That 5 a.m. alarm sure came early this morning!
After getting out of our normal early-morning workout routine for the past couple of weeks, it honestly felt good to be working out before the sun came up.
There’s just something about checking my workout off my to-do list first thing in the morning that sets my day in motion in a positive way. It’s those endorphins, I’m tellin’ ya.
Some unforeseen great news? Our drive to the gym only took us 11 minutes! That’s nine less than we initially predicted!
Workout
My workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical beside Ryan. We laughed because we both felt more fatigued than usual. I guess skipping 5 a.m. workouts for a few weeks will do that to you. (Side note: If you want to be a morning gym-goer but can’t seem to get yourself out of bed, you may enjoy this past PBF post: How to Work Out in the Morning.)
After our time on the elliptical, Ryan and I split up to do our own weights workouts.
My session included three sets of 15 repetitions of the following:
- Leg extensions
- Hamstring curls
- Tricep pulldowns
- Chest press
- One-legged leg extensions
- Super set: Bicep curls + Front shoulder raises
- Super set: Push ups (on my knees) + 30 bridges
- Ab work on exercise ball
Breakfast
When we came home from the gym, I made us a hot breakfast. It sure feels good to have access to not only a legitimate kitchen but also all of my usual kitchen supplies.
Since it’s almost September, I figured a fall favorite – pumpkin oatmeal – was appropriate.
I changed up my usual pumpkin protein oats a bit and made pumpkin banana oatmeal for us to enjoy.
Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal
Serves 2
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
- 1 large banana, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Nutmeg, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil 1 3/4 cup water
- Add oats and reduce to medium heat
- Allow oats to cook for three minutes
- Add half of the banana slices and brown sugar to the oats and continue to cook on medium heat for another minute
- Stir in pumpkin and cinnamon
- Allow to cook until oats thicken, about two to three more minutes
- Pour oats into a bowl, top with remaining banana slices and sprinkle with nutmeg
This breakfast tasted like fall in a bowl.
And speaking of fall, I am so over the heat in Florida right now. As Ryan and I were moving a bunch of boxes into our new rental house yesterday, it was in the 90s and we were dripping sweat. I cannot wait for the days of scarfs, boots and cuddling on the couch wrapped in a blanket. We have a good two months to go before that happens in Ocala…
Question of the Morning
- What is your favorite season? Why?
When I lived in Illinois I loved summer. Now that I live in Florida, I’m all about the fall! I love the beginning of the holiday season and I feel like fall just has a certain coziness to it that I adore.
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Those pumpkin banana oats looks delicious! I can’t wait to bring pumpkin back into my life! 🙂 My favorite season is fall! There is nothing like the leaves changing, the cool breezes. Of course pumpkin flavored foods, apple picking and my favorite of all, uggs!! 🙂
Yum there’s a lot of pumpkin oats around today! 🙂
I love autumn best – gorgeous colours, Christmas is coming, blue skies…(in Ireland anyway – autumn usually has better weather than summer!)
Loving your oats this morning! I’m jealous you can find pumpkin…I’ve been hoarding one jar since last fall and am afraid to use it because I can’t find more (I’m weird like that).
I absolutely LOVE fall! I’m totally putting up all of my fall decorations this Thursday…it IS September 1st and all. 😉
I’m so excited that you’re in your house early- must feel amazing!
I’m checking out your post because I’d like to learn how to work out first thing in the morning- it’s never been my thing.
PS- Fall. 100%, hands down, the best season. Especially in NC!
I agree with everyone else. I love, love, love fall! The food, the fashion, even the beer is better in the fall 🙂 Pumpkin beer anyone? Yum!
that looks delicious Julie! I love that you used to live in a town that is not that far from me so you understand our midwest crazy weather ha. I’m still loving the fall and just hope it gets here soon 🙂
Favorite season of all time is def the FALL! I love all the pretty colors the tree’s turn. The golden and vibrant flowers, the leaves crunching under your feet as you walk outside. The cool breeze that blows out of the mountains. Its not freezing but its cold enough to have on a light sweater, some pretty boots and a scarf. Visiting the apple orchards and smelling that sweet aroma of fresh apple pie’s being baked! Most importantly celebrating my anniversary with my love! Yay for fall!!
I made protein pancakes this morning and used pumpkin pie spice and chia seeds…it was wonderful!
Although I am super shocked that you didn’t bust out the vitamix and make a smoothie! 🙂
Ah! Everyone had pumpkin oats this morning and it’s making me so jealous!! I had oatmeal – WHY did I not think to add pumpkin??
Autumn is most absolutely my favorite season – the crisp days, the awesome wardrobe, best weather to run in…seriously can’t get enough of it.
It feels like Autumn here so this would be the perfect breakfast (in Ireland!). The seasons are ahead of themselves, there are good points like the early array of blackberries on offer for picking! I really want to make more pumpkin recipes, I don’t think tinned pumpkin is easy to come by here though 🙁 This looks yum!
It’s starting to get a tad bit cooler in the NE and I’m loving it! Spring is my favorite season after a really cold winter and Fall is my favorite after a really hot summer. 🙂 I’ll be moving to FL soon, so I’m pretty sure Fall will be my favorite from here on out!
Fall is my favorite season hands down. I love the crispness in the air, the pumpkin flavored everything and the sound of leaves crunching under my boots.
New York feel like fall this morning. There’s a nice chill in the air.
I love fall because of the start of the holiday season, too! The change in weather, the smell in the air, the (finally) somewhat chilly weather in Florida — amazing!
I totally agree about fall! Growing up in jersey i loved summer!!! but now since here in florida we just have 2 seasons (cold and hot lol) i really miss spring and fall!
I’m a spring/summer kind of girl. I love warm weather. I do like fall because of Halloween but otherwise it’s not my fav because it means winter is coming 🙁 I dont want summer to leave!
Fall is definetly my fave season, and its already coming where I live! I had pumpkin oats this morning too 🙂
Even though I live in Illinois, fall is my favorite season by far. I live for hoodies, jeans, bonfires, and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet. Lately, the mornings have had that crisp, cool fall feeling and I am loving it! I can’t wait for it to stay a little cooler all day long.
I feel the exact same way you do! When I used to live in South Florida I loved the fall – absolutely perfect weather. When I lived in Chicago, summer was my favorite season – the city came alive then. Now that I live in Austin, I’m reverting back to being a fall-lover!
Woooo another pumpkin sighting! I’m still not ready for summer to be over, but I did bust out some pumpkin in the form of a Green Monster last week! My favourite season is summer – I’m a warm weather girl through and through!
The pumpkin banana oats look so good and I think I need to pick myself up some pumpkin this week. I live in Illinois and I LOVE fall. It’s my favorite season for sure as I love boots, sweaters, fall decorations, Halloween, candy corn, pumpkin bread, cookies, oatmeal and the list goes on. I can’t wait for it to be cool for an entire week. Have a great Monday!
I always love anything pumpkin… thanks for sharing!
Before I moved to Utah, Spring was always my favorite season (in CA & AZ). It was always the perfect 70-80 degree weather. Now living in Utah, my favorite season is definitely Fall. I love the leaves changing colors and the cool, crisp air!
i really need to get some pumpkin!
I love summer but am also excited for fall.
got a pumpkin candle in prep for Irene!
California still hasnt’ got much of a summer…maybe a few days of high 80’s and that’s it..otherwise 75ish. So now I’m over it and want Fall…tall boots, skinny jeans, and hot lattes!
There’s something about oatmeal for breakfast that is so comforting! Yay for your gym being nearer than expected- it makes a world of difference!
Have you picked out what meals you are planning on making and baked goods you plan on making in your real kitchen yet? I usually spend my time in prison…er…a hotel…contemplating what brownies to make upon my return home.
Haha well I just made a cake at my parents’ house on Saturday, but I think some cookies may be in order.
This recipe is going to be a must try!
so glad to read you’re finally in your new home 🙂
My favorite season always used to be fall when I lived in MN. But now, living in Palm Beach, I love summer- beachin’ it up, refreshing smoothies, and living in my bathing suit on the weekends! Spring is another favorite- great running weather and tons of 5Ks to sign up for!
I’m so with you on this heat. We are in Houston and it should be called Sauna, Texas instead. 107 yesterday and 106 forecasted today. We are already in an extreme drought condition and can’t water our lawns but on certain days, now we are being asked to conserve electricity because the power companies are overloaded with usage. The heat is disgusting and I’m so over it! Fall is the best and it can’t come soon enough!
I’m with you..I LOVE FALL. I am so looking forward to long sleeve shirts, jeans, boots, you name it! And of course, I can’t wait for rich fall food…pumpkin especially!
I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada, and I don’t mind fall so much (what passes for fall here, it’s a very short season)…but it just reminds me of the 6-7 months of freezing cold winter that’s coming and it makes me sad!! The darkness doesn’t help either. I’ve even had to kick my boots across the room and stomp on my parka in anger a few times when I can’t take it anymore. I guess seasonal affective disorder will do that to you lol.:)
Fall fo’ sho’. Side note: I decided my morning drive needed a little cheer…so naturally I went to my Christmas music playlist and sang my heart out…Hurry up and get here holidays!!
Why am I not surprised? I miss our Christmas room!!
I love oatmeal in the morning, especially with banana and cinnamon. A perfect combination in my books 🙂
My favorite season has always been and will always be winter with tons and tons of snow (I’m Icelandic) and I’m pretty sure I could never survive the Florida summer 🙂
Oh and by the way, congrats on your new home!
I am such a sucker for fall… Pumpkins, changing leaves, light jackets, crisp weather, comfort food, juicy apples, Halloween candy, back-to-school excitement (back in the day), the Holidays approaching… What’s not to love?! I am so excited now!
Congrats on moving in to your new place! Moving is such a pain in the tush but it’s worth it once the boxes are unpacked. I have a question, I am going to start doing smoothies in the morning or as lunches and I need a good protein powder to put in there with it. I’m looking for something that will keep me full for a few hours and tastes really yummy. What would your suggestions be? Or anyones for that matter? I’ve gotten some before and it was NASTY so I don’t want to go into a purchase blind again. Thanks so much!
i love optimum nutrition’s gold standard!
That looks SO good! I still have one can of Libby’s in my pantry…might have to whip it out soon. Even though it’s still 105 in Dllas.
I didn’t know that you used to live in Illinois. I’ve never been, but from what I hear about the snow there its no wonder you like summer better!
Now, as a fellow central Floridian, I understand 200% why you like the fall 🙂 It is PERFECT boot & scarf weather!
I like summers, but I guess the summers in Maine are like early fall in the South (80-85F, liveable about of humidity and lots of sunshine, mostly no AC needed).
Living in WI summer is my favorite, but I can definitely appreciate fall and spring… basically anything but the disgusting winter months. I really need to look into some winter sports so I don’t hate winter so much lol
My favorite season is All of them but winter! I hate snowy roads And bitter cold weather and gray! I love spring for all the new life And green, I love summer for sandals, tank tops, And sunshine, And fall is just simply beautiful!
I love putting pumpkin in my oatmeal! And glad you are settling into the new rental house! I bet you guys are glad too!
Fall’s my favorite season as well. Perfect weather. Not too cold not too hot. I will definitely be buying ingredients to make that oatmeal this week! YUM.
Fall would have to be my favorite too! You get to bust out the cozy clothes and cuddle…can’t be beat 😀
I’m going to have to whip out the pumpkin ASAP! ….Yummmmm! I’m game! ….Spring is my favorite!!! I love that everything is new and blooming!!!
Yum! I’m out of pumpkin and looking forward to when they restock the stores for fall, I love fall!
PS I live in NYC and due to the hurricane everyone in my office is “working from home” how do you do this, Julie?! I am having the hardest time staying focused and having it feel like a normal workday!
It’s been so hot in TX this summer I feel like I’ve barely enjoyed summer activities! We went out to the lake yesterday and it just felt like a steaming hot bath… no bueno! I cannot wait for even a slight cool breeze — September, please bring us better weather!
I’m sure you’re already planning on it, but *pretty please* add posts when you’re decorating your new place!! 😀
yes, i definitely will!!
I usually love summer, but have never been so ready for fall!!!! I swear this is the hottest.summer.EVER! I can’t wait for cool early morning runs, hot cocoa, tailgating, boots, & sweaters!
i made baked pumpkin pie oatmeal this am and it was so yummy!
I really love fall. When we lived in FL I remember crying come September/October b/c I missed the changing leaves and cooler temperatures and FL was still 90! Now that we’re back in NY it’s really a toss up b/w Fall and Summer though. I never wish away the warm temps knowing I’m about to hibernate for 6 months 🙁
11 min is nuttin! I was always envious of your walk to the gym in Orlando!
I live in the western suburbs of Illinois and thought I’d remind you of why summer is so freaking amazing here in good ol Illinois: 79 and sunny yesterday, we expect the same today and tomorrow. Hurray for moderate summer temps! That 90 degree weather is great for swimming though, you gotta admit!
awww i REALLY miss illinois in the summer. it’s the best!