Why hello and happy Wednesday (almost Thursday – woohoo!). I had class late last night, so I didn’t have it in me to blog last night when I got home.I hope you’ll accept my late What I Ate Wednesday post.
Breakfast – 6:00 AM
Breakfast wasthe exact same thing I had last week. I just couldn’t break the pumpkin/chocolate cycle this morning. Hot oatmeal is becoming a staple again now that it is literally almost freezing in the morning!
Don’t believe me? Check out the temperatures from this morning! Talk about cold! I couldn’t find Charlie this morning, and it turns out he was hiding in all the pillows we throw off the bed at night before we go to sleep. He was a little chilly too!
On the way to work today, the cold temperatures lured me into Starbuck’s. I’ve been trying to kick the habit or at least not make it a daily event. One thing I’ve noticed is in the last two weeks I have been sleeping HORRIBLY. Waking up in the middle of the night, not being able to fall back asleep, getting a mid-day headache. No fun. I figured out it was because of the caffeine I reintroduced into my routine.
I know decaf is even worse for you than regular, but I’ve been wanting the coffee taste! (edited to add: take this statement with a grain of salt. I’ve read that there are chemicals added to strip the caffeine from the coffee beans to make decaf coffee. Here’s some information about it. There is also a method called the Swiss Water Method that does not use chemicals)
Lunch – 11:15 AM
Lunch was a little bit of a hodge podge – I had a salad with hummus (recycled photo).
I also had some roasted acorn squash I made the other night. You know it’s fall when roasted squash makes it into the rotation!
I may or may not have also had a handful of M&M’s. I can’t say no.
Snack – 4:15 PM
I forgot to bring a snack for after school today, and I also had a quick meeting with my principal about my first observation of the year (it’s tomorrow!). When I got home, I was starving, but didn’t want to pig out and then not want dinner. I quick cooked up an egg and some egg whites, topped it with Bone Suckin’ Sauce, and inhaled it. The protein held me over quite well! I think I’m a fan of this savory after school snack!
After I inhaled those eggs, Charlie and I went on a nice long 3 mile walk. It was absolutely gorgeous outside today – about 70 degrees, a nice breeze – perfection. When I got home, I tried to read for grad school and ended up falling asleep for about fifteen minutes. Whoops.I feel much more alert now!
Dinner – 6:00 PM
I had something special cooking in the slow cooker all day while I was at work – my mom’s famous chili! It’s seriously the best thing in the world. I make it about a million times during the fall and winter months, and it never gets old. Super easy to make and it can feed the Husband and me for days! The recipe I linked to doesn’t include everything I put in the chili – if you want to make it, add in a few carrots as well as a zucchini. Hits the spot.
I’m not sure what I’m going to have for a snack, but I promise you there will be one. Quickly followed by an early bedtime!
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
Decaf is bad for you? I didn’t know that! Yipes- why is it bad?
….That egg white after school snack sounds like a great idea! Mmmmm!
Good Luck with your observation!! I’m sure you’ll be an all-star!
I guess there’s more chemicals that go into making decaf than regular - I don’t know. And I’m pretty relaxed about observations! I don’t mind them!
Wait, decaf is bad??
I guess there’s more chemicals that go into making decaf than regular!
Hi Chelsey!
Question: I also avoid gluten, corn, and dairy, and thus have avoided M&M’s since they contain corn derivatives (via corn starch and corn syrup) + dairy (skim milk, lactose, and milkfat) + dextrin (usually from corn). Ingredients can be found here: http://whatisthatingredient.com/product.php?id=8. Do you find that you are able to tolerate M&M’s in spite of ingredient list? I know everyone is different in terms of these intolerances, but would love to hear your thoughts!
I don’t really eat too many - and sometimes I just am okay with having a little stomachache in the afternoon.
Stomach aches are definitely sometimes worth it when it comes to chocolate
Amen!
Have you tried Unreal Candy Coated Chocolates? http://getunreal.com/ I too am allergic to corn, so I’ve said good-bye to most main-stream candy, but these things taste so much like a M&M that I don’t feel like I’m missing out anymore. They have some decent nutrition stats for a candy too! I found a bag at BJ’s Wholesale, but according to the website, it looks as though they are sold tons of places.
I looked up get unreal - pretty cool - though they seem to have dairy from what I could tell? Are there some without?
BTW - the oats look amazing as does the chili - I am waiting for cooler temps to break this stuff out (though mornings are cold now!)
Yikes!….It’s chilly where you are. All of your eats look very warm, cozy and Fall inspired. Believe it or not I have never cooked acorn squash. I love butternut squash, though. Maybe that needs to be on my Fall bucket list.
It warms up during the day. It was 72 in the afternoon!
Mmm I can’t wait to make my first batch of chili!
eh… i drink decaf every day and i’m fine! love your combo, though - i do almost the same thing with a soy misto and one pump of pumpkin.
Haha iways just think about you telling me that if coffee was the problem the you’d deal - I’m kind of with you. I just keep goin back !!
Chili is the bomb. I’m really craving some now after reading your post..I don’t have my crockpot at my new apt though. I guess I could make it on the stovetop, but it’s just not the same! I loove when it’s been cooking all day, and you get a huge whiff of chili when walking in the door! I’ll just live vicariously through you for now.
I actually like my chili better on the stove top but I didn’t want to make it when I gothome!!
Of course we don’t mind a late post - I’m glad you’re able to take classes!
Yeah, wasn’t Chicago beautiful today? I went on a morning jog AND an afternoon walk because I couldn’t get enough of the great weather!!
It was great outside!!
great…as I sit here and drink a cup of decaf coffee.. totally rained on my parade. Oh well, we all have our vices, don’t we? A cup of decaf every couple of nights probably won’t kill me.
haha you’re right - it won’t!!! Let’s talk about my m&m addiction to make you feel better.
Okay — yum!! The thing I love most about fall isn’t so much the ingredients, but shifting from the light and airy and fresh summer food to the nice hearty fall meals. And you’ve hit the nail on the head with them. Love it!! Might just have to give the chili a go — seems like a recipe not even I could mess up … I seem to be the walking kitchen nightmare these days!
It is quite simple!
We are headed back to Mokena for a visit with my mom next week. I knew it was going to be chillier (compared to Texas) but 39??? Yikes! I guess I get to wear my boots
really??? Where in mokena does your mom live?? Small world! It heats up during the day!
Haha funny, the weather lured me right into Starbucks today but it was rather warm around 2pm so I went for iced. Still have yet to get a warm pumpkin spice latte but soon. I can feel it!
I reeeallly wanted an iced, but I just couldn’t make myself do it!
Wow - fall is in the AIR, huh! Can’t believe it’s that chilly, already. Stay warm!
omg it was SO COLD this morning! And why is decaf worse for you??
Apparently the chemicals they use to make it? Whatever I’ll take it.
Wait, decaf is worse than regular?? I drink decaf exclusively… Why is it worse?
Oops - just saw your reply to Katie. Hmm, something to think about!
Yeah, take it with a grain of salt. There’s another process companies can use called the Swiss Water Method that doesn’t use the chemicals to roast out the caffeine. Everything in moderation!
I hope your observation goes well!
I made chili on Sunday night-sweet potato and black bean chili-and it was fantastic. Definitely made the Fall season feel even more real!
Oh yum! I’ll have to make that combo sometime!
acorn squash — that was the correct decision:)
Decaf is bad for you? Is it because of the chemicals that go into taking the caffeine out? I heard there was some more natural way to do it that’s not as bad. Swiss water method or something? In any case, I like my coffee caffeinated, but I’m trying to kick my daily Bux habit as well… It’s getting expensive!
Yes and yes.
I have always thought I can handle caffeine, but after getting HORRIBLE sleep last week followed by glorious sleep this week, I just can’t justify it!
I’ve been all about the hot pumpkin oats lately too… I can’t get enough! I was just about to ask the same question about the decaf thing, but then I realized a ton of others asked it already, so I’ll spare you answering it again.
haha I know, right? Just one little sentence sparked up quite the conversation!
Late post apology accepted
I had no idea that decaf was worse! I was about to comment and ask why, but I already read through all of your responses above. Looks like when it’s baby time for me (God willing) I’ll be trying to cut it cold turkey!
Just make sure that you drink coffee decaffinated using the Swiss-water process! Which, many companies do use, unless you are drinking a big brand unethically sourced crap coffee, sorry generic-brand drinkers! :p I know that Starbucks labels their decaf Sumatra as Swiss-water method produced, since that’s what I brew at home most often. I’m not sure if they use that process exclusively though. I would think that they do! Equal Exchange Coffee company makes just about the best decaf I have ever drank! Also, as their name implies they are completely transparent with all of their practices, from buying to brewing .
Obviously I am enthusiastic about my coffee, and can’t really handle caffeine anymore. Anyways, sorry to go on and on! I was reading through all the posts before I commented, but, as I am also hoping to have a little one on the way soon, had to stop here and voice it! 
Love this comment! Thanks! You’re much more knowledgeable than I am!!
Pumpkin is back HERE! I love it!
I hope all is well girl! I was going to email you , I wanted to tell you things are back to normal for me! I am hoping though it stays that way! I am still being smart and laying off intense stuff though for sure! <3
YAY!!!!! I’m so happy!!!! Please do email me! We need to catch up!
I just started drinking coffee again and I’ve been having the same sleeping problems too! It’s not fair that my body hates something that I love so much!
And I love acorn squash. I never really see it on blogs that much which I find weird because it’s so good!
I guess try decaf? There’s the Swiss Water Method that doesn’t use chemicals!
Yessss I can’t wait to make chili again!!
It has DEFINITELY gotten colder in the mornings; I am now unable to wear shorts and a t-shirt when walking our puppy at 6:15 A.M…Your pumpkin oatmeal looks delicious, especially with the chocolate added to it:) That acorn squash also looks fantastic; I love roasting squash and sweet potatoes in the fall and winter.
It is quite chilly! (I typed chili first! haha!)
I switch between coffee and tea to try & keep a balance
That works!
I’m so with you on the hot breakfasts lol I’m always frozen after my morning runs!
It’s still super hot here. I can’t wait for some cooler weather! Although Oregon has a bad habit of going straight from Summer to Winter.
haha! I’m so sorry!
Seriously want to get and roast some acorn squash next week. I have a butternut that I need to use up first, though. Love winter squash!
I have a butternut too!
I just realized recently that i was addicted to caffine. I didn’t have coffee for about 3 days (not on purpose, just did not feel tired and was too busy kind of forgot), and i was getting terrible headaches, for 3 days straight. I couldnt figure out why, then it hit it. I drank a cup of coffee and it was gone right after…. :-/
Yeah caffeine headaches are the worst!!
I have had the same experience with caffeine. Re-intro makes me realize how much it effects me more than withdrawal.
Also - well done with that nooch. A+
Haha!I love my nooch!
All the roasted squash happening is making me super excited for Fall, even though its still pretty warm out here!
Well, its a good thing I love my coffee compared to decaf then;)
And chilli is such a perfect comfort food. I swear I make it wayyy too much throughout the Winter.
Balance is key, right?
i am sooo ready to make some kind of butternut soup/stew/chilli/or harvest pizza.
love fall cooking!
or just all of those