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May 18, 2012

[WWND] 10 Foods for Better Skin

Almonds
Carrots
Dark Chocolate
Flaxseeds
Green Tea
Safflower Oil
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Tuna (canned/packaged)

The only one that I don’t consume/use on the regular is Safflower Oil. What’s that?! Here’s what they say about it:

Safflower Oil: The omega-6 fatty acids found in safflower oil can be the ultimate moisturizer for people who suffer from painfully dry, flaky, itchy skin. They keep cell walls supple, allowing water to better penetrate the skin. Scientists have found that this oil may help people who suffer from severe conditions like eczema. So shoot for an amount that gives you 5 to 10 percent of your daily calories.

I’ve had eczema for as long as I can remember so I will probably give it a try. Cooking wise, it has a higher smoke point than other cooking oils and a lower saturated fat content. Win win?

While the above list was created to provide tips on healthier skin, if you’re incorporating them all into your daily diet, your overall health will surely improve as well. It’s called CLEAN eating!

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April 17, 2012

Cuckoo for Coconut

After visiting Thailand last Fall, PV and I (especially PV) became OBSESSED with fresh coconut juice. It is truly one of the most refreshing drinks there is. Just as I left Peru and longed for ceviche, we left Thailand longing for more fresh coconut juice.

I realize that this is essentially unattainable here, and so began the hunt for the next best thing. Results from our taste test:

ZICO: Pure Coconut Water

Comments: Not too sweet, fresh tasting / only $3.69 at Trader Joe’s for a 33.8oz bottle /best chilled / just got bought by Coca-Cola (see article link below). Purchase on Amazon. Website: Zico.com.

Naked Coconut Water

Comments: MEH. Purchase on Amazon. Website: NakedJuice.com.

O.N.E. Coconut Water

No tasting yet, but should probably try it sometime. Purchase on Amazon. Website: ONEDrinks.com

VITA COCO (WINNER)

Comments: Vita Coco beats out Zico for the winner in our taste test, it’s the closest to the real thing and incredibly fresh tasting. If the comparisons were based on price, taste, and nutrition, Zico would win by a long shot. It’s so cheap and has less sugar! Purchase on Amazon. Website: VitaCoco.com.

In terms of nutrition, they’re all pretty comparable. Don’t let the labeling for Vita Coco fool you though. The nutrition information for Zico, Naked, and ONE are all based on single servings for their 11oz and 8oz choices. Vita Coco’s, however, is based on TWO servings for their 8oz bottle (it’s the old ramen trick!). So basically, double everything and it will give you a more accurate idea of the value. Perhaps this is why they win the taste test!

World Food Markets

National Geographic just released their ranking of the Top 10 Food Markets in the world. See below for the list — I’ve included a link to the official page where it was available.

St. Lawrence, Toronto, Canada (http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/)
Union Square Greenmarket, New York City (http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket)
Castries Market, St. Lucia
Ver-o-Peso, Belém, Brasil
Mercado Central, Santiago, Chile (http://www.allsantiago.com/centro/stodom.html)
Kreta Ayer Wet Market, Singapore
Kauppatori, Helsinki, Finland
La Vucciria, Palermo, Italy (http://palermo.com/things-to-do/outdoor-markets/)
Cours Saleya, Nice, France
Borough Market, London, England (http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)

This got me thinking back to the food markets I’ve been to around the world and I realize that each of these places all end up being one of the most memorable visits in their respective countries. I’m a little disappointed that none of my favorites are listed in the top 10, but this just means I have some more traveling to do! See below for some of my travel photos.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Top 10 worthy in my books!

Mercat de La Boqueria, Barcelona, España

I took a lot of pictures in the candy section, but there was also a huge meat section as well as one for fresh vegetables, fruits, and juices.

Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, Canada

Top Chef Season 9 Finale was filmed here! Pretty legit, don’t you think?

In order to really understand a culture and experience someone else’s city, travelers need to EAT, FEEL, and DO, not just look and see.

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March 26, 2012

[Meatless Monday] Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa

It’s Meatless Monday! Here’s a great chili recipe from ONE Medical Group. I tried it out last week and, trust me, it makes way more than 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups tomato juice, divided
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large celery stalks, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 large carrots (or 3-4 medium carrots), cut in 1/4in rounds
15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
15oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
28oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 jalapeño, diced
1tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher or sea salt

Optional garnishes: chopped green onion, diced avocado, shredded cheese

I got ALL of my ingredients from MOMs Organic Market in Alexandria, VA. They even gave me a free shopping bag, I love it.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil 1 cup tomato juice, pour over quinoa, and let stand for at least 15minutes.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan (I used my French oven!) over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft but not brown, about 4 minutes. Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots, and jalapeño pepper. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.

3. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and cook 1 minute. Add the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, remaining cup of tomato juice, red wine, and the quinoa.

4. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

Enjoy with shredded cheese, green onions, or chopped avocado!

This is a great high-fiber, high-protein meal making it especially beneficial for consumption post-workout. Enjoy!

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March 16, 2012

Dulles (IAD) Chipotle

A few weeks ago, PV and I took a trip via IAD to the west coast. Our flight departed at 10am so we were at the airport around breakfast time. While exploring our airport breakfast options, we walked by a Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, a smoothie shop, another coffee shop, and a very busy Chipotle. We ended up getting breakfast sandwiches from the coffee shop, but I commented on how absurd it was that travelers were eating Chipotle burritos for breakfast. Little did I know, they were eating breakfast burritos!

IAD has the only breakfast Chipotle in the country! How lucky are we?! And how did I not know about this before?

After some internet research, I found the menu:

via DicTailgate

The Breakfast Bowl sounds so delicious, I truly regret not going there! The post from DicTailgate is from 2009, which means I have been walking by this Chipotle for at least 3 years not knowing that they had breakfast options. What a fail. ‘Til next time! I might purposely book morning flights just to try this out. Updates to come eventually!

[WWND] Mamma Chia

I wrote last year about the benefits of chia seeds (Chia, the new flax?), and I’ve now had a little bit of time to explore it’s consumption and products. My findings? Mamma Chia!

It’s certified USDA Organic and boasts gluten-free, vegan, 4g protein, 2500mg Omega-3, and 95mg calcium while also being high in fiber and antioxidants (thanks almost entirely to chia). If you don’t have the time to blend up your own drinks with chia, I recommend trying this drink out. Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Mom’s Organic Market, and Yes! Organic Market are probably your best bet for DC metro area locals.

Visit their website to learn more about their products, mission, or even apply to become a brand ambassador! MammaChia.com

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