Monthly Archives: December 2010

Best of 2010

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This year has been very exciting for me. I graduated in May, I moved to my favorite city, Chicago and I met my Prince Charming, Corey! After a couple of rough years, I can confidently say I learned a lot in 2010. So here are a few things that I want to share with you.

1. Health is not just physical. Your mental health is every bit as important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Surround yourself with positive people, loyal friends, and supportive family members. Think about how you want people to describe you when you aren’t around. Make an effort to be those things and ignore or remove the negatives in your life.

2.  Exercise has to be fun or you won’t stick with it. I have told you all about Corepower yoga and my half marathon in previous posts. In high school I loved going to the Firm in Minneapolis and taking all of their aerobic and cycling classes. I guess it has taken me this long to realize that in order for me to stick with a routine, I need to enjoy it. If you have trouble sticking with something or you only view exercise as cruel and unusual punishment than try something new. Rather than meeting your girlfriends for drinks, go for a hike or rent out a squash court. Rather than going on a dinner date with your Honey, go to the driving range or look up some free ice skating times. If you like to exercise on your own try out a free week at local facilities. Most gyms and yoga/pilates studios offer a free week trial so take advantage and try something new!

3. Take more risks and switch up your routine in 2011. I have been blonde my entire life. The day my roots started to turn a slight shade of brown, I started coloring my hair. I had always talked about going brunette but I always chickened out. This year I finally took the plunge. While I fully intend on going back to my “roots”, it was refreshing to have something different. I also realized it wasn’t the end of the world and it encouraged me to take more risks, like cooking (if you’ve been reading my blog you know what I am talking about!)

4. Confidence is the sexiest, most attractive thing ever, and we should all have more of it! I am a total sinner for this one but I am working on it. Nobody enjoys the “I’m fat” conversation. Whether it is your best friend, a co-worker or your significant other, this is always uncomfortable and NEGATIVE (see #1). It shows on your face without even saying anything. You can always sense when someone who is confident walks in a room. They hold their head higher, they don’t care what people think of them and they are generally a lot of fun to be around. Surprise everyone this New Year with a new and improved, more confident you!

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Eating my way though the USA

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As a die hard fan of eating, I feel it is my duty, to the people, to spread my wisdom of great eats. So here it is folks, my list of fav restaurants in the cities I frequent throughout this great country of ours!

Chicago, IL

Carnival- This fun, festive, enormous establishment is home to the best skinny girl mojito in town. Pair it with any of their authentic Latin American dishes and you will have just died and gone to foodie-heaven! I have tried at least a dozen entrees and apps and I have yet to be disappointed. Just a few blocks away from our apartment, Corey and I make sure we go here at least once a month. We start every meal off with the Ropa Vieja, which are these sweet plantains topped with succulent braised beef, spicy mayo, and a touch of queso fresco to finish it off. The perfect blend of sweet, salty and a little bit of spice.

Minneapolis, MN

D’amico & Sons- This quaint little cafe, nestled just off the shores of Lake Minnetonka in lower Wayzata, will satisfy any lunch-goer. Chose anything on their menu from their wood-fired, made-to-order pizzas and pastas, to their huge selection of antipasti and salads- I can vouch for all of them. I practically grew up on the stuff! I make it a point to stop and get some turkey and dried cherries salad every time I’m home.

Naples, FL

Cafe Lurcat/Bistro 821- This is a toss up because the sea bass at both restaurants is incredible! Both restaurants are a few blocks away from one another along chic 5th Avenue. Cafe Lurcat is actually owned by the same company as my fav MN spot, D’amico & Sons. Their sea bass is the most buttery, flakey delicious piece of fish. If you can, request a table on the balcony upstairs which overlooks gorgeous downtown Naples. At Bistro 821 the sea bass is prepared in a miso-sake marinade served with roast shallot mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Both are just tuh-die!

Cincinnati, OH

Montgomery Inn- You haven’t had ribs until you’ve had theirs. And I have had a loooooot of ribs in my lifetime. These babies are fall off the bone, ooey-gooey delicious!

Bloomington, IN

Scholar’s Inn- The signature martini’s are delish but dangerous…and so is their short rib! Every Thursday, for two years the girls and I would enjoy ‘half of martini’ night and an amazing meal. Someone was always bound to order the short rib served with none other than good ‘ole mac and cheese. Now that’s what I call comfort food. Not exactly the healthiest option but sometimes, ya just gotta splurge!

New York City, NY

Bar Americain- My mom swears they make the best Manhattans she has ever had, and trust me, she is one to judge. She has tried to recreate it herself but just can’t do it like they can. I can’t remember exactly what we ordered but we did go back the next time we were there and each time seems to be better than the last.

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Foodie Myth Busters

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1. Nix red meat from you diet because it is bad for your health.

BUSTED!

This myth probably came from studies that have linked red meat with increased risk of heart disease, partly due to the saturated fat content. What people don’t know is that chicken can contain just as much saturated fat as lean cuts of beef or pork. Lean cuts of red meat are a great source of iron, B12 and B6 vitamins among other vitamins and nutrients. Iron deficiency is very common, especially in women, which can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells that provide oxygen to body tissues.

2. Stick your tongue out while chopping an onion to avoid your watery eyes

TRUE!

A trusty trick of mine that looks ridiculous but works like a charm! Don’t ask me why it works but keep your tongue out the entire time (if you stick your tongue back in your mouth, or don’t do it from the beginning the trick won’t work). Try it next time, you are sure to amuse your dining guests :)

3. Eating an apple a-day keeps the quack away.

TRUE!

While this little saying may not be totally true, I deem it true enough to pass my Foodie Myth Buster test and here is why: Apples contain health benefits that no other fruits have. They are always available (in season) and they are easy to bring with you when you need a healthy snack on the fly. Apples contain a healthy dose of Vitamin C, which supports your immune system. They are low in calories but still fill you up. Some studies suggest that apples help prevent different kinds of cancers, tooth decay, heart disease, and lung disease.

4. Fat is bad for you and certainly does not assist in weight loss

BUSTED!

Not only are certain fats not bad for you, they are actually essential for the human body to function properly. Note the word “certain” fats. There are two kinds of fats; saturated and trans fats (the bad ones) and unsaturated fats, or monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (the good ones). Incorporating small doses of mono’s and poly’s into your diet can increase satiety (scientific word for the feeling of fullness), help lower cholesterol, and help reduce your risk or heart disease.

5. Healthy food tastes like cardboard

BUSTED!

What, dried up tofu doesn’t sound as appealing as gooey macaroni and cheese? Of course not! Our society is obsessed with adding more salt, fat and carbs to every meal, and rich tasting cuisine is what we are used to. It is difficult at first but you need to re-train your taste buds to enjoy food that your body needs rather than craves. You can substitute seasonings for salt to decrease the sodium content, without sacrificing taste. Get your sugar fix from natural sources like sweet fruits. Dress up your veggies with a healthy topping (i.e sprinkle parmesan cheese on broccoli). Healthy food CAN taste good, it just takes a little big of effort on your part.

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