Chocolate Overnight Oats and Chocolate Yogurt

Hello! How’s it going? Over here it’s going HOT and sweaty. California has a lil heat wave going on – but that is no big deal. What is a big deal is Hurricane Harvey and all the devastation left behind. Sending prayers to everyone affected. And if you want to help check here for info on how to donate –>

Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief

Charity Navigator

How to help animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey

Tucker and Vegas wanted me to share that last link to help animals in the area.

I scored that soft baked oatmeal square at the 99 Cent Store. Anything that says ‘dark chocolate’ goes in my basket. It’s a rule.

Speaking of chocolate…  I just tried two kinds of chocolate yogurt by Oikos! I wanted to compare them for ya so you can pick the one that suits your chocolate taste buds. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it.

Oikos – Mayan Chocolate Yogurt

150 calories / 5g fat / 0g fiber / 13g sugar / 11g protein

There’s a little bit of a hint of cinnamon or an earthy spice to it. I liked it but prefer their Chocolate Greek yogurt.

 

Oikos – Triple Zero Greek Yogurt

120 calories / 0 fat / 6g fiber / 6g sugar / 15g protein

Creamy, thick and not too sweet. It’s good but not a dessert replacement.

But either of these work as the base for chocolate overnight oatmeal. Boom. Chocolate for breakfast!

Creamy Chocolate Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quick cook oats
• 1 container chocolate  yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk (add more as needed, remember it will thicken as they set)
• dash: cinnamon & salt (and more sweetener if needed)
• toppings: chia seeds, banana, mini chocolate chips, nuts, PB…

Directions: Mix this up the night before and let set. Then, stir and add toppings before serving.

Combine oats, yogurt and milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning… stir and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings. Enjoy!

In other running and eating news…

Here are my “Boom!” and “Boo.” updates for today:

Running has been challenging with the heat this week. Usually it cools off in the morning and evening here but it’s too hot for much relief right now. But the heat has helped me get back on an earlier running schedule which I’ve been trying to do for the longest time now. I have to run early or I’ll melt! Boom!

And I randomly turned off my Garmin at some point in my run yesterday because I’m pretty sure I did a 10 mile route and only ended up with 9 miles. Boo.

I have two matching steel cups – one I use for iced coffee and one I use for Spark everyday.

One afternoon this week I grabbed my cup, took a big swig thinking it was Spark but it turned out to be day old watered down iced coffee. I had grabbed coffee while out that morning so that was from the day before! Plus, Spark is pretty sweet so it just threw my taste buds off for a second. Ha! Boo.

I made the last of those Zucchini Noodles from Costco last night. I cooked ground chicken, added sauce and put them over the heated zoodles. Boom.

My friend Tucker is not feeling his Police Dog Halloween Costume. Boo.

I really do love all the running paths around where I live. I’m very grateful for that! Boom!

This watermelon was super sweet AND had the thinnest little rind! Boom!

Question: What’s your Boom! or Boo. today?

The post Chocolate Overnight Oats and Chocolate Yogurt appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/08/31/chocolate-overnight-oats-and-chocolate-yogurt/

Runner Must Haves from Your Local CVS

Hello! How’s it going? Over here it’s the usual running and eating. And today I’m making a pit stop at CVS Pharmacy for some must haves for runners. I’m partnering with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about their exclusive CVS Health and Gold Emblem abound lines. Some of these products have been around for a while and some are new and improved. (Right now I’m trying some of their fragrance and dye free products, but I’ll cover that next month.)

I have a CVS about .26 miles away from my lil casa. And I pass another one on one of my favorite running routes. Oh, and one by my mom’s… basically they’re all over.

So if you are in need of a quick snack, emergency blister bandage or deodorant because you realize you’re making flowers wilt – you can probably find one near you.

Here are some things that are great to have in your Runner Toolbox that can help you before, during or after a run. But if you don’t have them handy you can get them super fast at CVS.

Must Haves for Runners from CVS

Pre-Run:

Sunblock – I use lotion for face / arms and spray for my legs.

Rubberbands

Snacks – I ate one of the Mango & Strawberry bars this morning before I could snap a pic.

Water

Athletic Tape

Joint Health Supplements

On the Run:

Travel sized deodorant / petroleum jelly / sunblock

More Snacks

Blister bandages / Mole Skin and similar items to keep blisters and cuts from stopping you

Post Run and Recovery:

Epsom Salt for a relaxing bath

Foot health items like – plantar fasciitis socks or a stretcher –> this is a common running injury and if it’s reoccurring you might want to consider something like this to help.

Emergency kit for sprains and strains – hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but it’s good to have.

Even more SNACKS – I like the Gold Emblem abound Sriracha Chickpeas and Trail Mix.

Check out my other post with for The Best Supplements for Runners here.

Question: Did I mention snacks? What is your favorite snack today?

Me… Um, I ate all the Sriracha chickpeas so maybe a granola bar!

 

I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about #BetterHealthMadeEasy and how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.

The post Runner Must Haves from Your Local CVS appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/08/30/runner-must-haves-from-your-local-cvs/

Using Running to Fight PTSD

Juan Hernandez is a runner from Southern California. We’ve run a lot of the same races – including his most meaningful race – the Marine Corp Marathon.  When he was  19 years old he enlisted in the Marines and in 2004 he was deployed to Iraq. It was a very violent time there and the stress of combat wore on him – so one day he decided to run the perimeter of the base in Ramadi.

That decision – to use running and exercise as an outlet and way to cope with the stress of combat probably changed his life. He did 2 tours in Iraq where he lost brothers and got injured himself. Now he credits running helping him cope with PTSD, get physically healthy and more. Juan reached out to me to share his story.

In this podcast episode we talk about…

How Juan started running and running in Iraq

The Semper Fi Fund and how it’s supports veterans being active

How he trains for races – he’s done a lot of half marathons and full marathons

The Marine Corps Marathon

and of course his victory lap!

And I have to show this picture because it’s the cutest!! Juan and his family – everyone runs now! Well, the little one enjoys a ride in the stroller but the rest of them run!

Thank you Juan! I really appreciate it.

If you want to follow Juan on Instagram check out –>  @USMC1Shot  (He has a private account but accepts new running friends.)

Podcast Awards for this episode:

Today’s awards are in honor of Juan and hopefully helpful too…

1. Semper Fi Fund https://semperfifund.org/

2. Crisis Text Line – Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text.

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, about any type of crisis.

3. Find a therapist or support group.

If you have health insurance – look up a therapist that’s covered by your insurance online or call. Or find a local support group.

Support Groups…

Depression and BiPolar Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

 

Note – ‘Runner’s Anonymous’ is a strictly online group that meets at RunEatRepeat.com or the RER Facebook page as needed.   But it’s only anonymous in theory because we all tend to overshare. Then, run to escape the embarrassment. And instead of trying to keep ya off running I try to motivate you to run. So um, keep running. Thanks!

Seriously though… if you need help, support, a friend – please reach out to someone (including me). I’d prefer if you didn’t refer to me as your support animal though, thanks.

Thank you for listening to the RER podcast! Please subscribe and rate the show!! I appreciate it so much!

Question:

The post Using Running to Fight PTSD appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/08/30/using-running-fight-ptsd/

5 Reasons to Get Blue Apron Meal Delivery You Haven’t Heard Before

Hello! How’s it going? Are ya hungry? Because you will be by the end of this post. I got a Blue Apron delivery this week and was super excited for some new reasons. I love the food and always feel very fancy when I make Blue Apron meals. Today I have 3 reasons to get Blue Apron that you haven’t heard before!

 

5 Reasons to Get Blue Apron You Haven’t Heard Before

1. Trade Blue Apron for love and/or friendship.

You can impress people with your fancy cooking and delicious food!

Make Blue Apron for your friends…. maybe a potential boyfriend or girlfriend … in-laws… your boss… veterinarian… masseuse…

A home cooked meal is something you can give to the person who has everything. It’s a very sweet gesture to make someone dinner. And ya know those times when someone does you a favor but insists you don’t pay them back?

Well, cooking them dinner is a way to be kind without them feeling like you are giving them a monetary gift.

But… you want to make sure you cook something delicious, right?

Since Blue Apron sends you all the ingredients and proper amounts of ingredients – you can’t mess this up! Follow the directions and you will make an amazing dish for your new best friend.

 

I have a friend who LOVES fish. Anytime we go out to eat he suggests seafood first. So the last time I got a Blue Apron delivery with a salmon recipe I made it for him. He was super impressed and I was proud of myself since seafood isn’t my specialty.

2. Meal Prep or Meal Delivery for someone busy.

You can choose two options with Blue Apron – a 2 person plan and family plan.  If you don’t have 4 people around OR live alone – you can just make the meal and portion out the extra for the next day. Cook once – eat well twice! Or there’s another option…

I have been taking food to my brother and SIL for the last few weeks. They have a lil one and a new baby. Love love love.

Oh, and they have their hands very full! So, I’ve brought over breakfast casseroles and oatmeal muffins and crockpot pulled pork…. But I’ve run out of ideas!

Then, this week’s Blue Apron order had Squash Fajitas with Elotes. Ahhh! This was perfect because my SIL told me she wanted me to bring her an elote after she gave birth. I wasn’t able to because I ended up rushing to the hospital since there were some complications and I just needed to be there fast. Plus she couldn’t eat for a while after.

Anyway. I never got her the elote, but when I saw it on the recipe I knew I had to take her this meal. I cooked up the fajitas and elote…

Then, packed it up to deliver to my brother and SIL. They were super appreciative and it made me happy to be able to take them food that I know is healthy and delicious.

My niece wasn’t super excited about the food but she was excited I came over to play with her. She showed me this picture that’s up in her room and I thought it was funny that she named everyone in the picture – including my mom’s friend in the background! Ha!

3. Learn how to cook and about the food.

Blue Apron doesn’t just send ya ingredients and instructions. You can learn so much when you cook these dishes!

– You can learn how to chop or cook certain things that are usually very challenging.

How to Hold a Chef’s Knife OR How to Peel Garlic–-> They have video tutorials on their website with tips and tricks for cooking skills like this. Plus these are skills you can use in other meals when you’re cooking your own recipes.

– You can learn a little history on where a certain ancient grain comes from or where a certain dish originated from. –> The recipe cards have some information on each dish like this.

– You can learn how to pair the food with the best wine. –> The recipe cards have wine suggestions.

4. They have 30 minute meals.

Don’t have time to slave over the stove for hours? Usually get home hungry and want to eat asap?

Well,  you can basically be like Rachel Ray and make delicious 30 minute meals with Blue Apron. It’s so easy because they send you everything for the dish plus the recipe/directions. All you have to do is set aside half an hour and you’ll be digging into a very impressive meal.

The Miso Ramen Chicken I made today was a 30 minute meal! It’s surprising how quick and easy it was.

5. Blue Apron offers a recycling program!

This definitely got me excited – the company is now offering a recycling program! You’ve always been able to recycle some of the packaging on your own at home. But now you can return the packaging for free.

Get more information on Recycling Blue Apron packaging here.

6. You can get 3 free meals!

Okay, maybe you already heard about this reason to get Blue Apron, so it’s a bonus. But in case you haven’t been able to try it yet – the first 25 RER readers to sign up now will get 3 FREE meals on their first Blue Apron order!!

Question: Do you have a dish that you make when taking food to someone or trying to impress??

 

This post is sponsored by Blue Apron. All opinions are my own.

The post 5 Reasons to Get Blue Apron Meal Delivery You Haven’t Heard Before appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/08/28/5-reasons-to-get-blue-apron-meal-delivery-you-havent-heard-before/

What To Do in Palm Springs and What to NOT Do

Hello! I just got back from a weekend getaway in Palm Springs. I really needed that. The infamous SkinnyRunner aka SR aka BarlesHamBone aka my one friend aka TitsMcGee aka Ms. Alaska 2009 came all the way from Washington state to visit Katie and they let me tag along.

Katie is my replacement friend for Senorita Skinny Runner so it was basically like a training session. I don’t think Katie is ready for the responsibility of being my one friend just yet, but tequila helps rise up to the occasion so I’m keeping it coming!

Now I’m going to share the top 11 things you should do in Palm Springs. And a few things you should NOT do.

What To Do in Palm Springs and What to NOT Do

1. Do… Go to Las Casuelas and have a margarita. Or two.

2. Do… Pack plenty of snacks, WATER and Spark to keep ya going all weekend long. Both SR and Katie drink Spark too so I brought a lot of the Spark stick packs to share.

3. Do not… run in Palm Springs in the Summer… unless your one redheaded Mexican friend is going running solo and will probably get lost if you don’t go with her…

SR has always said she’s cooler than me… and now she lives in a much cooler climate. So she’s not used to the super hot temperatures in Palm Springs. But I convinced her to run with me by a very strategic combination of guilt and bribery.

We ran 9.28 miles around Palm Springs. We tried to stay on the side of the street with shade and drink plenty of water.

4. Do … embrace all the colorful fun flashy style around Palm Springs!

We stayed at the Saguaro Hotel. The rooms were nice, but not anything fancy – clean and equipped with a mini-fridge. We also had a balcony with a great view of the pool.

Don’t… get mad if there’s a lil trail of cereal crumbs everywhere I go. At least they’re not in the bed. (Okay, maybe there’s some in the bed too.)

5. Do… stay hydrated with plenty of water, iced coffee, Spark, iced coffee, Spark, iced…

Don’t… buy these everyday – because I’m going to recreate them at home and share the recipe soon. I really liked ‘em!

6. Do pack plenty of sunblock and some fun pool floats if you’ll be hanging by the pool. We spotted every different kind of pool float at our hotel… eggplant, watermelon tube, diamond ring, big gold swan and more! I saw this taco float and margarita float at a store on the main street (not called Main Street, but ya know the main street with shops and restaurants) but the store was closed.

7. Do… keep cool with plenty of ice cream!

8. Do… let yourself fall in love with Palm Springs and/or California in general.

9. Do… take the aerial tram up to the top of Mount San Jacinto

I’ve always wanted to do this!! I don’t know why I never have – I’ve been to Palm Springs A LOT since my best friend lives here!

It was actually a little scary – I didn’t expect that! I thought it was a mono-rail kinda tram like at Disneyland. But it is a tram on a cable that takes you up to the top of Mount San Jacinto in under 10 minutes. The tram goes around 360 degrees along the way so you see gorgeous views of the mountain and the valley below.

It’s gorgeous! But if you’re afraid of heights try to stay in the center of the vehicle.

Do… enjoy the views at the top!

Don’t… let your friend climb any rocks! She doesn’t know what she’s doing. She is a runner, not a rock climber.

But if she insists… Do capture her fall for Instagram. Thanks.

We did a short 1.5 mile hike – it was really like a walk. But there were more gorgeous views on that lil trail too.

Do… make friends with the guy trying to photobomb your Instagram pics.

Then, explain to your new friend that you’re doing a Boomerang and he can totally be in it because you’re down for whatever. Then… explain what Instagram and Boomerangs are to your new friend. Then… realize there is nothing INSTant about this instagram situation because he’s not on IG and find yourself explaining how to download the app…while your friend is yelling RUN EAT REPEAT just follow RUN EAT REPEAT so she can snap the pic and you all can move on with your life.

10. Do… enjoy relaxing and talking and hanging out with your people. Don’t be on your phone the whole time.

Don’t… take pictures at fancy restaurants with romantic lighting and expect them to turn out crisp.

Do enjoy a quality photo bomb and SR side eye combo…

Do… drink plenty of prosecco because it is crisp!

Do… decide this should be an annual girls trip! But maybe during the winter…

We want to make this an annual thing – but are thinking about doing it another time of year or in another location? Hmmm. Thoughts? I want to buy a house in Palm Springs and retire there. Next year. But we might need some other ideas.

Question: Have you taken a friends trip this year? Planning one? To where?

The post What To Do in Palm Springs and What to NOT Do appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/08/28/what-to-do-in-palm-springs-and-what-to-not-do/