January 20, 2013

Cereal


It was SO windy last night! I didn't get much sleep at all during the night, because the wind was howling all night, and once in a while, I heard a loud bang on the window, like something hit it. I kept thinking, "Oh man, I don't want to run in that wind in the morning!"

When I got up this morning, the wind was still going strong--39 mph--so I decided to just run on the treadmill. There was no way I wanted to run in the wind while it was 18 degrees outside. Just the thought of that hurts my cheeks!

I set up Netflix on my computer to watch some real crime show (I need to find something interesting to watch, because whatever it was I watched today was really boring). I planned to run four miles, so I started the treadmill at 7.0 mph (8:34/mi pace). The first mile felt pretty easy, and I was wondering why the heck an 8:34 pace would feel easy--until I realized I forgot to set the incline. Duh.

I always set the incline at 1% to offset the fact that there isn't any wind resistance while running indoors, and that the belt helps propel you along. My heart rate was only at 143-ish, and that's really low for a run. So I set the incline to 1%, and felt a difference right away. I also bumped up the speed to 7.5 mph, and it felt comfortably hard.

I was wearing my new shoes (my usual Brooks Adrenalines, but this is a new pair), and I felt like I was flying for a while. I love how cushy new shoes feel! My heart rate finally was up to about 165 during the last mile, so that little change in incline and speed made a big difference. Finished four miles, and actually considered running farther, because I felt so great--but of course, I quit at four ;)
Running on the treadmill feels so much easier than running outside, though. If I ran that pace outside, I would have been dying at the end, I'm sure.


So I'm pretty sure Jerry and I are going to lose our house if I can't get my grape addiction under control. Yesterday, the grapes looked really good at Kroger so I bought two bags of them... and when I went to pay, they totaled $15.89!! That's insane. But I couldn't bring myself to put them back, because I knew I'd eat them. I wish I loved bananas; they're really cheap.

I also bought some of the new chocolate Fiber One cereal that has 80 calories per serving. I had some for an afternoon snack today. The cereal is only 2 PP and 1/2 cup milk is only 1 PP, so it's a pretty low-PP snack.

The cereal wasn't that great, though. It tasted only a little better than the original Fiber One (which I don't like either). Very cardboard-like texture.

It's hard to find a cereal that I like that isn't a ton of PointsPlus. My favorites are 5-6 PP per serving, which is a LOT to spend on a tiny bowl of cereal.


I've been staring at my screen for about 20 minutes, starting to type and then deleting, but I honestly can't think of anything else to write about. So I'm going to keep this short today :)

55 comments:

  1. The Fiber One Honey Squares cereal is pretty good, and also 80 calories. My daughter has to have the extra fiber so she eats it often! It's pretty sweet.

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    1. Agreed! They'd be a great cereal base for a healthy (or not so healthy) puppy chow!

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  2. Fiber One bars are good, as are Fiber One brownies and cookies (90 calories each I think which I think is 2pts?) But the cereals are pretty bad. I agree, they taste like cardboard and I like cereals like grape nuts and plain cheerios so that's saying something.

    You are an inspiration and I love your blog :)

    Krisen aka The Misc Mom
    http://www.themiscellaneousmom.blogspot.com

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    1. I LOVE the Fiber One bars! Oats & Chocolate flavor is my favorite :)

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  3. Bananas are my favorite fruit! I've finally started using that damn PB2 I bought ages ago to make a banana dip: 2tbsp PB2 + 1/2 tbsp honey + 1.5 tbsp water (more or less water to change the thickness to your preference). I like it runny cuz I can dip the banana in the pb2 rather than spreading it on. My husband even liked it so it can't be that bad. Of course, he likes bananas though ;) Bananas are higher calorie though than grapes, so you're probably better off liking the grapes! Speaking of, I need to take some grapes out of the fridge so they can warm up and be edible....

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  4. I am having trouble running fast on the treadmill, fast for me I mean. I have been trying to hit a 10 minute mile, and I've been doing a 6.2 on the treadmill. Today I was supposed to run for 8 minutes, walk 2, run 10 and I couldn't make it through the 10 minute, I felt nauseous and stopped around minute 7. I don't understand how people can run so fast like you, and I don't even set the incline on the treadmill! I know I wouldn't be able to go this fast outside either.

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    1. Could it be you were just having a bad day? That happens to everyone sometimes! When I first started running on the treadmill, my *fast* pace was 5.0, and I couldn't do that for more than 30 seconds or so. That was 2 1/2 years ago, so I've had a lot of time to improve! Just keep working on it, it will get easier :)

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    2. I guess it could have been a bad day, also it was in the morning and I'm better at running in the afternoon. But good to know your fast pace was a 5.0 when you started. Mine was too. So that was about a year ago and now my fast pace is the 6.2. I wish I someday will be able to go faster than that - maybe another year!

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  5. Katie,

    You write the longest posts of any blog I read. No need to apologize for what you perceive to be a short one. And I think you put more thought into your posts than any of them. Keep doing what you are doing.
    Also, I only just discovered your blog and have been reading all of your old posts. There's one you discuss the possibility of writing a book, and what to include. You actually had the book categorized in your suggestion-broken into great parts. Your food journal, journey, and a couple others. I think your story with all of its components would make a great book.

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    1. Thank you Karla! A book is a far-off dream right now, but maybe it will actually happen someday :)

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  6. You're so dialed in on your running. I love that. You knew something was off - you fixed the incline. I look forward to when I've done this whole running thing long enough and consistent enough that I'll be tuned in to those type of things too. Your pace kinda blows my mind too LOL. I'm soooooo slow. Do you remember at what point your pace started to be noticeably faster? I suspect that as my weight drops my pace will speed up because I won't be hauling so much weight, but I'm not sure.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog recently. I felt like it was a little brush with celebrity LOL.

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    1. My pace got noticeably faster from the beginning--as I lost more weight and continued to run three times a week, I just naturally got faster. But I did have to work at it--I pushed myself to try and finish each 3 mile run faster than the previous one. Sometimes I did it, and sometimes I did not, but it kept me working hard!

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  7. I thought the other 80 calorie Fiber One cereal was really gross. On the other hand, grapes are so good! Lately I have not been buying them because of the cost but I got some last week when they were $2.48/lb. I am following WW too, so I am all about fruit!

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    1. I paid $2.79/lb for my grapes the other day, but sadly, they won't even last me that long. I go through them FAST.

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  8. I have such a dilemma with Fiber One brand...to buy or not to buy? I will never know. So I'm glad to hear that the cereal isn't to die for. However, those darn chocolate and oats chewy granola bars they make, THOSE are to die for. I could eat five easy. That's bad huh?
    Also, I bought grapes the other day, $6.50! Fudge muffins! They were so good though.

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    1. Yes, the Oats & Chocolate bars are SO GOOD, aren't they? That's a big go-to chocolate fix for me!

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  9. Oh man! I like to read about your pace...I've slowed waaay down during the cold temps and icy roads and I needed to get motivated to pick it up again.
    I'm glad that I didn't buy that Fiber One Cereal!

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    1. I find that I actually get faster in the cold temps--in the summer, my pace slows way down! I don't do well with heat and/or humidity, as evidenced in Florida! ;)

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  10. Glad you were able to still run inside! Its so cold when its windy.. that cereal looks yummy.. I got addicted to grapes as well and man are they pricey!! congrsts on having a really awesome 2012!! Hope 2013 is amazing for you

    Mellissa
    www.delightedbylife.wordpress.com

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    1. Normally, I love running in the cold, but yesterday was just brutal with that wind! I was grateful for the treadmill, for once :)

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  11. I don't know if you like goofy shows, but Netflix did have Arrested Development. It is a very smart and funny show. Lots of subtle humor! Just a suggestion! :)

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    1. I LOVE Arrested Development! It's so great! They're coming out w/ another season and a movie!

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    2. I've never heard of Arrested Development--I will have to check that out though!

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  12. Your weather seems to be very similar to ours here in Niagara. Our BBQ even blew over on the weekend! That must have been a fluke as it has never happened before and it certainly has been much more windy. I like to add the original Fibre One (that looks like rabbit food) to my yogurt and 1 cup of mixed berries. Filling, low cal, VERY high fibre and good for carbs. (I have diabetes). My 7-year old grandson loves it on its own, just with milk as a regular breakfast cereal! Go figure!

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    1. That's so funny about your grandson liking the original Fiber One! I don't know many people at all that like it, let alone children. ;)

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  13. I am not a WW counter so I am not sure how bad they are for points, but my fav cereals are Kellogg's Chocolate Delight, Fruit and Yogurt, and the blueberry flavored miniwheats. The miniwheats taste just like a blueberry muffin!
    I tried Fiber One cereal years ago-yuck.

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    1. Oooh, I'll have to try the miniwheats--I love blueberry muffins!

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  14. I can't eat anything from the Fiber One line and I won't go into anymore detail than that. But I do like Kashi Go Lean Crunch. Beware if you are looking at them because they have all kinds that I have not branched out too, but that one tastes like Sugar Smacks. And it's very filling, so you might want to check out the PP plus. I have picked up a grape addiction as well! And I'm even spoiled and like to get the ones in containers that are already washed and pulled from the stems. That's really bad! Can't wait for the Virtual 5K on Friday. I've got my eye on several prizes.

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    1. I like Kashi Go Lean Crunch--that's my favorite "healthier" cereal. My very favorite is Cascadian Farms Cinnamon Raisin Granola... it tastes exactly like an oatmeal raisin cookie!

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  15. I have a few show recommendations for you! First, have you mentioned before that you like science fiction? I thought I remembered reading that? Well if that's the case then of course any of the Star Trek shows on Netflix are great. There's also Seaquest DSV which was on in the 90's but I loved it!
    Something that has become a new obsession of mine is Doctor Who! It's a British show and it was around a long time ago, but they remade it in 2005 and it's so great! My sister who hates any type of sci-fi loves it! In no time, I watched all 6 seasons...it's become one of my favorite shows of all time!
    Another show that I've just come on is Once Upon a Time. It's on ABC, but the first season (which has like 22 episodes) is on Netflix. I was just like you and looking for something to watch on the treadmill and tried this...I love it! It's such a good show and I want to watch all of it, but I will only let myself while I workout.
    Another show is Revenge. It's on ABC too, but the first season is also on Netflix. It's a really good show...so addicting! Hope you can find something new to watch!

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    1. Hahaha, I'm pretty sure if your read something about sci-fi on my blog, it would have said, "I like pretty much anything BUT sci-fi" ;) I've never been a sci-fi fan, book or movies! But I do watch Revenge--I'm pretty far behind on it right now, so I'll need to catch up.

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    2. Well not everyone can be perfect and love sci-fi as much as I do...hahaha. Well then disregard my other shows, but I would see about Once Upon a Time...it's really good and not sci-fi. It's very different and I love it. :)

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  16. Samantha B.January 21, 2013

    Have you tried Special K Oats N' Honey? It's only 100 calories per serving and it tastes very similar to Honey Bunches of Oats, but I like the Special K version better! The Vanilla Almond kind is also really good.

    Do you like doctor/hospital type shows? I am currently soooo addicted to Private Practice. I have never liked a medical show as much as this one! It's on Netflix :)

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    1. That sounds yummy! I think the only Special K cereal I've tried is the original one, so I'll have to to look for those.

      I've seen one or two episodes of Private Practice, but I can't stand the actress who plays the lead character. I need to get over that and just watch it!

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  17. My husband currently has an addiction to Cuties but he only likes the ones I buy at Costco. Spent $18 on three bags of Cuties yesterday. That will last him two weeks...maybe. Another shopper had one of their containers of grapes in her cart. I thought of you when I saw it. lol

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    1. Two weeks is pretty good! When I buy grapes, I eat them all within about five days--I go through them REALLY quickly!

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  18. Special K chocolatey delight is 3 pp!! and SOOOO Good

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    1. I will have to look for that one, too--I love chocolatey cereal :)

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  19. It's freezing here in Minnesota too! Stay inside where it's warm :)

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    1. Today was even colder than yesterday, so I did the treadmill again ;)

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  20. I loves me some cereal & if I end up with enough calories at the end of the day it's usually always my "go to" snack. Yum!! And I ain't talking about no Fiber One either!! ;)

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    1. I love cereal too! It's dangerous to have in the house, unless is the Fiber One, haha ;)

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  21. I *LOVE* cereal, after a 20+ hour shift at work the last thing I want to do is drag out a pan for actual breakfast food. I just started doing weight watchers myself and the my beloved Honey Nut Cheerios are only 3pp for a 3/4 cup serving, 1pp for the milk. I can live with that!

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  22. I love watching Torchwood, Firefly, Farscape, Battlestar Galactica, Vampire Diaries, Sliders, Quantam Leap etc, etc. (Total Scifi geek here)
    I try to go faster, if one of the characters runs, then I bump up my speed.
    I just downloaded the app, Zombies Run! I don't like paying too much for an app, but I liked listening to the story and then it plays a song from your playlist. I found it really did give me a boost to run a bit faster, I don't think it's for every time, but maybe once a week or so.
    Do you ever do runs where you change the incline up and down to simulate a hill?

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    1. That's a great idea to go faster if the characters runs; a nice way to change up the same old routine!

      I despise hills, and avoid them as much as possible, but I really DO need to start doing hill workouts!

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  23. I just bought that cereal the other day, too! The caramel flavor is pretty good. Do you have the ID channel? They have really cool real crime shows on there.... or Xfiles. not on that channel, but I'm an addict. :D Glad you stayed inside to run... here in Pa we got more snow last night... SO ready for warm weather!

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    1. Jerry loves the Caramel Delight flavor; I was really surprised that it's 5 PP per serving, though! I could have my really junky cereals for that many PP.

      We don't have the ID channel, unfortunately. But once in a while I watch a show on Netflix from that channel!

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  24. Try McLeods Daughters. I am enjoying it right now and there are over 200 eps.

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  25. I was going to suggest Revenge but I see you already watch it. It totally sucked me in during Christmas break! I watched all 22 episodes of season one in two days. Breaking Bad is also really good!

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  26. I just bought myself a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline yesterday. They had last seasons for me at a lower cost and I was SO EXCITED that they were in purple and white instead of blue and white as they have been year after year! Do you ever watch Big Bang Theory? That show is hysterical! It's finally the first sitcom since Friends that I love almost as much. Dexter, Revenge and Breaking Bad are my other favorites.

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  27. I love the original Fiber One cereal in my yogurt! LMAO (I know how much you love yogurt!)

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  28. I'm trying to do the Couch to 5K program, and I'd much rather run it outside but it was -12 the other morning, so uhhhh NO! And that was without the wind. As far as tv shows to watch I suggest South Park. I know, it's juvenile and is very crude. They definitely cross the lines, but if you don't take it seriously it passes time and it cracks me up!

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