Fun Finds Friday #1: Bars Anyone?

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If there is one thing that I am addicted to and can’t stop even though it can get pricey at times is buying granola bars. I just love them. As my first Fun Finds Friday (I’ve seen other blogs do it too, just Google), I bring to you a post about bars.

They are portable and can fit your needs whether you are looking for something high in fiber or protein or even low in sodium. Whether for a snack or meal replacement, there is a bar out there for you. Or not, if you just don’t like them.

I have done a review on thinkThin and some of my other favorite bars. This time I have a mini review of a few new bars that I found to try out. Enjoy!Odwalla bars scrumptious but they do have vegetable glycerin, which can be made from corn. However, because I have a mild allergy, I can tolerate it once in a blue moon. I wanted to try the sweet and salty almond bar because lately I have been on a nut kick. I just want nuts. Hey, watch your mind there! At 220 calories, this bar has 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. I loved that it’s low in sodium and has that nice balance of protein and fiber. The taste results? Incredibly delicious, but it wasn’t really salty at all.

I personally don’t mind, but if you want something more salty than sweet, this might not be a good bar for you. But I would definitely buy it . You should try it!

The Luna bar in Lemon Zest was a must. It also contains vegetable glycerin but again, once in a while won’t hurt. Summer time is upon us and lemon just screams summer, just like coconut. In my book, that is.This bar has 180 calories, 3 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. It too is low sodium but also contains a crazy amount of vitamins and mineral, including B12! The bar is also designed specifically for women and tastes delicious! The only thing is the lower fiber count, but I would definitely get this bar again too.

The Eat Natural bar was a random find at a tiny supermarket. I’m always looking for new brands and voilà! This UK bar in all about eating natural foods. They have a ton of awesome flavors but the one I found in the supermarket was with macadamia, brasil nuts and apricots.The taste results? Not bad, but I probably wouldn’t buy it again. The bar broke apart very easily, which isn’t good if you want to eat the bar on the go. I might try other flavors if I find them but overall it was okay.

Out of the three bars, the Odwalla bar was definitly my favorite. Maybe it’s a biased opinion because I love anything with almonds.

Question: Have you ever tried any of these bars?

Dahn Yoga Review

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Dahn Yoga = Amazing. I went to the yoga studio on Williamsbridge Road here in the Bronx. If you remember, my mom won an unlimited week of classes from Dahn Yoga at a raffle. It was worth $50.00 and each class is $20.00. I figured I should go to at least four classes to get my mom’s money’s worth (she spent $50.00 at the raffle party).

Any requirements? At Dahn Yoga you had to wear a white tee-shirt. I came in on the first day with a blue tank top. It was mighty awkward at first, but I got over it rather quickly. I felt more “free” in a flowy white tee-shirt anyway. You also could bring your own mat, but they did have free ones to borrow.How did I feel? I have never felt so relaxed in my life. I felt less stressed (only after going for 2 days), less tensed, more alert and more energized. I hadn’t done a single workout except for the one hour and ten minutes of a Dahn Yoga class for four days last week (plus one of my own yoga workouts for 45 minutes).

Any results? Just after four classes my legs became seriously toned. I just noticed it a few days ago. Most of the workout focused on lower body, which I am not complaining because that was my key area for this summer to work on.

I wish I had taken a picture of the studio. I was planning on it for my fifth class, but I never made it. I just had way too much packing to do for my trip. These classes are not your typrical yoga class. It combines yoga, Tai-Chi and meditation. I loved that after class there was “tea time.” They would make tea for you at Dahn Yoga and if you wanted to, you could talk about your feelings, ask questions and so on. The whole workout (plus tea time) was really nice and relaxing and great to be open for all levels.

Question: Do you belong to a workout studio?

I found a yoga place near my apartment in Gloucester called Tree Top Yoga Studio. I can’t wait to check it out!

WIAW # 7: Am I Organized Yet?

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Man, I wish I took a picture for you all to see the crazy wreck that was on the apartment floor for the past two days. Or maybe not because there was stuff everywhere! It really drives me crazy and I can’t sleep but tonight, I think I should be okay.

This week’s What I Ate Wednesday will be showing eats on my last unpacking/ organizing day. If you don’t know what WIAW is, head over to Peas and Crayons to find out.Breakfast: I woke up way too early on Tuesday and I ended up going for a run at 6:00am. When I got home I did yoga and whipped up breakfast. Van’s Gluten & Wheat Free waffles with almond butter and fresh raspberries. So freaking delicious.The kitchen was the first place to be organized. I mean come on. A girl’s gotta sit and eat!Snack #1: I munched on a Chobani raspberry Greek yogurt while continuing the [annoying] organizing journey. Definitely hit the spot and gave me an energy boost.Lunch: Organic chicken breast with sautéed spinach and red roasted potatoes. I am hooked on sautéed spinach. I love how a huge portion of spinach turns into a tiny blob. Don’t judge me!Oh hello there, Mr. Hercules. The bedroom is semi complete. We still need to get a dresser. But for now this will have to do!Snack #2: As I wrote several posts, I munched on a [couple] handful of this trail mix thingy. Mmm, cashews!My favorite room in the apartment is still the bathroom. It just looks too cool.Dinner: I was ready to eat (and sleep too). I had a grilled turkey burger, baked fries and the remaining spinach in the fridge for my dinner. Oh a a few sips of beer courtesy of Allan. After, I was so ready to end the night. Bring on dessert!Dessert: I haven’t had this in quite sometime, even though it seems every Wednesday it pops up. I had chocolate mousse infused with Philadelphia dark chocolate cream cheese spread. Yums!That was my Tuesday, full of yummy food. I feel good eating in this healthy manner and I don’t want it to stop. I love how my body [and digestive system] are feeling.

Question: Do you feel good when you are on a healthy streak? What do you think stops it?

It only takes one bad meal for me to really get sidetrack, but I am working on it!

Who Says You Can’t Have Fun?

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Don’t ask me about the title of this post (completely random, I know) but this past Saturday was a ton of fun in Rockport, M.A. Rockport is just a few minutes north of Gloucester.

After unpacking the car and eating lunch (courtesy of Allan), my mom, Allan and I went to Halibut Point State Park to just chill. The drive took about five hours from New York to Massachusetts. Lots of traffic for the Memorial Day weekend.This is seriously the most beautiful park I have ever seen.

They even have a quarry!

And a mini beach!

After the awesome and relaxing walk through the park, we went to downtown Rockport. Of course some chocolate was on the agenda. Allan got me a creme brulee truffle and my mom got me a dark chocolate lobster lollipop from a candy shop.

After walking around, we were starved. We stopped into a little place called Ellen’s Harborside Restaurant and I got a [super] veggie burger pattie with sweet potato fries. They were actually pretty tasty [and addictive].

Saturday was a seriously long day (6:00am to 1:00am) full of too much packing, driving, unpacking, walking and organizing. But I had an amazing time in Rockport, you should really check it out (if you get the chance too, that is). I am glad everything is finally (well 99%) organized. I start my job tomorrow so wish me luck!

Grocery Shopping: Week of May 28th

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Hello everyone! I really apologize for my absence the past couple of days. I have been moving, unpacking and hanging out with my mom. She just left today (boo) but now it’s time to get organized, seriously!

This week I didn’t have a meal planning post for you, but I did go grocery shopping since I don’t have much in the food department now that I am in Gloucester. Here is grocery shopping for this week:

For breakfast: Along with oats, coconut flour and soymilk that I already have, here are a few other additions I got. Can’t live without some form of nut butter, so I got this MaraNatha almond butter to try. I’ll let you know how it tastes. Of course fruit and my Van’s Gluten & Wheat Free waffles for a quick breakfast.Dairy Time: I have been addicted to Chobani this week. I seem to go through phases with the fabulous greek yogurt. I got raspberry, blood orange and apple cinnamon. I also got some Babybel light cheeses and Brummel & Brown.“Veg” Out: I have green beans in the fridge and I also forgot to show you the portabella mushrooms I bought to try out. But here I got some red roasted potatoes, spinach, broccoli and another heart healthy veggie mix to try out. This one has barley, sugar snap peas and carrots in a light sauce. I’ll let you know about that one when I try it.Munch, Munch: I am still on a nut kick. I got this True North almond pecan crunch to try along with a giant jar of cashews, almonds and cranberries. For bars (Note: Luna bars contain vegetable glycerin which can be derived from corn; use caution!) it was all Clif with a side of an Odwalla Sweet & Salty Almond. I got a few Luna bars in white chocolate macadamia, lemon zest and coconut dipped chocolate. I also got my favorite Clif bar, white chocolate macadamia nut and the chocolate chip flavor, which isn’t too bad!Protein Boost: Lastly, I got some organic turkey breast slices and ground turkey. This meat will be for about two weeks since I am cutting back. Can’t forget some beans that get your protein too (and fiber)!That’s it for this week. I’ll be posting the Rockport, M.A. [epic] post tomorrow and this week should be a ton of fun filled posts. Nutritiously Sweet may be back into action. Or at least I hope so, hehe!

Question: What did you do this weekend?

Pardon Me, Please?

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Gee, I must admit. Like I do every post. I’ve been everywhere! From going to yoga class, to packing, to visiting friends to hanging out at a bar. Yes, a bar. Sabrina at a bar? I sipped on a St. Louis Framboise from Yard House on Ridge Hill here in Yonkers, New York. It really just tasted like raspberry juice. Don’t worry I only had one!The strawberry cream oat cake I mentioned late last week? I didn’t forget about it completely. I lost the ingredients list and nutrition information. My mind has not been in a “I want to cook” mode. I’m in the “zen” state of just relaxing and trying to not think about all the crazy packing and moving that has to be done between now and Saturday. Yuck!I also wanted to show you that my mom so graciously got me the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian cookbook as a reward for finishing my exams. There are many recipes that I cannot wait to try. I am saving that adventure for when I go to Gloucester. I have a month before I start class so on my days off from work I can create rather than study. Bring on the pans!I can’t wait to tell you about my experience at Dahn Yoga. This week I have done nothing but yoga, Tai-Chi and meditation. I can honestly say I don’t miss weight training but I did miss the running. This yoga thing came at the right time because it has been pouring all week. I refuse to run in the rain or on a muddy trail. My nice shoes might get dirty, you know?My friends from work wanted to go out with me before I headed to Gloucester. We haven’t really hung out much, we are all always busy. We initially were going to go out, but the weather was yucky. Look how awesome they are!Kim (remember the guest dessert recipe?) offered to cook and host dinner at her house in the attic. Everything was absolutely delicious. I helped make the chicken and I brought the Alexia’s roasted potatoes as an additional side.Healthy meals are the best! Basil chicken, red roasted potatoes, spinach and broccoli. Dessert? Some chocolate covered strawberries by Kim! Oh my gosh, they were to die for. As you can tell from the lack of stability, hence blurry picture.I hope this feeling of happiness last. I know that sounds so pessimistic but sometimes you just really don’t want it to end. I just need to put my mindset better and wake up everything saying I will be happy today. I deserve to be.

WIAW #6: Clean Up Time!

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Clean up time? Well in terms of my diet that is. I wanted to start eating a bit cleaner and cut out the meat again. If I do eat meat, I will save it for dinner time since my tummy will have time to digest before breakfast in the morning.

This week’s What I Ate Wednesday comes from Monday. Monday’s eats were delicious, full of protein and kept me energized throughout the whole day. I love cleaner eating days, it just makes me feel good. If you don’t know what WIAW is, head over to Peas and Crayons to find out. Enjoy!Breakfast: A delicious and hearty coconut almond pancake topped with cashew butter and cinnamon toasted cashews and coconut flakes. With a side of banana, of course. My new favorite combo = coconut and cashew!

Lunch: While preping, I munched on a handful of raw cashews. I ended up having a pesto, spinach and mozzarella sandwich melt with strawberries and a strawberry Chobani. The strawberry and greens combo is quite delicious.Snack: I took two Clif chocolate chip bars and broke each into three pieces. Then I dipped each piece into coconut flakes then rolled into a ball. Super simple and ended up making a basic protein bar a little more decadent. I ended up eating 3, but a serving is best kept to two. My favorite coconut chocolate combo use to be Kashi’s dark chocolate coconut bar but I can’t eat them anymore due to my allergies, boo.

Dinner: Ahh, this meal was my favorite of the day. Basil pepper chicken with Alexia’s red roasted potatoes (in olive oil, parmesan and garlic) and broccoli. I felt so light and refreshed after this meal. I will be having this once in a blue moon for sure!Dessert? Dark chocolate mousse is back in the house. Delicious. Nothing more to it.

Question: Have you falling of your “good eating” wagon. How do you get back on?

I know there are plenty of people out there that have because of going back home from college or simple day to day stress. Just take each meal as a restart to get yourself back into gear! Meal planning definitely helps me out into getting back on track.

Honesty Is The Best Policy

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This past week have been a-mazing! From awesome food finds to hiking with my mom at Orchard Beach. I know I have used that word too many times, but it really has been. It’s a good thing too because remember, I was having some issues in the trust department. I am glad that is all over. Now onto some things I need to be honest with.

I’m still eating the meat here and there, but I really don’t want to get back into that habit. I loved how my digestive system was treating me on an all vegetarian diet. I just felt better. Lately, I have been feeling more sluggish and heavy. I absolutely hate the feeling.Now for about 3 days, I have been getting back to my [lacto-ovo]vegetarian diet and I must say, I am feel much, much better. Things are right in the digestive department. I am regaining my energy back as well. As for the running? I haven’t ran since May 14th. That’s pretty much a whole week and I was suppose to be monitoring my progress to see if any changes would occur.

I will say that I did manage to run on May 12th four and a half minutes straight! So close to my five minute straight goal. Perhaps I will try to get in a run before I head out to Gloucester.What has replaced running? Lots of yoga, biking and workout classes. I’ve done yoga classes, meditation, Tai-Chi and boot camp. For some reason, I enjoy nothing having to worry about working out. I just go to a class and feel like it’s being done for me.

Why do I feel that way? I guess because it motivates me to push through it since everyone is around me and I don’t want no one to think I’m a whimp!I just wanted to come forward about the meat and running. I don’t want to deceive anyone and I just want to be honest with myself as well. I really feel much better now that my body is back to normal and that I shared my feelings with ya’ll. Sometimes, that can’t be challenge, you know?

Question: Do you ever have to be honest with yourself?

Back in the day when I was calorie counting, I always had to be honest with myself if I had an off day. If not, it would lead to an off week or month!

Meal Planning: Week of May 21st

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Happy Monday everyone! Yes, no? Anyways, this is my last Monday here in New York! I am so excited to be heading to Gloucester to begin a new adventure. Yesterday, I made my dad an early Father’s Day breakfast, since I won’t be here on the actual day of father’s day. But father’s day is everyday, just like mother’s day.This week’s meal planning is going to be a bit different. I only have five days left here in New York, then it’s off to Gloucester. I won’t be making batches of meals in advanced, but I will be using up what I have in the fridge (aka lots of spinach and mozzarella).I’m also going out for dinner a couple of times this week and perhaps lunch. Otherwise it’s whatever else is left to use up. Here are this week’s eats:

Breakfast:

  1. Van’s GF Blueberry Waffles w/ Cashew Butter, Blueberries & Maple Syrup Drizzle
  2. Coconut Almond Pancake w/ Cashew Butter, Cinnamon Toasted Cashews & Coconut Flakes

Lunch:

  1. Pesto Mozzarella & Spinach Sandwich Melt w/ Kettle Cooked Chips
  2. Tomato Basil Soup w/ Spinach & Mozzarella Melt

Dinner:

  1. Garlic Baked Tofu w/ Veggies & Mashed Potatoes
  2. Brown Rice Couscous w/ Sugar Snap Peas, Black Beans, Edamame, Carrots & Tostones

Snacks:

  1. 1/2 Clif Chocolate Chip Bar
  2. Cascadian Farms Oatmeal Raisin Bar
  3. Apple Cinnamon Rice Cakes w/ Cashew Butter & Toasted Coconut
  4. Bananas, Oranges or Strawberries
  5. Small Handful of Cashews

Product Review: Artisana Coconut Butter

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Artisana Coconut Butter is always raved about on Chocolate Covered Katie. She has so many awesome recipes (which you should check out) where she uses it and I have been wanting to try it for the longest. The only jar I found near me was a huge jar for $11.99. I didn’t want to spend the money in case I didn’t like.

I rather have waited for a time that I could do a crazy splurge. This waiting for a splurge moment was over because I found a packet sized at a Fairway Market downtown for only $1.59. Much better.The stats? One serving is 186 calories and 5 grams of fiber. The actual packet was 221 calories and 6 grams of fiber. Super low in sodium and has a little bit of protein. Not to mention a good source of essential amino acids!

Flavor wise? It has the flavor to me of creamy almond butter with a hint of coconut. Maybe I can do that and put coconut extract into almond butter? But nonetheless, it was delicious.

I decided to add 1 tsp of the coconut butter into my coconut almond pancake (sans almonds). The pancake texture wcame out much more dense and had a delicious creamy taste thanks to the coconut butter. I then went a little crazy and added toasted coconut to another batch of pancakes the next day. Absolute heaven. Coconut and cashew is one divine combination. I now really have to buy this coconut butter someday. There are all sorts of things I want to do like use it for a crepe filling or cheesecake. Possibilities are totally endless!

Question: Have you ever used Artisana coconut butter? If so, what do you like to use it for?

Oh, I’m thinking a blueberry coconut butter pancake or crepe? Ahh!