Ever find that when you get onto a new schedule, it takes a minute to find your routine again? Sometimes, when our lives change drastically, we neglect to do the things that make us happy, and only focus on the major tasks at hand. I am one of those people. Whenever I start a new show, or project I completely immerse myself in the work. It is great for job preparedness, but I have to admit that other aspects of my life often times suffer.

The 2 things that seem to suffer the most are my diet and exercise. Having a balanced diet and an active lifestyle is crucial to my sanity. Normally, when I’m in rehearsals, working out sounds like an awful idea. I also find that I’m not as prepared when it comes food. It’s hard to pack a lunch and snacks when all you want to do is pass out on the couch after a long day!

Well, I made a promise to myself that once I started “Big Fish” rehearsals, I would not allow my regular habits sneak in. I vowed that I would find time to work out, and make sure that I made my lunches at home. So far, I have been successful! It has only been two days, but I truly believe that if I start out on the right foot, I will keep it going.

This morning I set my alarm bright and early, and  took a ridiculously amazing class at Body By Simone. I have discovered that if I work out first thing in the morning I feel more energized for the rest of my day. It’s also nice to know that once it’s done IT’S DONE. After a quick shower, and a not so quick cab ride, I arrived at rehearsal.

The night before I decided to pack not only my lunch, but my breakfast as well!

Lunch was a salad, topped with artichoke, tomato, beets, red pepper, black beans, pistachios and vegan shredded cheese.

For a snack, I packed veggies and an apple.

Breakfast was by far my favorite addition to the group

Overnight Strawberry Banana Bread Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 banana chopped
• 3-4 strawberries (depending on size) chopped
• stevia to taste

AT NIGHT: Microwave the dry oats, water, vanilla, stevia and chia seeds for about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer cooked oatmeal to a mason jar (or a Tupperware). Next, add chopped fruit to the top. Put the lid on container and give it a shake (you want the fruit to be mixed into the oatmeal). Put the container in the fridge overnight. In the morning, enjoy your overnight oats cold! Bring them to work, or eat them at home. Either way they are awesome :)

(if you can’t fathom the idea of cold oatmeal, then by all means re-heat it!)

I’ve already got another mason jar in the fridge for tomorrow… and I’m sure they will make  repeat appearances throughout the week.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!!

xoxoSYN

Well, due to some skin issues I’ve been having, dairy can no longer be a part of my life. It’s pretty sad because I am a greek yogurt fanatic!!! Oh well… I love a challenge and finding substitutions will just fuel my fire :)

So I know the real reason you clicked on this post. Chocolate at any time of the day is awesome, but chocolate for breakfast time really takes the “Cake”…(chocolate cake?)

Your mother would have probably forbid this idea. “Breakfast is NOT the time for desert!” Well I say EAT YOUR DESERT WHENEVER YOU WANT!

Chocolate Oatmeal Heaven

• 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp chia seeds**
• 1 tbs coco powder
• 1/4 tsp Baking soda
• 2 packets stevia
• 1 tsp vanilla
• FRUIT! (I used a banana, blue berries, black berries, raspberries and strawberries)
• Optional (add 1 tbs nut butter….Reeces oatmeal perhaps?)

Combine oats, water and chia in a bowl (mix so that the chia seeds are dispersed amongst the oatmeal). Cook for 2 and a half minutes depending on microwave). Add coco powder, stevia and vanilla. Mix completely (you will start to smell an amazing chocolaty aroma…your welcome. Top with fruit, and ENJOY!

**Chia seeds are awesome. They expand when they are introduced to liquids. Cooking them at a high temperature with the oatmeal enhances their expansion and gives a nice bulk to the oatmeal. They also aid in hydration and are a complete protein!

This is a great choice for breakfast. The oats are a complete protein, which will help to keep you full until lunch time. The chia seeds are a complete protein, and help with hydration and fullness. The fiber from the fruit will also keep you full, and give you a nice healthy sugar boost to start your morning..

—and who said that chocolate was unacceptable in the morning?!

xoxo Syn