Beg for an Egg

Like eggs?  Good, because eggs are filled with powerful protein & are a great source of choline and lutein.  Choline is essential for brain health, while lutein is beneficial for the eyes.  Eat up!

My brothers and I made a Mother's Day dinner on Sunday for my mom.  When we tried to think of what to make, we immediately thought about breakfast for dinner.  Who doesn't get excited about breakfast for dinner?  I seriously think I could have breakfast food for any meal!  Anyway, we had a whole spread of make-your-own breakfast burritos with eggs and other additions.  

And guess what?  No need to stick to egg whites to earn a gold star for "being healthy".  That's old news. The entire egg has plenty of benefits.  In fact, lutein is in the yolk so sticking to just egg whites will prevent you from getting the eye benefit.  And calorie-wise, one egg is about 70 calories, which is not bad for the waistline.

Another reason I like eggs is because they are SUPER easy to make.  If you have a frying pan & some EVOO or cooking spray, you are set.

So.. what are you favorite egg dishes?  A few of mine are below. 

Top favorites
1. Good 'ol scrambled eggs & Applegate Farms breakfast sausage
2. Egg Sandwich on English muffin with Monterey Jack cheese (& ketchup.. yeah, it's weird but totally worth it)
3. Egg Scramble with red or yellow bell pepper & salsa
4. My older brother's omelet... he can make a kick @$$ one if I do say so myself
5. Deviled eggs... this recipe looks mighty tasty- http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/deviled-eggs-10000000224784/

Eat well,
Bri

At a Festival?

Canton Food Court

With Festival season around the corner and my recent visit to Canton, this post is focused on “festival food.”  What the heck do you pick when you are at a festival, fair, or a place like Canton?  Many treats pack a day’s worth of calories in one serving!  Here are a few tips to get you through your fun day without feeling overly full or like you just gained 10 lbs in one sitting…

1. Don’t buy the first treat you see.  Your eyes can fool you.  Many things look better than they taste.  When hunger strikes, really think about what you want and don't settle for something that just "looks" appetizing.  Find something you know you like and is worth the extra calories.
2. Have a couple bites.  Is your treat of choice a really high calorie item like a funnel cake?  Have just a few bites.  Eating a whole funnel cake or something of the sorts all by yourself is sure to send you into a sugar coma.  Treat yourself to a few bites and ditch the rest or give it away!
3. Share.  Have a favorite treat you can't resist?  Buy it, but share it.  Most festival treats are HUGE and since many of us belong to the "clean your plate" club, split the meal or treat with your buddy.  Or buy something that is already pre-portioned and not as big as your head.
4. Drink, drink, drink. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Being outside and in the heat without drinking water regularly can leave you dehydrated.  Sometimes dehydration tricks your body into thinking its hungry when all you really need is an ice cold glass of water or unsweetened iced tea.  Stay hydrated!



Roasted Corn? Yes, please!

5. Pick the healthier treats.  I saved this for last because it's my favorite.  Although few, there are healthy, tasty options at these places.  Heck, if you go to a festival in a place like Austin, TX, you will be surprised by all of the healthier, tasty options. But even in a place close to Dallas, one can find a healthier dish.  My mom and I had red beans and rice at Canton over the weekend.  It was delicious and I did not feel overstuffed or sluggish after. Other good options?  Roasted corn on the cob, chicken kabobs, chicken or turkey sandwich, small popcorn, small soft serve ice cream, etc.  Think GRILLED for any main course and SMALL for any treat!

Eat well,

Bri

Just Add Lemon!

Add a lemon to your beverages & favorite recipes!

Ever tried warm lemon water first thing in the morning or a tall glass of iced water with lemon in the afternoon?  Ever tried lemon chicken or put lemon in any other favorite dish?  Sure, lemon looks pretty by adding a touch of color to your beverage or food dish & adds flavor, but it also has some health benefits.

We all know water is great for us and we should drink more of it.  Heck, our bodies are mostly made of water too.  But what if drinking a little warm water every morning with lemon juice squeezed from about half a lemon boosted your immune system, made you feel a little more energized, cleansed the body from toxins, and aided in daily digestion?  Would you try it?  I know I would.  You can't get more simpler than a lukewarm glass of water and half of a lemon.  I learn best from other people and what I have found is that people are liking the results they get from this little trick.  Some even say it helps their skin glow & clear up any impurities!

Lemon water not your thing? Add some slices to your favorite baked chicken recipe!  I bake chicken in chicken broth and plenty of sliced lemons below and on top of the chicken.  I then put whatever spices I am feeling for that day (thyme, oregano, & black pepper to name a few) & bake the chicken for about 40 minutes or until no longer pink.  Lemon really does add some good flavor!

Lemons are in the peak of their season in May, June, & August!  Lemons have vitamin C & are said to have antibacterial properties too.

So now when life gives you lemons... make lemon water!

Eat well,

Bri

Healthy Eatery Alert: Spiral Diner

Healthy Eatery Alert: Spiral Diner.

Spiral diner serves organic vegan food in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.  They also have a location in Fort Worth. Even if you are non-organic or non-vegan, I guarantee that there is something on the menu you will like. My boyfriend, a meat loving & non-vegan eater, favors the "Ate" Layer Burrito, while I enjoy the Sweet Luv' Us Hummus Wrap or the Big Texas Salad.  All extremely nutritious and yummy!

What else do I dig about this place? The owner's story.  You can read her full story on the website, but I will preview you it here.  Amy McNutt became vegan after filming a short film and seeing firsthand how heartless some of the dairy & egg farming practices are.  The owner was determined to provide access to good vegan food.  And that she has!  Another cool fact about the place: it is named after a Tool song.   The power & influence of music transcends into food/restaurants even.  I love it!

While I am not vegan or vegetarian, I can certainly respect the people who are.  Especially whenever it is a person not following a trend or next best thing, but rather one who has true respect for animals and certain farming practices.  I think we can all agree that even reducing meat consumption can have a good impact on the environment and benefit our health.  So with that said, if you are not vegetarian or vegan I encourage you to consider having a meat free day of the week or a few meat-free meals throughout the week.  On days you need some extra motivation to eat meat-free, visit the Spiral Diner.

Oh and in case you didn't know, Earth Day was on Monday.  Happy Earth Day y'all!  

Spiral diner website: http://www.spiraldiner.com/

Eat well,

Bri

Nutty Bites: Kombucha

Kombucha

Kombucha... could be the title of a meditation song or yoga pose, don't you think? Well, it's not.  It is actually a fermented drink that some say provides health benefits & medicinal properties.  I chose it as a "nutty bite" because it is fun to say, was recommended to me, AND has been around for centuries!!  In fact, the first recorded use of kombucha dates back to 221 BC during the Tsin Dynasty.

I am trying it for the first time.  I am skeptical.  Taste means A LOT to me.  I mean, I love all things health, but if food tastes like a cardboard box or I feel like I am drinking chopped up grass right out of the ground I just can't stomach it.  Eating healthy is about blending taste and nutrition!  So anyway, back to the first sip.  I try it.  Wow, I actually can dig this.  It tastes like flavored champagne.  And truth be told, I do love champagne!  Mine has a fun name too-  Cosmic Cranberry. 

So what exactly is beneficial about this stuff?  Well, straight from my bottle to yours... "With a unique blend of proprietary probiotics and powerful antioxidants, each bottle is designed to nourish your body from the inside out."  It has many B vitamins & folate in it as well.  

The ingredients list of the Synergy brand I am drinking made me laugh.  I love it when a company writes whatever the heck they want on their bottle.  Ingredients: 95% GT's organic raw kombucha, pure unsweetened cranberry juice, and 100% pure love!!!  Giving me 100% pure love for my $3.19?  I think I will take it.  This world could use a little more love, that's for sure.

So, one word of caution.  If you are weary about having little particles floating around in your drink, this may not be for you.  This is a raw food so strands of the culture may appear.  It doesn't bother me any, but I know we all have our quirks!

Probiotics, antioxidants, B vitamins, folate, & pure love.  Give it a try... it won't hurt you!  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor beforehand.

And I really think yogi's should come up with a kombucha pose! Just sayin'!

Eat well,

Bri

My Banana

My banana!

Who is ready for a rhyme? I know I always am.  I LOVE rhymes!  So, in honor of how easy to grab, healthy to eat, & tasty to add these yellow babies are I have decided to spend this week paying homage to the wonderful, great, & ever so yellow.... BANANA! 

My Banana

Oh, Banana

I love you so

You sound like Brianna

& you're very yellow!

Oh, Banana

You're a tasty treat

I'll eat you under a cabana

Or while dancing in the street!

Oh, Banana

So easy to grab

I can take you to Havana

Or just pack you in a bag!

Oh, Banana

It's simply no lie

I'll wrap you in my bandanna

And never cease to thrive!

Okay, now go and grab that banana. Take a bite & savor the flavor!  It's healthy,  it's tasty, & it should definitely be a part of your weekly nutrition.  Enough said.

Eat well,
Bri

Go Greek!

And no, I don't mean you have to join a sorority or fraternity to "GO GREEK!"

GO GREEK!!

I have heard from several people about how hard it is to "like" Greek yogurt.  For some, the issue is consistency and others it is taste.  

What if I told you that I have a secret to LOVING Greek yogurt?  Well, truth be told, it isn't really a secret as much as it is my own way of loving Greek yogurt.  And then, hopefully from there you can develop your own way!

Did you know I have a weird aversion to certain white foods?  Think mayo, sour cream, plain yogurt, etc.  It's the mixture of consistency & the plain white color that gets me!  After years of doing jump kicks at a dance camp next door to a mayonnaise factory, I wanted to gag at the sight or smell of mayonnaise, which then led to my aversion to all white, weird, mayo-like foods. Hey, we all have quirks, right?

Anyway, so what is my way of loving plain Greek yogurt?  Changing the color and adding wholesome ingredients!  It's that simple!

So tasty AND high in protein!

Here is my fave:
-1 container of Greek yogurt (plain)
-2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (actually I don't really measure this.. I just stick 1-2 spoonfuls in there)
-sprinkle or 2 of sliced almonds

All you have to do is stir in the cocoa and sprinkle however many sliced almonds you want over the top.  I have also tried a sprinkle of granola or cereal in place of the almonds.  I bet dried fruit would be tasty as well, but sliced almonds are my favorite of the moment!

I prefer plain Greek yogurt to the flavored varieties simply because of the sugar content.  If you are one that does not care about sugar or if you want some Greek yogurt as a treat, the flavored varieties are definitely yours to try.  You can get almost any flavor now- from pomegranate to apple cinnamon. If I need something sweet, I love the Black Cherry flavor!

Does anyone else out there GO GREEK already?  If not, find your way to loving this stuff.  It is high in protein & will keep you full for a long time!  It's a great post-workout snack. Add in your own favorite toppings like vanilla, cinnamon, honey, cocoa, cereals, fruit, nuts, etc.  I read the other day about a way to make it a dessert with a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips & sliced bananas.  Many options so don't be afraid to try new things!

Eat well,
Bri