Trader Joe's: The Way to Go

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I admit: I am (or was) a Whole Foods fanatic. I’m obsessed with their bulk nuts isle, ginormous salad bar and sampling tables. 

Well, the other day at work I was rambling on about my out-of-control obsession with Whole Foods Market, and a coworker responded, “You Mean ‘Whole Pay Check?'” While at first I laughed, I got to thinking about how true that statement actually is. 
Seriously, every time I walk into Whole Foods, even if I’m just getting a small salad for lunch, I spend at least $10. Then on the days I actually go on a shopping spree, I rack up a quick $50 in no time!
Do we really have to throw away our entire pay checks just to eat healthy? Why must we pay such a great price to stay healthy and fit?
Well, good news is, we don’t.
I’ve now thrown aside my Whole Foods phase, and have moved onto good ol’ Trader Joe’s, and couldn’t be happier about my smart decision.
Trader Joe’s has many of the same options as Whole Foods, but for much cheaper prices. Their vegetables, organic items, meals to go and signature chips, various nut butters and dips could … Read More!

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Caprese Omelet

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When I was in Italy several years ago, almost every day I would order a Caprese salad for lunch or dinner. More simply put: fresh tomato, fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil and some salt and pepper. Absolute perfection. Well, this morning I had that authentic Italian craving, so I whipped up an omelet, Italian style.


Ingredients:
-1 egg, 1 egg white, mixed
-1 TB extra virgin olive oil 
-few slices fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese
-3 basil leaves, fresh if you can
-1/4 cup chopped fresh plump tomato (I bought mine at the farmer’s market)

1. Coat frying pan with olive oil on medium heat and then pour egg mixture onto pan.
2. Once slightly cooked (bubbling), top half the egg with tomatoes and basil leaves.
3. Lastly, add the cheese and cover for a minute until thoroughly melted.
4. Flip one side over to form the classic omelet shape, serve and enjoy! : )
*Pair with some fresh fruit (I had 1/2 sliced grapefruit) and a piece of toast!


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7 Savory Money Savers: Healthy Choices to Save Big Bucks at the Supermarket

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1. Sweet potatoes (about 50 cents a pop and so darn delicious)

2. Eggs (Got a dozen for $1.79 the other day–thats about 15 cents per egg…can’t get much cheaper than that!)
3. Brown Rice (Buy it in the bulk section at any health food store for MUCH cheaper than boxed varieties, and this allows you to buy as much as you want)
4. Canned Tuna (Always a cheap favorite of mine–buy it in a big package of 6 or 12 for cheaper)
5. Apples: This time of year, they have bagged ones at grocery stores from local farms for great deals.  The other day I bought a dozen for $3.00, which is excellent considering they go for $2.00 a pop sometimes. Fall is also the perfect time of year to go apple picking with your guy or friends…you can pick ‘n’ eat as you go too!) 
6. Oatmeal 
7. Bananas-soooo cheap…got some today at Trader Joe’s for 19 cents each!

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LATE to Bed, Early to Rise. . .

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OK, so I know how important sleep is. . . get your 8 hours of sleep each night, blah blah blah. But last night I ending up going to bed around 1 a.m. because I couldn’t sleep from the jitters my black coffee gave me that  I had around 7 p.m. (I know, stupid move, especially when I am no longer a daily java-consumer as I used to be). 


But anyway, my point is that even though I went to bed so late, I still forced myself to resist pressing the snooze button on my 6 a.m. alarm and was able to drag myself out of bed this morning for a 7:15 bootcamp with Jaylin Allen from AIR Personal Fitness (Thanks Jaylin, great class today!) 

And the funny part is that I wasn’t even that tired. In fact, while it may sound contradictory, waking up early to exercise actually made me more energized than ever! I had previously planned to go back to bed immediately after class, but I instead find myself awake, perky and ready to start my day (and already blogging!) 

I have to admit that with my new cave like room in Boston (the sun doesn’t shine … Read More!

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5 Healthy Ways with a Sweet Potato

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OK, so I’m addicted to several things in life: exercising, coffee (although I’m trying to slowly ween off of that one), reading magazines, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and yes–now sweet potatoes. They are just the perfect, most cheap vegetable (about 50 cents for a medium one) and you can do oh so much with them! Poke a few holes with a fork, pop ’em in the mic for about 6 to 8 minutes, and voila: instant deliciousness. 

Here, 5 healthy ways with this phenomenal fall-favorite vegetable. First cook the sweet potato in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes, or bake in the oven wrapped in tin foil and then do as follows:

1. The Sweet Toother: Drizzle with 1 TB 100% maple syrup, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1 tsp. nutmeg to cure a sweets craving!

2.  Cajun Concoction: Top with 1 TB Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp. cayenne pepper and a touch of red pepper flakes for a spicy treat!

3. Light ‘n’ Simple: Spread your sweet potato with 1 TB smart balance butter (or another light variety) with a pinch of salt and pepper. . . always hits the spot.

4. Herb-alicious: Coat the potato with all … Read More!

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Healthy Tip of the Day: Make Your Own Din!

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Save money and cals by making your own din tonight! Get your roomies or fam involved too, assigning different tasks to each person. Tonight, I made a delicious egg white omelet with tomatoes, avocado, spinach, oregano and basil. Both super cheap and super delish. 


Other quick healthy dinner suggestions are brown rice with veggies, a large sweet potato with toppings of choice, a turkey burger with a side salad or chicken/veggie fajitas! Be creative, and you’ll find plenty of ways to savor the flavor and save some cash at the same time. 

What are some of your favorite easy, healthy homemade dinners? 
… Read More!

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Budgeting Your Moolah the Healthy Way

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Hi all! Sorry I haven’t written in a few days. I have been moving into my apartment in Boston…and settling into the city. So far, I must say I am absolutely in love with everything about the area so far. From people watching on the t, sitting in quaint little cafes, walking everywhere I go and exploring the city, life has been good. No, I take that back: life has been great.

Anyway, the one thing that is not great about city life is how fast your money can go. I’ve found in the past few days that I am realllyyyy going to need to learn how to budget my bank account in Boston. 

Here, 5 ways to budget your money the healthy way:

1. Make your own coffee/tea at home: Do you realize that those daily trips to Dunkin Donuts and Starbuck’s are damaging your bank account, majorly? Instead, purchase a coffee pot or tea kettle (split it with your roomies if you can) and make your own drinks at home cafe style. You can even add your own personal touch of love!

2. Research Farmer’s Markets: Today, I came across the cutest little Farmer’s Market by Kendall … Read More!

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Question of the Day: When Do YOU Feel Your Most Confident and Sexy Self?

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I know this may sound strange, but I always feel my “best self” when I’m wearing barely any makeup, tight yoga pants, and a fitted tank. Maybe it’s because it’s my typical gym outfit, and when I’m at the gym I feel good about myself, so I’m correlating the two? There’s also nothing like coming back from a long run, sweat dripping down your face with that phenomenal feeling aka an adrenaline rush.


But, I’d like to know what does it for you. Whether it’s a certain dress, a specific activity you take part in or even a special perfume, what is the #1 thing that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous, sexy ‘n’ strong inside and out?… Read More!

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Cool Idea: Meal on the Go

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I had this light meal for dinner last night, and let me tell you: boy oh boy did it hit the spot. Have this anytime you need to eat on the run, great for lunch or dinner. Also, this is a great option for any of you with allergies, because there is no soy, gluten or wheat and it’s preservative free!


What you’ll need:
–1 Bahama Rice Burger, Original Beach Griller (or other flavor of your choice)
-1 small/medium sized sweet potato 
-2 TB Smart Balance butter
-1 TB olive oil for cooking
-salt and pepper

1. Poke holes in the sweet potato and pop in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes, or wrap in tin foil and bake in conventional oven on 350 for about 35 minutes. 

2. In the meantime, spread olive oil on frying pan set at medium heat, and cook veggie burger according to directions, for about 4 minutes. 

3. Mash up sweet potato with the Smart Balance butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve along side the veggie burger, and pile on toppings of your choice. Some suggestions: a TB of ketchup, drizzle of yellow mustard, 1/2 TB light mayo, … Read More!

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Squash ‘n’ Turk Burg Medley

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This is a quick ‘n’ easy dinner option that I created while living in my apartment in college. But, don’t be fooled. Just ’cause it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s not absolutely delicious as well!

Ingredients:
– 1/2 red onion, sliced
-1 package learn or extra lean ground turkey burger
-1 yellow squash
-1 zucchini
-1 clove fresh garlic, crushed
-1 TB cajun seasoning (or a mix of your own favorite herbs and spices)
-1 tsp. oregano
-salt and pepper to taste
-4 TB extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)

1. Set burner on medium heat and let 2 TB olive oil set in. Chop up the squash and zucchini, and add to large frying pan with the chopped onion and garlic. Stir periodically, until veggies are cooked well, but be careful not to overcook. (Taste test if you’d like : ) )

3. In the meantime, set another medium pan on medium high with olive oil spread, and cook turkey burger until done, when lightly browned.

4. When the turkey is done cooking, add it to the veggie-mixture, and stir well. Drizzle on the cajun seasoning, oregano and salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently until everything is well mixed
… Read More!

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