in the early morning

While I’ve always been a morning person, I don’t always bounce out of bed with limitless energy.  And yet, that’s exactly what I did this morning.  At 4:30 am.  On a Saturday.

What is wrong with me?

Anyways, I put the extra morning time to good use.

First, I got to work on fixing yesterday’s conundrum.  The misspelled word on my poster.  There was absolutely no way—no way!—that I was going to pay another $30 to have the poster printed.  So I took some photo quality printer paper and printed out part of the poster on an 8×11 sheet.  I really just wanted the word “The” so that I could paste it on top of the word “To.”

(It practically killed me to replace “to” with “the” on my saved version, without being able to so easily change it on the hard copy!)

While I wouldn’t say this was the most perfect, flawless solution, it did solve the problem…

My hope is that most people will stand far back and not even take notice. 😉

The sun was still barely waking up, as I rolled the poster back into its case.  It was just shy of 6 o’clock.  I didn’t have a long run planned.  I didn’t need to be out of the house until 9:30.  I literally still had an entirely full morning left.

Obviously, it only made sense that I bake a batch of blueberry muffins for breakfast.

I have always said that if I were to ever make it famous in life, I would want to be most famous for one of these two scenarios: (1) Owner and operator of a gourmet oatmeal buffet (don’t laugh, I can totally picture this!)  Or (2) a baker.  Of breads and pies and pastries.  And, mostly, of muffins.

Whole Wheat Banana Berry Muffins

Whole Wheat Banana Berry Muffins

Warm from the oven, these muffins make for an absolutely fabulous weekend breakfast.  They’re delicious as is, or crumbled into yogurt with almond butter too.  They also make the perfect breakfast-to-go, but honestly, I prefer eating them in the comfort of my home on some Saturday morning, in my pj’s, with a hot cup of coffee.

I used whole wheat graham flour for the fun, nutty texture.  But really, you can use any whole wheat flour that you happen to have on hand.  Enjoy! 😀

• 2 c. whole wheat graham flour
• 1 T. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg whites
• 1 c. milk
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 c. mashed, very ripe banana (about 1-1/2 bananas)
• 1-1/2 c. frozen blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Whisk together first 5 ingredients up to nutmeg.  Whisk together next 7 ingredients up to banana in a separate bowl.
3. Add blueberries to dry mix; stir until blueberries are coated with the flour.
4. Add wet mix to dry mix.  Stir just until moistened.
5. Pour batter into 12-muffin pan coated with cooking spray.  Bake for 17-20 minutes in preheated oven.  Once done, run knife around edges and pop out onto cooking rack to cool.  Serve warm for the ultimate muffin experience.

Sigh.

I love muffins.

I love early mornings.

Question: What was the highlight of your Saturday?

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a call for the breakfast bonanza :)

Contrary to the night owls in my life, I love an early morning.

The quiet.  The promise of a brand new day.  The feeling that I’m the only person awake in the entire world (or at least my home town 😉 ).

And, for the most part, my appreciation for the early morning has worked out pretty well  Life requires that I’m up by 5:30.  And, I’m a morning exerciser.  It works.

However, I’ve also noticed a trend beginning to occur.  I get up.  I eat.  I exercise.  I go to work.  This wouldn’t be such an “issue”, and I probably wouldn’t even be talking about it right now, aside from the fact that it involves my breakfast.

We all know that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. 

We also all know how delicious breakfast can be.  It’s hands down my favorite meal, which is why it’s a shame that I’ve been so repetitive with it. 

Which is also the reason why I’ve decided to start a week long Breakfast Bonanza…

If you’re starting to freak out a little right now (breakfast ba-who?), don’t.  I did this last year, and the results were amazing.  Bloggers upon bloggers, all joining in with the idea of trying a new breakfast for each day of an entire week.  You can go wild and crazy or you can stick with 7 different oatmeal toppings, if that suits your fancy a little more.  Whatever you feel like doing.

The most important thing?  Mix.  Things.  Up.  Break the routine of your breakfast. 

Really, this is kind of a selfish thing for me to do.  I’m mostly looking forward to seeing what you come up with.  Because you’re all invited. 😀

Who: Anyone and everyone, whether you’re a blogger or not.
What: Breakfast Bonanza!  Make a new breakfast for each day of an entire week starting tomorrow (Saturday.)
When: Saturday (October 30) to the following Saturday (November 6)
Where: Post your breakfasts creations on your blog, and let me know via comment if you would like it to be displayed in my Breakfast Bonanza post next week. 😀
Why: Give yourself (and me) some new breakfast options.  And, HAVE FUN while doing it. 

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

I usually mix a bit of milk into my oats before popping them in the fridge.  The following morning is when the yogurt gets stirred in.  But this time, I did the opposite, stirring the yogurt in before the bedtime soak for the oats.  I liked this version best!

• 1/2 c. old fashioned rolled oats
• cinnamon and nutmeg
• 1/2 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 banana, sliced
• 6-oz. plain yogurt
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• toppings: peanut butter, coconut, Natures Path Pumpkin Flax Granola

Mix all ingredients except toppings together.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  The following morning, give it a quick stir and top with your favorite add-ons.  Enjoy! 😀

Question: Do you like early mornings?
AND
Question: Who’s joining me in the Breakfast Bonanza?

in the early morning

I have always been a morning runner.

There have been different reasons for this over the course of my life.  Originally—back when running a mile felt like absolute torture—I hated running.  My morning runs happened only because it was the thing to do.  A means to losing those freshman 15.  I wanted my runs to be in the morning and out of the way so I that could enjoy the rest of my day in peace.  Harumph.

And then—gradually, not overnight—I fell in love with running.  A morning run became my sense of peace.  An accomplishment.  My alone time.  The perfect way to start my day.

Now—as a busy Dietetic Intern—I literally have to run in the morning, if I want to run at all.  It doesn’t matter if the temperature is frigid.  Or if it’s too dark to even be considered the morning.  It doesn’t matter.  My schedule demands a morning run.  And since I’ve fallen so in love with running—it’s still my sense of sanity and peace!—I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to get me out of bed and on the road.  In the early morning.

First things first.  Breakfast.

There’s no such thing as a good run without the proper fuel to keep you going.

For some people, this means a quick snack and a “regular” breakfast upon return.  For others—that’s me!—only a big ol’ breakfast will do.  Do what works for you!  Just remember that our brains and muscles need the energy for every day living and for your running regimen.  Fuel up!

Secondly, let someone know when and where you’re going.

This is especially true if you’re a female runner (not that it’s not also important for the guy runners out there to practice safety too 😉 ).  Just give a heads up to someone that you plan on heading out. 

Third, bring a flashlight.

I don’t like carrying extra stuff on my runs.  But when I’m running in the early morning, a light source is a *must.*  Keep it small, and you won’t even realize that you’re carrying it.

Fourth thing, don’t run at the same time every morning on the same route.

This is just a safety precaution.  Don’t be paranoid but don’t be ignorant either.  Change up your routes or times to play it safe, never letting yourself become predictable.

Fifth point, carry a set of house keys.

This will ensure that you can get in your house safely.  You never know when a family member will accidentally lock you out.  On a cold winters’ day.  After an 11 mile run.  I’m not mentioning any names.

Here’s an extra safety bonus: keys can be used as a weapon as necessary.  Just sayin’. 😉

LAST point.  Bring kleenex! 

I know some runners who have learned to blow their nose without kleenex, but I believe that is meant solely for the hardcore runner who doesn’t want to mess with carrying kleenex.  I’ll opt for toting along a couple tissues. 😉

And there you have it.  Running in the morning (or late at night) is totally doable with a few easy steps.  If you’re lucky enough to have a running partner who can join you on such a time, that’s great too.  Just be safe, stay cautious, and enjoy those gorgeous, early morning sunrises too!  Morning runs have soooo much to offer.  😀

Question: If you’re a morning/evening runner, what would you add to this list?