Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Pumpkin OOIAJ

The most beautiful view is the one I share with you

This morning I finally did it. I dragged my sleepy butt out of my comfy king sized bed and went to spin class at 5:45. It was still dark outside, which can only mean the sun was trying to tell me to jump back in bed and sleep. The dogs were even too tired to bark at me when I got back at 7... now that is telling you something!

Since I was already awake and had time to spare I decided to make a healthy lunch that wasn't thrown together frantically in 2 seconds. Black bean burgers with hummus and spring greens.

Black bean burger recipe.


I really do love how easy these bad boys are to make and how healthy they are. I'm not one bit sad about not packing a salad today.


I also packed some of my roasted garlic hummus for a snack. I topped it off with some Old Bay...don't judge. You can never just lightly sprinkle this stuff. After reading blog after blog about overnight oats in a jar {OOIAJ} I decided I needed to try this addiction. I prepared my oats last night in an empty organic peanut butter jar. I don't know how anyone eats this entire thing! It was so filling, delicious and creamy. If you don't judge my OB obsession I won't judge yours.

Pumpkin OOIAJ:
1/3-1/2 cup oats
1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon)
3/4 cup nonfat Milk (or Almond Milk for vegan recipe)
1/2 tbsp sugar free syrup
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
Walnuts (optional topping)
1/2 tbsp sugar free syrup (optional topping)
Dried Cranberries or Raisins (optional topping)
granola (optional topping)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in your empty peanut/almond butter jar. Mix well. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. Top with raisins, cranberries, walnuts, granola and/or maple syrup and enjoy!

my toppings
I swear the oats are in there! They are hiding!

I decided to make a list of goals I would like to accomplish in March.

1. I would like to go the gym in the morning 2 days a week. Preferably on Monday's and Tuesday's so I can come home to Chris on the days he has off work and actually spend time with him other than shoving our face with dinner and then going to bed after watching a movie/tv/BRAVO {yes, he watches all seasons of Real Housewives with me}.


2. Pick up my bike from my parents. I have been attending spin class 3-4 times a week and think now that the weather is {hopefully} starting to warm up I could probably bike to my gym. It is about 5 miles away, but I could always use an excuse to get some Chipotle next door. {yes- I am that girl who has a basket attached to her bike for the sole purpose of riding around the neighborhood with her tiny dog. Moo loves bike rides!}


3. Continue to find new healthy recipes and workouts that are outside the box. Bootcamp class, yoga in the city, rock climbing, etc. I have already lost about 8 pounds without trying - my healthy lifestyle has become a routine and not a chore!


4. Find a sushi making class for me and Chris to take with his mom and stepdad. I just want to take a one day class where we can learn how to make 3-4 rolls. I think that would be so much fun!


I think those are pretty reasonable goals! Tonight Chris and I are heading to his mom's for game night with his family - hence the reason I went to the gym this morning. We are ordering Mexican and I will hopefully be in a guac and cheese coma.

do you guys make goals at the beginning of each month? have you ever taken a sushi/cooking class?

xoxo,
Cara

17 comments:

  1. OMG, I want to join you in all of these! I can't wait to get a bike. Not an exercise bike (that's what the gym is for) but like a beach cruiser with a basket that Shane and I can go out for a bike ride and just enjoy fresh air. It's gonna happen.

    I LOVE rock climbing gyms. I'm too much of a pansy to do it IRL, but a gym, heck yeah!! It's so much fun, and it really is a great arm workout, and you don't even feel like you're exercising!!

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  2. You should definitely do it! I loved our apartment in college it had a bike trail around the community that was perfect for summer night rides! I have never done the rock climbing gyms but there is one near my house that I am dying to try!

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  3. I want to buy a bike but they are so expensive! I really don't have much storage space for it anyways :(
    There is a rock wall in Annapolis and right by my house but I'm always scared to try them!
    Great goals - Check out Whole Foods list...they have sushi making classes sometimes!

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  4. I have a sushi tutorial (ok..TWO!) if you need something to hold you over until you take a class!!! a sushi making class sounds so flipping fun but I could never find one so I just made my own with friends! beyond fun! <3

    You have some great goals!! and omg how cute to drive around in a bike with your pup!? I still have never seen that to this day! it should be more common =) cause it would make ppl smile allll the time! <3

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    ps: my computer sabotaged my sound attempt with the video! totally going to try with a camera and not a webcam. sorry you had to watch a mute me! hahaha!

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  5. @fashionfitnessfoodie
    We should go sometime. I know there is one in Columbia. There is a sushi class at WF this Friday but it is 75 dollars so I am going to look around!

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  6. @Jennifer
    hahaha no i loved it! it was cute i just wish i could have heard you more! i can't wait to see more vlogs, i always wonder what the writers sound like! creeper! ;-)

    ill have to look at your sushi tutorial!

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  7. I haven't made any goals for the month, but now I'm thinking that I should :) I definitely need to get my bike out of retirement!

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  8. New Follower! Love your blog :)

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  9. I love ooiaj, those oats look delicious! I've never had a sushi tutorial but I bought a kit from Amazon and my bf and I have become experts at sushi rolling! :)

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  10. @Jenny
    Did you guys watch any videos on you tube. haha I feel like I won't have any idea what I am doing!

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  11. @ Neely yay! I am so glad you found me!

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  12. Cara you are FABULOUS! I def try and wake up early (between 6-630) to get to the gym 3 x a week if possible because I love getting there and being done for the day! You're AMAZING! I wish I could even TRY and a spin class- I'm a lil intimidated by it ha! I think all your goals are fabulous and I know you can do all of them! xoxox

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  13. how fun! I cant wait to see how your sushi class goes. It is such a skill. It is all about the rice. The rice makes the difference.

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  14. @Aubrey King
    Do you have any tips! Do I need a special rice maker. I am in the dark on this sushi making stuff!

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  15. Yum, I love making my own veggies burgers!

    I'm totally a goal person. I tend to set unrealistic goals... haha but I still like to try!

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  16. @Cara

    We watched a video on youtube ;)

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  17. I was up early this morning for the gym despite not wanting to as well...I felt so good after! I like your idea of getting a workout over with in the morning so you can have time with Chris! I do the same for my bf.

    Ok that is way too cute...I want a little dog and a bike so I can bike around with it! haha :)

    I have never attended a sushi class but that sounds amazing!! Totally want to!

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