Run
We got up at 7 this morning to go running with my cousin at a park. We ran 4.33 miles – it was a fantastic run! My cousin is quite the cross country runner and we spent the whole time talking about running, what to eat, how long to run, cross training, music, etc. Great way to start the day, get in some exercise and get to know my cousin better 🙂 350 kcal burned (yes, I had my HRM with me 8) ) I’m so glad I’m getting some exercise in on this trip!
I had 1/2 a banana before we left and another half after our run so I wouldn’t get to breakfast starving.
Banana Breakfast
We drove to grandma’s (we were staying with my cousins) and picked her up to take her to breakfast around 10:30 before our drive back to Baltimore. (I’m glad I had the banana to keep my post-run blood sugar from freaking out on me in the time being!).
I was completely torn between a bowl of oatmeal and the banana pancakes, but I decided since I was on vacation and I eat oatmeal all the time to get the pancakes. I’m glad I did! My sister and I split a stack of 3 – we each had one and we didn’t eat the last one. I haven’t had refined pancakes in years and actually think I prefer the whole wheat, but these were still delicious! Also had a cup of coffee and some great fresh fruit. This is the day of banana! A little syrup on the side.
My grandmother got a toasted blueberry muffin and had coffee (she LOVES coffee, she says!) Here we all are!
Snacks!
Because we had such a late breakfast, my sister and I decided not to stop for a real lunch. I had a HUGE apple, some nuts, and the last of the carrot sticks as a snack at 2:30 during our drive back. Not much of a lunch, but the pancakes were filling and this was a giant apple.
Then we went shopping with my other grandmother when we arrived and I was commanded to try the delicious homemade cookies in the jewelry store – yum!
Off to dinner at the Towson Peppermill!
Kath, what jewelry store did you go to today? Also, one of my mom's best friends is a bartender at the Peppermill, and a girl I went to high school with – her family owns it. It's frequented mostly by "seniors" but I hear their food is really good! It's funny to me that you're totally in my neck of the woods 🙂
Hey Koops, there's a great vegan cafe in Towson called Zia's that you should check out if you're going to be in town a while. It was very popular with the Random 1 crew. They do non-vegan fare as well, but in any case they catered our lunch every day. The tofu scrambles (for breakfast) come highly recommended, as do their health shakes and empanatas. Also, apparently, wheat grass shots. My friend Molly became a vegan chef around the time she discovered Zia's, so they've got to be doing something right.
LOL "commanded to try", I hope it was worth it! I can't get over your dedication, even when on vacation with your sister! Great job.
Kath, I'm so proud of you on this trip. I find it so hard to be good when I'm on a road trip. How do you know how many calories are in everything? My doctor told me obsessing over the calorie counting is a form of eating disorder.
Caitlin,
Peppermill was great!! We got there every time I'm here. I LOVE the crab cakes. Tina was our server 🙂 We went to Smyth's jewlers this afternoon – quite a fancy store!
Malcolm,
I'm only here for 24 hours, so sorry I can't get to the vegan place. Sounds good though!
Karen,
Most definitely commanded 😉
Ashlynn,
I know calories from experience. Your doctor's opinion is one of a gazillion opinions in the world. I tend to think keeping a ballpark of your daily calories is just plain old responsible. Some don't need to, but for others (like me) it helps to be aware. Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes and should not be taken lightly, but calorie counting can be perfectly normal and a good way to keep an eye on your food intake and nutrition.
Kath
Your grandma is so cute!
I agree with the comment re: calories. I am sort of disturbed by the obsession here. For better alternatives go to the eatlikeme blog @ self.com where she counts food groups or even the eatliverun blog where she counts calories in a more lose way. This obsessive counting when you are not losing weight has got to be disordered and does not set a good example for many girls in our country.
In response to the calorie talk:
I counted calories for a couple of years, then stopped for a year (maybe a little less). I let a few pounds creep on during this time as it can be difficult to go just based on food groups. I find that it works for some people, and it doesn't for others. Counting calories works for me, so I will continue to do it until it is a burden or becomes obsessive.
I think Kath mentioned before that she tried the food group thing but it didn't work out for her, so she went back to calorie counting…proof that what works for one person doesn't work for everyone. Also, she hasn't been counting calories much during the trip or on special occassions (Christmas), so I think she seems to have a very healthy, realistic relationship with food. Her goal (as well as mine) at this time is not to lose weight, but to maintain a healthy weight, which also requires work for some people.
I love food too much and if I didn't monitor my calories, I'm sure I would overeat! 🙂 And I'm sure there's others out there like me!