THE SUN IS SHINING!!!!! That makes me SO happy 8) We’ve had a lot of cloudy days lately and I just love it when the weather is nice.
I got up early as planned (around 6 so I got a great night’s sleep!) and had a cup of tea while I caught up on the blog comments and did a bit of studying. I’m doing well using up all my teas!! Maybe the husband will let me get some new ones soon. This was Sweet Cinnamon Spice, which I didn’t like when I bought it despite my love for cinnamon but made myself drink it today to use it up!
At 8 I made some oatmeal (Kath Classic!) and coffee while the husband is busy working on THREE kinds of bread. Since he can’t bake during the week anymore, he’s stocking up on the weekends! I think on the menu is a rye loaf, Kath’s Breakfast Bread (which I think would be more appropriately named Kath’s PB&J Bread because it makes the best PB&J ever!) and bagels. The kitchen is a mess!
But the oats turned out great. Made with hemp milk, banana, ground flax, brown sugar, vanilla, walnuts and almond butter. Check out that mountain of walnuts!
And the sun shining on our herb garden off the back patio!
I’m off to do one thing for Stats, then head to the gym, then it’s lunch uptown with our new blog friends! We’ve also got grocery shopping to do and maybe some gardening. Busy day!
caitlin (in FL) says
aww kath have fun today! your oatmeal looks delicious this morning. i always look at your big backyard in your breakfast pictures and wonder if you guys have any pets… you should get a dog to go on runs with you! 🙂 he might not make it five miles though… LOL
Romina says
It’s such a great feeling when the sun finally shines after so long. Our bodies really respond to it quite well.
I thought I’d let you know that all your wonderful oatmeal pictures have inspired me to try some steel cut oats myself! I bought some yesterday and I’m eating them right now. I can’t believe I’ve been missing this my whole life! Thank you for being such an inspiration. =)
bev says
gardening….Oh so nice. I’m jealous. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Tina O. says
Thought I’d share this book I found yesterday at Half Price Books. (I love that place!)
It’s called ‘Diet for a Poisoned Planet’-David Steinman. I wasn’t going to get it, it has a copyright date of 1990, I figured there was probably an updated version out there, but then I read the forward and started paging thru and realized its actually quite relevant still today! I have to say I was kind of surprised that we have known for SO long-at least 18 years- that we are poisoning ourselves and our planet and so little has been done thus far! I was under the impression the all-natural/organic movement was a recent thing. I mean in 1990 I was, well younger than most of you, and I had no idea about any of this.
Anyway, I thought I would share, it seems like a great book and I cannot wait to start reading!
Sarah says
Your oatmeal looks amazing as usual, and just seeing the sun pouring through in the picture lifts my mood! haha…it’s snowing over here, but knowing its sunny somewhere else gives me hope for spring. 😉
And look at all those walnuts! Simply delicious!! 🙂
Tina O. says
Kath~
Have you ever thought about combining your teas together? I am anxiously awaiting spring/summer so I can make lemon zinger/blueberry tea (cold of course). It would definately make it go faster!
VeggieGirl says
Ahhh, the sun is shining here too – thank you for finally sending some rays my way!! :0D
Wow, Matt is really doing a lot of baking – even more than I bake!! Haha. Can’t wait to see some photographs of the rye loaf and “Kath’s breakfast bread”!!
Oooh, that mountain of walnuts looks so delicious – perfect “finishing touch” to your oatmeal. You really need to just market a book that focuses solely on oatmeal varieties – I’d for sure purchase it! :0)
Enjoy your sunny Saturday!!
Kate(the teenager) says
Hey Kath,
Have you ever made Irish oats?? I just made some and am eating them as we speak, and they seem kind of….crumbly. Maybe I didn’t stir them long enough or something…do you know what could be wrong??
kay says
Oatmeal!! 🙂 It is one of those foods that I will never get tired of! I think if I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, Oatmeal will be it!! How about you? I also like white rice (not as healthy as brown…) and I think that would be my second choice. I love chocolate but I would just get sick of it, I’m sure!
Are you still planning on trying oatmeal as lunch to see if it holds you over better than other foods??
PS I need spell check 🙂
Nicole says
Morning, Kath! I LOVE when the weather starts warming up too…especially when it’s dewy in the morning and perfect by lunch! haha..anyway I live in the DEEEEEEEEP south so this super nice weather doesn’t last very long. We usually have two temperatures-cool and scorching. Running in such hot weather is tough (yes, even really early or later at night) and I usually end up with more mid-run belly aches than in the “Fall/Winter” seasons. Could this just be a simple hydration issue??
Ana says
i decided to mix up my oats a little this morning and cooked 1/3 cup with 1/2 cup of Almond Breeze (almond milk which is only 60 cal per cup!) and it was SO creamy and nutty tasting! i LOVED it! i admit i wasn’t a fan of hempmilk, so if anyone else didn’t like the taste of that, maybe they should try almond milk? the sun’s shining here too! *sigh* so wonderful! it’s been raining for the longest time (and i’ve been in a phunk), but when i opened my eyes to sun shining through my windows this morning, my mood instantly lifted! i’ve been getting EXTREMELY tired of the gym lately, and am SO excited to take advantage of this weather to jogg outside! ^_^ everyone have a wonderful day!
Katers says
Hey Kath and everyone,
I just wanted to fill you in to the sequel of last weekends Friday night binge/Saturday morning scale nightmare. My bf wanted to go out to dinner last night, but I knew that’s what triggered my binge last week, so I offered to cook instead (which he loves, so he eagerly agreed!). One healthy meal later, went to bed around 11. Got up at 10 this am (early for me on a Saturday) and went straight to the gym. And I weighed in at 5 lbs less than last week! Last week’s was mostly water weight from the binge, so I’m counting from my last normal weigh in, which is a 2 lb loss!! Which makes s 9 lb loss overall! I feel so strong and dedicated!! And I feel like I’ve found a system that works: hard workouts, portion control, planning, etc. Your blog has been such an inspiration! Thank you thank you!! Now off to a delicious brunch with my amazing boyfriend…I’m such a lucky girl!
caitlin (in FL) says
katers – i’m really happy for you! told ya not to worry! 🙂
Kate says
This is my first post to say HI! I love this community of people. I am 26 yr old girl recovering from ED that really appreciates this info. Doing really great in my life (doing research in FAS so I can appply for my PHD.)think the major thing for me is intuitive living and I feel that you really hit the nail on the head. trying to have fun in this life time. THANKS everyone. PS- Has anyone heard of ONE Earth? Gonna check it out!
Anne says
Yay it’s sunny here too! The sun makes everything happier 🙂 And I just had an amazing bowl of oats!
Amandamoo says
Great work Katers!
We told you that everything would be fine. Honestly, I feel that sometimes we get so caught up in restricting our caloric intake (when we’re trying to lose weight) that our bodies MAKE us go a little bit crazy sometimes just so that they (our bodies) don’t slip into starvation mode.
Think of a binge like a feast that your body/hormones/whatever forced you to have to reassure itself that it wasn’t starving and there’s plenty of food around!
Not that a binge is a healthy thing, but there’s usually a couple reasons for it, physiological and psychological. We should examine the reasons behind our actions so that we can treat ourselves better each and every day!
Oh… stepping off my soapbox now…
polly says
Hi Kath!
I loooove your blog. I stumbled across this the other day and I now I must check it out everyday just to see what you are eating! I am so inspired! You seem to be such a sweet girl and I love your food attitude. 🙂 I teach yoga and try to eat very natural and “clean.” The husband is much like yours, in the fact he is right there with me on this healthy eating journey, along with our 11 year old daughter. I love yoga and if you ever want to chat down dogs, I am game! I made your Kath Classic oatmeal last night for dinner… oh my goodness, girl… delish! I used almond milk (almond breeze, unsweetened) instead of cows milk (no dairy for me) and left out the flax (getting used the taste still) but the puffed marshmallows of banana.. heaven in a bowl! I am a cinnamon lover too, so I added that. I watched your video twice thru (once with the husband) so he could get the idea. 🙂
Love that you eat Ezekiel 4:9 bread too, sprouted grains are awesome. I also love your creativity in all your meals. I have a blog too, if you are interested. Not nearly as cool as yours, but you can at least get an idea of you I am. 🙂
Enjoy that sunshine! Us in the midwest are freezing our buns off!
Love,
Polly
Ashley says
Hey Kath I just wanted to tell you that I made your classic oats this orning and talk about volumetric eating! The bowl was twice as full as my usual bowl but with the same amount of calories! It was wonderful thank you!!!
hk says
Yes! Sunny weather is such a mood lifter, it’s great out here, too! Oats looks delish, my bowl this morning totally hit the spot, as it always does.
I can’t wait to see Matt’s 3 bread projects!! have a great weekend 🙂
polly-I’m just getting into yoga and would love to see your blog..what’s the address??
Yaz says
It’s cloudy here 🙁 and am in California. I think it’s just coastal fog…hope it burns off soon. Anyways, I can’t wait to see the breads the husband is working on. Sounds yummy!
Laurie says
Hey Kath!
Just wondering what it is that you don’t like about Sweet Cinnamon Spice tea, by Tazo, right? That was one of the teas I thought would be interesting to try. Is it too sweet or too bland? I like naturally sweet tea so that I don’t have add any splenda to it.
Frannie says
Kath,
I have been reading your blog for a while, but have never commented. Your love for tea has inspired me to drink more, and my mother and I have recently started a tea exchange so we’re not stuck with boxes upon boxes of teas that we don’t like while we’re trying out new ones. There is one tea that I think you would enjoy – it’s Good Earth Organic Green Tea with Pineapple, Mango, and Peach. Good Earth is a company based in Minneapolis, so I’m not sure how readily available it will be in your area, but you could check out amazon.com or maybe just google the company. They also have a fantastic original tea (Good Earth Original) that is sweet and spicy. Hope you get to buy new tea soon!
Frannie
Ally says
Your oamteal looks amazing!
I wish I could eat that every morning but i’m always rushed for time and I eat mini meals throughout the day.
B_Hlthy says
I thought i would post some ego-boosting tips for eating… though many of Kath’s readers seem to have great habits already- I read these back to myself and feel an instant boost towards my attitudes on eating/diet…Many of these are things I see Kath post that she already does… baths, flowers, etc…These tie in reasons behind them..
Do you eat to reward yoursef?… While you should always be good to yourself, that doesn’t have to be with calories attached. Reward yourself with a bubble bath, pedicure, or new flowers… instead of tiramisu or cake! You will also “see” the reward for a lot longer than a piece of cake would last…
You feel like your diet (or you) are never going to be good enough ? so why bother? “You can’t, you won’t, you aren’t?” and on and on it goes. Remember, being healthy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing your best and getting back on track when you derail. Balance!
I hear lots of people all the time say ” I know I was “bad” today… ” and ate “bad” foods. They think it will make them feel good. Unhealthy eating doesn’t make you feel good, You aren’t being a rebel and “getting back” at anyone… it only hurts you more! Do something crazy…Be a trule rebel… Dye your hair, chop it off (it grows back!) …start a new hobby or wear red when everyone else is wearing gray, but skip the french fries, and wings!
Are you a victim? Do you eat and eat, then tell yourself it wasn’t your fault…you’re helpless, you wont ever be good enough, you don’t have enough time… Yes, there’s always an excuse. The realty is not that you arent good enough, but that YOU are the only one who can control your eating, you spend YOUR time. You control every bite that goes in to your body and when. So stop feeling powerless ! Stop putting in the bad stuff and start taking charge!
Does anybody get a “boost” like I did?
Kiala says
Dane went and got me a tofu scramble this morning. It was good, but….I missed my oatmeal. 🙁
iceicebabyy says
So you dont really like oats….you like the toppings….
hk says
no no no, oats/oatmeal = AMAZING, toppings are just the icing on the (Healthy) cake! yummm
Becky A. says
Its sunny here too! Although its pretty windy and chilly….when is it going to be spring?
I had to tell you that I also made your “classic” oatmeal this morning…and I’m in love! I usually make my oatmeal at the office in the microwave, then stir in a chopped up banana…and I thought “There can’t be that much difference between Kath’s and this.” Holy moly, was I ever wrong! I just realized as I was putting it in my food tracker that I didn’t even add brown sugar this monring, and it was sweeter than when I do! Too bad I can’t make it every morning this way.
Thanks, Kath!
Ange says
B_Hlthy- I agree with some of those things…it is nice to reward ourselves in ways other than food! However, I don’t think it is necessarily wrong to reward ourselves with food either. There are weeks when I work so hard in my graduate program and I enjoy having a treat or reward at the end of a long week. I think that is very healthy and won’t necessarily sidetrack a balanced lifestyle. Just my two cents 🙂 I think if you take a balanced approach to EVERYTHING in life in moderation, this can allow for rewards even with food.
Susa says
We share the love for tea.
I saw your “tea list” and we have some favorites in common. My new one is Good Earth White Tea Vanilla.
So good!
~B_Hlthy: the mantra would be “I am good enough”. That takes a load off.
Thank you :O)
Alyssa says
I agree with B_Hlthy and Ange, there are times when we should and should not reward ourselves with food! It’s all about moderation 😛
LT says
my new mantra is “be kind to yourself” i wrote it on my mirror so i’d just randomly walk by & see it throughout the day.
Kath says
Tina,
Thanks for sharing the book! I have a million things I want to read – too bad I can’t just download them all into my brain!
And great suggestion with the teas! Actually the husband was making iced tea for a while and did just that as a way to get rid of lots of our plain teas and fruity ones we got as gifts but didn’t like.
Teen Kate,
No, I haven’t made Irish oats. Did you make them as the tin recommended? My guess is you didn’t add enough liquid if they were crumbly (which suggests dry to me?)
Kay,
Do you even have to ask!? Of course I’d love off of oatmeal!
Katers,
AWESOME on the 9 lb loss – and for realizing that weight loss is in your control!! It’s all about making smart decisions 🙂
Polly,
Welcome to KERF – and thanks for your comment! Marshmallow bananas….mmmmm! I’d love to see your blog if you want to share it.
Ashley,
Great feedback!!! That makes me so happy!!
Laurie,
I thought the cinnamon tea was too spicy. It just has a bite to it that I don’t care for. You might like it though! It’s definitely naturally sweet, and I agree with you that I’m looking for more so I don’t have to add any sweetener but it’s not as bland as can be plain tea.
Frannie,
I have the Good Earth original and like it, although if I leave the tea bag in too long it gets to strong for me. Is the pineapple peach one naturally sweet too? I’m looking for more naturally sweet ones!
B_Hlthy,
Thanks for sharing the quote! I LOVE this part: YOU are the only one who can control your eating, you spend YOUR time. You control every bite that goes in to your body and when. So stop feeling powerless ! Stop putting in the bad stuff and start taking charge!. So true!!! TAKE CHARGE everyone!
BeckyA,
More great oatmeal feedback! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who looooves that combo!
Susa,
As soon as the husband will let me buy more tea I’ll put this one on my list!
Kath
Susa says
It’s amazing what a difference it makes when you *cook* the oatmeal vs. microwaving it. I’ve always microwaved mine – and loved it, don’t get me wrong- but stovetop-cooking makes it so much better (with the same exact recipe!).