First, let me start with muchos muchos gracias to all of you for lulling my popcorn-addiction fears. I’ll likely let the overconsumption run its natural course until some scientific finding advises otherwise.
I kicked off Tuesday morning—a.k.a. the first day of fall!—with my favorite autumn drank—chai tea, with a little creamer & honey.
I developed an innocent addiction to Starbucks’ vanilla chai lattes during college, so I do my best to re-create it sans the creepy powder they use. Not saying I don’t enjoy Starbucks’ version in all its artificial glory, on occasion 
I intended for the chai to be my coffee replacement, but I ended up succumbing to my caffeine cravings and having a cup. I’m still bitter about the whole burnt tongue thing, so I’m not giving coffee art any spotlight until I’ve gotten over its seductive trickery.
For breakfast, I was on a mission to get creative with my oat bran for Ms. PB’s Best Of Oats week. And, I must say, my visionary breakfast brilliance came out in full force. If you are hungry, on a diet or currently dissatisfied with your lunch, I suggest you stop reading now. If not, I present to you…
Boston Creme Oat Bran
I can’t remember the last time I had a doughnut. Oh, wait… But, in all seriousness, I rarely eat doughnuts. Partially because I don’t want to die of a heart-attack at my ripe young age, and partially because they simply aren’t my favorite dessert. I do, however, have a resilient love for Boston creme doughnuts. I can pass up the fried dough, but I’m a sucker for creme fillings. (Do I even have to say it? Okay, TWSS.)
So there lies my inspiration for this decadent DPAAB (dessert parading around as breakfast, if you missed inception of that acronym). She’s beautiful, isn’t she?
I brewed my oat bran on the stove with: 1/3 cup oat bran, 1 cup water, salt, 1/2 banana sliced thinly, vanilla extract and truvia. Then, I topped it with several dollops of cheesecake pudding and drizzled a packet of Dark Chocolate Dreams.
The cheesecake pudding was pre-made and organic (thereby healthier, right? 
), and I had a sample packet of PB&Co’s Dark Chocolate Dreams. I’d never tried either product prior to this breakfast, but their presence in this particular creation was clutch, for lack of a better word.
I’m quite sure cereal for breakfast is never going to cut it after experiencing this.
I fall-ified Monday’s dinner by making a roasted veggie salad for lunch.
In the mix: spring greens, sun-dried tomatoes, oil-cured olives, grilled shrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled onions, celery, corn and grilled chicken. Dressed, as usual, in balsamic + honey and celery salt.
My ode to summer salad was good, but I really prefer cooked veggies in salads. Halfway through, I remembered that I have an ungodly amount of hummus to get through.
Those added dollops were the perfect complement to the roasted veggies & balsamic dressing. I always forget how amazing the hummus + salad combo is.
Since there was SO much hummus to be had, I busted out my favorite pretzels, Snyder’s Organic Oat Bran.
I was never a “pretzel person” ‘til I tried these. I usually eat them straight up, but my go-to dips, as of late, are cream cheese and hummus. Neither ever disappoints.
For dinner, I made a mediterranean salad that Tina featured last week. I halved the original recipe since it serves 10—but I used the full amount of artichokes and onions since I had a lot on hand. I also used red potatoes instead of gold yukons.
Last night’s perfect bite: sauteed pepper, onion, roasted red potato, artichoke and kalamata olive. I can’t pretend I didn’t strategically get all those goods onto the fork, but ‘twas a magical bite, indeed.
As usual, I made a notable effort to eat fruit for dessert.
I do love dinosaur plums. But, one of the perks drawbacks of decadent breakfasts: their taste lingers. A.k.a., I had puddin’ on the brain.
Since it was cheesecake pudding, I had to top it with grahams for an as-close-to-the-real-thing experience.
I may have just discovered my second favorite dessert to cheesecake. As in, I sort of want to crumble an entire box of graham crackers into that pudding container and have my way with it. I won’t, scout’s honor.
Before I go, I wanted to let you all know how my one-week foray into yoga went. If my limerick and expressed enthusiasm didn’t give it away, I LOVED YOGA!
I only ended up going five out of the planned seven days because of unfortunate fullness and quite fortunate Rosh Hashanah celebrations. But I actually think that was a good thing because the soreness was getting pretty intense. During my last class on Sunday, I got the Brooklyn Yogi again—who was equally as hilarious and obnoxiously Brooklyn-y. But the class was the most intense and rewarding of all the ones I went to it.
Having not done yoga for two days now, I’m craving it. I think one of the reasons I like yoga so much is because it’s so different from any other form of exercise I’ve ever tried out. I think that I, like most people, view exercise from a results-based perspective. We exercise to improve or maintain our health, appearance, fitness level, etc. The results-oriented aspect of yoga was so different than running or any other cardio exercise I’ve tried. I was drawn to yoga for the way it made me feel as I was going through the motions, not for the results that were to come. I’ve never felt so present or engaged during exercise before, and I loved that. What are the benefits you reap from your exercise method of choice?
From a physical standpoint, even after one week, I feel stronger and more stretched-out than I’ve ever felt before. As a prior yoga-skeptic, I’m thoroughly impressed.
I haven’t yet figured out where I’ll go with yoga from here. A monthly pass to the studio is really expensive—more than double what it costs for a membership at a premium NYC gym. So I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a membership to a gym that has yoga classes. I’m not sure if I’d enjoy standard yoga as much as Bikram because I really liked the heat component. Any thoughts on getting a gym membership versus sticking strictly to yoga?
Happy hump day
-Sarah
well thank you for alerting me to the fact that fall offish started yesterday, I ahd no idea.. and yes, I live under a rock.
and um those oats are kind of effin’ incred! I am veryyyyy glad I implemented this whole best of the week thang
what brand of yogurt did you use???
I used to be a slave to the dreaded treadie and elliptical machine — but once I’ve started yoga I can tell you honestly I haven’t done cardio in MONTHS and feel as though I’m in the best shape of my life!! Yoga is a powerful thaaang.
enjoy what’s left of your HD! xo
You think me a healthier girl than I am, my dear. That’s puddin, not yogurt
haha I found this AMAZING organic cheesecake pudding from an organic grocery store by me… It was storebrand from their bakery section so no brand to share 
I’ve actually never seen it before, but I hope it wasn’t a one time thing! I’m a little addicted…
Gracias por el yoga advice… I’m feeling the same so far… I never knew I could stretch and get abs!?? WTF haha
Chai tea is amazing! I miss it dearly because i can’t find it in italy so I’ve settled for earl gray. I think i just died and went to heaven when I saw that BC oats pictures… one word – yum!
That oatbran looks amazing! Where did you get the pre-made organic pudding? Does it need refridgerated? And sample packs of PB and Co…spill the beans!
Starbucks now use syrup for Chai- not sure if it’s that different from the powder, but worth checking out (chai syrup in coffee is apparently really good!)
Haha the pudding does need to be refrigerated, and it’s from the bakery section of a local supermarket havennn. I got the sample packs of PB&Co at a Health fair at my college a few months ago… Haven’t seen them anywhere else!
I loooooved Boston cream doughnuts when I was little! Still my favorite, though I almost never eat donuts. I will definitely try out your oatmeal idea! I wish I could help out on the yoga situation, it’s a tough call for me too as I want to practice yoga consistently to reap the beenfits, but can’t fork over the cash. I called yoga studios in my area to see if they would agree to a work exchange for classes, and it turns out the closest yoga studio to me was totally willing! You never know unless you ask.
I am in the same boat as you with the whole yoga/gym membership dilemma. My gym doesn’t have yoga and yoga studios are hella expensive but I need a gym and I need yoga — oy vey to that!
Those oats were GENIUS. Where did you get organic cheesecake pudding?
Whoa I guess the organic cheesecake pudding sparked a lot of interest! It’s from a Fairway’s bakery section–so unfortunately I don’t have a savior pudding brand name to share with everyone! If anyone lives close to a Fairway, I’d check to see if they have it! It’s AAAMAZING!
Wow. That is the only word I have for that oatbran concoction….
I think I need some of that in my life. And I like the filling in pastries too, my husband hates it, he thinks it’s “dirty”. haha
Love that idea for potato salad, I hate the creamy ones.
I’m glad to hear you liked yoga so much. I’ve really been wanting to try it but the cost is somewhat daunting. I always seem to feel like I’m the only person who doesn’t know how to do it and what the moves are so its good to know there are other beginners out there.
WHAAAAAAA make me those oats pronto! Isn’t DCD dreamy as can be?!?! It tastes like a reeses…which happens to be my fav candy of ALL time.
How did you get so much sabra?!!?!?!?!?!? HOOK A SISTA UP!
Dinner and lunch both look amazing. I am craving veggies like you. have. no. idea.
LOVES
TOO MUCH FOOD PORN!!
I have a gym membership AND do yoga.
Hahah funemployment for sure! We’ll see how long it lasts. Cute blog – I love reading all you foodie people. I’m a sweet tooth person, myself, so that pudding looks great. Keep posting about the yoga – I’m more of a cardio girl, but am trying to streeeeettttch out and breathe!
Yeah for yoga! Keep doing it
I find that yogadownload.com and my own personal practice are what I like best. I rarely go to the studio for classes.
WHOA. MAMA.
MOTHER OF PEARL!
Everything in this post is jaw-dropping incredible.
I think you can benefit from both. Lots of gyms also offer yoga classes as well
Ok. That’s it. You need to come be my personal foodie assistant! Seriously! Boston cream oat bran?! It looks ammmazing!! Very creative!! Of course everything looks amazing on your blog!
holy porny oat bran! that looks like a decadent dessert! yumm. i love chai, it reminds me of christmas, i think i need to stock up. totally jealous of the mondo hummus stack! i need to whip up a batch today. i have never done yoga, i really want to try it out!
Holy OMG that oatbran looks divine! Genius. The dinner salad looks great too, I need to try that recipe.
Glad you’re loving the yoga. I’m currently trying to decide whether I’m well enough to go tonight or not.
That breakfast is so sinfully delicious I have to try it myself. Where does a girl get cheesecake pudding?! Everything else looks fantastic as well – yum!
Yoga is amazing! I’m glad you like it so much! Anything that combines stretching and relaxation (sort of) is a winner in my book. I can’t stand machines – the stair mill in particular = death to me
That oatmeal looks incredibly decadent! I have to try it!!
And, your roasted veggie salad looks fab!
the brekkie is ridiculous, in the best possible way of course
sadly i didn’t get on stage at girl talk, i tried for like ten minutes… then thought eff that! i want to DANCE! ha so i did just that.
oh and i am ultra jealous of that hummus stash you got going on!
That’s my kind of oats, I had some chocolate and pb in mine also this morning!
First, all your food looks amazing! Second, I love pretzels and hummus (especially Sabra!), and third, the benefits I get from running are both mental and physical. When I am stressed or in a bad mood, I run, and instantly feel better
Yoga makes me feel better too though!
I am a current lover of the Dark Chocolate Dreams. Welcome to the club!!!
That is quite a lot of hummus you got going there!!!! I thought we had a lot but you win the prize. I love me my hummus too!
holy yum! what a creative and uhmazing idea with those oats! and I am a boston gal, so the whole boston creme thing caught my eye
thats some hummos you got there!! sabra is the best kind though so you are in good hands…I would be putting that on anything and everything! where did that all come from and can you send me some asap (LOL)
chai tea is da bombbbb
I have a treacherous addiction to all things popcorn too. Its fine. The way I see it its how nature intended it for us.
Um breakfast should be sold at dunkin instead of the real doughnut… Just a thought
Um, where do I start. You warned me, but I went ahead and read it, even though I am currently starving and stuck at work without food – poor planning.
Also, roasted veggies = my favorite food on earth and yours look tantalizing.
Exercise: I enjoy running for the mental lift it gives me (along with other things…). I get an extreme runner’s high and I LOVE that. Yoga makes my body feel good, running makes my brain feel good.
i’m pretty sure you made my mouth water the entire time i was reading.
Your oats looks OUTSTANDING! i love them so much!
and roasted veggies in salads are like angels singing to me! ahh i love it! fall is the best isnt it!
http://saladdiva.wordpress.com
Congrats Sarah! That is some gorgey oats you have there! And I want to echo Evan Thomas, “where did you get organic cheesecake pudding?” I like the roasted corn in your salad – very Mexicali
In terms of yoga or a gym membership? I say yoga! But then again, I am obessed!
Boston Cream Pie oatmeal?? OMGosh that is unreal!
Oh my LORDY, that oatbran looks good. And I am insanely jealous of your hummus stash… I only have THREE flavors in my fridge
Glad you liked yoga!
Ohhh dear, your oats look too good to be true. All of your food photos always look like I could eat them through the screen!
Yeah for finishing your first week of Yoga. It really does suck that yoga memberships are so expensive…I am just lucky that it’s cheap where I am living. I think your best bet is the gym membership; more bang for your buck!
Hopefully you can stick with it, it’s worth it!
p.s. 1# How did you accumulate so much hummus?
p.s.#2 Your desserts for breakie are just way to tempting!
My jaw kept dropping lower and lower as I scrolled through your post!!! So much amazing eats!! You are a fab cook. Where did you get all that hummus!?
holy crap that hummus shot just gave me jealousy pangs.
ps im so obsessed with tazo chai tea right now. SO obsessed!
That yogurt sounds wonderful! Boston Cream is amazing.
I love Chai tea too
Love your lunch! Colourful meals just look and taste so much better… lol! I have a yearly membership to my university’s gym! Love going to classes there – find it a lot easier to go when I go with a friend or just knowing its a group thing when you get there. Also I can be kinda competitive so it really works for me!
holy moly oatmeal. you are genius. i need to hop on jenny’s challenge and see if i can outdo that, which obviously won’t be possible.
i am SO GLAD you are loving yoga. i crave it to – if i don’t make it 1 or 2 times a week, this gal is a crabby one.
happy day girl!
WOW YUM! The Boston Creme Oat Bran looks DELISH!
Honestly I love Bikram and do it occasionally on the side but I get SO much out of my gym pass, I love it! I would consider the pass!
That is an obscence amount of hummus! I would definitely get a gym membership – most have yoga classes anything. It is always good to try out new workouts! Dinosaur plum – havent had that!