I told you I’d be having steel cut oats with pumpkin today 😉
Pre-workout Snack
But first I started with half a potato bun with just a bit of PB&J. Something about toast first thing is just so appealing to me! I guess my body wants carbs to wake up.
Spinning
Another great spinning class. I had to leave a bit early because of the husband’s schedule, but I got about 10 minutes on the ET before class started so it was still about an hour of activity. She played one of my favorite songs today that I had totally forgotten about: Cher – Do You Believe. GREAT pump-up cardio song!! I remember back when it came out I had just gotten my driver’s license and brought the cassette tape to play in my 1990 Mazda Protege. I blasted the song and sung at the top of my lungs when I was out driving in the country!
Pumpkin Pie
Delicious breakfast, but as you know I must compare everything to Kath Classic Oats and this wasn’t quite as good 8) But it was still really good – and very filling! More fiber than usual too. But despite being a microwaved meal (since I had pre-cooked the oats last weekend) it took me FOREVER to get everything hot!! With the pumpkin, banana, hemp milk, toasting the almonds, heating milk for coffee PLUS the husband’s bowl, the microwave was on overdrive! But at least there’s no pot to wash 🙂
In my bowl: 1 serving steel cut oats, 150 grams Libby’s 100% canned pumpkin (just over a half cup), 1 tiny banana, ground flax, pumpkin pie spice, 1/3 cup of vanilla hemp milk, toasted almonds, walnuts and maple syrup, which I accidentally poured too much of! Whoops!
Coffee on the side with a splash of skim and splenda –
This breakfast was about 485 kcal, 14 grams of fiber, and 14 grams protein.
Vegetarian?
Thanks to Justy for sharing these with me. They are SO cute!!
Off to class. I LOVE Fridays because I’m done at noon!! But I’ll be working on school work until late afternoon so I can relax tomorrow.
See you for a late lunch!
caitlin says
hahaha i love the sheep!!
hey does this ever happen to anyone… i went to the gym this morning (had a 75 calorie carb snack before going) and did my usual weights and cardio routinue… but 10 minutes until i was done i got sooo sick to my stomach! i was really rushing everything so i could get to work. do you think its because i just went too fast? hmm.
Romina says
Yay! You got your steel cut oats. It’s so worth it. =)
Those little animal pictures are so cute!
hk says
wow, pumpkiny oats do loook delicious! Good start to Friday! I’m like you, love getting my weekend homework out of the way early, good luck!
Alisha says
I had pumpkin oats this morning as well! Great minds must think alike. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend, I just love Fridays!
Jess says
Caitlin- Maybe you hadn’t fully digested? When I’ve rush through the gym right after a snack I’ve gotten a little nauseous before. HMM.
Clearly, those sheep are the best part of today.
rhodeygirl says
has anyone ever had an OATMEAL EXPLOSION?!
i make my steel cut oats at night every couple of days and just reheat in the morning- and for some reason today they exploded!!!!!
so sad 🙁
rhodeygirl says
p.s. kath your pumpkin oats look so tasty!!! (esp. after MY oats exploded!) ha
Lisa says
I LOVE those pics!!! A lady at work e-mailed those to me a few weeks ago! I just died laughing b/c they were so cute!! Very creative!
YAY for Friday!!!!!! Hope you all have a wonderful day!
sweet potato Amy says
Kath,
Have you ever bought raw whole almonds and roasted them in the oven at home? If you do them at 350 degrees on a baking sheet for just under 13 minutes, they are heavenly–I noticed that you sometimes toast slivered almonds in the microwave so I was just curious 🙂
Happy Friday!
Amy
Katie says
Those pumpkin oats look SUPER deliscious. Oh and I went to the store yesterday looking at the Bear Naked mix and I found some REALLY good pumpkin seed granola with flax, etc. With some plain. lowfat yogurt, a banana, a teeeeny bit of honey and that I had the best dessert/snack/breakfast ever.
And those veggie/fruit pics are SOOOOO cute!
Chelsea says
Hey Kath,
LOVE The flowers and the vase-too cute! I found out something sooooo sad yesterday. Bananas are a no-no food for me right now 🙁 So incredibly sad, but they make me want to hurl, so no bananas. I think I may be lost without them 🙁
Tina says
I love the cauliflower sheep! 🙂 Your breakfast looked wonderful this morning. Nice photos too!
Kris10 says
Those oats look delicious! Looks like I’ll be having pumpkin oats for breakfast tomorrow. 🙂 What brand of maple syrup do you prefer?
VeggieGirl says
Mmm, pumpkin & steel cut oats = so delectable!!
Wow, I completely forgot about that song, by Cher – it IS a great “pump it up”-type workout song. Thanks for the reminder!
Okay, could those vegetable-animals be ANY more adorable?!?!?! I think not :0D
Have a great Friday – get ready for the weekend!! :0)
Jenn says
Does anyone else have a copy of Skinny B*** they want to get rid of? 😀
Rae says
Ohh pumpkin oats! I had some this morning, too, just like pumpkin pie 🙂 Kris10, try some sugar free syrup, its yummy and not too many calories for a sweet topping!
Kath says
Sweet Potato AmY,
I haven’t roasted my own almonds because I like them plain, but that does sound good!!
Chels,
Awww….sorry you’re still feeling sick. But it’s for a great reason, right!? I can’t wait to see more photos of that growing belly!
Kris10,
We use Harris Teeter brand Grade A maple syrup. I only like the good stuff!
Kath
Comrade GoGo says
I love the way your meals at home are so nicely presented :).
Betsy says
the little sheep are my fav! too cute!
after reading about pumpkin oatmeal for forever on your blog and the runners world forums, I think next week is the week I finally give in. can’t wait!
mel says
Hey guys!! on the pumpkin theme..does anyone have a really good pumpkin bread recipie? I usually make it from the box but want something better!! Also, how often does everyone workout? I do cardio for about 20-30 mins 3-4 times a week and weights after that for about 15 mins plus I walk to class! I kind of feel lazy compared to some of you marathoners and Kath! haha
Jillian says
Kath do you ever mix a different fruit in your oatmeal besides banana?
Tina O. says
Jenn~
I would love to get rid of my copy of Skinny Bitch-wanna trade?
BethEllis says
Mel – I also feel a bit lazy compared to everyone else! I do about 25 minutes of running/walking on the treadmill 6 days a week with about 15 minutes of crunches & lunges. Just like you, I also walk to work and back everyday (about 3/4 of a mile roundtrip). I have definitely noticed my body toning up, but then again, I’m mostly just trying to tone, not lose weight. Sounds like you’re off to a good start with your workouts! Are you trying to lose weight or just maintain?
Tina O. says
Maybe someone could figure out some sort of system to trade books among all of us. Just a thought!
Jenn says
hey tina, that’d be great! any books you feel like reading? or how would you like to trade?
Ashley says
Kath,
I’ve now tried four or five times to make the pumpkin, greek yogurt snack and it always turns out tasting sort of blek and sour. Could you please give me your exact measurements so I can have a divine snack today? Thanks!
Annie says
Mel-
I made this (http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=833355) pumpkin bread for my family for christmas, and everyone loved it. The bread is super moist because of the pudding (weird ingredient, I know, but it honestly makes the bread), and it has a ton of flavor. Definitly give it a try, its my fav. pumpkin recipe by far.
Betsy says
Mel
I have a fantastic pumpkin bread recipe!!! i started making it as a freshman in college and have perfected it over the past 6 years. I need to find it in my file when i get home, but I’ll post it tonight. keep your eyes peeled! oh, and it’s not a healthy recipe, fyi. but perfect in moderation, like as mini muffins!!!
hk says
betsy! I would love to see your recipe, thanks!~
kim says
those vegi-animals are about the cutest thing ever!! 🙂 How come bananas are a no-no food may I ask/is it the sugar content/higher calorie fruit? I tried my irish style oatmeal this a.m. and added pear slivers, a drizzle of honey, cinnamon and the teeniest splash of soymilk. Yummy. Hey Kath, I hope the husband’s first week on the new job went well. Have a relaxing weekend. I’m baking some home-made blueberry scones in anticipation of a baby shower brunch tomorrow. Going to do a tea-flight to match.
mel says
Hey Beth Ellis,
I’m just trying to maintain- toning a few places would be nice but I’m already pretty muscular and like my body! I’m 5’6 and weigh about 120-123 lbs and have stayed this weight for a couple of yrs (in HS and a couple yrs in college I weighted about 10 lbs less and I look a lot healthier now!!) I love working out but love taking rest days too!! I jsut think some people don’t need as much exercise as others to maintain. just my opinion though!!
pita chicka says
i dont exercise hardly at all compared to all of you but i am very fit and always squeeze as much activity in my day as i can by walking and taking the stairs mostly all the time
BethEllis says
Mel – I completely agree! I am 5’2″ and weigh 106 (was this weight through hs and college), so for me it’s just about maintaining as well. Not everyone needs to run 5-6 miles per day, that’s for sure.
pita chicka says
thx-mks me feel better! I was feeling like a lazy glutton-hehe!
Tina R. says
Goalie (or anyone else who might know)-
I read one of your comments a while ago about ground flax and its hormonal effects. Since it acts like estrogen, from what I understand, do you know if it will cause one to get her period when she otherwise has stopped menstruating due to intense exercising? Thanks!
SarahF says
I’m glad to hear everybodies work out schedule is different! I was worried everybody but me was a marathon runner. I go to the gym about 4-6 times a week, depending on how ambitious I feel, very rarely do I stay longer than 30 minutes.
I have a question (again). Yesterday I was celebrating because I ate a larger breakfast and it kept me full until lunch. But today I ate that exact same breakfast, and by 10:30 my stomach was growling so loudly that the person in the office beside me came over and asked if I wanted a piece of fruit. I tried drinking some water, and some tea, but it made no difference. I was starving! Does anybody know why there would be such a difference?
Justy2003 says
SarahF-
Did you have a smaller dinner yesterday? Maybe you ate less than usual yesterday and it’s catching up with you now! Also, if you’ve been more active so far today, that could also make you hungrier today! Appetite is a funny thing and it can easily change day to day, but I would say that if you are truly hungry then definitely eat something to hold you over until lunch!
Tina O. says
Jenn~
There are SO many books on my ‘to read’ list! Do you have any food/nutrition type books? I also like fiction & ‘chick-lit’.
I don’t want to take up all the room here with our conversation, so if you want to email me, it is: [email protected] Can’t wait to hear from you!
living2thetruth says
does anyone else ever get palpitations while working out?
Sarah C says
Mel,
If you need a really quick pumpkin recipe, just mix 1 can of pumpkin with one box of angel food cake mix and bake. (if it’s too thick add 1/4 cup water) Fast and delicious!
In regards to working out, I’m a fitness instructor so I work out daily, but from my point of view, from what you described all of you are well above and beyond the norm in the amount of exercise you get, especially from walking a lot. Walking is the most under used form of exercise in America in my opinion. It’s important to vary your intensity levels, and walking puts your heart rate in the optimal pace for stored fat burning! (as opposed to burning carbs as your fuel source)
Katers says
Hey all!
I workout 5 mornings during the workweek for 35 min; and one long workout on Saturday for 35 min cardio; stretching, and 25 min weights. I’ve never felt better in my life!
Does anyone have any homeopathic/natural remedies for headaches/mood swings? I’ve been having awful PMS this month (my poor boyfriend!). I read somewhere that taking calcium and magnesium helps with mood swings. I may try that…
Thanks!
BethEllis says
living2thetruth – I have never had palpitations while working out but have had them when I’ve been very stressed out. In both cases though, stress is being put on your heart. I have been to the doctor about it before and they always ask if I ever have any symptoms while working out – when I say no, they say that’s a good thing. So, you might want to check in with your doctor just to be safe.
Katers says
Oh! PS, Has anyone else noticed that the Food for Life bread and buns mold REALLY quickly??? I had to throw away three delicious buns this morning because they went south. So sad. I put my Food for Life bread in the freezer immediately.
PPS Kiala, I looooove your blog. You’re kind of my hero. I don’t know why I’m writing this here and not your blog. I think because I don’t want to uncool it up. 😛
Sarah C says
PS: just a funny side note…
My Polar F4 doesn’t recognize leap year. This morning it just switched to March 1st, and when I tried to reset it, Feb 29 wasn’t even an option. Hmm…
MK says
I’ve made this pumpkin spice bread before. It’s really good!
http://greenlitebites.com/2007/11/15/simple-pumpkin-spice-mini-loaves/
Kiala says
I had pumpkin oatmeal too! Even though I am a little hungover. It actually helped, I think. All those B vitamins.
Jenn says
hey tina, i will email you tomorrow! talk to you then 😀
Amandamoo says
Katers-
If you’re not on the pill, you could take St. John’s Wort. Some say it’s as effective as Prozac. Also, evening primrose oil supplements can sooth PMS symptoms specifically. You’re right about Magnesium for headaches! You could also try some aromatheray. Lavender and Jasmine are good tension-easers for many people.
Good luck!
Tracy says
All this talk about pumpkin reminded me that I wanted to mention that I mixed 1/2 cup canned pumpkin with a container of Dannon Light ‘n Fit peach yogurt and had it as my post-workout snack last night…pretty darn tasty!
Ana says
hey! my workout routine varies week-week but i don’t do half the amount you guys do (and i’m still losing???) i do 3-4 days of 30 treadmill (fast walk) and eat 1500-2000 calories a day and have lost 5lbs (8lbs to go!) so yeah, exercise really does vary depending on person!
sonia says
I have a question about the polar F4 for anyone who can help me. How did you set the HR limits on this one? I hear the formula is –
MAX HR= 220-age
Lower limit = 60% Max HR
Upper imit = 80% Max HR
Serena says
Kiala, Can you post the link to your blog? I’d love to check it out!
I also just ordered Skinny B from Amazon and would be happy to send it to someone after I’ve read it – there’s no room on my bookshelves for more books!
Liz says
Another vitamin question…I don’t eat a ton of meat and heard that this can cause a deficiency in B vitamins. Does anyone know the benefits of taking a B6/B12 vitamin?
TC says
Kath, totally not food related, but the way you decorate your house is so cute! I’m always seeing new vases, etc. in your pictures. Love the blue one today!
Ange says
This may come as a surprise to many, but I have actually reduced my CARDIO in half approximately and it has made NO difference on my weight. Instead of doing cardio 6-7 days a week, I now do it about 3 days a week. The only change? I added about 5-10 mins of resistance exercise PER DAY to my workouts. I am the same weight, but my body is much more toned. Who knew you could actually reduce the cardio so much and benefit even more?
A trainer once told me that women often make the mistake of doing too much cardio and not enough resistance exercises…and I am finally realizing the truth to this. For years I did plain old cardio and saw absolutely no differences in my body.
Melissa says
How funny & ironic, I put canned pumpkin in my oatmeal on Monday for the first time and my husband and I were both calling it Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal… 🙂
Kath says
Jillian,
Occasionally I mix dates or raisins into my oats, but I’d rather use fresh fruit. I do like dried though! I LOVE dried apricots.
Ashley,
If you don’t like plain yogurt, you might not like the pumpkin mixture. You will still be able to taste the sour/tartness. I would suggest using half a cup of vanilla yogurt instead (if you like that) and working your way to plain over time (just to reduce the sugar). I know others have tried vanilla and loved it. The proportions are half a cup each of yogurt and pumpkin, although sometimes I do go heavier on the pumpkin.
Kim,
Chelesa is pregnant so she meant she can’t stomach them! Husband is enjoying the job. They had beer yesterday afternoon so he obviously LOVED that part!
SarahF,
There are so many factors that can affect hunger, I bet one of yours was just out of wack. Perhaps you ate too lightly the rest of the day before (as one reader suggested), maybe you didn’t get enough water, maybe the co-worker caused emotional hunger. Give the bigger breakfast another try, and remember it’s not going to keep you FULL all morning but it will keep hunger at bay.
living2thetruth ,
I have experience palpitations before while doing heavy weight lifting (pull-ups or hard chest presses). I just stopped what I’m doing and walked around the gym a few times until they went away. No idea what the cause was, but it has only happened a few times. If it happened regularly I would go see a doctor.
Katers,
Do you keep your Food for Life in the fridge? I actually found them to keep a really long time! But we refrigerate ours because that’s how it’s sold in the store.
Sonia,
I’m pretty sure you’re right about 60% being the lower and 80% being the upper, but I have never used those limits on mine. I like this calculator that does all the math for you, and it seems to match my HR monitor’s output and my tiredness at each level:
http://www.sarkproducts.com/targetzonecalculator.htm
Liz,
I’m not to the point of my nutrition education to really be able to know the benefits of B6/B12 or symptoms/problems with deficiency, but I do know that both are very important and help the body use folic acid (which is important for healthy spinal development in babies). B6/B12 also help with cell repair, digestion and energy. (Yay Physiology!)
TC,
Thanks! I collect little beautiful things – $5 vase here, $3 bowl here – that aren’t expensive but really make things just prettier!
Kath
Erin says
I have a bunch of those veggie animal pictures saved on my computer! Sooo cute!
Stef says
I love the penguins and the sheep! Those are pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Kath says
Nancy,
This bowl was steel cut oats, reheated with pumpkin and hemp milk. But I usually make Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.
Kath
Nancy says
That is the BEST looking bowl of oatmeal I’ve ever seen!!!!
What kind of oats do you use?