Today I am really feeling like fall has arrived.  I just hope it is a long one!  I’m a huge fan of spring and fall.  Summer is even ok.  Winter… notsomuch.  In my mind, the only point of cold weather is snow.  Since we don’t see much of that in Atlanta, there is absolutely no point enduring temps under 60 degrees.  I digress… back to the beautiful day.

I met a friend this morning to play tennis. To fuel this early morning adventure, I made an apple cupcake.  It is really just a cored apple that I cut horizontally and add toppings to, but there is something especially satisfying about needing a knife and fork to eat it.

I added Atlanta Farm Fresh plain greek-style yogurt and homemade granola.

If you haven’t tried this yogurt, go out and buy some now. It is amazing.  The 0% Ginger Peach flavor is my favorite.  I never thought I’d be saying this about yogurt… but it is like eating dessert.  YUM.

Then it was time to play.  I jogged to a neighborhood tennis court and played for 2 hours.

Normally these courts are crowded, but I actually got up earlier than the rest of the world and – surprise – they were open!

My dilemma: I am trying to cut back; however, every social activity seems to involve food and drinks.  My friend originally wanted to get brunch and mimosas this morning.  I didn’t want to start my weekend off ruining all the work I did during the week, so I asked if we could go for a run or do something more active.  She suggested tennis.  I love tennis but rarely have anyone to play with.

The Lesson: You can ask. Ask for alternate activities and most people will be up for it.  You may even get to do something you normally don’t have the chance to!

After 2 hours of tennis, I was hungry again.  Last night I prepared for this!  I made overnight oats.  Overnight oats are the coolest thing I’ve learned about recently.  The basic idea is to mix equal parts oats and milk (or almond milk, soy milk, mix in some yogurt… whatever) in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate over night.  In the morning you top with fruit, yogurt, eggs… the possibilities are endless.

Yesterday, in the midst of my baking frenzy, I made banana butter.  I put 2 T almond butter and a banana in a bowl and used the mixer to blend.  I ate half on toast, but decided the other half would make awesome overnight oats.

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Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Overnight Oats

• 1/3 C multi-grain oats
• Banana butter (blended 1/2 banana and 1T almond butter)
• 1/4 C milk
• 1/2 scoop of chocolate Juice Plus protein powder
• Fresh raspberries

Mix everything (except berries) in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.  Stir again in the morning and top with fresh berries.

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I am staring at the empty bowl as I write this, wishing I had more. The chocolate protein powder was the perfect addition – chocolate, nut butter, and banana are my favorite combo.

No more for me – it is time to go the the Braves game!

Cross your fingers that today’s performance is better than last night’s.