i’m on a diet.

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Do as I say – NOT as I do…

07/22/2010 in Health, Midtown, Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

I broke one of my cardinal rules last night and went grocery shopping after my Body Works class at L.A. Fitness Atlantic Station where I diligently worked up a v. serious appetite for dinner.  (Rule #84: NEVER grocery shop while hungry.)  Oh well, at least I went to Trader Joe’s, and not Taco Bell…

In retrospect, I feel like I did pretty well for having extremely hunger-impaired judgement in the TJ’s aisles.  I wasn’t thrilled with my decision to pick up a loaf of freshly-baked raisin walnut bread or TJ’s rice pudding (insert Adam Lambert’s ballad “What Do You Want From Me?!”)…

trust me - shopping while hungry can be a recipe for disaster...

…but I DID end up with some healthy staples: flattened bananas, hearty trail mix, frozen shrimp and organic blueberries.  My three most impressive items, however, seem pretty unhealthy, but actually aren’t that bad when you really look at the nutritional breakdown:

Trader Joe’s Fat Free Crumbled Feta (recently featured in the AJC)

Nutritional Facts:
Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 35 g
Fat: 0 g
Carbs: 1 g
Sodium: 260 mg
Protein: 7 g

Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Nutritional Facts:
Serving Size: 1/8 container, 2 Tbsp
Calories: 45 g
Fat: 3 g
Carbs: 2 g
Sodium: 170 mg
Protein: 6 g

Trader Joe’s Soy & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips

hi, i'm blurry.

Nutritional Facts:
Serving Size: 10 oz, 7 chips
Calories: 130 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbs: 13 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Protein: 6 g

Not too terrible, huh?  The items that took the cake, though, were definitely THESE guys:

love

love even more!

Moral of the story:  It’s always smart to follow my Rule #84 (just here to help, y’all!) and avoid the grocery when you’re feeling hunger pains, but if you absolutely HAVE to go  – go to Trader Joe’s.  The healthy nutritional content of your seemingly-bad-for-you-thrown-into-the-cart-in-a-hunger-rage loot just may surprise you!  :)

xx, L

Trader Joe’s – Midtown
931 Monroe Dr. NE  30308
404.815.9210
www.traderjoes.com

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EVOS-lutionary Eating

06/23/2010 in Deals + Steals, Midtown, Suburbs, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 3 comments

Dana is about to get hitched in a little over a week, and she’s been incredibly busy running around to take care of last minute wedding-related errands.  We usually see each other pretty frequently for lunch, but with work picking up for me and her wedding errands, we decided that if we were going to meet, it was going to have to be for a super fast lunch during the week.  She was working downtown and I am in midtown, so we decided to meet at EVOS at the bottom of the Viewpoint building since neither of us had tried it yet and we were both itching to go.

the bride-to-be + me

I’ve blogged about it before, but as a reminder:  EVOS is an alternative fast food franchise (also in CA, FL and NC) specializing in healthy and environmentally sound eats, featuring soy, veggie, turkey and salmon burgers, fruit smoothies and their signature Airfries.  They Airbake (of course) their Airfries instead of deep-frying, which saves us 50-70% of the fat.  Also, they cater.  Awesome.  The company website describes the restaurant chain as “inspired, energetic, real, philanthropic, culturally plugged in, adventurous, respectful, fresh and forward thinking.”  Even before I actually went, I wanted to give this restaurant a hug.

Dana and I both ordered the Steakburger + Airfries. The Steakburger was a bit on the dry side, but was still good enough to finish - and we certainly felt better eating it than we would have any other fast food hamburger.  The Airfries were delicious.  They did not taste lowfat at all, even though the restaurant insists that they are.  I’m still not 100% convinced, though…

EVOS steakburger + airfries

EVOS steakburger + airfries

When I got up to refill my fountain soda + get some more ketchup for our Airfries, I saw a flier with EVOS’s daily specials listed on it, AND I’d like to share that w/ y’all:

(Refresh) Mondays:  Receive a FREE Regular Shake or Drink with the purchase of any Hand-Tossed Salad.

(Truly Awesome) Tuesdays:  Receive a FREE Regular order of Airfries & Drink with the purchase of an EVOS Original Steakburger.

(Wrap-it-up) Wednesdays:  Receive a FREE Regular Shake with the purchase of any Wrap.

(Thankful) Thursdays:  Receive a FREE Organic Cookie with the purchase of a Warm Veggie Chili Value Meal.

Isn’t alliteration fun, kids?!

(Hot Dog It’s) Fridays:  Receive a FREE 2nd Hot Dog with the purchase of an Adult Hot Dog Value Meal.

(Shake-it-up) Saturdays:  Receive a FREE Shake with the purchase of a Shake of equal or lesser value.

(Family Fun) Sundays:  Receive a FREE Kids Meal w/ drink with the purchase of any Adult Meal.

These are pretty good deals, and EVOS is worth a try – especially if you take advantage of one of the freebies listed above.  I don’t think that this chain is for everyone, but I will probably eat there again when I want to splurge on a fast food, basic hamburger + fries, but I don’t want to destroy my diet for the week or feel guilty about it. 

I’m definitely interested to know what y’all think.

xx, L

EVOS– Midtown 
855 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30308
www.evos.com

Evos on Urbanspoon


EVOS – Sandy Springs 
5590 Roswell Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA  30342
404.252.4022
www.evos.com

Evos on Urbanspoon

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Spaghetti Squash – xo

06/22/2010 in Health, Random Musings, Tricks of the Trade, What we're Cooking, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 5 comments

God bless spaghetti squash.  It really is one of the most brilliant veggies.  (Or is it a fruit b/c it has seeds?  Regardless, you get what I’m saying…)

I started eating SS on the regular while I was in college.  When you comb out the insides of the squash after you cook it, it comes out in fine strands that resemble spaghetti.  SS is relatively tasteless and very filling, just like pasta, but it’s a much healthier substitute.

Cooking Instructions for Spaghetti Squash:

(You can bake, boil or slow cook SS, but I prefer to just microwave it.) 

- Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Place squash cut sides up in a microwave dish with 1/4 cup water.
- Cover squash with plastic wrap.
- Cook on high for 10 – 12 minutes, depending squash size.
- (Add more cooking time if necessary.)
- Let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Use a folk to comb out the strands, like so…

You can incorporate spaghetti squash into a variety of dishes, but my preference is for it to be a marinara sauce vehicle.

In my experience, spaghetti squash is good for about two – three days (tops) after you cook it.  I usually only cook half of the squash at a time and then Tupperware-up the remains.

Spaghetti squash is available year-round in most grocery stores.   It really is a dieter’s dream, as a four-ounce serving of SS only has about 37 calories.  Plus, lugging the 4 – 8 pound squash from the grocery into your house is a workout in itself.

xx, L

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Vitameatavegamin.

06/19/2010 in Health, Maintenence, PSAs, Product, Random Musings, Tricks of the Trade by Lindsay | 1 comment

For the past few months, I’ve added a Nature Made Super B-Complex Supplement to my grandpa-esque, daily vitamin regiment. 

Among a number of other important properties, B vitamins support and increase the rate of cell metabolism and help to raise your energy level.  Since I’ve been taking the vitamin, I haven’t necessarily experienced super human strength or marathon runner’s energy bursts, but I haven’t gotten sick and I’ve been generally feeling pretty good. 

I asked pharmacist friends of mine a few weeks ago if they thought I was exaggerating how important taking B vitamins is for my body, and they said that they both personally take a B vitamin supplement and strongly recommend it. 

love you, lucy.

I get my B vits at CVS, but if you are braver than me, you can also get them as injections.  I’d personally rather lay face down in an ant pile than subject myself to shots that I don’t absolutely have to have, but to each his/ her own. 

Just wanted to let everyone know – I’m liking my daily B. 

xx, L

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Opa!

05/26/2010 in Costco, Health, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

Every morning before work, I eat a cup of Publix fat free light yogurt w/ a sprinkle of almonds.  On the suggestion of Loren (not Lauren), I recently switched to Greek yogurt.  Have y’all tried it yet?  I’m totally sold!  How did I not know about this before?!

Greek yogurt is much thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. The reason for its thickness is that in the process of making it they strain and boil away excess liquid, leaving behind a yogurt that is thicker and higher in protein.  I’ve tried Trader Joe’s and Yoplait’s Greek yogurt, but I like Chobani’s the best.

Visit Chobani’s website to see all of their flavors (the fruit on the bottom blueberry flavor is my personal favorite)! :)

Here’s the Q+DD on Greek yogurt:

- Twice the protein of regular yogurt
- No fat. No cholesterol.
- All natural: no artificial flavors or preservatives
- No synthetic growth hormones
- Includes 3 types of probiotics
- Kosher certified
- Gluten free
- Safe for people with soy, corn and nut allergies
- Vegetarian friendly: made without gelatin
- Only 20 carbs and 140 calories

Yum!  I like Greek yogurt for breakfast, but it would also be excellent for a healthy dessert.  Pick some up at your local Publix or Kroger ASAP!

xx, L

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Semi-Pro Snacker

05/07/2010 in Appetizers, Entertaining, Guilty Pleasures, Health, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Allow me to tell you about my new favorite salsa + hummus vehicle:

I may be a proud Texan, but tortilla chips (even the blue ones) are a thing of the past.  Risotto Chips are where it’s at!  They come in three flavors: sea salt + parmesan and roasted garlic + spicy marinara. (Sea salt is my personal fav.)  Here’s the breakdown on these guys:

Risotto Chips – Sea Salt Flavor
Nutritional Facts Per Serving
Calories: 140
Fat: 7 g
Carbs: 19 g
Protein: 2 g

Best of all, they are gluten-free (Ams – you can eat these!) + they have 11 grams of whole grains (so basically they just burn your fat… :) ) + they taste really great!  Next time you’re throwing a party and need munchies, hosting a dinner and need something to go with your appetizer dips or you went to the grocery store when you were hungry (don’t EVER do that), try out Risotto Chips.  They are delish! 

(I would never survive on an Atkins diet…)

Pick them up at Publix, Kroger or Sam’s Club – or check them out here:
http://www.newyorkstyle.com/newyorkstylerisottochips.php

xx, L

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Eat Squad Log #4: Bamboo Grill & Hot Pot

04/14/2010 in Buford Highway, Eat Squad, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

On Sunday, it was Eat Squad time again and Vietnamese food was next on our hit list.  Mr. B did some research and liked the Yelp reviews he found about Bamboo Grill & Hot Pot in Chamblee, so we all ventured back to Buford Highway once again for some ethnic cuisine. 

Aside from Whole Foods-prepared Viet. spring rolls, I’d never eaten Vietnamese food before.  (It’s always interesting not having a benchmark for which to compare new foods or restaurants, but that’s kind of the point of Eat Squad, I guess.) 

This ES session, we had the honor of food blogger FB joining us.  We all sat down at a large round table at the restaurant and perused the extensive menu.  I was pretty overwhelmed, so I asked Mr. B. – who has experience with Viet. food – to order for me.  On his and our friendly waitress’s recommendation, we decided to eat family style and order a number of tasty dishes, a few of which we had to prepare + cook ourselves. 

Below are a few pictures of our meal:

the "create your own spring roll" spread

fish + meat for the spring rolls

waitress showing cari how to prepare the spring rolls

my spring roll didn't really cut it...

cold pot w/ fish, veggies + broken rice (my fav.)

waitress stirring the cold pot and explaining to us the history of broken rice - a famous Viet. peasant dish

i went back for thirds - it was delicious!

veggies to cook in hot pot

fish to cook in hot pot

beef to cook in hot pot

hot pot cooking on our table

mmmmmmmmmmm!

I really enjoyed this meal.  In preparation for my upcoming vacations, I am kinda watching my waistline (only kinda) and I didn’t feel guilty at all about what I ate.  To me, Vietnamese food is like a healthier version of Thai food.  I definitely want to get it again, but I’d like to consider trying some other Viet. restaurants around town.  For the Eat Squad members who had eaten Viet. before, they said that Bamboo was good – but not the best in town.  Whatever the case, I’m happy to know that I like Viet. food and I look forward to trying it again soon.

The next Eat Squad gathering will take us to Cafe Agora in Buckhead for some Mediterranean cuisine.  Stay tuned…

xx, L

Bamboo Grill & Hot Pot
4646 Buford Highway St.
Atlanta, GA  30341
678.580.1727

Bamboo Grill and Hot Pot on Urbanspoon

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Bootylicious

03/24/2010 in Health, Random Musings, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 5 comments

I feel confident in saying that Pirate’s Booty is the single greatest snack ever invented.  It’s like a healthy alternative to Cheetos (all-natural, baked, only 130 calories per serving + trans-fat and gluten free) - and the small bags are a mere three Weight Watchers points…if you are into that sort of thing. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m hooked!

I love the Aged White Cheddar flavor.  The Veggie will also do the trick, although it’s not my preference.  However, I spotted these fun new flavors of PB @ Whole Foods yesterday!  Check ‘em out:

BERMUDA ONION (modern day Funyuns?)

BARBEQUE

SEA SALT + VINEGAR

CARAMEL

I can’t wait to try them all! 

Grab a bag @ your local Whole Foods today or order them online @ www.piratesbooty.com. 

“ARRRRRRRRRRRRR!  It’s a pirate’s life for me!”  :)

xx, L

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Quin-WHAT?

03/17/2010 in Health, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 6 comments

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-whaa).  That’s it.  I LOVE it!

uncooked quinoa

The Q+DD on Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a grass.  As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds.  Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous.

Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize.  In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%), making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans.  Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source.  It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.  Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. (www.wikipedia.com)

cooked quinoa

I tried quinoa for the first time at Beleza Lounge* in Midtown when I went with Anj and Christine maybe a year ago to grab tapas. 

I enjoyed the texture and consistency, and ever since then I’ve been regularly cooking with it at home.  Quinoa takes seasoning very well and is a delicious + hearty compliment to a fish or chicken dish.  Since it’s grown in popularity over the past few years, I’ve spotted it in a number of grocery stores.  However, the quinoa that I like best is multicolored and found at Trader Joes. :)

Here are a Few Quinoa Recipes: http://www.quinoa.net/181.html
http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes.aspx?WithTerm=Quinoa
http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/quinoa_recipes

*Note: Beleza is a totally underrated restaurant + lounge.  I’ve been there three times and loved the tapas I’ve ordered each time.  Check it out if you are in Midtown and in the mood for small plates, fun drinks + good music.  Just saying…

Happy + healthy eating!!

xx, L

Beleza Lounge
905 Juniper St. NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
678.904.4582
http://www.urestaurants.net/

Beleza on Urbanspoon

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Fast Food @ The ‘Bucks

03/04/2010 in Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

I’ve never been a Starbucks coffee addict (I’m a tea drinker), but thanks to a colleague I’ve recently become addicted to two non-coffee items at Starbucks:

1 – Starbucks Reduced-Fat Egg White Turkey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich*

yum!

It’s excellent!  Trust me.  I’d eat this over a bagel w/ cream cheese any day…

Nutritional Facts: http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/starbucks/reduced-fat-egg-white-turkey-bacon-breakfast-sandwich

2 – Starbucks Tomato Mozzarella Ciabatta*

double yum!!

I ate this for lunch twice this week.  It’s really great!

Nutritional Facts: http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/starbucks/tomato-mozzarella-ciabatta

*Note: Make sure you have your friendly Starbucks barista heat up these sandwiches for you if you plan to eat them right away. 

The nutritional breakdown of these two sandwiches are about the same as a Lean Cuisine - which isn’t terrible.  You could certainly do much worse getting fast food pretty much anywhere else besides Evos, of course!  :)

Thanks for healthy fast food alternatives, Starbucks!  See you tomorrow for breakfast…

xx, L

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Eating Smarter Over the Holidays

12/10/2009 in Chelsea Handler, Guilty Pleasures, Health, Holidays, Random Musings by Lindsay | 2 comments

Over the month of December, my eating habits progressively start to resemble Chelsea Handler’s food diary from her book Are You There, Vodka?  It’s Me, Chelsea… 

(see below)

love.

love. her.

CHELSEA’S FOOD DIARY

FRIDAY

Breakfast:  Scrambled egg whites with spinach and jack cheese

Lunch:  Chicken Caesar salad

Dinner: 2 crab enchiladas and 2 margaritas

SATURDAY

Breakfast:  Zone bar

Lunch:  Turkey sandwich with cheddar and mayo

Dinner:  Filet mignon with mashed potatoes/ 3 Ketel One and cranberries

SUNDAY

@ friend’s baby shower:
17 jalapeno poppers
1 brick of cheddar cheese/ 12 whole wheat crackers
14 chicken wings/ no bleu cheese dressing
1 bagel with low-fat cream cheese
34 strawberries
8 Bloody Marys
14 pigs in blankets

(At least she opted for the whole wheat crackers?)

At holiday parties, I often find myself forgetting about my tight-fitting New Year’s Eve dress and make a B-line for the refreshment table loaded with delicious carbs and empty calories for munching on while mingling.  Without fail, I’ll leave with a sugar headache and a hurt stomach. 

torture

(torture)

Although I’ve never been big on dieting, my New Year’s resolution is always to “eat smarter.”  Keeping a trim waistline is important to me and this year I am going to try not to binge my way into early hibernation for the winter.  So, I’ve promised myself that I will keep in mind these three points when I attend a holiday party/ function:

1- Drink much more water.  (I am terrible at this.)  It’s good for you and it’s filling.  It will also help to keep my hands full and not mindlessly reaching for cake balls.  I’m certainly not giving up wine or liquor, but I think I can start incorporating water into my glass every other drink or so.  And, this will help to keep me better hydrated for the gym/ winter workouts.

2- Eat slower.  This is a big problem for me.  I eat WAY too fast.  My buddy, T.C., started purposely eating his meals slower and he said he’s seen significant improvement around the waistline.  This one is going to be hard for me to do, but I am going to really try.  I don’t feel great about myself when I’m overeating at holiday parties, and I feel like it would easier to be aware of if I ate a bit slower. 

3- Hold myself accountable.  I have too much inherent Jewish guilt already to tag on any extra guilt for overeating every now and then.  I cannot and will not keep a food diary.  But, I will strive to be more cognizant of what I am eating over the holidays.  For example, I don’t particularly love chocolate.  So, I have no reason to be eating it at a holiday party just because my conversation has become stagnant and there is a nearby bowl of Hanukkah gelt calling my name.  This is kind of ridiculous, but I am going to also try to envision what half a pizza or a large piece of apple pie (whatever food is taunting me at the moment) might look like on my thighs.  I have a creative imagination.  We’ll see if that works…

I think it’s all about baby steps.  I’m not planning on drastically changing my eating habits or depriving myself of foods I really want (heck , I had a hamburger and french fries at Leon’s last night), I just want to start myself off on the right foot before New Year’s resolution time.  Maybe this year my resolution will be about something other than food!

untitled

will be here before we know it...

Wish me luck – and feel free to comment about what has worked for you!

xx, L

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I Scream, You Scream…

12/04/2009 in Guilty Pleasures, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 4 comments

In 26 short days I will be here:

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

It’s a double edged sword, really. Being at the beach in the middle of the winter is divine…but December is usually a time for big comfy sweaters not bikinis so I am trying to catch a little bit of anorexia will power. Is it contagious? Should I maybe get a supermodel to breathe on me?

Care to share a Diet Coke from the same glass, anyone?

Care to share a Diet Coke from the same glass, anyone?

Needless to say, I am left with mere memories of deliciousness past whilst I graze on my rabbit food.

Today, I am meditating on a recent trip to Morelli’s with the FoodieBuddha.

The Buddha routinely rolls his eyes when I swoon for Yoforia and Tasti D. Newsflash: he has OPINIONS about food. Who knew?

He insisted I experience Morelli’s Ice Cream (please see his post here) and I’m SO glad I did!

The Q+DD is this: Morelli’s is this little bitty hole in the wall on Moreland Avenue (I suggest you bring a boy if you go at night. IJS.) that specializes in out-of-the-ordinary ice creams. They’re also dishing out other homemade goodies such as sorbets, gelatos, smoothies, frappes and even crepes and waffles! morellisAs we walked up to the counter and I checked out my choices, my head almost exploded. Jalapeño Coconut. Dulce de Leche chunk. Strawberry Cheesecake. Red Bean. Ginger Lavender. I sampled e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. and everything was amazing.

The adorable (and patient) little girl behind the counter also had us sample her own personal batch of chocolate bourbon ice cream (which was SURPRISINGLY bourbon-y and delicious) before we decided on our order. I chose strawberry cheesecake and he got straight up strawberry (which was probably a better choice) and we both had some kind of peanut butter deliciousness but neither of us can remember what it was exactly. I don’t know if it was the fact that I haven’t had real ice cream in a decade or what, but this stuff was mind-altering.

Here are a few other flavors you may find on their rotating menu: Death by Chocolate, Red Bean, Karachi Kulfi, Maple Walnut, Avocado, Feta…the B was super disappointed that they were not offering his favorite, Sweet Corn, the night we visited.

BONUS: As if the outside-the-box (carton?) flavors weren’t enough! They run hilarious specials. For example: after 6pm on Monday you can kiss your significant other for 20% off your purchase and Tuesdays you can dance for 15 seconds for the same. Loves it.

Good times. Amazing ice cream.

…sssssssssssigh….diet

xx, L

Morelli’s Ice Cream
749 Moreland Avenue Southeast
Atlanta, GA 30316-7000
(404) 622-0210
www.morellisicecream.com
Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream & Desserts on Urbanspoon

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