Sunday, August 21, 2011

New Shoes!

My Asics Gel Kayano 17

Running is a huge part of my life so when a year goes by and it's time for a new pair, I take the process very seriously. 
Each foot it created differently so personally the Nike shoes are too narrow for me, but shoes like Asics and New Balance sneakers are better for my wide foot.

When I picked up these shoes, I was surprised with how light they were. All of the weight was in the heel of the shoe, which is really important to absorb shock and keep from damaging your hips and legs. They came in pink, blue, or this awesome green. In addition, there are these little holes everywhere, making this shoe incredibly breathable. 

I've only worn them once to try the size out and was very happy. Of course, it takes about 3 sessions to break in a shoe so I did get an awkward blister under my big toe. But I can't wait to break these bad boys in even more.

Happy running!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

16 Handles

I just had 16 Handles for the first time and it was delicioussss

but...

While the eurotart was spectacular and only 70 calories per 1/2 cup, I found Pinkberry's tart yogurts to be superior and more plentiful in flavors (you haven't lived until you've tried the pomegranate or watermelon). But I loved the alternative flavors like red velvet and graham cracker. The toppings were unlimited as well (rainbow cookies!). So glad I finally made it down to one of the few stores in NYC.

And maybe it’s a bad thing to self serve myself…hard to limit my toppings. Pity.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Farmer's Market

I woke up around 8:30 in the morning to drive over to the farmer's market held in my town. I never went to ours before so it was exciting to see all of the fresh and naturally grown veggies, fruit, plants and more.
Look at the beautiful fresh vegetables!

Everything was so fresh because they were picked this morning. And very reasonably priced!

Heirloom tomatoes can be the most ugly yet most unique vegetables!

I ended up getting some broccoli, tomatoes, corn, beans, kale and fresh lettuce with the roots still attached. Can't wait for dinner!!

If your town has a farmer's market, check it out! You'll save money, get fresh and organic, and you'll be supporting local farmers who deserve our money!



Saturday, July 30, 2011

Chinese "Fake Out"

Firm tofu coked with 1/2 cup of long grain brown rice and sautéed veggies.

I rarely eat at Chinese restaurants. Why? Because as a vegetarian, there are only 2 things I will eat: steamed veggie dumplings and steamed veggies (I gave up on broccoli in garlic sauce because its SO bad for you...like seriously. 1 serving of Broccoli is around 2 large florets, equal to around 30 calories. So how is it that broccoli in garlic sauce is up to 650-700 calories??!?!?!)

So my best bet to anyone trying to splurge on flavor, not on calories-make your favorite Chinese food dinners at home! The great thing about doing this is:
  1. You know exactly how much you're putting in of everything
  2. You have the flexibility to make your dish in a variety of ways
  3. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare a filling dish
  4. You'll save tons of money!
Above, I made a tofu dish in brown rice and vegetables. 

To make it easy, buy bags of fresh frozen vegetables. I got America's Choice Oriental Blend.

The sauce I used was Annie Chun's Chinese Stir Fry.


Ingredients:
  • Any sauce of your choice (I recommend Annie Chun's)
  • 1 serving of frozen or fresh mix of vegetables
  • 1/2 cup of brown rice
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1/2 a block of firm tofu
Preparation:
  1. Cook the brown rice first as it takes the longest. Follow instructions on the rice packaging.
  2. Drop a little spray oil or olive oil onto a saute pan and heat pan at medium.
  3. When rice is 5 minutes until ready, drop the mixed vegetables into the pan and let them cook for a few minutes while moving them around with a utensil. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
  4. Drop in the tofu after a couple minutes along with the sauce of your choice.
  5. After 5 minutes, add in the ready brown rice and mix all together. 
  6. Serve hot in a nice bowl. 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Foods for Summer: Grilled Bell Peppers

So easy, so colorful, so flavorful and SO SUMMER!


I recommend getting all the colors because while they're the same fruit, they all have a unique taste and sweetness!

Ingredients:
  • Bell peppers (the amount above was serving 4 people, so make you're own judgement on how many you'll need)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper (ground up)
That's it. So simple!

Preparation:
  1. Heat up the grill!
  2. In the sink, rinse off your peppers to clean off any pesticides. (Safe fruit is great fruit...Lil Wayne?)
  3. Cut up your peppers in half and remove the stems and seeds. Then cut them into thick slices lengthwise and lay them out on a serving tray.
  4. Bush a light coating of olive oil onto the strips. 
  5. Lightly season the strips with salt and pepper. 
  6. Take the strips to the grill. Place them skin down onto the grill so that you'll get the blistery effect. Depending on your grill you'll let them sit for 3-8 minutes depending on your liking.
  7. Flip over the peppers and for 2-4 minutes let them sit. You'll only need half the time for this side of the pepper.
  8. Put them back onto the serving plate and eat! So nom.

Grilling veggies is such a summer thing, so try it out before it's too late.




Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Calling all South Park Fans...

So when I met my boyfriend, (not that you care) I knew we were going to mesh well because of our love for South Park. Especially Randy, Staaaaan's dad. Staaan.

When I came across this little blurb in one of the Newsweek, Time, One-Of-Those magazines, I was pretty friggin excited.


YAAAAAAAAY!

I probably will buy them just for the reason they are the infamous Cheesy Poofs and so I can say "No! These are MY Cheesy Poofs, bad kittay!"
But I'll probably wont eat them...a lot..

Monday, July 25, 2011

Play with your Food.

During the summer, you don't really need a reason to eat fruit. It's delicious, nutritious, juicy, and easily cools you down and quenches your thirst on a hot July day. My personal summer favorite is watermelon. Nothing is more refreshing than a large wedge of the red stuff.

Watermelon is great for before workouts because they fuel your body with quick energy while digesting quickly enough to not bother your stomach during your fitness routine. It's also a wonderful afternoon snack to have by the pool or a satisfying dessert to finish off your day.

Yet what is really fun about watermelon is that it is easy to play around with...

See what I mean?


It's large circumference allows it to be cut out into fun shapes! I also like to slather a little Chobani nonfat plain yogurt on to add a little protein. 
Hey, who said you can't play with your food?


Sunday, July 24, 2011

F-Factor

It's pretty well advertised that most Americans don't get enough of the fiber they need. Actually, many people living in developed nations have this problem. Personally, being a vegetarian, I'm spending so much time making sure I'm getting enough protein and iron in my diet, that I'll often forget about fiber.

Now it's well known that fruits and vegetables provide great amounts of fiber. Apples have something called pectin which is a soluble fiber that keeps you feeling full and digests slowly. Broccoli and carrots are great daily snacks that you can eat with ranch dressing or hummus, but they also provide around 5 grams of fiber. You can also start your mornings with a healthy cereal (no, Cookie Crisp doesn't count, guys).

But still, regardless of your efforts, it's hard to keep up with a proper eating routine and some days you wont reach your necessary intake. So I'm here to introduce you to something that has helped me out A LOT.
Need I say more? 72% of your DAILY FIBER INTAKE!!
(oh...and only 70 calories per serving.)

So I'm not here to lie to you and say, "oh it tastes just like Kashi!" because it doesn't. While Kashi cereals are wonderful ways to start your day, this is much more healthy tasting, but I actually really enjoy that. I like the way my body feels when I take each bite. Plus, you can add some fruit or some Splenda to it to kick it up a notch. 

Adding this great item a couple times a week to your nutrition plan can assist your quest to fulfilling fiber needs. Try it!!

Friday, July 22, 2011


Healthy snackies:


Instead of reaching for the ice cream or the sweets, I decided to freeze a serving of seedless red grapes for a cold and refreshing afternoon snack. Try it!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Chocolate Lave Cake

Warning for the weight obsessed: This is the recipe of death. While consumed, you'll be transported to a divine, higher place where a warming sensation will overcome your earthly body. Once completely devoured, you will kick your legs around like a whiny little 6-year-old and wonder how you just ruined your diet.

For those not on a diet, carry on.

Ingredients:

  • ramekins
  • 1 stick of butter, plus a pad for greasing
  • 4 oz. dark chocolate
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks (so yes, you're using 4 eggs, but not 2 egg whites)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp. sifted flour
  • cocoa powder

Preparation:
1. Grease the ramekins with a little pad of butter

2. With cocoa powder, line the ramekin. This will allow the complete ramekin to not be lined by white flour and will also give more chocolate flavor.

3. Once complete, place the ramekins on a cookie sheet. 

4. Now it's time to melt the dark chocolate and butter. Use a double broiler. If you're like me and don't own a double broiler, google how to substitute a double broiler.

5. While that's melting, mix together the eggs, yolks, and sugar.

6. Gradually drizzle in the melted butter and chocolate with the eggs and sugar mixture.

7. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sifted flour. 

8. Now that the ingredients are all together, place even amounts into the ramekin.

9. Bake for EXACTLY 7 minutes at 450 degrees. You're going to look at the cake in the oven and say, "hmm, it looks like it needs another minute." NO! Any more, the center will not be molten! It will taste like a chocolate cooked through cake...good...but not lava cake!

10. Let cool for a minute and then take a knife to go around the ramekin. This will help the cake come out easily. 

11. Decorate and serve!
Guys love these recipes, so make it for a loved one!



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Green Monster Smoothie

Oh wow...I think I just had a revelation.

I know I get my fruits and veggies in more than the average person, but when you try to count up all the servings you're supposed to have each day, it can get overwhelming. And, well being very into cooking, I'm always looking for yummy new things to make to incorporate my greens.

Well, I stumbled upon this Youtube "vlogger" a week ago that offered this great concept: DRINK your veggies! Sort of like a V8, except what I'm about to propose is literally an organic garden sitting right on your taste buds. It's called the Green Monster. Roarrrr.

While I halved the portion of the original recipe, this bad boy has approximately 3 servings of fruits and veggies, a mere 30 grams of cars, 11 grams of great fat, and 3 grams of protein. And trust me, this drink is filling, but only about 150 calories!


And also, I know the idea of this smoothie will turn some people off, but please don't knock it until you try it.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of filtered water
  • .5 organic granny smith apple
  • a handful of fresh parsley
  • 3 stalks of celery
  • 3 romaine lettuce leaves
  • one fourth of an avocado
  • half a lemon
Preparation:
  1. Put the water into the blender first.
  2. Put all the ingredients into the blender according to the ingredient list.
  3. Blend.
  4. Drink.
Oh my lord, its a salad in a bottle.

To define the taste, it would be fresh. It's not overly sweet like a fruit smoothie, but it's absolutely drinkable. I slurped it just as fast as any other smoothie I'd drink; there was no nasty flavor or aftertaste. I am going to be making this every week. The benefits for your digestive track is insane. Hopefully you work up the courage to try it!

And no, it's not expensive. I spent less than $12 on the ingredients and that is enough for 4 smoothies!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Washington DC Fancy Food Show

I've been doing a little traveling down south to visit my college friends that reside in DC.
 Did some grade A tourist-ing.


So besides for sight-seeing, going out to see DC night life the first time, I got to tag along with family friends at the Fancy Food Show at the Convention Center.
Oh my lord, you guys, this place consisted of 4 endless rooms (seriously, it took 4 hours to get through half of one!!). They were all full of amazing foods from all over the world.




I don't think I've ever eaten so much in one day. Every vendor had something crazy to try and you just couldn't resist!

Some things I found that I'm trying to locate at home:

Delish and vegetarian and...DELISH. Great for college kids living out of a freezer/fridge

Seriously, whatever the heck this was, I want more of it. Because it's not at all bad for you and it tasted SO SO good. You can dip pretzels, fruit, or crackers into it. Good for when you're hosting a party.

These chocolate bars are not only phenomenal, but they look so pretty that they'd make great gifts. They're called Zoe's Chocolate Co. You can buy them at www.zeoschocolate.com. I ate the Raw bar, which is for people who like intense dar chocolate. It was sprinkled with roasted cocoa niblets straight for the cacao tree. MMM.

There were so many other things I loved, but this would go on for hours if I didn't limit myself to just a few pictures.




I had such an amazing time in DC and I already can't wait to go back!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Artificial Sweetners

Oh how badly I'd like to try this. But then I realize it has aspartame. Our addiction to artificial sweeteners is scary because we think we can get away with no calories and no side effects. It's even scarier when young girls try to starve themselves by drinking diet coke to suppress their appetites. 

Instead, I found this nommy alternative that is from the stevia plant and taste so refreshing. 
Wake up world, know what you're putting in your body! Moderation is not bad (I try to give up my Crystal Light, but I'll treat myself to it for a great low calorie chaser), but just be aware!

Friday, July 8, 2011

I don't care what anyone says...

Ice cream, candy, frozen Snickers bars, a glass of ice cold beer or soda...all tasty choices for a hot day.

But NOTHING tastes better on a hot summer day than...
A wedge of juicy watermelon.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Screw Starbucks

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do love my Tazo teas. If you've never tried a Passion iced tea lemonade (unsweetened or sweetened), you haven't lived. But I also find that when buying anything from Starbucks, you're paying more for the cup and logo rather than the drink itself. 

So I recommend making this popular drink at home to save some money!
Go to Whole Foods or Fairway, or any store that sells Tazo teas. I love getting the assorted pack because while I do love my green tea, having plenty of yummy flavors to choose from is always nice. 

Instructions:
1. Put 1 packet of Splenda, sugar, or Truvia into a long glass. 
2. fill with 5-7 ice cubes.
3. Place the Passion tea bag into the glass.
4. Fill with chilled and distilled water (such a great rhymer).
5. Mix with a straw to get the sweetness up from the bottom and the tea flavors down from the top. 
6. While I didn't do this step, you can add in a very small amount of lemonade to add another sweet flavor to the tea. Not a necessary step. 


I love it so much that I just keep putting water in it so I never reach the bottom of the glass. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Woke up and something weird happened to my breakfast...

Whatttt???
My favorite greek yogurt "Chobani" was frozen in my boyfriend's refrigerator.


Incredibly bizzare. Still tasted good though...

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

4th of July Cupcakes

I've always wanted to make these types of cupcakes, the kind where you use food coloring to make an array of layers in the cake. What better than on 4th of July to shake up a boring vanilla cake recipe into something red, white, and blue.

This recipe is really easy because you can basically use a box mix, an old family recipe, or the first one you can find on Google and it will come out great. When you mix up your cake recipe, you're going to want to separate the batter into 3 bowls where you will mix in red food coloring to one, blue food coloring to another and nothing to the third. You have the freedom to add as much food coloring as you'd like to reach any desired shade. 

Once you've colored your batter, you'll want to put cupcake liners into the muffin pans. Then take a tablespoon and put an equal amount of blue batter into the bottom of each liner. Next, you'll do the same step for the "white" batter, and then the red batter. Bake recipe according to the directions. 

When done baking, let them cool. I used a pink frosting and blue icing pen to write on the cupcakes with cute little sayings related to the holiday. 

See? Extremely easy! And taste nommy.



Hope you had a good 4th of July!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Spaghetti Faux Bolognese


I've been taking a couple hours each week to clean sections of my room. I'm not a hoarder, but I'm definitely on the boarder. I don't like to throw out objects with sentiment or anything "I might use in the next year or two". So I just took time to de-clutter and toss everything I haven't used since I was in grade school.
Where as it used to be so traumatizing to throw everything away, it now feels cleansing.
I'm starting to love the concept of minimalism and I hope that by the end of the summer, I'll have enough space in my bedroom to do a cartwheel..or something of that nature.

Anyway, this recipe is for those vegetarians who miss their signature meat dishes. When I was around 10-15 years of age, every time we'd go out, I'd order pasta bolognese. Oh man, that stuff was crack. So this recipe substitutes the meat for a soy burger (Boca) and it brought back so many wonderful memories. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
  • whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1 boca burger
  • a handful of cut carrots, bell peppers, onions, and any other vegetable of your choice (my family makes a giant salad for appetizer every night so I just threw in the veggies from that).
  • delish tomato sauce
Preparation:
  1. Boil the pasta by the directions on the box.
  2. Take out a frying pan and put a tbsp. of olive oil and heat on medium.
  3. When hot, drop on the boca burger and cook for a few minutes on each side. Don't worry about defrosting the burger.
  4. Add in the veggies and with stirring utensil, chop up the burger into bite sizes.
  5. Add in the tomato sauce, heat until hot.
  6. Put your warm pasta in a eating bowl and pile on the yummy "bolognese". Add parmesan cheese if that really gets you off. Serve.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day everyone!



I made my dad an individual size Battenburg cake. It's an almond flavored cake with 4 cubic pieces of dyed cake, covered in a jam (strawberry), then surrounded by a layer of marzipan and finally a fondant and decorated in pearls. It was one of the harder cakes I've made since there were so many components to it, especially since I decided to make the fondant from scratch...oy. But my dad loved it and it came out really yummy!

I got the recipe from Sprinkle Bakes who decorates GORGEOUSLY and I will continue to use her website to inspire my ventures in baking.

Enjoy father's day!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Teriyaki Tofu and Sugar Snap Peas


Tofu is a sponge. It literally absorbs any seasonings you cook it with and becomes so flavorful. This recipe is incredibly quick and simple, providing you with a satisfying meal. The tofu can be substituted for any meat, but cook timing will differ.

Gather:
    • firm tofu
    • sugar snap peas, string beans, snow peas, whatever peas
    • Soy Vay Teriyaki Sauce
Whatchagottadois:
  1. Cook on a saute pan, skillet, or a wok if you're fancy schmancy
  2. Pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the pan. Once the pan is heated, place the amount of tofu you want to cook. 
  3. Cook for a few minutes on a low-medium heat and add the peas (you can either boil, saute, or steam them so feel free to add them in here or cook them completely separately and add them at the very end).
  4. Once you've cooked this for about 4 minutes, add your Soy Vay Sauce, however much you'd like. A little does go a long way. Put on low heat for a few minutes. 
  5. Serve into a little bowl and enjoy.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

My Low Cal. Strawberry Smoothie



I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to drink calories. I only drink water (with/without crystal light). But I decided it was a gorgeous day and I should make this. It came out delish and refreshing. And its super healthy, basically made of fiber and antioxidants. Here’s the recipe:

Gather:
  • 3/4 cups of fresh strawberries
  • 1 huge handful of ice
  • 1 splenda packet
  • a squirt of lemon juice (or fresh lemon)
  • ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon of chobani greek yogurt (or any yogurt…I’m sure this is optional, but I felt like adding some protein)
Whatchagottadois:
  1.  Put everything into the blender, make sure the ice is on the bottom so it blends.
  2. Once you have your smoothie, taste it to make sure you like it. You can always add more of any ingredient if you think something is missing.
  3. Drink and enjoy :)