Sneaky Breakfast Bar Recipe

I have not tried these yet, but they sound so good, I wanted to go ahead and pass the idea along to you! This recipe for a healthy breakfast bar was in Parents magazine. It was shared by a Mom who makes these for her girls. They don't have a name, so I'll call them Sweet Potato Bars:

1) Wash & scrub 5 sweet potatoes. Pierce them with a fork, and microwave on high until they're soft, about 8 minutes. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat your oven to 400 degrees.

2) Cut the potatoes lengthwise, scoop out the flesh, and place in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 2 Tbs cinnamon, 2 Tbs extra-light olive oil (you can use canola, but don't use regular olive oil, because it will be too strong), 2/3 cup maple syrup, and 3/4 cup orange juice (use calcium-fortified for an extra nutrition boost). Stir in 4 cups quick-cooking oats and mix well (I plan to use old fashioned oats vs quick cooking).

3) Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan. Pour mixture evenly into pan. Bake 23 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Cut into 24 squares - you can serve immediately or store for 3 days in an airtight container.

I think I'll try adding some protein powder to mine and using honey instead of refined sugar. These little adjustments will make this vitamin A rich treat even more clean! I'll let you know how they turn out.

Tip for Late Night Snackers

Do you do great with your plan all day and then give in to late night snacking right before bed? I used to all the time. Now, I do usually have cottage cheese with some berries as a late snack. However, while I was in weight-loss mode I tried to avoid eating after dinner (usually after 7PM). I saw this tip on Oprah one day when she had her trainer, Bob Greene on the show. She said she doesn't eat anything at all after a certain time at night. If she gets the urge, she has some herbal tea. I know...herbal tea and Ben & Jerry's are not even in the same ball park. The key she said, is making it a ritual. She has a favorite mug that she uses and she really makes it a special experience.

Since late night munching was my biggest challenge, I gave it a try. At that time my hubby was commuting far away and working late hours. I was used to having dinner with my son and then sitting down and having a snack (usually not a healthy one) with my husband when he finally sat down for his dinner. Instead of sitting down and eating with him, I started having my cup of tea. I still got to spend time with him and catch up on our days. I just traded the unhealthy part of that habit for a better one. Before I knew it, I was looking forward to my "tea time" and didn't even miss the chips or ice cream!

There are so many wonderful herbal teas easily available now. Experiment until you find one that gives you that "Ahhhhh" feeling and trade your late night munchies for healthier ritual. You may come to enjoy it much more than you think!

Finally!

I finally made it out for a run today! It felt really good to get my blood pumping and clear the cob webs out of my brain. Exercise (especially running) is as much a mental break for me as it is a way to stay in shape. I ran regularly with my son while I was in my weight-loss phase, but it has been extremely hit or miss the last year or so. I love that feeling of "I did it" and the endorphin rush that comes even with a short run. Why did I wait so long to go again?! I will definately find a way to get up off my booty and MOVE now that I've been reminded how awesome it feels. Can you tell I'm still basking in a bit of the "runner's high?" :)

A Few Tips

Well, things have gone a tad more off course since I last posted. I've had a bug the past few days and haven't had much of an appetite at all. The things I have felt I can tolerate haven't always been what I'd choose under normal conditions. I'm starting to feel human today, so I'm moving back in the right direction. This is life and these things happen. We just have to do the best we can and get right back with the program when we're able.

I thought I'd share a few simple tips that have helped me:

1. Make the decision to change. Only YOU can make this decision. You can say you want to be healthier until you're blue in the face, but the desire to change has to come from deep within. No one else can do this for you.
2. Write down your goals and keep them visible.
3. Read everything you can get your hands on about health & fitness. This is a biggie for me. I stay motivated when I regularly feed my brain with info on health, wellness & fitness.
4. Find a buddy or group of buddies to support you through the ups & downs. This blog is great support for me, because it keeps me accountable.
5. Plan your daily meals & workouts. If I don't write down what I'm going to eat for the day, I'm more likely to make a bad choice. When I have everything planned and prepared ahead, I don't have to stop & search for the right foods. I feel in control, because I just look at my list and know exactly what I'm eating at each meal.
6. Take measurements! Dont' get too hung up with the number on the scale. The measuring tape and how your clothes fit are much better indicators of your progress.
7. Celebrate all your victories (even the little ones!) and do not beat yourself up if you fall off course. I used to make the mistake of letting one little cheat or bad day blow my entire program. I felt like if I wasn't 100% perfect, why bother. I'm way over that now and I hope you will be soon, too!

I hope this helps some of you!

See you next time!

Ever Have Those Days...

...when you really, truly mean well, but it just doesn't come together? That's me today. I was in such a groove with my meal plan and somehow, I just lost it. It started yesterday when I didn't write everything down. I didn't eat anything bad. I just lost track of my meals...which means I didn't plan...which sorta (well, ok definately) means I planned to fail. I'm not sure if I ate 5-6 meals yesterday and I'm not sure if I got enough protein in. So, today the ship went furuter off course. I got up and really just didn't have an appetite. I ate a homemade protein cereal bar from a batch I made a couple days ago. My son had an appointment for a hair cut and my mother-in-law came with us to do a little shopping. I was in a bit of a rush and forgot to eat before we left OR bring any food with me. I didn't panic too much, because I didn't think we'd be gone but an 1.5 tops. Well, my son is the type that everyone he meets says, "Oh, he's sooooo happy!" "Oh, is he always so happy?" "Oh, he's so friendly!" Not today. He screamed bloody murder during his entire haircut. I felt bad, so I let him play with this Thomas the Train play set they have there (it's a kids' only haircut place) before we left. He screamed bloody murder when it was time to go and I had to carry him out kicking and screaming. He was the one kicking & screaming not me. Another 5 min and I would've joined in on the tantrum. My nerves were so frazzled and my blood sugar so low by this point, I totally forgot to buy something to eat while we were in the store. I made sure he had something for the ride home, but MY empty tummy didn't even cross my mind until we were settled in the car. I had people coming to pick up furniture, so I had to shove a peanut butter sandwich in my mouth while I was waiting for them to get here. So, it's 5PM and I've had a homemade cereal bar, a peanut butter on wheat sandwich, a protein shake and lots of coffee today. Not horrible, but not even close to perfect and I'm feeling it. I'm a little grumpy and tired. I'll make my last couple meals tonight really count and get in some fruits & veggies. Then I'll go to bed and start fresh tomorrow! My little guy is sleeping right now. Bless his heart...we all have those days...we grown-ups just can't get away with screaming our heads off in public like a 3 year old can! :)