Ahhhh, I am so missing yoga! 2 days and not one Down Dog. I went to the gym this morning, and got my sweat on with the following:
10 minutes on the Step Mill (8 minutes at level 8 and 2 minutes at level 12)
Upper Body (3 sets each): Chest Press, Shoulder Press, Tricep Press Downs, Machine Seated Row, and Preacher Curls.
Abs: 2 minute plank hold & 60 seconds of slow/fast bicycle crunches
One Tabata Interval on the bike with a 3 minute warm-up and a 3 minute cool down.
In and out of the gym in less than 45 minutes. Perfect…well almost perfect, as there was no Pigeon Pose. 
I had a 60 minute massage on my quads and hamstrings today. Ugh, it was PAINFUL. My legs are feeling much better now, and I’m going try some yoga tomorrow, but I promise not to overdo it!
Next up, breakfast…
Fried eggs on toast with sweet potato fries.
I had several goals for this morning’s meal. A) I needed more fat than I had yesterday. B) I wanted to use some of my Trader Joe’s Sprouted Wheat Berry bread. C) There NEEDED to be a little something sweet on the side. D) NUT BUTTER had to be somewhere on my plate. Above is my creation. I grew up eating eggs on toast – so good when the egg yolk makes the toast all soggy! Agreed? The sweet potato fries received a few shots of cooking oil spray and salt/pumpkin pie spice. I then baked them in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes. After they were done, I smeared 1 tsp. of Smart Balance Light on a piece of toast and fried 2 eggs in cooking oil spray. Plopped the eggs on top of the toast and used some Naturally Nutty Chocolate Butter Toffee peanut butter as my fry condiment of choice. My taste buds were smiling! The stats: 469 calories, 22 grams of fat (40%), 50 grams of carbs (41%), and 22 grams of protein (19%). Today’s meal definitely had more staying power, and I loved the big plate full of food. Sometimes, you need to please the eyes as much as the belly. 
Thanks to everyone for your comments on my blog. I read each and every one. I’m definitely going to try some of your coffee suggestions as I’m trying to lessen my dairy consumption…and failing miserably! Tomorrow’s breakfast is inspired by one of my favorite bloggers. Obviously, it will involve peanut butter…I’ll even use smooth in your honor, Lee! Y’all know I’m a chunky girl at heart. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for the Valentine’s Day Blogger Exchange. You can read all about it here. See you tomorrow!
PS – I’m seriously thinking of dropping my gym membership and joining a yoga studio. Thoughts?
OK, gotta go watch Lost!
{ 37 comments }
Sweet potatoes and nut-butter on the same plate?!?!??!! A-freaking-mazing-holy-yumness.
BIG move!! Your yoga studio sounds awesome though so keep us updated! I could seriously make your breakfasts for any meal they are soo bomb lookin’!!
Mmmm… I know what I’m having for breakfast tomorrow! Fried eggs on toast! I would totally make some sweet potato fries, but I don’t think I’ll have time. Maybe for dinner!
Sweet Potato Fries for breakfast!? Umm…GENIUS!!!
what a creative use of nut butter! i hadn’t thought of that one yet. i put some almond butter in my yogurt this morning, but i’m sure you’ve probably done that before!
Get the yoga membership!!! I think you’ll love it
You just made me want a leg massage so bad!
When I was liitle I used to break the yolk with the toast and it was fabulous! I need to do that soon.
I can’t remember if I said this in the last post, but what I’ve been doing lately with coffee is adding cinnamon and a little but of turbinado sugar right into the grinds when I made it. Then I add a bit of warmed light soy milk and I heart it v. much!
Girl, I am all over joining a yoga studio! I haven’t been to a gym in over a year and have only been practicing yoga. I have never felt healthier or more fit (or worn a smaller size!). It really is a wonderful, life long exercise! It keeps ya’ young! Mmmm…I could talk about it all day…but I won’t =)
That breakfast looks delish…Sweet potato in the morning is so good!
First of all, I want to thank you again for the yoga inspiration! I finally made my way to a studio in town today … I moved here about 4 months ago and have not done yoga in a studio since. My boyfriend actually offered to join me (his first time!) because he knew how badly I’ve been wanting to get back into it!
I did an all levels class, and it was really nice to ease back into it. Much more emphasis on simply following your breath … did some warrior poses, sun salutations, etc. It was a bit too “stretchy” and not intense enough for me .. but supposedly the studio’s Vinyasa yoga is a bit more of a workout. I got a 5 class card, so I am all set!
As far as quitting the gym and joining a studio, I would say go for it! Especially if you enjoy running outside and feel like you could do strength training at home in a pinch (although yoga seems to be enough most of the time!!) Keep us posted!!
Hey Amanda, I’m so excited you went to yoga…and that your boyfriend joined you. I think that is great. Your first class sounds like it was a good way to get back into yoga mode, and I hope you try the Vinyasa class. Enjoy your 5 day pass! Those passes get the job done, at least for me! After a week, I’m definitely ready to join a studio – thanks for the encouragement. Let me know how the other classes go. -Heather
Heck yes for toast and eggs! I’ve actually never tried the “runny” effect with the yolk before. I’ve always been scared of it. My dad makes it all the time though, so next time I’ll have to ask him to make an extra for me! Love the sweet potato fries, too!
I say if you love yoga as much as it seems like you do, you should definitely consider joining a studio instead of the gym! Do what makes you happy always
And as for the Coffee Cocoa, you can find the recipe here: http://eatingbender.wordpress.com/sunday-brunch/coffee-cocoa/
ENJOY!!
Let me know if you do end up trying it!
I’m really like the chocolate butter toffee peanut butter, I just got a sample from Naturally Nutty. I thought it would be much thicker than the original Butter Toffee but it’s not, and it is not TOO sweet but perfectly sweetened in my opinion.
Love your breakfast! It looks like it would be very filling! I think that it would be awesome if you joined a yoga studio. It seems like they are expensive, but if you would use it, it would totally be worth it! Maybe you could offer to do free advertising for them on your blog in exchange for a membership. That way you could keep the gym pass????
Abbie
FoodsThatFit.wordpress.com
To quote DMB, “So much to say!”
Awesome workout…I feel you on those plank holds. My shoulders are feeling it today.
Did you really dip your fries in chocolate peanut butter?! That is so crazy it is brilliant!!!
Excited to see your PB brekkie, even it if is crunchy-nut-butter-free.
You are a LOSTie too! We are definitely soul sisters!
I say go for it with the yoga. You’ve done the gym thing for so long, its time for a change, and you can always go back!
i am not a fan of sunny-side up eggs, but they always LOOK yummy, as it does in your photo! yumm that whole meal looks awesome.
it doesn’t sound like a bad idea to move to the yoga studio! you should at least give it a try~
you KNOW I think you should do the studio…but just in case
Im echoing the masses…
Hey Heather,
My first visit to your blog. Read your about page…all I can say is ‘good for you!’
I love to read about those who get out there and make it happen (so to speak).
Melanie, thank you for your kind words and for reading my blog!
That plate looks so delish! Nut butter!!!
I love your breakfast! It actually reminded me of a healthier version of the tradional english breafasts I had in Ireland, oh how I miss those heart attacks on a plate
So much to say about this post.
1. Rockin awesome breakfast.
2. Just curious, do you count calories for everything you eat?
3. I tried giving up dairy for a bit, it didn’t work…at all
4. I think that you should do what your body craves. If I could afford to join a studio, I would. Right now all I can afford is to buy the sessions which cost me $60 for 4 classes.
Hey Beadie,
I do not count all of my calories all the time. Some days I don’t do it all, and then I’ll start up again if I feel I’m getting off track. It’s amazing how off I can be when trying to judge my food intake. I’m trying to relax more and listen to my body, but then my pants start feeling tight and I freak out a bit. I’ve been counting in the morning as I’m really trying to figure out which nutrients help to keep me going until lunch. I’m definitely finding I need more fat at breakfast. Mmm, more nut butter.
Thanks for your encouraging words regarding the yoga studio. I think I am going to join…I too wish the classes were not so pricey!
i am thinking about quitting my gym, too! its so expensive. and you’ll probably save so much money rather than paying per session at yoga.
OMG. this is so up my alley. That meal looks a-maz-ing. Wish I could cook…ahh, topic for another conversation I guess.
I used to do yoga a lot, before I got heavy into Pilates and I considered nixing the gym as well for a studio, but I think I just thought that the gym offered more flexibility in case I missed a class and I was therefore more likely to attend. Does that even make sense?
I love soggy egg yolk bread. I don’t treat myself to its goodness nearly often enough. Your breakfast is completely gourmet breakfast diner worthy. Actually it’s probably much better than any diner. Where the heck can you get delicious sweet potato fries in the AM? Paired with nut butter no less… wowzas.
I think I need to consider trying the bigger protein/fat combo at breakfast more often. My breakfasts never hold me over that long and my tummy always ends up on the verge of growling (if not actually growling, which is never fun in a quite classroom) so preventing that would be nice… I think more eggs are in my breakfasty future!
As for the yoga studio, I say go with it. Why not? You seem to really love yoga, and cardio and strength can easily be done for free in the comfort of your home. A good yoga studio should be something you allow yourself to splurge on if you really love it. We all have to treat ourselves once in a while, right?
Dude, that’s my kind o breakfast – i usually have sunny eggs and toast on the weekends and it’s a lovely treat! I’ve been into apple butter lately and love to add something sweet to the toast with the eggs. (Graham taught me that) – do you ever meditate? I bet that would help tune you into your body and it’s needs, just a thought.
that has gotta be the most savory bfast i’ve ever seen! adding the sweet potato fries was brilliant
i say totally drop the gym membership if you’d enjoy a yoga studio more.. you can always do free weights and other things at home if ya want to
hope you have a wonderful day!! <3
mmmm…eggs & toast
so weirdd! i was thinking about doing the EXACT same thing! Bc i figure i can still run outdoors, and then i willl be able to more yoga whenever i want! Let me know if you decide to do it, I think its a fabulous idea!! The thing that i really love about my gym is the classes I take during my lunch break, but its still on my mind.
That breakfast looks amazing! Such a great combination os everything!
I have been thinking of joining a yoga studio too, but in addition to my gym membership. That’s why I havent done it though, it because the two together would cost so much! So for now, I will stick to online yoga courses.
And just wanted to let you know I love your blog and just barely looked at your pictures and you’re so inspirational!
I’d recommend putting your gym membership on hold instead of dropping it, if they let you. The only reason I say that is because if you get a yoga injury you’ll want somewhere else to go!
Thanks for the suggestion Erin, but I don’t think my gym will let me put the membership on hold. They used to, but then stopped when people started taking advantage. Never hurts to ask though. I tried more yoga today, but my hamstring still hurts. So, we’ll see. Looks like I might be needing that membership this week!
Matt is sad today… He ate his last White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Clif Bar today
The good news is that his dad just put some food money is his account so he gets to go to Whole Foods this weekend!
Hey Matt. Gotta love Dad! You’ll need all those carbs for your 20 miler!
mmmm how yummy looking!! Out of curiousity, how did you manage to pick one type of nut butter out of the many many options there are out there? I’d appreciate any input you have on how I should best pick my nut butter! Thank you!
Hey Luckytastebuds,
I would suggest just wandering down the nut butter aisle and taking a look. Also, be sure to read the ingredient list – a lot of commercial brand nut butters add hydrogenated oils – be aware. Good luck & Let me know what you find!
Good question. There are several factors that go into choosing a good nut butter. Do you prefer chunky or smooth? Do you like it sweet or salty or plain? Do you prefer added flavors such as chocolate or vanilla? There are all kinds of nut butters out there – almond, cashew, walnut, etc. My favorite is crunchy Barney Butter, but I am currently loving my Trader Joe’s raw almond butter. I’m definitely a chunky girl, and if you have a Whole Foods near you, I highly recommend the 365 brand crunchy almond butter. I also like their peanut butter. Peanut Butter & Company makes a wonderful dark chocolate, cinnamon-raisin, and white chocolate peanut butter. Like I said, so many to choose from. Too bad you can’t sample them first.
oh my golly, i want that breakfast! sweet potato fries? love it
i only ate scrambled as a kid, i need to expand my horizons…
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