For the Love of Food

Perception

2013-04-22T15:16:00.001-07:00

Body image is described as the not only the mental picture you have of your body, but your feelings about it too. This image is often different from actual appearance or how others see you. This idea is clearly depicted in the video below. I think it’s a creative way to illustrate and highlight the vast differences between actual versus perceived appearance. You must check it out!! I truly believe it deserves all of the hits and hype it’s received thus far.

Grilled Cheese

2013-04-19T18:02:00.001-07:00

I love grilled cheese! I’m not sure if you heard, but last Friday was National Grilled Cheese Day. The great thing about grilled cheese is that the options are endless! You can get as creative as you please. Whether it's a classic dipped/drowning in ketchup or there's an added twist, there's nothing I enjoy more on a Saturday afternoon. In honour of the occasion, I picked Brie, Granny Smith apples, and fig jam... Deelish! :)

I may have also indulged in some Easter 'leftovers' that I'll share with you too. For these cupcakes I dropped in some green food coloring to add in a pop of spring and crushed up some leftover Mini Eggs instead of using other sprinkles or toppings.

PS. Sorry for the hiatus!

Berry Cobbler

2013-03-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

To contrast the gloom outside, I’ve decided it’s time for some pictures! I stocked up on berries a few weeks ago when I found a good sale, so I just pulled them out of the freezer for this recipe. Not only is this recipe super easy, but using frozen berries incorporates Nutrition Month tips too. J

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

2 pints strawberries
1 pint blueberries
1 cup sucralose/Splenda
1 Tbsp cornstarch
¾ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt
1 egg
¼ cup skim milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

4 Tbsp margarine, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a bowl, combine all berries, 1/3 cup + 2 tsp sucralose/Splenda, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. In another bowl, mix flour, ½ cup sucralose/Splenda, baking powder, and salt. In a third bowl, stir egg, milk, vanilla, and butter. Add dry ingredients. Stir well.

3. Evenly place berries in a 9x9” baking dish. Top with batter. Bake 25-30 minutes until tops are golden brown.

To change it up, try picking a variety of fruits. If you’re hosting or trying to portion size, divide the berries and batter into small ramekins.

Enjoy!

Adapted from Sue Zemanick’s Cobbler.

Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping

2013-03-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas to help keep your grocery bill close to nil. ;)

1. Shop the sales- Check flyers and coupons. You can even find these online these days!

2. Stock up when there’s a great deal- Buy extra staple items that have long shelf lives, such as whole grains, dried legumes, and canned fruits and veggies. Fresh meat, poultry and fish can be frozen.

3. Don’t forget the clearance section

4. Compare prices- Check for differences between various brands. Store or “no name” brands are usually cheaper.

5. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach- You’re more likely to pick up extra items when you’re hungry!

Adapted from: Dietitians of Canada (www.dietitians.ca)

Happy Nutrition Month!

2013-03-07T18:36:00.003-08:00

Can you believe it’s March already?! The focus of this year’s Nutrition Month campaign is Best Food Forward: Plan Shop Cook Enjoy, which focuses on navigating the grocery store (a place where we’re all faced with an abundance of choices!).

Here are some tips on shopping for just one or two people.

1. Plan wisely- Plan ahead so you know what you’ll be eating and can make a grocery list before you head to the grocery store.

2. Cook from scratch- This way you can prepare the exact number of servings you need.

3. Shop in bulk- But remember to only buy items that you need.

4. Shop as a team- Grocery shop with a friend so you can split bulk items and take advantage of volume discounts (think ‘buy one get one free’) while avoiding waste.

5. Buy only what you need- Try splitting a bunch of bananas (they always seem to go brown so fast!), buying smaller packages of eggs, and asking the butcher to split packages of meat.

6. Be wary of coupons- This tip aligns with #3 & 5… it’s only a deal if you actually need what you’re buying!

Adapted from: Dietitians of Canada. (2013) http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloadable-Content/Public/NM2013_Factsheet_1_Englsih_C.aspx

Take it with a Grain of Salt... Or Not

2013-02-25T15:28:00.001-08:00

Another element of heart healthy eating is reducing sodium intake, which may help control blood pressure (and can keep your bones strong and may lower your risk of getting kidney stones too). Here are some quick tips to lower sodium (a major component of salt) intake:

Tips

Take the salt shaker off the table
Try herbs and spices for flavouring
Replace garlic salts, onion salts or celery salts with the fresh product
If Kosher meats are used, soak them in water first

Limit

Foods that have been pickled, processed, cured, smoked or salted
Canned vegetables, sauces, gravies, dressing, marinades

Avoid

Sea salt, salt substitutes, visible salt

Let’s Talk About Fat, Baby

2013-02-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it’s almost the end of February and we haven’t talked about heart healthy eating! February is heart month, after all. I’ll do my best to squeeze in a few more posts in honour of the great organ before the end of the month.

To start, let’s talk about fat. Choosing appropriate fats is a huge component of heart healthy eating. Generally (if you’re thinking about bloodwork), what you’re aiming for is:

o Decreasing triglycerides

o Decreasing LDL (‘lousy’ cholesterol)

o Increasing HDL (‘healthy’ cholesterol)

To help do so, try following the dietary recommendations below:

My friend and colleague Marci always makes fun of me for using charts, but I really do think they’re a great way to organize information. Hopefully you find it helpful :)

PS. Yes, that title is a cheesy reference to the 1991 song.

Fruit That's Iced is Just as Nice

2013-02-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

Remember those 3 for $5 berry days in the summer? They seem so far away, especially with today's blizzard-like weather! The good news is that you don't have to look far to enjoy summer's favourite fruits; just make your way to the freezer.

Frozen fruit is just as tasty and nutritious as fresh fruit and doesn't require the preparation (washing, peeling, chopping). You can find choices like plain strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, mixed berries, mango and peaches that typically have little to no additives. What they do have is water and fibre that can help with weight control by making us feel full.

An alternative to buying frozen fruit is making your own. You can save money and support local farmers by buying fresh fruit in-season and then freezing for later use. Frozen fruit can be kept for up to one year.

To freeze fruit:

1. Rinse fruit and remove any bruised or spoiled parts and cores.

2. Place fruit pieces/slices in a single layer on a baking sheet (this will prevent sticking later on)

3. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.

4. Squeeze air out of the bags and seal.

5. Label bags with the date so you know when they'll expire.

4 Ways to Eat Frozen Fruit

1. Icy fruit pops

2. Muesli

3. Refreshing smoothies

4. Topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast or angel food/sponge cake

· Thaw and warm up frozen fruit in a pot over the stove or in the microwave. Try adding orange or lemon zest or almond extract.

Source: eatrightontario.ca

Get Me to the Greek

2013-02-01T08:12:00.001-08:00

Most weekdays I start my day off sitting next to my friend (and amazing Occupational Therapist) Leslie in rounds. She is absolutely lovely, but has a knack for making me hungry immediately after I've eaten. The cause: incredible breakfasts! After smelling and observing (and drooling) for months, I finally asked her for some details yesterday and she shared the secret: Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is something I've been exposed to since childhood (my aunt's been sending it over with fresh honey for years), but it seems to be a fad that's recently transformed into a staple item. Brands such as Danone Oikos, Astro, President's Choice and Skotidakis all offer 0%/fat free plain versions- the nutritional claim to fame. Danone's option provides 100 calories and 18g protein in a 175g serving. That's pretty impressive, seeing as typically only meat, fish and poultry will provide that much protein for so few calories. But that's not all- this serving size of Greek yogurt can also provide about 20% of daily recommended calcium intake and it's creamy too! The only thing to caution against is sweetened or fruit flavored options, because the added sugar actually replaces some calcium and protein.

Your best bet: Breakfast a la Leslie

o 175g of 0%/fat free plain Greek yogurt

o ½ cup of berries (you can add a serving of any fruit you like, fresh or frozen)

o 1-2 Tbsp of almonds (any nuts will do, try walnuts to include omega 3 fatty acids)

o Sprinkle some cinnamon to top it off

o Optional: Also try 1 tsp-Tbsp of maple syrup or honey for some extra flavor.

Health Crisis

2013-01-28T18:14:00.001-08:00

I remember hearing on the radio a few weeks ago that obesity has grown to become a bigger health crisis than hunger. This initially seemed like a shock (especially given the fact that I was in the midst of organizing a food drive to help fight hunger over the holidays), but when I took a minute to ponder, it really wasn’t such a surprise. In fact, when I investigated further, I found that some countries have seen as much as a 100% increase in obesity rates over the past 20 years, and that the global increase in this time period has been 82%!

This made me think about various strategies to promote healthy lifestyle and healthy eating. At an event Friday night I was reminded of a September post (“Calorie Counts”) where I discussed the new McDonald’s menus in the U.S., which highlight the caloric content of items. A friend mentioned that on a road trip, she felt extreme guilt while ordering when the calories in her potential meal were staring her right in the face. Now this single recollection might not be reflective of the mass effect of this effort, but I couldn’t help but think that regardless of how big or small or local or global, strategies to fight this obesity crisis should be welcomed. Experts had projected that the McDonald's campaign wouldn’t be effective, but even affecting one person is an accomplishment in my eyes.

Here’s an article on the obesity health crisis if you’re interested: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/13/health/global-burden-report/index.html

But aren't nuts healthy?!

2013-01-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Healthy snacking is a part of a healthy diet, but it’s important to be conscious of choices and portion size, especially when it comes to nuts! Nuts are nutrient-dense and can even be a source of omega 3 fatty acids (walnuts), but part of this nutrient density includes caloric density. Try to keep your portion size to 2 Tbsp of nuts, such as unsalted peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts. After all, it is possible to have too much of a good thing!

A New Year!

2013-01-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

Happy 2013!!! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and that your new year is off to a fantastic start!  

Everyone is officially back in our office after some scattered vacation time, and the topic of New Year's resolutions came up today at lunch. Varying ideas from taking vitamins to using Kinect regularly to working on trampoline skills (that was mine!) came up.

For anyone with nutrition or physical activity goals, I have the perfect tool for you: EaTracker. It's

1) Free 

2) Created by Dietitians of Canada

3) An easy way for you to track your intake and activity.

It also analyzes recipes, can help with meal planning and has a “My Goals” feature that helps you set personal goals and sends you weekly motivational messages.  

Check it out at: www.eatrightontario.ca/en/eatracker.

Best Wishes!

2012-12-27T17:22:00.002-08:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season thus far! I couldn’t help but share my indulgence/implementation of tip #1 from last post. These are my favourite Greek cookies:

Melomakarona

They’re honey-infused and topped with walnuts... Sticky deliciousness. :)

Best wishes for much love, happiness, and health in 2013!

Don’t forget to smile! ;)

Do you see the happy face???

Holiday Survival Tips

2012-12-12T15:26:00.002-08:00

Here are 7 tips to help you enjoy get-togethers and feel the warmth of the holidays without worrying about your waistband. I'm sure we can all agree that there's a time and place for spandex, and holiday parties may not be that time or place ;).

1. Enjoy your favorites. You know what I'm talking about... Those dishes or treats you've been waiting 11 months for! Make a deal or tradeoff with yourself- have a few of those must-haves and try to make healthy choices the rest of the time.

2. Be active. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day. And remember, every bit counts!

3. Halt your hunger. Have a small, healthy snack an hour before a party. It'll be easier to make healthy choices when you're not famished. 

4. Bring something nutritious and delicious. That way, you're guaranteed at least one healthy option. 

5. Anticipate the pushy host. If you're being pressured into eating more food, offer a compliment on the meal and state that you'd hate to ruin the meal by overdoing it. 

6. Stop when you're full. Eat slowly, and when you’ve had enough, put away your plate, or ask for leftovers to be packed up. Limit nibbling by stationing yourself away from the food table or buffet. 

7. Drinking? Don't forget the tips from last week! Alternate alcoholic drinks with lower-calorie beverages, opt for light beer or wine spritzers (half soda water, half wine), and choose lower-calorie mixers, like club soda, sparkling water or diet pop.

Remember to keep these tips in mind as a guest and as a host. :)

Source: www.eatrightontario.ca

Bottoms Up

2012-11-30T09:07:00.001-08:00

Last night marked the official start of the holiday season for me, with the first holiday party. I know I already discussed some tips for choosing holiday beverages a few posts ago, but now it’s time to talk about some real drinks… the alcoholic ones, that is! ;)

Generally speaking, drinks are often a source of empty calories, meaning that they have little nutrient value, but pack in the calories (and don’t contribute to satiety!). This is even truer when it comes to alcoholic beverages.

Beverage	Calories
Egg nog 2% (1 cup, 250 mL)	260
Cranberry Cocktail (1 cup, 250 mL)	123
Orange Juice (1 cup, 250 mL)	118
Tomato Juice (1 cup, 250 mL)	44
Tomato-clam cocktail (1 cup, 250 mL)	120
Soft Drink, regular (1 cup, 250 mL)	110
or 1 can (355 mL)	156
Soft Drink, diet cola (1 cup, 250 mL)	3
or 1 can (355 mL)	4
Soda Water (1 cup, 250 mL)	0
Tonic Water (1 cup, 250 mL)	124
Mineral, bottled or tap water (1 cup, 250 mL)	0
Wine, white (5 oz, 150 mL)	102
Wine, red (5 oz, 150 mL)	108
Beer, regular (341 mL bottle)	140
Beer, light (341 mL bottle)	99
Spirits – rum, vodka, gin, whisky (1 ½ oz, 45 mL)	98

Consider:

1. Portion Control: How much you drink can be just as important as what you eat.

2. Switch it up: Try alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, like soda, sparkling water, regular water or diet drinks.

3. Keep Track: Recommendations for alcohol intake are no more than 2 alcoholic beverages per occasion. Over a week, men should aim for less than 14 drinks and women should aim for less than 9 drinks.

Here are some recipes for calorie and fat-friendly drinks.

Recipe	Winter Sangria	Eggnog	Pomegranate Gin Sling
Servings	10	8	2
Serving Size	2/3 cup	½ cup	--
Ingredients	1 cup fresh satsuma orange juice (~4 satsumas) 1 cup Satsuma orange sections (~2 satsumas) 1/3 cup Triple Sec (orange-flavoured liqueur) ¼ cup sugar 2 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges 1 (750mL) bottle fruity red wine	3 ½ cups 1% low fat milk ½ cup fat free sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon all purpose flour ¼ tsp grated whole nutmeg 1/8 tsp salt 2 large egg yolks ¼ cup bourbon 2 tablespoons brandy 1 tsp vanilla extract Additional grated whole nutmeg (optional)	¼ cup gin ¼ cup pomegranate juice, chilled 1 Tbsp agave syrup or simple syrup 1 tsp fresh lime juice 8 pomegrantae seeds 2 lime slices
Preparation	Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.	1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. 2. Place egg yolks in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk one-third of hot milk mixture into egg yolks. 3. Add yolk mixture to remaining hot milk mixture, stirring with a whisk. Cook over medium heat 1 minute or until slightly thickened. Pour into a pitcher. 4. Stir in bourbon, brandy, and vanilla. 5. Cover surface of eggnog with wax paper; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with additional nutmeg, if desired.	Combine first 4 ingredients; divide evenly between 2 chilled glasses; divide seeds between glasses. Garnish with lime slices.
Calories	137	137	115
Fat	0.1	2.3	0

Enjoy! And drink responsibly! J

Source: myrecipes.com and eatrightontario.ca

Sniffle Sendoff

2012-11-20T19:02:00.001-08:00

There’s no denying that cold and flu season is upon us! I won’t lie… I get a little nervous (or germophobic if you’re into labels) when I hear sniffling and coughing from someone standing a little close on rounds or the subway. The good news is that a healthy diet keeps your immune system functioning well and may help prevent or shorten the duration of your cold. Here’s some information on the key players in your battle.

Vitamin C

- ~200mg/d helps fight colds

- Food sources: fruits and vegetables, like sweet peppers, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, broccoli

Zinc

- Consumption within 24h of getting a cold may help you have fewer symptoms

- Food sources: oysters, seafood, fish, beef, pumpkin seeds, baked beans

- If supplementing, do NOT take >40mg/d

Probiotics

- ‘Good’ bacteria that keep your immune system healthy

- To fight colds, dose should be ~10 billion active probiotic cultures per day, starting 3 months before cold season starts

- Food sources: yogurt with added probiotics

- Look for the following strains to help colds:

o Lactobacillus gasseri, CECT5714 or PA16/8

o Lactobacillus acidophilus, 74-2 or NCFM

o Lactobacillus casei, DN 114

o Bifidobacterium longum, SP07/3

o Bifidobacterium bifidum, MF 20/F

Before taking supplements, remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist and ensure you purchase ones that have Natural Product Numbers (NPN) from Health Canada.

Source: Dietitians of Canada. 2011. Topics for Staying Well During Cold and Flu Season.

Decisions, Decisions

2012-11-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

Along with early evening darkness and chilly weather, the scents of cinnamon, ginger and peppermint are ever so present. Whether it’s an afternoon pick-me-up, meeting with a friend or a way to warm up, hot beverages (in new red cups!) seem to be abundant!

In the chart below, I’ve tried to simplify nutritional information on some holiday beverages to help you make wise choices next time you’re in line at Starbucks.

Beverage	Tall, 2% Milk, & Whipped Cream		Tall, Skim Milk & No Whipped Cream
Beverage	Calories	Fat (g)	Calories	Fat (g)
Peppermint Mocha	290	13	180	2
Skinny Peppermint Mocha	N/A		100	1
Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha	410	15	300	4
Eggnog Latte	370	17	350	15
Caramel Brule Latte	340	11	240	0
Gingerbread Latte	260	11	150	0

If you’re ordering as-is, the Gingerbread Latte is the best option. If you don’t mind opting for skim milk and no whip, the Skinny Peppermint Mocha is the drink for you. Note that I’ve selected to provide information for the “tall” size as opposed to others- the role of portion sizing in healthy eating is immense! Always try to keep that in mind!

Enjoy and keep warm! J

Meatless

2012-11-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

I don’t think I’ve mentioned before that I share an office with 5 other dietitians (Amy, Andrea, Marci, Dara, and Erin). I’d argue that they’re the best officemates ever, but this, of course, is a (slightly) biased opinion. As you can imagine, there is a lot of talk about food. Erin first introduced me to the idea of Meatless Mondays quite a while ago, and I thought it was time to share with you too!

Meatless Mondays actually originated back in the first World War. Meatless Mondays aren’t about being vegetarian; they’re about sustainable eating- reducing greenhouse gases and environmental impact. Going meatless for one day a week can also contribute to reducing risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Keep in mind that current Canadian recommendations advise that we consume <500g of red meat per week.

Here are some photos from Meatless Mondays past…

Oven Roasted Tomato & Basil
Spaghetti with Greek Village Salad

Feta, Tomato, Red Pepper and Feta Frittata

Vegetarian Pizza
(any meatless toppings will do!)

Soy Taco

Mediterranean Quinoa

Good for us and the environment… sounds like a win-win to me.

FYI- Here is the Meatless Monday site for more info and recipe ideas: http://meatlessmonday.ca/

Pumpkins

2012-10-30T18:38:00.003-07:00

To me, pumpkins signify Halloween. They instantly put a smile on face, and the thought of picking one with the perfect surface to carve makes me a little giddy. The ‘scope’ of a pumpkin, however, is much wider!

Quick facts

- Part of the squash family

- Originally from North America

- Often forgotten about after October

- Source of Vitamin A, iron and protein

Shopping

- Keep your eye out for small, heavy pumpkins with firm and smooth skin

- Steer clear of pumpkins with cracks or bruises

Preparation

- Bake, boil, steam, or even cook in the microwave

o Once cooked, easily scoop the flesh from the peel

- Substitute butternut squash (or other vegetables in the winter squash family) with pumpkin and use in pies, muffins, cakes, casseroles and soups.

- Pumpkin seeds can be roasted in the oven on a baking sheet until golden brown for a tasty snack.

o Add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, allspice, or cumin for some extra flavor.

And don’t forget, pumpkins aren’t just limited to October!

PS. Here is my Halloween creation.

Inspired by Peter Pan :)

Source: Eat Right Ontario

Detox

2012-10-19T14:57:00.002-07:00

I recently arrived home from vacation and when asked about my time away, I can’t help but describe it as a perfect detox. Beach, books, bronze… it was lovely! Naturally, this got me thinking about detox diets. Cleanse diets seem to be increasingly popular, but aren’t actually scientifically proven. These diets typically make 2 claims that I’ll address below.

1. They’ll cleanse or detoxify your system

Ø Well, our bodies are fully equipped with organs like the kidneys and liver that already filter and eliminate toxins.

2. You’ll rapidly lose weight

Ø This may be true, but that’s because most detox diets are essentially starvation diets. This can be problematic, especially if you require tight monitoring and control of your blood sugars, or if you follow the diet for several weeks. In addition to nutrient deficiencies, side effects include fatigue, dizziness, bloating and cramping. Furthermore, weight initially lost is typically gained when regular diets are resumed.

So, at the end of the day, your best bet is to maintain a well-balanced diet, stay active and maintain a positive outlook (and escape to the beach if you can ;)).

Ps. Here's a source:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334

Macarons

2012-10-01T17:32:00.001-07:00

According to Merriam-Webster, “a small cookie composed chiefly of egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds or coconut.”

According to my younger sister, “the best dessert ever.”

Macarons are aesthetically pleasing, a great treat for any occasion, and one of the best parts is that you’re not limited to any one flavor. Even better, they can satisfy your cravings for somewhere between 80-110 calories. Pretty good deal… I think so!

Calorie Counts

2012-09-19T18:30:00.002-07:00

McDonald’s recently announced that their U.S. restaurants would now show the calorie content of menu items. This is a voluntary initiative being implemented ahead of possible regulation requiring chains with more than 20 locations to post calorie information that may take effect early next year.

Will this unavoidable information and awareness encourage healthier choices by the U.S. population? The president of McDonald’s USA believes this strategy will help educate customers, but not alter choices. Personally, I’m not sure what effect this initiative will have. I suppose I’m an optimist and a believer in the powers of knowledge and education. It seems logical. Essentially, these calorie counts are like a nutrition label. Is there not evidence supporting the widespread regulation of such labels? And if someone makes a choice or a change from even a Big Mac to a McChicken, saving 190 calories (and 13g of fat) isn’t that a move in the right direction, regardless of whether that decision was made based on knowledge or guilt? Something to think about…

FYI- Here's a link to an article discussing this topic.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/mcdonalds-adding-calorie-counts-on-us-menu-boards/article4539370/

Old to New

2012-09-11T16:50:00.003-07:00

I came across an article when I was clicking away on my laptop the other night and couldn’t help but think about perspective. It’s really just interpretation… glass half empty vs. glass half full, imagination vs. reality, tragedy vs. comedy, sport vs. ferocity. Here are some clever new interpretations of household kitchen items. Hopefully you’ll be as charmed as I was when I came across them. :)

Plastic Easter eggs or snack containers

Keep snacks from being crushed by reusing plastic easter eggs as containers.

PS. This will help you portion size too!

Turkey baster or watering device

Use your turkey baster to easily switch and refill the water in a vase full of flowers without the hassle and mess.

Wine box or storage bin

The size of the space allotted to each bottle of wine perfectly fits flats and sandals and will prevent precious footwear from being squished.

Ketchup bottle or pancake dispensers

Get the most out of your batter and the shape you intended for your delicious breakfast by reusing old ketchup bottles as pancake mix dispensers.

Lifesavers or candleholders

Lay a Lifesaver flat on a cupcake or piece of cake to ensure your candles stand up nice and straight (and your cake doesn’t have the melted waxy flavor added in there!).

Colander or new-and-improved ice bucket

Avoid the pool of water in the bottom of your ice bucket by replacing it with a colander.

Cooking spray or shoveling aid

Try spraying your shovel with cooking spray to prevent ice buildup on your shovel in the winter.

(I know, I know... too soon!)

FYI: Here’s the clever site

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/favorite-new-uses-00000000019718/index.html

Brunch.

2012-09-04T17:17:00.001-07:00

''Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.'' -Guy Beringer, 1895

Back in 1895, Beringer was onto something, especially when it comes to Sunday brunch!

Here are some photos of a recent brunch out that followed a morning of sunscreen and strolling.

The Indulgence

Crunchy French toast with orange infused
honey and whipped brown sugar butter

The Wise Choice

Egg white frittata with smokey guajillo chilies,
tomatoes, mushrooms, arugula, goats cheese and parmesan

Healthier items (à la “wise choice”) may not always be apparent, so think of ways to modify choices into healthier options.

Here are some tips:

o Try to include 3 out of the 4 food groups (as outlined in the Food Guide)

o Choose whole grains

o Opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs

o Use margarine or even peanut butter instead of regular butter on toast

o Be mindful of sides or sauces, like the butter and honey served with the French toast

o Save some for later to make the deliciousness last and spread out the calories!

o If you’re cooking at home, make extra. Reheating in the toaster or microwave can save you time during the week.

o Don’t forget to include fruits and veggies

The Family Who Eats Together...

2012-08-27T18:42:00.004-07:00

I feel like there has been a lack of photos lately, so here’s one of a family BBQ. A little overboard, I think so! Leftovers for everyone… check!

Here’s a list of the menu (starting from top left):

- Spanakopita (spinach pita)

- Pastitso (Greek-style lasagna)

- Potato salad

- Apple and cabbage salad (my item of choice)

- Bean salad

- Beets

- Tortellini

- Veggies (steamed and cooked in tomato sauce)

- Steak (grilled to perfection by yours truly)

The portions and selection were definitely outrageous. And that doesn’t even include appetizers or dessert. I’m full just thinking about it!

Ps. I’ll add the bean salad recipe below. Simple. Fool-proof. Protein-rich vegetarian option. Always a crowd pleaser. And definitely a great go-to when you’re in a rush or in denial that you’ve forgotten about that office potluck (again!).

Ingredients:

Bean Salad

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

2 cups fresh or frozen green beans

1 cup diced red onions

1 cup diced red or orange bell pepper

Dressing

½-3/4 cup cider vinegar

4 Tbsp of granulated sugar (or Splenda for a lower calorie option)

1 heaping Tbsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix beans with dressing, chill and enjoy! J

Thanks Sevren!