Steel Cut Oats with Nutty Mango
I used to hate mango – something grassy about the taste. But now I LOVE them!! I made steel cut oats this weekend (I usually make a batch for our rushed Wednesdays) and thought it would be fun to put a tropical fruit on top.
I heated the oats in the microwave, added about 1/3 cup of vanilla hemp milk to rehydrate along with about 1/2 a cup of diced mango. I stirred in 1 tbsp of flax and topped it all with a mixture of walnuts and sliced almonds (I couldn’t decide!). It was delicious, and my small green spoon helped me savor every bite 🙂
If there’s ever a KERF online store someday, I will manufacture green spoons like these for those of you who want one but can’t find them!
Also had mint green tea (with milk, again no sweetener). I think I’ve officially gotten to appreciate unsweet tea. That was fast! I think it just had to make the decision to do it. Healthy living is all about making good decisions, after all.
This breakfast was about 415 kcal, 10 grams fiber and 12 grams protein.
Workout
I was excited to go to the gym this morning, which is strange for a Wednesday! I had fun on the Stairmaster, a little squirrelliptical, and then the husband and I did upper body lifting on machines today.
Before I left – a piece of homemade sourdough with PB.
Today
Chem lab (bad) but lunch at CUPPS (good!!!). The sun should be out today, which ALWAYS makes me happy. Hope you guys have a good day wherever you are in this country (world!?)!
NC says
first? lol
I never would have thought to put MANGO in oats but your brekkie looks great, as usual.
Happy Humpday!
Katie says
I love mango. So funny b/c I’ve ben craving it after talking with a freind about it yesterday. What a great combo. Hope your day goes well. 🙂
Erica says
your oats look delicious.. so creative!
where did you get that tiny spoon? it’s adorable!
brit says
i put just a little bit of honey in my tea….is this an okay alternative to splenda (which i try to stay away from ) and sugar?
Tina O. says
brit~ I have heard that honey is very good for you.
Becky A. says
For those who like the spoon-
If you have a Target near you, check out the Dollar section(I think it’s called the One Spot?) I got these really cute coffee cups(they come in pink, yellow, green and blue) with a VERY similar spoon in the handle. It doesn’t have the ring on the end, just a little hole, and it may be a bit smaller, I can’t tell. I ate my “cherry pie” (heated frozen cherries w/ graham sticks crumbled on top) snack with one yesterday, and I felt like Kath!
Lindsay says
Becky A ~ Thanks for the tip, I might run there today and see if I can get some cute spoons!
Tina says
I love CUPPS! Well, I’ve never been, but I get excited when you go, Kath! Everything you get there looks delicious!
LisaR says
any runners out there….
Whenever I run I always seem to get side cramps! I drink a lot of water before hand (I wait about 30-60min b4 I start running after drinking a lot) and I try to concentrate on my breathing but I STILL seem to keep getting them!!
Any ideas/help??
caitlin (in FL) says
a little info about running cramps! http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/running-cramps.html
i just run through it or pause to stretch!
Romina says
Mango! That must taste delicious in oatmeal. I love your fantastic oatmeal combinations. They’re so inspiring.
Betsy says
i never liked mango that much either-maybe it’s time to try it again.
please please please start making your own teeny tiny spoons!!! everytime i see it, i think it’s just the cutest thing ever!!
LisaR
I get cramps if I drink too much water/eat too close to when I start running. Try drinking less water before and if you feel like that isn’t enough, sloooowly start drinking more water until your body is used to drinking that much and running.
rhodeygirl says
Kath! and Tina!
Thank you SO SO SO much for inspiring me to work out in the early morning! I usually get to work by 7 but I decided on Wednesdays I would now go in at 8 and lift before work. I got into bed at 9 last night and jumped right up at 5:45 this morning and had THE BEST WORKOUT. It works out really well for Wednesdays (for now) as I teach dance right after work so by 7 PM all I want to do is eat dinner and relax.
so, anyway, thanks for the inspiration!
p.s. mango is by far my favorite fruit and it is having such a great season!!!! (I buy it fresh) makes me so happy (which in turn makes my bf think I’m nuts hahaha)
happy wednesday!
Kath says
Brit,
Honey is a superfood. If you like it in tea, by all means enjoy it!
Tina,
You’re too funny. I just found out that my sister is coming to do an interview for Psych grad school at Winthrop on Friday and I’m having lunch with here. Guess where we’re going!? Twice in one week, but it’s the best place around, hands down!
rhodeygirl ,
So glad to hear it!!!
Kath
Steph says
I know exactly what you mean about mango tasting “grassy”! There’s some woodsy flavor in it that turns me off. Maybe it’s time for me to try mango again….
Kelly L. says
Morning Kath! Did you get your spoon at Crate and Barrel? I must get one! It’s funny because when I cook I always use a salad for for my main course and give my husband a bigger fork. I do the same with spoons. I love to savor. Last night I had a bowl of Stoneyfield Farms chocolate yogurt while I was readying and was just taking itty bitty bites. The spoon would be perfect!
Kelly L. says
One more question- I hate salad. Basically I hate lettuce (all types). I’m strange, I know. I have never had Kale but I can imagine I wouldn’t like it. I’m sure curious though do you think by making kale chips I might like it? I mean does it take on a different flavor or is it just like toasted lettuce? Sorry for the silly question but I’m looking for more ways to get in dark leafy greens because right now I don’t get any unless they are in a soup.
NV says
LisaR – I used to get cramps all the time when I went running. I tried all sorts of different snacks and water at different times, but nothing seemed to really help. Now, I make sure to stretch all my major muscles for a decent amount of time and slowly increase my speed from a brisk walk to my running pace (over the course of 5-10 min). This has helped me immensely, and I rarely cramp up anymore!
Katie R says
Hi Kath! I have a crazy question… do you refrigerate you peanut butter? It wasn’t spread on your toast so I’m just wondering if that’s why… I used to refrigerate it but it gets soooo stiff and I like it creamy so I stopped… any opinions on this?
erika says
LisaR –
Something you can try is breathing through out your stomach, rather up through your chest. Visualize literally like inflating and deflating your stomach. It seems to help! Either that or it just takes your mind off the cramps because you’re too busy thinking about puffing out you tummy..
Amandamoo says
Katie R-I think all natural/preservative-free peanut butters need to be refridgerated.
LisaR – I’ve noticed that if I alternate my breathing with my steps, I get fewer cramps. For example, if you’re breathing in when your right foot hits the ground EVERY TIME then your body will be off balance and you’re (well, I’m) more likely to get a cramp. I try to breath every 3 strides so that I alternate feet, this helps me tremendously. There are lots of pointers on coolrunning.com also.
Kath-how far are you from Asheville? I went to Bella Chere two years ago and am thinking about coming down for it again this year!
mollymolly says
kath-
what is this KERF you always talk about?
I feel silly that I do not know what it is and cannot figure it out! 🙂
LisaR says
thanks everyone! I’ll try some of the suggestions this week and see how it goes! I can’t help but get frustrated when I’m trying to run longer distance’s then have to stop or slow down b/c of these side cramps! arrrg!
Caryee says
Hey everyone!
Regarding peanut butter/ almond butter: I get them freshly ground from Whole Foods, but I don’t refrigerate them because I like them “spreadable”. Does anyone know if they are perishable?? :-/
Kath and company: About EZ Bread…I’ve seen it everyone on your blog and Jenna’s haha..so I just bought my first loaf from the freezer section. However, I must admit that I can’t really TASTE it! It’s got sort of a rubbery texture to it (as opposed to a doughy, chewy feel), is that normal? Should I try toasting it instead of microwaving it or having it at room-temp? Do you have other breads you recommend?
Thanks!
Katers says
KERF= Kath Eats Real Food
Kath, maybe you should add this ? to the FAQS! 😛
Sarah C says
LisaR,
bananas bananas bananas!!! when i used to play softball, our coach would make us eat one between every game (up to 5 games a day!!) now i run long distance, and still eat at least one every day! the potassium helps with the cramping. also, make sure you are running with good posture. sometimes slouching makes cramps worse, so keep your upper body tall and chest open to allow good oxygen flow, take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, and if a cramp still comes, try walking with your arms over your head until it passes.
Elizabeth says
Hi Kath & Ladies! I have a question for the group. There are so many fabulous and inspiring books out there about food and healthy eating that I know alot of us have read–several of them I have heard about from this blog! Do any of you know of any really inspiring/informative books about fitness and working out that would be similar in style and information to the food books? (i.e. not any fad workouts or anything, just sound advice and inspiration about working out and fitness in general). Thanks! Have a great Wednesday! 🙂
SawSaw says
I have been practicing hot yoga or hatha yoga for a month now. I find it really meditative and really good for my brains. Would you all consider it exercise?
I was just curious–some people claim it is a huge calorie-burner and some people say that previous claim is a load of bulls***.
What is the general opinion on the matter?
I mean I know I’m sweating bullets in class, but that is just water and toxins leaving my body.. How would you categorize it?
-SawSaw
P.S. I posted this on Jenna’s blog as well 🙂
Kelly T says
I hate to hijack the blog but i need to do a three part nutritional seminar for work. I was thinking of doing “Decoding nutriton labels” “busting nutrition myths” and “how to eat healthy on a tight budget and an even tighter schedule.” Do you guys have any ideas on what you would like to learn from a seminar?
Elizabeth says
Kelly T,
MEAL PLANNING! You could do it in your “How to Eat Healthy on a Tight Budget and an Even Tighter Schedule.” I am a horrible meal planner. I love eating healthy foods, but I never know how to put them all together to make a great meal! Something like that would be so informative I think.
Sounds like a cool program you’re putting together! 🙂
KatieB says
have been taking the same lunch almost every day for months now and need a break (and some nutritional variety): I rip up 2-3 thin slices of lo sodium turkey breast over mixed spring greens and throw some Neman’s light balsamic vinagrette on top. I have this with Kashi crackers. Later in the day I have an apple and then some baby carrots. I occassionally get sushi as a treat or have a turkey sandwich instead of the salad. I’ve also been taking veggie soup with half a turkey sandwich on whole wheat as an alternative. Is there another lean protein source that is equally convenient (the canned salmon at my supermarket was gross and I’m not a huge tuna fan, I already make use of veggie burgers and hummus) but could change things up a bit? Sorry for the rambling, long post – trying to multitask at work 🙂
Kelly T says
KatieB- beans are good protien. maybe put some on your salad? im a big fan of bringing leftover dinner for lunch- it makes for a more satisfying meal, i find.
Elizabeth- thanks for the tip! i definately added it to my list!
Tracy says
KatieB:
I was stuck in lunch rut for a long time so I know how you feel? How about beans as a protein source for your meal? A couple times out of the week, I throw some beans in a big salad. Every time I’m at the grocery store, I make it a point to buy a different can; great northern, kidney, pinto, garbonzo…so many to choose from!
KatieB says
KellyT and Tracy – Thanks for the quick response! I’m trying to get adjusted to texture of beans – I can do great northern beans in chili now but am still getting used to biting into a kidney or black bean mid-salad. Kath’s pureed bean sandwich looked like it could be a good compromise haha
Amanda @ Down Home Dieting says
Yum, I love mangos! Never thought about putting them in oatmeal though.
I did however mash up a banana with my morning oatmeal. Thanks for the suggestion!
It’s 20 degrees here in Maine and snowing!
MLT says
How about Peanut butter/almond butter or hardboiled eggs? You can make egg-white egg salad too. I like egg sandwishes- scrambled or hardboiled and mashed into a pita.
kim says
I take a mix of eggbeaters and veggies, broccoli etc., sprinkle of lowfat parmesan, veggie bacon and bake them in muffin tins for a variation on a crustless miniquiche.
Beckysue27 says
LisaR- try breathing in through your nose, out through your mouth. This is the only way that I do not get cramps.
Kiala says
I really like tuna or chicken (you can get the canned white breast chunk chicken) salad made with plain yogurt and apples and whatever you like in your tuna salad. I usually put red peppers and jalapenos in it, but I like the spicy. If you make a big bowl of it, then you can just take it in a tupperware and keep it in the fridge at work. I also put my tuna salad on top of baby spinach leaves. Oh and yesterday I put cannelini beans in it, it sounds weird but my GOD was it filling.
And have some crackers with it. Live a little.
Katers says
Kim – what a great idea! I’m gonna try that!!
Kath says
Spoon is indeed from Crate and Barrel.
KellyL,
I think you would like the kale in chip-form. It did not taste like lettuce. I hated lettuce (unless it was drenched in dressing) until I was in college, so I know what you mean about that gross vegetably flavor. The kale chips were NOT lettucey in that sense.
KatieR,
Yes we keep our PB in the fridge. It’s usually pretty spreadable regardless but this was nearing the bottom of the jar where the oils didn’t get stirred in as well, plus the bread was very thin and crumbly so I didn’t want to press to spread. Normally, it’s not a problem though.
Amandamoo ,
We’re about 2 hours from Asheville and I think WE were at Belle Chere 2 years ago too! When is it this year? I’d love to go if we can afford to stay the night. Have you eaten at The Laughing Seed on Wall Street??!
Caryee,
EZ bread is a bit dryer than most breads, but that didn’t bother me. I would try microwaving it -and keep it in the fridge if you can because I think it’s dryer from the freezer.
Katers ,
KERF has been added to the FAQs!! It certainly is frequently asked 😉
SawSaw ,
I have never tried Bakram yoga so I can’t form an opinion myself, but it is an hour and a half long so I think it’s possible to burn 400-500 calories in that time if you are really working your body hard. While I do think the sweat makes people think they’ve worked out harder than they may have, I do think it’s possible.
KellyT,
I vote for tight budget/schedule too!! I think labels might be too well known (denping on your audience) and the myths might just cause debate! I would pick attending the budget/time one of the three myself 🙂
Kath
Amandamoo says
Kath-Bele Chere is July 25-27 this year. I manage a rock band in CO and they played there while on tour 2 years ago so you probably heard them while you were there! Crazy! I don’t remember The Laughing Seed but there’s no way we went to a healthy restaurant while we were there… I love my band, but they are not healthy boys : ) It would be so cool to meet up there this year. As it get closer, let’s talk. The band is on tour without me for most of the month so I might be by myself this year : (
SawSaw – Bikram is a great workout for sure. The number of calories you burn in a class is very different from person to person. My suggestion would be to wear a heart rate monitor to a few classes and figure out what you average per class. Big time Bikram advocates will tell you that you can burn up to 1000 calories in a class…
Leah says
Hi Kath, This comment has nothing to do with breakfast or lunch but I’m making a recipe today that I think you (and your readers) would really like! It’s for a Garden Vegetable Minestrone with Basil & Parmesan. Super, super healthy and low fat — the basil makes it taste so fresh and delicious. It’s on my blog, which is http://acornerofmykitchen.blogspot.com — just go in the January archive and scroll down; it’s one of the first recipes I ever posted. I absolutely LOVE this soup, and my kids have no idea how good it is for them. 😉
If you make it, tell me how you like it, Winthrop Girl! Leah
goalie30 says
Elizabeth/ re: fitness and health books
I would recommend the “Clean Eating” Nutrition and Workout books, along with a cookbook, by Tosca Reno. She is a writer for “Oxygen” magazine, and her books are not only inspirational, but easy to read and very informative. I have all 3 books, and while I found mine at the grocery store, I bet you could get a good deal online at amazon.com.
Kath says
Amandamoo ,
I think I am going to San Francisco the weekend before with my mom, so it might be bad timing for me. I’ll have to see how my summer pans out, but it would be very fun!! Maybe we could just drive up for the day.
Leah ,
Your blog is great, but I didn’t see the recipe. Where can I find it?
Kath
Leah says
Go to January in the archive; the soup is waaaaaaayyyyyyyy down at the bottom of January; I think it was one of my very first posts! You will love the soup — tell me if you try it!
Nikki says
hey LisaR –
It may sound weird, but next time it happens, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it in as long as you can stand it, then when you exhale, push the air out (of your mouth only) quickly and totally, and tense your abs. It may take a couple of times, but this never fails me! Although it takes practice to keep running while doing it. Exhaling completely and kind of forcefully along with an ab contraction pushes the trapped air somewhere else or something! hope this helps!