I’m doing invserse workout today and am planning to go running around 9. I had a cup of tea when I got up at 5:30 and am working on some research for Cultural Foods.
Breakfast
I made breakfast at 7 when the husband came down ready for work. I requested a free sample of the new Quaker Simple Harvest Instant oatmeals online a few weeks ago and the maple brown sugar pecan flavor arrived in the mail yesterday. I figured I should give it a try!
Since the packets come with 1/4 a cup of instant oats (75 kcal) plus another 75 kcal in flavorings, I added another 1/4 cup of oats to make a full serving. I also made it on the stove top with 1/4 hemp, 1/4 milk and 1/2 water as usual, plus a whole small banana. Lastly, I topped it with almond butter! I skipped the flax since there was supposedly flax in the packet (they were whole and not really that much) and skipped added nuts since there were pecans in the mix (again, just a few!).
The result overflowing my leaf plate/bowl:
I have to say that the highlight of this breakfast was the banana. Over on the right side – you see that banana? Melted marshmallow deliciousness! I thought the oatmeal had much more of a gel consistency than normal (perhaps the instant oats contribute to that “mucus oatmeal” style?). I also thought it was too sweet. I’d rather spend those 75 kcal on nuts than sugar! Overall, it was good, but I don’t think I’ll ever buy it just because it’s more fun to control your own mix-ins.
With hot tea and a splash of skim:
Breakfast was about 450 kcal, 9 grams of fiber and 12 grams protein.
Off to get it done!
KellyA says
Morning everyone! I’m just wondering if any of you guys have read “Skinny Bitch” by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. I just finished listening to the book on tape version and WOW. It’s making me wonder if these girls are right, and if we really shouldn’t be eating ANY animal products, including dairy. It seems so strict to me, and part of me really hates to admit how much sense these women make in their book. Any thoughts?
Sarah says
I agree with you Kath…a bit too sweet for my “ideal taste” of oatmeal too, but I love having those packets around for afternoon or night-time snacks since they’re small and quick to make. 🙂
Your breakfast looks so cute in that leaf bowl…:D
kellyA.—Now you have me intrigued, and wanting to read that book. I saw it at the bookstore, but didn’t pick it up. Even though I haven’t read it, I will say that everyone has their own opinions on eating meats/dairy, and sometimes its best to trust your own judgement (as in getting hormone-free, natural milk when you can and natural hormone-free meats when possible.) Many nutritionist will tell you to eat around 3 servings of milk a day, and limit your intake of meats while keeping them mostly lean. Others will say milk is horrible for you and should never be consumed, while others will say to cut back and limit your intake.
There’s soo much conflicting advice out there in the science world (think about the conflicts we’ve had over margarine vs. butter, the trans-fat craze, Atkins dieting…etc.), it can be difficult to know who’s right or wrong. When it comes to all that conflict, I like to rely on my gut instinct…in my mind, the benefits of consuming dairy products outweigh any of the bads…but who’s to say that I’m right?
What were some of the reasons given for not eating meat and dairy? I really should pick up that book…:)
Brianne says
KellyA- I really enjoyed te book and I do believe that what they are saying is true to a degree. The meat/dairy industry is pretty gross and I have since been avoiding these products. I don’t necessarily think that eating meat is “wrong” but the way the animals are treated certainly is. We as humans do not need dairy (as it is for calves) and it feels wrong for me to eat it. I also believe that eating conventional foods (particularly animal products) are NOT good for us. All the antibiotics, hormones and pesticides that go into the animal that we eat whether it is their flesh or milk goes into us too. We are the first generation that may have a shorter life span than our elders. We are fat, sick, and plain unhealthy. kids go into puberty sooner, and autism is on th rise. I can’t help that think all of these issues must be related in some way to what we eat. Sure a lot of people are “fine” but what does “fine” mean? I was fed formula in BPA bottles, raised on conventional foods, my mom used chemicals to clean…. sure I’m fine but I also hit puberty super early, had ADD, struggled with over eating and had a period where I really struggled in school but I’m fine. BLAH. You are what you eat…. =)
Rachie says
Hey Kath,
I got the free sample of it too! It wasn’t my fav. either so I don’t think I’ll be buying it in the future, but who doesn’t love free stuff?!
Katie says
Oh, I’m so sorry your breakfast wasn’t so good this morning. I hate those instant oatmeal packets for the same reason. They are so slimy and nasty. And they often have way more sugar and salt than you’d normally have in your breakfast. Hope the day gets better from here. 🙂
Romina says
Slow cooked instant oats… very interesting oxymoron!! Hehe… too bad the portions are so tiny! Looks yummy though.
rachel says
has anyone tried the self challenge?
JennS says
kath, or anyone who might know the answer… when you say rolled oats? do you use instant quaker or what kind of oats do you use? thanks.
Amy C. says
Kath, you cracked me up with the term “mucus oatmeal.” It’s so true! I’ve tried it too and didn’t love it. I like sticking to plain oats and then adding all sorts of goodies into it. Mmmmmmm
That bowl is so cute, btw! I love it. 🙂
VeggieGirl says
Ahh, that’s too bad about the oatmeal – but at least you tried it! There’s always tomorrow morning, to enjoy a PERFECT bowl of “classic Kath” oatmeal :0)
I absolutely LOVE that leaf plate, and your description of the banana as “marshmallow goodness” (your same description for the hempmilk, no? haha, love it).
Happy Thursday!
Maritza says
KellyA – For my first pregnancy I consumed very healthy food but it included milk and meat. During my second pregnancy something happened and I could not swallow anything with meat by-products or meat. My first child was born 7 1/2 lbs, but my second was 8 1/2 and 1 1/2 inches longer!! On a vegan diet! Nobody could believe it and all my relatives and friends realized that you could have a very healthy child without all the “extras.” I did have to take a vitamin to get my vitamins B-6 and 12.
A year later I picked up “skinny bitch” and realized that what I did for my second kid was good. He still prefers eating a peanut butter sandwich over organic chicken. The book blew me away too! It’s hard to find “humane” meat and now there is a certification you can find on some meat products (usually at heath food stores and whole foods market). The integrity of our food is something we have taken on as high priority in our home and we hope to continue to find healthy, local, humane and sustainable food.
Kath – what a great website. I have enjoyed learning your KERF recipes. They are so healthy, yum!
NCCarter says
Just to add to the pepper discussion from last night – we buy our peppers at Costco and they are SO much cheaper. I think I got a bag of six (yellow, green, and red) for about $6. We can’t always use that many before they go bad, but sometimes I just chop and freeze them. I’m sure Sam’s and BJ’s have similar offerings.
I keep clipping coupons for the Simple Harvest oatmeal, but I love the regular stovetop oats so much that I just never buy them. Glad to hear your reveiw, Kath.
Amalia says
Hi Kath!
I can’t say enough good things about your blog! You are amazing!
A quick question for you or the husband: I can’t stop thinking about those potato buns you made the other day. Do you think its possible to make them with sweet potatoes? Or maybe sweet potatoes are not starchy enough?
grace says
I, also, read Skinny Bitch. I found it eye opening, but still decided to look into some of their claims from other sources. It’s my belief, based on what I read, a lot of what they say is true. I found the book to be more informative, than simply a diet book (if it can be called that). I also found interesting how politically and industry driven the USDA/FDA are.
Anyway, I think people should do what works for them and makes them feel good. My fiance loves milk and meat. However, I don’t eat either one of those things, anymore.
DaisyMAY says
This message is for Betsy who was on here yesterday in regards to the restaurant AWASH. I was wondering if there are things to do around the restaurant after we are done eating? Are there bars and stuff? (I sound like a lush) and is it easy to get to from grand central. I live in CT so we are taking the train.
Kristin Point says
I got that free sample too…not my favorite oatmeal i prefer making my own too! It’s funny how our bodies become used to certain tastes, I thought it was too sweet too when I tried it. I am so sensitive to sweet and overly salty foods now sinceI cut back.
Gemma says
haha ‘mucus’ oatmeal consistency…..might I say that didn’t paint a very nice picture in my mind!!!
Robin says
I like the discussion going on here. I think Brianne made a great point- there’s a bid difference between ‘healthy’ and ‘not sick’. Just because most people do ‘fine’ on conventional foods, doesn’t mean their functioning optimally. I think I’m going to have to pick up that book, although I’ve decreased my meat intake significantly now, and try to eat mostly organic if I do. I’d be curious to know a little more about the industry (even though I’m sure I really don’t want to know).
Kath- I think it’s so cute that you call your later workout your ‘inverse’ workout. Enjoy! And I love your leaf bowl!
Paige says
I have the same leaf dish! But I always used it for candy at my work desk. Maybe I’ll take it home for my oatmeal. 🙂
Ashley H says
I just started reading Skinny Bitch. I am just stunned but what I have read so far. I have not gotten to the meat section yet but the facts about aspartame etc. is breath taking.
I believe their evidence is definitly reliable but I have found that you need to see what works in your life and what makes you feel good. I went vegetarian for a while but I did not feel as healthy maybe I will try it later on down the road when I have more tools to succeed but right now I am just listening to my heart.
PS I was also wondering how people deal with loved ones who love meat and dairy when you are cutting it out? I love my boyfriend so much but I think he would be so put off if I cut out those products.
Robin- I totally agree. Why would anyone want to live their okay or fine when they can feel like they are glowing and actually alive!
Betsy says
i totally agree about the ‘mucus-like’ consistancy of instant oatmeal. i ate it for about a year, and switched to quick last spring and switched to old-fashioned early this fall. i would choke down the instant stuff. now, i savor every single bite!
to go along with the meat-eating discussion. the primary reason i don’t eat meat is because i am against the use of land and energy for raising livestock (here is a wonderful nytimes article about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?_r=1&ref=fitnessandnutrition&oref=slogin), but I recently started realizing that meat never makes me feel good and when I eat it, I have no idea what else I’m putting into my body, like antibiotics and hormones, that will ultimately harm me. I feel healthier and happier when I eat vegetarian, and know I am doing a good thing for my body and the environment. I actually wrote an paper in college for my environmental philosophy class (I was an environmental studies major) about why we are morally obligated to go vegan (even though I’m not) and thus could go on this forever! I think I need to dig that paper out!
I also think I need to get skinny bitch.
Betsy says
DaisyMAY
that is quite close to the 6 train, but gets you directly to Grand Central. It is about a 5-8 minute walk from the Astor Place station. And a 10 (maybe less) minute ride from Grand Central.
Something in that neighborhood-actually, it’s my neighborhood, but I’m totally blanking!!
I like Bua, a bar, on 8th St. between 1st Ave and Ave. A. Although it might be a little crowded on a Saturday night.
A really cute bistro on 8th between 2nd Ave and 1st Ave called Bistro Jules has a bar area and live jazz.
Gemma, on 3rd ave and 3rd street is an upscale-y restaurant with a hopping bar area. It’s quite fun!
B-bar on 4th st. and 3rd ave is also fun.
I’ll post again if I think of more (which I probably will…)
Jtine says
About the Skinny Bitch book: I read a good chunk of it at the bookstore but had no desire to buy it. Yes, some of their points were valid, and their research seemed pretty thorough, but I was turned off by the tone. The authors came off sounding haughty and like they thought they were better than the masses reading their book because of their impeccable eating habits. It’s hard enough sometimes to have a healthy relationship with food; people yelling at me in print doesn’t help. I used to follow a very strict, very healthy diet (though not vegan) and it became more of a chore to eat because I was so conscious of what I was eating. Obviously we should all be mindful of what we put in our bodies, but being so strict about it takes the fun out of it. I was skinny but, well, I was kind of a bitch.
Alison says
I’d really like to eat less animal products but I have a hard time eliminating dairy (I eat yogurt every morning, milk, string cheese, etc.). Do others who don’t eat dairy suggest soy products or are there other alternatives you recommend? Sorry, this is kind of broad but I’d love any advice!
Nicole (the other one) says
Had to add my favorite stuffed pepper recipe to the collection:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/230159
I took some of the reviewers advice and roasted the peppers instead of boiling and added tomato paste to help the stuffing hold together. So good! And even more veggies than Kath’s recipe!
Christin says
Hi All! I just had to share real quick…after weeks of holding out and sticking to my usual smoothie breakfast, I finally tried oatmeal with nuts over chocolate trail mix and a drizzle of honey and i think I am in love!!! Haha! i have been converted.
Also, thanks to the husband and others who shared thier brussels sprout cooking tips with me…I baked them last night with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and the turned out delicious!!! 🙂
Tina says
I got that same free sample in the mail too! I’m curious to try it. I agree with you though– it’s much more fun to add your own toppings.
KarenR says
I just came back from the market with some poblanos to stuff with Kath’s pinto mixture. I can’t wait!
I think the most important thing about eating is enjoyment, and I think the best way to enjoy your food is to be at peace with what you are eating. I have switched to all naturally raised meats because I am not comfortable with factory farming. I eat less meat to compensate for the increase in cost. I eat locally farmed eggs and milk. (I have a milkman and glass bottles and everything!) I don’t have a moral problem eating dairy because humans have evolved in a relationship with their milk-producing livestock, and thus have the ability to digest it. But that’s just me. No one should eat something they don’t feel good about; it’s bad for the soul and the digestion!
Lauren says
I read “Skinny Bitch” and have very mixed feelings about it. I did not like the tone of the book at all–extremely self-righteous and condescending, if not outright abusive, to the reader. (Just my opinion). I do agree with the authors’ stance on featuring whole, naturally-occuring foods as the centerpiece of all meals, but I do not believe that *all* meat, fish, and dairy are incompatible with wellness and weight loss/maintenance. I don’t believe this at all, in fact. The authors do not have the right credentials to back the absolute claims they make about animal products–their evidence is mostly anecdotal, or quoted from other sources. So, while the book was an interesting read, I definitely don’t believe that ANYONE should feel bad for questioning the authors’ choices/intent, or for not following their diet advice to a tee.
On a totally different note…Kath, I requested the Natural Harvest granola bar and it was very good! I really liked the dark chocolate chunks. I’m not sure that I would buy an entire box (the nutritionals are decent, but not overly impressive), but it was still kind of a nice free snack =)
I love your leaf plate! It always looks so cute filled with oatmeal.
Liz says
Is it possible to get too much fiber? Does anyone know what the recommended daily value is?
Also, near Awash there is a great wine bar called Winebar if you’re looking for a warm, relaxing environment. It’s on 2nd Ave between 3rd & 4th or 4th & 5th. I like all of the other places suggested as well. If you’re looking for a dessert bar, go to Chickalicious (10th b/t 1st & 2nd).http://www.chikalicious.com/index.htm, http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=4891&neighborhoodid=20&cuisineid=80. Soo great.
Heather K says
Grace- I’m glad you mentioned about how your fiance eats meat and milk, but you don’t. How do you or will you cook for the two of you??? I was thinking about that because my boyfriend eats meat and milk, but I prefer not to.
Lauren says
Simple Harvest, actually =)
Heather K says
Liz-The DRI for fiber is 25-35 grams. I know that if you get too much it may interfere with the absorption of nutrients, but I sometimes get as much as 60 grams. I normally take in about 40-50 per day though.
Tina O. says
I read Skinny Bitch and I agreed with some of what they said. I skipped over the chapter about slaughterhouses, I just didn’t think I needed to read that. I have a pretty good idea of what goes on. I only buy organic and all natural meats, dairy, veggies and fruit. Or locally farmed. I also use only all natural or organic health and beauty supplies.
There are responsible ways to get your meat and veggies and eggs. You don’t have to support ‘the agri-business machine’. I think being vegetarian is a personal choice just like anything else. There are lots of things I don’t ‘need’, but I certainly wouldn’t want to live without them.
As far as the higher costs of organic, all natural, I feel this way about it, it is more expensive, but I bet cancer is REALLY expensive!
Tina O. says
Oh, and the authors say it themselves in the book, they wrote it because they didn’t want to get ‘real’ jobs.
Brianne says
Tina O- I totally agree with what you said. Being a vegetarian is a very personal choice and I don’t believe it is for everyone (I still consume some meat/dairy occasionally). However I think we have a responsibility to be conscious how we treat animals and should support ethical, sustainable farming practices.
Tina O. says
Exactly, Brianne.
BethT says
Kath, re: instant oats – I know you’ll always stay true to stovetop oats, but if you want something quick as a backup, try the instant oats from Nature’s Path. They are quite tasty and all organic and not as mucusy 🙂 Eating some with hemp milk as I type!
Chrissy says
Hey Kath!
I’ve got to agree with you on the “mucous” oats thing – I think it’s all instant oats, not just the ones you had. It’s so much more fun to make your own oats and come up with interesting combinations…plus, it won’t turn your stomach!
MK says
I read “Skinny Bitch” too and also had mixed feelings on it. At first it was funny and sarcastic to read, but the tone of the authors seemed to change for the worse after awhile. It certainly didn’t convince me to go vegan, but its interesting nontheless. Anyone interested in a book swap? I don’t really need to read it more than once.
betsy says
fellow foodies! please go here and give me a rating of 5 cheezburgers so i can go to vegas!! thanks!! – betsy
http://mine.icanhascheezburger.com/Poker-Cats.aspx?ifoldieatzt128486910922500000.jpg
Elina says
Here you go, Beth. Good luck! Awesome pic!
I ordered the granola bar too, since the oatmeal obviously did not get very good reviews today.
Happy Thursday!
grace says
Heather K – Its actually a lot easier than I thought. We pretty much eat cereal or oatmeal for breakfast. I just use hemp milk or soy milk and he uses cow’s milk. Lunch can be easy too. He might have turkey, where I will have either hummus or peanut butter. Dinner is probably the most difficult. However, I realized most things I can make without meat in a small pan on the side. For instance, tonight we are having chili. I just leave the meat out of “my” pot and put it in his. Another example is he’ll have steak w/ veggies and I’ll have marinated tofu w/ veggies. I always try to make sure to have a protein source, like beans or tofu in the dinner. Then I just swap it for meat or add meat to his when he wants it. At first, he thought it was weird, but now he’ll often eat the meat free meal, like spicy beans and rice, stirfry, etc. We also grocery shop together, so we can get things we each want. Hope this helps!
the husband says
Amalia,
I definitely think you could use sweet potatoes in the Potato Bun. It may require a little experimentation but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work at least as well as the russets I used. I’d still say not to exceed 30% the amount of flour in the recipe.
In fact, I was actually going to start with sweet potatoes but I ended up having the russets on hand.
Betsy says
ok-that above was a different Betsy. Just want to make that clear…
BethEllis says
Alison – I recently cut dairy out of my diet completely and haven’t found it to be too difficult (except losing cheese was hard – I love cheese!). I’m not a big yogurt person, but I did switch to soy yogurt and think it’s great! Additionally, instead of cow’s milk, try almond, rice of hemp milk instead. Because of recent links of soy to cancer, I am trying not to consume it on a daily basis and decided to try hemp milk instead – it’s a great alternative! I’m not vegetarian so I can’t help you out with the meat part of your diet, but doing without dairy is definitely doable!
Alex says
About Skinny Bitch:
I know other people have already said a good deal, but I just wanted to throw my hat in. I haven’t read the book – but my best friend, who has been a vegetarian forever, did and told me that if I read it, I should take it with a grain of salt… or a whole salt shaker.
I think it is important to remember that, even though someone can cite very credible sources, it is very easy to shape one’s information to one’s argument by omitting the sources that would support the other side. Obviously, persuasive writing is more effective that way, but in the end it means that the “truth” you are getting is very narrow and distilled. I don’t think it would be fair to propone this viewpoint without limit before first at least trying to research what might have been left out.
KatieB says
Hey Kath – random question – would you be able to set up RSS feeds for the blog? I have Eat Like Me fed to my Google homepage and it’s a great way to quickly check in on posts/meals if you don’t have the time or desire to jump into the comments section. I’ve gotten hooked on your blog so I’d love to be able to add you to my page! 🙂
SarahF says
Morning ladies (or probably afternoon for most of you). I wanted to celebrate a couple of my “healthy relationship with food” successes I’ve had in between yesterday and today!
1) I had a piece of cake at work. Now this may not seem like a success, but usually I do one of two things- I take a huge piece of cake and feel so guilty about it that I have another piece, or I sit in my office thinking about the cake but denying myself it (and then typically going home and overindulging in something else to “reward” myself for not eating the cake). Whereas yesterday, I assessed if I was hungry (which I was), reviewed my eating for the week (healthy), took a small piece, enjoyed it with a cup of tea and felt no guilt after eating it! Yay me!
2) I had a large breakfast this morning. I had commented a couple days ago about how no matter how large my breakfast is, I just can’t make it through the day without a morning snack. Well-this morning I made 1/2 cup of oatmeal, with 1/2 cup soy milk (and 1/2 c water), with blueberries, cinnamon, almonds and a bit of vanilla extract-enjoyed every single bite, and it’s now 11:30 and I’m not even hungry!!
Thanks everybody (especially you Kath). You are all an inspiration that I look forward to continue looking at for advice
Alison says
Thanks BethEllis!
DaisyMAY says
Liz and Betsy thank you for your suggestions they will come in handy for sure!
kim says
With regard to the book “Skinny “B!@#$, I’m not attacking those who like/bought the book, but I am personally a bit offended by the title, which I assume was a marketing tactic it’s eyecatching. Why that title? Skinny Diva, skinny almost anything else would be preferable. It’s not about the label for me, it’s about the bigger picture/message it sends. OK, done with the soapbox. 🙂 I use irish oatmeal from trader joes.
Amy says
Am I the only one who likes “mucasy” instant oats? I eat the plain Quaker Oats kind, nothing added, but its quick and they plump up great in the microwave! Thoughts?
KellyA says
Kim,
The authors of Skinny Bitch have said that they used the title to sell the book. The thing I do respect about these women is that they are totally straightforward and do not sugar coat ANYTHING. In this day in age with crazy fad diets, I find it refreshing that they are so honest with the reader. And they specifically say don’t actually BE a bitch…the end of the book was my favorite park because it discusses what a woman can DO with her life when she is taking care of her body. Plus, this book is supposed to be a little funny, so I believe that the title is meant to be taken very lightheartedly.
KarenR says
I have to say, I always made “regular” oats in the microwave, so I never understood using instant. (unless you were just using hot water, which I’ve done) Of course, now I’m addicted to Kath’s banana oatmeal, but for one quick bowl for my kids, I just put 1/3c old fashioned oats, 2/3c water and nuke for 1 min. They’re not as creamy as stovetop, but are much better than instant.
Amy C. says
MK, I’d be interested in a book swap! I would like to read over Skinny Bitch but I don’t want to go out and buy it. Email me and I’ll find a book to swap with you.
Kiala says
Re: the title Skinny Bitch
I assume it’s just reader bait, to get people talking about their “book” that was “written” by “writers”.
Meh.
Gemma says
KATH- I am curious- what do you consider to be your ‘set weight’ (The weight your body would naturally settle in at without dieting).
SarahF says
Does anybody have suggestions/knowledge of how it works with subbing applesauce for oil? My mom has this great bun recipe that calls for 12 tablespoons oil (we’ve always used canola oil in the past) and I’ve heard that you can use applesauce in oils place. How much will this affect the taste? As well, what’s the conversion ration? Should I sub it all and does it work exactly so 12 tablespoons oil=12 tablespoons apple sauce? Sorry for all the questions but any and all suggestions would be really helpful!
Betsy says
Do you all ever visit thepionnerwoman.com or thepionnerwomancooks.com? That’ll show you how a city girl transformed into a country girl with a cowboy to feed. Bring on the butter!
Sarah says
SarahF—I just wanted to say GO YOU! 😀 I remember the first time I had a slice of cake and felt no guilt…amazing, and it started a completely different way of looking at food for me. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
WOW I can spell, really! thepionEERwoman.com & the pioneerwomancooks.com
kim says
Hi KellyA. Thanks so much for clarifying/going into more detail :). I never read the book/just quicky browsed. I see your point. My issue with the title is simply that do we really want to inspire our daughters, cousins, and nieces to be “skinny female dogs.” That book is all over the shelves and young people see this. Look at how the word “pimp” has taken on all new connotations that I don’t see as positive. Certainly, I can see well-intentioned humor being used. Not trying to censor anyone’s right to express herself or read whatever they like; just saying it was not to my taste.
KellyA says
No prob Kim…I totally see your point too!
goalie30 says
Amy/ re: instant oats,
I have eaten quaker instant oatmeal for years, and I don’t have time to cook on the stove when I’m in a rush in the morning. If I add plenty of water and microwave it, I find it tastes just fine. I also have tried this new organic quaker oatmeal, and I don’t care for one packet by itself, I think it’s a little sweet and not filling enough, so I mix another 1/2-1 serving of instant quaker oatmeal w/ it and it’s quite satisfying; I microwave it for about 1:30 minutes and I’m good to go. This morning I mixed a packet of the maple/pecan quaker organic oatmeal w/ about 1 serving of oat bran. I mixed in about a cup of water and microwaved it. Then after that I stirred in about 3 tablespoons of soy protein powder and 2 tablespoons ground flax seed along w/ a little extra brown sugar and it was pretty good! It could’ve used something else to sweeten it up a little bit though, it was a little bland even w/ the extra sugar from the maple oatmeal packet. Maybe next time I’ll just do plain oatmeal or oat bran and add my own dried fruits and some honey or maple syrup for a little better flavor…
Kath says
Jen,
I use Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal that we buy in a huge pack from Costco.
http://www.quakeroatmeal.com/qo_ourProducts/quakerOats/product.cfm?productid=3
But sometimes the bulk kind goes on sale at EarthFare ( our “whole foods”) and we get just “rolled oats” there.
Re. Skinny Bitch,
I honestly know nothing about this book, but I guess I should read it since I’m entering the nutrition field and need to know my books. Anyone who’s interested in a book swap let me know! MK, sounds like your copy is already claimed 🙂
KatieB,
I believe you can subscribe to any page in Firefox by going to Bookmarks and “Subscribe to Page” at the top to add it to Google Reader or iGoogle homepage. Let me know if that doesn’t work and i’ll see if I can add an RSS link to the sidebar.
SarahF,
Thanks for sharing your food accomplishments!! So glad you enjoyed the cake, and I’m THRILLED for you that the bigger breakfast worked!!!
Gemma,
Since I’ve maintained at 120 for about a year now, I suppose this would be it. I decided last summer to stop weighing myself and just let things happen at will, and this seems to be where I ended up. I’ve definitely gotten more toned in the past 6 months, but I weighed myself a few weeks ago (for the first time in 2 months) and was at basically the same weight, so I guess this is it.
Kath
melissa-little runner says
Hi Kath,
I’d be more than happy to send you my copy of skinny bitch. It is rather worn, since I shipped it off to my sister at college, but if you want it, let me know!
Kath says
Melissa,
Thanks!! You’ve got mail!
Kath
Michael Tavallaei says
oats and bananas! what a great combo
Michael Tavallaei says
it’s amazing how much better you feel when you eat healthy.