Cinnamon Overload

on April 16, 2010
in All Posts

A wonderful, cinnamon-y, breakfast!

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I have been going through bottles of cinnamon like it’s my job lately.  I just love the flavor!

 

Cinnamon has some amazing holistic health benefits!  The Husband told me the other day that cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar and is a natural antibacterial and antifungal fighter.  And it tastes good.  🙂

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My breakfast this morning was a Kashi Pilaf bowl.

 

I heated up 3/4 cup cooked Kashi Pilaf, added some almond milk and a sliced banana, and cooked the mix on the stovetop until the banana was melted.  I topped it off with pecans, strawberries, honey, and CINNAMON!

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It’s a nice texture change from regular oatmeal.

 

Off to get some work done!

 

Question:  What is your favorite NON-WHEY protein powder?

{ 102 comments }

 

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 16, 2010, 9:17 am

    Jay Robb’s Egg White Protein!

  • Krista N April 16, 2010, 9:19 am

    Vega- Whole Food Health Optimizer in Berry or Chocolate!!!! Yummy 🙂

    • Marlene April 16, 2010, 9:41 am

      Agreed. Pea protein is the best. Reading the back of the Vega container always makes me happy!!! And I think Brendan Brazier is really great!!! Can’t say enough good things about Vega. I actually tried the Vanilla flavour for the first time (Berry was always my go-to) and it was really good tasting, too… Yum!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 16, 2010, 9:20 am

    There is NO SUCH THING as too much cinnamon!! I have it on/in everything – oatmeal, GMs, dinner, lunch, hot chocolate…(once straight from the packet….) thank goodness it’s good for me!!
    I’ve never had protein powder before :s

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 16, 2010, 9:20 am

    I haven’t gotten into protein powders but am interested to hear the responses on this one because I think it would make a nice addition to my Green Monsters and make them fill me up for longer. Why do you want non whey powders?

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 9:21 am

      i’m trying to reduce my dairy intake.

  • Gracie (complicated day) April 16, 2010, 9:23 am

    I use a lot of cinnamon myself and I buy it in bulk bags from my health food store. It’s SO inexpensive that way: I can get the equivalent of 6 bottles for about $3! It lets me be a little more generous with it 🙂

  • Cara April 16, 2010, 9:30 am

    I’ve been dying to try hemp protein, but it’s twice the price of whey! Next time, I think I might go that way, though…

    • Michelle April 17, 2010, 10:19 am

      I purchased hemp protein a little while back on a recommendation and I greatly dislike it. It turns everything green which can be unappetizing at times but my biggest turn off is the taste. I’ve never tried other protein powders so I’m not sure if they’re supposed to taste terrible but I’m assuming no. It’s impossible to mix with half of the foods I wish to add it to due to it’s overpowering taste. 🙁

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans April 16, 2010, 9:31 am

    I’ve had good luck with brown rice protein powders!

  • Noelle @OPera Singer in the Kitchen April 16, 2010, 9:32 am

    Peaceful PLanet-Rice Protein Energy Shake (The best I have found and it is vegan)ingredients: Dutch cocoa,rice starch,spirulina,stevia,carrots,brccoli,tomato, horsetailherb, nettle leaf, gluten-free vegan enzyme blend..

    I am telling you this is the best blend I have tried and it does not affect my tummy or make me feel sick.

  • Katey April 16, 2010, 9:32 am

    Trader Joe’s hemp protein is pretty good! Its really high in fiber though (like 11 grams per serving) but that’s the only non-dairy i’ve tried. It really has no taste though.. so its pretty good 🙂

  • Diana April 16, 2010, 9:32 am

    That breakfast looks great. 🙂
    I only use whey protein powder (actually bought it a couple of weeks ago for the first time!) so I can’t really help you with that.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! April 16, 2010, 9:32 am

    I too have heard lots of good benefits about eating cinnamon, so I try to have some in my oatmeal or coffee everyday! =)

  • Whitney April 16, 2010, 9:34 am

    You should try some cinnamon that isn’t McCormick’s. You would be shocked about how much better it tastes.

    http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices-by-category/cinnamon

    My favorite is the Vietnamese Saigon Cassis.

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 9:35 am

      I had the organic Saigon cinnamon from Spice Inc and it was soooooooooo much better (but too expensive).

      • Whitney April 16, 2010, 9:44 am

        Yea, I’m super lucky because I live like 3 blocks from the Spice House. I feel like a 4 oz bag was maybe 4-5 bucks…but I don’t go through it as fast as you probably do.

        Now this stuff…..http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/chicago-old-town-premium-spiced-sugar….additive on cinnamon toast.

        Maybe y’all should plan a visit to the Spice House during the Healthy LIving Summit 🙂

        • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 9:58 am

          haha just emailed them

      • Lindsay April 16, 2010, 11:04 am

        Caitlin,

        I know you and the husband enjoy Costco. I am STILL working on the tub of cinnamon I purchased there two years ago. It’s great quality too!

  • Lindsey @ Sound Eats April 16, 2010, 9:36 am

    I’ve heard wonderful things about Sun Warrior but haven’t bought it yet because I’m cheap (and poor). I currently have the chocolate NutriBiotic brown rice protein powder in my pantry. It works. 12 grams of protein/ 57 calories per “rounded Tablespoon”. The price was right on it too – I got it for less than $20 for the big container that’s lasted me months, and I use it pretty regularly and have even baked with it, too.

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers April 16, 2010, 9:37 am

    Vega or Manitoba Harvest Hemp (they do various kinds). The latter is a local company but I know people in the US can get it. It’s great, high in protein/amino acids & omegas.

  • Joanne April 16, 2010, 9:37 am

    I’m with you on the cinnamon love – it goes in almost everything I make.

    As for non-whey protein, I like the Jay Robb Egg Protein and also some of the Spiru-Tein products.

    *Has your husband thought of setting up a teleconf. call for a health top e.g. what excessive sugar does to our bodies, in order to set up initial consultations for his business? Have people sign up, then provide a no. to call for a short (maybe 30 min.) discussion? or…isn’t his business geared towards that?

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 10:00 am

      Hmmm I don’t really think that’s up his alley; he’s more herbalist remedies and acupuncture. Plus, he’s not legally allowed to practice yet. He gets licensed in August YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 16, 2010, 9:38 am

    That’s why cinnamon is so perfect with sweets: regulates bloodsugar.

    Also, the smell of cinnamon is known to improve brain function! I use to chew cinnamon gum while studying.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 16, 2010, 9:38 am

    Sunwarrior!!

    I go through cinnamon 100x faster than any other spice I own 😉

  • Alexis April 16, 2010, 9:39 am

    The protein powder I use is Nutribiotic’s vanilla brown rice protein powder (I don’t do well with dairy or soy). I really like it! I’m in Central Florida, too, and I buy mine at Chamberlain’s (I usually go to the one by Oviedo Marketplace, but I’m sure they have it at other locations). It’s only about $16 for a good-sized tub, and each tub lasts me a few months. I definitely recommend it!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite April 16, 2010, 9:40 am

    Cinnamon is a great spice with so many benefits!

    I have to go with Sunwarrior too! Its great!

  • Jill April 16, 2010, 9:42 am

    I use Manitoba Harvest hemp powder – dark chocolate. It’s fantastic. In fact, I had a smoothie this morning using it, bananas, strawberries and vanilla rice milk and almost fainted from its tastiness.

    BTW, ever try Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon — way better than what you’re using and it has a bit more spice. It’s worth the little extra money.

  • Laurel April 16, 2010, 9:42 am

    We use hemp protein. I get a non-flavored kind that’s available at Whole Foods and love it. I’m not a big fan of flavored proteins, especially vanilla– it can get kind of overpowering.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 16, 2010, 9:46 am

    I’ve never been much of a cinnamon fan. I do use it at Christmas time with all-spice, apple sauce and flour to make awesome smelling ornaments, though. 🙂

  • Molly @fuelherup April 16, 2010, 9:47 am

    I like Jay Robb vanilla brown rice! Yum!

    • jessica April 16, 2010, 7:49 pm

      I just bought some of this and found that when I mix one level scoop with 1 cup of liquid it tastes so chalky. It’s a little better when I only use half a scoop but not much. Do you have this problem with Jay Robb too?

      • Molly @fuelherup April 17, 2010, 9:07 am

        I actually haven’t tried just mixing it with water – I always do smoothies! maybe I’ll try it today though and let you know 🙂

        • jessica April 17, 2010, 3:37 pm

          Thanks, let me know! I use it with smoothies too, but I usually use 1 cup of liquid in my smoothies (coconut milk, almond milk, whatever I have) and then add extras like spinach and strawberries and its soo chalky.

  • Jenny April 16, 2010, 9:49 am

    I’ve been using Sun Warrior protein powder. I think it’s pretty tasty! I’ve also heard good things about pea protein, but I haven’t tried it yet. 🙂 I eat lots of cinnamon too, but be careful to keep it far away from other spices like cumin!! i’ve mistaken one for the other several times and cumin DOES NOT taste good on oats! 🙂

  • Nicole, RD April 16, 2010, 9:52 am

    Love cinnamon! Mmm mmmm!

    I’ve heard good things about Vega, too…but I always use whey.

  • Stephanie April 16, 2010, 9:52 am

    I use Sun Warriors Chocolate Protein Powder. I like it mixed with water and ice for a quick post workout drink and of course in my green smoothies! yum! I even made chocolate protein oatmeal the other day and it was AWESOME

  • Melissa April 16, 2010, 9:58 am

    I recently switched from whey protein powder to chocolate brown rice protein powder. Question for you, Caitlin – If I want to add spinach to it to make Green Monsters, will my regular blender suffice? Or do I need a crazy high power blender?

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 10:00 am

      naw your regular one will be fine. i use a $40 blender than i’ve had for like 6 years.

  • Matt April 16, 2010, 10:06 am

    I like Jay Robb brown rice protein powder. The vanilla is awesome!

    • jessica April 16, 2010, 7:51 pm

      Hey Matt, I just bought this exact protein powder but it tastes so chalky when I mix it into shakes. Do you have this problem? How much liquid do you use for one level scoop? Thanks!

  • Christy April 16, 2010, 10:08 am

    I get Saigon Cinnamon from Costco and it’s fantastic! And one spice container lasts me quite a while since it’s so big. I love mixing it with peanut butter and spreading it on my apples. My husband thinks I’m nuts.

    • Hallie April 16, 2010, 11:05 am

      I second this! If you use cinnamon a lot, you have to get it from Costco! It’s the best.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet April 16, 2010, 10:12 am

    I REALLY love my whey protein powders, so it is hard to judge. I got some sun warrior, but it definitely isn’t as good as my BSN with whey in it! If you find a good non-whey, let me know!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 16, 2010, 10:13 am

    Brown rice powder is pretty tasty!

    I love, love, love cinnamon– and yeah, the more I read about the health benefits, the more I sprinkle (okay, douse) my food with it!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 16, 2010, 10:14 am

    YUM!!! i adore Cinnamon and i’m so glad to hear that it has plenty of health benefits!

  • Carly April 16, 2010, 10:15 am

    Jay Robb’s Egg White is the best non-dairy I’ve tried

  • Mary (Food Fit & Fun) April 16, 2010, 10:24 am

    I love cinnamon as well! I definitely go through bottles of cinnamon like it’s my job. I actually used to eat Kashi pilaf for breakfast a lot ! Unfortunately I haven’t had it in a while…I love the different textures!! SO tasty. I used to mix a scoop in with oats.

  • Therese April 16, 2010, 10:25 am

    I LOVE cinnamon! We have two shakers in the house and both are quickly being depleted! I put it on everything these days!

    I’m actually in search of a non-whey protein powder. I’ve never used them so this is uber helpful! Thanks!

  • Suzanne April 16, 2010, 10:25 am

    I love cinnamon, too! Definitely livens up oatmeal! I usually stick to whey protein, but I’ve heard really good things about egg white protein, too!

  • BethT April 16, 2010, 10:26 am

    Totally agree about finding some Vietnamese cinnamon. You can probably find it at Whole Foods, or I’ve gotten it from a spice shop called Penzey’s. It will literally change your life.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 16, 2010, 10:28 am

    My bottles of cinnamon and curry powder are the lowest in my spice rack for sure. I’m still new to the protein powder thing, so I just use a Whey-based one, sorry 🙁

  • brandi April 16, 2010, 10:30 am

    Agreed! No such thing as too much cinnamon 🙂 And Saigon is the best, but I use that sparingly since it’s so $$.

  • Nicole April 16, 2010, 10:31 am

    Favorite non-whey protein powder: Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Pro Fiber Powder

    Serving Size: 4 TBSP
    Cal: 127
    Fat: 3g
    Carb: 14g
    Fiber: 14g
    Protein: 119
    LOTS of Amino Acids!!!!!

    ***The taste takes some getting used to, I use a max of 2 TBSP when I mix it in oatmeal, but you can use more in GM or smoothies!

  • Sarah April 16, 2010, 10:32 am

    I didn’t know cinnamon was so good for you. I love putting it on applesauce and sometimes – usually in the winter – I’ll put some in with my coffee grounds.

  • Nicole April 16, 2010, 10:32 am

    hahaha Protein is 11g not 119!!! LOL!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 16, 2010, 10:35 am

    i don’t have an answer to the question because that’s a question i have too! i keep meaning to find Gina’s Sun Warrior Rice Protein powder, but forget all the time…oops 🙂

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) April 16, 2010, 10:53 am

    isn’t it nice when one of your faves just happens to be good for you, too?! i LOVE cinnamon — one of my favorite spices 😉

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) April 16, 2010, 10:56 am

    My favorite protein powder is Jay Robb’s chocolate brown rice protein! Trust me, there’s few protein powders out there that aren’t chalky AND taste good. Jay knows his stuff 😉

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 16, 2010, 10:58 am

    I am trying to figure out what protein powder to buy, I’m interested to read what you end up with!

  • Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit April 16, 2010, 11:03 am

    VEGA! I love it!

  • Sami April 16, 2010, 11:07 am

    It’s so funny you mention the cinnamon use. I have been going through bottles like crazy, myself! Just finished off another one last night! It’s great on ANYTHING! :)Just like Sugar Free syrup…haha.

  • Shawna @ Balancing Me April 16, 2010, 11:12 am

    I use Nutribiotic Brown Rice protein as my non-whey source. I’m dying to try the Vega, though.

    Also, I’ve used Jay Robb’s Rice Protein, and I like it better than the Nutribiotic.

  • Shayna @ Cuts and Curves April 16, 2010, 11:14 am

    I’m loving the strawberries right now too. I put them on pretty much everything!

    Thanks for your career post yesterday. I’m in my first year of university, but I’m still stressing about my career after school. I know I want to write, but that’s so broad. I really need to narrow it down. Your post settled my nerves a little bit – thank you!

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 11:31 am

      i’m glad it helped you! get some experience with your school’s paper if you can!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 16, 2010, 11:35 am

    I eat cinnamon all the time so I’m glad to hear that it is so good for me. I love to add it to almost anything. 🙂

  • Christina April 16, 2010, 11:46 am

    I just read your career post. I didn’t know you went to the University of Pittsburgh too! I graduated last April. We were probably there one year at the same time. Small world! I’m still looking for a job and have no idea of what I’ll end up doing (but hopefully I’ll find out soon!). Thanks for writing that post!

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 11:53 am

      go pitt!:)

  • Jerilynne April 16, 2010, 11:47 am

    I’ve been using Jay Robb’s vanilla brown rice protein powder, luckily I don’t use it often though because it’s super expensive and I don’t think they sell it in stores (or at least not in stores near me) so you have to pay for shipping too.

    I go through cinnamon like nobody’s business.. I just love it!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 16, 2010, 11:48 am

    I LOVE CINNAMON! It is absolutely fantastic. I love to add it to so many things.

    I use 100% pure pea protein powder. It just has that one ingredient, pea protein. I’ve been adding it and ground flaxseed to my green monsters to thicken them up and add extra flavor and protein! Whey gives me such pain that I finally just gave up and I’m glad I found pea protein!

  • Jill Will Run April 16, 2010, 11:51 am

    I like Nutribody protein… it’s a mix of pea and brown rice proteins. It’s been good for me, as whey gives me intestinal troubles!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) April 16, 2010, 12:00 pm

    That bowl of oats looks delicious!
    My favorite is Jay Robb’s low heat Brown Rice Protein Powder. I hear Sun Warriar is good, too.

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) April 16, 2010, 12:19 pm

    Whey protein powders do a number on my tummy.. I haven’t bought protein powder in a while, but liked EAS Soy Protein when I tried it. I may have to check out Jay Robb…

  • kristin point April 16, 2010, 12:28 pm

    Trader joes hemp protien powder is good and cheap haha

  • Evan Thomas April 16, 2010, 12:35 pm

    I’m not a fan of protein powder for a number of reasons, but I think powders made from hemp offer the most complete nutrition

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) April 16, 2010, 12:40 pm

    I just doused a ton of cinnamon on my yogurt right now..I’ve been trying to consume more cinnamon for the exact same reason!

  • Michelle April 16, 2010, 12:43 pm

    I too love cinnamon 🙂 I hear that cinnamon and honey have amazing heart disease lessening benefits! 🙂 which is great because that runs in my family 🙁

    I haven’t tried enough different protein powders to know a favorite… 🙂 I usually use the ‘greens and whey’ just because they sound like the ‘greens’ are so good for me! 🙂

  • Emma April 16, 2010, 12:46 pm

    I believe that your husband may be referring to ‘real’ cinnamon, which is rarely found in the spice section of regular food stores; what is found in those stores is actually bad for you in large quantities. Mountain Rose Herbs carries the ‘real’ thing.

  • LIndsay April 16, 2010, 12:49 pm

    I love living harvest vanilla hemp protein

  • Emily April 16, 2010, 1:28 pm

    As for protein, I usually go with soy, although I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether or not it’s really good for you. What are your thoughts on soy?

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 3:37 pm

      my thoughts on soy is to eat it in moderation. the research is unclear so i try to limit how much i eat.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 16, 2010, 1:54 pm

    If I could add cinnamon to every meal, I would. Actually — I should!

  • runnerforever April 16, 2010, 1:55 pm

    I did not cinnamon had any health benefits, great to hear!

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething April 16, 2010, 2:02 pm

    cinnamon is so good for you! i like the vga protein powder!

  • Brittney April 16, 2010, 2:02 pm

    I love cinnamon too. I always put it in my coffee and anything else I can get away with adding it to! Just did oatmeal/applesauce/cinnamon/vanilla almond milk mixture this morning. I just started using vanilla whey protein powder but I’ve been hearing a lot about brown rice based versions (Jay Robb and Sun Warrior) and will probably try one of those next.

  • eatdrinkandbemerrynyc April 16, 2010, 2:30 pm

    I am thinking about venturing into the wonderful world of protein powders, thanks for this thread!!
    Sara

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow April 16, 2010, 2:50 pm

    I have FINALLY FINALLY found a protein powder that I love not only in smoothies but with oatmeal, in cookies and beyond!

    It’s called Shakeology. It’s more than a protein powder. It’s very similar to Amazing Grass but I love love love the flavor and the way it makes me feel. It has all of the fabulous ingredients we want in our bodies: acai, chlorella, algae, spinach, chia seeds, spirulina and more. I can’t say more about it.

    Here is where you can find it: http://myshakeology.com/DOUGLASS

  • Ellen April 16, 2010, 3:12 pm

    Oh wow, I have yet to enter the world of whey protein powder. I don’t know why, but that kind of stuff intimidates me–I don’t even know where to begin! But I have been OD’ing on cinnamon in my oatmeal lately. It’s SO good!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Kristie April 16, 2010, 3:16 pm

    I like Nutribiotic Plain rice protein powder – and as far as protein powders go, you can get it for “cheap” – under $30 for a 3lb jar on Amazon 🙂

  • BroccoliHut April 16, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I have mucho experience with protein powders due to my little smoothie addiction. My favorites are Spirutein and BioChem’s vegan protein!

  • Tina April 16, 2010, 3:33 pm

    Cinnamon is my absolute favorite spice. In my bowls of yogurt I probably use 1-2 TBS! Somehow with it’s spiciness, it makes things taste sweeter. And I love that it’s good for you as well.

  • Laura April 16, 2010, 4:28 pm

    Caitlin, have you considered Quorn? It really is, if you look at the chunks and mince style, just mushroom protein with a little free range egg- it is a complete protein, has really high iron and B vitamin levels and it doesn’t taste like meat- which in my book is great- I hate the reminder of what I’m so against when eating! I used to really rely on it before I became vegan- now I’ve branched out into all the protein powders- we used to have a brilliant hemp on in the U.K. but they’ve stopped making it ;( Happy shopping!

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 4:34 pm

      ive never tried it but i need to! it sounds good.

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear April 16, 2010, 4:47 pm

    Cinnamon is the best! I go thru it like crazy. I actually like the Meijer brand, it’s great and cheap. I just bought some Jay Robb Pina Colada flavor (small packet) – going to try it tomorrow!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] April 16, 2010, 5:14 pm

    NOM NOM! I used to not be a huge cinnamon fan, but now I loveee it. I’ve heard has antioxidants too?

  • jessica April 16, 2010, 7:54 pm

    I’m curious, is egg white protein not considered dairy? I know you are limiting your dairy so isn’t egg white protein not much different than whey in terms of the dairy category?

    I recently bought Jay Robb brown rice protein powder in chocolate and vanilla and found it to be very chalky. I’ve only been using half a scoop per 1 cup liquid and it’s a little better, but I’m pretty bummed because it gets rave reviews around the blog world 🙁

    • Caitlin April 16, 2010, 8:07 pm

      It’s not dairy but it is an animal product and I want to limit that.

  • John April 16, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I’ve never tried anything other than whey. Till I followed bloggers didn’t realize they made other versions of PP.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 18, 2010, 9:57 pm

    I like ground hemp seed.

  • Michelle April 19, 2010, 1:03 pm

    I just bought some of this and found that when I mix one level scoop with 1 cup of liquid it tastes so chalky. It’s a little better when I only use half a scoop but not much. Do you have this problem with Jay Robb too?

  • Michelle April 19, 2010, 3:27 pm

    I’m curious, is egg white protein not considered dairy? I know you are limiting your dairy so isn’t egg white protein not much different than whey in terms of the dairy category?

    I recently bought Jay Robb brown rice protein powder in chocolate and vanilla and found it to be very chalky. I’ve only been using half a scoop per 1 cup liquid and it’s a little better, but I’m pretty bummed because it gets rave reviews around the blog world 🙁

    • Caitlin April 19, 2010, 5:43 pm

      it’s not dairy in terms of chinese medicine, which is why i originally started to limit dairy 🙂 annnnd it’s an animal product so i’m trying to limit those as well.

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