Going Nuts

What's something that is always in my purse?

Almonds.

I also like the dark chocolate powder ones!

Not only are they a perfect on-the-go snack, but they have major health benefits!!

Almonds contain...

*monounsaturated fats

*protein

*potassium

*Vitamin E

*Calcium

For me, calcium is the reason I started to snack on almonds more than I used to. I stopped drinking diary milk almost one year ago, and started to add calcium in other natural ways to my diet.

My other favorite way to enjoy almonds is in a fruit and yogurt bowl.You can't see the yogurt in this picture because it is underneath the peaches, blueberries, raspberries almonds and CINNAMON.

It was a great snack and it kept me full for a while.

Go eat some almonds!

Eating Disorders Suck-and I don't ever say suck.

Last night I had my NEDA bake sale at my local YMCA. I chose to have it here because I know a lot of people here and I thought it would be successful. I was right! I raised much more than I anticipated which is so exciting. What really surprised me was how generous everyone was-complete strangers and all! Multiple people donated because their sister or loved one had struggled with an eating disorder.

I was so surprised when people were openly telling me about their experiences with eating disorders. When everyone was asking me why I was having a bake sale for NEDA, I told them I wanted to support the great cause. Only to a few did I tell the real reason-I had an eating disorder too.

I struggled with bulimia for all of high school. My high school sweetheart/what I thought was going to be my forever sweetheart broke up with me because he wanted to date someone "normal". I hid my bulimia from everyone in my life. It destroyed me when he left because of it, but more because people didn't know. They didn't know that it was my fault and that I put him through so much. They didn't know that everyday we fought about me making myself throw up. They didn't know that even though I tried to fight for him and get him back, in my heart I knew that I never could because I had ruined the whole thing.

Fast forward through a terrible year for me-I cried every single day-and I decided to go on a date. It was an older guy from  my church and the "older" and "owned a business" parts were very attractive to me. What wasn't? The fact that when I started to share about what went wrong in my last relationship, he didn't know what an eating disorder was. 

I'm not sure if he was just uneducated or if that really is a statement of today's society. People don't talk about eating disorders!!! I fully understand-very few people know about my past struggles-but it can't be a taboo subject. If I felt like I was 100% recovered, I would share my story. Sadly, there have been times that I have purged within the last year and even month.
It's a long road!

Cafeteria copy-cat taco salad

Every time I visit my twin sister at her college (about 1/2 an hour outside of Boston) we go into the city. I truly love Boston and hope to go to graduate school there someday.

One of the places that I love most in Boston is Cafeteria.

Each time we have gone we have sat outside, whether it was October and freezing or June.

Their modern take on traditional "cafeteria foods" is so appealing to me. The past two times we have gone I have gotten this delicious, HEALTHY, filling taco salad. Today I decided to recreate it and it was divine! I didn't use any chips and I used spinach instead of romaine. I also didn't have any jicama like Cafeteria adds, but next time I make it I will add it.

The dressing is the really important part and I think I nailed it with this on a whim recipe.

Cafeteria copy-cat taco salad

1 can black beans

1 cup corn

1 cucumber

1 avocado

1 tomato 

1 cup spinach or lettuce

dressing

2 TBSP greek yogurt

1 handful cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp onion salt

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

juice from one lime

Chop and prepare all veggies. Rinse and drain black beans. Combine in a large bowl. Mix together dressing ingredients and then pour on top. *if you are storing this salad, I would keep the salad and the dressing seperate until time to serve* 

This is the perfect salad for a hot day like today!

A day in NYC

Today two of my culinary dreams came true!

Sarabeth's Bakery for breakfast

Ever since I first got the cookbook two years ago, I have been DYING to go to Sarabeth's. We tried to last year when we went to see Wicked but they were booked!

We woke up at 4AM so that we could allow for time-I have major OCD when it comes to being early/on time and we didn't want to let it ruin our day. It was a smart choice!

I just got the buttermilk pancakes with strawberries, bananas and lots of black coffee.

My mom got an omelet with leeks, a bran muffin and divine strawberry/peach preserves.

It was a great meal and I can't wait until I can go back.

Then we went to see a live taping of The Chew on ABC.

It was such a fun experience! The episode we were there for won't air until Friday, July 19.

They were making no bake desserts. One of them was a watermelon granita that I am going to make tomorrow night for friends.

This stalkerish photo is Mario Batali-orange crocs and all-leaving the show! All of the hosts (especially Clinton who actually came over to speak to the audience) were so friendly and fun. 

Had to get an ice cream cone in Central Park!

I haven't even been on summer vacation for a whole week yet and I have done a lot of traveling! I have been taking advantage of the awesome restaurants that Boston and New York have to offer, trying to eat healthy but also eating a few more sweets than normal. Tomorrow I will double up on the fruits and vegetables. It is important to not get discouraged about a bad meal or day. Every new meal is a new opportunity to nourish yourself!

I smell summer

I officially have one week left of work and then it's summertime for me! I cannot wait. I have been feeling so burnt out and like I am running on empty (work-wise). It will be nice to have a break before I leave for school in the fall. I have been making lists upon lists of things to accomplish this summer.

always on my list: make pie.

Here's what's on the top of my list....

• De-clutter my closet(s). 
• Perfect a guacamole recipe. I want to make the best! Trying this recipe next.
• some DIY projects I have been meaning to do...all year....
• get an A in my class this summer
• read all of the books on my summer book list.
• fundraise and participate in the NEDA walk.

My summer will be filled with trips to Boston to visit my twin sister, exercise, pool-lounging, cooking, and shopping for my first apartment. I am so excited!

Danger: Cronuts

I am sure you have all heard by now about the newest baked goods craze: the cronut.

Half croissant, half donut...really America?! 

Even though donuts are seriously one of my major weaknesses, I still think this is a little extreme.

more info here