We’ve Got A Winner!

Hey! Sorry for the long, drawn-out wait to reveal the winner of the free Oikos swag. Just so you know, the results were in at 12:00pm per the giveaway guidelines; I was just a bit preoccupied doing other oh-so-important things that I didn’t get around to making the official report until now.

So…is it you?

 

 

 

Congrats, Runner Forever! Your 5 free coupons + blue tote will be shipped to you shortly! Thanks to all who participated. I think giveaways are a lot of fun, and am more than happy to host them on my blog. That is, if there are others who would like to sponsor them ; )

* * *

Anyway, I had a pretty uneventful SUNday. The sun came out as promised, and as a result, the pools were hopping with happy students, teens, and children alike. It’s interesting how the weather can turn from low 80’s to rain in a day or two…but that’s the plan.

I need to do something about my alarm clock pronto because it hasn’t been doing it’s job all week! Luckily I didn’t have a hot date at 8:00am this morning because I would’ve stood them up. When I awoke from my slumber a few minutes shy of the 9 o’clock hour, I made oats. I know…no ‘extravagant’ weekend breakfasts. You can never go wrong with oatmeal though. I’m sure many of you are just as crazy about it as I am. After all, it is the breakfast of blogging champions [a.k.a. Jenna, Kath, and Tina].

 

1 cup water

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 banana – cooked

1/2 T ground flax

cinnamon

topped with…

1/2 T brown sugar

1/2 T unsweetened coconut

1 T pecans

If you pay really close attention, you might have noticed I’ve reduced my oat measure from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup. I don’t know why, but I’ve been all about the low and slow, creamy oats lately. I wanted to make another bowl of this sweet heaven – no, Hillary, no.

I’m not oblivious to the fact that the number of breakfast photos heavily outweighs the photos of any other eats, including: my lunches, snacks, afternoon coffee and chocolate attacks, and Iron Chef dinners. What can I say, breakfast is my favorite and gets an unfair amount of attention.

What’s your favorite meal and WHY? I like breakfast the best because 1) it marks the beginning of another healthy day full of delicious eats, 2) I love love love baked goods such as scones and muffins and other traditional breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles & French Toast, and 3) it fuels my body with energy to make the most out of my days!

* * *

Sunday Sweat Session:

• 15 minutes arms & legs
• 1 hr. sprinty spin class
• 1 mi. indoor track run
• abs & stretch

Then there was a fiber-FULL dinner & fro yo with my roomie. Yes, that sums it up.

Night!

Everything Edible + Greek GIVEAWAY

Hello dearest readers. So close to Friday, aren’t we? I can almost taste it. Speaking of taste, let me share with you everything edible about my Thursday. I started my day with a bowl of pear-almond oatmeal — nothing you haven’t seen me eat before. I think I’m due for some new oatmeal combos [hint hint.]

1 cup water

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 d’anjou pear

1/2 T ground flax + cinnamon

almonds + agave

I had the house to myself again this a.m., so that meant blasting T.Swift and registering for Fall classes. I know…already? That’s college for you – ya never stop. Finally, after 6 semesters of registering for classes, it’s starting to get easier. I was able to get all the classes I needed; but, unfortunately, my schedule is all over the place. There’s always some bad with the good. Here’s what will be on my academic plate for Semester #7 [16 units in all].

1. Human Physiology + lab
2. Science of Food + lab
3. Human Nutrition
4. Foodservice Administration
5. Consumer Health [online]

Before catching the bus, I threw a bar and an orange in my backpack…which would later become my lunch. I got this Honest Bar while in Sonoma over the weekend. It was a first for me. Honestly, I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be. The almond extract was extremely overpowering and left quite the aftertaste. Yet, I’ll give it texture props. I’m hoping the PB + Chocolate flavor will get a better score from the Nutrition Nut.

 

 

 

 

 

My food lab was cancelled today, so I went to the gym during the time I would normally be cooking with my classmates. Working out in the middle of the day felt really off; as a result, my exercises weren’t all that energetic:

indoor track run – 1.5 mi.

30 min. Arc Trainer

wimpy abs + arms

***

A little bit of different schedule today meant that I didn’t have to make dinner in a hurry, or eat at a ridiculously late hour.

I made blog-inspired sweet potatoes:

1. Peel & cut sweet potatoes.
2. Toss in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, baby drizzle of maple syrup, cinnamon, ground flax and sea salt. [I measured everything with my naked eye.]
3. Bake @ 325* for 20 minutes.
4. Flip flop.
5. Bake @ 350* for 10 minutes.

TJ’s Sorrento Arugula Mix, 1/2 Avocado, Red Onion, Pumpkin Seeds, Olive Oil + Balsamic 

This was a 10 star dinner : )

***

Alright, alright…to the GIVEAWAY already. If you read my most recent post, you know that Stonyfield sent me a handful of free coupons for their organic, Oikos Greek yogurt. Well, they have generously offered to sponsor a giveway for you all so you can enjoy the greatness of Greek too!

One lucky winner will receive:

1 free 16 oz. coupon

4 free 5.3 oz. coupons

1 blue reusable grocery tote bag

How To Enter!

There are 3 ways to enter to win this great Greek gift. Each way will give you an additional entry, so you can do one, two, or all three!

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite way to eat Greek.

2. Tweet about this contest on Twitter. [include a link to this post + @HILLontherun]…and then leave another comment telling me you tweeted.

3. If you have a blog, mention the giveaway and link back to it in one of your posts…and then leave another comment telling me you posted about it.

U.S. residents only please. The contest will run until Sunday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. PST, when I’ll randomly select and announce the winner!

Spring & Smiles in Sonoma

Hi! Happy Weekend, ya’ll! I am have a wonderful time in Sonoma County; I’ve sure missed my “second home”. Before leaving my apartment yesterday, I packed a few snacks to bring along:

• Carrots & Cucumber
• ~1/3 Chocolove Bar
• Almond Butter
• 2 AllieBars
• Green Tea
• Oats + Oat Bran + Cinnamon

Travel Tip: Pack your own hot cereal for a cheap, easy & healthy breakfast.

My 3-hour drive was easy and beautiful. When I got into town, I decided to stretch my legs by taking a stroll around my old college campus while getting a little Vitamin D on my cheeks. It’s Spring Break for the university, so it was awkwardly quiet – there wasn’t a sole in sight.

My old stomping pad: Beaujolais Village [we are in wine country, after all].

The newest student housing – Tuscany Village – is  very plush.

Spring is blooming!

For diner, two of my original roommates [from freshman year] and I went out to eat at Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar. I had the Baby Beet Salad with Spice Hazelnuts & Humboldt Fog [yay, home!] Goat Cheese. I’m a fan of beets!

Goal #1: Smile more : )   

Afterwards, Tasha [left] took us to an adorable fro yo shop – Ghirardelli chocolate with almonds for me please.

There was a lot of much-needed laughing last night. I’ve missed my gals!

***

After sleeping in this morning, I went for a short 36 minute run and then made breakfast with my oats [above]. I picked up a banana at the store when I got into town, and T had ground flax & soy milk – perfect!

Oats + Oat Bran + 1/2 Banana [cooked] + Cinnamon & Flax + Almond Butter & Soy Milk

We picked up hot soy lattes at Starbucks [1 star to go before I’m a Gold Member!] before hitting up a few stores: Target, REI & Cost Plus.

Although I should really be studying for my Monday exam, my mind is in “vacation mode”. I am headed to my aunt and uncle’s in a bit for Sunday Saturday family dinner. I’m looking forward to meeting their Swedish exchange student and having a home cooked meal…I wonder what the theme is is tonight : ) While going to school in Sonoma, I would go to Family Dinner every Sunday. It was a blessing to have the comfort of family just a few minutes away. I definitely miss that.

Enjoy your evening!

Hillary

The Weekend is Calling

Where has the week gone? I haven’t posted anything since Monday, and boy have I missed you all very much! I did my best to keep up with ya’ll…but blogging wasn’t on the front burner this week – my apologies.

Yesterday was a Hump Day from Hell. I was at school from 9:30am – 7:30pm. There was nothing good about it, but the beautiful sunny weather brightened up my life perspective a bit. Hellooo summer dresses! …and winter white skin : )

Oh, that’s right…yesterday was Waffle Wednesday! How could I forget? The week is just one big blur.

  Van’s Multigrain + Crunchy PB + 1/2 Banana

Fast forward.

Today’s a.m. eats:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup rolled oats + 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1/2 banana – cooked
• 1/2 T ground flax
• cinnamon
• spoonful of crunchy PB + splash of cow milk

Check out that fluffy consistency!

Just realizing I had PB & Banana two mornings in a row – bliss.

Unlike my typical lazy Thursday mornings – sleep in, make brex, and blog blog blog – I decided to use my time more wisely today. I tend to get a little bit of pre-travel anxiety before leaving for a trip, so I sprung out of bed at 7:45am and got right to my to-list. You may call me weird because I realize most college girls don’t wake up to wash their car before doing anything else…but that’s what I did, and I immediately felt a sense of relief. Little Blue was dusty.

My second statistics exam this afternoon was simple [wish I could say that about O. Chem], and my classmates raved about the cinnamon raisin rice pudding I made in lab today. When I got home from school, I busted out a speedy treadmill workout:

5.0 miles in 45 min. [including 5 min. of walking] + 15 min. abs, arms & legs

It must be my lucky week because I got a second surprise package in the mail! I feel so loved. After I told Allie [LiveLaughEat] that I had been having dreams about Heart Thrives, she sent me a package of two different flavors – apricot & chocolate – as well as two of her own, homemade granola AllieBars. I think it is so amazing how the blogging world can connect people from near and far. Mind you, Allie and I have yet to meet in person…but I definitely have found a “virtual friend” in this girl. Her blog posts are nothing but honest, creative, and hilarious reads that I look forward to every day.

THANK YOU, Allie! You are so sweet to think of me all the way over here in Cali. I am excited about my travel snacks tomorrow – you had perfect timing.

Nutrition Nut News

I received my score for my ServSafe certification exam and am happy to say that I am officially [re]certified. My entire class passed the exam, in fact. I am a bit ashamed by the fact that I scored a 90%, while in high school I scored a 95%. What does that imply? Earning a 90% or better does qualify you to teach the ServSafe course. Hah…me, teach?

Well…I’ve still got a ton to do before hitting the road in the morning to Sonoma County. Looking forward to a sunny drive with new tunes.

Enjoy your weekend! I’ll be tweeting about mine.

Hillary

Silver Medal for Me

Hey there!

Wow, I can’t believe there are just a few more minutes until we can turn the calendar to April 2010. This year isn’t taking it’s time…that’s for sure. Have any tricks up your sleeve for tomorrow? =]

Today California honored Cesar Chavez with a holiday. No school para me. I slept in way past my scheduled alarm, and then made a bowl of latte oatmeal:

1 1/4 cup water

2/3 cup rolled oats

1/2 T instant espresso powder

1 /2 T ground flax

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla

bittersweet chocolate chips, almonds & a splash of 1% milk

It gave me that little buzz I needed to get pumped up about my final workout of my Move It in March Challenge. My roommates and I decided on a spin class to take together. Usually we have to leave extra early in order to get a bike…but that wasn’t the case this afternoon. It seems as though everyone else was taking a vacation from exercise.

We warmed up by running 1/2 mile together around the track before the 30-minute class. Then I ran on the treadmill for another 20 afterwards [2.2 mi.] + 1/2 mile cool down around the track.

Move It In March Results

Days of Exercise: 24/31

Run: 14.0 hrs. [~91 miles]

Spin: 5.0 hrs.

Other: 4.25 hrs.

Looking at the results, I am pretty pleased with how much I moved. I am a little disappointed about the 7 rest days [1 entire week], but think that I worked pretty hard during the three weeks I did exercise. My goal was to move more during the month of March. I didn’t have anything to measure my results against, so that would be something I would change if I do such a challenge again. I am proud of myself for pushing myself to run faster, as that is something I haven’t concentrated on in the past; I have certainly witnessed my strength – especially in regards to speed – increase this past month. 

Are you working on any fitness goals currently?

***

An hour later, after picking up paperwork for a prospective new condo, I came home starving. Enter lunch:

Wrap a la Homemade Hummus, Cucumber, Tomato & Baby Spinach 

0% Greek a la Homemade Granola & Strawberries

 

…and cookies [x2].

Have you had Lu European Biscuits? They are a favorite of my family. We prefer the darkest of the dark, of course =]

After my late lunch, I got ready and joined the masses in the streets downtown “celebrating Cesar”. It felt odd lettin’ loose on a Wednesday afternoon, but what the heck. The rest was history…

Change of Scenery

GOOD morning! I am having an absolute glorious start to my Saturday…and hope you are too : ) I mentioned late last night that I had a long appointment with the pavement in the morning [a.k.a. a long run]. You also may know that I’ve been planning to run a 10-mile race tomorrow. It wouldn’t make much sense to go for a long run before a race, would it? So here’s the update: Due to the unfortunate circumstance of losing our family friend this past Thursday, I decided to forgo this one race in order to attend her service. With the race at 2:00pm and the service at 3:00pm – 45 minutes away from each other – there was no logistical way I could do both. There will always be more races.

That being said, I talked my regular Humboldt running gals into running 10-miles with me today! Spontaneity is not my specialty, but I thought if I was supposed to be able to run 10 tomorrow, why not today! We met up at the early hour of 7:30am, but I had no problem hopping out of bed, as the brightness of the blue skies was streaming into my bedroom.

Because I do not have a fancy shmancy Garmin Forerunner to track my mileage, I would be lying if I said I ran exactly 10.0 miles; yet, I ran for 92 minutes which – give or take – is 10 miles at my average pace.

It is really refreshing to have a change of scenery for exercising and eating. I plan to soak up as much of Humboldt’s finest as I can this week…including big bowls of thick oats. I had a simple, yet satisfying breakfast of banana walnut cinnamon oatmeal after my run + a steaming cup of Japanese Green Tea [inspired by Angela’s awesome post].

Going to pick up my race packet [gotta get my t-shirt, after all] and probably spend some time with the ‘rents today since they aren’t working.

Enjoy your day!

Hillary

Third Time’s The Charm

After a 4.5-hour drive of fog, rain, ice, and SNOW…home has never felt so good! I mentioned yesterday that I was a bit anxious about the weather forecast for today and driving “over the hill(s) and through the woods”. I had the right to be anxious alright. Let’s just say it was one white-knuckled drive. I thought it was Spring Break, no? Well, I guess since it’s technically still Winter, it means that Mother Nature is allowed to SNOW! It honestly took me a minute or two to realize the sticky raindrops on my windshield were in fact snowflakes, as I can’t remember ever seeing snow fall [true story]. I know this can’t be entirely true because I have been in snowy weather various times – I’ve even been snowboarding – but I am a California girl…what can I say?

Of course now I wish I had stopped to take a few photos of my drive through Winter Wonderland, but at the time, all I could do was concentrate on keeping Little Blue on all fours.

I relaxed with an extra long, hot shower as soon as I got home before getting ready to go out to sushi with the ‘rents. Sushi, oh how I’ve missed you.

Press Rewind.

I woke up at the [butt] crack of dawn today – 6:00am – in order to get everything packed, top of my tank, grab a ‘Bucks, and get to O. Chem on time. Since Operation Empty Fridge was in effect, I decided to utilize every last bit of my $6 jar of PB by making OIAJ [Oats in a Jar]. I’ve claimed that I do not like nut butters in my oatmeal, but I just may have to take that back. I believe today was Trial #3 for OIAJ, and I think I hit the jackpot!

Humboldt Honey OIAJ

1 cup water

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 T ground flax

1/2 banana – cooked

PB&Co Bee’s Knees

splash of 1% milk

***

I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a long appointment with the pavement in the morning. Come back tomorrow for a RACE UPDATE…

Hillary

Forever Full

Hey Guys! I’m really excited to be able to have time this afternoon to write a post…but even more excited about Spring Break when I will have all the time in the world to blog, blog, blog! Hope you’re ready for some ch-ch-changes around here, because Nutrition Nut on the Run will be getting a face lift!

Until then…let’s talk food.

I made the BIGGEST bowl of oats today! Seriously, folks…it was enormous. The pictures don’t do it justice. It wasn’t on purpose that I made oats for army – I didn’t even wake up hungry, stoked about breakfast, like I usually do – it just happened.

Oatmeal Overload

In the mix:

1 1/4 cup water

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup oat bran

1/4 cup pumpkin

1/2 T ground flax

cinnamon

Top with:

1/2 banana

1 T walnuts

brown sugar & cinnamon

Although my normal ratio of oats to water is 2/3 cup: 1 cup, oat bran expands a lot more than whole oats and pumps up the volume! In the future, I plan to reduce the portions to 1/4 cup.

With a barrel of oatmeal in my stomach I was ready to head to campus and not have to worry about any hunger attacks. When I got home around 1:30pm, the oats still hadn’t thoroughly digested. I know I didn’t need any more food energy [calories], but I ate a light lunch anyway.

Mini GM: 1/2 Frozen Banana + 1/2 cup Almond Milk + 1 Huge Handful of Fresh Spinach

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese + Avocado, Cucumber & Tomato

TJ’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie [times two]

One of my least favorite feelings is that of continuously feeling full. I’m certain my calorie intake was way more than necessary this weekend and am feeling the lasting effects. The late night snacks aren’t helping either. I like going to bed and waking up “comfortably hungry”. I’d ask if you have any advice, but I’m pretty sure the answer is simple: don’t eat as much! Easier said than done, right?

Well, if you’re a reader of Skinny Runner, you know today’s Running Tuesday! I’m hoping a heart-pumping run/spin sesh will sweat out some of my excessive sugary treats [a.k.a. box of TJ’s cookies]. Then I am hopping on over to my bi-monthly Nutrition & Food Association meeting.

Are you participating in Running Tuesday today? If so, share!

Later,

~ Hillary

Oatmeal Observations

Don’t you just love how making one thing in the kitchen can lead to creating another thing, and another…? I do! Well, case in point, yesterday’s successful batch of Cappuccino Chip Muffins got my mind in a coffee-chocolate fix. What else could I concoct with my favorite flavors? Yep…oatmeal! In my mind, oatmeal is a blank canvas – there are endless possibilities…except, I think I’ll stay away from the savory side.

Besides adding espresso and chocolate to my oats today, I also wanted to add another variable to my Sunday science experiment. My dad suggested that I try rinsing my rolled oats before cooking them. Alright, sure…that’s not too difficult. So, I rinsed my 2/3 cup of rolled oats and then cooked them per usual in 1 cup of water.

Oatmeal Observations: The oats did not absorb the water as quickly, resulting in a little bit longer cooking time, and a creamier result. I tend to like my oatmeal thicker than not, but today it just worked.

Experiment:

1 cup water

2/3 cup rolled oats, rinsed

1/2 T ground flax

1/2 T instant espresso powder

1 tsp. pure vanilla

1 T mini chocolate chips

1 T chopped walnuts

+ 1/4 cup 1% milk

Results: A very satisfied scientist with a full belly and espresso buzzzz!

***

Today’s Agenda: MORE studying, LESS blogging! I’m even bribing myself with coffee by studying at Starbucks this afternoon. Whatever works : ) I hope you have a fabulous Sunday!

Always,

~ The Nutrition Nut

I Taste Sunshine

Good Morning!

I wanted to challenge myself to write a post this morning before heading to school, so here I am. I may have gotten a head start last night (procrastinating O. Chem), but whatever works…right? =]

Breakfast

1 cup water

2/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 almond milk

1/2 banana

1 T unsweetened coconut

1 T agave

1 tsp. vanilla

***

Coffee Challenge

I seem to have totally forgotten about Goal #7 for 2010: “Visit Starbucks less frequently”. I have been so determined to reach the Gold Level by accumulating 30 stars, that my Starbucks habit has turned into a more frequent occasion than not. I want to challenge myself to not go to Starbucks this entire week. The only coffee I will allow myself to have will be made at home. Hopefully this snippet will keep me accountable…

***

Your Questions Answered

1) I want to know how you budget to shop at Trader Joe’s so often! I am jealous!

Growing up, my family did not put a strict budget on the grocery bill. Feeding my brother and I whole, natural, and usually organic foods was more important to my parents than saving a little bit of money from purchasing processed foods. Fortunately, I was raised in an area rich in fresh produce, seafood, organic dairy, and local cooperative markets to do such; however, that didn’t always mean cheap prices. I clearly obtained the same belief that quality (food) is better than quantity. There isn’t a Trader Joe’s near my hometown, so when I went away to college I thought that their prices were incredibly reasonable — $0.19 for a banana! I understand that what may be cheap to one may be pricey to another, but shopping at TJ’s works for my healthy lifestyle on a college budget.

[source]

2) I have a question regarding college… I have a test coming up next week for my nutrition class and I have no idea how to study. How do you memorize everything?

Despite the gazillion quizzes & exams I’ve taken in my lifetime, I still have not mastered a studying technique. I always do the practice exams/study guides if they are assigned, and attend any extra review sessions that are offered. Memorizing is something that does come fairly naturally, but when I have a ton of definitions to cram into my brain, I whip out the 3×5 cards. Sorry for such a generic answer. Good luck!