Tag Archives: chia seeds

Experiments with oatmeal!

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First, I want to start this post with a shout out to spin class.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a workout nut. I love the feeling of getting a good sweat on, especially in the morning. Today, I took a kick ass Soul Cycle Class with the instructor Rique. If you live in the NY area and haven’t taken his class PLEASE DO. In my opinion, Soul Cycle is always an amazing experience, but this guy is life changing. It is nearly impossible to get into his class, but if you can, go for it. YOU WILL NOT BE disappointed!

Anyway, after I returned from my cycle sesh, I was starving. Oatmeal is always my go to breakfast. It is a fantastic source of slow release carbs. This means the glycemic load of oatmeal doesn’t force your blood sugar to SKY ROCKET like a white refined carb would. It keeps you full and satisfied for a long time. Also, it is a surprisingly good source of protein. With 6 grams in one cup of cooked oatmeal, you can’t go wrong. 6 grams may not sound like a lot, but it is definitely going to add to your protein count for the day.

My favorite oatmeal is Chocolate Oatmeal. I enjoy it nearly every morning. I mean common, who doesn’t love chocolate?! For some reason, I wanted something different. As I thought of about a creative oatmeal idea, I made some coffee. Yummm Coffee…

….Coffee Oatmeal?

yup

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Mocha Oatmeal

  • 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup milk of choice
  • 1 TBS cocoa powder
  • 2 packets stevia
  • 1/2 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp instant coffee (I use trader Joes brand)**
  • fruit of choice (Berries are my fave)

Mix all ingredients **EXCEPT Coffee and cocoa powder** in a large bowl and microwave for a minute and a half. Stir and microwave for another minute. Keep a close eye on it.. make sure it doesn’t spill over while microwaving!!! Stir in cocoa and coffee, Top with berries and ENJOY!

**If you don’t have instant coffee, try omitting water and subbing 1/2 cup fresh brewed coffee and 1/2 cup milk of choice. I can’t vouch for the results, but it may work :)

I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was! Just goes to show that experimenting in the kitchen can lead to new favorites!!!

xoxoSYN

Run down

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The past ten days have been incredibly intense for me. We learned an entire broadway show in just TEN days!!! That is ridiculously fast.

I haven’t mentioned my role in the show. I am what we call a “swing”. My job is to know every female track in the show, and be able to go on at any moment. I go on if someone is sick, injured, has a personal day, is on vacation, etc. Our show has 9 female ensemble members and I am responsible for them all! It truly is the most difficult job I have ever had. It is also really stressful.

I think everything is catching up to me, because when I came home from work today I felt really run down. The instant I start to feel a tickle in my throat I turn to this smoothie. It sounds a little funny to some people, but I promise it tastes delicious. It will help to boost your immune system and kick that cold before it even has a chance to take over your body!!

Before I share the recipe, I need to introduce you to my number one immune booster:

UnknownSpirulina is awesome. It is a blue-green algae and is considered a “super food”. This stuff is OVERFLOWING with nutrients, and is so incredibly good for you. It is also a serious source of vegeterian protein, and will also help to boost your energy!

More Details About Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica

As one of the most nutritious, concentrated whole foods known to humankind, one 3 gram serving of Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica provides:
• 60% protein and an excellent source of Vitamins A, K1, K2, B12 and Iron, Manganese, and Chromium*
• Rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD, and phycocyanin*

The Nutritional Benefits
• Strengthens the immune system*
• Boosts energy levels*
• Supports cellular health*
• Supports cardiovascular, eye and brain health*

You can buy it in any health food store, but if you can’t find it, here is a link

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Immune Boost Super Smoothie

  • 1 banana (frozen or fresh)
  • Frozen strawberries (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup kale
  • 1 tsp Spirulina
  • 3 packets stevia (more or less depending on how sweet you want it)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbs cacao Powder ***(or regular cocoa powder)
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 4 ice cubes
  • 1 tbs cooked quinoa (optional. add if you have some already made!)

***Cacao powder is also a super food. It is the powdered form of raw chocolate :)

Blend all ingredients and enjoy!!!

I know that the idea of spinach and kale in a smoothie can be intimidating. I also know that the green color freaks some people out. I promise you can’t taste it, and it is a great way to get an added dose of greens!

TRY IT!!!

xoxoSYN

Finding Time

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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!

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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

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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

Chocolate for Breakfast

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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!

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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