Pumpkins and Cream

by Chocolate-Covered Katie on March 23, 2010

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Question of the Day from Formspring

Hey Katie! i have a question -
Do you ever have no appetite after running? I know I need more calories, but I have NO appetite and just can’t bring myself to eat anything when I finish exercising. Is it ok to wait until I’m hungry? Do you encounter this?  How do you eat when you aren’t hungry?

Yeah, sometimes after running, I am not hungry at all! But I make myself vegan breakfast anyway.  It’s really important to eat within an hour of finishing strenuous exercise, to jumpstart muscle recovery and restore glycogen (the main fuel used during exercise). And breakfast always tastes so good that, after the first bite, my appetite comes running back :) .

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Post time: If, like me, you’ve never encountered a creamy food you didn’t like, meet your new best friend:

(Yes, he is soy.  But soy is not the devil, remember?)

creq

You need not be a coffee-drinker to appreciate this friend. I rarely drink coffee. Maybe a few times a month, I’ll drink like 1/2 a glass to really wake me up before a run… but even then, I drink it black.  So I was under the impression that there was no use for creamer in my life.  Until one day, when I came across a pudding recipe that called for creamer. And off the wheels went rolling.

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First meeting on Mr. Creamer’s schedule was Kabocha Mousse.

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Kabocha Cream Mousse

  • 140ish grams (about 2/3 cup) cooked kabocha (here’s how to cook a kabocha)
  • Salt to taste (I use about 1/16th tsp)
  • A little less than 1/4 cup total liquid (I used 30g water and 20g creamer).

The results were Cream Heaven!

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Completing the kabocha-mousse meal: bulgur pilaf and brocci (cooked the broccoli-bowl way).

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Other non-coffee uses for creamer:

Pour a tablesoon or so on Snickerdoodle, Cookie Dough, Boston Cream Pie, or any other Crazy Oatmeal concoction.

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Such as the Beauty Queen Oatmeal above

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Or use it in a smoothie recipe, Alfredo recipe, 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse, etc.

Question of the Day: Do you ever lose your appetite after exercise? Alternative question: What’s your favorite use for creamer?

Power Song of the Day: “1901”

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{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }

jcd March 23, 2010 at 2:08 pm

Good question, and excellent answer! I never have an appetite after running, but I always make something yummy and eat it. Somehow, I can always get a fudge baby or two down before I go for a shower and get ready for work. This week’s fudge baby combination is cashews, pepitas, and cranberries. :)

We’re not big into creamer. Thick coconut milk usually fills in the gap for us. But… I have this great recipe for homemade chocolate hazelnut spread that uses creamer… mmmm… so yummy!

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Marina March 23, 2010 at 2:15 pm

I’m never hungry after a run!
I mean, I don’t run pretty often, but after it, I just have no appetite, and after I stretch, shower and decide that I need to eat passes a really long time.Maybe that’s why my legs are killing me, even 5 days after my last run!

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Jessica @ How Sweet March 23, 2010 at 2:20 pm

I have heard amazing things about that creamer. I don’t drink coffee, but it might make me start to drink it if I try it!

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Keri - IEatTrees March 23, 2010 at 2:23 pm

I can’t stomach food right after a workout at all! If I feel a little shaky or can tell my body needs something I’ll do a smoothie or green juice.
I love those Silk creamers! I drink my coffee black, but I love the french vanilla for a treat. I need to get the original and try some recipes!

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eatandrun March 23, 2010 at 2:24 pm

Never had that problem. I’m always ravishing after I get back from a run!

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Valerie March 23, 2010 at 2:25 pm

For those of you who don’t like soy or can’t do soy:
Try So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer! :)

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The Voracious Vegan March 23, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Ooooh! Pumpkin pudding like that would be DELICIOUS! Brilliant idea, Katie! And I’m always famished after working out, I’ve got no problem with that! ;-)

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McKella March 23, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Mmm…pumpkin pudding.
I don’t run, but I make sure to eat at least a little something after a workout. I’m usually hungry within an hour anyway.

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Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 23, 2010 at 2:46 pm

I find that a smoothie is a good thing to have after a run if I’m not hungry. It’s cold and refreshing and is good for you!

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theprocessofhealing March 23, 2010 at 2:46 pm

I generally stick to creamer in coffee but I may have to branch out! Creamer over some oats… sounds fab-u-lous!

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Jessica (PB & Jess) March 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm

I tend to lose my appetite after really long runs. I usually wait 30-45 min and then have a snack or small meal. You’re right about the first bite…it always makes me want more!

I have plain coconut milk creamer at home right now. I rarely buy it since I don’t drink coffee at home, but my mom is visiting and she requested some. I’ll try it in my oatbran tomorrow!

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curious March 23, 2010 at 2:49 pm

@ Valerie,
Hi Valerie, I’m just curious, have you tried the coconut creamer? I was disappointed in it, because it seemed watery to me. Wa that just me? Or maybe you have to use more?

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Sarah March 23, 2010 at 2:50 pm

I’m going to have to try kabocha one of these days. You always make it look so good!

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jaclyn@todayslady March 23, 2010 at 2:55 pm

I’m usually not hungry right after I exercise but my appetite comes as soon as I start eating. I know it’s important to eat within an hour of exercising so I try to do that. If I don’t eat within the hour I sometimes get a bit light headed even if I eventually eat something. It’s a feeling I like to avoid :)

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Jenny March 23, 2010 at 2:56 pm

I love creamed spinach! And yes, sometimes my appetite is Nonexistant post exercise

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Amy @ Everything is Homemade March 23, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Sometimes I’m starving after a workout or run and can’t seem to eat enough. But other times I’m not hungry at all. Not sure why it goes one way or the other.

I love Silk French Vanilla Creamer. I’ve been drinking it in my coffee almost every morning for a month now. But I’m out so I need some more and now want to try the coconut creamer Valerie mentioned. Thanks Valerie!

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christina March 23, 2010 at 3:04 pm

i’m rarely hungry after a workout, but once i start eating, i go all out! hehe

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Jessica March 23, 2010 at 3:06 pm

That beauty queen oatmeal has my vote for next year’s Miss America!

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julie March 23, 2010 at 3:08 pm

thanks katie! i’ve always seen the silk creamer at the store, but i don’t drink coffee, so i never buy it. now i will!

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Mary March 23, 2010 at 3:10 pm

Curious,
I know I’m not Valerie, but I wanted to give my two-cents :) . I thought that the coconut creamer was disappointing as well. Have you tried regular coconut milk as a replacement? It actually works quite well in coffee, surprisingly enough! And it’s much cheaper!

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Aimee March 23, 2010 at 3:11 pm

I must try that pumpkin mousse, because I am the biggest lover of everything pumpkin!

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Anonymous March 23, 2010 at 3:13 pm

thanks for the link to the soy and processed foods post. i read it a while ago, but it is something i needed to hear again. i really need to stop feeling so guilty and apologizing for eating my soy and processed foods.
i have a very healthy diet thank you very much!

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*Andrea* March 23, 2010 at 3:35 pm

my fav use for creamer is in coffee..yes, i’m a caffeine fiend lol. i need to wean myself off though because i’ve noticed that i am grouchy without my daily iced soy latte ahhh.

this looks great though in the mousse! i love squash too. and that barley looks so delicious. i like how your meals are so colorful! and easy for me to replicate, especially the broccoli method ;)

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Evan Thomas March 23, 2010 at 3:40 pm

My appetite’s usually dead in the morning “when I work out” and then I go mad at night eating everythign in sight. It’s not optimal but as long as the food gets in there I can’t be sorry

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Chocolate-Covered Katie March 23, 2010 at 3:46 pm

Anonymous,
You’re so welcome :)

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Chocolate-Covered Katie March 23, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Andrea,
hehe that sounds like my mommy… we call her Monster Mommy before she has her coffee :)

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Inspired March 23, 2010 at 3:52 pm

I agree with Evan Thomas! I’m never hungry after a workout, but come 9pm, the hunger monster takes over!

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Stephanie March 23, 2010 at 4:06 pm

Exercise definitely helps modulate my appetite throughout the day. However, considering the fact that I work out at noon, by the time I’m finished at 1.15 I am ravenous.

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Sünne March 23, 2010 at 4:17 pm

I want that chocolate-covered meal of the day so badly! Mail it to me, please!?

… and we seem to have a similiar music preference as I’ve been listening to “1901″ over and over again during the last time, too!

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Heather March 23, 2010 at 4:39 pm

I’m not usually hungry after a run, but other exercise I’m just fine! I try to have a glass of milk or something after a run to help with recovery, then have a meal or snack when my appetite comes back.

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Tiffany March 23, 2010 at 4:40 pm

Katie, I’m the same way; I don’t always have a big appetite immediately post-workout, but I make myself breakfast anyway and that first bite reminds me that I did want (and need) to eat after all.

I pretty much reserve the use of soy creamer for making vegan ice cream (it never touches my coffee, which I like strong and black). Because the creamer is always sweetened, I don’t use it for savory dishes, because I feel like it would add too much sweetness or an off flavor. I’m curious if that’s ever been an issue for anyone…

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Leah March 23, 2010 at 5:07 pm

I never have a problem eating after a run, normally I’m planning my breakfast during the last mile haha! Also, I’ve never tried the soy creamer, but the coconut milk creamer is sooooo good! I don’t even drink coffee, but I love to drizzle it over my oats!

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Effie March 23, 2010 at 5:08 pm

I never loose my appetite :)

Especially after the gym or long distance walking I can eat everything!

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Jordan March 23, 2010 at 5:33 pm

I’m usually never hungry after a strenuous workout. It’ll take me sometimes a couple of hours to get any sort of appetite. I find that I become much hungrier as the day progresses.
And how funny – I JUST bought that Silk creamer a few days ago because it was on sale! I like it in my coffee, but I didn’t think about using it in recipes. Thanks for the great ideas!

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Bianca- Vegan Crunk March 23, 2010 at 5:58 pm

I know its boring but my fave use of soy creamer is in my coffee … but only because my coffee is my life. I live to drink coffee. Seriously. But soy creamer (and that tasty So Delicious Coconut creamer … my fave!) also makes a mean alfredo sauce … and I use in it my homemade tofu ricotta.

I’m always famished when I come home from the gym. But I go to the gym right after work, so when I get home, it’s dinnertime.

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Heather Eats Almond Butter March 23, 2010 at 6:06 pm

Nothing like a big mug of coffee filled with cream. My favorite way to start the day!

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musingsofthegranolagirl March 23, 2010 at 6:09 pm

Pumpkin mousse! How creative (as usual!) :)

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JoLynn-dreaminitvegan March 23, 2010 at 6:10 pm

Your brocci bowl looks delish!
Using the soy creamer reminds me of when I was little my grandma always used cream in our cream of wheat or cereal.

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Chocolate-Covered Katie March 23, 2010 at 6:18 pm

Sünne,
I love that song, but must admit I don’t even know what they’re singing about. Maybe I should at least google the lyrics! When I listen to it, all I can make out is “hey hey hey hey hey!” :)

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Chocolate-Covered Katie March 23, 2010 at 6:19 pm

Jordan,
That’s why I first bought it too… I had a coupon! :)
Coupons make me super-happy. Too bad I’ve never seen it on sale since.

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vegangal March 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm

i love seeing your meals of the day, katie girl! keep them coming. and the fun recipes too :)

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Katie March 23, 2010 at 7:14 pm

I’m usually not hungry right after working out, but within a hlaf an hour, I am starving!

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ilanalala March 23, 2010 at 7:36 pm

My appetite is pretty nonexistant post-Pilates but I have about a half an hour on the bus and subway home and by the time I get home I’m usually ready to make dinner! It works out pretty well.

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abby March 23, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Look what you made me do. I saw this post this morning and I just got back from the grocery store, complete with a carton of soy creamer :) .

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tori March 23, 2010 at 9:23 pm

my favorite use for creamer is your recipe for chocolate covered strawberry icecream! I made this a few weeks ago and used soy cream instead of milk. I recently bought coconut cream so I’m going to try using that next

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BroccoliHut March 23, 2010 at 10:02 pm

I usually have about a half hour afterward when I have no appetite. When I run at the gym though, I am ready for breakfast by the time I get home!

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rebekah (clarity in creation.) March 23, 2010 at 10:05 pm

thanks for putting so much time and energy into my random question :)

ps – i’ve been doing a lot better with making myself eat. i think my metabolism is adjusting because i’m actually starting to feel HUNGRY again every once in a while :)
thanks girl!

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caronae March 23, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Never would have thought of using creamer like that! How clever! And I’m almost always hungry after exercising/running, but every once in a while I’m not and I wait an hour or two.
Happy Tuesday :)

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Danielle March 23, 2010 at 10:48 pm

Pumpkin Cream Mousse?! Love it :D

I have what I like to call the “8 mile appetite syndrome.” Anything below 8 miles…my hunger is non-existent (but I eat anyways!) Anything over 8 miles and im a hungry girl :)

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Pure2raw twins March 24, 2010 at 12:49 am

Everything looks yummy, especially Pumpkin mousse. Lately Lori and I have been creating all different types of pre and post workout snacks. Mostly made out of dates or bananas with some coconut oil, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and spirulina.

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Justine March 24, 2010 at 1:02 am

I am never hungry after a workout- even if I was hungry before-hand. I have no idea why this is. It is not just with walking/jogging though- pilates, yoga, biking, whatever. I just steals my appetite away for a while.

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Vaala March 24, 2010 at 2:08 am

Yeah, I never have an appetite after training but you have to eat. Normally I eat some rice crackers straight away (you need carbs within the first 20 minutes after exercise, preferably without protein) and then eat something larger a little while later when I can stomach it.

Also, I encounter this problem during adventure racing and other endurance races. Every hour we have to eat something and it’s a time we dread! It’s funny ’cause I do love food normally.

By the way, what on earth is soy creamer? If you do encounter a recipe with it, what could you substitute instead? We don’t get it here in NZ.

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Katie March 24, 2010 at 4:46 am

Uh, SO yum. I can only imagine how creamy and sweet the effect of that creamer is!! Also, I ALWAYS lose my appetite after running. Always.

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Monica March 24, 2010 at 6:53 pm

Katie–you just earned major cool points for having 1901 as your song-o-the day! Phoenix is my favorite band to listen to when doing a little running action :D

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Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle March 24, 2010 at 8:37 pm

My appetite is soooo low after running. Especially after long runs, where I NEED to eat. Even if it’s smaller than a whole meal, I do try to eat something so my muscles can repair.. smoothies are good on a testy tummy, or just some bread with nut butter.

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CourtandWhit March 24, 2010 at 9:07 pm

That happens to us all the time, but we know that we are burning alot of calories, so a light snack does the body good.

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