Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 08:20 AM

Portable Breakfasts

Good morning! It’s Thursday, right? The weekend is so close, I can taste it! :mrgreen:

I am in such a wonderful mood this morning– probably from the post-workout endorphins, but also because of the beautiful weather today! :-D And, the trees are starting to bud in Harvard Yard! It’s Spring! Wheeee! :mrgreen:

I also snapped a photo of a squirrel that was chowing-down in the Yard. Did/does your college have a squirrel problem? Or rather an overabundance of squirrels? I remember my college having a zillion squirrels running around, wrecking havoc on the campus! I know, totally random, but this little, fuzzy rodent brought back some nice memories of college for me this morning.

Portable Breakfast

Last night, I baked a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Bars in preparation for this morning’s breakfast. I figured that oats in bar form would be just as good as a bowl of oats. Plus, a bar is much more travel-friendly. We’ll see how the bar holds up versus my hunger!

I used golden raisins in this batch of Oatmeal Raisin Bars.

Breakfast also included a banana and an iced coffee with soy milk from Starbucks. I snapped this photo at 5:15 this morning, so my travel mug is just a stand-in for the iced coffee that I purchased after my workout at Healthworks.

Before heading to HW, I also ate an Oatmeal Raisin Bar as a pre-workout snack… and to quiet my early-morning stomach grumbles!

Workout

At Healthworks this morning, I took an amazing Body Defined class, which is a strength training class that features a variety of equipment, including free weights, bands or Body Bars. Balance work was also included– with the help of a Bosu. The Body Defined class was just 45 minutes, but it totally kicked my butt! The instructor moved from one exercise to the next, which made the class fly by, kept me interested, and forced me to work hard. She also combined upper and lower body exercises for the entire class, which maximized our workout time and results. What I liked best about the class was all of the new Bosu moves that the instructor showed us! I thought I knew mostly everything you could do with a Bosu, but I was definitely wrong! Who would have guessed that an upside-down Bosu had so much potential!

Reader Survey

I’m sure that many of your have heard that six of your favorite foodie bloggers have been secretly working behind the scenes for months to organize a Blogger SummitKath, Jenna, Caitlin, Meghann, Heather, and I envision this as a weekend of food, fun, friends, and fitness for other bloggers and readers.  We anticipate the summit will take place sometime in early August.

To make the Blogger Summit as fun and affordable as possible, we are working with several famous foodie companies that will serve as the summit’s sponsors.  They have asked us to gather some demographical information about our readers.  Please take a minute to complete our short 10 question survey. You only need to take it once, so if you take it on one blog please do not take it again.

Click here to take the Blogger Summit survey!

Stonyfield Giveaway

Don’t forget to enter: Stonyfield Earth Day Giveaway!

Question of the Day

What’s your favorite portable breakfast?


Posted by: Tina 56 comments

Posted in: Uncategorized

56 Comments on “Portable Breakfasts”

  1. #1 coco Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 am

    this would be my favorite portable breakfast! :)

  2. #2 Erica Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am

    LOVE those bars! They’re Josh’s favorite. He prefers them with chocolate chips though (hes not a raisin kind of guy ;) . I eat pretty much the same bfast every day (lame ;) either apple or apple with PB or egg whites with hot sauce. Penn State has a HUGE squirrel problem. They will basically eat right out of your hand

  3. #3 rhodeygirl Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am

    cafe 908 looked like a blast. what a hubby! you make me so excited to get marrriedddd.

    i dont have a good to go breakfast! i eat my brekkie at my desk every morning around 8 after an hour or two of work, so ive never had to think about it before? but ur bars look SMOKING!

  4. #4 VeggieGirl Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am

    Favorite portable breakfast = Pure bars and protein shakes.

  5. #5 Christine Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 am

    The blogger summit seems like a super idea; I hope it all works out!! And my favorite portable breakfast is any homemade baked good!

  6. #6 meg Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 am

    Delicious bars! Sounds like an incredible workout!

    Going to answer the survey about the summit!

  7. #7 Meg C. Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:45 am

    I think you are going to my gym now! Glad to hear that Body Defined is a good class… I haven’t tried it yet because I wasn’t sure it was a good enough workout. I am a HUGE fan of Bosu Challenge, though – it totally kicks my butt!

  8. #8 Sarah Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:48 am

    My favorite portable breakfasts are things I can snack on all morning long because I love to nibble. Usually I’ll make a sort of ‘trail mix’ from quaker oatmeal squares, almonds, raisins, and if I’m having a sweet tooth I’ll include some honey roasted peanuts or dark chocolate peices. :)

    And, of course, the good ol’ pb and banana sandwich is a great portable breakfast. :)

    Those bars look incredible though! I need to try them…:)

  9. #9 Leanne Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I love using the bosu! It makes classic moves more exciting and difficult… My fave portable breakfast is a smoothie! I whip it up in the magic bullet and screw a top on so I can drink it after my workout. So refreshing and delicious!

  10. #10 brandi Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am

    yes, our college had a bad squirrel problem, too. They were HUGE and they would just come up to you and steal food if they could! They were crazy.

    Great job on the workout – it sounds like a good one! And date night last night was super cute :)

  11. #11 FitFoodie Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 8:56 am

    The bar looks great! I’m all about portable breakfasts.

    The gym class sounds really great. I wish my gym offered that kind of stuff.

  12. #12 Mara @ What's For Dinner? Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Early in my weight watcher days I used to make these HUGE breakfast cookies with applesauce, bananas, oats, milk, and a few other things… SO GOOD!

  13. #13 Erin Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Squirrels must just be a staple on college campuses. We’re overrun. I’ve had so many squirrel problems…they’ve jumped out of trash cans at me and even filled the inner workings of my car with nuts!! Made for an interesting service trip.
    I love smoothies for a portable breakfast. Those bars look great!

  14. #14 Victoria Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 am

    Ha! We definitely had like mutant squirrels in undergrad. They were so bold – and would come right up to you.

  15. #15 Maria Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am

    I always eat cereal at my desk at work, usually Fiber One with berries and skim milk.

  16. #16 Kara Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 am

    My campus has black squirrels. Apparently, they were shipped in here because the president at that time really wanted the campus to have them. They’re often regarded as being more mean than the gray squirrels, but I’m not sure if they really are.

  17. #17 Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am

    Your class sounds great! So, do you get ready for work at the gym? I used to do that, but it just got too annoying to lug all my stuff everywhere…

  18. #18 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:30 am

    @Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats: Yep. It is totally annoying lugging my stuff. If I join HW after this month, I will likely get a locker, which will help.

  19. #19 Kristie Lynn Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am

    If I have to do a portable breakfast, I like smoothies. I like to sit down and enjoy my breakfast if I can though :)

    My college campus has an INSANE black squirrel problem (Kara I can relate!). They’re definitely very people friendly… I have almost stepped on them a couple of times because they don’t even move for people anymore. Kinda hilarious actually.

  20. #20 Coco (cocoeatsandcritiques) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I would have to say a greek yogurt with a ziploc of a mixture of cereals. I always bring this with me to class and while I’m waiting for my coffee at starbucks I transfer the yogurt into an extra starbucks cup then top it with the bag of cereal. I put a lid on it, put it in my bag, and chomp down when I get to class!!!
    I also freeze the yogurt for about an hour before I head out of the house so that it’s still nice and cold when I get to class. Try it!!!

  21. #21 Anna Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:52 am

    We actually have black squirrels on my college campus- everyone calls them ninja squirrels, they’re quite creepy-looking.

  22. #22 Maggi Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:54 am

    Must be something with college campuses. Here at U of MD, we have a HUGE black squirrel population. We call them kamikaze squirrels because they just seem to have no regard for their own safety. Odd.

    The bars look very tasty. I’ll have to make mine with dried tart cherries. yum!

  23. #23 K Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am

    That oatmeal bar looks so moist! Yum!! My favorite portable breakfast is Greek yogurt – just take your mix ins in little bags!

  24. #24 Petunia Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 am

    I love using a BOSU. So much fun, and when I’m really holding it down I can feel my thighs quaking! ;-)
    The oat bars look amazing.

  25. #25 LiLu Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:05 am

    That bar looks amazing! I love golden raisins… if only I had *any* skills in the kitchen… :-)

  26. #26 Ali Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am

    The squirrels on my campus are infamous! They aren’t scared of people whatsoever. They’re huge. And they’re everywhere!

  27. #27 Kelly Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am

    That summit is a very fun idea. I think my neighborhood has a squirrel problem! They are everywhere and my new dog loves to chase them which makes our walks very chaotic.

  28. #28 Danielle Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I actually always wake up earlier so I can sit and eat breakfast, lol, but next time I do have to eat on the go I’m looking forward to whipping up a breakfast cookie. They sounds so great!

  29. #29 Shannon (The Daily Balance) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Oatmeal Raisin Bars look FANTASTIC — I’ll have to try your recipe!

  30. #30 Help Meghan Run Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Oh yeah, our campus has squirrels, and they’re quite aggressive! Those bars look great, and my favorite portable snack is either a bag of cereal or an almond butter sandwich.

    Check out my blog as I run with Team in Training and raise money for blood cancers!
    www. HelpMeghanRun .com

  31. #31 jenna Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Thanks for the survey Tina. Your breakfast looks awesome! I hope to meet you all this summer the summit sounds like a brilliant idea.

  32. #32 Marissa Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 am

    I like PB Toast!

  33. #33 Christina Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 am

    The squirrels are crazy on my campus too! Not afraid of anything!

    So excited about the summit. Can’t wait for more info!

  34. #34 Rose Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:27 am

    I swear that squirrels are a staple on any college campus. My alma mater almost changed the mascot name to “Fighting Squirrels.”

  35. #35 Amandaaa Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 am

    those pictures are gorgeous! the harvard yard is
    seriously beautiful. how could one not love frolicking
    about through there?

    my college campus was also filled with those crazy
    squirrels. (and deer-eeek)

    those oatmeal raisin bars looks delish! i’m sure
    they taste amazing as well.

  36. #36 Diana (Soap & Chocolate) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    So excited about the summit idea! Definitely tell us how the oatmeal bars hold off your hunger. I think I have a mental block against breakfasts that dont’ require eating utensils, but if I knew that a bar like that would hold me the same way oats/eggs do, I’d give it a try! Portable breakfasts are definitely necessary during the week.

  37. #37 Sara Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    Those oatmeal bars look great! I don’t usually have a portable breakfast, but if I do, it’d be pb toast and a banana.

  38. #38 Mimi (Damn the Freshman 15) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    Oh yum! If you ever have a plane flight, take those with you! You’ll feel great as the passengers (with their icky freeze-dried “cheeseburgers”) glare at you with the contempt of Judge Judy for a highschool dropout.

    I’m thinking of working out more in the mornings and less in the evenings, especially since I’ll be taking a full-time internship this summer. So I must ask…how do you get out of bed that early, do you eat anything beforehand, and how long does it take you to “collect yourself” for work? Thankies!

  39. #39 Run Sarah Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    A banana or toast with PB!

  40. #40 Danica Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Yum to your oatmeal bars. My favorite is pb toast and a banana or cereal and fruit that you can eat on the go.

  41. #41 Lauren Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    So exciting about the blogger summit (fingers crossed that it ends up being in Boston)!

    The oatmeal raisin bars look delish! My favorite portable breakfast would have to be a nut butter & banana sandwich on whole wheat bread.

  42. #42 katecooks Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    any chance you guys would consider west coast?!?! it’s pretty awesome out here :) i only saw east coast cities on the survey, which i understand…that’s where all you guys are from so it makes sense. just wishful thinking!!!

    i am totally checking through your blog tho for good boston restaurants. i am visiting my sis in boston (she goes to MIT) next month and she already mentioned sonsie LOL

  43. #43 Michelle Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    oooh where did you go to school?!?!? it looks like an east coast school with lots of culture and history. Absoultely gorgeous!! I guess those squirrels are on every college campus huh??? hahah i have fond memories of ‘em here too!

    I propose/suggest the blogger summit be in the mid-west because it’s RIGHT in the middle!!!! And it’s got GREAT good, affordable hotels and restaurants…and i’ll even host people in my apartment! heheheh THANK YOU for organizing this!!

  44. #44 Kudret Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Favorite portable breakfast: Odwalla bar, larabars and fruit with tea

    Aren’t you super excited for the 80 degree weather this weekend!!!

  45. #45 Missy (Missy Maintains) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    Favorite portable breakfast: Greek yogurt and granola! Can’t wait for the blogger summit!

  46. #46 Andrea (Off Her Cork) Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Took the survey! :D

  47. #47 LC Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Not very pleased that the District wasn’t represented in your survey!

  48. #48 Melissa S. Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    i really like odwalla bars when i’m on the run! always great tasting and filling! or fruit!

  49. #49 Pearl Reply to this comment
    on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    the view in the morning at your work is gorgeous!

  50. #50 Caroline Reply to this comment
    on Apr 24th, 2009 at 12:39 am

    This probably won’t come as a surprise, but my favorite portable breakfast is a smoothie, accompanied by either a cereal/nut combo or a bagel with nut butter.

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