April 10, 2012

Running is the Best Stress Relief

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

Breakfast + Brunch
21 comments

Morning, friends!

Running is the best stress relief — and I’ve been keeping it up during this crazy busy week, amidst all the studying. Last night around 6:30, I met up with my friend Lauren and one of her friends for a nice evening run.

IMG_1680

Lauren’s friend was in town visiting UNC as a prospective Ph.D. student, so we thought it’d be fun to give him a running tour of UNC. Spring is in full swing and UNC was really looking it’s best for us!

IMG_1684

We swung by the UNC well for a drink of water…

IMG_1683

Ran all through campus, including some trails…

IMG_1682

IMG_1681

And ended up back at Lauren’s place for a total of 4 hilly miles.

IMG_1685

It was a wonderful way to end a day. 🙂 Perfect weather!

—

Time to get organized and head off to school — another busy day ahead! I spent 5 extra minutes this morning making myself a nice hot breakfast — it was delicious and a nice treat for a mid-week morning. I made a tomato and mushroom two egg omelette with a little cheddar cheese, plus some orange juice on the side in the form of real oranges. 🙂

IMG_5556

I also had a piece of unpictured Ezekiel sprouted cinnamon raisin toast with almond butter and strawberry jam — my fave! I need to make omelette’s more often — it really only took like 2 more minutes to make than my normal breakfast would. The only real problem is the dirty pan afterward. 😉

Do you make hot breakfasts during the week? Or do you stick with whatever’s fast? I usually just do cereal or microwaved oats, as you guys know, but I want to start mixing it up a bit — it’s getting old!

- anne

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

leave a comment

21 comments
  • Running really is the best stress reliever. I've only just started getting in to it and I'm really keen to push myself to go further. Even on the treadmill banging out 4 miles never fails to any stresses and strains to one side!
    Reply
  • I never have time for a hot breakfast until I get to the weekend! Good luck on your comprehensive exam later this week, I know you can do it!
    Reply
  • Hot breakfasts are so satisfying on a weekday! Your breakfast looks delicious. I normally opt for overnight oats for weekday breakfasts because of convenience (love the taste too) but I'm thinking tomorrow is going to involve pancakes :)!
    Reply
  • It depends on the day. It sounds silly but because I wash/blowdry/straighten my hair every other day those days breakfast is quicker but the opposite days I have a bit more time, nothing that takes over 15 minutes though!
    Reply
  • If I'm going straight to work from the gym I'll pack some overnight oats but otherwise I usually have a hot breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day!!
    Reply
  • Running, or any exercise really, is my favorite way to relieve stress--it never fails to make me feel better. Breakfast is by far my favorite meal and I always have a hard time choosing what to eat in the morning. Oats in the microwave is my go-to during the week.
    Reply
  • I usually stick with something quick during the weekdays, but weekend breakfasts are always pretty gourmet!
    Reply
  • Overnight oats all the way! Sometimes I will make hard boiled eggs for convenience. I'm usually running out the door in the mornings! Good luck on your exam!
    Reply
  • I love working out when I am stressed! It really does help so much. :) As for breakfast, I am stuck on gluten-free toast and nut butter. I haven't had a hot breakfast in a while. :) Have a great day!
    Reply
  • Other than Mondays (when I go to the gym at 5:30am and then have to leave for school by 7:30am), I always make a hot breakfast! I get up early just to do so!
    Reply
  • Looks like a beautiful day as it is here in the Atlanta area. Boy Chapel Hill sure did make a come back. I remember the F5 tornado of 1978 that tore it apart. I hope that never happens again.
    Reply
  • Living in Texas, I have learned to embrace the taco at all hours of the day, including morning breakfast. My weekend egg prep makes them super quick on a weekday. I scramble 7 eggs, then evenly separate them out onto 6 pieces of plastic wrap that I've precut, and 1 tortilla that I will eat then and there! I eat my one taco, clean the plate and pan, and drink my coffee while I wait for the eggs on the plastic wrap to cool. Then I wrap them up, stick them in a ziplock freezer bag and throw them in the freezer. Before work, I unwrap a single, frozen scrambled egg serving from my stash, place it on a paper towel on a plate (to absorb the juices) and pop it into the microwave for about 1 min 15 sec. While it's heating, I heat up my store bought corn tortilla in a skillet (can be toaster oven or microwave, too) with a bit of cheese. When heated, I add the egg to the tortilla, top it off with some fresh pico de gallo (or hot sauce, jarred salsa, etc.) and avacado to complete my breakfast taco! You can obviously add anything you want, including beans, fruit, other veggies, sour cream - whatever you'd like! This is especially great for people with kids who need a quick, fun breakfast in the morning.
    Reply
    • That is genius! Great idea and sounds delicious, too. I love breakfast tacos - I think I know what I'll be making for breakfast later this week! :)
      Reply
  • After a long day at work where I'm on my feet all day taking care of patients, nothing feels better than a quick run. Running helps me sort out the day and decompress better than anything else. I try to mix it up with breakfast but usually it's the same. I've been really into Oatless Oats lately.
    Reply
      • I got it from Tina @ Carrots N Cake. http://carrotsncake.com/2012/01/oatmeal-minus-the-oats.html Quick and super filling!
        Reply
        • Ohhh yeah! I've been meaning to make those - maybe I'll give them a shot tomorrow!
          Reply
  • Running is the best, without question -- and the post-run endorphin high is incomparable. Good to see you could make time for it even during a really tough week. Good luck with the exams!
    Reply
  • I eat a hot, usually egg based, breakfast nearly everyday. One of my current faves that only takes about 5 minutes is an egg sandwich on Van's Waffles. Throw them in the toaster, fry an egg to over medium and enjoy with your favorite jam. Also, to make omelets go faster, I pre-chop onions, green peppers and mushrooms into single serve prep bowls when I'm making my Sunday breakfast and use them up all week. It's totally worth the extra few minutes in my book.
    Reply