I woke up when Matt got up at 6 to leave for his 12-hour Friday. But I didn’t get out of bed until 6:45 🙂 I just laid there snoozing and listening to the radio. Probably not the smartest choice since I have a ton to do today.
I came down to do 45 minutes of Morning Flow yoga. I was enjoying the session until about 30 minutes in when she started on inversions. I am just not ready to do those (and feel like I am going to break my neck while home alone) so I got frustrated and quit 🙁 I hate that I was a quitter, but I didn’t feel like waiting it out.
And the alternative activity was just too appealing:
This was a fabulous mixture of oats.
The Mix:
- ~1/4 cup each rolled oats and 9 grain cereal (liked this method a lot!), 1/3 cup soy milk, 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 large banana
- Pinch salt
- Splash vanilla
- Scant tbsp raisins
- 1/2 cup pumpkin, stirred in at end
- Heaping tbsp pruney pumpkin butter
- Tbsp flax
- ~1/4 cup AgavePlus Granola
- Spoonful Barney Butter
I’m preparing for Africa with my wild bowl! I’m getting my flights and itinerary today. I leave in 7.5 days!! I’ll be flying through Amsterdam to get to Nairobi.
I STILL had a headache when I got up this morning. Or rather, my eyes still hurt. I do not want to be dependent on a beverage to prevent me from pain!! Esp. since I don’t know the coffee availability on my travels. But I didn’t want to go through another day of aches so I had a half cup this morning. I’m going to try to reduce my serving size back down to half a cup. For a while I wasn’t addicted and could have tea instead, but yesterday proves the dependency is back with a vengeance.
This Just In
Say Yes To Salad is giving away these beautiful earrings!
Matt’s gone till 7 tonight so I have the entire day to be productive. I’ll be SO HAPPY if I can knock off some of these final projects before my trip, although I will probably have lots of time during my travels to get some typing done.
Have a good day guys!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Delicious oats! You could always try the inversions against the wall. They are scary without anything around you.
Have a good day!
joyful says
Isn’t time alone delicious?
VeggieGirl says
Sorry about yoga this morning 🙁 But hooray for INCREDIBLE oats in a fun bowl 🙂
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) says
sometimes you just need those 45 extra minutes! gotta take the down-time where you can get it 🙂
i love your exotic zebra bowl — great way to get in the mood!
Hallie says
I can’t imagine they won’t have coffee in Africa…? Isn’t it the most popular beverage around the world (or am I thinking of tea)?
I was impressed by your crow the other day! I can do inversions before I can do those. I think one day I’ll just boom! unlock the secret and get up there.
I think yoga is good for banishing the “all or nothing” mentality. You can enjoy something and reap it’s benefits without being “good” at it per se. I’m trying to get back into running, using that philosophy as well. So yay for yoga!
zestycook says
Great looking oats and I am jealous you are home!
Victoria says
I feel the same way about the inversions. I know I can do wheel, but I feel extremely uncomfortable with it unless Brent’s home or something.
Natalie says
Love the oatmeal combo and the African inspired bowl!
Lisa says
From what I’ve read, Kath, the coffee in Africa will blow you away. I can’t wait to read about your adventure!
WEEKLY BITE says
Nature’s Path Granola is THE only granola I eat!!! It’s delicious without the crazy calories! Great addition to you morning oats!
Have a great day!
WB
FoodsThatFit says
Your oats look so good, I think I would have chosen them over yoga also!
Michelle Hisae says
1/2 caffeinated + 1/2 decaf is definitely the way to go. Tea just doesn’t cut it for me sometimes. But what’s been working for me is Green Smoothies. I have one and I’m immediately energized. Something about kale…try it!
JENNA says
I still can not believe you are going to Africa!! How A.mazing!! I can’t wait to see and hear about your travels~
Your oats looks amazing today!
coffee dependency is NO FUN!! Sometimes even if the taste of coffee is unappealing to me I will still have a little bit so I dont’ get headachy…NOT a good idea!
karly says
Question for all of you smart health conscious men and women-
Say your going out to dinner to an “unhealthy” place (and the menu isn’t available online) since it’s lent and you can’t have meat which would you get:
fried shrimp platter, fish fry platter, individual pizza, or piergoi dinner? I know they all have a ton of calories, but which do you think has the least?
I have NO idea
Kara says
Caffeine withdrawal sucks. But if you can wait it out a couple days, you might be able to break the habit cold turkey. Or reduce to half-caff and ween your way off.
Amanda says
Hi Kath,
Have you tried doing a shoulder stand? That is the only inversion that I am comfortable with at the time … just pretend you are going into plow, but extend your legs up instead of over your head. I bet you could do it! I am dying to get a headstand or something of the sort, but don’t want to do it alone, either!!
Sharon says
Morning oats look great.
seelee live (for the love of peanut butter) says
Lately I’ve been wondering if I am dependent on coffee as well. I have about 30-36 oz. per MORNING..with another cup in the afternoon probably twice a week. I just love coffee too much to give it up. And it is usually available where ever I go. However, I believe it’s smart to re-think and be aware of our daily consumption of caffeine. My entire family drinks coffee..I think a little is good for you!
I love NP’s granola…plain, with soymilk, and with oatties! 😛
have a wonderful day with the house to yourself!!! 🙂
Diana says
Oats look fantastic! And I’ve probably said this before but I LOVE THAT BOWL!
Have a good one!
Diana
jen says
Wow, I was so surprised by your aversion to inversions because I found them to be the most exciting thing when I first started yoga and I wanted to do them all the time. I absolutely second the commenter who suggested using the wall. I still use the wall 3 years into my practice. When trying to do handstand I had to just wildly kick up for a long time before I could actually get there, but after the first couple of times I realized that kicking my feet over my head wasn’t really that scary and it certainly worked whole new muscles I hadn’t used before. Anyway… what I really wanted to say was that I alos love audio yoga classes, and I’ve been using Hillary’s Yoga Podcast for some time now. It’s Anusara yoga, which I love because it’s got a nice flow without really long holds, and it has lots of attention to details of the postures. Hillary does a great job of describing, and she posts pictures of the poses in sequence too so you can check it out before you get started. Her podcasts are free and she usually indicates what level they are and how long. You might like some of her level 1 or 2s. Check out: http://hillarysyogapractice.wordpress.com/
Have a great day!
Emily says
Love the bowl and the oats.
I’m trying to add pumpkin into my oats, but I’m finding it causes them to taste bland. Maybe I need more add-ins?
brandi says
enjoy your day today!
Wasn’t The Office great last night? So funny.
Sarah says
Hi Kath –
I couldn’t find the recipie for the blue cheese slaw you had last night on the link you provided – can you provide the recipie or a more direct link?
Thanks!
Sarah says
The coffee in kenya will knock your socks off. You don’t have to worry about their being any shortafe of it, that’s for sure.
Long flights and airport waiting will leave you time for typing..but please don’t do school work while you are there! Aren’t you only staying for 5 days? Soak it up!
Hadley says
Have you tried sencha or genmaicha green tea? They’re a bit more caffeinated than regular green tea, so usually help stave off caffeine headaches — and easy to take with you to Africa!
Allison K says
Your trip is sooooo soon. Exciting!
Michelle says
heeheh your bowl reminds me of a zebra print dress my friend has been DYING to buy. hehehehe 🙂 Maybe I’ll convince her to settle for a bowl instead for economical purposes. teehee
sarah says
I did the same thing this morning. I was so comfortable in bed and waited forever until I actually got up. It was well worth it ; )
Love that bowl!
Sarah
Lisa D says
Hi Kath,
I’ve been following up on your blog lately and I think it’s awesome. You have given me some great breakfast ideas and I love your passion for healthy eating. I am currently a dietetic intern so all those classes you blog about I can remember from my undergrad days. Anyways, I just decided to start my own blog, i would love to add yours as a link but I don’t know how. Thanks for the inspiration though-Lisa D.
Kailey (SnackFace) says
DId you enjoy that granola on top? It all looks so good together! Kath, I always find your posts motivational when it comes to my school work. In my head I think, “well,I don’t necessary HAVE to finish anything today.” But then I read your posts and I’m like, “Shoot, I could really get a jump start.” Haha thank you for the boost (even if ya didn’t know it)!
K says
Ahhh Amsterdam!! I’m sending you an email in like 5 minutes! I loathe that airport!
Only a week away – how exciting!!
haya says
hey you still did 30 minutes, that’s not quitting, really. it’s not all or nothing, remember?
inversions look pretty scary. i don’t think i’m ready for those either.
B_Healthy says
When did you decide to go to Africa.. where are you going.. what parts ??? I travelled all over south africa – which is huge in wine making too!
There was plenty of coffee so now worries on that- they also had “Coke Light” and lots of similar foods to here- at the hotels we stayed they served lots of chicken curry , granola and yogurt, and scrambled eggs with sausages.
I couldn’t find any post that talked about your trip ..? that is soo exciting, I loved my trip and can’t wait to return! The flight was incredibly long- so definitely have easy access to bathroom items like face wash cloths, toothbrush!
With the time changes mid flight- I would totally get an eye mask to help you catch up on sleep.
Rose says
Nice oatmeal combination. I like the granola on top.
Could the headaches be from something else? Have you been sleeping well? Sometimes when I miss an hour of sleep (if I’ve been tossing and turning), my head just POUNDS the next day (it’s happening now)… just a thought?
Good luck with your projects!
Courtney says
I agree with many of the other posters. The coffee in Kenya is amazing. There are no words 🙂 No need to worry about a shortage! Simply the best.
sue says
i love animal print! one more week- that’s so exciting!
Lizzie says
Hey Kath! You’re not going to be drinking coffee in Kenya- you’re going to be drinking TEA! You’re travelling with Lipton, duh! And tea in Kenya is FABULOUS. They brew the tea leaves directly in milk with whole spices. Incredible, that’s the only way I make it now. I did a graduate fellowship there for 4 months and travelled all over the country (near Kericho too!).
Please promise me something: do not bring luna bars, oats, etc to snack on in your short 4 days in Africa!
Forget about calories, exercise (you can’t go for a jog out there, no one does, it would be very culturally insensitive), etc, and fully participate in the food and activities you have the good fortune to experience. You’re not going to gain weight or lose athletic capacity in one week.
Instead, drink that delicious sugary spicy tea 3x a day like everyone else, use your ugali to scoop up the githeri (delicious beans) and sukuma wiki (it’s collards!) if you have the good luck to be served them. Above all, I believe it may be mango season right now. If so, EAT A KENYAN MANGO. They will be like nothing you’ve ever tasted in your life. Like cotton candy melting in your mouth.
HangryPants says
I am the same way about inversions in my home. Usually I just do some of the preps I’ve learned at class.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
Hope your headache/eyes go away. 😉
Have a great Friday…take consolation that the weekend is only a few hours away!
Jess says
I generally like my coffee habit, but it can be annoying when traveling.
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
I have a terrible coffee habit! I used to think it was all in my head, but then I tried to quit… I was NOT pleasant to be around!
Anna says
I’m going to Nairobi, too! But in August to study abroad for a semester. I look forward to reading all about your impressions
Maria says
Hi Kath!
I’m not sure if I have commented on here before, but I check your blog occasionally and think you do a great job! You put a lot of time and effort into it and it shows! I have recently started my own blog, but it’s a little different.
Also, I recently became a Dietitian so I definitely relate to what you’re going through with your classes! The reason I’m commenting now is because there was a story on my local news last night about caffeine that I thought was interesting and thought you might as well:
http://www.wcpo.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=23
Mizz Independent says
Cute bowl! Is it zebra? I love animal prints!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday says
Sorry the inversions are scary. I am still afraid of headstand and handstand so I just do the prep for them until I feel comfortable. But shoulder stand, on the other hand, I love and once you have practiced it a few times, you will feel more secure in it. I also agree with the others that said using the wall will also help you feel more secure.
BethT says
Whenever you have coffee or wine it seems like you talk an awful lot about how bad they make you feel. I can understand not giving up wine, but seriously, why not switch to decaf? I’m asking this honestly, not to be a jerk. If letting up on coffee made me feel that bad I would just detox it out of my system and switch to decaf instead of constantly feeling bad.
Natalie says
I definitely need to find some of that pumpkin butter…looks really good!
Hil says
I agree with Beadie that shoulder stand/plough is a great inversion to do at home. It feels really good and it doesn’t feel as precarious as some of the other inversions. At least for now, I only do headstands and handstands at my studio with someone to spot me.
rhodeygirl says
hi karly- i personally would have the pizza because it’s the item you can control the most… ask for light cheese and pile on the veggies and you’ll be all set!
Tara says
Can someone help me out? I don’t think Kath can see my posts. I am just wondering if the yoga service she does is free. Does anyone know? I saw that there is membership for some longer ones, so did she sign up for that?
Biz says
You can enjoy a leisurely rest in bed by yourself!
Hey, so you know when the travel mugs might be available on the cafe press? It still says unavailable.
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Yummy oats!
Maggie says
Thanks for the shoutout! I love your bowl 🙂
Emilie says
I’ve had those yoga sessions where I’ve gotten frustrated and quit, too. I’m glad I’m not the only person who has had this experience! As for inversions, you will get there when you are ready. In the meantime, maybe try taking the time to work on another pose–bridge, wheel, legs up the wall (which can be a really good way to prep for things like shoulder stand), plow, etc.
Shelby says
Seriously…how lucky are you to be going to Africa!!!
Mmm, fabulous oatmeal =)
SmA033 says
hey! I just did that same yoga session for the first time yesterday & it KICKED my butt– or my NECK, more like it! that last backbend was crazy!! i had a weird headache for the rest of the day….
Adi (Oatonomy.com) says
I’m not a huge animal print fan, but that has to be my favourite oat bowl of yours!
SmA033 says
p.s. it was the “wheel” pose that i was talking about….INSANE!
Kath says
Re. Coffee in Africa,
I’ve gotten mixed advice on what to drink there. Our literature says to only drink things in bottles! How do I know that the coffee/tea has been heated and held to boiling long enough to be safe to drink?
karly ,
I’d go with the pizza and fill up on a side salad.
Amanda ,
Yes, I can do shoulder stands 🙂 Have been since I was little. It’s more the head stuff I don’t like. I can do wheel too – another gymnastics move.
jen ,
Thanks for the link.
Sarah ,
I fixed the link 🙂
Sarah ,
Unfortunately I have to work on school work while i’m traveling – I simply have too much to do and am missing my spring break, which was supposed to be a final project week!
Lisa D,
Thanks for your comments!
Kailey ,
Glad I can get you motivated! It was my intention to have ALL of my projects done by now!!
B_Healthy,
Search for the “Tea Travel” post for all the info 🙂
Lizzie ,
I have every intention of embracing the Kenyan culture and cuisine while I’m there. However, I have been warned to stay away from salads, fresh fruit that I can’t peel myself and dairy. That’s going to limit me some. I can’t wait to try the lunch + dinner meals, but I may be relying on some of my own stuff for breakfast. I’ll have to see what’s there and what they say about the estate’s water (we were advised to only drink out of bottles despite the water being “treated” so I’m not sure what to think)
Anna ,
Oh, how fun!
Maria ,
Thanks for the link! Interesting video. It is a drug.
BethT ,
I haven’t made the switch because I haven’t found a decaf that I think tastes really good. And I never realize I am addicted until it’s too late! Most of the time I feel fine on coffee. I’m going to look harder for some flavored decafs to try or at least mix with reg.
Tara ,
what makes you think I can’t see your comments? I do have a membership with YogaDownload that lets me get the longer ones.
Biz ,
Sorry, I have no idea when they’ll be available.
Kath
Tara says
Kath,
Because you are the most stellar person when it comes to answering comments!! So after posting twice,I got worried. Thanks for answering. I am excited to check out the site.
Best,
Tara
Lizzie says
Hi Kath hope I can help Re. Coffee in Africa: “How do I know that the coffee/tea has been heated and held to boiling long enough to be safe to drink?” Coffee/tea has been bolied plenty. It has to be to be brewed. Besides, stick to tea- it’s Kenya’s speciality (it’s neighboring Eritrea and Ethiopia that are known for coffee). You mentioned dairy- note that the tea is usually brewed in milk, but it’s UHT or powdered milk so no worries. Trust me, Kenya was colonized by the British: the country’s got it down how to make tea everyone can drink 3x a day without getting sick.
Regarding bottled beverages, they just mean for cold beverages stick to bottled water (with an unopened seal) or soda with no ice. In other words, they’re advising you to skip water out of a pitcher and fresh fruit juice, not to skip coffee/tea.
I live all over the developing world for my job (Africa, Asia, South America) and the only time in all those years I’ve ever gotten food poisoning was from fresh mozzarella (so yes, I do advise skipping cheese, if it’s even offered; Kenyans hate cheese and the only stuff in the country is imported and subject to questionable storage). I can also advise you that yes, you should avoid your daily raw salads, and personally I don’t eat much meat or seafood abroad, but you’re going to be in a well-taken-care-of group by a huge international company. Your food’s going to be fine. Eat it. Breakfast is going to be delicious and British-style (porridge, sausage, scones, eggs, bananas, sliced papaya and mango if in season- remember, those are peeled so they’re fine). For vegetables, Kenya makes many delicious cooked veg and bean dishes incl the sukuma wiki (collards) I mentioned before. You’re going to be served snacks every morning and afternoon at tea time.
Anyway, bring your luna bars and oats for the airplanes fi you must, but other than that- girl, you’re in Kenya for only FOUR days! Loosen up the control a bit and go with the flow. You’ll be glad you did.
Kath says
Lizzie ,
Thanks for the updates.
K
haya (living and learning) says
i don’t understand why jogging in kenya is culturally insensitive and no one does it there. isn’t kenya one of the top two producers of awesome runners? it would seem like people are cool with running down there.
Organic Girl aka Ashley H says
I started learning inversions against a wall but it was in class. I felt like I wanted to learn how to do them right before I started to attempt them. But so you dont waste a session you paid for you could stay in dolphin or down dog instead while they are doing those. You could also practice just kicking up with one leg. It is really gets your heart going instead of just sitting there haha.
criticchicks says
Isn’t it ironic you ate off of zebra plates when you did that tasting and now you are Africa bound. Just saying! :o)
Chris says
I made these this morning. This looks more like 2 servings. Is this supposed to be only 1 serving? Thanks
Kath says
Chris,
You mean the oatmeal?? That’s 1 bowl.
Kath
Chris says
yes, the oatmeal. Thanks