Despite having a small bowl of cereal last night before bed, I sure woke up hungry today!! I’m actually really enjoying my workout-free mornings. My AM is so peaceful now! Just me and ma breakfast.
After all the smoothie talk last night, I was sure craving one for breakfast! Luckily I had some kale on its last leg I could throw in too!
This was sooooooooooooooo gooooooooooood!! And really, really filling!
The Mix
- 1 big handful kale
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 scant scoop Vega Vanilla Chai
- 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water (We are low on milk so I split the difference and for the first time ever put WATER in my smoothie. Last night when the Vega was mixed with water, it actually thickened up a bit due to some seaweed thickeners and it tasted quite nice in plain water (although I’d still prefer a milk of sorts). So today I did half milk, half water and just like oatmeal, the blend was awesome! I might continue to do this to conserve milk!)
- 1 handful ice
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup RAW oats
–> Vita-mix
Topping
- Nature’s Path Pumpkin Flax Granola ( <— this is my very favorite SIAB topping because it’s light and airy but still chewy with flax seeds!)
- Coconut butter drizzle!
I melted the coconut butter for 10 seconds in the microwave to turn it into a drizzle (this is easier in the summertime too). I used to think heating it repeatedly would reduce the quality (like melted ice cream that refreezes) but I’ve found no difference in quality and I think the temperature is low enough that I’m not doing any oxidative damage or anything.
Drizzzzzzles!
The coconut butter actually hardened much like the chocolate shell does on ice cream. It was totally awesome to get a hard clump of coconut butter!! Definitely doing this again
I’d go back for more if I weren’t so full!
I was thinking while I was eating this and studying the side of the vega canister while I was eating. A 2-scoop portion has all the vitamins and minerals for the RDA – plus things a normal person still needs more of like fiber, antioxidants and omega-3s. You really could skip your multivitamin, calcium supplement and EFA supplement (although the whole conversation percentage of ALA vs. DHA does warrant some further research…) and save money on that. Since technically you can just mix the vega with water, the cost per serving isn’t as high if you think about all of the nutrients you are getting for that cost. Even if you use a half portion, you’re getting 50% of so many important nutrients and probably getting the other 50% from lunch, dinner and snacks!
Compare the nutrient density and cost per serving to vega vs. a daily trip to Starbucks for a latte and muffin and I’m sure vega would win.
Also consider environmental impact and the industries choosing this supports (mostly local, organic farms after hearing the talk last night)
That doesn’t mean I’m going to start eating it everyday, but like organic foods, there’s more behind the cost than some person trying to make money…
[FYI, Vega did not ask me or pay me to write the above – just my thoughts after digesting the talk!]
Cafe. It’s almost that time of year where I wean myself off – tea season has begun! Coffee has lost it’s appeal.
This somehow reminds me of a cartoon yawning!!?
I decided not to wear my Danskos today. I remember that I am running a half marathon TOMORROW and it’s probably not the best day to try out something new and totally different from all of my other shoes. I settled for suede Aerosole wedges and will wear the Danksos around the house all weekend before Monday when I’m back in the main hospital.
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Gmail, oh how I love thee!! Message sneak peek is awesome!!
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I’m eating lunch at the hospital today so look for an iPhone post at noon!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
:O You must be so pumped about the half marathon!! I so can’t wait to hear the re-cap 🙂
I looovve the look of that cocnut butter – I’m yet to find it over here, but when I do I’m totally nabbing some 😛
Have a great day!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Now I must try Vega! I love coconut butter drizzles on smoothies and oats. Yum.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Can’t believe your race is tomorrow!!! Very exciting!
I like kale in my smoothies, but sometimes the kale makes it a little too…stringy. Is that just me?
Kath says
I think a Vita-mix would fix that 🙂 My Cuisinart blender never could blend kale well enough
SallyH says
Do you pull the middle vein out of your kale before blending? I’ve got a Cuisinart blender too and haven’t had any problem with stringy kale pieces as long as I just put in the leaves :). Love kale in smoothies. Pretty color and its sweeter to me.
Emily says
Good luck with your half marathon tomorrow! I’ve been meaning to post about shoes, but haven’t gotten to it until now. I am a middle school teacher (and on my feet ALL day), and I swear by Clarks. They are the most comfortable things I’ve found, and some of them are actually pretty cute and stylish too.
Hannah says
Oooh, coconut butter ice cream topping! That sounds pretty much like the shizzles. Have a good day at work!
Jil says
Looove that bowl!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I do not know what it would feel like for coffee to lose its appeal…
GOOD LUCK IN THE MARATHON!!!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
I still love that bowl 🙂 I’m going to have to try the coconut butter on top of my oats. I have some but haven’t tried it that way, sounds delicious. And who doesn’t love anything similar to frosting.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I find the Vega info very interesting. I take the time to make sure that I eat a wide range of nutrients through out the day and have actually started not taking a multi vitamin due to a soy allergy I discovered last year. I still take calcium since I can’t eat any dairy. I don’t do protein powders due to expense and wondered if they would be beneficial on a small scale (even a 1/2 scoop). Do you find that smoothies hold you over? I always stay away from drinking my food because I drink fast and then want more. I never do the smoothie thing, but I have also never done them with protein powder.
Kath says
Smoothies only hold me over if I 1) Put lots of calories into them like I would a normal breakfast and 2) CHEW them – so a bowl and spoon help so much.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Thanks Kath…I was wondering if the spoon and bowl were a key component to the mind over matter. I love the way they look and the fruity flavors taste so good. I just hate drinking calories only to still be hungry! I appreciate your feedback. I think I will give that a go, cause this one looks yummy!
Melissa says
Seriously all these Vega posts are making me SO happy about my purchase yesterday! I bought it only because it was on sale and hadn’t seen your post yet – I just can’t believe the timing. I came home and read some bloggers’ reviews of it and overall it seemed that people don’t like the taste and think Amazing Grass is better. I don’t love the Amazing Grass so I got nervous about Vega’s taste. I tried 1/2 serving Vega Berry this morning with water, ice and 1/3 frozen banana and it was GREAT. I also watched a bunch of Brendan’s videos last night…so between those, your posts, and the taste, I’m hooked 🙂
On another note – can’t believe your half is tomorrow!!! Are you feeling nervous? Excited? You’re definitely prepared. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Jocelyn@JocelynEatsFresh says
mmm I love coconut butter drizzle. Artisana has the best 😉 I always heat it up!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I admire you! I could NEVER wean myself off coffee 😉
Have a great Friday!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
Looks like a filling breakfast, perfect for a long day of work. French toast time for me!
Karla says
Good luck with you half marathon!
I always find that protein powders just don’t taste good. Yesterday I put some in a smoothie and it just tasted like fake sugar (supposedly sweetened with stevia).
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
Ahh I love love love the new sneak peak!!!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i can’t believe the 1/2 is tomorrow!!! wounds like a great breakfast…and i’ve noticed that coconut butter stays the same as well even after being reheated time and again. it’s so good!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
I love kales in smoothies, but somehow I always get overeager and add too much. I think the proportions have to be a lil’ less than spinach to make it work. 😀
Your bowl is adorable, by the way! 😀
Good luck on the race tomorrow…you’ll be GREAT!
Jenny says
I’m a big fan of the iPhone posts! Great when you’re in a pinch:)
Joanne says
Oh yay! That answers my question about when your half is – TOMORROW. Super. I can’t wait to see how it goes. I run mine on Sunday and the course is supposed to be “rolling hills”. Great. I absolutely abhor hills. Don’t get these people who say they enjoy running hills?!
Good luck tomorrow. It will give me something else to think about during my run Sunday.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I used to worry about heating up my coconut butter too….sometimes I just scrape out what I want and then heat it up on whatever it is I am eating. Of course that wouldn’t work with a smooothie tho 🙂
Jordan says
I wore Dansko clogs when I served tables and still wear them all of the time. Mine didn’t have the back on them though. They had great arch support, but I noticed that my left foot feels like the arch is digging into the bottom of my foot- like I have a flatter arch? At first it feels like a nice little massage, but it’s definitely sore later in the day. Overall I love them though! They’re super durable and will probably last forever. Crocs also makes shoes for nurses and people in the service industry that don’t look a thing like Crocs!
Pam says
Good luck tomorrow!
JENNA says
coconut butter seems sooooooooo good!! is it sweet or does it really have a taste?
You make some really good points about buying vega! I almost fell over when I saw how $$ it was but after reading this post it doesn’t seem that bad.
Kath says
It’s DIVINE and like coconut liquid!
Jessica @ Healthy Obsessions says
Coffee has lost it flavor for me too. I was trying a coffee detox for this week, but forgot to tell my fiancee who kept making it for me. Sometimes I think it’s the creamer he is using. I recently switch to Agave nectar and half & Half versus the flavored creamers. It made a huge difference on how my coffee tasted. Do you drink tea throughout the spring summer?
Heather (www.runningwithsass.com) says
good luck tomorrow!
Whitney @ Whitinspired says
Good luck in the race! I need to start trying my green monster’s in a bowl with some rolled oats on top. It’s so hard to drink like a smoothie!
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES says
coconut butter magic shell!? you’re onto something here, kath…
Rachel says
Good call on the shoe choice for today – don’t want to risk hurting your feet the day before your half! Interesting thoughts on the Vega too. I would argue though, that getting all of your RDA of the minerals/vitamins in one shot isn’t the way to go though – your body can only absorb so much at one time and food helps with absorption. Then again I am not a nutritionist so I could be way off on that one.
I can’t imagine being “off” coffee! 🙂 I am definitely addicted 🙂
Laura says
Buuutt…. if you put the vega in with some high fibre/fat/protein rich smoothie ingredients, this should slow transit time through your GI system, thereby increasing the chances of more vitamins + minerals being absorbed. Plus, the combinations of different vits and minerals may actually aid each other’s absorption e.g. vit C will help with iron uptake, fat with any vit a/d/k/e etc right?
Kath says
Noted!
rustique says
Interesting. I was thinking about purchasing some Vega and this certainly has me sold–just to “fill in the gaps” of my healthy but definitely time-pressed lifestyle during the school year.
Abby says
Hi Kath,
Just started reading your blog and am loving it! I do ALOT of smoothies b/c they are easy to eat when nursing my 9 week old son. My question is, how do you incorporate the greens in your smoothies. I tried it a few weeks ago w/ baby spinach but it was yuck! Any advice?
Thanks and good luck tomorrow!
Lana says
For me, the spinach is great when you make sure there is something to balance out the flavour. The banana is therefore key (or some other fruity component) plus toppings.
I love spinach
milk
banana
cocoa
some sort of protein powder
peanut butter
🙂
Kath says
You must add some kind of fruit too!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
That smoothie looks awesome! Enjoy your Friday!!!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner says
Smoothies in a bowl are just the best 🙂
Jen says
Great SIAB!! I tried one for the first time last week, and I’m in love! 🙂 I am so happy to hear your review of the Vega protein – I have only tried one sample packet, but I really enjoyed it. And, loved that it contained so many great nutrients for me. Like you, I do not think that these protein powder are absolutely necessary, but sometimes they are nice to have. Especially on vacations and such, when I don’t always know if I will get all of the nutrients my body craves and needs. I have been using plain Hemp protein, but maybe i’ll look more into vega. I love the guy behind it :).
Heather says
Excellent points about the Vega powder – I am going to investigate it.
I had a green smoothie as well for breakfast – but with spinach.
I don’t drink coffee but am an avid tea drinker and like you, I’m starting to make the transition to my warm weather fave – iced tea!
Jen says
oh, and ps – i LOVE tea!!
Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit says
GOSH! You and Emily are reading my fridge’s produce waves lately, because everything you post involves ingredients I need to use up soon or have sitting in my cupboard! Right down to the NP Pumpkin Flax Granola and a pack of Vega Vanilla Chai!!!
I will definitely be trying this smoothie out this weekend ^_^ Thanks for the recipe!!!
Laura says
Kath, I don’t think you per se need to worry about continually heating the coconut butter per se- seeing as it is virtually all saturated fat/triglycerides, the single bonds between the carbon atoms in the TAG require a much higher enthalpy (energy) to break them compared to the double bonds in PUFAs- so you shouldn’t get much, if any reactive oxygen species produced at all during heating. Plus, since coconut butter has a very low protein content, you wouldn’t get acrylamide formation too either right? I’m sure you’re not worrying, but just in case you were wondering… food for thought he he 😉 I hope the pollen storms haven’t descended on you! 😉
Kath says
Just what I was thinking myself 😉 Haha
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
I love your coconut drizzle approach! Sounds like a delectable smoothie topping. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the nutritional density of the Vega mix. I’m currently working through a huge stash of Amazing Green blends, so once I make a significant dent in those…I’d like to give Vega a try. Seems like a high-quality nutritional investment!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) says
The coconut butter looks and sounds divine! I haven’t been able to find it (or Justin’s butters) anywhere near me and I really want to try it. I frequently pop (glass) jars of nut butter into the micro to help soften them up for spreadability, but most of the time I just set the jar on the counter when I am packing my lunch or warming up my oatmeal.
I have had trouble with protein powders in the past – most of the whey-based ones just never tasted right and caused me so much gastric distress. I may have to give the Vega a try!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) says
I kind of want to try those Dansko shoes.. I have really flat feet, and it’s always tough for me to find work shoes that are flat but won’t kill me… I wonder if these would be good for a flat-footed person.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
I still need to try coconut butter!
Good luck on your half-marathon. I would be a nervous wreck, but good thing you’ve already done it! 🙂
P.S. I see both a cartoon yawning and a little boy’s head 🙂
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I want to be so excited about nested labels but I am SO horrible with figuring these things out (even with the tutorial!) lol.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
PS i cant believe your race is tomorrow!!!! Good call on the shoes. Goodluck tomorrow!
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
Good luck with your half marathon tomorrow! Can’t wait for the recap!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i’ve yet to try raw oats in smoothies – it sounds good though!
Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary says
Kath,
I have a huge bunch of kale that’s TOTALLY going in my smoothie this morning! Good luck on your race 😀
-Mary
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I love how you compare vega to starbucks. I always think to myself something like “this pint of ice cream might cost a bit more, but in comparison to going to an ice cream parlor it’s cheaper, I get more, and I control the serving”
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
The coconut butter sounds awesome!!! I can’t believe that I’ve never had it before…shame!
Leigh@modelinghealth says
What a breakfast. My toast suddenly looks pretty bland!
Naomi (onefitfoodie) says
weening off cafe?!?! what about ICED COFFE!!! its that season too! YUMMM
that siab looks delish!
Cole says
Peaceful mornings are the best!
Paige(Running Around Normal) says
I’ve never thought about microwaving the whole jar before. I typically scoop some out, then microwave, but that’s a good way to not dirty up a dish!
Eeek!! Good luck on the half mary tomorrow!!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels says
I use juice in my smoothies instead of milk. I already have enough dairy at other times in the day.
Ashley says
I love your thoughts on buying Vega. A lot of people always just look at the price and don’t realize what they are really getting or how many servings it has. Comparing things to starbucks is always a good call because a LOT of people do get that latte or coffee + muffin every single day and boy does that add up not to mention the lack of nutrients! I agree with what you said 100% Recently I kind of made a rationalization about buying Kombucha. I hardly drink, especially out at the bar anymore. If I have one drink while out every week it’s a lot. I used to have a few a week…which as you know cost at least $3 a piece. So I look at it as I’m saving us money by not drinking as much..and some of that money is going to my Kombucha fund now. So much more worth while! 🙂
jaclyn@todays lady says
Ooooh that smoothie sounds so good with the coconut butter!!!
Definitely a good idea to not try out new shoes the day before a half marathon!!!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Mmm, the coconut butter looks like frosting! 🙂
Jenn
caronae says
Love this breakfast, and I need to get on the coconut butter train soon. It looks so wonderful. Thanks for the info about the vega smoothie mix, it sounds spectacular 🙂
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) says
Mmm, that smoothie looks delish. And I love the idea of putting coconut butter on top! Yum!
Interesting thoughts on Vega. I have been looking to try it, but thought the cost was too high. You have a good point!!
xo
K
Christina says
The coconut butter topping sounds amazing! I love it melted 🙂
Caroline says
I totally see a sad little boy in your coffee if you tilt your perspective clockwise a few degrees
Simply Life says
I’ve never tried coconut butter – looks great!
Tracy W. says
Hey Kath!
Have you ever thought about going full vegetarian? Just wondering. I am flirting with the idea and with your soon to be RD background. I am curious what your thoughts are.
Thanks!
Kath says
I’ll never put a label on my diet! I like to eat food that makes me feel good. And I’ll leave it at that!
Sarah says
Danskos take a long time to break in. I had to work my way up to wearing them for a full 12 hr shift. Take back up shoes if you can and wear thinner socks (I wear knee high support hose). Also, I had hip/lower back pain when I first started wearing them, but I think it was related to the fact that they were correcting my posture. Good luck!
Christina says
I wish I’d have thought to tell you earlier… you know that standing all day before a race is a bad idea. Not that you have any choice. But heavy-duty medical support hose make a huge difference. You don’t need compression tights made by sporting goods companies; the support hose that old people and nurses wear work fine. If you can get a pair and wear them today… or even this evening/ tonight… I think your legs will feel a lot better for your race tomorrow. (I’m a teacher and of course standing all day, and since I started wearing them the day after my big workouts my legs feel a million times better.)
And good luck on the race!
Kath says
If I could have stayed off my feet today I would have!
maria says
KATH! Thanks so much for that Google link! As a fellow Google lover it is so helpful!!!
Kristine says
Glad you like the Danskos Kath! I love my pair.
Since you’re on your feet a lot at the hospital, you might also want to check out Timberland PRO Renovas! They’re even better than Danskos, in my opinion! Their professional style looks a lot like the Dansko and super duper comfortable. I didn’t even have to break mine in for 12-hour nursing shifts!