(Un)Beautiful Morning
What a beautiful day in Boston!
Seriously, Mother Nature, what is going on with the weather? I’m starting to get seasonal depression from this supposed “summer”! 
Ick.
With this type of weather for the millionth day in a row, I needed something to brighten up my morning. I got a package of Nasoya Silken Creations the other day, so I thought it would be a nice treat in my morning bowl of oats. Nasoya Silken Creations are a non-dairy starter for smoothies and desserts, but why not in oats, too? Hey, I’ll try anything once! 
The vanilla-flavored Nasoya Silken Creations made an excellent addition to my oats! With a banana thrown into the mix, they tasted like banana cream pie! Delish!
The vanilla Nasoya Silken Creations tastes like rich, creamy pudding. I can see how it could be easily combined into dessert and smoothie recipes. It’s even a decadent treat right out of the package– I stole a few bites while waiting for my oats to cook!
Nutritional Info for Nasoya Silken Creations
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup Nasoya Silken Creations
- 1 banana, sliced
I skipped my usual iced coffee this morning and drank tea some special tea from our trip to the Fairmont Empress. It was a wonderful breakfast for a gloomy day like today.
Workout
How are your Monday Mini Goals working out? Have you achieved yours yet?
I’m just one strength training workout away from meeting my Monday Mini Goal! 
This morning’s workout: 20 minutes elliptical + 30 minute strength training workout (below).
- Lat Pull-Downs: 3 sets, 10 reps, 50 lbs. machine
- Military Press: 3 sets, 10 reps, 20 lbs. dumbbells
- Upright Row: 3 sets, 12 reps, 15 lbs. dumbbells
- Triceps Dips: 3 sets, 20 reps, body weight
- Biceps Curls: 3 sets, 10 reps, 15-20 lbs. dumbbells
- Overhead Triceps Extensions: 3 sets, 15 reps, 10 lbs. (machine)
Healthy Eating on Vacation
Check out my new Health post about putting my healthy rules into practice during my recent West Coast vacation.
Vacation Dieting Part 2: Putting My Rules into Practice
Question of the Day
What do you have planned for the July 4th weekend? Anything fun and exciting?
Tags: Nasoya Silken Creations
Katherine — July 1, 2009 @ 7:32 am
i’m going for a run with another blogger and then escaping to the Hamptons with my husband and in-laws. i can’t wait for some tasty grilled vegetables and fresh seafood!
Rebecca — July 1, 2009 @ 7:40 am
I have that same weather in Albany,NY. I’m only 3 hours from Boston so it makes sense! I hate this type of weather too!
Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) — July 1, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Oh, boo! Hope the nasty weather turns around soon
Tina — July 1, 2009 @ 8:06 am
I know! In NJ, I think it rained 19 out of 22 days at one point. We actually lost power at work for a bit yesterday due to a passing storm.
Goals are doing well–got 8 hrs of sleep Monday and Tuesday nights and I’ve used up something in my freezer each day this week. Unfortunately, I have not gone near the pool this week at all.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — July 1, 2009 @ 8:09 am
I agree with your lament about the weather – I need more sunshine! I’m headed to my parents house in Pennsylvania and have plans to run a local 5K race. Hopefully my IT band cooperates!
Lauren — July 1, 2009 @ 8:17 am
Seriously, where is the sunshine?!
I have become quite a fan of the Nasoya Silken Creations. I currently have a vanilla carton open, and am planning on whipping up some pumpkin pudding later today. The dark chocolate flavor is even better! I recently posted a few of the ways I enjoyed it. I wonder how the strawberry flavor is?
Sarah — July 1, 2009 @ 8:17 am
We finally got some decent weather this week after a mix of 100 degree temperatures and then raining (and storming) for days on end. Hope it gets nicer there for you soon!
I’m going to have to try that silken creations, sounds great!
Stacy — July 1, 2009 @ 8:24 am
I keep hearing about Silken. I’ll have to try it. How did you cook the oats – was there other liquid or did you cook it with the silken?
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) — July 1, 2009 @ 8:24 am
The weather is so beautiful out here in CO. I’m getting a little bummed about moving back to New England soon! I like summer weather, and there’s certainly not been much of it in the Boston area!
erin — July 1, 2009 @ 8:39 am
one more day for me as well! i’m gonna stick with this mini goal thing… it really works!
it really isn’t quite feeling like summer! i haven’t had a HOT HOT day in MD. or at least what i consider hot. Hmmph. I hope it gets going soon!
Whitney — July 1, 2009 @ 8:39 am
I am two strength training workouts away from making my mini goal!
Hope the murky fog disappears soon!
Jess — July 1, 2009 @ 8:50 am
I’m doing great with my exercise mini goal (6 workouts, at least 2 strength) but not good with my eating goal. I’ve stayed away from coffee, but caved on the sugar! Oh well – I can always make that my goal next week!
jenna — July 1, 2009 @ 8:53 am
wow your oats look so creamy!! I might have to try some silken!
I hope your weather gets better!! it looks so dark and gloomy there!
Tina — July 1, 2009 @ 8:53 am
@Stacy: Nope, just the ingredients listed.
Christina — July 1, 2009 @ 8:55 am
That oatmeal looks so good and creamy!
I have nothing special planned for the 4th, just some bbqs!
Lee — July 1, 2009 @ 9:07 am
I had the chocolate version of that tofu last week. It was just like pudding. I bought it with the intention of putting it in smoothies but ended up just eating it with a spoon.
brandi — July 1, 2009 @ 9:09 am
great job on the workout! One run down and I’m planning on yoga tonight. I’m half way there and I know I’ll make it
My husband is doing this crazy biking/kayaking/running race this weekend and his family is coming to visit, so it should be fun. Maybe a beer/wine festival too? Who knows at this point!
all those new starbucks options look great!
K — July 1, 2009 @ 9:14 am
July 4th is my birthday so there will definitely be BBQs galore! I really want to pick up some of those Nasoya products – I’ve heard great things about them!!
Victoria — July 1, 2009 @ 9:14 am
For the Fourth of July, we can see the fireworks display from out bedroom window, so we always climb out onto the roof of our house to watch!
MarathonVal — July 1, 2009 @ 9:16 am
It’s been the same way in Chicago! Yesterday felt like a yucky October day.. although I usually like October weather, but this is just not summer! Hopefully today is more beautiful where you are!
Natalie — July 1, 2009 @ 9:17 am
Your oatmeal looks so creamy!
for July 4th, I’ll be going to my friends bbq. Should be a fun time
Kati — July 1, 2009 @ 9:35 am
That Nasoya looks awesome! I wonder which stores will carry it…we are going to my husband’s grandparent’s lake house for the 4th! :>
Caitlyn (Cait's Plate) — July 1, 2009 @ 9:36 am
Wow that oatmeal looks amazing. Thanks for the mini-goal idea, I just started another one of my yoga challenges – you inspired me to get my butt in gear!
Meghan@traveleatlove — July 1, 2009 @ 9:44 am
I am going to RELAX! After working 12+ hours a day for a month and going away the past several weekends, I am looking forward to some serious home time. That and a final dinner at Icarus before it closes forever
Jocelyn — July 1, 2009 @ 9:49 am
I love seeing what people do when they work out. I’ve been getting into Yoga lately. I tried partner yoga for the first time the other day and I fell in love with it. It’s such an incredible spiritual experience not to mention great for your body! Check out my website for photos of me doing partner Yoga : )
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — July 1, 2009 @ 10:01 am
we have the same weather here —blahhhhh!
Michelle — July 1, 2009 @ 10:17 am
I do have 4th of July plans…it’s my birthday on the 4th!!
Hope everyone has an amazing long weekend!!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale — July 1, 2009 @ 10:18 am
In Chicago, the 4th is celebrated the night of the 3rd! The big event is fireworks in Grant Park, complete with a performance by the symphony. Every year, my family brings a huge picnic and lots of wine, camp out of the grass and watch the show!
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn — July 1, 2009 @ 10:21 am
I actually forgot about my mini-goal yesterday, but remembered this morning and did push ups in the park!! Thanks again for the inspiration- my arms are sore from it!
Btw- do you recommend that soy creation product?
Stacey — July 1, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Sorry your sky is still gray! My July fourth is going to be spent at botanical gardens during the day and then under awesome fireworks with my sweetie that night
Kelsey — July 1, 2009 @ 10:44 am
i can totally relate to the weather! here in michigan, its only 60* and overcast :[ where’s the summer sun?!
i have a mini goal to do a few pilates + yoga moves in the morning and so far its going great!
Low — July 1, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Ugh, sorry about the weather!!
My mini goals are going well! I was supposed to get shoes and a dress for an upcoming rehearsal dinner. I got the shoes, and hope to get the dress this weekend. I was also supposed to be in bed by 10:15 every night. I slacked a little last night but it was still lights out before 10:30 so not bad!
I have lots of plans to enjoy fireworks shoes, watch baseball and live music. Can’t wait!
CaSaundra — July 1, 2009 @ 10:57 am
I think the weather all across the US sucks! Of course MN is getting another summer that is skimping on the nice weather.
Hopefully the sun will be out tomorrow here and there!
Leah — July 1, 2009 @ 11:10 am
I am SO excited for the 4th! I am seeing my FAM for the first time in almost a year and we are driving to the coast to stay with the Granparents! Yay! I am REALLY happy I get to see them!
Mariel — July 1, 2009 @ 11:47 am
I love that silken tofu! I made brownies with the dark chocolate kind–the recipe is on their website. So delish!
Julie — July 1, 2009 @ 11:51 am
Ugh, Tina! We haven’t had a spring or summer!! There were only 8 days in June where it didn’t rain. This is bogus.
My mini goal is going FAB! It was to reduce bloat as much as humanly possible, and it’s working! I think a large part is due to the big changes I’ve made in my daily eating habits recently. I’m also drinking my weaigh in water and chugging 2 cups of tea a day.
I think I’m going to pick up some of that tofu…I wonder what else you can make with it besides smoothies and puddings…? hmmm.
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings — July 1, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Sorry to see that weather!! DC has been sooo hot and sunny lately but after taking a look at your post I think I should be thankful!! Hope things turn around for Boston in time for the holiday weekend :O)
ratzx31 — July 1, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
hi the oat looks delicious. just one question, how do you do your oats? i am curious as to where you cook them or just soak them over nite? and if you do cook them, how do you do it? over the stove or microwave and for how long to get such consistency? thanks.
Tina — July 1, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
@ratzx31: I make stove top oats, which take about 5 minutes to cook.
Kristie — July 1, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
The weather seems to be icky all over the place lately! We’ve had rainy days all week so far. SO strange.
I want to be able to get that tofu so badly… banana cream pie oats sound to die for!
Hallie — July 1, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Boo bad weather! It’s just starting to get nice here…and I live in San Diego, for goodness’ sake! It’s supposed to be gorgeous year-round
Not sure about 4th of July yet but my guy’s mom is coming over for a July 3 dinner…her ribs, baked beans, etc etc etc
joan — July 1, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Family, bbq, and fireworks.
And we are planning a retirement/birthday party for my sister. Her last day of work was yesterday!
Georgia — July 1, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
I know totally what you’re saying.. However, I would trade you! This Texas heat is no fun. NO ME GUSTA!!!!
Melissa — July 1, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
Great idea for adding protein and volume to oatmeal!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now — July 1, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
I’m so excited for the 4th, mostly because I’m running the Peachtree Road Race that morning. I’m SO excited for it!!!
Maria — July 1, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
We are finally getting sun in Utah. We are going to our friends house this weekend. They have a pool and we will bbq! I can’t wait!
Ashley @ On The Rocks — July 1, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
that silken looks amazing! whats the nutritional info?
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — July 1, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Yummy! Banana Cream Pie anything works for me!
Tina — July 1, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
@Ashley @ On The Rocks: If you click on the link in my post that says “Nutritional Info for Nasoya Silken Creations,” you can find it all right there!
Leah — July 1, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Mmm I might have to try that Nasoya – I’m assuming you can find it at Whole Foods? My Monday mini goal is getting killed by this weather! I’ll try to walk to work tomorrow morning – hopefully it will be nicer.
For the 4th I think I might be going to the Red Sox game!
Tina — July 1, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
@Leah: Yes, I think so. I found it at Hanniford’s with the tofu.