30 June 2010
Hey, good food lovers! For this afternoon’s profile, check out Leah (love the name!). Leah is recovering from an eating disorder (so great to hear that!) and is a big fan of the Food Network. Read on to hear her unique perspective on food!
Leah: reader AND runner!
- What’s your foodie style? Balanced meals: carbs (like fruits, whole grains), protein (like lean meats, almonds), veggies. Lots of water. Fresh produce. (Or frozen…. I go berry-picking every summer and I always freeze some of the fruit.) I’m a runner so balanced meals are really important to me.
- Something people consider “healthy” that you think is anything but? Weight-loss pills. Slim-Fast shakes, although I admit to drinking them on occasion; something my nutrionist recommend for it I’m in a hurry and won’t be able to get a carb-to-protein snack. Also, being super, unhealthily skinny — eating disorders are affecting so many men and women all over the world, and I wish it wasn’t such a taboo topic.
- Favorite food/health blog? Yours is the only one I follow, and I like it a lot :)
- Your go-to five-minute meal? Oatmeal: Quaker Oats Weight Control Oatmeal- lots of fiber and a good amount of protein. Fresh fruit (like a banana, blueberries, or apple). Very satisfying. OR, frozen blueberries and almonds with Greek Yogurt for a quick snack.
- Perfect last meal? Oh gosh… Definitely a well balanced one. Grilled chicken, steamed veggies (green beans, broccoli, carrots), some spinach, fresh herbs (garlic especially… I love garlic!) And for dessert, fresh fruit with Greek or frozen yogurt. Or, an oatmeal cookie with vanilla ice cream.
- Favorite method of cooking and why? Grilling or broiling/poaching. I was always told those were the healthiest ways to cook. And I don’t like frying, unless I’m making stir-fry in a wok. Using fresh or frozen ingredients too.
- Craziest diet you’ve ever tried? Well, I used to be bulimic. That was pretty crazy. I’m recovering now — I see a nutritionist, an exercise physiologist, and a therapist.
- Restaurant you’d go to every day if you could? I like to try new things, so I’d rather go to a different place everyday. :)
- Food/dish you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but haven’t? I want to learn to cook everything! I’m always watching cooking shows. I love making soups and pepper misto.
- Dream dining companion? Julia Child, Bobby Flay, Giada DeLaurentis, The Barefoot Contessa.
3 May 2010
I used to go grocery shopping with a very specific list (i.e., “4 chicken breasts, green beans, 1 lb salmon,” etc.). Now, I go in with a much more open mind — and get way better deals! These days, my grocery list looks more like “meat, veg, fish, cheese.” It’s simple, it allows for flexibility, spontaneity, and creativity.
I also tend to stock up on things that can be frozen, like meat and fish, so I can hold off between major shops for longer. My latest haul:
Produce
- poblano peppers
- organic strawberries
- kale
- artichoke (I was inspired!)
- bell pepper
- baby spinach
- red bananas (low-down to come)
Dairy
- Fage Greek yogurt
- local raw goat’s cheddar
- samples of various cheeses including a raw jack, raw munster, and smoked gruyere (each of these were around $1 — a great way to taste new cheeses!)
- cream cheese
Meat (all local/organic/grass-fed)
- flank steak
- 80% lean ground beef
- whole chicken
- pork ribs
- bacon
Fish
- wild-caught lake perch
- wild-caught trout
Misc.
- Tilia malbec (I loved it so much I bought it again!)
- coconut milk
- seaweed snacks (more on these tomorrow)
- Lindt 85% dark chocolate
- Ecover dish soap
- Meyers counter top spray in basil scent (I was so intrigued, I had to try it.)
Total = $156. This shop should last me at least 2-3 weeks, so that’s about right. I used to balk at spending that much on one trip to the grocery store, but it’s so worth it to get quality ingredients. With quality, whole foods, a little goes a long way! I like to stock up all at once because the grocery store isn’t close to where I live, plus it’s nice to have everything (that won’t spoil) on hand.
21 April 2010
This week, meet Alexandra.This healthy eater has a pretty sweet job and penchant for kitchen gadgets.
- What’s your foodie style? I try to eat as all-natural and organically as possible. I’m a pescatarian about 80% of the time and prefer to eat whole grains/legumes for protein and a ton of local fruits and veggies. I work on an all natural farm, so I’m truly spoiled by the types of produce I consume.
- Something people consider “healthy” that you think is anything but? Yoplait yogurt, or any sugar-containing yogurt.
- Favorite food/health blog? I really love A Foodie Stays Fit. Teri is a true foodie and I love all of her inventive recipes.
- Your go-to five-minute meal? Cold, left over quinoa with cheddar cheese, fresh tomato and avacado.
- Perfect last meal? Pasta with goat cheese, leaks and portobello mushrooms, and tart frozen yogurt with blueberries for dessert.
- Favorite method of cooking and why? I recently purchased a bamboo steamer and am kind of obsessed with it. I’ve been making more steamed vegetables and fish than I know what to do with. Everything is just so fresh and light!
- Craziest diet you’ve ever tried? I’ve never once been on an actual diet, but for a while I was eating grapefruit with every meal (in hopes of speeding up my metabolism).
- Restaurant you’d go to every day if you could? Mama Palma’s
- Food/dish you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but haven’t? Eggs Benedict (I even have the special poaching pan!).
- Dream dining companion? Martha Stewart.
29 October 2009
Trader Joe is my boyfriend (shhh, don’t tell the real one). Read on to find out which of his amazing qualities I love best.
maryrambin:
Top Ten Best Trader Joe’s Purchases
—By Nutritionista
A few days ago, I got a question from reader Mary Beth. She’s one of the lucky ones who’s getting a Trader Joe’s in her neighborhood, and asked me for a list of my top ten favorite items. What a great (but hard-to-answer!) question. It’s no secret that I love Trader Joe’s and basically think it’s the mecca for healthy foodies everywhere. So I thought long and hard about this question, and here’s what I came up with (note that this is not a comprehensive list of all great TJ’s items, just some of my classic and versatile favorites!):
- Flavored Greek yogurt (honey, blueberry, and pomegranate): Though fun-flavored Greek yogurt is popping up all over the place now, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for TJ’s version. This yogurt is filling, has great flavor and consistency, and is fairly affordable.
- Just A Handful trail mix: Yes, it’s true, you CAN make your own trail mix and portion it out into individual baggies. But let’s keep it real: Will you? This is such a great item to have on hand, and I almost always keep a pack in my desk at work or in my purse. I think they make two or three different types, but they all contain a mix of dried fruit and nuts in a nice portion-controlled serving size. If you do want to make your own trail mix, TJ’s sells a plethora of affordable dried fruits as well as a variety of nuts (some flavored).
- Apple cranberry bran muffins: I’m in awe of the nutrition stats on these babies: 80 calories, 13g fiber, and 5g protein. These make for a perfect (filling) snack or accompaniment to breakfast. I’ve mixed them into yogurt and oatmeal, too. A warning: these muffins are pretty “branny” (read: they taste like they have as much fiber as they do), so if you’re not a fan of bran, stay away.
- Multigrain cereal: I’ve basically replaced oatmeal with this stuff. It looks like oatmeal, tastes like oatmeal, but boasts better nutrition stats (see the linked post for more info). I usually mix in PB and banana for a little more flavor.
- Organic peanut butter: The first time I had organic PB, I almost choked. That stuff tasted nasty to my Jiff-seasoned tongue! But I was relieved to find that TJ’s peanut butter doesn’t have the weird texture and taste that other organic PBs do. And peanut butter is one of the things to definitely buy organic (nuts can soak up a lot of pesticides!). Their almond butter is also affordable and delish.
- Shelled edamame: Trader Joe’s is one of the only places I’ve found that sells shelled, NON-FROZEN edamame. It’s perfect for snacking or adding to stir-fries, etc.
- Precooked grains and beans: I know this is kind of a cop-out answer, but for the time-crunched chef, TJ’s sells all the precooked time-savers you could ever ask for. I’ve heard the frozen steel-cut oats are great, and they carry lots of premade rices and other grains. The precooked beans (like lentil and fava) come packaged rather than canned, so they don’t have that weird tinny taste. They’re great for throwing in soups or salads.
- Dark chocolate wedges: These come in a little tin by the front of the store. At 35 calories each, they’re a great way to get a portion-controlled hit of dark chocolate without having to break a bigger bar with a hammer.
- Banana, flattened: This “banana roadkill” (tm delishyourdish) is a great portable snack. Turn it into a roll-up by spreading on some PB or AB, and adding dark chocolate chips if you like. Say “yum.”
- Mirepoix: This one’s just on the list for it’s pure usefulness. It can be the base of almost any sauce or soup, no chopping necessary! A great thing to have around.
I know there are so many other great items at TJ’s that aren’t on this list. And now I feel really bad for those of you without a store nearby. I also feel bad for rubbing it in just now. Sorry! I’m sure someday, you’ll get to know Joe. Anyway, for those of you who shop there already, what are some of your favorite healthy Trader Joe’s finds?
9 September 2009
Haley recently became a pescetarian, and has also recently been cutting back on soy. She wants to make sure her diet has enough protein, as well as suggestions for other meals/snacks that are soy free. My comments and upgrades are below:
Breakfast: Nature Path flax whole grain flakes with skim or Ezekial bread with almond butter
I’d like to see Haley eat a bit more at breakfast, whether that means adding some fruit to her cereal or a banana to her toast. Remember, for a breakfast with staying power, shoot for 300-400 calories minimum. Haley could also try almond milk for a soy-free alternative to regular dairy.
Lunch: Sandwich with Ezekial bread, hummus, red pepper; grapes and snap peas on the side or large salad with spinach, broccoli, chickpeas, kidney beans, parmesan, and fat free Italian dressing
Important salad rule: Never use fat-free dressing! You need some healthy fat with your vegetables to help absorb the nutrients. I’d swap that fat-free Italian for some good old olive oil and vinegar (or any other type of olive oil-based vinaigrette). You only have to use a teaspoon or two of oil to get the benefits, so it really doesn’t add a significant amount of calories. For the sandwich lunch, I’d recommend bulking it up with some spinach or other veggie.
Snacks: Fat-free Greek yogurt and Kashi 7 grain crackers; Larabar and a piece of fruit; or tart frozen yogurt with fruit and coconut
Those are good soy-free snacks, but here are some other suggestions:
- Hard-boiled egg with fruit
- Tuna salad (made with Greek yogurt) and whole grain crackers
- Pitted dates and almonds (the deconstructed Larabar!)
- Hummus and pita
- Banana with a tablespoon of PB
- Frozen whole wheat waffle with PB
- English muffin with cream cheese and tomato
Dinner: Vegetable stir fry or salmon sashimi and fruit
Haley should make sure she’s getting at least a small portion of whole grains for dinner. Both meals could benefit from a serving of brown rice (if it’s not already being incorporated into them).
Overall, Haley has a very healthy, produce-heavy diet, which I definitely approve of. With a few upgrades, she’ll be golden. Want me to upgrade your diet? Send me a sample daily food log along with some info about your lifestyle.
