go to a cookout where all the food is provided tomorrow. Oh, and I’m in Raleigh, NC.
Laura says
Justy – Chicken tikka masala is delicious! It’s quite creamy and wonderful…high calorie but worth it! Naan bread is great but always big enough to share. I went with my fiance last weekend for Indian food and he almost had to roll me home afterwords I was so full! 🙂
ecs says
Kim C – i take CLA supplements everyday and have been doing so for about a year (??). I must preface this by saying that I do eat super healthy, I’m at a healthy weight, do cardio 5/6 times a week, strength train 3/4 times a week and do pilates anywhere from 1-3 times a week (depending on my crazy work schedule). I personally think the CLA makes a difference (together with my workout regimen)! Maybe it’s just a placebo effect, but I feel like when i’ve stopped taking it (I wasn’t sure it was really working or not), i noticed a difference in the amount of fat on my stomach. If you have the extra $ to spend “experimenting”, i say give it try for a month or two (a month’s supply is generally only about $20). if you’re not sure about “popping a pill” just speak with your doctor (it’s just a supplement and doesn’t contain anything harmful!). if you do try them, let me know what you think!
Ally says
That oatmeal looks fantastic! I’m really loving the idea of unsweetened coconut on top!
Have a fantastic ‘girls day out’ You definitely deserve it!
Another Kelly says
Saag is delicious. It’s spinach, dairy (I’ve heard of both cream and yogurt being used) spices, etc. It’s pretty mild as far as Indian food goes. I also love korma which is also pretty mild. Some Indian restaurants (at least some that I have seen in Boston and Minneapolis) offer buffets at lunch time so this can be a great way to sample different flavors and figure out what you like. I do agree theat many of the dishes are calorically high because of the use of dairy and often ghee (clarified butter) so if youre trying to stick to a diet you might want to inquire about preparation. I also LOVE samosas.
Justy2003 says
Thanks for all the Indian cuisine suggestions! I’ve been looking at the menu online because I have no idea what any of this stuff is-haha! Guess I’ll decide when I get there, just wanted to get a feel for what’s good/what isn’t! Calorie-wise I don’t care…tonight’s my “free” night, so I’ll just enjoy the food/drinks/boyfriend’s company! 🙂
Hope everyone enjoys their Friday night/weekend! 🙂
Kath says
eliza ,
I think the whole “listen to your body” concept applies here. If you’re hungry, have that snack, if not, skip it. Maybe only have one regardless if your workout was particularly strenuous or long.
PS ,
Thanks for your comments!
Mel,
I’ve had Gnu but decided I’d rather have something with less fiber and switched to Nectar, KIND and LaraBars, which are my top 3.
Clara ,
I’ll have to look into the Pure Bars – and thanks for your nice comments about maintenance. I very much agree that I think I’d under fuel myself if I didn’t keep track.
JENNA ,
We do always use cloth – because of the less trash, but also because it’s easy not to have to get a new one at each meal. Just another thing to remember to put on the table. We use the cloth ones about a week before we wash them – unless of course they get dirty!
bikergurl ,
Have you never had pumpkin pie? The canned stuff is like unsweet pumpkin. I agree if you should start with it sweetened – it’s kind of strange plain and takes a little getting used to.
Candice,
CHEAP NUTS!!! TJ’s has really cheap sliced almonds and walnuts. And the Nuts for Raspberries trail mix I eat is SO good.
Tracy ,
Glad you liked the dressing!
Yaz ,
EarthFare is expensive. I don’t shop there for my weekly groceries (that’s what Harris Teeter is for) but I just get the specialty items there like hemp milk and fun products. We tend to spend between $75 and $100 per week, but have been working to keep that down. Sometimes we do spend closer to $125, but that usually involves some longer term purchases like a trip to stock up on nuts, nut butters, coffee or other expensive things.
Suzanne ,
I like the KIND OK, but they are a little sweet for me. LaraBars and Nectar are my favorite. I haven’t tried that many LaraBars but I have yet to try one I don’t like. Well, the cherry pie wasn’t a favorite but I don’t really like cherries. I LOVE the Pecan Pie one the best. The chocolate coconut is good. Like the apple pie. I have a cinnamon bun to try soon! I do agree that 220 kcal is a lot for a bar, which is why I like Nectar bars when I need a little less.
Kath