My body was feeling a little stiff and I’m sore from Sunday’s lifting so I decided to take today off of formal exercise and do a little yoga instead.
One of my goals for this year is to increase my flexibility and spend more time stretching and taking care of my muscles. I always find yoga kind of frustrating:
If I want to workout, I’ll go running or lift weights.
If I want to meditate, I’ll take a bath and zone out with my breathing.
If I want to stretch, I’ll stretch!!
I realize that many people swear by yoga and that these three combined have more benefits than each alone, but I’ve always struggled with enjoying yoga.
When I take a day off from working out, I don’t want to go to the gym! So I like that I can do yoga in my house – in as little as 20 minutes – with DVDs. I have a 6-disc set of Yoga Zone DVDs that I bought in college. I really like Yoga Zone – it’s easy and not too serious. The 6-disc set has differen
t kinds of yoga practice – power yoga, yoga for abs, flexibility, stress relief, fat burning, and total body conditioning (you can see a description of each if you click to the product link). Each CD has two 20 minute sessions. I mostly just do the flexibility and stress relief, but every now and then I do the others. I’m really not believing that yoga for fat burning is going to make me drop the pounds though 😉 I also have this Sunrise and Sunset one and like it a lot too.
So this morning I did 40 minutes of Yoga for Flexibility. It felt nice to do yoga while the sun came up 🙂
The Tale of the Missing Baking Powder
So I decided last night to make an oatmeal pancake for breakfast today and prepared my oats and egg whites. You can definitely use old fashioned rolled oats if you do a longer soak.
I also put a few chocolate chips into the cooking pancake. I think I added them a little too soon because they kind of burned when I flipped it, but it was a fun addition!
So once on my plate, I took one bite and realized that the pancake was completely flat. Er, flat as a pancake!? Usually they turn out quite thick and puffy. AHHH! I forgot the baking powder in my own recipe! Whoops. They will still work fine without it, but of course you’ll get less volume because there is less air inside.
Topped with 1 small mashed banana, 1 tbsp flax, a few walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.
I also had grapefruit (Thanks again to Tracy!!)
And a latte made with 1/2 a cup of skim milk:
All together –
This breakfast was about 450 kcal, 10 grams fiber, and 22 grams protein.
I am planning to go for a walk in a bit to enjoy this beautiful weather – but I am taking my Cultural Foods flash cards with me!! It’s a great way to combine studying with a little physical activity. I’ve got two tests today so lunch will be posted around 4:00.
And YAY the mail comes today!!!
VeggieGirl says
Kath, I am the same way – I personally don’t have the patience for yoga, haha. I prefer kickboxing and other aerobic, fast-paced exercises (which I engage in everyday), mixed up with strength-training. Glad you listened to you body and are letting it rest! :0)
Happy Tuesday morning!
alex says
Kath,
How do you get your grapefruit so perfectly peeled!?
Thanks!
anna says
Morning all! I have some brussell sprouts that I’m cooking up as a side dish for dinner tonight, and was wondering if people had specific ideas for how to cook them. I usually just roast them in the oven with a little evoo and salt and pepper. Other thoughts?
Scott @ One Food Guy says
I finally bought some help milk and tried it this morning, and wow, so good! We are experiencing a milk revolution!
Laura says
Ditto on alex’s grapefruit question!
I can’t stick with yoga either. Really wish I could!
anna, I like to peel off the outer leaves of the brussell sprouts and cut them in halve, then saute them over medium heat with a little evoo and s&p until tender, then add a splash or two of balsamic vinegar!
Debra says
Kath the pan you use in your oatmeal video looks great and just what I am looking to buy. What brand/type of pan is that? Is it non stick? Thanks!
Jtine says
I practiced ashtanga yoga at least once a week for a couple years until an injury prevented me from doing the majority of the postures. I tried to get back into it once I healed but I just don’t have the patience for a 75-min. class anymore. I tried getting back into class a few months ago but I always felt bored or frustrated because I could be using that time to run, lift weights, swim, etc. I became so impatient during the last class I left in the middle (which I hate doing!)
I tried yoga on my own again this weekend (as usual, skipping the postures I don’t like) and it felt really really good stretching out all my muscles again!
Carrie says
“I’m really not believing that yoga for fat burning is going to make me drop the pounds though” She says with a silly little emoticon!
Have you all tried bikram yoga? It’s 90 minutes of 26 postures in 105 degree heat. I do it 5x per week and I cannot say enough about the amazing benefits. The increased flexibility is just a small biproduct, but one burns roughly 500-600 calories and coming from a dedicated runner who had back pain. Well… All I can say is the back pain is GONE! AND my strength for my runs and workouts is much more intense. Check it out! It does depend on what kind of yoga you are doing. You absolutely can “drop pounds” and change your body completely.
rachel says
i can relate to the yoga frustration. if i want to meditate and enjoy calm, i prefer take a walk….the gym just isn’t very relaxing.
kath–how do you guys store your bread?
have a great day.
Susan says
Sorry about the baking soda………definetly something I would do (I of course once did the classical switch sugar for salt in cookies- not yum!).
Your snacks of never very large, but you seem to wait the same time from eating breakfast to lunch-lunch to snack, etc? A lot of people do this (and I have read in magazines as well). Why is it that a small snack is supposed to hold someone over from 3-7 pm, for example when a meal which is larger is supposed to do the also hold someone over for about 4 hours? I am always hungry early for dinner because my snacks don’t do that and once I start eating it, my body is expects more food. Looking forward to hearing your advice.
rachel says
oh–one other comment! i am starting a ‘food literacy partners’ class during my lunch hour today. http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/programs_tools/community/success_stories/pitt_foodlit.html this is a 4 month class that meets during lunch every tuesday. it is being offered by nutrition professionals who are affiliated with the university where i work. the classes will cover basic nutrition. i aim is to train community lay people in the fundamentals of nutrition so they can teach people in their communities about healthy eating. i think it’s a great idea.
Robin says
Kath-
I LOVE all your plates and table settings. I can’t wait to get some cool ones of my own- but I don’t trust the roommates with them yet!
I agree that Bikram is a great workout. I started it because my super-tight hips were causing me problems with other areas of my training (mostly running), and it really helps when I’m consistent. You definitely feel like you got a good workout, my heart rate and breathing get way up there. I think it’s a great option as a cross-training tool a couple (or a few) days per week.
Robin
rachel says
*THE aim
Cara says
Good luck on your tests! You make me crave grapefruit everyday. I almost bought some last night (and thought of you when I saw them) but I have a killer cut in my mouth so I would probably die if I tried to eat them. heh 🙂 But you still have me drooling over them! hahah.
Karen says
Even thought I have trouble fitting yoga into my weekly exercise, I do make time to move through a few basic poses after a run because I feel like yoga is the perfect partner to running. When I was (ahem) younger I took a weekly class and loved it.
Carrie H (there's never been another Carrie on here when I've posted!!) :0) says
Kath,
I just wanted to thank you for reminding me that eating should be an all-around sensory experience. I have been lighting candles at each meal and trying to make the presentation more appealing …
My husband and I don’t have a lot of disposable income but I really wanted some placemats … So, last night I dug into my fabric drawer and actually made four new placemats. Two are blue and green plaid for my husband and I for dinners and one is hot pink with black polka dots *leftover fabric from a Halloween costume I made my little sister* and the other is light purple with little yellow flowers *leftover fabric from a blanket I made my niece when she was newborn*. I’ll use these two when I eat breakfast alone.
Now, not only are my meals prettier, but I get to think of the fun stuff I made with the fabrics when they were new!
Thanks, and sorry for rambling. I just wanted you to know you’ve inspired my entire eating experience!
Carrie
BethT says
Anyone who coveted Kath’s veggie lasagna last week….you MUST make it! omg, this was the best recipe for it I’ve ever used. Not cooking the noodles makes sure it doesn’t get too wet from the veggies. I used a combo of eggplant, red bell pepper and sundried tomato, and it was great!
Kath, please thank her for sharing!
Ashley H says
Kath (or anyone else):
I have noticed that you always try to fit all the food groups into your meals and I try to do the same. However, I am lactose intolerant and I was wondering what I should sub in my meals for dairy? (soy?) Thanks
Lauren says
Hi Kath,
Have you ever tried Pilates? I love it. I sort of like yoga, but I like that Pilates is a little more fast-paced and fluid. (At least, it’s more fast-paced than the yoga I’ve tried). I’ve always been a runner, but I sustained a leg injury about 4 years ago that prevented me from running for about five months. I was really worried that I’d compromise my fitness, but Pilates (plus walking) helped ensure that I maintained my fitness level. I really liked how it totally toned and strengthened my core, too. I’ve kept up with Pilates since my injury, and I’m convinced that it’s helped me avoid additional injuries and stay flexible.
If you’re ever interested in checking out a DVD, I recommend any of the ones by Ana Caban.
Angie says
Hi! First time posting here…Kath, I love your blog for great food ideas and you have such a passion for it all!! Many thanks. Quick question….is there a recipe you have posted on here for your oatmeal? I am trying to figure out what type of oats and liquid you use and how long you cook that for on the stove. They look so creamy!
Also, I am a huge fan of yoga…i can understand your frustration, because it is hard to make the mind relax and enjoy it. But have you ever experienced the last few minutes (final relaxation) where you just rest? I always feel so relaxed….it has taught me how to really calm my thoughts. Also, I find it’s yoga that keeps me so toned! I do weights too, but all those yoga push ups and upward dog poses are perfect for toning the arms!! Just had to share.
rhodeygirl says
Angie-
Look in the right column under Pages > Real Food > Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe.
It’s all right there 🙂
Angie says
Opps! Never mind…i found the oatmeal recipe. So easy…i can’t wait to try it.
Tina says
I feel the same way about yoga…but in my old age, my muscles and back are starting to get tight, especially after running. I stretch before and after, but I still think I would benefit from more yoga in my life.
And yes, Kath’s Oatmeal Pancake recipe is delicious! And filling! What a great discovery! 🙂
the husband says
Rachel,
We just store our breads in ziptop bags with the air sucked out. Because I use a sourdough starter in every bread they have a high acidity and therefore keep longer. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, make your breads with pre-ferments. If you’re buying your bread, I’d still store it the same way. If you can’t eat a loaf in less than a week, keep it in the fridge.
neimanmarxist steph says
i feel the same way about yoga, but those yogazone videos are a great tip. maybe i’ll try them 🙂
Katers says
Kath, I got a Salter food scale this weekend -love, love, love it! I’ve never had much luck counting calories before because the huge amount of variables always left me frustrated. But the food scale gives me such peace of mind! I love being able to pretty accurately determine how much I’m eating – when I need more and when I need less. I had never thought of getting a food scale in the past, but it’s such a simple and HELPFUL addition to my kitchen! (hey, that sorta rhymes!). Also, it’s so helpful to pack my lunch and breakfast for the next day when I’m making dinner (another one of your great ideas!) I have all my materials out, and the food scale, and I still have the next day’s dinner to plan on the fly, so I get to suit my daily tastes then. I’ve never felt this happy and secure in my eating habits in my life. Thank you!!
Kath says
Alex,
I use a knife and cutting board – SO much easier than peeling with thumbs!
Debra,
Its a Calphlon Nonstick Griddle we got as a wedding present. I LOVEEEE it!!
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/6244149/index.cfm?clg=36&bnrid=3180501&cm_ven=FRO&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=ckwgrli&cm_ite=Calphalon%20One%20Nonstick%2011%22%20Square%20Griddle
Carrie,
I would LOVE to try Bikram because I love to sweat but my gym does not offer it and I can’t really afford to pay for classes at private studios.
Susan,
I never expect my snacks to hold me more than 2 hours. I usually have one at 4 or 4:30 and have dinner around 7. I always say 100 kcal per hour – so a 200 kcal snack would buy 2 hours, 300 3 hours, etc. There are lots of factors that play into satiety and hunger, but as a general rule I think it works.
Carrie H,
So glad you’re making eating more pleasurable!! Little bowls and plates go on sale ALL the time at places like Pier 1 and World Market. I’ve been collecting them for a few months now to make my meals more presentable. Our “regular” dishes are all white, which I love, but I love to compliment them with color. Placemats can be really cheap too but that’s so cool that you made some that are meaningful to you!
BethT,
Wasn’t it great!?!?! I’ll email my MIL your comment 🙂
Lauren,
I do like Pilates but consider it more weight lifting than mind/body/flexibility. I also think it’s one of those where the exercise is either too easy or too hard – I had a hard time finding some that were challenging that I could feel the burn. But I’m hoping to get to a class or two sometime soon.
Kath
the husband says
People keep talking about bikram yoga and I still have no idea what it is. It sounds like typical yoga in a hot room. Is this right? Because I’m skeptical it’s that much of a “workout.” Just because you’re sweating from the heat doesn’t mean you’re burning hundreds more calories (even though I can totally relate to that feeling – when it’s cold at the gym and I work out just as hard but don’t sweat as much, I come away dissatisfied).
And I want to be clear, I’m not putting workout in quotes to be snotty, I just don’t consider anything a workout unless my heartrate is a minimum of 150bpm.
Anne says
Hey Kath,
I’m thinking about buying a fun cookbook or two with a Barnes and Nobles gift card I got for V-day. What are some of your favorites?
Christin says
I agree with what you all are saying about Yoga…it is very difficult to feel like you have gotten an actual workout from yoga…I have never tried Bikram…I will sometimes go to a yoga class at my gym, but it has to be accompanied by another class, or time on the ET, etc…I try to think of yoga as a way of relaxing, meditating, and stretching all at the same time. for me, having danced and worn heels for a great prtion of my life, have really short hamstrings, tendons, etc in my legs, along with a bit of a forward curve in my upper back from slouching, so Yoga has helped me in those specific areas, but it is hard for me to think of it in terms of real exercise…I am considering trying Bikram though, just to give it a chance! 🙂
Christin says
whoa…my putting the words ‘danced’ and ‘heels’ in the same sentence made me sound like a different kind of dancer than I am lol! i danced ballet for awhile and now dance jazz and hip hop…just wanted to clarify 🙂
Mel says
Anna,
A suggestion on the brussels sprouts….EVOO, salt, pepper, crushed garlic and some chopped up pancetta (or bacon if you cannot find pancetta).
the husband says
Anne,
We don’t really buy cookbooks because these days most cookbooks are just recipebooks. And there’s a dearth of recipes online, for free! Too often I think people buy these recipebooks, use them for a few months until they find some of their favorite recipes, and then put them to the side, pretty much permanently. (And we’re pretty guilty of it too, but not anymore!)
Here’s a list of cookbooks I see sitting on our shelves, all of which we haven’t touched in ages:
The Ultimate Soup Bible
Easy Healthy Dinners
Easy Soups and Stews
Essentials of Healthful Cooking
Cooking for Two
All About Salads
Barefoot Contessa at Home
Hot & Spicy Cooking
Healthy Latin Cooking
My advice if you’re dying to spend money on a cookbook, is to get something that’s instructional. Obviously I’m all over Alton Brown’s books and my bread book. Despite having read these cover-to-cover many times, I still pick them up for reference.
Cooking has changed so much recently. With the easy availability of recipes, it’s no longer necessary to hoard books and have a container of your recipes, and share them with your friends. Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t share, but let me give you an example that’s been fascinating me lately:
My mom recently gave me a bunch of her old recipes (stuff she didn’t want). She obviously comes from the era when cooking was done by the wife, who had her little box of recipes that she collected over the years. Most of the ones she gave me were either casseroles or cakes/breads. And the funniest thing about them was how stupidly simple they were. Like a recipe for coffee cake that told you to buy a box of duncan hines cake mix and layer it up with some nuts and stuff. That’s not a recipe!!!!!
But the whole thing got me thinking anthropologically about the former sphere of women and what it meant to be master of the home – quick and easy meals to satisfy the family and leave time to play with the kids, etc. These days cooking is a lot about the experience, and the home cook crafting meals that rival restaurants’ food. And I’m definitely not complaining, because cooking gives me such joy. To create something yourself is beautiful and satisfying. I did it!! And not to mention the enjoyment I get from the orderliness and structure, and science of cooking. [contented sigh]
So up with methodology, down with a method! (and don’t waste your money on a book of recipes – maybe buy a three ring binder and some plastic sheets to save magazine recipes)
Elina says
Kath, your salmon from last night looks really great. I know you said it was tough, but the recipe looks great! I’ll be sure to try it. Tomorrow, I am also making that seafood dish you made a little while ago. I saw the seafood mix at TJ’s and just couldn’t resist…
I feel the same way about yoga. Funny enough, I am planning on taking a pilates class at my gym today. Everyone says how yoga and pilates transform their bodies. I want mine “transformed” as well. We’ll see… I probably will be wishing I was lifting weights!
Bikram yoga is supposed to be amazing. I’ve heard from a few runners that that’s the hardest workout. My gym doesn’t offer it either, but I am considering going to a yoga place for it. Does anybody know if you need to be an advanced yoga person to do this?
Anne says
The husband,
Thanks for the quick response! I was thinking you might say something along those lines 🙂 It’s definitely interesting to think about how much “recipes” have changed in the past century! Thank god casseroles aren’t popular anymore 😉 Cookbooks really are starting to go out of style now with the abundance of online (free) recipes it seems. That’s a good idea about the binder… I always tear recipes out of magazines or print them out (or find them on this blog or others!), and then end up losing them or something before I remember to try them! So perhaps I’ll do that instead…
Have a good one 🙂
Anne
Kiala says
You know, I used to do Nia twice a day 5-6 days a week and I was never in better shape than I was then…or well, at least, I was a good 25 pounds thinner than I am now. Unfortunately, it – has anyone ever tried it? – it’s a little new agey sometimes and I’m just NOT. It’s a combo of yoga, lyrical dance, and martial arts. Anyway, the point is it was really good for the joints and muscles, but I did have to go twice a day to get those results.
Also, I was dating an a*****e in a band so yes, maybe I wasn’t eating. At all.
We have a bikram yoga place right down the street. I’m gonna give it a shot.
Anne says
Also, Elina:
I tried the bikram or “hot” yoga the other day–you totally don’t need to be advanced to try it! I, too, am more of a pilates girl than yoga (only done yoga a few times), but a hot yoga place near me was doing a free day for the anniversary of their studio opening, so some friends and I went to check it out. I liked it, but I didn’t love it–just felt like I’d rather be running or doing something more cardio/pump up focused. And it left me feeling SO drained afterwards, not in the good way that I normally feel after workouts, probably just due to the excessive heat (the class was 1.5 hours long! took up a LOT of time which i also didn’t like). It’s pretty intense… you’ll get dizzy at some points and have to lie back down. My roommate loved it though, and has bought a monthly pass to go back like once or twice a week. I just feel like depending on a person’s personality they love different sorts of workouts! So yeah it wasn’t for me, but others really love it!
Anyway! For me, I prefer doing pilates (just at my gym) every once in awhile and then mostly running/elliptical/spinning/weights on other days, but bikram is definitely worth a try to see if you like it!
Eliza says
the BEST fish dish I have EVER had.
Kath, judging from your meals we have very similar tastes and I think you would really enjoy this! It is definitely worth making.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/PrintFull.aspx?RecipeID=45187&servings=4
Eliza says
oh, but I use haddock.
Beth says
Sorry, husband, I just had to point out that “dearth” means “scarcity” or “shortage,” not “plethora” or “myriad,” which I think is what you meant. While there is no dearth of recipes online, I still love getting cookbooks because they’re so beautiful. Also, it’s kind of like the difference between buying songs on iTunes and buying a whole cd–it’s sometimes nice to enjoy an artist’s cohesive statement.
Holly says
Just wondering about the copper IUD discussion that was going on a week or so ago; for anyone that has gotten this done… Has anyone had it done who hasn’t had a baby before?? I heard that if you haven’t given birth that it is a lot more painful, is this true? MY gynocologist told me this, and said that with some people they can’t even get it in because it’s so painful or so much more difficult.
I really want to get the IUD, but I’m hoping it’s possible to do since I’ve never been pregnant.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Katherine Sloan says
The Husband,
I too had those thoughts before I tried Bikram – and you really need to try it before you can understand the strength and flexibility required to hold all of the postures in a heated room for 90 minutes. I have never warn a heart rate monitor – so i have no idea what my heart rate is at when i am in there, but I expect that it is quite high. Bikram is definately not for relaxation, but more for strength and focus. In a 90 minute class depending on how hard you work and your weight etc. people can burn an average of 600-900 calories. Several people have lost tons of weight doing Bikram because it also helps speed up your metabolism and improve digestion as well as absorption of nutrients. Do a drop in sometime just to see what it is all about!
becks says
I’m a yoga teacher, vinyasa style. If you have a heated “power” vinyasa studio in your area I would give that a try. Type A’s love it. And yes, husband, it does get your heart rate up and it does burn upwords of 500 cals. It’s 90 minutes of flowing, fairly fast paced poses, usually held about 5 breaths. But continuously flowing so your heart rate rises. Typically the studios are “baptiste style” which is Baron Baptiste. Or look for videos by him, Brian Kest, Rolf Gates, etc. And then tell me that you’re skeptical. I get lots of wall street men, corporate lawyers, etc (work in manhattan!) that get completely broken down! The flexibility comes COMBINED with the strength. I wish everyone would try it!!!
Kiala says
Matt, you uh, you wanna take this one?
Kiala says
Oh shoot…the internet is too fast for me! I meant about the iud because you’re a man and oh just never mind.
Ala says
I’m Curious as to how the husband’s interview went???
I also have never had the patience for yoga or meditation, no matter how hard I try…
evangeline says
Anne,
I personally love cookbooks (if they’re good). It is nice to have some trusty recipes at hand in a nice book. For GREAT entertaining recipes try: The Fosters Market Cookbook by Sarah Foster. I love every recipe I have made from there–main dishes, desserts, salads, breakfast, etc.. For heatlhy recipes “Almost Vegetarian” is good with lots of recipes that you can make to cater to vegetarian AND meat eaters tastes. I also get some cookbooks from the library (recently: How to Be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson–very good cheesecake!)
Husband: I have to disagree with your comment about the anthropology of cooking. I think that the large majority of women are still the primary cooks in their households. I think that your statement about women’s roles and the place of cooking in the home is unique to your socioeconomic and cultural group. I also think that the “quick, easy meals” that leave time for other obligations (playing with kids, cleaning, working, etc…) are exactly what many Americans continue to make! In fact, I think that this is one of the many factors contributing to the obesity epidemic in the US–rather than quick casseroles families are opting for quick hamburgers.
Interesting observation though–I can see how your observation does apply to some societal sub-groups
ariana says
i can’t do yoga because it puts too much strain on my wrists.
but, i’m a HUGE fan of pilates… but i prefer working on the reformer than using a video… however, it does end up being really expensive, but so worth the money.
the husband says
Beth,
You’re totally right… makes me wonder: have I been using that word incorrectly for awhile now or just this once??… Thanks!
Evangeline,
Good call on the relationship between obesity and quick meals, and you’re right that for many women, the home is still their sphere. I still think that cooking is shifting towards the “home-chef” I described. Look at cooking shows these days. It used to be about Martha White in a huge kitchen with a wide-shot, mixing up some casserole. And the defining thing about old cooking shows? They put the dish in the oven to bake, and then above it they have one ready to pull out. Modern shows just add a cut in there (although watching behind the scenes stuff, I’ve noticed that they’re still doing it the same way – somebody in the back room has already cooked the dish, but the cut makes it look like the chef has done it). I think this is more evidence of encouraging people to take ownership of the kitchen.
Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier – one of the leftovers of the era of casserole cooking is the stereotype of the newlyweds coming home from the honeymoon, and the wife cooking the first (casseroley) meal, and burning it to a crisp and the whole dinner is terrible… why? Because casseroles can be hard as heck to get right!
Anybody out there have funny stories about first meals? Referencing last night’s post where Kath commented about our first times cooking together, we used to sautee chicken/beef, bell peppers, and potato cubes in a skillet…. what kinda crap is that?!?! I mean, not that those aren’t good together, but it was just a terrible method. The potatoes were always underdone in the middle, and a squishy mess on the outside. And what an unsatisfying meal! It was then I started working at a restaurant and we learned so much from experimentation.
Good thing we lived together before getting married (sorry to shock you Kiala)!
Kiala says
I am shocked that you cooked things in a skillet!
SHOCKED!
I made a shrimp couscous salad with lemony dressing for my first husband once and it made him physically ill.
I thought it was delicious.
We’re divorced now.
chelsea says
You’d be surprised, some forms of yoga burn way more calories than lifting weights, or even a body pump class-WAY MORE! Try power yoga or Vinyassa flow!
Christin says
Ok, how about this one…when my husband and I had first started dating, I decided to make him breakfast one day…I went with scrambled eggs and toast.
Now I had grown up putting garlic powder on my eggs (I know, it’s a little weird) but when my husband bit into that bite of eggs he freaked out! He totally spit it out, and asked if I was trying to poison him or something haha! Once he realized what it was he thought it was funny, and that I was really weird, but it all turned out ok…I now make garlic-free eggs 🙂
Allyson says
Anyone have thoughts on doing yoga at a class/studio vs. doing a video at home? Just wondering about people’s preferences…
Christin says
I like going to a yoga class over at home because I feel like if I perform a pose incorrectly I miss out on some of it’s benefits…i like to go to teachers that don’t mind giving corrections…
Amandamoo says
The important thing about Bikram is that you have to go regularly (a couple times a week minimum) for at least 2 weeks to feel what it’s really like. At your first and second class, you’ll be learning the postures and how your teacher leads a class. Once you have experienced that and are familiar with it, that’s when you can really “work” and notice how your body feels during the class. For some, that means heart rate increases like a cardio work-out. For others, that means focus and relaxation. Bikram is not just “yoga in a hot room”, it’s a specific series of postures held for a specific period of time in a specific sequence…
Actually, the husband, I bet you’d appreciate the science behind it!
Kelly T says
kiala- lets me best friends. just ’cause.
Rachel- i think your lunch time meeting thing is a great idea. i think they should implement something like that with children, and maybe throw in some exercise education as well. not just ddgeball, but you know, how your muscles work, why we need to keep them strong etc.
im not a big yoga person either and while the hot yoga makes you sweat, its just like in a sauna. its relaxing and refreshing and makes it appear harder than it is (not that it isnt hard, because most of the moves and poses are!) i thik its geared more towards people that need that “good sweat” to feel like they had a “good workout.”
Kelly T says
i dont have a first meal story but last night i tried to cook a whole bird for the boyfriend. it was supposed to be a special dinner for him (chicken, couscous, sauteed mushrooms, etc.) and a special dinner for me because it was cheap and i would have lots of leftovers. but when it came time for the chicken, he had to do everything because i could bring myself to touch it. so i hid around the corner and yelled at him what he needed to do. and then none of us new how to carve it so we wasted more then we ended up keeping.
im going to be a horrible wife.
Aimee H. says
I was going to try doing yoga more, but the studio was so darn expensive. I do pilates two days a week through the local college and I LOVE it. I wouldn’t mind getting more into yoga, but there’s not much time. And Bikram was so huge in Los Angeles, but that does not sound like something I would be into… the heat makes me want to pass out.
About cookbooks – I just bought Ellie Krieger’s The Food’s You Crave and it’s awesome. Since she’s an RD, I love seeing her swaps and getting inspiration from her healthy meals. She’s also focused on the nutrients. Even though I still do a lot of my recipe checking online (especially when i want to experiment and compare different recipes), sometimes cookbooks are so fun!
Stella says
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for 4 years. I go consistantly about 5 days per week. I have ran several marathons and competed in triathalons. Believe me… Bikram yoga IS a workout!! I hesitated trying yoga because I never thought is was a workout…I had to be either running, or in the gym. Nothing has made me feel as good as this yoga. I still run or spin on my off days. This yoga is not for everyone. This yoga tends to attract a lot of athletes. If your going to try it, I suggest a minimum of 3 classes per week for one month. If you don’t like it… at least you gave it a shot.
jenna says
Oh my goodness- I LOVE bikram yoga!!!!! I’ve been practicing for the past four years and it gets better all the time….i guess it must just depend on your personality though!!! (it does get easier as you keep practicing–you get used to the heat!)
Serena says
on cookbooks, i love them and i read them like novels, but i also love cooking magazines. husband, i think you’d really appreciate cooks’ illustrated or fine cooking, which have tons of science and technique in them, but even good old cooking light or bon apetit are great – cheaper than a hardcover cookbook and you get different recipes every month that feature seasonal ingredients and often have great articles about different cities, countries, and exercise. can’t beat that for under $20 for a year long subscription!
Serena says
oh, and yes, i know a lot of cooking magazines put their recipes online, but i’m a paper purist and like to hold and feel my magazines too. plus, i think it’s good for my eyes to take a break from the computer screen. and i can read them at the gym or on the go. since kath subscribes to as many magazines as i do, i bet she would agree with this!
Tara says
I LOVE Yoga Zone (the Abs one is really good…I like Al!). I started doing it about 3 days a week and noticed a big difference in my body (I am about the same size as Kath). My arms started looking really nice, with just the addition of 20 minute yoga! I also felt so different! I know how you feel about yoga though….but it is definitely worth it (even if it’s just a day off workout!).
Canuck Jules says
I have to say, I love this blog and have gotten some great ideas and inspiration from it!!
The first time I cooked for my then-boyfriend (now husband), I tried combining chicken (which he likes) and eggplant (which he loves), but apparently that’s just not done. And to make matters worse, I didn’t cook the eggplant nearly enough, so it was VERY bitter, and he actually had an allergic reaction (his lip got super swollen and tingly)!!
Clearly he didn’t marry me for my culinary skills…!!!
Amanda says
I used to hate yoga, as a runner I felt like I needed to get sweaty to get a work out! Finally I started doing just 5 minutes of stretching a day, then I found a flowing yoga rather than a hold the pose kind of yoga..and now I love it. Do it all the time and I know it’s made a difference in my running as well.
the husband says
We actually do get Cooks Illustrated! A friend of Kaths mom got it for us for Christmas. We’ve only gotten one issue but I did like it – same thing, techniques not recipes.
You can consider that part of my measly 3 magazine subscriptions (Wired and Paste are the others). I think Kath has like 15… seriously.
Kiala says
Have any of you ever read any MFK Fisher books? I know you would all love them. LOOOOOVE them. Especially, Long Ago in France and The Gastronomical Me.
Kelly T: Yes…best friends for evah.
arimcg says
I love to mix yoga in with my regular workouts, although I only do Bikram because it really makes me feel like I’m getting a workout. I definitely leave every class exhausted – plus I’m usually sore the next day. I don’t use a heart rate monitor because I don’t really care about the exact number of calories I burn, but I definitely feel as good about doing a Bikram class as I do about doing my usual 45 minutes of cardio and strength training!
I wouldn’t discount yoga until you’ve been to an actual class, because I think it’s a better experience than a video, and probably more challenging because an instructor can correct your poses.
Tina O. says
I love yoga even though I’m not currently practicing. I was very fortunate to be able to barter for free sessions. I really want to get back to it, but now that I would have to pay, its quite pricey! I just started a new class today called Body Blast at the gym and it almost killed me!
Ideally, I think I would like to do a mix of walking, weights, and yoga. But I really need to get into some kind of shape before I start ‘maintaining’.
Allison K. says
Kiala,
I have tried NIA, but only twice. I was in a pilates class for a few years and whenever our instructor was gone, she had a NIA instructor fill in.
I loved it! It felt like playing…albeit a little new-agey..which really just made me laugh.
Jem says
On the subject of families and eating habits and how both have evolved…I have discovered a great, new blog –http://familyfresh.blogspot.com–where a family of 5 is undertaking an experiment to eat minimally processed and whole foods for 30 days. It is very well written and funny. They are only on day 2 – it should be really interesting to follow!
Becky says
I’ve always been a pretty fantastic cook, if I do say so myself(and so what if I started by following recipes TO THE LETTER!!! We all have to learn somehow-now I just make things up as I go along….) My boyfriend on the other hand, does not cook-EVER. He’s made me dinner 3 times in 3 years…..The first time was some kind of chicken cooked in red wine…and he put it on the plate and I thought they were potatoes! It was just big round chicken breast that got colored by the wine-to my surprise, it was tasty chicken underneath the potato-like exterior.
Kath says
Anne,
I think a subscription to Cooking Light is the best recipe book you can buy. That way you get a “new cookbook” each month and you can make a binder of your favorite recipes. Plus they’re all healthy! I really like the magazine and have a binder I keep with saved recipes from all my magazines. Unfortunately I never remember to try them!
Katers,
SO glad you’re finding helpful things!! I agree that food scales are liberating more than anything else because you can be confident in your portions. Glad making your lunch early is working out too! I’d go nuts if I had to make it in the morning rush.
Eliza,
Looks delish! We made one like that recently with wine and olives. I need to put it on the “to make” list again….which is getting long!
Holly,
I’m interested in the Mirena IUD and read similar things on the Internet. I called my doctor’s office and they said it’s not a problem if you haven’t had a baby. I’m going to talk to my doctor about switching in April, but I guess that’s a long time for me to respond! I’d love anyone else’s feedback on this 🙂
Kath
goalie30 says
Holly/Kath/ re: IUDs
I have not heard that women who have never had babies would have a problem with having an IUD placed, and I did a 1 month rotation during PA school in OB/Gyn and I believe we saw a patient or two with them in but they have not had kids. The main thing is that you are in a monogamous, long term relationship; the IUD is a great contraceptive alternative to pills for women in this position. The main reason they don’t give them to women who have more frequent partners is the supposed possible increased risk of std/ pelvic inflammatory disease infections. When the gyno puts an IUD in, they basically “dilate” the cervical opening starting off with a very small long shaped instrument that they put into the cervical opening, and they have increasingly larger ones, so they make the cervical opening bigger and then they are able to the insert the IUD through this opening into the uterus. The uterus is roughly the same size for both women who have had kids or who have not when you’re not pregnant, so again this should not be an issue. I have heard from ladies having these placed there may be a little mild discomfort when it’s being placed and some possible small amounts of cramping afterwards, but that’s about it usually. I would recommend it for women who came to see me and would have no problem referring them to a gyno who could put this in even if they did not have children in the past. Once the IUD is removed, you should still be able to get pregnant in a timely fashion….
Hope this helps answers questions..
Kath says
All,
So interesting to hear the yoga discussion!!
I LOVE to sweat (and I love July in North Carolina 🙂 ) so I think if there’s any kind of yoga I’d like, Bikram would be it. I found a studio that offers Bikram in Charlotte that looks very accommodating to beginners. Unfortunately it’s pretty expensive, and I don’t think I can afford to do it 3x a week for a month (or have the time!) but I want to give it a try. If not this Saturday possibly the next. I gave my yoga mat to Goodwill though and I need one!! That’s another problem I’ll have to solve first…
Goalie,
Good to know. Thanks for the info!!
Kath
Betsy says
Husband-
I’m glad you like Paste. Cause it’s awesome.
sarah says
i think i get all 15 magazines kath gets, PLUS paste.
i also agree that it is awesome! the last few mix cds in particular have been fantastic. so many new discoveries!
kath, i have the same yoga zone dvd set. you have inspired me to do some more of it 🙂 i agree with everyone who says it is a perfect complement to running.