I just love getting outside early in the morning for a good run. I wish I could do it more often but when school I would have to wake up at 4 to have enough time! It really does make your day a whole lot better from the start. The hardest part though is just getting up and getting out! Its a good idea to set goals for yourself (I will wake up at 6 and work out 3x a week) and stick to them then reward yourself (christmas cookie?!) for your hard work. Soon it will be out of habit and you will realize that the days when you wake up early and get out there are the days your body feels it best.
This morning I woke up at 6:30 and ate a quick piece of toast to get my body started before going out for a 40 minute run. When I got back I made my favorite peanut butter oatmeal with a banana in it as well as a splash of pure maple syrup, and had a cup of Tazo Awake tea as well. My entire breakfast, toast included, was about 492 calories. My oats really turned out perfect this morning. I cooked them last night (steel-cut) and let them simmer for a longer time with lots of cinnamon in the cooking water. They turned out plump and chewy this morning—just the way I like them!
I’m off to work this morning and will be eating the lunch I packed there. Unfortunately there’s no computer so I won’t be able to post my lunch until later in the day but stay tuned!
I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday…get out for some walks if you can if the weather permits–you will feel a ton better with all the rich food consumed!!
VeggieGirl
December 23, 2007 at 1:41 pmyour oatmeal sounds quite delectable, with the peanut butter, banana, and maple syrup – yum!!
jenna
December 23, 2007 at 1:43 pmIt IS very delectable!! My favorite meal…couldn’t live without it! Good thing it’s so good for me, too! 🙂
mel
December 23, 2007 at 3:06 pmHey Jenna!! how was the Amy’s chili? does it have beef in it? I don’t eat red meat so just wondering if I should try the chili! Also, where do you buy Amy’s products? whole foods or do they carry them in Kroger, etc? thanks girl! Hope u have a great day! I’m doing christmas stuff with my boyfriends family all day…again! haha and tomorrow and tuesday- they have WAY too many traditions! 🙂
Mel
Danielle
December 23, 2007 at 3:37 pmHi Jenna! Thanks for the constant inspiration! I think I’m ready to try oatmeal :). Enjoy the christmas spirit and goodies with your family and friends!
jenna
December 23, 2007 at 11:32 pmHi Mel-
Amy’s chili does not contain beef. None of Amy’s products do. It does have soy in it though! It comes in three levels of spiciness (mild, med. and spicy) but I always get the spicy one! I buy Amy’s products at my local grocery store…they are usually just in with the regular products or if your store has a special section for organic food it would be there. I have never really had trouble finding it before. Enjoy the festivities-I know how all those traditions go; I will be spending all day christmas with my boyfriend and his huge family too!
jenna
December 23, 2007 at 11:32 pmThanks Danielle!
Let me know what your first impressions of oatmeal are!! 🙂
mel
December 24, 2007 at 4:41 amthanks jenna~ I’ll for sure pick up some Amy’s chili next time I shop! But I will get mild, b/c I’m a baby and can’t handle spicy foods! haha! I hope you have a wonderful christmas eve tomorrow…I just spent 8 1/2 hours with the bf’s fam and its going to start over tomorrow and Tues, then I’m meeting my family at the beach !! they are already there without me! haha
take care
Danielle,
I am obsessed with oatmeal, esp. in the winter but i know what you mean about the texture. I don’t like mine really thick or mushy, so I microwave a 1/2 cup of milk or water and add it to the oatmeal in the bowl, with a banana and pb. You may want to try both ways, but this is how i always eat it!! Merry christmas!!
Mel