TGIF!!! I can’t wait to get through the day and RELAX. This weekend is the ONLY one all summer that I don’t have plans. I was actually hoping to go to BlogHer this weekend, so I kept it open in case a last-minute ticket came my way. I never ended up with a ticket, so now I have 2 wide-open days to enjoy all to myself. I guess it’s kind of nice how it worked out! 
Breakfast
OUTSTANDING batch of oats this morning! 
Check out THAT creaminess! Super ripe bananas do wonders for a bowl of oats!
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 2 scoops of almond butter
I also drank my usual glass of homemade iced coffee with vanilla soy milk and agave nectar.
Simple Solution
I’ve been adding ground flaxseed meal to my oats for… um… I don’t know… a YEAR now, but it never occurred to me to combine the two.
Some mornings, I just forget to add the ground flaxseed to my oats, so mixing them together seemed like a simple solution. Plus, it cuts out one step of the oat-making process, which probably saves me a good 15 seconds in the morning. 
About 1/3 of the oats had already been removed/consumed from the canister, so it was easy to mix in the ground flaxseed meal. I just dumped the bag into the canister, put on the top, and shook like crazy. Viola! Ground flaxseed meal old fashion oats!
Exercise Guilt
So, I’ve been in an exercise funk lately. I haven’t worked out since Tuesday and it was a rather pathetic workout. I skipped my morning workout again today, and won’t have time later because Mal and I are looking at apartments (pug time!) and then going out to dinner tonight.
Three days without exercise is not a big deal at all, but I’m starting to feel guilty. I know everyone has different ideas about what works best for them, but for me, I like exercising more frequently. I’m not saying that I need to exercise every day to feel good about myself, but there is something about getting my heart pumpin’ most days of the week that makes me feel happy, accomplished, and confident.
Do you guys experience this guilty feeling after you miss a few days? What’s the longest you allow yourself to go without exercise?
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I don’t feel guilty per say…just lazy and anxcious. I love working out so I guess I never miss it because its such a stress reliever.
Bah, Tina i feel the same way after a couple of days of not working out. Its not that i feel sluggish or guilty, i just feel like there shouldn’t of been an excuse as to why i didn’t. I have the time, but its just doing it that is the hard part sometimes. I hate getting into funks cause sometimes it hard to get out of them. but hopefully after work today i’ll get a work out in. I bet you tomorrow you’ll get right back on track! good luck apartment hunting!
Oh, Tina. You’re looking at the queen of guilt right here (me!). You are not alone. I go through spurts where I workout regularly for a long time and then I just randomly don’t go for a week. It usually happens because I get busy, stressed with school, etc. It throws me all off.
If you think your body needs a break, then give it one. But if you’re feeling like you need to move – try doing something for a short amount of time. Maybe a 20-minute yoga video? It’s something you can do in your house that won’t take that long – and it will more than likely inspire you to do more! It helped me last week when I was going through a rough time – and inspired me to do more this week.
Hope this helped somewhat?
Love the flax in oats idea. GENIUS.
I tend not to work out on the weekends, so I always feel guilty. I just need to strive to work out every day during the week and then I think I’ll be good!
I feel the same way! Part of it is guilt, but part of it is I just LOVE the feeling I get after I work out, and mentally I really miss that when I go a few days without it.
However, sometimes I think it is better to fit in other important things – time with the hubby or friends, sleep, etc. I read that Michelle Obama gets up at 4am to work out every to in order to set a good example for her girls that health is important…. I agree that exercise is crucial but if I got up that early I wouldn’t be able to function!
You are healty and in great shape so I wouldnt worry about it
You will get back on track!
I definitely feel crappy when I don’t exercise- I am so accustomed to that daily hit of endorphins that I get crabby when I miss workouts. That being said, I also know when to take breaks/take it easy. Even if it’s just a short walk with a friend or 20 mins of yoga, I like to move every day.
I don’t feel guilty for skipping workouts but it does make me antsy. My evening trek to the gym really helps calm my mind and let’s me relax. If I don’t do that, I tend to struggle to relax at night and go to sleep at a reasonable time.
I’m feeling the exercise guilt right now but it’s because I was sick and my ankle was hurting so it’s a good thing that I took time off. However, now I REALLY want to get back out there and work up a good sweat
Tina- I know you said you’re in a funk but I want you to know you are totally relatable. It’s refreshing to read about someone “real”- who just doesn’t feel like working out sometimes, even it’s for a few days in a row. I don’t get that often from other food bloggers who seem compulsive about exercise- ie getting up at the crack of dawn to have an extra dose of exercise when they could just snuggle up to their man or just god forbid, sleep in!
I also feel very guitly when I don’t workout…all day I have this nagging feeling like something is missing
That being said, I do love to work out as well and yes I’ll try to get it done in the morning but if I don’t I’ll try to do it later. Often times though there are things I’d rather attend to- social or cultural activities, especially in DC. In fact, I pride myself on my life not revolving around exercise ’cause I keep so busy doing things the city offers.
I wouldn’t let it get you down. I go through phases with being more / less motivated to work out too. Just listen to your body – you’ll get back on track!
definitely experience the guilty feeling! after 2 days off i start to go crazy!!!
I feel especially guilty when I make a workout schedule and don’t stick it. I think making a schedule helps to motivate you to get moving. Put it somewhere where you will see it a few times a day. For 3 weeks I worked out 3-4 times a week until I got sick and could workout for 5 days. That’s when the guilt set in!! But I got back into it as soon as I felt better. Once you start up again you feel much better and the guilt will be GONE!
http://www.annaseats.com
I definitely have exercise guilt when I don’t work out. It’s a horrible feeling. I even feel guilty about taking rest days, although I know how much my body needs them
When you’re an active person and accustomed to working out mindfully, as you are, “exercise guilt” is a pretty normal thing. Just remember to remain rational about your three-day respite from exercise. In the scheme of things, three days is nothing at all–certainly not enough to compromise your fitness in the least. I give you a lot of credit for listening to your body, and not forcing yourself to exercise when you’re just not feeling it!
Do you think it’s possible that you’re feeling uninspired by your types of workouts lately? I’d definitely recommend trying something brand new…that might really jumpstart your motivation.
That breakfast looks INCREDIBLE! Do you mash the banana in when it’s all cooked?
I definitely sometimes suffer from exercise guilt – it’s something I have battled with (i.e. trying not to beat myself up about it!) Working out used to be harder when I didn’t have a written down schedule because I could very easily skip work outs but I find having things written down makes me more likely to stick to a plan.
HOWEVER, I don’t think it’s the end of the world to skip workouts (1 or 15!) – sometimes we just get in a funk and don’t find the time or aren’t feeling it and I think we should go with those feelings and not worry about it too much.
Sometimes you just need a few days off!
Tina – I totally hear ya. I’ve definitely been in an exercise rut myself lately. I find when I’m really stressed/hectic I just don’t have the urge to workout like I normally do. I’m usually CRAVING activity, so when I don’t, I know it’s time to take it easy, catch up on sleep and wait for the motivation to return. I find if I let myself feel guilty or force myself into a workout, it’s usually a horrible workout and puts a bad taste in my mouth about working out. The best thing to do is just wait for that natural motivation to come and let it carry you through. Once you get a GOOD workout in, you’ll find the feeling is contagious and you’ll be craving another and another and another
GOOD LUCK! And enjoy your wide-open weekend! There’s nothing better!
i find it really refreshing that you havent
worked out since tuesday! in the blog
world it often seems like everyone works
out EVERYDAY and its a bit excessive.
that being said..if i go a few days without
exercise i tend to get bothered by it. yuckk.
I have exerrcise guilt for sure…I literally have to schedule my off days. I cannot combine an off day with a social event, because then I really feel out of balance. Two days in a row is the longest period of time in about 4 years that I have taken off.
“in the blog world it often seems like everyone works
out EVERYDAY and its a bit excessive.”
AGREED!!!
Oh heaven yes! I do feel guilty after a few days. But you know what? You are a mover my nature. If your body is not feeling the workout love at this moment- listen to it- you WILL come back when you’re ready and you’ll be stronger for it- really.
Hi Tina! I am a newcomer to your blog, and have really enjoyed getting to ‘know’ you. It’s nice to have finally found someone who I feel like I can relate to via fitness/eating habits. I am an actor, and often feel guilty if I don’t make it to the gym or do some sort of physical activity (worrying mostly if I will fit into my corset that night). But then after the show I am completely revived forgetting the dancing in my show is a workout in itself. Although to be able to get through the show working out is essential, so I usually only allow myself 3 days away. Have a great weekend, and try to reward yourself on all the success you have had because guilt will only bring you down!
I am recently recovered from anorexia, so I can definitely relate with the exercise guilt. I try to work out six days a week and take Sunday off, but if I’m just too tired or busy to go, I’ve learned to forgive myself so I can at least relax on my day off. I feel like it’s best to have your own idea of how much you want to exercise (as long as it’s within reason), and to take a break whenever you feel you need to. Exercise can be very different from person to person, and I don’t think that any one plan is best for everyone. From an intellectual standpoint (what I know rather than what I feel), I know that it really is best for me to do what I WANT to do rather than what I think I SHOULD do, and I know that for me, a moderate workout every other day (3x/week) is plenty to keep me healthy and happy.
Try not to feel guilty for not exercising since Tuesday–I’ve done it so many times, and I promise you it’s not worth it!
Thank you for being honest with us, Tina
yes, I do feel guilty..but even if I can make up with a brisk walk for 20 mins or a @ home fitness DVD (can even be salsa/zumba) I feel so much better.
I do feel guilty, even though I try so hard not to. I’ll just do some abs or a few bicep curls or anything to ease the guilt. Enjoy the time off, obviously your body is trying to tell you something, enjoy it!
I usually feel guilty after 3 days of not exercising.
I feel guilty too at certain times of the year. But, enjoy this little respite…it will give you great energy/inspiration to get started! Hang in there…don’t beat yourself up. Good luck apartment hunting!
I’m hauling around my own share of exercise guilt these days, as well. I just had all four of my wisdom teeth extracted a week ago today. The idea of going for a run still makes me cringe (all that bouncing! ow.), but I can’t help but feel guilty that I’m not making more of an effort to get my butt back in gear. All the ice cream I’ve eaten certainly doesn’t help matters!
All things considered, though, I think it all comes back to balance. My body (or in this case, my mouth!) tells me when it’s not able to handle exercise, and it’s best to listen to that, rather than the guilt.
This is the first time I have ever posted, but I am a daily reader. Just had to comment on this one, cause I am def. on the same boat. My fiance and I are house hunting so the late night trips and packed weekends is causing some workout issues. Never thought I would ever be someone that would get so antsy if I don’t workout, but over the past 8 months I have lost 20 pounds (college weight) and started working out 3-4 times a week. Boy does it make a difference!
I wish you luck tonight in your apartment search, I can’t wait for you to get your PUG! They are the best, from one new pug owner to a hopefully VERY soon other.
I feel guilty if I go more than one day without working out, these days. I’ve been doing some sort of exercise almost every day lately, and honestly, I’m starting to feel burned out. I used to be so happy to get into the gym for a nice workout, but now I’m like “ugh, I don’t want to do this!” So I’m hoping a new routine will shake things up, but I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who feels this way. It’s crazy to me that there are us out there that feel guilt if we don’t work out x times per week…but the majority of Americans work out ZERO times per week, every week! I can’t fathom that, not anymore at least.
Great idea to put the flax meal right in the oats. Will you keep your oats in the fridge now? I do feel exercise guilt when I skip a few days. Especially because if I don’t work out I usually slack on my nutrition too, so it just snowballs into even more guilt. But I just remind myself that I cannot go back and change what happened yesterday and just do what I can today!
I definitely get exercise guilt!! I try to not skip more than 2 days unless I’m going out of town. But it can be tough when I get so busy :/
I used to feel guilty because I used to think I needed to exercise all the time to stay thin. After getting a knee injury from overdoing it, and being forced to take time off, I now have a totally different attitude. Exercise happens in ebbs and flows, and if you’re in an ebb, I learned it is OKAY! Soon you will be in a flow again, and you’ll enjoy it that much more. And you don’t need to workout every day for your body to reap its benefits!
I too am having an “off” week with exercise! But, I’ve noticed a pattern of it happening once every several weeks…I think maybe it’s my body’s natural way of telling me to take a break every once in a while! (It’s either that or I’m just lazy, lol)
Anyway – you’re in great shape and take great care of yourself, so a few days off is nothing to worry about. Maybe look into some new training routines to get yourself excited about trying something new and fresh!
Happy Friday
I haven’t exercised in a couple of weeks. This is crazy for me since I usually am at the gym 3-4 times per week, plus I do a lot at home. I just felt like I needed a break though, so I am taking one. Now, I know when I get back into it, I will enjoy it again and be excited about it. Strangest thing about not working out is that I have LOST weight.
I hate days when I can’t exercise, and start having anxiety attacks. I know that I feel so much better throughout my day if I have my morning workout, so it has become a very important part of my life. There are times when I have to miss a day, and I try to just move on and not feel guilty since I’m usually very active. You too are very active and missing 3 days is absolutely no big deal in the long run! But I understand how you feel you need to get back to working out. I think for so many of us, our workouts help deal with stress, anxiety, etc., so our bodies (as well as our mental well-being) can feel it when we take a break!
I feel guilty if I go a single day without SOME sort of exercise, even if it’s because I’m sick or on vacation. It’s tough with running because you really loose your fitness so quickly, especially if you’re not doing any other type of cardio in the meantime. But sometimes life happens and you’ll catch up in time.
A few years ago I had a problem with overexercise and now I always associate guilt over missing exercise with that time. As a result, I really try to purposely miss a couple of days now and then.
brilliant with the flax and oats – although i do like the way it looks sprinkled on top!
Tina~
Do you know when will the new Larabars be avilible to the public? *drool*
I have intense feeling of guilt if i go 1 day without exercise. It’s not the healthiest of places and something i’m working on. I don’t think i have taken off more than 3 days in a row in the last 3 years…EVEN with the flu. BAd I know:(
Hopefully things can change!
B
@Barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels): I don’t, but I hope SOON!
OMG do I ever and I am in it right now! I need to get back on track.
Don’t stress about it, even though I do the same thing. I feel guilty if I don’t get some type of physical activity in my day. I walk twice a day at work, during my breaks, so I get 2 miles in, but I like that to be an added bonus. I am trying to gain weight right now though so my dr. has put a limit on my running, which is very sad. I know it is for my good but I still feel guilty for not getting in my good runs. I still lift, walk, and do my elliptical, but I miss running. Anyways, I understand how you feel, but don’t worry. Sometimes we just need to listen to our bodies. Sounds like you have a lot going on so resting is a good thing:)
Ugh, I’ve been in an exercise slump lately. Generally I do 4-5 times a week, but I only worked out once so far this week, and it was a pathetic workout. It’s been a combination of exhaustion (working at camp!) and stress/depression (job searching…). I keep making excuses, but I stepped on the scale this morning and know that has to stop. :/ I know that working out helps with these things but it’s so hard to motivate myself! It’s good to know that I’m not the only one.
Your oats look like they are going to grow out of the bowl! Look great
I can relate to you about feeling exercise guilt for sure. If I don’t go for a couple days I start to get antsy, plus exercise just makes me feel good and sleep like a rock. But then I remember that there is always going to be a day soon to get a good pumping workout again and try not to get too focused on it. You won’t lose all your hard work in one week. Have fun on your date night 
I totally feel this a lot. Mostly I feel it when I have the time for exercise but just don’t do it. I felt it today too though because I have a little bit of a cold and just didn’t feel like working out. It’s a crappy feeling and really can put a damper on how you feel about yourself.
I definatly do! I fel guilty if I give up after not doing a very tough or hard core work out.
Depends on the reason why I haven’t exercised. If I’m consistantly tired over a few days because of a hard workout, I don’t mind skipping a few. But as you said, you NEED to exercise some days, even if you don’t feel like it cuz it will do your body good. Like the idea of mixing oats and flax.
Better get back on it, since it appears all you ever eat is junk food.
I totally feel guilty when I don’t work out. I have this feeling that I’m missing something because I love the feeling after working out. I know that sometimes it’s just not possible but I love to do some sort of activity everyday.
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