Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar

It's getting hot out and I simply cannot fathom cooking hot oats over a stove in the morning. I also really am too sleep to before I have my morning cup of Joe. Time to introduce to you these blueberry oats that I found here. So good.

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats 

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar  

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned oats 

1/3 cup light soy milk 

1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 

1 teaspoon dried chia seeds 

2 teaspoons sugar free syrup (more or less to taste)  

1/4 cup blueberries cut in half (or enough to fill jar)  

Optional: chopped nuts

The ingredients!

Directions 

-In a half pint (1 cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, and 1 tsp syrup.

-Put lid on jar and shake until well combined.

-Remove lid, add blueberries and stir until mixed throughout.

-Return lid to jar and refrigerate overnight.

-In the morning add 1 tsp maple syrup, chia seeds, and the optional chopped nuts.

Quick and easy not to mention exceptionally delicious!

Question of the Day

What are some of your favorite quick and easy recipes?

I truly believe that the simplest of recipes turn out the best. Anything that can be thrown into a crockpot is my favorite. A one pot meal that I don't need to watch! Turn it on in the morning and in a few hours...Voila!

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Flexitarian

Do you eat a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally consume meat? Well, then you are just like me and follow a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Whether it is for health reasons or environmental issues, following this eating regimen is extremely beneficial.

The benefits of following this way of life are endless. Not only will you save money in the long run since meat tends to be more expensive on the grocery bill, but studies have shown that while eating a plant-based diet one can live an average of 3.5 years longer and weigh approximately 15% less than those who eat meat more regularly. Thinking of switching to this way of eating due to environmental issues? Eating an earth-friendly diet can be a way to reduce greenhouse gases. Even following the Meatless Mondays trend can help reduce our carbon footprint!

Now, I did not even realize that I was a flexi until a few months ago. The epiphany occurred when I was talking with a friend and she was talking about it. She was describing me to the tee! Over the past year I have cut out red meat from my diet drastically. I honestly may only consume it a handful of times per year. I just do not crave it anymore. And lately, I cannot fathom eating these animals for environmental issues. I care about those creatures!

Veggies are our friends.

I would not doubt for a second that I will eventually become a full blown vegetarian over the next few years. It is a personal choice and I will never criticize those that eat carnivorously. They choose their own way of living and that is completely fine by me.

Now all this veggie talk has made me hungry! Time to whip up some of my Aunt Sandie's yummy garlic vegetables!

Garlic Vegetable Medley
2 medium sized red potatoes, cut into chunks
2 medium sized carrots, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 zucchini, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 red pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ white onion cut into ½-1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Cooking spray

The ingredients!

Directions
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Combine olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small dish.
-Spray a 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray.
-Add potatoes and carrots and toss well with ½ of the basil mixture.
-Bake for 18 minutes.
-Meanwhile, toss the zucchini, peppers, and onion with the other ½ of the basil mixture.
-Stir into the potatoes and carrots and bake for another 18 minutes.
-Enjoy!

The healthy!

Question of the Day?

What is your favorite vegetarian dish?

I love grilled veggies! It must be something with the way the grill brings out an amazing flavor in these beauties. 

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Keep Going!

When the going gets tough just keep on swimming.

I've been itching badly. As badly as a thousand mosquito bites to run another 1/2 marathon. I don't know whether it's the beautiful weather or the fact that summer is right around the corner. Either way, all I know is that I need to run those 13.1 miles.

I signed up to run the Presque Isle 1/2 Marathon in Erie, PA with my aunt in July. As soon as I signed up, I realized that it is my sweet little nephew's first birthday party that same weekend.

Check out those shoes! He's sure to be a runner someday!

Luckily, my aunt understood and the race search resumed once again. I could have given up... but then I would not have accomplished one of my New Year's resolutions! We narrowed the choices down to three:

Ultrafit Columbus Half Marathon in Canal Winchester, OH on August 11
Little Miami Half Marathon in Morrow, OH on August 18
Emerald City Half Marathon in Dublin, OH on August 25

Now that the choices have been narrowed down I can't wait to finally choose and start my 10 week training program!

First 1/2 marathon in Columbus! Finished in 2:04:38!

Question of the Day
What has been your favorite race or event that you have participated in?

My favorite event by far would have to be the Columbus Full Marathon back in 2011. I cannot possibly think of any greater accomplishment than that.

Finished in 4:15:48!

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