Tag Archives: food

Pros and Cons of Going Paleo

It’s the diet craze du jour for celebrities and serious nutritionistas alike, but what does the Paleolithic diet, a.k.a. “going paleo,” actually entail? Broadly, it means eating only what our primitive ancestors did: meat and fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruit. Strictly off-limits foods include dairy, grain products and anything processed. Sounds like it could be healthy…but how difficult is it to eat like a caveman in 2015?

Let’s start with the facts. The modern paleo diet was introduced in the 1970’s by a nutritionist and exercise physiologist named Dr. Loren Cordain. He contends that advances in food production and processing have changed food more rapidly than our digestive systems have evolved to process it. We cannot adequately digest many modern-day processed foods, he says, resulting in increased risk for a host of chronic diseases.

Cordain’s theory remains a topic of debate among nutritionists, but that hasn’t stopped the paleo diet’s boom in popularity. Dozens of variations exist, each with its own slightly tweaked set of rules and promises of unique health benefits. Among the most widely followed is the version espoused by Dr. Mark Hyman, who famously counseled the Clintons after Bill’s quadruple bypass surgery in 2004, which emphasizes diet as a means to detoxify the body and cure disease.

In spite of its popularity, however, the paleo diet recently placed dead last in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Diet rankings. Evaluated by a panel of dieticians and health experts, paleo came in at number 35 of 35 trending diet plans, based on a variety of factors including nutrition, safety and probability of weight loss.

If you’re thinking of going paleo, first weigh the pros and cons:

Pro: You’ll Eat Only Unprocessed, Whole Foods

While there’s much debate among nutritionists about the “ideal” diet, virtually all agree that there are major health advantages to eating fewer processed foods, especially those high in sugar.

Con: It’s Highly Restrictive

The list of forbidden foods for paleo dieters is lengthy, which could make it difficult to stick to long term. Beans and legumes are not allowed, a definite downer for non-meat eaters.

 

paleo diet

Pro: It’s a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Unlike cleanses and other hyper-restrictive weight loss plans, the paleo diet packs plenty of nutrients. Protein is definitely not in short supply and with proper meal planning you’ll also get loads of vitamins, fiber and even calcium (coconut and dark, leafy greens are good, paleo-friendly sources).

Con: Eating More Meat is Costly for You and the Environment

According to Cordain, over 50% of the paleo dieter’s calories should come from animal protein. That can add up to a hefty grocery bill. There’s also the steep environmental cost, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water pollution.

 

paleo diet juice

Pro: You’ll Probably Cook A Lot More

The paleo diet’s numerous restrictions, including butter and vegetable oil, make take-out and restaurant dining a challenge.

Con: You Might Gain Weight

One of the diet’s major pitfalls is that it can be very high in saturated fat, which can quickly add up to extra pounds. If you’re considering the Paleolithic diet for weight loss, be sure to moderate your red meat intake.

 

paleo diet steak_edited

Bottom Line:

The paleo diet can be a useful tool to kickstart healthier eating habits, but it requires some planning and make-ahead meal prep. Load up on nutrient-rich veggies and lean protein, like poultry and fish, to keep saturated fat low and the odds of slimming down high.

Dinner, Delivered with a Side of DIY

City dwellers have always enjoyed the perks of delivery, an unspoken quid pro quo of eschewing the conveniences of Suburbia. While the novelty of 3 AM egg rolls at your door may have faded with age, a new generation of meal delivery services is aiming to take its place. The concept is simple, but genius: Deliver all of the nutrition and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal in a format that’s as easy as ordering take-out.

In recent years, a slew of new companies has started offering meal kit delivery, each promising freedom from the tyranny of meal planning and grocery shopping. A typical kit includes one recipe and everything you need to make it, down to that single tablespoon of vinegar (everything arrives pre-measured) or pinch of saffron. In addition to convenience, these services claim to be a waist-watchers best friend, thanks to fresh ingredients and strictly controlled portion size.

For the busy gourmet or the bloated Seamless addict, it sounds like it could be a dream come true. But how do these services stack up? And is it really worth saying “sayonara” to your grocery store forever? Before you make your decision, check out this review of five major players in the meal kit delivery game.

 

Blue Apron

Blue Apron

A pioneer in the field, Blue Apron has quickly grown a following of loyal customers around the country. It offers two meal plans, one for couples (or friends or roommates) and one for families, designed to feed four to six people. After choosing your menu type — either “meat and fish” or “vegetarian” — Blue Apron selects recipes for you, which you have the option to change. If you’re new to the whole “cooking” thing, don’t sweat it. Blue Apron’s recipes are virtually foolproof, thanks to easy step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos. Bite for bite, Blue Apron runs average to slightly less expensive than its competitors. The two-person plan costs $9.99 per serving with a minimum commitment of six meals or $60 per week; the family plan is $8.99 per serving with a minimum of two meals or $71.92 per week.

 


 

Plated

Plated
Plated

If you’re chefing to impress, Plated could be the service for you. Though pricier than other options — $12 per person for regular meals — Plated offers diners the ease of delivery combined with the flare of a special occasion. With menu choices like “Indonesian Beef Rendang” and “Roasted White Sweet Potatoes with Chinese Broccoli and Flowering Chives”, Plated is a sure-fire escape from the weeknight recipe rut.

 

 

 


 

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh

With the meal kit delivery market reaching saturation, Hello Fresh sets itself apart by promising the very freshest ingredients possible. A recent informal survey of friends (who had used the service — and who also happen to be restaurant chefs) confirmed it lives up to the hype. All ingredients were top quality (they exclusively use premium brand Murray’s chicken, for example) and arrived looking and smelling just-off-the-farm. Hello Fresh has another distinguishing factor, for better or worse: the absence of calorie restrictions. While most delivered kit meals fall between 500 and 600 calories per plate, Hello Fresh averages around 900 calories, though the recipes are created by an in-house dietician and not lacking in nutrients. Hello Chef costs roughly the same as most of its competitors, around $10 per meal, but vegetarians take note: while omnivores can enjoy a range of meal choices, meat-free offerings are limited.

 

 


 

Green Blender

Box-and-ingredients_green blender
Green Blender

No time to cook, even if it’s kit-style? No problem. A service called Green Blender invites you to sip your nutrients instead. Created by a fitness blogger fed up with “glorified milkshakes” parading around as health food, Green Blender offers a rotating lineup of smoothie recipes with pre-portioned, seasonal produce and “superfoods”, like chia and flaxseeds. Each delivery includes five pouches to make five different smoothies. With flavors like Tropical Mojito and Sacha Inchi Orange Creamsicle, Green Blender offers a taste of the exotic delivered to your door. At $10 per serving, Green Blender costs about the same as other meal delivery services. Unlike those competitors, however, Green Blender does expect you to own a knife and a cutting board for basic prep like chopping.

 


 

Home Chef

Home Chef

More of a newcomer to the DIY dinner scene, Home Chef is gaining popularity with high-end foodies. That’s because the recipes, 10 different options per week, come from restaurant chefs. The instructions are definitely geared toward the home cook, however. This service also boasts the advantage of allowing diners to prioritize low carb or low-calorie menu choices, and to register any allergies or dietary restrictions, like gluten. Starting at $7.99 per serving, Home Chef is priced in line with the competition, but, sorry, California friends; it’s currently only available in 30 states across the East Coast and Midwest.

 

5 Recipes for Your Next Hawaiian Luau

Need weekend inspiration that doesn’t break the bank? Almost any budget can enjoy a backyard tropical vacation without any reservations or TSA hassles.

Pin up some pictures of Hawaii to your vision board. Then, take a look at these simple recipes of Hawaiian food and BBQ specialties that’ll bring a little lei-sure time to your next weekend.

 

Main Dishes

Hoisin Honey Glazed Pork

Read full recipe at Delish.com

 

Hawaiian Ahi Poke

Read full recipe at A Spicy Perspective

 

Side Dishes

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Read full recipe at Hawaii for Visitors

 

Skinny Hawaiian Slaw

Read full recipe at The Skinny Fork

 

Dessert

Guava Cake

Read full recipe at Valerie Kukahiko of Kuki’s Kookbook

 

Odes to Everyday Things from Every Continent

In the spirit of Pablo Neruda’s marvelous poetry about ordinary things, we’ve compiled a photo essay spanning the seven continents. Plato taught us long ago, that the “beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” Let’s take a moment to celebrate the design of everyday things.

 


 

Africa: Ostrich Egg

Homes all over South Africa include ostrich eggs in their array of objet d’ -art and it’s easy to see why. Perfected by nature, oversized ovals are a unique surface for artisans to decorate. Enameled, painted, or even untouched, save for a stand, the results are astounding.

 

South Africa ostrich eggs
Photo by: flickr/Redmond licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Antarctica: Ice

Contemplating the ice of Antarctica is a meditation in white. Something commonly thought of as one color, is in the purity of the Arctic landscape, many, many hues. Behold shades of ghostwhite, floralwhite, ivory, lavenderblush; yes, lavenderblush, all in sheets and bergs of ice.

 

Antarctica ice
Photo by: stocksnap.io/Casey Kiernan licensed under CC0 1.0

 

Asia: Bangles

Among the most beautiful creations in all corners of the Indian subcontinent are stalls of shimmering, fragile, glassy, colorful bangles sold by the dozen. A proper “sleeve” of bangles requires at least three dozen bangles. Since they’re glass, they’re expected to break. Shattering one by one, it’s time for another visit to the bazaar when they’ve all broken away.

 

bangles
Photo by: flickr/Garry Knight licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Australia: Didgeridoo

Indigenous Australians created this exquisite instrument almost 1500 years ago from hollowed out tree limbs. How does one hollow out tree limbs? Termites do it for you. Decorative motifs vary depending on the provenance of the person making the instrument, and makes for a variety of styles and sounds. Its familiar droning is inextricably linked to the culture and people Down Under.

 

Australia Didgeridoo

 


 

Europe: Tulips

It’s a flower so gorgeous it inspired a frenzy in the 1600s. Legend has it that at the height of their value, certain tulip bulbs commanded prices 10 times the yearly income of a skilled craftsman! To this day, economists use the phrase “tulip mania” when speaking about fluctuations in the intrinsic value of goods in the marketplace.

tulips
Photo by: pixabay under license CC0 1.0

 

North America: Maple Syrup

During early European colonization in northeastern North America, indigenous peoples taught arriving colonists how to harvest sap for survival. Many years later, Civil War abolitionists opted to use maple syrup rather than southern sugar cane. And during WWII, maple syrup was the go-to sweetener in a time of increased rations. This is a flapjack syrup with some serious historical cred.

 

maple syrup
Photo by Unsplash/ Sonja Langford

 

South America: Caipirinhas

The classic libation of Brazil that’s as fun to drink as it is to say: KAI-PE-REEN-YA. A refreshing concoction that goes great with Rio’s hot, hot, hot beaches. You can order them with a variety of fruits like pineapples, grapes or strawberries but we recommend taking it classic: a little lime juice, cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor) and a hint of sugar. Saude!

caipirinha
Cachaca Dave/under license GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons

10 Christmas Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Holiday Sweet Tooth

‘Tis the season to pig out, fa la la la la la la la la! Those are the lyrics, right?… I know that the best part of the holidays is supposed to be the joy of giving or whatever, but if you ask me — which I know you didn’t, but I’m going to tell you anyway — the best part is parking your rump at the dessert table and helping yourself to another slice of pie. If you like to indulge as much as I do, and you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, here are 10 Christmas dessert recipes that are sure to spread the holiday cheer.

10 Christmas Dessert Recipes Perfect for the Holiday Season

1. Red Velvet Cake Balls

 

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Red Velvet Cake Balls! Such a fun and festive holiday treat. 🎅🏻🎄

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Want something that’s easy to prepare but insanely delicious? Try these red velvet cake balls from Bakerella. You only need a handful of ingredients: red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate to melt and dip them in. Make huge batches, put them in festive tins, and hand them out to all your friends. Or, you know, eat them all yourself.

2. Hot Cocoa Cheesecake

If you love nothing more than a steaming cup of hot cocoa, this hot cocoa cheesecake from My Baking Addiction is right up your alley. You’ll savor every bite, from the Oreo cookie crust to the mini marshmallows added on top.

3. Reindeer Chow

 

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❤️💚 Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday snack mix – Chex cereal, Cheerios, peanuts, pretzels, and red & green M&Ms, all coated in white chocolate. This is an easy recipe that makes a TON, so it’s perfect for taking to all of your holiday events – it’s always a HUGE hit! 🎅⠀ .⠀ #browneyedbaker #f52grams #buzzfeast #yahoofood #eeeeeats #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #bhgfood #marthafood #thekitchn #bareaders #huffposttaste #todayfood #foodblogfeed #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeedtasty #recipe #instayum #eatingfortheinsta #bonappetit #onthetable #foodblogeats #mywilliamssonoma #tastingtable #foodgawker #realsimple #sotasty #f52oven #recipevideo #snacks #christmasiscoming

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Browneyed Baker’s Reindeer Chow is the answer to all of life’s problems. This is yet another simple recipe that is outrageously taste bud-tingling. Mix together Chex, Cheerios, peanuts, pretzels, and M&Ms, and coat it all in white chocolate, and you’ve got a holiday dessert fit for royalty. Christmas dessert recipes don’t have to be complicated to be indulgent.

4. Christmas Chestnut Yule Log Cake

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to really go above and beyond with your Christmas dessert recipes, try the Christmas Chestnut Yule log by Hummingbird High. It’s the perfect table centerpiece, and just wait until you sink your teeth into it. I’d also like to add that it photographs well for Instagram. Priorities!

5. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

 

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These look a bit like ugly Christmas sweaters, no? That was the intent with these✨Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars✨ But also: does Santa deserve cookies, or could he get by with bars? Could we smoosh sugar cookie dough into a pan, and slice it into cookie shapes? I’m not mad at Santa or anything, I’m just a *little* exhausted doing his job, you know what I mean? 🎅🏽 Recipe link in profile; also, if you make no other recipe from my site this year, make these sugar cookie bars with cream cheese frosting in an 8×8” pan, k? K. #feedfeed #imsomartha #foodandwine #mywilliamssonoma #fwx #f52grams #abmfoodie #buzzfeast #kitchn #thekitchn #bareaders #beautifulcuisines #gloobyfood #tastingtable #heresmyfood #buzzfeedtasty #christmascookies #christmasbaking #sugarcookies #mms

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These sugar cookie bars from Dessert for Two will give you life. The cream cheese frosting will make you weep. They’re also the perfect addition to your cookie decorating party.

6. Grinch Brownies

The peppermint extract and mint Oreo cookies really give these Grinch brownies from Cookies and Cups a nice kick. Fair warning: this will disappear from the dessert table fast.

7. Gingerbread Cookies

 

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GINGER CUTIES!!!!! 🎄 My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe is up on the blog. Clean edges, tons of spice flavor, easy to decorate with a simple glaze icing. Link in bio @sallysbakeblog PS: I have something as big as a house coming on Monday. Any guesses?! 😉😁😜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gingerbreadmen #gingerbread #gingerbreadcookies #homemadegingerbread #cutoutcookies #cookiedecorating #christmasclassic #cookies #cookiegram #thekitchn #tistheseason #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmasbaking #homemade #fromscratch #bakedwithlove #thebakefeed #linkinbio #sallysbakingaddiction #sallyscookiepalooza ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-gingerbread-cookies/

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You can never go wrong with traditional gingerbread cookies. Sally’s Baking Addiction has the ultimate recipe. Molasses and spices give them their iconic flavor, and the end result is irresistibly adorable.

8. Peppermint Chocolate Donuts

 

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I love gluten, but if it doesn’t agree with you so much, you’ll love these gluten-free, grain-free peppermint chocolate donuts from Broma Bakery. They’re topped with dark chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint candies, and the holidays have never tasted this good.

9. Christmas Velvet Layer Cake

 

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Layers of red velvet and green velvet cake spread with a dreamy peppermint whipped cream frosting. Get the recipe PLUS special tips for not overestimating your cake-layering abilities and making a cake that is too tall and topples over. If you caught my stories yesterday, YOU KNOW 😉😅. Tap the link in my bio!⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ https://www.somethingswanky.com/christmas-velvet-layer-cake-with-peppermint-whipped-cream-frosting/ #cakestagram #instafood #santaclaus #foodie #christmascheer #christmaslights #love #christmasdessert #cakedesign #cooking #bakery #xmascake #foodstagram #gingerbread #buttercream #fruitcake #christmaslove #cakeart #tasty #foodphotography #santa #foodblogger #presents #christmaspreparations #winter #adventcalendar #holidaybaking #tallcakes

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Layers of red velvet and green velvet cake are spread with a dreamy peppermint whipped cream frosting. How many layers is too many? Trick question! There’s no such thing as too many. You can find the recipe over at Something Swanky.

10. Almond Shortbread

It’s fruity. It’s sweet. So soft and smooth. This almond shortbread with raspberry white chocolate frosting from Dessert First is the perfect holiday baking project.

7 Guilt-Free Healthy Holiday Recipes

With the new year on the horizon, many of us are establishing resolutions for healthier routines. Especially if your diet isn’t flexible, the holiday season ushers in a new set of challenges and temptations. It can be as difficult to find healthy winter recipes as it is to get to the gym three times a week. These healthy twists on holiday recipes include new and sometimes unorthodox ingredients to keep you on track without sacrificing quality and taste.

Baked Eggplant Ricotta

Serves: 2-3

Time: 1 hour

eggplantr

What you’ll need:

1 large eggplant

3/4 cup cornflake crumbs or panko

1/2 cup egg white

2 large tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Slice eggplant into thin circles and set aside.

Pour egg whites and corn flakes into two separate bowls.

Dip eggplant in egg whites and coat with crumb mixture.

Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet.

Brush oil on both sides.

Roast until eggplant is golden, flipping every 20 minutes.

Toss the tomatoes with the remaining olive oil and vinegar in a bowl.

Spoon ricotta onto each slice. Top with tomato.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Serves: 5-10

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

peppermint bark holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

10 ounces dark chocolate

1/2 cup peppermint candy

How it’s done:

Line small baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt dark chocolate using stovetop or microwave, until creamy.

Pour mixture on parchment paper and spread chocolate until 1/2 inches thick.

Put peppermints of your choice into ziplock bag and crush.

Sprinkle on top of melted chocolate.

Let chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then break into small pieces and enjoy.

Swiss Chard Spaghetti

Serves: 3-5

Time: 15-20 minutes

swisschard

What you’ll need:

1 head fresh garlic

2 pounds green Swiss chard

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, cut

1 cup fat-free feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

 

How it’s done:

Cook garlic on the stovetop with a small amount of olive oil about 5 minutes.

Stir in chard stems and leaves, and cook until tender.

Cook spaghetti in boiling water until soft.

Toss spaghetti with chard, olives, and garlic.

Serve sprinkled with feta cheese.

Baked Latkes

Serves: 2-4

Time: 1 hour

latke

What you’ll need:

1/2 cup egg white

3 medium potatoes

1 medium onion

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon coconut oil

 

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray baking sheets with light oil.

Grate potatoes using grater or food processor and rid of excess liquid using paper towel or dishcloth.

Grate onions and add to potato mixture with oats, flour, oil, and egg whites.

Mold 1/5 cup into rounds.

Place in baking sheet and flatten. Repeat with rest of bowl.

Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and flip. Bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Serve warm with applesauce for extra flavor. 

Healthier Challah

Serves: 7-10

Time: About 3 hours

challah bread holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup raw honey

3 cups white spelt flour

4 organic eggs

1/4 cup grapeseed oil


How it’s done:

Add a cup of hot water to electric mixer and add honey and yeast.

Pour flour into a small bowl.

In a second bowl, mix two eggs and oil together.

When yeast has risen, stir in egg mixture.

Turn mixer on low and add mix in all ingredients.

Once dough has formed a ball shape, turn speed up and allow mixture to knead for a few minutes.

Remove dough from the bowl, lightly spray bowl with cooking spray and return the dough ball to the bowl.

Cover bowl and set aside in a warm spot for two hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and split dough into two sections, then split each section into threes.

Roll each third into a tube-like shape. Lay side-by-side, pinch tops together and begin braiding.

Pinch bottom ends together. Transfer the two loaves to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

Mix two eggs with two tablespoons water for egg wash.

Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash and bake loaves for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and brush again.

Bake for another 10 minutes and serve warm.

Warm Spinach Salad

Serves: 5-10

Time: 20 minutes

warmspinach

What you’ll need:

10 cups spinach

2 cups white mushrooms

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoon cider vinegar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

 

How it’s done:

Combine spinach, mushrooms, and almonds in a large serving bowl and set aside.

Heat oil in small frying pan and add garlic with light black pepper.

Cook until garlic is browned and add vinegar.

Pour red wine vinegar over salad and toss.

Peppermint Parfait

Serves: 8

Time: 15 mins

peppermint parfait holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

1 quart fat-free vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup dark chocolate candies

Light reddi-wip

2 drops peppermint extract

1/4 cup finely crushed peppermints

How it’s done:

Scoop yogurt into medium mixing bowl and combine peppermint, extract, and dark chocolate.

Top with whipped cream, peppermints, and fruit of your choice.

You can add a few drops of red food coloring for aesthetic if preferred.

The Best Nutrition Bars for On the Go

Ideally, we’ll get the vast majority of our nutrients from real, whole foods that come from nature. Realistically, this isn’t always possible; and sometimes we need a healthy snack alternative to get us to our next meal. Nutrition bars are a go-to for many, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Some are hands-down better than others, so knowing which ones to choose and which to avoid is key for making the healthiest decision.

Unfortunately, a lot of popular nutrition bars on the market today are packed full of added sugars, artificial flavoring, and coloring agents, along with binders, preservatives, etc. Knowing how to read ingredient labels is important (this actually goes for any processed food), and always keep in mind that the shorter the ingredient list, the better. If you see a long list of words you don’t recognize and can’t pronounce, this is usually a bad sign.

Without further ado, here are top five on-the-go nutrition bars:

Lara Bars

Lara Bars are widely sold not only at health-food stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.), but often at conventional grocery stores as well. They have a very short ingredient list and combine tasty and satisfying flavors like almonds, walnuts, coconut, dates, and blueberries. These bars have no added sugars, although they are high in natural sugars from dried fruit; so eat them in moderation. Lara Bars aren’t particularly high in protein but are made of 100% whole food ingredients, so they definitely make the list.

Clif Kit’s Organic

The ever-popular Clif Bar brand has finally added a whole foods product with their Kit’s Organic Fruit and Nut Bar. Similar to a Lara Bar, Kit’s Organic Bars are made from nuts and dried fruits and contain less than 250 calories each. They also don’t offer much protein and are fairly high in sugar, but don’t include any added sugars or artificial ingredients, which is a huge plus.

Raw Revolution Live Food Bar

Raw Revolution Bars are more likely specific to health food stores,but are an excellent option if you can find them. The founder of the company is a natural food chef and nurse, and her bars are lower in sugar than Lara and Kit Bars. They also contain nuts and dried fruit, but provide extra booster foods like spirulina and sprouted flax seeds. All in all, these bars offer more nutrition, but they do use agave nectar, which can be hard on the liver. 

Quest Bar


Quest bars are significantly higher in protein (around 20 grams), which makes them a better choice for a pre- or post-workout bar. They are also high in fiber and have a sweet taste, so they aren’t a bad option as a healthy dessert alternative (or as a snack to ward off sugar or candy binges). Certain flavors of the Quest Bars do contain the artificial sweetener sucralose, but others don’t: Opt for cinnamon roll, coconut cashew, strawberry cheesecake, or chocolate peanut butter. All in all, Quest Bars are better than the above options since they’re higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbs and sugar; they do however contain artificial ingredients. 

Kind Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt

Kind bars are the least healthy of these five options, but probably the healthiest of the nutrition bars that you can find just about anywhere (including airport mini-marts). What’s not so great is that these bars do contain quite a few artificial ingredients (soy lecithin and glucose syrup, for example), but the dark chocolate nuts and sea salt variety is surprisingly low in sugar, coming in at just five grams. These bars are also pretty low in protein and do contain added sugars, but are not a bad option in a pinch. Just be sure to avoid the flavors that have over seven or eight grams of sugar. 

How to Make Your Own Nutrition Bars

Why not make your own nutrition bars? Instead of wondering if the endless store-bought versions are healthy or not, you can actually make them quite easily in the comfort of your own kitchen, and they keep well. These can make a great snack for the adults and kids in your family and can satisfy a sweet craving almost as well as those boxed cookies you might have hidden in the cupboard. Inspired by well-known nutritionist and author Nora Gedgaudas, this Chocolate Energy Ball recipe is surprisingly simple and healthier than your average, packaged nutrition bar.

chocolate energy balls

Chocolate Energy Balls

Ingredients

1 cup peanut or almond butter (no added sugars, preferably)

1 cup of nuts or seeds (your choice, can be walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)

2-3 tablespoons of ground chia or flax seeds

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao powder

3/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes

5 tablespoons softened coconut oil or butter (also sold as coconut manna)

Optional: 1/2 cup of your favorite protein powder

Instructions

  1. First, grind your nuts and/or seeds using either a food processor or coffee grinder.
  2. Next, simply mix everything together in a big bowl, adjusting your quantities if needed. It’s pretty hard to mess these up, so if the consistency is too dry, add more coconut oil; if too wet, add more shredded coconut or ground nuts.
  3. Once everything is combined, form them into balls and layer in a Tupperware or any other container using parchment paper in between your levels. No cooking is necessary; you’ll just need to refrigerate them for about an hour or place them in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  4. They’re ready to go! Store in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for a few months.

 

While store-bought or homemade nutrition bars should never replace a diet consisting of real, whole, and nutrient-dense foods, they can be part of a healthy diet every now and then. Because most bars are relatively high in sugar, it’s best not to make them a habit; but for a once-in-a-while snack, opt for the top five we’ve discussed here.

The Best Sushi Restaurants in America

Sushi is so common it’s easy for it to become an afterthought — a literal last-minute lunch fix from the Publix around the corner. Of course, the ever-increasing availability of sushi that at least qualifies as edible can only be seen as a good thing. But if you’re really looking to transport your taste buds to Tokyo, you might want to settle in for a night of non-stop, Edomae-style nigiri fueled by junmai daiginjo sake at one of these extraordinary shrines to the art of Japanese seafood: the seven best sushi restaurants in America.

 

Shuko

New York, New York

Shuko sushi
Photo courtesy of Shuko

Chefs Jimmy Lau and Nick Kim sharpened their skills under Masa Takayama, the owner of Masa, a three-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Manhattan, New York. Then they ran their own start-up sushi operation on West 8th Street called Neta. A decade later, they opened Shuko — one of the Big Apple’s hottest and most loved sushi destinations. Unlike the cramped bar at their first restaurant, the C-shaped dining counter here, carved from a solid Tamo Ash that was butterflied, seats 20 people comfortably. The chefs are flanked by a fleet of diligent assistants, including a bewhiskered bartender who mixes exotic cocktails with ten-year-old Armagnac and Japanese tea, then spritzes them with plum-flavored eau-de-vie.

There’s no menu. Shuko elevates fish to an art form. The toro tartare on milk bread and the spicy tuna roll covered with Thai chiles, chopped to bits and ready to set your taste buds on fire, will leave you fondly recalling them for months after they’ve ended.

 

Morio’s Sushi Bistro

Honolulu, Hawaii

Morio's Sushi Bistro
Photo courtesy of Ariana M.

With less than two dozen seats in the entire establishment,Morio’s Sushi Bistro basically caters to those with a four-months-ahead reservation. “The front of the shop looks rather run down,” says Kristine Tan from Honolulu, Hawaii. “However, all the magic is inside of its brick and mortar.” Morio’s Sushi Bistro is a sort of BYOB sushi party. Everyone wears t-shirts and rubbah slippahs. Chef Morio cracks crass one-liners and takes swigs of sake with his guests. A renowned fishmonger who gets first dibs at some of the finest seafood out of Japan, he also crafts sake steamed clams, lobster soup, and shrimp tempura that’s fried in the lightest of batters.  It’ll give you food dreams for weeks.

 

Sushi Ota

San Diego, California

Sushi ota
Photo courtesy of Alexis K.

Parked next door to a 7-Eleven and a Planned Parenthood, Sushi Ota looks like it could be a shady dentist’s office. But this hole-in-the-wall is actually one of the best sushi spots in the Bay area. An army of master chefs, clad in black robes and crown-fitting white hats, serve petite slices of translucent spot prawn along with its deep-fried head. Sushi Ota’s uni is also plucked daily from local waters and is the stuff of legend. “It makes you want to sell all of your possessions to just keep getting another hit of that thick, rich, creamy, and sweet sea urchin,” says Freiler Thompson from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Between the crisp, nubbly octopus fritters and specialty rolls like the Pizza, a California roll topped with eel sauce, that are sold at strip-mall prices, you’ll be so in love with your food that you’ll want to fork it.

 

Toni’s Sushi Bar

Miami, Florida

Toni's Sushi Bar
Photo courtesy of German M.

Sushi has become as prevalent in Miami as flip-flop weddings and golden-thonged bicyclists, with rolls popping up in bodegas and high-end hotels alike. But before all that, Toni’s was churning out high-quality, no-flash sushi in Oriental-style digs (complete with sunken seating and bamboo dividers). South Beach’s first Japanese restaurant, it’s still on the cutting edge — literally. It serves up steaming bowls of soba noodles topped with beef, shrimp, or veggies, plus Tony’s Choice, a single serving of fresh sushi and sashimi artfully arranged atop a bamboo boat. The Washington Avenue restaurant is as notable for what it is — one of the best sushi spots in the Sunshine State — as for what it isn’t: expensive and overblown.

 

Morimoto

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Morimoto sushi
Photo courtesy of Morimoto

The Iron Chef who gave this ultra-modern, color kinetic, Tokyo-in-the-US restaurant its name seldom wields his knives behind Philly’s best sushi joint. “I spend more time cooking at events,” says Masaharu Morimoto. “It’s good to do something different, like creating new menu items. I’ve gotten some ideas from Italian food: for Uni Carbonara, instead of pasta, I use Japanese Inaniwa Udon, thin noodles.” From his infamous fugu (blowfish), prepared three ways in season, to his toro that melts in your mouth like butter, Morimoto’s flagship packs in more species of fish than Finding Nemo. Located a block from Independence Hall on Chestnut Street, the two-story space is a mix between a swanky nightclub and a zen modern art gallery. Unlike most super-fancy joints with a world-famous owner, though, the omakase  won’t put a massive crater in your wallet. Pair it with a “Sakura” — a cosmo made with Sake — or a Rogue Hazelnut beer.

 

Kai Zan

Chicago, Illinois

kai zen sushi
Photo courtesy of Kai Zan

Identical twins Carlo and Melvin Vizconde honed their seafood skills at various sushi gigs before striking out on their own and establishing Kai Zan in a somewhat sleepy Humboldt Park location that wasn’t considered a likely destination for serious raw fish connoisseurs.  And yet, seven years in, this serene 22-seater has established itself as a favorite among sushi snobs for its BYOB policy (limit 2 bottles) and  omakase that includes more food than you can eat — oyster and uni shooters served in ponzu sauce and topped with caviar and quail eggs, seared salmon wrapped around orange-kissed scallops, bite-size rice balls topped with seared tuna, spicy mayo, chili oil, and a creamy wasabi sauce. Then there’s Japanese dezāto like coffee gelatin topped with sweet red beans and whipped cream or green tea ice cream smothered with Anko that’s guaranteed to hit your sweet spot.

 

Nodoguro

Portland, Oregon

Nodoguro sushi
Photo courtesy of Nodoguro

Chef Ryan Roadhouse and his business partner and wife, Elena Roadhouse, specialize in “hardcore” 13, 19, and 25-course omakase that are built around subtle references to artists, fast food chains, or TV shows — including a “Twin Peaks” meal they once cooked at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for the director David Lynch. At Nodoguro’s ever-changing kappo-style feasts, you might be served a salmon roe “Russian-style” sandwich, a risotto-like uni rice topped with popping roe, or gently crisped Japanese eggplant poached in young miso with a sliver of duck.

It’s hard to say since Roadhouse designs his menu 48 hours before each meal. And he sources some of the rarest ingredients from Japan, found nowhere else in the United States. What’s certain in this “adventurous eaters only” approach to culinary improv? “It encompasses every sense and has the ability to take a person out of place and time,” says one Yelper. “I am still floating on a high from having one of the most exquisite meals of my life.” The Belmont Street restaurant’s reservation books open only once a month, so jump on tickets immediately. Which is to say, check its website for cancellations on the regular if you want to score a seat.

Asian-Inspired Dishes You Can Cook at Home

Not only is cooking at home healthier (sayonara, excess salt), but it’s wallet-friendly too, and more than a few recipes are easy to recreate with the help from some basic ingredients. Asian spices are aromatic and taste wonderful but every additional teaspoon of flavor can be overwhelming. When cooked at home, we can tweak recipes to our personal tastes and preferences. You only need some spices, vegetables, rice, noodles, and protein. Some of the usual suspects in Asian-inspired dishes include coconut milk, ginger, chili, peanut, and lemongrass, to make endless possibilities and combinations. Here are a few of my favorites.

 

Coconut Curry Chicken

asian dishes 5

What You’ll Need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Vegetable oil
Curry powder
Onion
Garlic, crushed
Coconut milk
Diced tomato
Tomato sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper for flavor

 

Tomatoes, curry, and coconut blend together perfectly to create a semi-spicy and fragrant sauce for this curry recipe. Although the step-by-step recipe is meant for the stove top, laziness got the best of me and I dumped everything into my crockpot (after cooking the chicken first!) and let it slow cook for double the time. White rice is a perfect accompaniment but it also worked well with fresh noodles.

 

Full recipe: https://salu-salo.com/coconut-curry-chicken/

 

Tom Yum Soup

asian dishes 4

What You’ll Need:

Shrimp
Tomatoes
Limes
Thai chilies
Mushrooms
Lemongrass
Kaffir lime leaves
Galangal root
Fish sauce
Sugar: 1 teaspoon

 

Yum is right. Hailing from Thailand, Tom Yum Soup is composed of a spicy, citrus broth filled with herbs, vegetables, and shrimp. Make the broth more flavorful by starting with a base of seafood broth or half broth and half water (we won’t tell!).

 

Full recipe: https://www.eatingthaifood.com/easy-thai-tom-yum-soup-recipe-sour-spicy-soup/

 

Stir-Fry Sauce

asian dishes 4

What You’ll Need:

Soy sauce
Sugar
Sesame oil
Rice wine or sherry
Oyster sauce
Ground pepper
Cornstarch

Thanks to Chinese culture, Westerners have adopted the super easy, tasty, and convenient way to get more vegetables and lean protein in our diets by stir-frying. Use up any old veggies, but you can make your recipe more special by including bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or other ingredients typical in Asian cuisine. Cook the protein for a few minutes on high heat first, add the vegetables and cook for a few more minutes before adding the sauce. Here is an easy sauce recipe that will take your dish from good to great and only requires whisking the ingredients together before using or storing.

 

Full Recipe: http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/the-best-stir-fry-sauce-recipe/

Poke Bowl

asian dishes 2

What You’ll Need:

Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Grated, fresh ginger root
Green onions
Roasted macadamia nuts
Dried seaweed
Red pepper flakes
Kosher salt

 

The spices used in this raw fish salad originate from Asian countries. Hailing from Hawaii, poke is traditionally made with cubed chunks of raw tuna, seaweed, salt, nuts, soy sauce and sesame oil. Japanese spices are commonly used but can be substituted with Korean spices for a slightly different final product (that pairs nicely with a bit of kimchi).

 

Full Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254946/chef-johns-hawaiian-style-ahi-poke/

Spring Rolls

asian-inspired dishes

What You’ll Need:

Shrimp, deveined
Cucumber
Carrots
Buckwheat or Rice noodles
Iceberg lettuce
Fresh cilantro
Fresh mint
Avocado oil
Soy sauce
Rice paper wraps
salt
Plain peanut butter
Chili garlic paste
Cornstarch

Originally made in China and called a “spring” roll because they were made for Spring festivals using in-season vegetables, they are now a favorite dish across the continent served year-round and filled with a plethora of ingredients. This recipe is inspired by Vietnamese cuisine and uses peanut butter in the dipping sauce.

Full Recipe: https://www.watchwhatueat.com/vietnamese-healthy-spring-rolls/

Savannah: A Spellbinding Getaway

I lived in Georgia for a number of years, and one of the best parts about it was having so many unique destinations nearby to visit on my weekends off. All throughout the Peach State, North and South Carolina, and into Florida are beautiful cities bursting with history, culture, and that Southern Charm for which the region has come to be known throughout the world. Savannah–where you’ll find majestic oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, cobblestone streets from decades past, and horse-drawn carriages, all throughout a grid of historical and architecturally-fascinating buildings–is the oldest, and possibly most classic city in Georgia.

It’s a perfect place for a quick getaway this season, not to mention, the weather is perfect right now for a city where it’s best to blow around wherever the winds take you.

head stones savannah ga
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

While putting this together, I enlisted the help of a good friend of mine, Mike, who happens to still live in the area. He’s always had such wonderful, interesting stories to tell of his adventures. He shared his first trip to Savannah with me:

“[It] involved the ‘best walking tour ever’ created by a close friend of mine. This ‘tour’ revolved around a clover shaped pattern centered on a pirate themed t-shirt store that sold dollar pints. We’d get a pint for each hand, go off on our merry way, find adventure, loop back, get more pints, repeat; you get the picture. Objectively, it was not the best tour. As memory serves, it was a fantastic evening.”

I have gathered from his tales and my own experiences that there is no wrong way to do Savannah. Mike was kind enough to provide me with some tried and true suggestions before I returned to the historic district of Savannah, GA.

 

SEE

Bonaventure Cemetery is the most famous cemetery in Savannah and is over 200 years old and 100 acres in size, according to the Bonaventure Historical Society. Here, you can take in the sights of unique Gothic headstones and grave markers, some above very prominent individuals in history. Stopping by here is a must; it is absolutely gorgeous. Half of the graveyard is simply (while not simple at all) works of sculpted art so ornate you may forget you’re in a cemetery. The famous Bird Girl statue from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was once a huge tourist draw to the cemetery (although it is no longer here). Stop by the visitor center on your way in for maps and all the information you need.

Bonaventure Cemetery – 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah GA 31404

Photo courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society
Image courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society

You’ll find that there are plenty of tours to choose from–some walking, some in horse-drawn carriages–that will regale you with stories of the spirits that roam the city. A unique one is the World Famous Hearse Tour, which will take you around town in a real hearse, through cemeteries and historic districts, telling spooky tales to ensure the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Don’t worry, they promise on their website to keep it funny and lighthearted.

Hearse Ghost Tours – 412 E Duffy St, Savannah, GA 31401

kehoe
Image courtesy of Hearse Ghost Tours

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, located near River Street, is a great way to start the evening. There’s lots of food, drinks, and limitless energy, coming from both the crowd and the pianists.

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar – 314 Williamson St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

EAT

As far as food is concerned, Bay Street and River Street both have plenty of dining options to choose from. While they definitely cater to tourists, they’re no slouches when it comes to food.

As for ‘secret’ spots, there aren’t many Savannah places that stay secret for long. You can find so many good things to eat in this city, and it’s one of those locales where you have your choice of price ranges, cuisines, and at the drop of a hat, can wander in any direction and find something tasty.

crab legs
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Tubby’s Tank House is a seafood restaurant that is considered ‘real’ Savannah. If you’re planning on having shrimp, crab, oysters, etc., Tubby’s is a great option. They have a giant deck overlooking the marina at the mouth of the river, providing a relaxing view while you dine on the waterfront.

Tubby’s Tank House River Street – 115 E. River St., Savannah, GA 31401

tubbys tank house restaurant
Image courtesy of Live Oak Restaurant Group

World Famous Clary’s Cafe – skip the celebrity cathedral of butter and check out this nostalgic cafe for crab eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, grits, and more. Another southern staple you can get here: sweet tea. Nowhere is sweet tea done as well as it’s done in the South.

Clary’s Café, 404 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401

biscuits and gravy
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

For those with a sweet tooth, check out Lulu’s Chocolate Bar – a dessert restaurant, all items made from scratch, that also serves drinks and martinis (in chocolate variations, of course).

Lulu’s Chocolate Bar -42 MLK Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401

Also, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – because pralines; no need for further explanation. Keep in mind, you’re now in the part of the country where pecans are referred to as PEE-cans.

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – 225 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

IMBIBE

Moon River Brewing Company is known for good food and craft beers like “Yoga Pants,” a pilsner with fruit aromas, and “Taterlicious!” an amber ale made with sweet potatoes. According to their site, Moon River is also regarded as one of the most haunted in the city and is Savannah’s only haunted brewery.

Moon River Brewing Company21 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401

beer glasses
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Molly MacPherson’s. Go there. Mention Kevin Barry’s (Irish Pub). Start a fight. Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub has the East Coast’s largest selection of single malt scotch whiskey, according to their site. Try the Shepherd’s Pie, a traditional Scottish dish, or the fish and chips, a favorite among return patrons.

Molly MacPherson’s – 311 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401

molly macphersons pub
Image courtesy of Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pubs

Vinnie Van Go Go’s Pizza for late night cravings – right in the middle of Bay Street and staffed almost entirely by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students, they will make you a heavenly slice. You’ll eat it right outside, standing, because its a busy joint. Cash only, of course.

Vinnie Van Go Go’s – 317 West Bryan Street, Savannah GA, 31401

savannah-collage-of-art-design-171121_1280
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

 

STAY

Elegant antique décor, luxurious amenities, and Southern charm await guests at the Marshall House in the Historic District. According to their site, ghosts have been seen in the hallways and foyers over the years, but they assure you that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Situated in a great location, the hotel is walking distance to River Street, a 200-yr old area filled with restaurants and shops, and just four blocks from Chippewa Square Park, the site of Forrest Gump’s bus bench from the 1994 film. The actual bench itself can be seen at the Savannah History Museum just 15 minutes away.

savannah river boat
Image via Pixabay under license CC0