The tan lines may fade, but the memories will last forever…
The sweet (and spicy!) taste of Summer
Last week on the radio the DJ started talking about enjoying these last days of summer… The good news is you still have a full 4 weeks until Fall Equinox, but with September just around the corner and schools starting back up we know Autumn is almost upon us.
It’s good reminder that we only have a few weeks left to savor Summer. As I sit here munching on my sweet, juicy fresh, and local peach I can’t help but stop and appreciates how delicious the summer season is.
There have not been enough tomatoes and peaches in my life so I have to make up for that in the next few weeks!
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"It's sugar-free, non dairy, peanut free, gluten free, no msg, no trans fats, low carb, non GMO, organic, vegan, low calorie no fructose, and it tastes like crap too..." -someecards
Brain Power: brought to you by Carbohydrates
Your brain needs energy.
Last week as I was puttsing around the house trying to get things off my to do list (apparently puttsing is not a “real” word). I got frustrated because I don’t know how to scan documents directly into my computer, how annoying!
I really needed to get an application completed and I wanted desperately to get this off my to do list. In the midst of walking back-and-forth between my computer and the printer I decided to grab half a banana with peanut butter (hello can we say addiction?).
Almost immediately or at least after the first few bites I got a really good idea. Instead of scanning the document directly into my computer I will do it the “old-fashioned way” and make a paper copy to fax. It’s not as eco-friendly; however, much less frustrating. Finally realizing how to accomplish the task without minutes or hours of tears and heartache.
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As you local North Carolinians have noticed, it’s been a really freaking hot summer. My new fancy car, Elsa the Prius, tells me the temperature and I sort of miss living in blissful ignorance. Seeing it come below 80 degrees this past weekend was particularly delightful.
It’s been in the 90’s for what feels like an eternity, but that’s okay because now it is August and it’s supposed to be sweat your buns off hot outside!
Needless to say, these temperatures call for an increased fluid intake and as your dietitian and wellness cheerleader I’m obligated to make sure you drink lots of water. Luckily for us, Ellie Krieger (my favorite famous dietitian) wrote an article about our water options including some more enticing and fun choices.
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In clinic last week, I walked into the break room to find a provider enjoying a cupcake while her lunch warmed up in the microwave. I said “life’s short, eat dessert first!” She replied, “it’s the best part of being a grown-up.” This got me seriously thinking… Is it?!
Maybe not just cupcakes, but these rules put in place to make sure we start off well:
(1) Don’t spoil dinner w/ junk foods
(2) Go to bed at bedtime
(3) Do your chores every week
As my oh-so-wise father says “life’s all about choices.” Oh how neat!
You can choose to do the dishes by hand or put them in the dishwasher. You can choose to pay your bills early or after a couple friendly reminders. You can also choose how you spend downtime, what foods to buy at the grocery and so on.
Choices everywhere!
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Yep, you read that right! There is such a thing as healthy fast food!
It’s not what you think. I am not saying you should never do to the drive-thru; however, if you ask me about healthy fast food options I will not hand you a list of approved foods from Wendy’s, KFC, McDonald’s, etc.
I believe there is another option (and perhaps I’m saving those menu selections for future Motivational Monday, wink wink).
I’ve recently discovered the Dole Chopped salad kits and let’s just say… I’m obsessed.
It typically includes lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cilantro and other delicious vegetables with crunchy topping such as tortilla chips or almonds AND salad dressing! I’m partial to the Asian variety, but I’ve tried them all and have not been disappointed. The Bacon & Bleu includes real bacon, not those fake bacon bits that you’re expecting. Top with your own protein of choice (I’m weird, so it’s always cottage cheese) and you have a complete meal.
Another easy fast meal, includes a small baked potato (cooks in 4-5 mins in the microwave) with whatever delicious toppings you enjoy. I’m partial to baked beans and coleslaw, but you may prefer the more traditional broccoli and cheddar.
Finally, a dietitian friend of mine used to mix a bag of the precooked Uncle Sam’s rice, a can of tuna and a bag of steamed mixed vegetables. Top with a little Italian dressing or your preferred seasoning and you’ve got yourself a scrumptious and fast-fix meal.
Food for thought:
My point being, food prep does not have to include hours slaving away in the kitchen. Also, fast food doesn’t have to be over-salted, over-processed and come in a greasy paper bag.
What’s your favorite fast-fix foods?!
