Benefits of Strength Training and Breakfast in the Crockpot

Tomorrow is the day.

I have my podiatrist appointment in the afternoon. I'm extremely anxious to find out what is going on with this pesky foot of mine.

To be honest though, not running hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be. Yes, I am bummed about the marathon training. I was doing SO well and just know that I was going to PR.

However, this new found freedom has allowed me to rekindle my love for strength training. Strength training has some seriously AMAZING benefits:

1. You will become physically stronger.
2. You will lose body fat. (Building muscle raises your RMR! Score!!)
3. You will gain strength without bulk.
4. You will decrease your risk of osteroperosis.
5. You will improve your athletic performance.
6. You will decrease your risk of injury, back pain, and arthritis.
7. You will reduce your risk of heart disease.
8. You will reduce your risk of diabetes.
9. It's never too late to benefit.
10. You can improve your attitude and fight depression.
Source

Not only that, but it's MUCH more convenient than running. I can't run in the mornings because I get up at 4:30 (so I don't have much time) and I'm a single mother (so I can't just leave my child at home in bed...). For the past couple weeks though, I have been taking 20-30 minutes after breakfast and doing some sort of strength training. Mostly my beloved ankle weight routine but also wall squats, push-ups, core work, etc. It gives me a nice shot of endorphins to start the day off right.

Plus, even if you only have 20 minutes, you can get some serious results! Especially if you break your workout up into 2-3 different times of the day.

My body has been more sore in the past week than it was running 55 miles a week. I LOVE a good sore.

Another thing that I want to share if a great breakfast I cooked up last night. Yes, last night. Breakfast in the crockpot?? Effing perfect. Especially for somebody trying to squeeze a workout into their morning routine.

I had a bunch of coconut milk left over from making this amazing dessert, so I was looking for a recipe to use it in.....when I found one for Overnight, Slow Cooker, Banana Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oats.

Source: The Yummy Life

I've had some steel cut oats in my pantry that have needed to be used, so I decided to try it out.

I was a little nervous because because I sleep 8-9 hours and the recipe only called for it to cook for a maximum time of 7 hours but it came out perfect!!

I didn't get the caramelized coating that they did on the website, but I think that's because I left out the butter. (Who cooks oatmeal with butter in it anyways!!).

I topped mine with some toasted coconut, some Almond Milk and a dollopof Sun Butter. I can't wait to have it ready for the rest of the week as well:-)