It is never easy to rearrange one's schedule but in this case it was worth the effort. I had to rebook flights, hotels, transportation etc. etc. But it has happened before to me and it will likely happen again. Sometimes it is just a part of racing. It can be said that more effort is spent in the preparation for an ultramarathon... than the event itself!
Now for the subject at hand... Oatmeal! I know right?! An exciting subject sure to grab your attention. But it is exciting for me because it sort of marks the beginning of the next cycle of training I'm doing. I have made a number of changes and this is one of them. There is a short list on my refrigerator that points out the Top 8 Super Foods that one should eat everyday.
1. Spinach... Love spinach! I gorge on wilted spinach with a bit of fresh garlic, salt and lemon.
2. Yogurt... Rarely eat it ... and need to get it into my routine
3. Tomatoes... Love tomatoes in my salads...and love tomatoes with mozzarella, basil and balsamic
4. Carrots... I hate cooked carrots, but I can eat them raw
5. Blueberries... love them, but they are expensive
6. Black Beans... I never had black beans till I moved to Florida. Now I eat them all the time.
7. Walnuts... I eat almonds... close enough?
8. Oats... I hate oatmeal
I cannot get down a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. I always brought it with me for Marathon des Sables and I would wash it down with water... but I really don't like it. I forced it down. The flavored instant oatmeal packages from Quaker are high in calories and lightweight... great for racing but not at home.
So what to do? I am trying to always modify my diet so that I eat as healthy as I can. I will confide in you that I love junk food! But I try to keep it at a minimum. My major weaknesses are wine and cheese.
Anyway, I was researching recipes on the internet one day and I stumbled on an oatmeal recipe that caught my eye. I gave it a try and a miracle occurred... I am now eating oatmeal for breakfast everyday! I made my own modifications to the recipe and now I have introduced another Super Food into my routine. So, if you are like me, and have trouble eating oatmeal.. give this recipe a try. And if you like oatmeal... I think you will love this! I have a dish in the oven right now!
OATMEAL ENERGY SQUARES
Ingredients...
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 1/2 cups of skim milk
2 eggs
3 Tbsp honey or agave
2 tsp vanilla
Directions...
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix dry ingredients
Mix wet ingredients
Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients
Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish that has been lined with wax paper or you can use cooking spray.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Cut into squares.
And there you have it! I use these now instead of bars and I enjoy making them! Give it a try!
