Sorry, I couldn’t resist 
I made overnight oats due to my rush to leave by 6:10 this morning (uh oh..that’s 10 minutes from now!) Google Maps says my commute will be 1 hour and 15 minutes, but I’m hoping it will really take an hour. Nevertheless, I’m leaving 20 extra minutes buffer today. 20 minutes more tomorrow would be nice to have back 🙂
Here are my oats before toppings:
- 1/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Muesli [<– love the embedded dried fruit, nuts and seeds. Very convenient!!]
- 1 container Oikos
- ~1/3 cup milk
- 1 sprinkle chia seeds (which really make overnight oats over the top!)
Put in the fridge all night. Come out doughy in the AM!
I nuked them this morning for 30 seconds just to get the chill off, but they are still cold.
Toppings included fresh mango (about 1/2 of one), Mix My Granola, a blob of Maranatha (I have to make this last until noon!) and a tbsp of this new superfruit spread by Crofter’s. Not your average jam! These spreads are made from organic exotic fruits [ yumberries anyone!? ]
"FOUR continents. TEN superfruits. A WORLD of antioxidants"
So far yumberries have won me over 🙂
Mmm, mmm
Whatever that is, I hope it’s a good luck charm!
To-Go in my GH cup in case I can’t finish before I leave.
QUESTION: how do you commuters deal with brushing your teeth after breakfast if you eat on the go!?
My back feels OK this morning. A few twinges when I was getting dressed. I think I just pulled something.
QUESTION: Would stretching (i.e. yoga) not be a good idea, or do you want to stretch a pulled muscle? [Obviously I would be super gentle tonight]
Gotta catch the school bus…i.e. my honda!
Caitlin says
I like how you still manage to light a candle even before 6am!
Kristine says
haha, I have to second that! You are too cute, Kath! 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Mmmm superfruit preserves/?!? Looks so good!
Lauren says
Next week, I have an work appointment that I have to be at SUPER early with an hour commute. I was thinking of doing overnight oats too but I guess I would have to brush before. I always carry floss and mouthwash with me, and I have a toothbrush back at my office. It’s good to be prepared.
I feel like I pulled something too! In my upper back. I did yoga this morning and skipped my run and it felt a little better. Just be careful on the poses but I would say some light yoga wouldn’t hurt.
Good luck today Kath!
Pat says
Someone showed me a little “one time use” little toothbrush. THey’re made for traveling and come several in a pack. That might be good, esp as you’re likely to have water in the car. Or, if you get there early, you could just get an extra toothbrush and travel size toothpaste and hit the restroom first. 🙂
LindsayRuns says
-I never considered that dilemma…my teeth get brushed upon waking.
-I’m hoping light stretching works, the back of my knee feels pulled. But perhaps someone else has a real answer.
-Good luck shortening the commute 15 min on a early morning in Charlotte 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Love your overnight oats!! I can only imagine how doughy the chia seeds make them!
Have great day 🙂
Kelli says
That looks so good! I keep a travel tooth brush and small tooth paste in my desk for those mornings when I either eat at work or eat in the car. Its also nice to have after lunch and for after a morning coffee! good luck with your internship!!!
melissa sue says
I brush my teeth first thing when I wake up. They’re too gross not to. I don’t brush again after I eat (which I actually usually do at my desk). No one has complained, but I do carry breath mints, just in case.
Jenn (www.j3nn.net) says
Those overnight oats look yummmmmmmmmm! So doughy and delicious <3
Good luck with your commute!
Jenn
Jennifer (Running With Cake) says
If I know I have to eat on the road, I brush my teeth before leaving the house, then bring minty gum for the rest of the day or even my toothbrush and toothpaste. I think you feel much more confident when you have a clean mouth!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
I’m a little obsessed with the word “yumberries”
Diana says
Ahh…I’ve been wanting to try that superfruit spread! Glad to hear it’s good!
Hope your back is OK…take care of yourself! 🙂
Angie says
Love love the Crofters superfruit preserves!!
What an inpsiration, blogging at 6 am, Kath! You are more of a woman than me!!
Enjoy your day- can’t wait to hear about it!
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind says
Kath, are you an ex-cheerleader or ex-gymnast? I’m both, but I think I’d rip every muscle in my body if I tried to do a toe touch. Hahaha. Hope you’re feeling better!
Kath says
I’m an ex-dancer and did gymnastics for a year. My only trick was walking on my hands (for only about 3 seconds 😉 ) I usually rip open my body when I do gymnastics. I did a front handspring in college and felt something pop in my knee and vowed never to do one again.
Kristen says
I had an hour+ commute this time last year to a clinical site…whew, I feel you, girl! Hope it’s a great day, nonetheless!
Marisa (Loser for Life) says
Oooh, yumberries sound…well, yummy! Never heard of them before!
Totally obsessing over chia seeds lately. May have to try it with oats, too!
Have a safe commute!
emmy - eatventures says
I brush my teeth when I first wake up as well. If I wait ’till after I eat then I am starting to rush and things like flossing get tossed. Once you get in the habit it feels very strange to brush after breakfast.
Pat says
Me, I can’t stand the taste of toothpaste mixed with my coffee! I do rinse my mouth well with warm water when I get up. I wear a night-time appliance, and my mouth tastes pretty awful when I take it out.. Ewwwww.
Crystle says
I’d say just rest your back for a bit. Even if it doesn’t hurt TOO much, it’s important to give it a rest for a bit because you don’t want to irritate it more. If anything put some ice on it or massage it every so often to increase the blood flow. Then when you’re good and ready, gradually increase your activity.
Hope you feel better soon!! And btw…Bob is the BOMB! 😀
amanda says
I love Muesli! I got some from IKEA and still need to use it.
Good Taste. Healthy Me says
Some light yoga might actually feel good for it, but just be careful because irritating it more wouldn’t be fun!
Amanda says
A great toothbrush alternative are Colgate Wisps. My cousin tipped me off to them, and I recently used them on vacation. They aren’t as good as the real thing (what is?!), but they are enough to brush your teeth and leave minty freshness in your mouth. I bought them at Target.
Amie says
I second the Wisps!
Amie says
I second the Wisps! No water needed and they get the fuzzy feeling off of your teeth and leave you minty. I would still brush when I wake up to get out the overnight funk I get…or maybe thats just me 😉
Nekeisha says
I have absolutely no problem brushing my teeth in my office bathroom, I used to do it. At first other people coming in would give you a look but slowly I noticed other people doing it. If you don’t like that, there is this new wisp thing I saw it in the pharmacy last weekend and the ads are always on t.v but I still don’t know much about them.
Good Luck!!!
Katie (Sweet Tater) says
good luck today, kath! i’m so excited to see how it goes…
Simply Life says
oh what a great oat mixture!
Molly says
I would just brush my teeth before, which I actually do even if I’m at home. I hate eating with that nasty morning breath taste!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Those oats look FABULOUS! Good luck today Kath! 🙂
Erin says
Yumberries? Yum! 😀
Naomi(onefitfoodie) says
I always brush my teeth right when I wake up!
oats look great and love the commuter GH mug!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
YUMberries? Lol…they have to be good if they have yum in their name! I love that bear on the jam jar. What a cutie 🙂
Jessie says
Good luck on your first day!
I keep a toothbrush in my desk and another in my glove compartment so I can just carry it into the bathroom of wherever I am heading.
Kayla says
I always just brushed in the morning and had mints with me if needed. But the travel floss, brush, and paste are great ideas.
Christy says
I think people that eat on the go brush their teeth before…? I’m not sure but I’d hope at least haha
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad says
I brush my teeth before I leave the house. Once I’ve finished eating and drinking my coffee or tea, I pop in some sugar free gum to freshen the mouth up a bit.
Tiffany says
I always brush my teeth right after waking up, so that’s not a problem for me. But you could always carry mouthwash and mints for when you get to your internship. Good luck today!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen says
just do it right when you wake up…it’ll throw the flavor of the food off a bit, but after about 2 bites you’re back to normal.
have a great day today 🙂
Danielle (Coffee Run) says
I’d say that’s a sweet potato in your coffee 🙂
I always gently stretch out a pulled muscle (although I’m not sure if your supposed to?)
Have a good day!
Sam says
I don’t commute but I brush my teeth before breakfast.
lisa says
I would probably wait 24 hours after the sprain to do the yoga. Just to let any inflammation die down. After that, I bet the yoga would help loosen things up 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Yum! That bowl of goodness looks yummy! As for brushing your teeth and eating on the go. When I used to commute, I would brush my teeth when I first get up and then eat on the go (enjoy my coffee on the road) and then chew some gun to freshen up again. Sorry your back hurts. Hope it feels better soon!
Anne [email protected] Weigh of Life says
Yummy yummy breakfast bown this morning! I hope your back feels better soon.
amanda @ fake ginger says
I brush my teeth as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning. They do make throw away “toothbrushes” though. I think they just slip on your finger or something.
Yumberries sound yummy!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner says
Those preserves look awesome! I am impressed with the all out breakfast 🙂
Wendy says
I pulled a back muscle earlier this week – putting on my pants. I’m sure that qualifies me as an old fart, too! Mine is in my lower back & standing forward bends (i.e. ragdoll) irritate it. Yesterday my chiropractor told me it’s best to avoid those movements during the acute phase of the injury, but it’s ok after it’s healed up some. If you decide to go to yoga, I would def. let the instructor know about your injury. Maybe he can modify the poses for you to protect the injured muscle, or let you know which ones to sit out. I would think stretching/yoga would be good for all the other non-injured muscles that are tensed up b/c of the injury, but you’d want to avoid putting strain directly on the injured muscle.
I was supposed to go to yoga this morning, but the 6″ of blowing & drifting snow are keeping me home. 🙁 I think I’m going to attempt a gentle yogadownload session later today.
Good luck today! Looking forward to hearing how it goes!!
katherine says
I was just thinking about the whole brushing post-breakfast dilemma this morning. I brush my teeth as soon as I wake up, but then I have coffee before I leave the house. Suddenly, that seems totally gross to me (walking around with coffee breath) so I think it’s time to start using the toothbrush and paste I keep in my desk drawer. I actually started keeping one at work about a year ago because I was eating salads with fresh onion on them and feared my coworkers would kick me to the curb with my kickin’ onion breath!
I would recommend gently stretching, but much less than normal. I wouldn’t even go to the point of much tension, just enough to encourage blood flow to the muscle tissue. If it causes more pain, stop!
K says
You could get those Colgate wisps? My mom uses them and likes them. Yumberries – the name alone makes me want to try them!
Serena says
brush before ya leave…gum and mouthwash after that! 🙂
Mama Pea says
I’d skip the yoga. Stretching would be fine, but yoga really aggravates my back with poses like plank, upward dog, chatterunda, etc. That’s a lot of strain. I would try icing it for today and tomorrow and then switch to heat if it still is bothering you.
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
I think gentle stretching would probably be a good thing, but I’d say listen to your body – if you felt any twangs or pain, stop!
How weird, I haven’t had overnight oats in forever, then had them randomly this morning! I was in a rush too, they’re so useful 🙂
Jenna says
Your overnight oats sound perfect and look great!!
RhodeyGirl says
I used to keep a toothbrush and paste in a little travel bag in my desk drawer. I also used to keep deodorant, floss (well we sell that so it would just be pilfered from stock), tampons, a nail file, and advil. When I was in college I used to carry all that in my backpack at all times. Of course I brush my teeth first thing in the morning, but then post breakfast at my office I would pop down to the bathroom to brush again. I always got to work about 30 minutes early so I could relax, read blogs, eat breakfast, etc and start ym day off right.
Carey says
I brush after breakfast before I leave the house… BUT… chai and toothpaste at the office always taste HORRIBLE together. I’ve gotten over it.
RhodeyGirl says
P.S. From your last post.. I have the same C&B hammered metal appetizer forks! and spoons too!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
I brush my teeth in the morning first thing. Then, I always keep gum on me for after I eat.
Heather Baedke says
Hi Kath~
What a yummy breakfast!!! What chai seeds do you use? I tried looking for them on the open sky page but could not find them. Have a great day!!
Heather
Kath says
Here’s the page: http://katheats.theopenskyproject.com/chia-seeds-organic-heirloom-quality.html
zestycook says
Kath, I am no back expert but – keep it active and for sure do some stretching. The worst thing you can do is NOTHING.
zest
Heather (The Single Dish) says
I brush my teeth when I get up. I almost always eat breakfast at home but if I don’t I chew a piece of gum at my desk! Commuting is tough, in oh so many ways 🙂
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
When I commutted I used to brush my teeth at work! Is that weird?? Maybe 😉
I’m sorry about your pulled muscle!!! Ive done that before too. I must say when you made your comment about being an old fart I had to laugh. You are too cute!
skinnyrunner says
ooh, id like to try some of that jam. looks yum.
Tammy @ Defining Wellness says
I love overnight oats, and your combos always make me drool. Re: brushing the teeth. I would just brush my teeth in the morning as per usual, and after you eat breakfast, chew some gum. If you want to brush after each meal, just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you and brush in the ladies room. Hope your commute wasn’t too bad!
Casey (@Spicy&Sweet) says
Your overnight oats look FAB! I really need to try that. MMMM.
Jackie says
Those oats look so good! I will def try some this weekend.
I brush my teeth right out of the shower and then eat at work. Its never been a problem, but I do have gum.
megan says
i always eat breakfast at work. I just brush my teeth before I leave my house in the morning. i always have gum or mints with me though.
Amy says
I brush my teeth first thing when I wake up and carry Colgate Wisps in my purse for when I feel like I need to freshen up!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Yum.. overnight oats rock!
As for the teeth brushing, I believe Colgate has these new little mini disposable Colgate Wisps that I like – no water or rinsing required. Or, you could bring a travel size bottle of mouthwash? And I always always have gum.
I’ve been told that it’s ok to stretch a pulled muscle as long as you warm up beforehand… but i’m not an expert on this.
Allison K says
I love that bird clip!
I used to workout, shower at the gym, and then go to work and eat breakfast at work. I just brushed my teeth before my workout, and then I kept a small bottle of moutwash in my desk for after breakfast swishing in the bathroom.
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
Best of luck today Kath! Hope your first “real” day goes well 🙂
Leah @ L4L says
I usually brush my teeth first thing in the morning while I am upstairs getting ready, then I go down for breakfast and take a mug of tea with me in the car. I also have a toothbrush kit in my desk at work if I feel grimey or for after lunch. 😀
meagan says
hey kath,
i’m a yoga teacher and i would tell you to rest for the day. maybe take a walk to keep the muscles warm, but you definitely don’t want to do worse damage in your back. give it a day or so to heal, and then follow with a gentle practice to test it out.
hope that helps! your breakfast looks delicious.
lauren l. says
I brush before I leave home, then eat in the car and afterwards chew a piece of gum. It keeps me feeling fresh!
Jen says
I brush my teeth before I leave and when I get to work I swish my mouth with http://www.amazon.com/Supersmile-Professional-Whitening-Mouthrinse-Packets/dp/B000N2BE46 which I actually purchased @ Bath and Body Works (they only sell them at selct ones) but you can get them online as well. You could always take a travel size Listerine with you. Just an idea!
Crystal says
I love Crofter’s superfruit spreads – especially the North America one. I love adding a tbsp to plain yogurt and adding in some granola. Unfortunately I ran out this morning and the nearest place I can get it is 2 hrs away 🙁 time for a road trip!
Marisa (vinyasa mama) says
Hey Kath,
As a yoga teacher I would recommend giveit at least one whole day of rest before going to a yoga class. You mentioned the classes are really hot and although it might feel freat after the class, it could make it worse in the long run. And a pulled back muscle is nooooo fun! Maybe just do a few light stretches and supine twists tonight so it doesn’t tighten up too much. Then, if you feel up to it tomorrow, by all means hit up another class and jump right back in!
Ellen says
I brush my teeth after I wake up and again after I get to work. I keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at my desk. If you don’t have a desk yet at your new gig, just keep it in your bag.
This way, you can assure you’ve taken care of morning breath 🙂 before you leave the house, and then be sure you eventually clean those teeth after breakfast.
Mary says
“FOUR continents. TEN superfruits. A WORLD of antioxidants”
I would what the ecological footprint is of the little jar of jam!
Ashley says
I also must brush my teeth first thing in the morning! Then I chug about 16oz of water + make my oats. The mint flavor is always gone after the water drinking and I don’t really mind it anyway. Chris brushes when he gets up too, but then can’t eat until the mint is all gone…i’m like “it’s gone in the first bite!!” Weirdo 😉 About the back muscle…if it were me, I might warm things up with a walk and then soak in the tub!
Allyson says
I stretch when anything hurts and it always helps! I get tightness in my legs from walking stiff in the cold and it always helps. Get that blood flowing! Hope your back feels better soon.
Kelly says
I brush my teeth after my cup of coffee, which I drink while getting ready. Breakfast doesn’t make me feel the need to brush – just the coffee. I carry sugarfree gum and altoids most days in case my mouth is filling particularly yucky.
Stef says
what on earth is a yumberry? some gentle heat always helps when i have a pulled muscle. your breakfast sounds great, never thought of using muesli in overnight oats!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
I brush my teeth before breakfast so I don’t have this problem.
Oh and light stretching feels good but too much like yoga might hurt.
Mari says
I brush my teeth before I leave, but when I get to school (I commute there) I eat breakfast/drink tea. I always brush my teeth in the bathroom (usually pretty empty when I get there) with a portable toothbrush. I am less concerned with fresh breath and more worried about tea-stained teeth!
Sarah says
I brush when I wake up and then carry gum and Colgate Wisps in case toothbrushing is in order (just head into the Ladies room, brush (no water required) and toss).
Stephanie says
I brush right before I dry my hair, which is the last thing before breakfast. Then, after breakfast, I swish with plain water in my mouth. This gets the junk off the teeth without destroying your enamel. 🙂
ellen eats beets says
That superfruit spread looks soooooo good. As does that bowl of oats. Jealous girl!
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion says
Good luck on your first day! carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse and brush your teeth when you arrive?
Christin S says
Breakfast looks delish! (as usual)
Regarding your strained/pulled muscles: My chiropractor (who is an ex professional football player, and practices sports medicine) recommends tylenol and ice. When I pulled a muscle in my neck, he definitely did some light stretching and massage on my neck area as well, to loosen it up, and promote healing.
Good luck!
Jil says
Oh! I saw that Crofters jam on Jocelyn Eats Fresh a little while ago and they intrigued me!!! Yummmberries. Hmm. haha Glad they live up to their name though!! Hope your back feels better.
Sarah says
I suggest forward bend for your back. Gentle twists will also be beneficial. I would wait a few days before doing a lot with your muscles.
Karla says
The deliciousness of your oats never ceases to amaze me! Even when you’re on the run! Good luck!
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says
Whenever my mom’s feeling tight or sore she asks to do some yoga with me. It always helps out her pains. It’s worth a try, just don’t push yourself too hard.
Nicole (dishin') says
Yumberries. What a clever name!
Rachel says
You could always take your toothbrush & toothpaste with you if you’re really concerned about it. I brush my teeth before I eat… no one cares.
Lauren says
If I were you I would try to stretch it and just back off if it hurt. Or I might be lazy and use it as a legit excuse to sit on the sofa. 🙂
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
I brush my teeth as soon as I wake up, but not after breakfast. Is that bad? I do floss after I eat breakfast though. I also always carry some Trident gum with my as a breath freshener.
Carolyn says
Good luck today! I hate long commutes. I’m gonna be doing it soon off and on since I’m working on two projects and one is much farther away. 🙁 It’s also on a secure facility so no cell phones or cameras! I’m gonna go crazy!
Steph says
Thanks for such great motivation every morning! You always seem to start your day on such a high……it’s contagious!
Natalie says
I bring my travel toothbrush and toothpaste and carry it with me in my work bag, or leave it in the office (if possible). This way I can brush after lunch too!
Kelly says
Oh I LOVE museli mixed in yogurt overnight…it is the BEST! As for stetching a pulled muscle. I wouldn’t do anything intense (like yoga) because the muscle is already irritated. Some light stretching would be okay and possibly rolling it out on a foam roller. But streching a muslce stresses it and since it is already stressed (hence the pull) I would go easy for a few days.
Katy @ These Beautiful Feet says
Hope your day goes well!! I forgot to tell you I was running my 4-miler the other day and “Whatcha Say” came on Pandora and all I could think was “Oh, Kath!” 🙂
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) says
I don’t know what yumberries are, but I want some!!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i just got a superfruit spread from trader joe’s – i wonder how it compares!
Pat says
Yumberries:
from here: http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/08/01/09/yumberry-the-super-high-antioxidant-subtropical-fruit-from-china-that-will-make-america-say-yum.htm
Yumberries (the new name for yang-mei fruit) have been grown and enjoyed in China for thousands of years. They look a little bit like a raspberry with a sweet-sour flavor similar to cranberry and pomegranate juice. Their texture is unique — slightly stringy like the flesh of citrus fruit — with a pit in the center.
Lots more in the article…..
Fei Fei says
Oooh. So that’s what yumberries are! I thought the name was a little odd. lol 😛 I remember eating yang-mei berries all the time when I was a child. Sweet and tangy – gorgeous flavour 😀
Tay says
I had the same oats for breakfast 🙂 But never really thought to nuke them before – will have to try that!
Erin says
I’ve got toothpaste/toothbrush in my desk at work, but there are times I travel to a destination out of the office first thing in the AM. I’ve got a stash of these little lifesavers: http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage
Katharine says
Glad your back is feeling better! And good luck with your commute – I’d want 20 extra minutes, too!
Megan says
Thought of you when i added whatcha say to my marathon playlist!! hehehe
Jenny says
I had overnight oats this morning too–I don’t care if it’s below freezing outside, I just love them!
I don’t commute, but I would probably just bring my toothbrush and travel size toothpaste in my purse or bag, and brush when I reached my destination.
Erin says
I brush first thing in the a.m. and then it’s gum the rest of the day.
LOL…welcome to commuting!
Susan says
I just bought that jam!! It’s a liiiitle tart, but I’m sure my tastebuds will adjust. I’m obsessed with Crofter’s regular jams. They are sosososo good.
Anais says
I LOVE the Crofter’s jams!! My favorite one is the green one (I think it’s America one but I could be wrong). I literally haven’t been able to go back to other jams 🙂
Jill says
Hope your back is better soon…did you rest it?
Nicole says
Mmmm, that oatmeal looks amazing! I just had some oatmeal for dinner and it was delish.
My commute to work is 90 minutes one way. I brush my teeth before I leave my house, drink a coffee and have Ezekiel bread with a little almond butter on my way to work…and then chew some Trident. That’s about it. LOL
Jodie says
I am going to try your overnight oats, it looks delish.
Fleur says
brushing your teeth? I always have mini-toothpaste tube and a travellers toothbrush (from lactona, nice n soft brush) with me. also very handy after eating something with chia seeds on the go 😉 or spinach which will leave you with funny pieces between your teeth.
oh , and NEVER brush your teeth within an hour after eating fruit /fruitjuice/or anything with acid in it! will erose your teeth, so wait at least 1,5 hours…
ciao!
Willow says
I’m a little belated in answering your question, but do NOT do any yoga right now. Especially with a back strain/pull. You need to rest it, take an anti-inflammatory and use ice for the first 36 hours and then heat thereafter to help it heal. In the meantime, if you want some sort of movement, do some gentle ab work; often back injuries occur b/c the abs weren’t doing their job. And so activating them will help take the ‘weight’ off the back…
Hope you feel better! You’re obviously an active person, so you’ll bounce back! 🙂