Breakfast/ Lunch

And The Winner Is…..

Number 286—Carrie H!

Carrie said, “Ohhhh … My favorite is what I had today. Oatmeal with mashed banana, blueberries and toasted walnuts. Yum!”

I used a random number integer to get the winner so there were no favorites…everyone’s combo sounded absolutely delish! Carrie, please email me with your address and we will get your gift bag sent right out to you! 🙂

It was so funny because I do have a moderation set up for people that have never commented on the blog before (to ward off spam) and I get an email whenever a new comment is being held. Well, at work, I had my blackberry on vibrate in my front pocket and about every two seconds I felt it go off and it sort of felt like I had indigestion or something!! Thanks for playing along, guys. Now, for the giveaway at the end of the month, would yall like to see two winners (one for cookies and one for Amy’s surprise) or just one that gets both? I’m leaning towards two. Thoughts?

In the spirit of today’s giveaway, I’ve had an oat filled morning.

I started my day off with a small portion of oats for a snack—

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Topped with a little dark chocolate crack dreams peanut butter. This was divine and it made me so happy to eat something so warm and filling first thing!

And for my actual breakfast……you guessed it, more oats! In a slightly different fashion though….

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That’s right—I used the blended grains technique to make blended protein oatmeal! Last night, I cooked 3/4 cup oats with 1/2 cup silk light vanilla and 1 cup water (with a pinch of salt) on the stove until the liquid was almost absorbed but not quite. Then, I transferred the runny oatmeal to my handy dandy Vita Mix and added 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder. Whirled the puppy about 30 seconds and look what you get—-the creamiest, smoothest, densest oatmeal ever!

This morning, I heated it back up at work with a little water and topped it with a big scoop of almond butter

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Hot dang!!!!! This was SUPER filling. Amazing.

Breakfast definitely held me over for about 4 1/2 hours until lunch…when I had a moment of weakness and found myself pulling in across the street at Pita Pit. I had been craving a hummus pita all morning and it hit the spot!

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All neatly folded up into my whole wheat pita went:

  • Mix of hummus & babaganoush
  • lettuce
  • onion
  • pickles
  • banana peppers
  • avocado
  • black olives
  • light sprinkle of feta
  • HOT SAUCE

It made my mouth oh so happy 🙂

I’m just relaxing right now for a moment but in a little bit I am going to head out the door for a run. I’m starting to get a little nervous about the 5K trail run I signed up for NEXT WEEKEND, mainly because trail runs are known to be more physically challenging and my shins aren’t 100% healed. My plan to train though is to run alongside the sidewalk in the grass….apparently many people obviously had the same idea because there is a little dirt path that now runs through the grass. Running on a softer surface will be better anyways for my shins though…right?! At least that’s what I hear. Anyone have advice on this? Since my shins are not 100%, I’m not going to run over 3 miles at ALL during the next couple months. And, after May 2nd (the day of the May Classic 5K), I really am just going to rest my legs for about a month. I swear!  I really want to be able to run the Turkey Trot 10K again this year on Thanksgiving Day so I have to rest all summer! =) With yoga, ice, compression socks and tiger balm, I should be able to make it through……..

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  • joyful
    March 4, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    I vote for two giveaways!

  • brandi
    March 4, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    congrats Carrie!

    I think 2 giveaways, too.

    That blended oatmeal looks so creamy!

  • Carrie H
    March 4, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I can’t believe I won! Thanks so much, Jenna! I had to read my comment several times and really remember that that was what I had for breakfast today to believe it. 🙂 You and Quaker made my week!

  • Michelle
    March 4, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    Hi Jenna
    I just discovered your blog a few days ago and I think it’s great. I have oatmeal pretty much everymore and can always use new ideas.

    I did a trail race last year and it was loads of fun. It was definitely different from a road race. Harder and easier effort because there are a lot more hills…well my race was pretty hilly. Anyways, I would suggest to let yourself walk up hills if you find yourself getting really out of breath. It’s easier to run fast down hills than try to pick your way down but I’m not sure how your shins would like that. When I started running, my shins used to bug me. I tried strenthening them my holding the step bench (the green part from step aerobics) lenthwise on my foot (does that make sense) and then lifting it. It seemed to work and I have had shin pain maybe once a year now. But everyone is different so I’m not sure if it would help you or not. Good luck on your race!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    March 4, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    Congrats Carrie!
    I’m totally jealous you have a Pita Pit… sigh… I miss my babagannouj 🙁

  • Colleen
    March 4, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    Yes, definitely two giveaways!

    Yummy eats! 🙂

  • Nicole
    March 4, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    I definetely do the blended grains technique too. I used to do it with raw, soaked oat groats and now I do it cooked. I cook the oats just like you and blend them with agave nectar or honey, almond butter (small spoonful), tahini (small spoonful), vanilla extract, salt, raw carob powder (half spoonful), 2 spoonfuls of cocoa powder… .and wow!! sometimes i blend in raisins for more flavor. I think you will love it though! I like your blog by the way.

    oh and if you have a vitamix… i think you do. Top that oatmeal (after it has been chilled) with some frozen banana ice cream. PERFECT!

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    March 4, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    I HAVE to try this blended grain thing. It looks so delicious.

    Good luck with running. You can DO IT!

  • Maggie
    March 4, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    2 winners! I’m so jealous of your vitamix. I want blended grains. AND you have Pita Pit, which I miss so much. Lucky!

  • Danielle
    March 4, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    2 giveaways is fun!
    Great blended oatmeal I am going to have to give that a try soon!

  • Erica
    March 4, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    I knew you wouldn’t be able to stand it! You runner you! lol Get all your gear on and go for a run…just don’t push it or you’ll be out again. Not to mention frustrated! Enjoy!

    BTW, I vote for 2 giveaways!

  • Natalie
    March 4, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    I vote for two winners!

    Love the blended grain breakfast. 🙂

  • Alessa
    March 4, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    trail running is really fun. i find myself going slower the few times i have actually run on trails. so hopefully that will help with your shins, maybe you won’t be pushing yourself to go as fast!

  • polly
    March 4, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    I vote for TWO winners… if one is me. 😉 hehe

    Back in “the day” I used to suffer with major shin splints. I learned to avoid concrete (side walks) at all cost… and especially NO TREADMILLS. That was the wrost thing for me. I would just put bags of ice on my shins each night and then began to wonder… why I am doing this? hehe 🙂

    Skip ahead a few years… yoga girl arrived. 😉 hehe

    You enjoy your sweet runs, cause they are a JOY and I’ll pray for happy legs and a full heart on Saturday! XOXO Love ya!

  • Adi (oatonomy.com)
    March 4, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Two giveaways! 🙂

    Don’t be worried about your upcoming race. I know you’ll take the precautions to have your best race possible, while still being good to your shins!

    I think I need to get one of those Vitamix things… very cool.

  • VeggieGirl
    March 4, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Two winners perhaps??

    Love the blended grain goodness!!

  • emlit
    March 4, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    I’ve never had terrible problems with shin splints, but have dealt with them a little bit after taking breaks from running. What I have always found to be the best way of dealing with them is to stretch the living daylights out of your calves–at least one minute per calf for each stretch you do (the medi-dyne prostretch is great for this sort of thing). Tightness in the calves can mean trouble for the opposing muscle group: the shins! Additionally, try to do some strengthening exercises for your shins, toe lifts and duck walks and things like that. Running on softer surfaces is also a great idea. I hope they start feeling better soon!

  • Emily
    March 4, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Hey Jenna! I think you’re definitely right on to do some running on the side of the road. A tough thing about trail races is the extra grass resistance (doesn’t seem like much, but compared to the hard black top, its definitely tougher!). Another thing, though, is that there are usually some ups and downs on the trail – it would be good to do some hills. 🙂

    For your shins, make sure your calves are really stretched – sometimes tightness in your calves leads to pulling on your shins and can cause more pain.

    All of this said, you’ll do great! Its just awesome that you’re going to be out there and doing it!

  • Kelly
    March 4, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    I vote for 2 winners!

  • Marissa
    March 4, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Love Pita Pit! Their hot sauce is AMAZING! 🙂

  • Meg C.
    March 4, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    dark chocolate dreams PB is AMAZING!! it definitely is crack in peanut butter form.

  • Chocolate Covered Katie
    March 4, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Oh man, your blended oatmeal looks SO creamy and amazing that it’s making me want to go make some right now, even though I just finished lunch. I also definitely think your name for the chocolate peanut butter is more appropriate than its actual name. That stuff IS addicting; I go through about a jar a week by myself. To hell with a varied diet! I’ll be perfectly happy to live off of chocolate peanut butter and oatmeal for the rest of my life, thank you very much.

    P.S. I put your name in the Jocalat drawing three more times. Course, if it weren’t for silly rules, I’d add your name in 5million times because the oatmeal’s just so darn pretty!

  • Emily
    March 4, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    The blended oatmeal looks wonderful! I wonder if my blender would do that…or just leave me with a soggy mess!

  • Jenni
    March 4, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    “dark chocolate crack dreams” made me laugh so hard! it’s so true, though…!

    i wish there were a pita restaurant near me, because i would go there all the time. your hummus pita looks fab!

  • Shelby
    March 4, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Aren’t blended grains amazing?!

  • Emily
    March 4, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    I vote for two giveaways! I love those pita pit creations…..wish I had one nearby!! 😀

  • Amy
    March 4, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Running on the trails is definitely easier on the knees. I never had knee pain when I ran XC but when I started running on the streets, I definitely had more aches. Good luck with the race!!!!

  • fitforfree
    March 4, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    2 giveaways, definitely. That stuff IS crack!

  • Sharon
    March 4, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Oh wow, love the pita pit!! Deliciious place!

  • Runeatrepeat
    March 4, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    You should be fine as long as you are nice to your shins through ice and rest 🙂

  • Sarah
    March 4, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Good luck with the trail run! I’m sure you can do it! Is it the same one Caitlin and Meghann are running?
    Sarah

  • Lisa
    March 4, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Do half your training on an elliptical to help avoid shin splints. If you put the resistance on 8-10 and go about the same MPH and distance that you would on a treadmill, you will be working your body just as hard without the impact. A elliptical got me through an entire summer of shin splints one summer and after they healed I ran a marathon only 4 months later. Never run two days in a row. Break it up with elliptical.

  • Michelle Hisae
    March 4, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    Grass will definitely help with the hurting shins. Here’s the running surface hierarchy: concrete sidewalks (hardest), asphalt (softer), Grass/dirt, etc. (softest). I learned this from my track coach in high school, so whenever I run, I always try to run on the roads instead of the sidewalks if there aren’t any cars. Test them out – run on one for 5 seconds, then the other for 5 seconds and you’ll notice the difference! Good luck on your run today.

  • skinnyrunner
    March 4, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    you can do it! definitely running on softer surfaces will help. good luck!

  • Matt
    March 4, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    From what I have read, shin splints mainly occur from doing too much too soon. Have you thought about trying a walk/run program for awhile to see if that helps? Your body might just need an adjusment period. If that doesn’t work, you should have your gait analyzed to make sure you are running in the correct shoes and your form is good.

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy)
    March 4, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Those are some mighty creamy oats! I find it works best when all the cooking liquid isn’t absorbed too.

    Can’t go wrong with Pita Pit either!

  • Meg
    March 4, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I love that Optimum oatmeal! I really want to try to make some blended oats! You can never get too many oats in your diet!

  • K
    March 4, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    Congrats to the winner and I vote for two winners for the next giveaways!

    Holy moly those blended oats look AMAZING!

  • Christina
    March 4, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    Hey Girl!!
    I have been following your yoga story, and was just wondering where you download your videos online. I have been doing the same yoga DVD for the past month (Crunch yoga body sculpt), and I need a change. What do you recommend?
    PS I love your blog! Keep up the good work!

    • jenna
      March 4, 2009 at 3:26 pm

      Christina,

      I actually don’t do any videos—I prefer downloads and podcasts! Check out http://www.yogadownload.com for more info! They are awesome!

  • Leah
    March 4, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Oh my gosh that pita looks amazing!!! I love hummus & veggie pitas!

  • Whitney
    March 4, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Not gonna lie…I had similar issues with shin splits even on sawdust trails…I think the key is to truly take it easy and keep running down to a once-a-week workout. Also I found doing lots of leg strengthening exercises likes wall sits and lunges daily helps tremendously. Good luck!!

  • Callina
    March 4, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    It took me FOR-EVER to get rid of my shin splints–I’ve been running off and on for the past two years and shin splints were always what caused me to go “off.” I did the RICE thing and got good shoes, etc. but they still bothered me. Eventually they kind of tapered away, I think as my legs just got more used to the impact of running….now I can pretty much run on any surface for up to 3 miles without feeling anything. Although softer surfaces are definitely better for me. Now I just have to take it really slow, not run every day, and only increase my mileage very occasionally. Something that did seem to help was massaging my calves/shins before a run with my palms, just running them up and down the leg to kind of “warm it up.” Also, have you checked your form and how your foot lands when you run? I used to land on my heel, but now I focus on landing on the middle part of the foot and I think that alone helped a lot.

  • Organic Girl aka AshleyH
    March 4, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    Well you know more position on the big end of the month prize because I posted it last night. Two. I also wanted to add that the cross country runners at my university always run in the grass along the sidewalks to protect their knees and other joints so it sounds like youve got the right idea.

  • Hangry Pants
    March 4, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    Two winners!

    I see the palm tree in the rear v iew mirror of your car and am v. jealous.

  • bibixs
    March 4, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    hey jenna! im your newest fan i guess haha
    that oatmeal looks delish!! 🙂
    by the way, today i ran a 5k in 27 minutes too! 🙂 i was so proud of myself haha xD
    have a nice thursday tomorrow!

  • Ellie
    March 5, 2009 at 12:24 am

    Hey Jenna– I love your site! Just wanted to say that I’m a runner as well, and what’s always helped me with shin splints tremendously is to sit all the way back on a counter or high stool, with my thighs parallel to the ground the legs hanging at the knees (so the shins are perpendicular to the ground). Then, with my legs dangling down, I trace the entire alphabet (all the way through) with my toes a few times. I trained for a half marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society a few months back and the coaches swore by doing this after each run. It worked for me! Good luck!

  • Jess
    March 5, 2009 at 9:52 am

    For your shins:
    -Take a tennis ball and rub the muscle part (not bone) of your shin in a circular direction, going all the way up and down the muscle. Press down hard enough to really feel it. I use a TriggerPoint ball for this which probably works a lot better, but hopefully a tennis ball will do the trick and save you some money.