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Smart Food
While I typically enjoy breakfast quinoa or oats in the morning, I always love a good pancake breakfast too. Or pancake lunch. Or pancake dinner, for that matter. Isn’t breakfast for dinner amazing?
The problem with most pancake mixes is that they have an ingredient list that is a mile-long, filled with ingredients that even this food science student doesn’t recognize. Plus, they are usually too full of sugar, leaving me with a stomachache, not to mention a hunger for more food less than an hour later.
Not so with Kodiak pancakes. They are a just-add-water mix that I absolutely love. As in, I’ve had them 5 times in the past week…what can I say? I’m loving these pancakes, and they don’t leave me feeling uncomfortable or hungry.
Plus, check out the ingredients list:
100% whole grain wheat flour, 100% whole grain oat flour, non-fat dry milk, dry honey (honey, wheat starch), leavening (sodium bicarbonate, sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate), egg whites, salt.
That is only 7 (count ‘em, SEVEN) ingredients. I have never seen such a short ingredient list for a “just-add-water” mix. And I recognize all of them!
The cakes have the perfect fluffiness. While you can taste the wholesome wheat and oats, they don’t have the stereotypical “grainy” texture of whole grain pancakes.
My favorite way to top them? With the Kodiak Red Raspberry syrup and fresh strawberries. Again, we have a super-short ingredient list.
Red raspberries, organic crystallized cane juice, mountain spring water, xanthan gum (a natural thickener), citric acid.
The syrup isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, and I love the chunks of real raspberries. Combined with the halved strawberries, it gives the pancake meal a fantastic texture. I’d love to try the other two flavors of syrup, too!
I adore these pancakes and syrup, so I added them to my Open Sky shop. However, I do want to point out that I bought the mix and syrup myself, and would definitely buy it again!
Smart Fitness
I made a deal with Dan last weekend. One that both he and my parents have been pushing for.
No. More. Running.
It just isn’t good for my knees, especially with my family history with running + knee problems. The only time I will be running from now on is when I am traveling and want to work out, and have no other choice. In which case, Dan will run with me and pace me.
It is funny, though. I think I have been feeling this great pressure to keep running and be a runner, because that seems to be the thing to do in healthy-living-blog-world. But really?
I’m okay with it. While there were times that I loved how I felt after a run, I never quite fell in love with it.
I think I prefer cycling. And weight lifting. And yoga. And pilates.
And protecting my knees and IT band? Priceless.
Smart Life
I found a face wash to replace the St. Ive’s Apricot Scrub for Project Glow. I wasn’t thrilled with the first replacement attempt, but I have high hopes for this one. I’ll report back!
This weekend is filled with wedding-planning fun…including a wedding dress fitting, tasting with the caterer, and buying my makeup for May 30. What’s on your agenda for the weekend?
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m really proud of you for this decision! The healthy living blog world is full of runners, but there is so much more to physical fitness, and so many other ways you can be fit! It’s best to find ourselves in everything we do – diet, exercise and more. It sounds like you sure have with the cycling, yoga, weight lifting and pilates!
Love you!
P.S. I don’t think I won.
I entered every email I have lol.
Thank you for your sweet comment, Lindsey!
Running is definitely a challenge! Glad to hear you decided what is best for yourself. Bad knees definitely aren’t worth it!
I love the kodiak cakes! I always had to buy them because of the short ingredient list. So much easier then making up a homemade batch on days where you just want pancakes but without all the fuss.
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.
healthy living is more than running, its deciding NOT to run because its whats BEST for your body!!!]
really, i could say it big and bold, a million times in a row, and it still wouldnt tell you enough of HOW PROUD I really and truly am. You are doing whats BEST FOR YOUR BODY and therefore your life – and THAT is what Healthy Living is all about [i feel a more than series post coming on
also – i want pancakes. shocking.
I am so excited to hear about your dress fitting this afternoon
I hope home is super fun and super productive.
xoxox
Thank you for all your support and encouragement!
As a non-runner, I fully support your decision =) I felt the same pressure to run, especially since I started blogging. But after embarking on a personal running challenge and *completing* that challenge, I came to the conclusion that running just isn’t my thang…*and I’m okay with it!* I wrote a whole post on it, which was actually quite freeing and therapeutic in a way.
Those pancakes look BOMB. And I’m with you on the short ingredient list. Sometimes I make my pancakes out of straight whole wheat flour – that works too!
Where is this post? I want to read it!
I think you’re making the right decision! It’s hard, but you’re right, running isn’t for anyone. Sometimes I feel that way about yoga, but I know it’s good for my sore running body, so I try!
But running is soo hard on your body..especially knees, especially if you’re predisposed to injury.
Siiigh, I wish I wasn’t addicted!
Have you tried something other than yoga? Like pilates or some other form of stretching?
You go girl – seriously! And those pancakes look delicious
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Good for you for cutting the running out! I plan on cutting way back and doing lots of other workouts like walking, yoga, Zumba, hiking, and spinning once the Boston Marathon is over. My knees are not thrilled with me, so I am spending a rockin Saturday night with bags of frozen veggies on them
Those pancakes look amazing!
You need to do what is best for you – if running hurts your knees, STOP IT!
Good for you, you should really stick with exercises that you and your body love! I despise running, and am not quiet about that fact haha. It hurts my knees/ankles and it BORES me to death. I adore yoga and cardio/strength/interval routines on Exercise TV and am in the best shape of my life thanks to these types of exercise. Instead of doing the same thing day after day and working the same muscles, I am constantly changing and challenging my body with different moves. Let me know if you need any fun exercise ideas!
I’d love to hear your ideas! We don’t have Exercise TV, but other routine suggestions would be great!
wow congrats on your decision! I understand how hard it is but i think it gets easier with time. Running to me is an addictive behavior i like to do it only when i start to get better and when i do it infrequently it never gets any easier. Anyways I cant run either because when i do it compresses a nerve and makes my legs fall asleep ( compression syndrome). I thnk you made an awesome choice and one that you dont get to read to much about with other healthy life blogs- cant wait to read more about this!
Larissa
Thank you!
I think it’s great that you are doing what is right for YOU. Not everyone is a runner – some cycle, some lift weights, some ellipticize. I love running AND lifting
I’m not much of a runner either, well at least my knees and hips like to tell me so. There are many other great activities to do, like you mentioned! Wow, that syrup sounds amazing, I’d like to try that! Looks delish for any meal of the day
YAY for you for realizing that what works for everyone else does not necessarily work for you.
Good for you for listening to your body!
You should try making your own pancakes. If you consider yourself to be a true food blogger and seriously want to get into this as a career, you need to be cooking from scratch instead of trying out mixes. The following recipe has just seven ingredients, too. I know; it looks *really difficult.* Opening a box of mix and adding water takes all of <5 minutes less than actually making your own….oh, and it's cheaper! Again, you could also make your own strawberry syrup. The pancakes in your pictures look super flat, too. Again, a clear demonstration of using a boxed mix. I hope you love your future children more than you love your readers because nothing says "I don't care about you and your body" than opening a box and "just adding water."
But you would need to promote a boxed mixed, right, because you're making money off of people as a blogger?
Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes:
Ingredients
* 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk, plus more if necessary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1/2 cup blueberries
I guess if “Anonymous” truly had the courage of his/her convictions, he/she would leave a name. I hope the the ability to throw out some “withering” snark made Anon. feel better about himself. And certainly, no one is forcing you to read this blog or contribute monetarily in any way. I wish more people would appreciate the small steps that lead to greater change. Of course, we can’t all be as righteous as “Anon”. But to take a shot at Julie’s concern for her future children is just a cheap shot and unworthy of anyone who thinks they are “holier than thou” (yes, I can use air quotes too!)
Anonymous,
I’m sorry that you don’t think I am a “true food blogger” because I occasionally use a box mix. I am a busy college student, and sometimes I want the convenience of the mix. As I said in my post, I don’t use typical box mixes because of their chemical-laden ingredient lists, but I like this one because they are all real ingredients.
I’m not writing about this boxed mix because I want to make money off of it. I’m writing about it because I think my readers will enjoy it too if they are looking for such a mix. I will NEVER recommend a product that I don’t believe in or stand behind 100%.
Anonymous,
Julie cooks from scratch often, and I’m certain she will be doing so even more when she has completed the unbelievably busy and life-changing months which she is currently enveloped in. Either one of us would be happy to report on her delicious made from scratch pancakes then.
While I respect your right to express your opinion (though I don’t agree with it and you certainly didn’t express it constructively), there is one thing here that will set me off. Leave our future children out of this. That’s uncalled-for. You have no right to take personal shots at my future wife, and suggesting that she won’t love our children is just flat-out ridiculous.
Amen Dan, well said!
Dan,
Nice use of the word “enveloped”.
Heather
Haha. It’s true!
On a different blog Anon’s recipe would be lambasted for not using sprouted/freshly ground/gluten free flour, omega-3 rich eggs, low glycaemic sweetened and well, unimaginative (though I think its a perfectly good recipe). When I’m in a rush (all the time since I’m a trainee Medic!), I’m all fingers and thumbs, so I’d probably end up putting 2tbsp of salt in place of the sugar and 1/4 tsp of garlic powder instead of the baking powder in the mix- then I’d really be in trouble for ‘flat’ pancakes! Hooray for healthy mixes! Sometimes its hard for ppl to imagine QUITE how tight on time people can be
My Dad used to be a food Scientist/Biotechnologist so I hope I can appreciate the workload you are under. And totally get where you are coming from on the running- I have such bad genes for injury prone legs, my knees aren’t in the best of shape now, so I’d rather look to other forms of exercise so I can still hobble round when I’m in my 80′s terrorising neighbourhood children! Have you thought of swimming? Its like cardio and strength training all rolled into one! Sorry for the essay x And loved that your fiancee stepped in- a true knight in shining armour he he
Anonymous – seriously, you don’t like what she’s posting, don’t read it! There’s no need for such an attack. It’s hardly like she’s making tons of money (if any) off this blog and if you read regularly, you will see she’s a pretty darn healthy eater. As they say, if you don’t have anything nice to say…
Anonymous – Bahhh. Maybe she has better things to do! You obviously don’t.
Pancake mixes can be part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. And you demonstrate that perfectly!
wth? haha funny how anon commenters need to get a life, but they feed off making others feel bad behind a fake facade which is just a reflection of themselves. Most bloggers don’t make jack crap and most of the stuff we buy on our own and spend our own on shipping.
What the eff is your problem, Anon? Talk about harsh, rude, and inconsiderate. Instead of worrying about Julie’s future as a mother so much, maybe you should worry about your own future as a parent if you’re such a snarky individual. I already feel bad for you future kids.
FYI Anon, did you know Julie can tell where you are from your IP address?
I just found your other post on Foodbuzz and ended up here. I also gave up running for pretty much the same reason. Actually, I gave up cycling because it was hurting my knees, and I gave up running just because I think it’s too harsh on the body in general.
I love sports, but every time I get carried away with workouts, I’d get sports injuries, that would keep me out of the gym for weeks or even months. And then I thought: “hey I am doing sports to be healthy. But do I consider having a sport injury being healhty? Of course, not!”
So my primary sport for today is walking, which is one of my favorite activities anyway. And then yoga and swimming and mild weight training. Yoga is especially good because it makes you more attuned to your body in general. So far I’m pretty happy with that decision (it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve made it).
Good luck with yours !
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Running was definitely far too hard on my body, but so far cycling hasn’t bothered my knees. And hopefully it won’t, because currently walking hurts them more than biking does!
Congratulations on making your decision and sticking with it!
Frankly, with all the runners in the blog world, it would be REFRESHING to see someone doing something else! Good for you!
And that anonymous commenter is kind of…crazy and extreme. I suppose he/she will flip out to find out that I eat processed meat on a daily basis.
Thank you for your support, Sophia. On both the running and the anonymous issues
Your decision is uber refreshing. If we’re all the same, we’d all be boring!
Very true! Thanks Ashley!
It’s pancakes people. No need to reinvent the wheel!
Julie, I am so proud of you for sticking to something that is right for you. And who knows maybe you will come back to running, maybe not. As long as you are healthy and happy!
I very rarely read comments and have never replied o a comment before BUT Anon is another word that also begins with A… Why wouldn’t a busy person use a food that was healthy and convenient? And to comment on your future children? Ummm my mother loved me very much and you know what? We had Hamburger Helper occasionally and OMG McDonald’s (okay rarely we couldn’t afford it often) but does that mean she wasn’t a perfect mom FOR ME? Nope, just like whether or not you use boxed mixes or not you will be a great Mom to your kids!
Thank you for your sweet comment!
Sometimes, I play this weird devil’s advocate role.
When my coworker angrily shares about the rude grocery clerk, i say “maybe she was just having a hard day. She shouldn’t have taken it out on you, but haven’t you been rude to someone you shouldn’t have? Dwelling on it won’t help EITHER of you.”
When my friend is hurt by a boy who said one thing and meant another, I mention that we have probably done the same thing many times, never on purpose. It was not his intention going into this situation to hurt you, and he probably does mean he is sorry when he says so.
When everyone and their mother is complaining about some sort of government official, I politely suggest that we are not in his/her shoes, and if we think its so easy to hold public office, then maybe we should start running for the next election now.
And during a few public scandals I may or may not be the one muttering “cast the first stone” under my breath in the corner.
ahem.
That being said – I’ve been going over and over in my head since last night how I can stand up for Anonymous.
Anonymous broke my heart when we learned that the comment was using a UW computer due their IP address, because- well, to be quite honest….I kind of think all Badgers are the coolest. And kind. And wouldn’t be harsh about something as trivial as a boxed pancake mix to a fellow badger.
Also, apparently Anonymous has a different definition than me in regards to what constitutes a “true food blogger.” To me, it would seem that the word food preceding the word blogger who indicated that a food blogger is one that blogs about food. Some food bloggers write about healthy food. Some food bloggers write about unhealthy food. Some food bloggers just blog about food. I’m not saying that Anonymous’s definition of “true food blogger” is incorrect. Definitions used in personal dialogue are kind of subjective anyway, right?
I’m a little in awe of this comment: “because nothing says “I don’t care about you and your body” than opening a box and “just adding water.”” Of course, this is yet another subjective argument [and honestly, in our post-modern world, aren’t all arguments somewhat subjective?] but I can think of a few other actions that say “I don’t care about you and your body” a bit more than opening a box and just adding water. One of which may or may not be making someone feel bad about themselves by using passive phrasing in regards to their hobbies, personal decisions, and family that have no direct correlation with to the person making such claims.
AHA! And I’ve found it.
Anonymous’s comments are clearly not well regarded here in the Healthy Living Blogger Community, but if Anonymous chooses to read a blog by such a sweet girl as Julie and leave a comment that can be construed as attacking her, than I suppose it would be hypocritical of me judge him/her for making that decision to do so. More so, it would be ridiculous of me to suggest that Anonymous’s family must not love him/her enough to instill values of kindness and teach lessons of politeness and compassion. Especially considering I don’t actually know Anonymous, or his/her family.
Since UW is such a great research school, it IS possible that Anonymous is just doing some sort of study on negative conversation on internet forums. It’s possible that Anonymous is working on a thesis for his/her communication, sociology, or physiology degree and we’ve all just been part of a sampling of responses to negative comments, or an experiment suggesting that friendships created through the internet have a unique strength to them which can be seen here in exhibit A – the way in which one stands up for someone, even if these two people have never met in real life.
It’s possible that Anonymous has been hurt by a “true food blogger” and has been left jaded and bitter, unable to see the good in a wonderful blog. Perhaps someone else just ruined it for you, Julie.
Julie, guess what.
I like your blog. I like that you purchased this mix yourself, which you clearly pointed out above, and gave it an honest review. I like that you share with us which products you believe in and enjoy. I like that you have an Open Sky store because I can easily say, “my birthday wish list looks a lot like Julie’s Open Sky store, plus a goat” to inquiring party attendees. I like that you are a blogger, and there is nothing wrong with that – whether you make money off of it or not. I like that Foodbuzz sponsors based on page views, and Anonymous made you some money by leaving that comment which caused a twitter discussion and few of us blends (read: me) to view this page at least 5 times reading responses and such, meaning any kind of “screw the man” mentality that was assumed from that comment kind of back fired. You’ve hit the big time.
xoxoxo to you, Julie. And SavvyMom. And Dan. [especially Dan for using the word enveloped as he did. Ten points, Dan.]
and xoxoxo to you, Anonymous.
I’m still believing in the power of a kind heart. I’m choosing to believe we are unknowingly in that study for a thesis.
Hey Julie, I think it’s fantastic that you making the choice to do exercise that works for you, and won’t hurt you in the long run, because then, what was the point of exercising in the short term, if in the long term you’ve hurt yourself so badly as to not be able to walk a block. I love reading blogs where people are discussing all the different types of exercise they are doing, and have a list of classes I’d like to try. Like Zumba, even though i have no rhythm and will most likely make a complete fool of myself, but it’s something I would never have known about unless I had read it on blogs.
I was unaware that foodbuzz sponsors based on page views, I learn something new everyday!
First of all, Julie, knowing you and how honest and open you are, it just hurts me that someone would attack you in that way. I know that you eat what is good for your body and you respect your body to the upmost. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t quit running for the sake of your health, and you wouldn’t mention that you LIKE the pancake mix because it has seven ingredients, thus implying that you would not buy one with a laundry list of ingredients. I LIKE that too. In fact, I think I want to go buy some from your Open Sky store.
Love you, and obviously a lot of other people do too!
I bet that anonymous commenter will think twice before coming around these parts again! All the love and support that everyone showed after that heinous comment only goes to show that you are in fact a “true food blogger” and that you’re truly a good person.
AND I personally love boxed pancakes mixes sometimes. So there
Wow, look at what I missed while I was traveling. What a dick to write that to you. They must be really insecure with themselves to pick on a complete stranger who happens to be really nice. WTF?!!
You are just not having a good week, are you? Well, it can only go up from here.
hahaha.
silly silly anon.
i just made my sister read this.
and we laughed.
LOL.
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