Addicted to Oatmeal

That's right, my newest addiction is Oatmeal! The most versatile breakfast food out there! Although I love cereal, I find oatmeal more filling.

 Although it takes longer, I rather eat rolled oats over quick cooking. I like the texture better.

My latest bowl had a bit of everything. To add sweetness I drizzled a bit of organic honey.

How do you like your oatmeal?

Emilie

Lasting Energy

There are so many resources out there with tips on how to eat for big workouts/races/competitions. It can be a bit overwhelming! I think I have a pretty good grasp at it, but I think every "body" is different. So I did a bit of trial and error when it comes to eating before and after my longer workouts. I'm by no means an expert, this just works for me!
 
Last week...

Before: Last week I did a 2 hour spinning class, it was brutal (but I loved it!). An hour before I had a big protein/fruit shake and a few handfuls of homemade granola.

During: One hour into the ride I had a 100 calorie juice box.

After: When I got home, I had lunch about 1/2 hour later. This did not work for me! I found 3/4 of the way into the ride I was HUNGRY! To the point of distraction. My body was craving calories that I didn't have.



This week...


So here's what I tried for my hour and a quarter workout today (15 minute skipping session + 1 hour spinning class). 

Before: Oatmeal, fruit, flax and nuts 1 hour before the workout

After: Banana, Peanut Butter, Milk and Protein Powder shake 10 minutes after. An hour and a half later I had lunch. Much better! (below is the BF's epic lasagna. Hands down, best thing he makes!)

The difference?

In the morning I ate a complex carb (oatmeal) that provided lasting energy and simple carb (fruit/honey in oatmeal) that gave me my initial boost. Afterwards I was able to replenish all my lost blood sugar (sugar in the banana and protein powder) and help start muscle repair with protein (protein powder and milk). Voila! My winning combo for lasting energy!

Emilie

outfit vs food

 I seemed to be trigger happy with my camera today! 

OUTFIT: 

Three pictures of my lovely outfit and hairdo. I rarely sleep on my curly hair and actually like what I do with it the next day. A pleasantly acceptable outcome!

VS

FOOD:

Pineapple and banana oatmeal with flax, a splash of pineapple juice and walnuts. YUM!

A tasty lunch of ham and turkey sandwich on 12 grain with grainy dijon mustard. Homemade hummus and carrots on the side!

Pre-dinner snack of rice crackers, imitation crab and hot seafood sauce.

A fresh and spicy dinner- Mexican Lettuce wraps with beans, tomatoes, avocado, salsa and hot sauce.

I think the food wins...

Emilie

to the max

The new food processor is definetly part of the team now- it has a name. 

"Max" was put to work for two out of the four meals/snacks today. 

For breakfast I was patient enough to make some oatmeal with all my favourite fixin's- banana (squashed with a fork, it tastes better than sliced, try it!), apple sauce, flax seed, cinnamon and almonds. 

For lunch I had some leftover Moroccan Chicken Stew (not really picture worthy). Dinner on the other hand was very pretty! I especially liked the green beans.

Broccoli and Cheese Ravioli with a Tomato, Basil and Parmesan Cheese Sauce (made in "Max").

Lastly, I made some Date, Almond and Chia Seed bars that will be perfect for snacking on the road!

Emilie

aerial photo experiments

I've been reading a lot about photography and cameras lately (especially since the "accident"). In food photography one technique is the aerial shot when there isn't a lot of height to your subject (don't quote me on that, I'm not a professional! Google it!)

My meals today were the guinea pigs for testing the theory out:

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with skim milk and banana slices.

Broccoli and Carrot Stir Fry with Spicy Asian Tofu (marinated in soy sauce, cranberry/apple jelly, chili flakes, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil). On the side- a tomato, avocado and walnut salad.

Salads make great close up shots too! I messed up my close up of the stir fry by not focusing enough.

I have a pants theme this week. I only packed pants for my outfits and it's quite comfy! I guess I'm putting off buying nylons!

Do you have any photography tips?

Emilie