Spring is sprunging

I saw buds on rose bushes on our early morning walk.

Spring is sprunging (yup, I made up that word). No pictures because I didn't have my phone or camera with me.

Oatmeal, veggie scramble and coffee.

Oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon and coconut butter.

Veggie scramble with broccoli and tomatoes.

My plans for today? Buy some new photo editing software and possibly a new (more Gigs) memory card for my camera.

Oh, and my thoughts on how to approach weight loss? I have decided to approach it from a purely nutritional standpoint. 

I need to run - more on the weight loss thoughts at lunch.

Guilt-free day

I woke up today thinking about the huge list of things I needed to do today. And I was suffused with guilt over things I should have done yesterday.

Keep in mind that these to-do lists are never realistic. I would need a 30hr day and no sleep in order to finish all of them. 

And for some reason, this morning, it occurred to me what a ludicrous and useless emotion guilt is. I suppose it has its place in a wider social sense. But when guilt is turned inwards?? It is a very bad thing.

So, today is going to be a guilt-free day. 

I don't have many feeling of guilt towards food and this probably why (ironically) I had a breakfast very few people would feel guilty about.

Oatmeal, coffee and scrambled eggs.

The eggs turned out to be more of a chopped crepe since I left the pan unattended when I should have been stirring them gently.

I added a scoop of peanut butter and a drizzle of maple syrup to the oatmeal.

And because I might need to feel energized on my guilt-free day:

A large mug of very strong coffee - 

It will be interesting to see where the day will take me :-)

A sunshine morning

My plans to attend the family party yesterday did not happen.

By early afternoon, I was running a fever and had to cancel :-(


I spent last night clutching a mug of chamomile tea - wrapped in a very fuzzy robe and watching the Oscars.

On the upside? I am very happy that it is not a stomach bug.

I started my day like this:

A huge glass of water with 1 scoop of Amazing Grass and a mug of very strong coffee.

I know most people are not fans of plain green drinks - most combine them with fruit, etc. But for some reason I really enjoy the slightly bitter, earthy taste without anything else added.

I also like the taste of wheatgrass (juiced) - I know I must be alone in this...

And for the heartier fare:

1 cup of oatmeal with blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

I am heading into the day with the positive belief that my big glass of green goodness will kick this virus in the tuckus.

That and a little time spent out in the sun (It is really sunny here this morning!) walking the dogs.

Happy Monday!

Cravings and surprises

I was craving oatmeal this morning. For me, the only proper oatmeal is McCann's Irish Oatmeal - but I am probably biased :-)

Oatmeal with a dollop of peanut butter, banana and drizzled with honey.

People tend to shy away from their cravings. But I am of the firm belief that a craving is your bodies way trying to get you to take in the nutrients it needs. Now, I am not speaking about emotional eating - that's a different kettle of fish.

For example, if I suddenly have a craving for potato chips - I don't run out and eat a whole bag of Lays. I stop, think about it, and usually decide I am low on healthy fats or trace minerals (which for me usually results in a craving for salt).

And speaking of cravings, the dogs were a surprise this morning. You'll notice that I have peanut butter on my oatmeal. This usually results in Connor having apoplectic fits of anticipation. 

But not today. He didn't even notice when I made that dish. 

To my shock, BOTH dogs started getting really excited when I started making this:

I used a seasoned strip of nori - wet one edge with water and sealed in into a tube. I carefully removed any chestnut nuggets from some of the leftover chestnut and mushroom quinoa from last night (I know I am a good doggie mom :-)).

I filled the nori tube to the top with quinoa and topped with a tiny dollop of yogurt. 

At this point the dogs were following me around like sou chefs. Little hairy sou chefs that don't help with anything and only want to eat...

I am still trying to figure out what part of this concoction they were craving??

Maybe some caffeine will help get the brain cells working.