11 August 2010

Profile of a Healther Eater: Joanna

Joanna thinks that poetry and food are the perfect match, and HER perfect food just might be moussaka and lemon potatoes. But you’ll have to read on to find out why!

Joanna looking flyyyy!

What’s your foodie style? Mediterranean-based, since I’m Greek and Italian. It’s impossible for me to stray completely from my cultural background, especially because we love to cook, and mostly, we love to eat. While I love foods of various cultures, I find myself more attracted to fish, and a few well-prepared vegetable sides. I’d rather taste the food I’m eating than drown it out in a sauce. Also, both of my parents are diabetic (and heart disease runs in my family), so I often try to eat as healthy as I can given a situation. I try to eat as little fried food as possible, and I’m also trying to cut down on eating sweets except on birthdays, and other special occasions.
Something people consider “healthy” that you think is anything but? A lot of “organic” foods, or foods sold in places like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. While I do regularly shop at those stores, I always read the labels to make sure that what is being marketed as ‘healthy’ is actually healthy. A lot of granola bars or health cereals contain a lot of sugar, carbs, or calories from fat. I notice it’s become very trendy to sell “healthier” desserts, like reduced fat cookies. Some of them aren’t too bad, but in most cases, it’s not really worth it. Most of the time, the serving size is one cookie, and I know I’m not the kind of person that will only eat the one cookie, so I tend to stay away from stuff like that.
Favorite food/health blog? Your blog! Some other favorites are The Kitchen Sink and The Recipe Girl, which I find interesting and down to earth.
Your go-to five-minute meal? Either sauteed vegetables in a wine sauce with sprinkled cinnamon (trust me, it’s good!), a baked sweet potato, or an egg sandwich on either pita, toast, or a wrap. I usually try to change up my recipes, so I don’t get too bored. A tuna melt is never bad, either.
Perfect last meal? Ironically, I’d have to go with a really unhealthy choice, and say moussaka with a side of lemon potatoes. For dessert, I would choose vanilla ice-cream with sliced, hot bananas, and a little bit of hot fudge and whipped cream. We’re not counting calories here, are we? ;)
Favorite method of cooking and why? I love to bake and sautee. I usually tend to bake some kind of fish, meat, or vegetable (say salmon or eggplant) in a wine sauce with spices, and then sautee some kind of vegetable on the side. It’s usually quick, easy, and healthy.
Craziest diet you’ve ever tried? I never tried an actual diet, but I’ve tried cutting out “all unhealthy foods,” and never allow myself to eat dessert. Except, I realized the hard way that it doesn’t work, and you end up with worse cravings than you did before. Now I realize that it’s just better to eat things in moderation, than completely deprive myself. Also, instead of ordering my own dessert, I usually share it with a friend or my date.
Restaurant you’d go to every day if you could? Bahari estiatorio in Astoria, NY. They have delicious food, and great portions. It’s also a very laid-back and calm environment.
Food/dish you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but haven’t? I love to bake, but I’ve never made cheesecake, so I’m really wanting to do that this summer.
Dream dining companion? Walt Whitman, because poetry and food are a perfect match.