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WIAW #50: Feeling “Berry” Acidic

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

What does this title mean? Well I am going to show you some of my delicious eats filled with all sorts of berries while talking to you about my acid and bile reflux. Head on over to Peas and Crayons if you are new to this awesome food party.wiawphotobuttonYou don’t know; ever since I started getting hyped up on coffee and had free coffee at my job, my body just went into acid overload. Not to mention I was eating TONS of chocolate and almonds. You see I get fed at my job, so I take advantage of chocolate and nuts since those are the “pricey” things I usually buy.

Breakfast: Oats w/ almond milk, flax/ sunflower seeds, cashews & blackberries

Breakfast: Oats with almond milk, flax/ sunflower seeds, raw cashews & blackberries.

Acid from coffee and acid + fat from chocolate and nuts equals a disgustingly acidic environment. I decided to tone down the coffee. I was tired of the acid/ bile build up. I have been coffee free for four days. Symptoms? I’ve had terrible migraines and caffeine withdrawal symptoms that make me sub the coffee with chocolate for the caffeine dosage, but it obviously makes things just as bad.

Snack: Blackberries w/ dried cranberries/ blueberries and cashew pieces.

Snack: Blackberries w/ dried cranberries/ blueberries and raw cashew pieces.

The withdrawal symptoms are getting better. Last week I said I was going to do a vegan week. I did most days meat and dairy free except when I had milk chocolate, some eggs and a little chicken. I did notice that I wasn’t as bloated as the week before but I was still uncomfortable. This week I wanted to get more strict.

Lunch/ Dinners: Veggie or Black Bean burger with nuts/ seeds and spinach.

Lunch/ Dinners (recycled pic!): Veggie or black bean burger with nuts/ seeds and spinach.

I’ve had two full vegan days and I feel pretty good, digestion wise. I’m as bloated and even people are noticing. I did find it hard to decide what to eat though.So as my loving readers, I do ask you to give me some moral support. Pretty please and crackers? Never mind the crackers…

Dessert: Dark chocolate with dried cranberries

Dessert: Dark chocolate with dried cherries

Question: What’s your favorite vegan dish? Have you every done a day or more vegan? How did you feel?

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A Bit Of Yesterday; A Smidge of Today

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there. On Sunday I had to go to work, but I woke up early and made my mom this coconut bake with the paleo option.249056_10101564275386450_1671278005_nShe loved it and like I always say, she is a picky eater. I also had her little gifts and a vanilla version of this cupcake. Who doesn’t love a cupcake?20130512_092911My friend/ co-worker asked me to make a sugar-free cake for her family. Isn’t it cute?akeAt work (I work in an Italian specialty market, by the way), they made Italian chocolate covered strawberries. Oh my gawsh, they were delicious. My boss gave me three and I resisted and manged to only eat one and saved the rest for my parents. 20130512_154007I was also made a sandwich; it’s this multi-grain bread they have with maple turkey, romaine, swiss cheese and olive oil. Yes it was wheat, yes I was sluggish. Was it delicious? Oh yeah.20130511_112716Today I actually went to buy a couple of outfits; one for my birthday and one for a concert I am going to on Saturday. It’s a dress of course, but hey, that’s me and my dress addiction. I also got a new workout top. I love that it’s air-y and looks pretty darn good. It was only $10.00 at JC Penny.20130513_182034I haven’t been feeling to great and my body is over-trained. I’ve been cuddling a lot with this guy and I’ve been taking active rest days. I definitely feel better and know tomorrow, I can go hard in my workout.20130512_213612Today I also kind of fasted, in the sense that I didn’t eat much (sorry for the blur!). All I had was fresh fruit, nuts/seeds and oats twice made with flaxmilk and honey. I felt like my body needed to just take a digestive break and I feel better, stomach wise. I don’t like to be below calories so between now and I bed time, I’ll probably munch on more fruit and nuts. Something like that…20130513_194756Question: How was your Mother’s Day weekend? Ever done a fast or detox? If so, which one, how long and how did you feel?

 

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Just Some Chocolate Cake!

I love the original recipe, but I wanted something different. This one calls for a bit more ingredients then the original  but I feel that it makes all the difference into tasting even more like a dessert. But yet you can still eat it for breakfast. Guilty, I just did, but not a chocolate one.

For a vanilla version of this recipe, sub the cocoa powder for more flour and increase the vanilla extract to 1/2 tsp. You can even use your favorite vanilla protein powder. I’ve actually used unflavored whey (plus increasing the vanilla extract to 1/2 tsp as well) and it comes out delicious.

This recipes makes two servings, but you can easily eat the whole thing for around 200 calories (with flax seeds, minus chips and frosting). Enjoy!58183_10101550900240350_747036023_nChocolate Cake Ingredients (Inspired by this recipe)

  • 3 Tbsps of [GF] Oat Flour OR All -Purpose Flour (Note: You can use rice flour, but it’s comes out a little more dense)
  • 1 Large Egg’s Egg White
  • 1 Tbsp of Non-Dairy Milk (I used unsweetened vanilla soy milk)
  • 1 Tbsps of Earth Balance Butter, Melted (Or Applesauce, or Oil)
  • 1-2 Packets of Stevia
  • 2 tsps of Pure Maple Syrup (or try agave, honey)
  • 2 Tbsps of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 tsp of Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp of Baking Powder
  • Dash of Salt
  • 1 tsp of Ground Flax Seeds (Optional*)
  • 1 Tbsp of Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional* – mix into the batter before microwaving)
  • Toppings: Chocolate Fudge “Frosting,” chopped nuts, coconut, etc.

Place all wet ingredients into a blender and blend well. The slowly add dry ingredients. Blend again. If you want to add the flax seeds or dark chocolate chips, stir in after blending. Then divide spray down two small microwave safe bowls, mugs or ramekins (I used silicone cupcake liners) with non-stick cooking spray and place cake mixture into sprayed bowl.

Place each bowl in microwave for about 45 seconds- one minute (depending on your microwave). Once done, remove cake from bowl and let cool for about two minutes. Then top it with your favorite frosting or use my chocolate fudge frosting subbing the cocoa powder for chocolate protein powder.

Or if you are making a non-chocolate version, use vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Top with your favorite chopped nuts or coconut flakes and eat!
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I even made mini cake pops with this recipe! Simple crumble up the cake, mixing in 1-2 Tbsps of “frosting.” Make into 6-8 balls and add a tooth pick or wooden stick. Melt 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (or your choice) and dip teach cake pop into chocolate.

Leave cake pop as is or roll into chopped nuts or coconut flakes. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes to let it cool and firm. Remove from fridge and enjoy!

Question: What’s your favorite way to eat cake; slice, cupcake or cake pop? Or do you just skip it all together like my mom and go straight to the frosting?

 

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WIAW #45: Back To Basics

Happy WIAW everyone! Head on over to Peas and Crayons if you are new to the party.wiawphotobutton This is my frist WIAW in a while where it’s just me back to my basic food. As it gets warmer, I do like my cereal sometimes. Organic Honey Nut O’s w/ frozen (thawed raspberries).IMG_20130409_083612Even going back to some grapes, cheese and nuts for a snack. A classic.IMG_20130408_143804I don’t know how many times I had this lunch ever since I got that bread. Sometimes I have it with the sliced turkey, other times grilled chicken.544116_629484633731767_967961_nOh and even doing more vegetarian based dishes. I do miss my beans! I at this with some white rice and broccoli. Quick, easy, and delicious!IMG_20130408_142131Another classic in my eats? Chocolate! Good ole dark chocolate versions of these. I love that they have a little bit of everything; fiber, protein and healthy fats. Not to mention, they are easy to make.733810_629528920394005_1900445050_nQuestion: What are some of your “classic eats?” I definitely do a lot of almonds and chocolate. Those are presents in some way everyday!

 

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Thursday Confessions

Nutritiously Sweet is back on schedule as of yesterday. Don’t you love when you’re on schedule? I have to confess that since going to Puerto Rico and two weeks before, my eating has been all over the place.

That means a whole month of sporadic eating in terms of time, calories and nutrition. I don’t like it one bit and today makes day four that I am back on “schedule.” I’m still working on it of course.

Before I get into the food, I just wanted to say that I have a little health thing I have to beware of; high cholesterol. I know what you are saying… another issue?

I know it’s higher because of the Paleo and so this post is to show what I’ve been eating not only to get my body back on schedule but to get my cholesterol in check. I think I overate beef, pork, eggs and sausages. Whoops! Plus it runs in my family, so not entirely my fault.IMG_20130228_084126Okay so for breakfasts I’ve been doing a sliced up pear, Cascadian Farm’s fruit and nut granola with So Delicious sugar-free coconut milk.IMG_20130320_190029 I’m not going to have this breakfast for too long, as it’s just to get everything on track. I’ll probably switch to a little steel cut oats, egg whites and maybe some nut butter.IMG_20130320_185355For snacks, it’s either grapes or another pear.IMG_20130320_185515Lunch I’ll do a spinach salad with almonds and either an organic beef burger from Applegate Farms or turkey burgers. Or if I have no time, some fruit, nuts and cheese. I’ve either had another fruit or Greek yogurt with granola for a snack, post lunch.

Then for dinner it’s up in the air. Depends on what my parents cook, but always do a side of spinach or green beans. Post dinner? Nothing really. I may have a piece of chocolate, but that’s it. *Gasps*IMG_20130320_223108My body is responding nicely to getting back on track and doing LiveFit my body is getting strong. You will be happy to know that my anemia and bile reflux is under control and I feel no pain from the hiatal hernia.

Question: How is everyone else feeling? Any health issues (that you’d want to share) that you always have to watch out for? I forever will have to deal with my food allergies, but that’s A-OKAY!

 

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The Day Before…

It’s the day before I head to Puerto Rico…

I have to say, I am a bit nervous because I haven’t been on a plane since my 22nd birthday. Uh I am am turning 25 this year so it’s been a while. I think I’ll be okay? Some snackies will be sure to curb the jitters.IMG_20130303_231506Today is also the day I go to the doctor’s, as usual. They are going to check on something and I will for sure let you know how it goes. I am not suppose to eat for eight hours before. Meaning I won’t eat til like 3:00pm. When I get out, this is going straight in my tummy!IMG_20130303_230906Since I know there probably won’t be a WIAW, this was my favorite breakfast this week. I know what you are thinking… “Sabrina, you OVER roasted the broccoli.” I know guys, but it tastes way better.
IMG_20130303_094845I also made some more truffles but this time I added 1 tsp of freshly grinded coffee and sprinkled some almonds on top. They were so good and I definitely be making that combo again.IMG_20130303_150105Okay, I am off to the doctor’s… Wish me luck!

Question: Sometimes burnt is better right? I like to have burnt pizza, burnt burgers. Or am I the only weirdo?

 

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Hi [Paleo]Ho!

It’s Friday!

And that means in a few days I will be going to Puerto Rico! Oh my, did I forget to mention that? Yes I am going to visit my grandma and also my cousin is getting married! It should be a good time. Let’s just hope there is no crazy family drama. *Crosses Fingers*

I have a few random things for you. I did a mini Paleo grocery shopping the other day and here are a few of the goods. I know not all of it is 100% Paleo, but hey, I do what I can.IMG_20130226_124025You can see some almond butter hiding in the corner and I also got raw cheddar cheese. Oh and not to mention a pint of this. It may or may not have been gone in the very same day.IMG_20130226_124101Not only does the above Ritter Sport chocolate not have any soy, but neither does this delicious milk chocolate bar I found. It was kind of pricey for the size, but you know me and I need a treat.IMG_20130226_125013Moving on… I went to yoga one day this week. It was really nice but honestly, I like my weight lifting.
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Look at how strong I am getting. 150lbs? Say what! I’m just a gym rat, what can I say?IMG_20130221_132455Oh and look at this little guy… I don’t know why but this picture makes me DIE laughing. He looks part fish, don’t you think? Or am I just crazy?IMG_20130228_112103Oh and to show you that I can eat other veggies, here is some broccoli. But I am sorry, spinach was on this same plate the very next day, ha!IMG_20130228_084126Question: Anything random in your week? Are you a gym rat? Like yoga? Hate it?

Happy Friday!

 

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WIAW #41: Paleo Style

Happy, Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

For this week I show you an example of a couple of my days of eats doing to Paleo diet. So far I am loving it and I didn’t think I would. Thanks Jen for the lovely food party every Wednesday. Enjoy!feb wiawBreakfast: Pretty much this for the past week. I’ve been needing my eggies, spinach and sausage on this Paleo diet. It just fills me up!img_20130220_095530Snack? Oh you know one of these loaves are in order. With a pear or sometimes with a banana.IMG_20130220_104644Lunch has been either a rosemary porkchop (recipe soon!) with sauteed spinach orIMG_20130221_143105A beef/ turkey burger with roasted veggies. See, I can eat other things other then spinach.
IMG_20130222_143342 Dinner, well this particular one wasn’t 100% Paleo but I had an Angus beef burger, almonds, Babybel cheese (last one left), spinach (a big duh) and red grapes. Yum, yum!IMG_20130224_221450Dessert? Oh you know I had some of the dark chocolate coconut “gelato.” Perfect way to end a delicious and yummy day of eats.IMG_20130225_182907Question: Ever get in a veggie rut? I must confess, I just love spinach but I know I need to throw in other kinds of veggies in there. I shall try… promise!

 

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TGIF[un Finds Friday]

I know.. the title. But since I am weird, it’s perfectly okay to use.

Today my brother is coming to visit from upstate New York. He hasn’t been to Massachusetts so I am excited to show him around this good ole state. Let’s check out some things from this week, shall we? It was my last week at work and of course, I was sick.IMG_20130219_105400-1Look how pale I look! At least I had coffee to keep me up, but once it was finished, it was back to feeling crumby. Blah >.< IMG_20130219_083340Oh, wait it’s not coffee and of course has no coffee. Then what is it? I so happen to find “coffee-free-coffee.” I didn’t realized it had barley in it (which is okay for me, just not very paleo). Doesn’t really taste like coffee but it has coffee essence and taste/ smells really yummy. IMG_20130218_111526Oh along with Burts Bee’s samples, you know I will give some of these out. Stay tuned for a soon-to-be giveaway. Let’s see I also tried me a Quest bar. The verdict? This flavor did nothing or maybe even the bar? I was super full because it has 17g of fiber but I wasn’t satisfied what so ever.IMG_20130219_124807But something that did have a lot of fiber and kept me satisfied were these lentil burgers that I made. I altered the recipe a lot and I I didn’t use too much oil, but it tasted really good. I did use oregano (my favorite for burgers). The have a ton more lentil recipes on the side, so definitely check them out.IMG_20130218_153701Did you try my truffles out yet? Seriously they are balls of yum. Go make them now!IMG_20130218_190920Question: Any finds this week for you? If you tried Quest Bars, which flavor do you think is the best?

I’ll be willing to try it one more time… I think.

 

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Dark Chocolate & Coconut Almond Butter “Truffles”

What has healthy fats, some protein and of course, dark chocolate?

These delicious truffles. They are so rich and decadent, definitely one of my favorite recipes from the blog. Along with the vanilla cake and of course the chocolate mousse, I can’t decide which is my favorite.

Luckily they are all in different categories I suppose? Well now this recipe makes about twelve* little chocolate dipped “truffles” and each one has about 55 calories, 4g fat, and 2.5g protein. This obviously will vary depending on what ingredients you use.

I honestly have nothing else to say about them because they are just that good. They need no words. Just your hands to make them and mouth to eat them. Enjoy!IMG_20130218_190646Dark Chocolate & Coconut Almond Butter “Truffles” Ingredients (Inspired by this recipe)’

  • 2-3 Tbsps of Smooth Almond Butter (Raw is yummy, but you ultimately can use your choice, maybe some raw cashew butter?)
  • 2 tsps of Coconut Butter
  • 20g of Melted Dark Chocolate (70% or higher)
  • 1 – 1 1/2 Scoop of Vega All Natural or try the Chocolate Energizing Smoothie Powder
  • 1 tsp of Agave Nectar (or try honey)
  • Coating: 40g of Dark Chocolate + 2 tsp of Coconut Butter (melted together!)

Place the nut butter and coconut butter in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to softened. Then mix the next three ingredients very well to form a soft dough, that can be made into a ball either using your hands or melon scooper. I just use my hands… I like to get dirty.

If too thick, add a little more agave. If too liquid-y, add more of the Vega energizing smoothie powder. Then make into ten to twelve* truffles. Place in the fridge while you prepare your dark chocolate coating. Take the dark chocolate and coconut butter and melt it together to form the coating.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then get your truffles from the fridge. Dip them into the chocolate coating and place on a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Put into the fridge for about ten minutes and then eat! Or if you are like me and can’t wait, I put it in the fridge for a minute.

But I promise waiting a bit makes it taste better. Maybe even try using white chocolate instead? Sprinkled with some cinnamon, oh yum!IMG_20130218_190920Question: Truffles or Chocolate? I’m going to go with truffles on this one. Especially Godiva’s cappuccino one. Pure chocolate and coffee bliss.

 
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Posted by on February 21, 2013 in Sweets and Treats

 

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