Dinner, Morphed

February 18, 2009

Two classes down and no tests to show for it! Humph. I should be able to get both on Friday, though. Thanks for all of your Brew and Bake enthusiasm!!

I didn’t eat lunch until 1pm – gooooo oatmeal! I was pretty hungry by 1 though, just busy doing computer things. I packed this lunch as I was cooking dinner last night. Same ingredients, morphed!

This sandwich was INCREDIBLE!! I attribute 70% to the Flax Oat Bran GH bread, but I sandwiched a thin slice of tempeh that I saved from dinner in between the slices with a dollop of pumpkin butter. Heaven!

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I also made a kale salad. This was raw kale, that I hoped would tenderize in rice wine vinegar, tamari and sesame oil overnight. It did tenderize some, but it was still the rawest I’ve ever eaten kale. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing – it was quite good. Topped with sliced almonds.

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The nub of last night’s sweet potato that I had microwaved! I cut off about 1/4 of the giant potato to sneak into my lunch. I’m going to pack these in my lunch more often! I picked it up and just ate it like a sandwich.

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And some strawberries. I only ate a few and am saving the rest for snacktime. I’ve got a ton of snacks packed today since I wont be eating dinner until 8:15. I don’t intend to eat all of them, but they’re there if I need them.

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Sweet ending: Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart -

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Chew On This

Very interesting!

“In a recent University of Virginia study, women who regularly did high-intensity workouts (where they were breathing hard) had significantly less belly flab at the end of a four-month period than exercisers who always work at an easier level – even though both groups burned the same number of calories. Pushing it may increase production of hormones that help burn fat postexercise – and ab flab may be very susceptible to this effect.” – March 2009 SHAPE Magazine

What I Learned Today: Food Science Tidbits

From my notes in class today (I type notes in Powerpoint!). Very interesting that I seem to do everything possible (sugar, protein, fat, agitation) to prevent my oatmeal from gelling! I guess creaminess and gel are opposites.

Things That Affect Gelatinization
1. Ingredients
Sugars – attract water and enhance tenderness. Delay rate of gelatinization.

Acids – weaken gel structure and hydrolyze peptide bonds, esp. when added at beginning. Fluid will leak out.

Fats – weaken gel structures. Fat lowers boiling temp. Make more tender gels.

Milk Proteins

Salts

2. Type/concentration of starch

3. Extend of heating and agitation – agitation will weaken gel.Agitation after gelatinization has occurred will break it apart.

A Winner!

I won two jars of Naturally More PB on LiveWell 360*!! Sweeeeeeeeeet! We are just starting to run low! Thanks Sheila!

Peace out folks!

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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Mariposa February 18, 2009 at 1:51 pm

great lunch!!! i love getting in some greens.. although, i just did share a basket of french fries with my daughter.. so greens should be on my list of things to eat tonight!

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2 Elizabeth (thelongweigh) February 18, 2009 at 1:57 pm

That sweet potato is calling my name! And tempeh is everywhere.. I’m thinking now is the time to try it.

That piece from Shape is really interesting. I carry most of my weight in my stomach unfortunately, so it’s good to know what the high intensity can do for me!

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3 Stacy(IN) February 18, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Hi Kath! I have a GH bread question. Are the recipes the same from location to location? I’ve been baking my own bread for a while but am heading to back to work after a couple work-at-home years and I’m not sure I’ll have time to bake in my schedule. Are all of the breads wholesome from location to location?

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4 SmA033 February 18, 2009 at 2:04 pm

hey kath– i have a question regarding your comment this morning about your resistance on the elliptical– do you ever have any knee or ankle problems b/c of all the high resistance?? i’ve been training for a while, and i’m slowly getting my resistance high w/ellipticals, stairmasters & increasing my speed on the treadmill but if i go up too much, even tho in my mind i feel like i can do it, a couple of days later, my knees tell me otherwise! i’m just wondering if you ever went thru any of that during your training? thanks!

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5 JENNA February 18, 2009 at 2:05 pm

Seems like there was a ton of variety in you lunch today!! Sounds super good and filling!

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6 Maggie February 18, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Great lunch! When I made kale salads I usually just braise it for about 30 seconds in water to make it slightly tender. Works like a charm :)

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7 zestycook February 18, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Cool Lunch Kath… I do love sweet potatoes in the microwave!!

zest

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8 VeggieGirl February 18, 2009 at 2:25 pm

SWEET POTATO!!!

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9 Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday February 18, 2009 at 2:26 pm

Kath, did you know that the BSI this week is Kale and I am the host. You should make a recipe!!

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10 kathleen February 18, 2009 at 2:29 pm

Hi Kath – Just noticed that your link on this post goes to a different website – You reversed the name. You want BrewandBake instead of BakeandBrew :o )
BTW, congrats to your hubby!

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11 Sara February 18, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Yum…sweet potatoes are my new favorite thing. I had some for lunch today too!

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12 Danielle February 18, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Congrats on winning!
Your lunch looks fantastic, love the sweet potato!

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13 Sarah (lovINmytummy) February 18, 2009 at 2:35 pm

I read your post title and said, “What’s a ‘morp-head?” I’m smurt.

That is one crazy sandwich! I dug out my pumpkin butter from the back of the fridge…I hope its still good!

Hope the long afternoon/evening goes by quickly.

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14 Rachel February 18, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Love the belly flab statistic, your sweet p., and the kale salad!

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15 FoodsThatFit February 18, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Yummy lunch! I really like tempeh, but have only had it is savory things, That is a great idea to add it to a sandwich with Pumpkin Butter. Love the info about women who do high intensity workouts!

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16 Rose February 18, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Your lunches are always so well-rounded. Well, all of your food actually! It just made me sit back and look at what I’ve been eating – no wonder I’ve been hungry at times. I can tell I’m missing food groups. Thanks for the reminder!

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17 Mara @ What's For Dinner? February 18, 2009 at 2:42 pm

I agree with Beadie… you should submit a recipe to BSI!

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18 Michelle February 18, 2009 at 2:44 pm

hahah I don’t think i can ever enjoy tempeh in anything…maybe i’ve just had terrible experience with it as I’ve only eaten it in my college dining halls slathered in secret sauce and stir-fried. :) Glad it was heaven for you though!!!

Being a science dork, I really do think that food is a science. Thanks for all those oatmeal “science” facts. I’m still not sure what a gel-like oatmeal would look and taste like though. :P Not good?

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19 Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) February 18, 2009 at 2:46 pm

Woo for nut butter! I am hopin I get luck in one of these contests sometime soon! Have a happy Wednesday!

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20 Diana February 18, 2009 at 2:48 pm

congrats on the win – you should enter my contest while you’re on a hot streak! the beans look delish!

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21 Sharon February 18, 2009 at 2:48 pm

Awesome lunch, what a sweet way to enjoy a sweet potato!

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22 Sarah February 18, 2009 at 2:49 pm

I had raw kale for lunch too. It had an interesting flavor- sort of reminded me or arugala.

Sarah

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23 brandi February 18, 2009 at 2:51 pm

great lunch. I should try kale in a salad like that.

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24 Sarah (Tales of Expansion) February 18, 2009 at 2:55 pm

wow, tempeh and pumpkin butter sandwich. sounds good! i think it is smart to avoid gelatinous oatmeal … doesn’t sound entirely appetizing!

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25 Missy (Missy Maintains) February 18, 2009 at 3:00 pm

Congrats on the win! Love the little sweet potato in your lunch! The sandwich looks great too!

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26 Kristie February 18, 2009 at 3:00 pm

Tempeh and pumpkin butter all loaded up and eaten in sandwich form? I can dig it! I’ve only recently discovered the joys of tempeh. It truly is deeeelicious. I can’t wait to get some more and try it as a sandwich stuffer.

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27 Kath February 18, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Stacy,
I know there are a few GH recipes that are done across all locations, but I know each location has some creative flexibility. But I think ALL location have a focus on whole wheat and the wheatberries are shipped from the headquarters in Montana and then ground on site. I could be wrong. You might just want to ask your location?

SmA033 ,
No, I haven’t experience knee problems, but I have very strong stocky legs, so I think my big quads have helped keep me knee-injury free throughout fitness. If it’s hurting yours, you should probably lighten the load and work on strengthening those quads!

Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday,
Do have to make it a real typed recipe!?

kathleen ,
OMG – how embarrassing!!! Thanks for pointing that out :)

Kath

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28 Kailey (SnackFace) February 18, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Fabulous lunch! I want it all! I love the nub of sweet tater too :) Thanks for sharing your class highlights- I like to do that too. Good luck with the rest of the long day!

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29 Leah February 18, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Hi Kath! I’m sure you’ve answered this 100 times, but i’ve missed it. What are your favourite yoga classes to do on yogadownload.com? I want to download a few. I usually stick to yogatoday.com but I want to branch out a bit!

I’d appreciate it so much if you could give me a bit of a list!
Thanks! :)

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30 Kath February 18, 2009 at 3:23 pm

Leah ,
Off the top of my head, here are a few favorites. If you also search on KERF for “yogadownload” you’ll probably get a few of the others I have done. I think there was only one I didn’t care for and I told it.

For relaxation: Gentle Hatha I and II (II is more standing poses)
For beginners: Power Yoga #1 (the beginners one)
Nightime: Lunar flow
For fun medium challenge: Heart Opening Flow #1
Slow and steady burn: Detox #1
For challenge: Power Yoga #2 (I think)
Good athletic stretch: Yoga for Runners

Kath

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31 Sara February 18, 2009 at 3:28 pm

I’ve never had raw kale before, will have to give it a try!

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32 Natalie February 18, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Great lunch! Especially that salad. :)

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33 Leah February 18, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Thank you!!! :)
Will do a ‘yogadownload’ search on kerf as well!

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34 Chelsea February 18, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Whole Foods makes a GREAT Kale salad that I re-create now. Kale, Avocado, EVOO, Lemon Juice, and S+P. SOOOO yummy….

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35 Sheila | Live Well 360° February 18, 2009 at 3:58 pm

I love doing Lunar Flow by candlelight before bed. So relaxing. I have even gotten Ryan to do it with me a few times (I tell him that it will help him have more flexibility and balance in playing hockey). ;-)

And you are welcome on the PB. I will be shipping them tomorrow. Can’t wait to hear how Naturally More measures up to Barney Butter.

Sheila

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36 Linds February 18, 2009 at 4:04 pm

I’ve never tried Tempeh – what’s it like? I don’t think I’ve even seen it.

What size of bag do you carry all your food in when you are going to classes? Do you have a separate lunch bag?

Great news about Matt’s website too!

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37 Meg February 18, 2009 at 4:14 pm

What a wonderful sandwich combination!

I have tried that PB, and I love the texture the flax seeds give to it!

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38 Kara February 18, 2009 at 4:24 pm

Love your blog…it’s so inspiring and fun to read. I have a random question, do you have any experience with canned salmon? Any recommendations? I have a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s near by. Thanks!

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39 Shelby February 18, 2009 at 4:51 pm

LOVE the sammich, sweet potato, and strawberries. YUM!

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40 seelee live (for the love of peanut butter) February 18, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Hi KATH! that information about oatmeal was just what I needed to see. But i am curious, milk proteins and salt reduce gelitization or induce it?

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41 Marissa February 18, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Great lunch – I love all the colors!

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42 Marie February 18, 2009 at 5:47 pm

Just a tip on raw kale salad – take whatever oil you’re using in the salad and really massage it into the kale leaves with your fingertips. For some reason, it wilts the kale and makes it tender(er) – well, as tender as uncooked kale can be. I’ll do the kale massage thing with a teensy bit of olive oil and finish it off with lemon and salt. yum.

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43 claire February 18, 2009 at 5:48 pm

Sorry you didn’t get your tests back. I do the SAME thing with snacks…pack more than I need “just in case.” I actually rarely end up eating them but it makes me feel better to have them. Oh, and in the inside pocket of my white coat I ALWAYS keep a granola bar for those hours long rounds…gotta keep that blood sugar up when you’re trecking around the hospital!

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44 heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) February 18, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Ha – loved your nub. That was one big sweet potato last night. Sorry you haven’t gotten any tests back as I know you were anxious for them.

That bread looked like it would make ANY sandwich taste amazing.

Enjoy the rest of your day Kath. :)

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45 K February 18, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Congrats on winning the PB!! You’ll have to let us know how it is :)

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46 Liz February 18, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Question: What do you pack all your lunches and snacks in? I am at school for long days at least three or four times a week (about 14 hours each) and am in need of a good lunch bag. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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47 Vince February 18, 2009 at 7:20 pm

I’ve been stalking your blog for awhile now. Thought it was time I commented. Your very inspiring to eating healthy, you make it all look so good. I tried the Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes this morning. They were exceptionally yummy.

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48 Heather February 18, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Hi Kath! A tip about the kale salad: add some citrus (squeeze an orange on it with the vinegar and soy sauce) and it will help soften it some more. A friend of mine gave me a recipe for a raw kale salad that is orange juice, some kind of vinegar, a little olive oil, avocado and sunflower seeds and it’s DIVINE!

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49 The Duo Dishes February 18, 2009 at 8:32 pm

Everytime we see sweet potatoes, we swoon!

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50 Clean Veggie February 18, 2009 at 9:06 pm

I just started eating tempeh and LOVE it.
its so good :D
bread sounds awesome.

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51 rebecca February 18, 2009 at 9:51 pm

hi kath,

i once saw this video on a raw kale&avocado salad, and it’s quite different than just eating kale with dressing/veggies, because she kneads in olive oil & salt to soften up the kale, and then adds mashed avocado and other ingredients. thought you might be interested in the technique… i had forgotten about this until your post so i may have to try it too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlpy2RcsOtc

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52 Kath February 18, 2009 at 10:22 pm

Thanks for the kale salad recipes!! Sounds like avocado is going on my grocery list!

Linds + Liz ,
I posted a comment last night about tempeh. And you can see my lunch box by Built NY in the Amazon store –>

Kara ,
Yes, I made salmon salad a lot (although not recently!) I buy Costco’s Wild Alaskan. Check out the Tuna Salad recipe on the Real Food page. I often use salmon instead.

seelee live (for the love of peanut butter),
They reduce/disturb gelatinization!

Vince ,
Thanks for stopping by!

Kath

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53 TorontoGirloutWest February 18, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Oh wow! I don’t know if I missed it from an earlier post but did you make the bread yourself? It looks so good and so filling!!!

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