Last night I saw the movie Julie and Julia--I know I know it has been out for months. Bear with me! I am little slow with pop culture sometimes. Anyways, it was such a wonderful film because it emphasized the beautiful relationship one can have with food. Now, don't get me wrong. Julie and Julia were in love with butter and fat and all the foods that are not part of a heart healthy or weight loss food plan. But, who is to say that you can not love to cook, love food and be a foodie while eating foods that fall in line with your nutrition goals? People seem to think everything is all or nothing--I do not agree at all.
A few weeks ago I met up with a friend of mine for lunch at Mixt Greens. It is a salad shop here in the city with local, organic and fresh ingredients and you can make whatever salad you want. My friend is a foodie--will eat anything, loves fatty foods and will try whatever you put in front of him. When it was our turn to order he said he wanted whatever I ordered and I laughed, because I knew he was going to be disappointed. I ordered a salad with butter lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, candied walnuts, grilled chicken with a little olive oil and a lot of balsamic vinegar. Not very excited eh? My "splurge" was the candied walnuts. i am so crazy! he he he
The salad tasted great and he agreed. But what he was surprised about was that this salad tastes even better because it will help me reach my nutrition goals. I strive to eat whole foods, non starchy vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. This salad did just that. I did not feel guilty after I ate--I felt proud! I love food, I love eating out, I love sitting with a friend over dinner and chatting away, I love sitting in a park with a delicious cup of coffee and people watching. I love appreciating how food fuels me for the life I want to live.
This film inspired me because even thought Julie and Julia gained 20 pounds after their projects, they enjoyed each and every bite. That is what it is all about.
Bon appetit!
November 12, 2009
October 29, 2009
GMO
On Tuesday I went to a fantastic lecture about Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs. The Center for Food Safety was present to discuss what a GMO is, the harm they are doing to our food supply and recent legislation. It is important to learn what you are eating--gaining awareness about the food you eat and how it can affect your health will change your life.
Check them out--http://truefoodnow.org/
Check them out--http://truefoodnow.org/
October 26, 2009
snacks snacks snacks
Remember--eat every 3-4 hours to keep your hunger under control. Your metabolism will increase and you will feel so much better. Keep it simple--get some protein and carb and you are good to go. Enjoy!
Some snack ideas:
· Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with skim ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
· Dried fruit (5-8 pieces), nuts or seeds (1/4 cup or 5-8 nuts), whole grain crackers or pretzels with a lite cheese (babybell or string cheese)
· Protein Bar (suggest less than 300 calories and more than 13 g protein per bar)
· Non-fat Greek yogurt, plain yogurt or low fat cottage cheese and one fruit
· Basic sandwich: whole wheat bread with 3-4 slices of deli meat (VLM)
· Protein smoothie--non fat milk or soy milk, protein powder and some fruit
· Toss ¼ cup of dried cranberries and chopped walnuts into unsweetened organic instant oatmeal. Add some milk for protein.
· Microwave a cup of tomato or vegetable soup and enjoy with whole grain crackers and low fat cheese.
· Ants on a Log: Spread celery sticks with peanut butter and top with raisins
· Microwave a small baked potato. Top with reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salsa.
Some snack ideas:
· Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with skim ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
· Dried fruit (5-8 pieces), nuts or seeds (1/4 cup or 5-8 nuts), whole grain crackers or pretzels with a lite cheese (babybell or string cheese)
· Protein Bar (suggest less than 300 calories and more than 13 g protein per bar)
· Non-fat Greek yogurt, plain yogurt or low fat cottage cheese and one fruit
· Basic sandwich: whole wheat bread with 3-4 slices of deli meat (VLM)
· Protein smoothie--non fat milk or soy milk, protein powder and some fruit
· Toss ¼ cup of dried cranberries and chopped walnuts into unsweetened organic instant oatmeal. Add some milk for protein.
· Microwave a cup of tomato or vegetable soup and enjoy with whole grain crackers and low fat cheese.
· Ants on a Log: Spread celery sticks with peanut butter and top with raisins
· Microwave a small baked potato. Top with reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salsa.
October 21, 2009
Pizza: The Healthy Choice?
I have asked my dear friend and fellow RD Jessica Maillet to be a guest blogger. Jess and I did our internship together at UCSF Medical Center and I watched her fall in love with the food of San Francisco. Her eyes light up when you talk about the farmer's market. She is doing wonderful things in Massachusetts and I love reading her blog www.afeteforfood.com--check it out. Thanks Jess!!!
I’d like to thank Jae for letting me share my healthy pizza passion with her blog readers. I also practice as a Registered Dietitian and an ACSM-certified personal trainer. I believe that wellness originates from nourishing the body with whole foods that are grown close to home and are good, clean, and fair. I also believe in every day exercise that is enjoyable, stress-relieving, and utilizes that high-quality food energy for high performance! Please enjoy my musings on the topic of pizza, and check out my blog at www.afeteforfood.com. I can be reached at afeteforfood@gmail.com if you have questions. Happy eating!
Pizza is not usually touted as a “health food,” especially when its descriptors are “double cheesy-stuffed crust,” “Xtra cheese, Xtra large,” “bacon cheeseburger feast,” “meatzza,” “MEGA XL3,” and the best: “bread bowl pasta pizza.”
After all, what’s better than a wheel of cheese, topped with greasy commodity meats, atop layer(s) of chewy white bread?
(This screams spare tire.)
Unfortunately, you can see that pizza has gotten a bad rap. I have been determined to unravel the bad roll that pizza has received and take healthy pizza to a new level of acceptance.
Follow my 4-step process to create your own healthy, tasty, glammed-up pizza!
Step one: Create a crust canvas. This serves two purposes: one, you will be cooking yourself and NOT be ordering out at your greasy neighborhood pizza palace. Two, you can manipulate the type and thickness of the crust, which will influence the calories and flavor of the masterpiece you are about to create. Roll the crust very thin. I use a heavy (corked) bottle of red wine to iron the dough out into a somewhat circle. Don’t worry about recreating the perfect pizza circle. Homemade healthy pizza is supposed to look “rustic!”
• Good: Trader Joe’s white pizza dough crust
• Better: Trader Joe’s garlic herb pizza dough crust
• Best: Trader Joe’s whole wheat pizza dough crust
Step two: Get saucy! Sauces can contain extra sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Choose a sauce with few ingredients.
• Good: Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce (still contains a small amount of sugar)
• Better: Newman’s Own Fire-Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce (no sugar)
• Best: A homemade creation with organic diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and sundried tomatoes
Step three: Choose your cheese wisely. No need to break the bank in the cheese department. A little can go a long way.
• Choose rich, flavorful cheese like reduced-fat Cabot sharp cheddar or an imported parmesan. Or, choose a combination of the two!
• Finely grate cheese and spread into a thin layer.
• If you can’t part from the traditional mozzarella, slice fresh mozzarella thin, and add a few slices to the pizza pie.
Step four: Select top quality toppings. Decorate your canvas with color. Add red peppers, thinly sliced sweet potato or eggplant, broccoli florets, zucchini, fennel and/or chopped greens (beet greens, kale, spinach).
• Looking for a different flavor? Opt for a hint of sweetness by adding thin slices of figs.
• Need a greasy meat substitute? Use mushrooms, or try lean meats like bits of spicy turkey sausages or meat substitutes like soy bacon crumbles.
• Still not enough flavor? Add herbs like fresh chopped basil or bits of parsley.
There are so many options with homemade pizza-making. Here are my favorites:
• Make mini-canvases and prepare toppings; have family members create their own pizza masterpieces.
• Create a dessert pizza using sliced fruit and a sprinkling of shredded coconut for the “cheese.”
• Get that professional look by brushing crust with egg wash and a sprinkle of corn meal.
• Experiment with different combinations. (Local goat cheese with thick slices of tomatoes and basil ribbons goes well!)
• Eat a slice of pizza alongside a salad of warm spicy greens, goat cheese, sautéed onions, and garlic vinaigrette.
I’d like to thank Jae for letting me share my healthy pizza passion with her blog readers. I also practice as a Registered Dietitian and an ACSM-certified personal trainer. I believe that wellness originates from nourishing the body with whole foods that are grown close to home and are good, clean, and fair. I also believe in every day exercise that is enjoyable, stress-relieving, and utilizes that high-quality food energy for high performance! Please enjoy my musings on the topic of pizza, and check out my blog at www.afeteforfood.com. I can be reached at afeteforfood@gmail.com if you have questions. Happy eating!
Pizza is not usually touted as a “health food,” especially when its descriptors are “double cheesy-stuffed crust,” “Xtra cheese, Xtra large,” “bacon cheeseburger feast,” “meatzza,” “MEGA XL3,” and the best: “bread bowl pasta pizza.”
After all, what’s better than a wheel of cheese, topped with greasy commodity meats, atop layer(s) of chewy white bread?
(This screams spare tire.)
Unfortunately, you can see that pizza has gotten a bad rap. I have been determined to unravel the bad roll that pizza has received and take healthy pizza to a new level of acceptance.
Follow my 4-step process to create your own healthy, tasty, glammed-up pizza!
Step one: Create a crust canvas. This serves two purposes: one, you will be cooking yourself and NOT be ordering out at your greasy neighborhood pizza palace. Two, you can manipulate the type and thickness of the crust, which will influence the calories and flavor of the masterpiece you are about to create. Roll the crust very thin. I use a heavy (corked) bottle of red wine to iron the dough out into a somewhat circle. Don’t worry about recreating the perfect pizza circle. Homemade healthy pizza is supposed to look “rustic!”
• Good: Trader Joe’s white pizza dough crust
• Better: Trader Joe’s garlic herb pizza dough crust
• Best: Trader Joe’s whole wheat pizza dough crust
Step two: Get saucy! Sauces can contain extra sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Choose a sauce with few ingredients.
• Good: Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce (still contains a small amount of sugar)
• Better: Newman’s Own Fire-Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce (no sugar)
• Best: A homemade creation with organic diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and sundried tomatoes
Step three: Choose your cheese wisely. No need to break the bank in the cheese department. A little can go a long way.
• Choose rich, flavorful cheese like reduced-fat Cabot sharp cheddar or an imported parmesan. Or, choose a combination of the two!
• Finely grate cheese and spread into a thin layer.
• If you can’t part from the traditional mozzarella, slice fresh mozzarella thin, and add a few slices to the pizza pie.
Step four: Select top quality toppings. Decorate your canvas with color. Add red peppers, thinly sliced sweet potato or eggplant, broccoli florets, zucchini, fennel and/or chopped greens (beet greens, kale, spinach).
• Looking for a different flavor? Opt for a hint of sweetness by adding thin slices of figs.
• Need a greasy meat substitute? Use mushrooms, or try lean meats like bits of spicy turkey sausages or meat substitutes like soy bacon crumbles.
• Still not enough flavor? Add herbs like fresh chopped basil or bits of parsley.
There are so many options with homemade pizza-making. Here are my favorites:
• Make mini-canvases and prepare toppings; have family members create their own pizza masterpieces.
• Create a dessert pizza using sliced fruit and a sprinkling of shredded coconut for the “cheese.”
• Get that professional look by brushing crust with egg wash and a sprinkle of corn meal.
• Experiment with different combinations. (Local goat cheese with thick slices of tomatoes and basil ribbons goes well!)
• Eat a slice of pizza alongside a salad of warm spicy greens, goat cheese, sautéed onions, and garlic vinaigrette.
October 04, 2009
So simple yet so good...
A client just told me his favorite salad dressing recipe so I thought I would share...
1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 dash salt
Squeeze half a lemon
ground pepper to taste
This is the dressing for one person. Simple, elegant and full of flavor without the calories.
Enjoy!
1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 dash salt
Squeeze half a lemon
ground pepper to taste
This is the dressing for one person. Simple, elegant and full of flavor without the calories.
Enjoy!
September 28, 2009
But avocados are good for you! I cant get fat off a healthy food!
Just because a food is healthy for you does not mean you can it unlimited amounts of it. Hate to be so blunt with you but that is the way it is. Yes, olive oil, nuts and avocados are all sources of "good" fats but if you eat too much of them you will gain weight. So very sad--but so very true. I remember when I was living in New York City and experienced my first apple season. God it was fantastic! Absolutely delicious! My favorite snack was Granny Smith apples with chunky peanut butter. Just thinking about it makes me happy!
Well every day for a week I took a beautiful apple and jar of all natural, local, organic butter and went to town. By the end of the week the jar was empty and my pants were tight!!! Ooops!
Remember, the key to weight loss and weight maintence is portion size and moderation.
Appropriate portion sizes of some of your favorite "healthy foods":
2 TB of Peanut Butter
6 almonds
1/8 Avocado
1 TB salad dressing
1 tsp oil
8 olives
You can still enjoy your favorite goods but watch just how much you are eating at one sitting.
Eat healthy and be healthy!
Well every day for a week I took a beautiful apple and jar of all natural, local, organic butter and went to town. By the end of the week the jar was empty and my pants were tight!!! Ooops!
Remember, the key to weight loss and weight maintence is portion size and moderation.
Appropriate portion sizes of some of your favorite "healthy foods":
2 TB of Peanut Butter
6 almonds
1/8 Avocado
1 TB salad dressing
1 tsp oil
8 olives
You can still enjoy your favorite goods but watch just how much you are eating at one sitting.
Eat healthy and be healthy!
September 20, 2009
Kidfriendlysf.com - Check it out!!!!
Kidfriendlysf.com is fantastic resource for parents and kids. My fabulous sister in law started the site with the intention of highlighting places in beautiful San Francisco and the bay area that are not only fun for kids but was also kid friendly.
There are some adorable photos of my niece Coco too---Check it out!
There are some adorable photos of my niece Coco too---Check it out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
