Today was not fun getting up back at my normal time, but oh well, two more mornings to wake up to go to work and then it will be the weekend again

Breakfast was a nice and creamy bowl of oatmeal. Why was it creamy, you ask? Because this time I used skim milk instead of my normal water! I topped it with slivered almonds, flax, and homemade cranberry sauce. I mixed it all together and all I have to say is: Mmmmm

I thought that maybe this bowl would hold over my hunger well, due to the extra protein (from the milk), but it didn’t work like expected. It actually backfired and I’ve been starving all day! Mid morning I snacked on a Clif Z Bar, which did everything for my tastebuds, but nothing for my stomach…

About an hour and a half I had to dig into lunch because my stomach was going nuts. I had an english muffin sandwich filled with tuna + olive oil mayo. On the side I had some yummy pretzels and a really sweet apple.

I was planning on eating half a Clif bar like I do most days when I’m going to the gym after work, but I was STARVING so I had the whole thing. I still felt kind of hungry after eating it, but sadly, had no more snacks w/ me. Here’s my substitute picture for my eaten Clif PB Pretzel bar!

When I got to the gym, I decided to do 20 minutes on the treadmill, alternating running & speedwalking; walking on an incline for 10 minutes, and then 10 minutes on the elliptical to switch it up. All in all, I burned 365 calories. Afterwards, I did some super quick leg machines and headed home. It was a nice workout that flew by AND left me refreshed!

On my drive home, I happily listened to the radio station that is playing Christmas music 24/7 – love it!!!! I was also excited because my advent calendar came in the mail today I can’t wait to hang it up… it’s not as sentimental as the one I grew up with, but it will have it’s own memories

Dinner was a quick, easy to prepare meal that we haven’t had in a while. I grilled up some Aidelle’s Chicken Sausages on our Foreman grill and nested them in Sara Lee’s whole wheat hot dog buns. On the side we had steamed broccoli and potatoes – delish AND hearty! Then I couldn’t resist some salty pickles on the die – both Bill and I love ‘em

Since Bill has been sick this week, he’s been avoiding the gym so we’ve been eating dinner slightly earlier than normal (I have a slightly shorter commute than him). It’s been nice to have eaten, pack lunches, and be all cleaned up at the same time that we normally sit down to eat!

I’m exhausted so I’m off to go watch the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center w/ Bill and try to get to bed earlier than normal Anyone else watching it?

I am also enjoying a snack of two pizzelles topped with peanut butter & strawberry preserves with peppermint tea!

Can you tell I am LOVING this holiday season?!?!