Today’s breakfast looked very similar to yesterday’s breakfast.

Both oat bowls included:

• 1/3 cup oats
• 1 cup water
• 2 egg whites
• half of a frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp of peanut butter
• a splash of vanilla
• a dash of cinnamon

This morning, I found a special spice in my parent’s cupboard that took my simple bowl of oats to a whole new level.

Cardamom!

If you think you have never heard of or tasted cardamom, you probably have!  It is one of the key ingredients in the Indian spice medley Garam Masala, and it is the spice that gives chai tea that special “chai” flavor.  Not only does it taste great, but it is said to get rid of bad breath (phew!), aid in digestive health, and relieve congestion.  source

This little spice really took my bowl of oats up to a new level this morning 🙂

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Workout

Yesterday, I spent the day working with Vera Bradley on their Summer 2013 photo shoot.  Sorry I can’t give you more details other than it was really fun, and I am looking forward to going back today for another round of shooting!

After that, I came home to catch up on some work e-mails, have a little snack, and visit with my dad for a bit.  The next thing I knew it was suddenly 5:30pm and time for me to put on my workout clothes, as my mom and I had a date to attend Bodycombat.

source

Tuesday night, I attended a Bodycombat technique workshop, so I was excited to implement my improved punches and kicks into a full-length class.

Dinner

Once class was over, Mom and I headed home and straight into the kitchen to start working on dinner.  My aunt gave my mom a super secret spice blend of curry, dill, and yeast with a super secret recipe (sorry I can’t share!) for a curry tofu meal.

I was so excited to try this meal, as I am a pretty big fan of organic tofu.  My parents on the other hand, were a little less than thrilled with the thought of tofu…but they were going to try the dish anyways!

The instructions said to cook the tofu with the spice blend then serve it as a burrito or nachos with salsa, onion, cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and cilantro.  Mom and Dad ate their meals burrito style, while I ate mine as a giant salad.  My toppings included the special tofu, green onion, tomato, cheese, and salsa.  Boy, was this good!

My mom had plenty of the spice left over, and is planning on sending some home with me so that I can make up this dish too.  I can’t wait!

After dinner, Mom and Dad wanted me to watch TV with them, and although I had plenty of things that were on my to-do list, I decided to put those items off for the night and enjoy a bowl of ice cream with my parents and a little tube watching.  It sure did feel good to just chill.

I hope you all have a great Friday and kick-off to the weekend!

Of Possible Interest:

• Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne to Sooth Sinus Pain:  fitsugar
• 5 Reasons to Stop Weighing Yourself:  Health Magazine
• Top 10 Workout Songs For January:  Huffington Post