Rain on the green grass,
and rain on the tree,
Rain on the housetop,
but not on me!
We’ve got an All-American Rainy Day here in Charlotte. Extra motivation to buckle down and memorize the physiology of the human body today!
After a weekend of partying, I was surprised when the husband wanted to get up early and go to the gym before work. Since he was taking Canada to the airport, we got to sleep in a little later and arrived around 6:30. I took it easy on the elliptical since my legs are a little tired from yesterday’s run and ended with a round of upper body weights.
Before I left, I had a Van’s Blueberry frozen waffle with almond butter. I picked these up at EarthFare since frozen waffles make a great pre-workout snack, but silly me didn’t even think about the fact that these aren’t whole grain! I just assumed since EarthFare was selling it it had to be the perfect product. Not that refined grains aren’t perfect, but you know what I mean. But it still tasted great and held me well through my workout (I think adding PB/AB to anything helps with satiety through a workout).
For breakfast, we made a huge batch of oatmeal for Canada. He reads the blog (Hi Canada!!) and said he wouldn’t mind trying our combo. I think he liked it! Trail mix with macadamia-cashew butter and the usual banana, vanilla, milk, etc.
I topped mine with TJ’s Raspberry mix and almond butter –
With coffee. We were all sweating through this breakfast!! It’s almost that time of year where hot coffee + hot oatmeal is too much heat. The husband made an iced coffee this morning. It’s not even that hot either – only in the 60s!
Breakfast today was about 460 kcal, 8 grams fiber and 18 grams protein.
Agenda
I’m off to study for my Physio exam on Wednesday. Then tonight I’m headed Uptown for an event and to have dinner with the husband, who is working late.
Countdown to our beach trip: 2 days!!
Susan says
Eat like me readers:
I would like to look up on answer on Cristin’s blog (eat like me). Does anyone know how to do this?
Yoon says
Hi Kath, I recently found your blog and have been really enjoying reading it:) I also live in Toronto, and it’s raining here too!
Alex B says
Susan,
If you go to the page that displays all of the Q&A (column on the left, “Answers to your questions,”) and then in your browser do an Edit –> Find (in this page), you can search for keywords that will help you locate the answer you want.
Nick says
I need to work on a waffle recipe, see how I can modify my pancakes to do so. I don’t know about there, but the weather here is just incredible and super warm. I’ve been trying to get as much exercise outside as possible. I joined intramural softball and although our team is terrible, it’s a lot of fun.
Sweet, it’s beach time already?
– The Peanut Butter Boy
Christine says
Hi Kath, I love your blog and read it daily. I find myself inspired to eat more healthfully but find that I have the same problem about oatmeal in the summer it too hot. what do you eat in the summer that is still full of fiber and protien but not so HOT?
Thanks
Tina says
Happy Monday, Kath! Did you see that we used your serving dish? I used one of the small dishes this morning too! Again, thanks!! 🙂
Kelly T says
I bought cinnamon raisin english muffins yesterday, and i think its the first non-whole wheat bread product Ive bought in as long as i can remember. I get enough fiber that it doesnt matter, though.
Today is hot but raining here in Seattle. I hate it, I feel like Im melting.
www.everygymsnightmare.com
Gretchen says
I have a question that some of you might be able to answer?
I’ve reached my happy weight of around 138 1bs. I”m 5’7″ and packed on 20 extra pounds (160) last summer and have finally gotten down to the number I want through healthy, whole foods and exercise. However, even though the scale says I’m at a healthy weight, I still feel “thick”. I have extra fat around my hips, stomach, thighs area, and it seems like I have a lot of fat that I could lose. At this point, I think if I restricted my diet anymore, It would be too much. I eat probably around 1400-1500 calories a day. I exercise 6x a week, 40 mins of cardio and strength training.
Should I just keep maintaining this lifestyle and hope that the thickness disappears gradually? Does anyone have a hard time losing that layer of thickness?
Maybe this doesn’t make much sense. I just want to live healthfully and not rob myself of joy by living too restrictfully.
VeggieGirl says
Yeah, it’s raining quite hard here today, as well :0(
So glad that Canada liked the oatmeal!! Now you have to let him try all of your OTHER tantalizing oatmeal varieties!
Ahh, so exciting that your beach vacation is in just 2 days!! :0)
kim says
Gretchen, I know it’s hard to do and I forget to take my advice. Be proud of your hard work and happy you’re at the weight you are at/just my opinion, I wouldn’t worry about what scale says. 🙂 I am 5’3″ and stuck at 138. If you restrict your diet further you’re body will go into starvation mode. Pilates has been great for me for toning, even though my weightloss is at a standstill right now (I lost about 20 lbs as well/same situation as you/same workout and calorie consumption). I’m losing inches though scale stayed the same for past few weeks. My goal weight is about 125 but I’ll live with 130.
Suzanne says
Gretchen –
Wow! That’s exactly the same problem I have. After I got married – I gained that comfy layer of ‘thickness’ and I have been trying to lose about 10 lbs for the last year and a half! Like you, I workout at least 5-6 days a week with strength training and cardio and I eat healthy and watch my calories. I have been trying to shed that thickness but I’m thinking I have to make more drastic diet changes?
Does anyone have any ideas out there? 🙂
And on a random note – I just finished a small bag of Figamajigs as a mid-morning snack – and they are SOOOO good! 🙂 Only 150 calories and it would make a great low calorie dessert (for those of you who like chocolate after your meals like me!) 🙂
polly says
Hi guys. Just wanted to put in my 2 cents about theh prevoius posts. I used to be a pretty bigtime runner, personal trainer, and did all the bootcamp classes, lifted weights, etc. About 4 years ago I started practicing yoga and WOW. I love it! I am now a yoga teacher and no longer run or lift. (not that you have to do that by any means!) but, I saw a huge change in my body. Think LONG and LEAN. I love watching my students change inside and out! I think they get more relaxed and actually end up working their body harder in a brand new way, without feeling beat up. I actually lost 5 pounds feel great. (didn’t try to lose, just happened!) I think yoga is the most amazing workout I’ve ever done! (and I used to run 5-7 miles a day!) Just an idea. Maybe do a little less, and grab a yoga mat! I never dreamed in a million gazillion years I’d ever stop running, enjoy yoga, or get in the shape I am in now… from yoga?! Yoga is Yummy… that’s my motto. 🙂
Polly
Katie says
OH! So jealous of your beach trip! Haha. We have a rainy day here too. Rained out my baseball game. 🙁 Now I have to go to the gym instead of enjoying the outdoors. Oh darn. Hope you have a great day!
tvk says
Regarding “thickness,” Gretchen, are your workouts 40 minutes/day? Rather than further restricting your calories (boo!), maybe you could up your time to an hour (yay!), and be sure to regularly switch things up, maybe with pilates and yoga as other posters have suggested? Just a thought…
Tina says
As for shedding “thickness” without drastic diet changes– I think the best and easiest way would be to eat “real” foods, just like Kath does. Eat more fresh produce, start reading labels, limit artificial sweeteners, dine out less/cook at home… I think these little things can really make a difference and you won’t have to change your current diet all that much.
Meghan says
Hey Kath, I think I’ve commented before but I’m not really sure. Anyways, I read your blog often and it’s one of my favorites. It’s very entertaining and informative! I have a quick question. Seeing that you’re interested in getting a good amount of protein, fiber, etc. in with your breakfasts, have you ever considered switching from oatmeal to oat bran? I used to be an avid oatmeal eater but when I compared the nutritional value of oat bran to oatmeal, I switched. Turns out I love the texture WAY more. The nutritional differences aren’t EXTREME, but I was just curious as to whether or not you’ve given oat bran a try.
Danielle says
It’s rainy hear too :(. An upcoming beach day is exciting though, I love all the fun things summer brings. Good luck studying Kath!
hk says
the beach, what fun!! Good luck studying, have a good MOnday 🙂
Carrie H says
Christine,
I love oatmeal for breakfast but it seems kind of hot for me on summer mornings too. So … this might sound gross, but I started making myself cold oatmeal!
This morning when I woke up, I mixed 1/2 c oats with 3/4 c water and 1/4 c skim milk and put it in the fridge while I showered and dressed. After about 20 minutes in the fridge, I added walnuts, blueberries and a little bit of maple syrup. All the liquid wasn’t totally absorbed, but it tasted so yummy and the oats were definitley soft.
The only thing … When I have the exact same thing but warm, it does seem to fill me up a little more.
Allie says
Since everyone around here seems to eat (and love) breakfast, you all might be as fascinated as I am by this (touted in clotilde/chocolate & zucchini’s latest post): http://www.jonhuck.com/breakfast/index.htm
What we eat can be so telling, or not.
Christin says
Hi Everyone!
I am actually REALLY JEALOUS of your rainy day! Sounds crazy, but I just had a weekend in the 90 degree range, and I was completely overheated! Feel free to send any raincloud ibes you want to California…I’ll gladly take them! We need rain deperately!
Kelly L. says
CHICKPEA CUTLETS!?!?!
Kath, Jenna, VeggieGirl, other vegetarians….
I bought some vital wheat gluten and I want to make the chickpea cutlets from Veganomicon. I found the recipe online but I don’t have soy sauce, paprika, or thyme. Big part of the recipe, I know…
Okay, so do you think I could do another variation of this? Maybe make them southwestern style and sub out the soy sauce for salsa and use southwestern spices? Any other suggestions? Help!
Susan says
Thanks Alex! I never knew that existed!
Ann says
Hi Kelly L.,
I’ve never had the thyme or the paprika…I always use a little italian seasoning. Just substitute something that has some flavor…any dried herb would do. As for soy sauce, maybe some water along with the salsa? Start making them and immediately you can probably tell if you need a bit more liquid to help them bind. But the soy sauce is probably mainly for taste. But definitely go for it! It’s a great basic recipe that can be varied in lots of different ways.
babycakes says
Christine,
cold oats are the best! That’s the only way I eat them actually – raw/uncooked/cold straight from the package. I use Bob’s Red Mills organic oats – I know it sounds weird to some I love it! 🙂
Kath, it’s rainy and dreary here in Boston too. I hate this weather but I am in the middle of studying for finals (physio for me too, as well as micro) so I guess it’s conducive to studying. I still prefer the sunshine though!
Kelly L. says
Thanks Ann!
mel says
in the warmer weather, I love love smoothies for breakfast or kashi go lean with fruit or fruit, yogurt and granola parfaits. yum! Oatmeal is delicious but makes me sweat when its summer! haha
Gretchen says
Thank you for all of the helpful comments! At this point, I already eat whole “real” foods, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc. I think I’m going to try adding more pilates and yoga into my workout schedule and up the cardio a bit. Life should definitely never be consumed with trying to lose that extra inch if it means not enjoying food/exericse, and life!
Kath you have been a huge inspiration as well. Thank you for your great meal ideas and healthy approach 🙂
NYCPeach says
Hi Gretchen, all,
This is a wonderfully inspiring blog. I am 5’3″ about 115 and tend to put on muscle very easily so I can relate. Part of thickness has to do with genetics and everyone’s body requires different movements and diet to achieve results.
Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser coach – Love her!) recently said how she was looking to get leaner and less “thick” (see even the fitness models suffer!) and said she is upping her cardio to a very high intensity. Try interval training with a heart rate monitor to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workouts. I agree yoga or something similar that leans muscles would be a great compliment to, but not a replacement for, your cardio. Step up your cardio and try different intensities.
I stopped doing the stair climber / spinning (trainer said a big no-no for muscular legs – just makes them more muscular) and focused on the elliptical at a high intensity but low resistance and treadmill (or outside running) on flatter surfices – but FAST/Hard and incorporated a yoga/pilates style class several tims a week and definitely have become less thick. Cardio should exceed the comfort level! It should be hard! I hope that is helpful and good luck! Keep us posted!
rachel k says
what does “thick mean” — this is difficult for me to visualize considering the low weight to height ratio mentioned by the ladies who are dealing with unwanted “thickness”.
i once weighed 94 lbs (im 5’4! eek) and as i gained weight, felt very aware of all of my problem areas (which is a misnomer in this case). for example at 109 lbs i felt very busty –though everyone else saw me as being very thin and having an average sized bust. essentially i felt bigger (thicker?) than i was, merely because i had unhealthy ideals of what i should look like and was overly concious of my size.
i am not trying to project the same mindset on anyone here, but am offering my insight as to why you might feel “thick” when your BMI is actually very low, you eat well and workout a healthy amount.
KatieTX says
I agree with interval training. Also another tip..split your cardio into two 20 min segements or 30 min if you have time. This keeps your metabolism up alll day long because you get a “afterburn” after exercise. Or try cardio in the morning and yoga or pilates at night. Something like that. Also the “thickness” may just reflect your strong leg muscles!
Courty says
Completely off topic, but does anyone know where you would find wheat berries at the grocery store (Whole Foods?). I have had them in things before and LOVE them, so I want to buy and experiment! Thanks so much.
Kath says
Christine ,
Guess you’ll have to wait and see!! Seriously though, I eat high fiber cereals with nuts, cold oatmeal muesli, and smoothies with oatmeal pancakes.
Tina,
I did!! Glad you like it!!
Gretchen,
Should I just keep maintaining this lifestyle and hope that the thickness disappears gradually? – I think you said it well. Just keep up the good work of eating healthy and getting a balance of cardio and weight lifting and I think you’ll body will eventually go where it needs/wants to go. I’ve learned that effort is the most important factor in self confidence and acceptance, so if you’re giving it 100% (or 90% 🙂 ) effort, then you’ll know it’s just your genes. If you know you could eat a little better or exercise more consistently, then work on those.
Meghan ,
I do like oatbran and used to eat it a lot actually! I determined, though, that I like the texture and volume of oatmeal more. I used to switch between the two but I used up all my oatbran and haven’t bought more! Perhaps I should for variety’s sake.
Allie ,
That site is awesome!! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I was very disappointed by the lack of oatmeal though! But it’s so cool to see the variety of what people enjoy to eat.
Courty ,
I buy them in bulk at EarthFare. I’ve never seen them in a bag, but I bet some of those alternative flour brands make them.
Kath
Korin says
Rachel K,
I think you have a good point… at least something to think about. A lot of people suffer from body image disorders/issues and it can be dangerous if the only advice given by other posters to the original post is, “Work out even longer/higher intensity.” Especially on these food blogs where many here tend to be food-obsessive in a lot of ways.
Perhaps there are other things going on that need addressing. Perhaps not. But thanks for bringing this up.
Leng says
Hmmm…that waffle looks yummy. I’ve been fighting the urge to have waffles this morning, but I think i’m going to have to have it for lunch after seeing it here. 🙂
Your food always makes my mouth water and I don’t even eat meat!
Oh I wanted to also say thanks for the tip about the studying tip-using flash cards and taking notes directly on them. Ever since the semester started I’ve Aced every single test using your method. I’m very visual also, so this WORKS for me. It never occurred to me to use power point as notes. A million thanks.
I have an exam this wednesday on Nutrition therapy, and I feel pretty confidant 😎
Ally says
Beach trip in 2 days? I need to give you back your books before I feel really guilty about having them!