The Mush Factor
This morning was the first morning in awhile that I woke up to exercise before work. With my new job and earlier start time, I haven’t been able to workout in the early morning. Last night, however, I got in bed around 8:30 (!!), so I could wake up at 5:01 this morning to exercise. (I’m a little OCD about my alarm clock being set to an odd number. I thought about setting my alarm for 4:59, but getting up before 5:00 sounds insane to me! As if 2 minutes makes a huge difference! 
)
My workout was really good: 3.2 mile run + 20 minutes of upper body strength training + 5 minutes of easy stretching. I feels great to have already completed my workout for the day! Plus, I got a head start on the extra calories that I will likely consume at dinner tonight. After my class, I’m going out for Mexican food with a few of my old HSPH coworkers. I miss them so much! I’m excited to catch-up and hear about all of the office gossip I’ve missed!
Breakfast
For breakfast this morning, I was craving mushy oats– instead of crunchy or chewy oats. My oats definitely had the mush factor going on today! They were soooooo soft and creamy!
In the mix:
-
1/3 cup dry oats
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1/4 cup wheat berries
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1/4 cup canned pumpkin
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1 banana, sliced
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1/2 cup water
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2 spoonfuls of Barney Butter
After eating my oats, I took my vitamins/supplements for the day: Women’s One-a-Day multi, Fish Oil, and an Adora disk. I don’t take these every single day– more like every other day or so. Personally, I don’t think I need that many extra vitamins, minerals, etc., especially since I eat fairly well, but taking them fills the nutritional gaps in my diet. And, taking them every other day makes the bottle last longer, which saves me a little money in the long run!
Lunch Preview
Today’s lunch:
- Spinach salad with oven-roasted brussels sprouts
- One of Heather’s amazing muffins
- ZBar
- 2 chocolate kisses
- 2 clementines
Pure Bars?
Has anyone tried these Pure Bars yet? I saw them at Whole Foods the other day, and their flavors, ingredients, and colorful packaging intrigued me. I went to the Pure Bar website to find out more, and while clicking around, I emailed the company to see if they would send me a couple of samples to try. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t send me any samples, but I was curious to know what other people thought about these bars.
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Question of the Day
What food(s) do tons of people like, but you just don’t enjoy?
I feel like I know a lot of people who like Red Bull. I can’t stand it– even the smell grosses me out!
Gar — February 11, 2009 @ 7:27 am
i would have to say energy bar. I would rather eat the real food.
Kristie Lynn — February 11, 2009 @ 7:45 am
I love the Pure bars (especially the Cherry Cashew flavor)… they are actually made in the area I’m from. Problem is, I can’t afford em
Ah well!
And although this sounds crazy, I am just not a cake and/or frosting girl. And the thing is, people think “oh, you’re lucky” except really it just means I eat more cookies and ice cream at celebration-type events
Lauren — February 11, 2009 @ 7:47 am
For some reason, I don’t like olives. This is strange b/c I use olive oil pretty much every single day!
VeggieGirl — February 11, 2009 @ 7:52 am
YES!!! I JUST RECEIVED SAMPLES OF PURE BARS AND MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES THEM!!! ***Email me if you want to know more details about the bars.
Allison — February 11, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Olives, capers, salmon and eggplant. I know they are healthy, but I just can’t stand them.
Molly — February 11, 2009 @ 8:00 am
Hmmm…olives, icing/frosting, pasta, rice….
zestycook — February 11, 2009 @ 8:00 am
WOW – You are a keener 5:01. Nice looking lunch Tina! I am with Lauren – I cannot stand olives!
zesty
caitlin — February 11, 2009 @ 8:00 am
that’s lame they wouldnt send you free samples!!
hmmm im not really into chicken fingers, which is a good thing. or cheesy nachoes.
Sarah — February 11, 2009 @ 8:14 am
I can’t stand cheese!
Scott — February 11, 2009 @ 8:16 am
@caitlin: Why is it lame that they wouldn’t send you any free samples? They are in the business to sell bars, not give them away? Do you feel entitled because you are a blogger?!
Maggi — February 11, 2009 @ 8:17 am
Cottage cheese and plain yogurt. I can only eat cottage cheese blended into stuff (like making pancakes or as a sub for ricotta in lasagna) and plain yogurt if it is sweetened. With anything. Even blended fruits will work. I’ve been trying for years to liek the stuff…
Leanne — February 11, 2009 @ 8:27 am
I don’t really care for cold tomatoes all that much… I eat them on sandwiches, but if I put them in salads (because I want to like them!), then I just end up leaving them in the bowl anyway!! ha ha…
Lisa — February 11, 2009 @ 8:31 am
I think it benefits these companys to send ya’ll free samples I know personally I have tried a LOT of new products just because I heard about it from you and the other lovely bloggers. It’s easy advertisement.
Anyways I don’t like anything grape flavored. Like grape jelly or grape juice for some reason, but I love grapes and wine!
Colleen — February 11, 2009 @ 8:32 am
Leanne, I don’t like tomatoes either – they’re just weird…oh and I’ll eat salad every day, but I can’t stand lettuce in my tacos or on my hamburgers, blech. And I have a phobia of onions, seriously, if I bite into one I get all hot and feel like I’m going to pass out. LOL
Sarah — February 11, 2009 @ 8:32 am
This is going to be a shocker but I don’t like pizza! And I agree–red bull is gross as well as avocado and jello. Other than that I eat just about anything!
Karley — February 11, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Shrimp. I just can’t stand it. I don’t like the smell, taste, texture, anything. I’ve tried several times, but just can’t do it. It’s so sad for my husband, who cooks a lot of cajun food.
Amanda — February 11, 2009 @ 8:38 am
The first thing that popped into my head was guacamole (which includes avocados). After reading the previous comments, I could make my list even longer…!
Dori — February 11, 2009 @ 8:41 am
I am ALL about mushy textured food, so your oatmeal looks heavenly to me! For some reason I just love anything with a mushy consistency.
I don’t like goldfish, cheez-its, and most other cheese flavored crackers, which everyone else seems to LOVE!
Kirsten — February 11, 2009 @ 8:42 am
I know that most people love it, but I do not like Greek Yogurt! Aww! I love regular yogurt, but Greek Yogurt reminds me of sourcream. I just think I am sitting there eating sour cream out of a tub. Eww. Any ideas of a good Greek Yogurt that won’t make me feel this way?
Tina — February 11, 2009 @ 8:43 am
@caitlin: I agree! You’d think they’d want people to try their product! Oh well.
Holly — February 11, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Mmm…mushy oats sound good on a day like today! (It’s raining outside but “warm”).
I don’t like shrimp (I know, I know, I’m weird!) and popcorn.
Tina — February 11, 2009 @ 8:46 am
@Kirsten: Chobani makes flavored Greek yogurts that are really good. The sweet fruity flavors masks that sour cream flavor that you are referring to.
crissy — February 11, 2009 @ 8:52 am
for me it’s olives. I have been slowly easing my way into accepting the black kind, but only if it’s sliced up and on things like pizza, or in a burrito, (so I tend not to eat them often)… but everyone else I know loves olives.
When I moved into my new apartment, my roommate got me into waking up at 5 to workout before work. I used to go after work, but while the 5am alarm is super hard some mornings, it’s so nice to get it out of the way. Plus, I find that I am not as tempted to over eat at night because I eat more during the day… feels good to go to bed not super stuffed
Sarah — February 11, 2009 @ 8:55 am
Tina, haha, we take the EXACT same vitamins
I can’t think of anything that I don’t or won’t eat…wait a minute, I don’t really care for sauerkraut, not sure if that’s something a lot of people eat or not.
Have you ever tried the sugar free Red Bull? I actually kinda like those. Have a great day! I love early morning workouts
Melissa S. — February 11, 2009 @ 9:01 am
i won’t eat pickles…or ketchup…but everyone loves it!
Ashley — February 11, 2009 @ 9:02 am
I have just got my hands on some of these and i love them! they remind me of larabars. the flavors are amazing, i just tried the apple cinnamon one yesterday and fell in love. today i have a chocolate brownie to try!
Meg — February 11, 2009 @ 9:11 am
I have tried the Pure Bars and I really like them! Your mushy oats look just the way I like them! Have a great day!
Betsy in Pgh — February 11, 2009 @ 9:14 am
Hey Tina – I got a bunch of samples of Pure Bars & I’m going to be doing a product review on my blog real soon. They will also be a part of an upcoming giveaway I’m having so stay tuned!
lauren — February 11, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I cant stand watermelon. everyone thinks I am crazy.
Leah — February 11, 2009 @ 9:22 am
As a foodie I try to have an open mind, but I just can’t stand eggplant, escargot, or fried clams.
Anna — February 11, 2009 @ 9:25 am
My Japanese roommate last year practically shot me when she heard me say this, but I really don’t like white rice!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? — February 11, 2009 @ 9:26 am
I had mushy oats this a.m. too!! SO GOOD!
I can’t stand red bull either, and my fiance loves it. I make him drink it in his car.
ashley (sweet & natural) — February 11, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Fried calamari – All my friends love that stuff but I think it’s gross!
brandi — February 11, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I’ve never seen those bars before! Of course, I can’t find a lot of the bars I see on blogs
I do not like: cottage cheese, applesauce or baby carrots. Blech.
Dori — February 11, 2009 @ 9:28 am
And you might want to change your calendar to February
Kaneil, Balance is Best — February 11, 2009 @ 9:32 am
I’m with you on the morning workouts – it’s tough to get up, but after that your day is 10 times better!
I can NOT stand olives or cottage cheese. I want to like them, but I just can’t. (and peas…I hate peas.)
Danielle — February 11, 2009 @ 9:35 am
I used to be so much pickier then I am now, I’m still not a fan of fresh tomatoes, olives, or cottage cheese. When i was younger I didn’t like cheese, or anything white. I was a real weirdo.
Shelby — February 11, 2009 @ 9:37 am
LOVE PURE BARS!!!
sue — February 11, 2009 @ 9:50 am
i agree with you on red bulls- i esp hate being near someone after they’ve been drinking red bull vodkas. ick! i don’t like cheesecake and coffee ice cream.
Katie — February 11, 2009 @ 9:53 am
Mayo! Unless it’s really well hidden.
Emily — February 11, 2009 @ 10:01 am
I too am not a huge fan of olives, but if pressed I will eat them.
Celery, though, tastes and smells so gross to me! Everyone says how “fresh” and “clean” it tastes. I just don’t agree.
claire — February 11, 2009 @ 10:04 am
I don’t really like mashed potatoes. I also don’t like tea (I WISH I did) or alcohol. I would just say beer, but I’ve tried wine and champagne as well and just can’t do it…I’m convinced it’s the taste of the alcohol I don’t like. Oh, well! More calories to eat with!
Rachel — February 11, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I cannot stomach yogurt of any kind. The only yogurt I eat is plain heavily flavored with fresh dill. I use it as a dip for carrots and other veggies. I also don’t like mushrooms.
Jennifer — February 11, 2009 @ 10:19 am
I really can’t stand pumpkin except in desserts… I don’t get how ya’ll put it in oatmeal. The smell is foul and the taste not much better. I also may be the only journalist I know that doesn’t like coffee. I also can’t stand jelly or jam (PB sammies only please) and I make myself eat salmon b/c I know it’s good for me. Oikos yogurt is nasty too. The thought of clams and mussels make me want to puke.
Lee (seelivelee) — February 11, 2009 @ 10:21 am
everyone loves mashed potatoes, but i am not a fan, or potato gratin for that matter. it may be just something fearful-but i cant stand it!!
i havent had those bars but i have seen them on the blogosphere-they look good!
Rose — February 11, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Wow I’m so inspired by your early morning workout – that’s great! Way to plan ahead for an evening out – smart!
Amanda — February 11, 2009 @ 10:27 am
People think I’m crazy, but I HATE bananas. My parents and sister both don’t like them either, so I think it’s because we never had them growing up. Plus, I just can’t stand the texture (and flavor) – so squishy!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) — February 11, 2009 @ 10:27 am
Sounds like you had a great workout!
Enjoy your dinner out. I love Mexican food! So yum!
Oh, and I can’t stand Red Bull either!! Yuck.
Hallie — February 11, 2009 @ 10:28 am
I like the idea of taking a vitamin every other day, but I’m afraid I’ll get completely out of the habit and won’t take them ever.
I used to be a really picky eater (and a foodie at that!) but I’m a lot better. The weirdest thing for me is I don’t like most cheeses. On pizza is ok, a little Parmesan or ricotta is ok, but everything else, ick ick. I also don’t like mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, lobster, marshmallows, and although I keep trying, tofu.
Eliza — February 11, 2009 @ 10:38 am
i’m with you on the red bull–i hate it and i have no idea why people like it. one wierd thing i don’t like is watermelon. pretty much everyone likes it but i really dont. my family thinks im crazy!
Mel — February 11, 2009 @ 10:40 am
I think it’s great that you got up early to get your workout in! I don’t know if I could do that.
Meghann — February 11, 2009 @ 10:40 am
I can’t stand Red bull either! I was always the odd child growing up who despised traditional Spegetti, PB&J, Mac&Cheese, etc. (now I’ve discovered alternative versions to these dished that I enjoy much better) I also don’t like Green Peppers, Diet Coke, & Milk. Yuck!
Julie — February 11, 2009 @ 10:41 am
My doctor suggested I take fish oil insted of the glucosamine (sp?) I’ve been taking…what does it do?
I’ve become more adventurous w/ food now that I’ve gotten older. When I was little I was super picky, now I’ll try anything once. Well I guess there is one thing I can’t stand…wings. I hate eating off a bone, it grosses me out.
Victoria — February 11, 2009 @ 10:45 am
I’ve tried the Pure Bars. I like them. I guess I would compare them to Larabars, but these are a bit sweeter, and unfortunately in my store, they’re also about $1 more per bar.
Quinn — February 11, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Alright for you for getting the workout out of the way. I have to admit, I hate spaghetti. I know, horrible! I used to cry when my mother would serve it for dinner. To this day, I barely like any Italian food – mostly tomato sauce. I’m a freak!
skinnyrunner — February 11, 2009 @ 10:48 am
cashews! gross, i will not eat them or any dish with them in it.
Melissa — February 11, 2009 @ 10:54 am
I like pure bars, kind of a cross between gnu and lara.
Sara — February 11, 2009 @ 10:55 am
I’m the same way with my vitamin (also Women’s One A Day)! I feel that taking one everyday is just a bit too many vitamins/minerals in my system!
jenn — February 11, 2009 @ 10:59 am
olives are the one food i seriously cannot stand. if olives even touch my food i cant eat. the taste is gross.
Jess — February 11, 2009 @ 11:24 am
I am right there with you when it comes to waking up at an “odd” time. For some reason I just can’t can’t do 6:00 or even 6:15. So strange!
I can’t bring myself to eat olives. I think they smell like feet! Gross!!!
AD — February 11, 2009 @ 11:30 am
Whoa – I couldn’t disagree more with most of you – Olives are amazing!! I think the ones in the can, that have holes punched in them are eh….but purple kalamata olives or pruney Italian olives or little green spanish olives – so amazing!
I cannot eat raw tomatoes – I’ll eat them in every other form, but the slimy raw taste and seedy consistency – NASTY.
K — February 11, 2009 @ 11:32 am
Boo to no pure bar samples
They sound great – I’ve never had them though! Have fun with your old coworkers today!!
I’m with you on the red bull, actually any kind of energy drink gives me the heeby jeebies!
Janet — February 11, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
That is so random – I just tried a Pure Bar for the first time yesterday! I got a Choclolate Brownie one at Trader Joe’s. It was pretty good, and I would try other flavors – but for chocolate, I think I prefer Clif Nectar (soo good) or Jocolat.
Ugh, I can’t stand the smell of Red Bull either! Seriously even being near someone on the street who is drinking one grosses me out – I can smell it a mile away. It’s funny – I love a lot food people hate – broccoli, brussels spouts (the best!), olives, bitters, etc. But I don’t like green peppers at all! I think they’re the only veggie I won’t eat. Oh, and I’m not crazy about broccoli rabe – too bad, since it’s on that list.
Kristie — February 11, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
I love getting morning workouts in nice and early before I start my day but I can just NEVER get to bed early enough to be able to wake up early enough with enough energy to do it.
I’m not a super picky eater so there aren’t a lot of foods that I can think of that I don’t like at all off the top of my head! I’m not a huge fan of olives… or bacon maybe? A lot of people seem to like that haha.
Monica — February 11, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Thanks to you I’ve been taking the adora disks for a few months now. I love them!
I cannot stand the smell of Red Bull (or any energy drink)either! And I hate mayo. I can’t even look at a jar without feeling sick.
Renee — February 11, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
TINA!!!! I have found the most perfect thing for you!!!! this is a live-stream video of pug puppies! my boyfriend sent it to me because I am having a stressful day and always LOVE just seeing puppies- it makes all my stress disolve (at least temporarily
Enjoy!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/pug-puppies#
Elizabeth (thelongweigh) — February 11, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
That oatmeal looks delicious!
There are two foods I really want to love but can’t: cottage cheese and hummus. Both of them I have tried multiple times because I want to like them, but each time I hate them. It’s no fun.
Pearl — February 11, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
i’ve never had a red bull, but i do have a question about the adora disk: i’ve seen it on several blogs already and at first just thought it was candy – what is it? is it kinda like a viActiv calcium supplement?
Amanda — February 11, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Not sure why, but I really don’t like cherries or watermelon.
I used to have an aversion to lasagna, but then I just realized that it was my mom’s lasagna … all other kinds are fine haha
junghwa — February 11, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
PURE bars are AWESOME! I’ve tried two flavors and they rock my world. If you want you could check the reviews I’ve posted on my site. http://blueskyworld.wordpress.com.
Marianne — February 11, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
Foods that I don’t like that alot of people do? Tomatoes, olives, eggs, oranges, cilantro. I’m sure there are more, but I can’t think of them right now.
Diana (Soap & Chocolate) — February 11, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
I’m with you on red bull. Gnarly stuff (and bad for you!). The only other thing that comes to mind is parsley. I feel like it’s tossed in to so many things and to me it is not a welcome addition!
Kelly — February 11, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Bananas and raisins…I know they are good for me, but for some reason just can’t stand them (especially bananas), which is sad since those Oatmeal, Banana cookies you made look so good.
Missy (Missy Maintains) — February 11, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
I can’t stand olives! Yuck! I agree that these companies get great publicity by sending us bloggers samples. I can’t believe they won’t even send just one bar!
Jaime — February 11, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Green peppers. HATE them. They can ruin a whole meal for me.
My ex had a hate-on for anything with onions…green onions especially. I couldn’t even buy them. He would send back pizza if the onions were too prominent in the sauce.
My BF won’t eat anything with a bone…no chicken wings, no ribs, nothing.
Jen — February 11, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
mush=goodness IMO! haha
I see everyone eating and loving on tofu… well, I just cant make it right so its edible! ugh!
The Clean Veggie — February 11, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
pure bars = the best! you must try them! i actually like them more than larabars…they are much softer/chewier.
the brussels sprouts look amazing!
Marissa — February 11, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
I’m not a fan of bananas
Katrina — February 11, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
I’m OCD about setting my alarm on odd numbers too!
Okay… about the food question. I hate, loathe, and despise trail mix. Any kind just makes me want to gag. UGH!!! My gag reflex is reacting just thinking about it!
Lori — February 11, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Avocados. I cannot stand them, and people seem to really love them and love guacamole.
Same thing with mushrooms. Can’t stand those, either!
Erin — February 11, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
Those look DELICIOUS! I want some mush!
Teen, you’re a kick with your alarm. Isn’t a morning workout the best? I love it!
I hate raw tomatoes, avocados, and mushrooms. El nasto! I see Lori agrees with me! She knows what’s up!
Amie — February 11, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
I don’t like a lot of things other people like, but the biggest one is peanut butter. I don’t like ANYTHING peanut butter flavored (reeses, cookies, etc.). I don’t like the taste, plus I feel like it sticks in my throat all day. Other nut butters are ok, but I don’t like them anough to buy them.
sara — February 11, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
Tina, does your MVI have Iron in it? If so, take your Adora separate from your MVI (4 hours or so apart), the Iron prevents the Calcium in the Adora from being absorbed. Just a heads up, dont want to waste the Adoras!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) — February 11, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
i hate/despise/LOATHE potatoes!! i like sweet potatoes, but i won’t go near a white one. mashed, baked, french-fried, hash-browned, potato-chipped … no matter what is done to the potato, it turns my stomach! (i spent the summer in ireland a few years ago, and it was r-o-u-g-h. i don’t like beer either, so double rough!)
aaaand, i got the scavenger hunt prize today
. THANKS tina!! such a thoughtful and fun collection of goodies … really brightened my week!
Alexia — February 11, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
OATMEAL!!!!! I wish I liked it because it looks so yummy but I can’t stand the texture. It makes me gag.
adrianna — February 11, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
MELON!!! grossest thing ever. i have really tried to like canteloupe and/or honeydew, but to no avail. blech!
Susan — February 11, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
Haha, I always set my alarm for odd times too!
Everyone I know likes wine, but I’ve never acquired a taste for it. I like my beer and whiskey!
Stephanie — February 12, 2009 @ 3:33 am
Haha, I’ve said for years that most of my favorite foods are “mush”. So good, though,
Andrea (Off Her Cork) — February 12, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Sushi. For the love of all that is holy, everyone loves sushi, but to me the taste of seaweed is gag inducing. Yuck!
Scott — February 12, 2009 @ 9:19 am
@Tina: I actually think what they want is for people to BUY their product.
Katrina — February 12, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
I loathe onions! (just like Kath.)
veronica — March 5, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
Regarding PureBars, I am so sorry you didn’t get samples…we usually give them freely to bloggers, especially if you want to do a review. They are certified organic and very tasty. Shoot me an email and I’ll get some samples out to you!
Veronica