Healthy Chicks

[Snappy Sushi on Newbury Street to celebrate my sister Krista’s 23rd birthday. They even put a candle in the wasabi for her! I ordered the lunch special, choosing the Spicy Tuna and Eel Avocado roll made with brown rice.]

[We discovered this cupcake truck in Copley. How adorable? All the cupcakes are made local with all natural, and mostly organic ingredients. The many flavors included Salted Caramel, Lemon Coconut & Double Vanilla and they even had vegan and gluten free varieties.]

[Copley Square Farmer’s Market: Sprouted Raw Foods. These crackers, that are organic, gluten free and vegan, were absolutely delectable, my favorites being a toss-up between the Curry and Dill. A blog post review to come soon!]

[Homemade jam I purchased at the Copley Square Farmer’s Market from Deborah’s Kitchen. I sampled nearly all the flavors, but decided on the Massachusetts Rubies made with cranberries, raspberries, and and strawberries. I love that their jams are all natural and made with low sugar content, and can’t wait to spread this on some Ezekiel bread with breakfast. A blog post review to come soon!]

Happy Friday! How are you spending the long weekend? … Read More!

I’m usually not a nutrition bar fan, as most are really not nutritional at all. In fact, many contain more sugar, ingredients, and added chemicals (think: sugar additives) than a candy bar. EEK!

That’s why I’m always a huge advocate in reading the label. What’s the sugar content? Can you recognize those ingredients you’re eating? If not, I’d say your best bet is to skip it.

While I have my doubts about many of these bars out there on the market, ever since the Boston Marathon I’ve fell in love with the Truebar by Bakery on Main. These bars come in six delightful, flavor combinations (Apricot Almond Chai, Coconut Cashew, Fruit and Nut, Hazelnut Chocolate Cherry, Raspberry Chocolate Almond, and Walnut Cappuccino, with their slogan being “I’ve Got Nothing to Hide.” And in fact, they don’t.

I love that the ingredients are clearly listed on the label, without any marketing scams or hidden ingredients. Not to mention, all the bars are certified gluten free, Kosher, non-GMO, and both dairy and casein free, so they make for a great snack with those both young ‘n’ old with food allergies. A  bonus? They’re low in sodium, contain no transfats or cholesterol … Read More!

I used to be one of those girls who would flow through life settling. I settled on a long-term toxic “relationship” in college that was going no where because I was too afraid to say what I really wanted: a real relationship. I settled on a few entry level jobs after college, until I I realized I had much more potential than sitting at a desk in a position I loathed.

Worst part? Not only did I settle, but I’d complain about it. I want a boyfriend. Why isn’t he calling me back? I hate my job. I need more money. Why am I not making more money? Why is life so hard for me? Why am I having the worst luck? Wah. Wah. Wah.

And then I realized, while it may be difficult at times, things are really pretty simple. We are all in control of our own lives, and ultimately play a huge part in our own destiny. Therefore if you are unhappy in one area of your life (be it financial, personal, etc) then make a change. Maybe that means letting go of a relationship that isn’t working, or asking your boss for a raise or … Read More!

[source]

Good afternoon ladies. I am one happy blogger indeed, as I have some exciting news to share with you today over here on Healthy Chicks!

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to interview Rod Smith, founder and CEO of the Green PolkaDot Box (GPDB) for an article featured in the Huffington Post “Good News” section. Yes, my writing has been published in the Huffington Post, which as a journalism graduate and freelance writer is a huge (HUGE!) accomplishment for me and something I’ve worked incredibly hard at.

OK, now that I got that off my chest, I’ll rewind a little bit for you all. What is GPDB you ask? While I encourage you to read my article “Organic Food, Delivered Fresh to Your Door” I’ll give you a mini synopsis over here on Healthy Chicks. The company, which just launched in December 2011, is an online buying collective featuring organic, non-GMO foods and products at a bargain price (at up to 60 percent off retail!). Think: Sam’s Club and Costco had a baby with Whole Foods, and revamped their marketing plan to accommodate the online, “tech-savvy” generation.

I was actually first introduced to … Read More!

[follow your own, unique path to success]

Yesterday, I worked at an event for VMware at the beautiful, spacious Boston Convention Center. I have always enjoyed working promotional events, socializing and meeting new people, so whenever I find time in my crazy schedule to make some extra money, I usually jump at it.

While surrounded by a bunch of intelligent “techies” for the day, I was actually able to have some great conversations  throughout the day, one in particular which made a strong impact on me.

As the event was winding down and I was working my last booth for the day, I struck up a meaningful conversation with one of the woman. While she was an attendee dressed in a stunning pencil skirt and heels, and I was just a “worker” wearing flats and holding up a sign, we were able to relate to each other.

She didn’t look down on me or treat me as a “kid” (even though I am years below her), but rather talked to me like a best girlfriend would. Blunt. Honest. Hilarious. She saw something in me.

When she asked me what I “do” I explained to her that I went to school … Read More!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful, determined mother’s I know. Guiltlessly treat yourself to some of these No Bake Brownie balls, that take just minutes to make yet have a rich, decadent taste similar to truffles. While I altered them a bit, I owe a big thank you to SnackGirl for the recipe inspiration.

The best part? These little bites of joy are 100% gluten free (we have a couple gluten sensitivities in the house) and contain only a few ingredients – roasted almonds (which I roasted myself), pitted dates, organic cocoa powder, a handful of organic dark chocolate chips, and agave nectar – with a shake of powdered sugar on top for decor.

Next time I make these, I’m going to play around with them even more, trying out different combos like figs and maple syrup or cherries and honeys. More recipe combos to come…

Enjoy…I’m off to spend the day with my family on Fisher’s Island!

… Read More!

[Gourmet Nutrition: The Cookbook for the Fit Food Lover]

It’s no secret that I enjoy writing and blogging, but just as much as I’m a sucker for pen & paper (and the keyboard), I’m just as much as a sucker for reading.

And I’m not talking about reading blogs or the latest celebrity fashion advice found in InStyle.com. While I do appreciate my fair share of those kinds or reads, I’ve always been more of a flip-through-the-pages, fresh-from-the-press kind of girl.

I love snuggling up with a cup of soothing chamomile tea with raw honey and a good book in those last minutes before bed. It puts your mind and body at ease, letting you escape to a different place for a little while, a place that doesn’t include worries, thoughts, text messages or tweets. A place of calm.

Lately, I’ve been purchasing a plethora of wellness related books, mostly do to my studies at Institute for Integrative Nutrition and recent launch of my health coaching business Zesty Living. While learning new information every day about health, wellness and nutrition, I also like to keep up-to-date on the latest finds by reading books, studies, and lengthy articles.

Here’s … Read More!

{words to live by when you’re feeling ‘blah’ via Pinterest}… Read More!