Posts tagged ‘Breakfast’

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January 15, 2012

Food Porn and Shoe Shots

I hate goodbyes. I mean, I guess I don’t know anyone who particularly likes them, but I realized how strongly I dislike them this week as I left my winter internship and job. I had such an amazing experience and enjoyed my time off from school. My only complaint: it flew by way too fast! I cannot believe in a matter of days I’m starting the spring semester of my senior year. The good news: I don’t have to say goodbye to Manhattan anytime soon. I’ll be there twice a week until May, interning at another magazine! Yay! I can’t wait to get started.

Anyway, here’s a look at my week through Instagram. Random but pretty. One of the most important lessons I learned about living in New York is the importance of comfortable chic. Slouchy sweater, skinny jeans and oxford slip-ons make for a cute, but practical-for-walking work outfit!

Daily lunch: spinach salad with avocado, grilled chicken, veggies and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. 

Tuesday morning I had the privilege of attending an Activia event on FITNESS’ behalf to learn about the importance of probiotics in your diet. The three course breakfast was divine and absolutely gorgeous, thanks to pastry chef and Bravo’s Top Chef Just Dessert judge, Johnny Iuzzini.

Check out the almond encrusted french toast. Simply out of this world! The crunchy coating had a gooey inside and a cut out middle filled with yogurt, berries and fresh herbs. Can it get much better than that?

Panna Cotta at 10 a.m.? Why not? You only live once.

I’m on a pretzel/chocolate kick, especially when it comes to gifts. Post to come on the Valentine’s Day-themed treats I made for everyone at my internship! Aren’t they pretty? 

Last but certainly not least, my newest purchase: Michael Kors booties. I’m obsessed. Warm, comfortable and oh so cute! Sorry for slacking on recipe posts. I haven’t been too creative in the kitchen lately… 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Posted in Life Happenings, Random | 5 Comments »

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November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving: Unstuffed

Thanksgiving is almost here! Who’s excited!?!? ME ME ME ME! PICK ME! Good thing I have two different Thanksgiving dinners to attend (one at Mike’s sister’s on Thanksgiving day and one with my family Saturday). Just because the season of holiday overindulgence is in the midst does not mean you have to wave goodbye to your clean, healthy diet. You can have your pumpkin pie and eat it, too! Instead of planning your holiday attire around ensembles best suited for gluttony, consider these tips that will have your waistline (and stretchy pants) thanking you later. For your viewing pleasure, I have sprinkled in pictures of some of my recipes that would be perfect for Thanksgiving.

1. Don’t skip breakfast! Starving yourself will just lead to ravenous face-stuffing later on. Plus, no one likes a cranky host…not even your family, who claim to love you no matter what! Have a light meal in the morning and even squeeze in an afternoon snack if your dinner is planned for later.

2. Consider the ingredients. If you can, take charge of what you will be eating this Thanksgiving by substituting healthy ingredients when you see fit. Consider swapping avocado, greek yogurt, applesauce, etc. for butter in desserts and use fat-free or reduced versions of dairy products. I’m a huge fan of Stevia as a sweetener, if you’re looking to cut back sugar content. Another easy tip: try using both sugar and salt to taste instead of following the copious amount your recipe warrants. Play around with garlic, herbs and other spices to reduce sodium.

3. It’s not a race. Take your time and savor what each bite has to offer this Thanksgiving, enjoying your company along the way! That’s what this holiday is all about at the end of the day, is it not?

4. Make time for holiday exercise. Turkey Trot anyone? Although this year I can’t participate in my local race, I WILL squeeze in a morning jog before the feasting begins. Not a runner? Get a friendly touch football game going or take a stroll around the block to burn off the dessert cals!

5. Stick to one plate. Portion sizes can make or break a healthy Thanksgiving. Be mindful of how much you are piling up, not to mention how many helpings you take! Try picking a smaller sized plate and be conscious of when you’re full! Also, don’t let peer pressure get you down. Have the power to say “no” if something on the dinner menu doesn’t agree your healthy diet.

I wish you all a healthy holiday full of laughter, love and a ton of turkey!
What are you grateful for? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren 

Posted in Fitness, Random, Reviews | 2 Comments »

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July 15, 2011

“There’s nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.” Linda Grayson

Hey all! TGIF! Boy, has this week whizzed by! Here are some of my foodie highlights. 1) I had the privilege of attending a Chile 101 Boot Camp and family-style lunch at Rosa Mexicano (Union Square) on Tuesday, hosted by Culinary Advisor, Susana Trilling and Culinary Director, David Suarez. At the event I learned all about chili peppers from how to prepare them to the different types. Although I never considered myself to have a palate for spicy schtuff, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to taste-test and discovered I’m quite fond of the variety of flavors (smoky, fruity, hot, etc.)!

The restaurant’s atmosphere and food was fabulous…I can’t wait to go back! FYI the Guacamole en Molcajete is TO DIE FOR. 

2) After getting out of my internship, I met up with Laura and her friend, Steph, at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar for dinner. I was still pretty full from my incredible lunch but ordered the Wild Smoked Salmon Salad (with mixed field greens, tomato, cucumber, capers and extra virgin olive oil dill dressing), which was delightful. Light but just the perfect portion, leaving room for…

…Tuesday’s Ladies Night Out! AKA complimentary chocolate shots and Belgian chocolate covered strawberries!

Doesn’t get much better than that, huh?

Perfection. By the way, it was a sticky 98 degrees that day. Traveling on the subway and walking around was not the most pleasant experience but completely worth it, of course. 

3) I spent the night at Laura’s, giving me the opportunity to “sleep in” — which in my case is 7 AM. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill in her building’s gym before showering and grabbing some breakfast in a little place near my office. What did my favorite meal of the day include? An assortment of fruit (grapes, blackberries, blueberries, watermelon and honeydew), two hard boiled eggs, a plain Chobani yogurt and grande iced coffee from Starbucks. Great way to start off my day!

4) Lunch included a protein-packed salad (spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, tofu, navy beans, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds and carrots with balsamic vinegar/olive oil) from Zeytinz Fine Food Market Place. I caught a few rays and people watched in Bryant Park while chowing down on my lunch break!

So there’s a look at my week through what I ate. I realized the other day that most of my pictures on my camera and phone are of food. Pathetic? I think not! Hopefully I’ll be able to cook something new and fun this weekend! (I’ve really been wanting to create my own gazpacho.) Although I love trying different fare in NYC, I miss the comfort of home cooked meals, not to mention having the time to prepare my own recipes.
Any quick, summery recipe suggestions? 

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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June 21, 2011

Monday Cuisine

Today started off early. I woke up — thanks to my own mental alarm clock — at 4:15. Yes, a.m. and yes, it was still dark out. After ignoring my sleepy eyes and tight hamstrings (as a result of the Branford 5-mile Road Race I competed in yesterday), I thew on my running shoes for a 3-mile course near my house. It felt great to breathe in the crisp, summer air and work out the kinks in my cramped legs, all the while be guided solely by the glow of a flashlight. I ate a solid breakfast, showered and before I knew it, I was on the train into Grand Central. Rise and grind! Gotta love Mondays…

I met up with my friend, Chelsea, for lunch in Bryant Park. (We commuted in this morning again together. Her last day of her co-op is tomorrow, total bummer. I’m going to miss my train buddy!) The weather was gorgeous — not too hot and not too cold — so I was psyched to catch a few rays during my lunch break! My metabolism has been running wild with the mileage I put in running this weekend so I indulged in a veggie-filled salad and roll of sushi (salmon, avocado and roe wrapped in cucumber) from Zeytinz Fine Food Market Place. It was just as good as it looks, if not better!

At 6, I got out of my internship and met up with my friend, Laura, for dinner in West Village after a few stops on the subway, which I might add I’m starting to get the hang of…somewhat. We decided that Hummus Place looked appetizing after coming to the conclusion we wanted something light, fresh and summery. It was all that and more…plus outdoor seating to enjoy prime people watching. Check out my gorgeous “Health Salad” made of freshly cut tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and onions. Crunchy and full of flavor!

For an entree, we split the “Hummus Fava” which was topped with fava beans, Tahini, hard boiled egg, olive oil and spices. DIVINE! Instead of eating it with the pita, I spooned it onto my salad.

Laura opted to do the same with her “Tabule Quinoa” dish. She was raving about it, respectfully so! Yum.

Before heading back to her beautiful apartment, where I’m currently enjoying the comfort of her couch, we stopped by Phileo Yogurt for some dessert. I got a heavenly combination of non-fat chocolate, cappuccino and strawberry froyo topped with fresh raspberries. Holy cannoli! It was glorious. I’m not one for sweets or desserts, but every once in a while you deserve to treat yourself. I savored every last bite. All in all, another great day in the city. Now it’s time for me to get some shut eye and be grateful to be able to wake up with barely a commute tomorrow…just a few blocks to walk! It will be great exercise. Special thanks to Laura for letting me crash on her couch! Night, all!
What are your favorite froyo flavors and toppings?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren 

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May 15, 2011

Mocha Coffee Protein Balls

Good morning! Today’s post is a winner, let me tell you. Tasty, energizing, quick and easy! One of my favorite health/foodie blogs (The Fitnessista) makes protein balls for post-workouts out of nut butter and protein powder, among other fun mix-ins. What a wonderfully innovative idea, right? I decided to throw in a little twist of my own, taking Gina’s recipe up a notch with a jolt of coffee grounds. Mmmm! I had a ton of the ingredients already for my recipe flop the other day so I was good to go! FYI: The rainy weather made for bad photo lighting, so bare with me. Trust me, though, these little buggers are divine.

Ingredients
(Adapted from Chocolate Chip Protein Ballz)
2 tablespoons chocolate soy protein powder
2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoons coffee grounds
Handful of peanuts (or other nuts/dried fruit mix-ins you enjoy)
Agave nectar and cinnamon to taste 

In a small food processor, add protein powder, nut butter and coconut. Pulse until ingredients are blended together.

Next, add in the coffee grounds, coconut oil, a dash of cinnamon and a squirt (ew, hate that word) of agave nectar (substitute: maple syrup or honey). Pulse again. The dough should start clumping together. Finally, throw in any mix-ins you like…I threw in a handful of peanuts to make it extra nutty. Dried fruit would have been lovely, but we’re all out. Pulse one more time and form the mixture into small balls!

There ya go, folks! Jump start your morning or recover from a tough workout with one of these babies. Can’t wait to munch on these once I start commuting early in the AM. Perfect for on-the-go! Keep a lookout for more protein ball recipes to come.
What is your favorite post-workout snack? Any ingredient suggestions for future protein ball recipes?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Posted in Breakfast, Snack | 4 Comments »

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April 25, 2011

Nutty Nanner Overnight Oats

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend. It was nice to head home for a few days to relax a bit before coming back to school to deal with the gloom of looming final exams. After all the rainy weather, my dad and I took advantage of the few rays of sun yesterday with an early morning jog along the water. It was a breath of fresh air (both literally and figuratively). Shortly after, my parents, Mike and I went to a wonderful brunch at Whitfield’s on the Guilford green. They had an Easter buffet set up, which was delicious with fresh fruit and yogurt, salad, salmon…the works. Yum!

When I got home, I found a piece of mail I have been waiting for…my Starbucks Gold Card! Yay! I’m so excited for free refills and beverage customization, not to mention the bad ass, personalized card.

Please note the manicured nails above…I finally tried out the OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel Mani and think I’m in love. First of all, my nails have never looked so good (I’m obsessed with the glossy light pink…very classy and sophisticated) and secondly, they last for 2 weeks with no damage to your natural nail! Woah. It is a little more expensive but since my biggest pet peeve is chipped nails, I think it will be worth it. I have a lot going on in the next two weeks so figured it was the perfect time to put this treatment to the test. I’ll let you know if it actually lasts as long as it is supposed to. FYI, according to the reviews I’ve read, the French Soak-Off lasts longer.

Now onto my breakfast this morning. I have another fabulous overnight oats recipe to share, this time inspired by the Healthy Tipping Point’s Sweet and Salty Vegan Overnight Oats. Similar base as the last one with a nuttier/nanner twist!

Ingredients
1/3 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I used flax milk)
2 tablespoon chia seeds
Dash of cinnamon
1 banana
Natural crunchy peanut butter, to top

In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds and milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, slice up one banana and place the chunks on a griddle or hot pan until lightly browned. Mash up half of them and mix into the bowl. Top the overnight oats/banana with a generous dollop of natural peanut butter (I warmed mine up in the microwave before so it was super ooey gooey). 

I’m a huge peanut butter and banana fan so this recipe took that up a notch and a half. The contrast between the cold overnight oats with the warm PB and grilled banana was out of this world. Now THAT is how you start your Monday off right! What Monday morning routine gets your week going? Have you ever tried OPI’s Soak-Off Gel Mani?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren 

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April 13, 2011

Overnight Choco-Coconut Oats

Wow. It has been a WEEK since I last blogged. I am SO sorry, devoted readers. Shame on me. In my defense, things have been crazy but I won’t bore you with the details. For quite some time now I have come across recipes from my favorite blogs (here, here, here and here) that incorporate chia seeds. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them and finally did this past weekend from my local health food store when I was home (they don’t have them in cow country, sorry to disappoint my fellow huskies).

What makes chia seeds so great, you ask? They are a fit foodie’s must-have in a nutshell. Chia seeds help with weight loss, make you feel full (and stay full), reduce food cravings/blood pressure, are a great source of Omega-3…need I say more? Dr. Oz even says it is one of the top 5 supplements to have in your cabinet. Ok, ok…you get it. Now onto my wonderful breakfast of overnight oats. Who likes dessert at 7 a.m.? ME, ME, ME! PICK ME!

Ingredients
(Courtesy of Oh She Glows)
1/3 cup rolled oats
1 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tablespoon chia seeds
1 1/2 tablespoon protein powder (substitute: carob powder or peanut flour)
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Unsweetened shredded coconut, to top

The instructions are easy: mix all the ingredients together in a container of your choice and place  in the fridge overnight. It is a tasty, healthy meal to wake up to and made my morning, that’s for sure. With a similar texture to tapioca pudding, the Choco-Coco Oats were rich and chocolaty, plus kept me full all morning long! I cannot wait to make more and play around with different ingredients/mix-ins. For example, adding in some coconut butter would have made this even more out of this world. Throwing frozen fruit in the food processor and layering it in between? Yes. Maybe trying a peanut butter version with crunchy peanut butter and peanut flour instead of the protein powder? Double yes. I’ll experiment and let you know where I get. As for now, I want to make it known that this is the perfect on-the-go, breakfast for those who “don’t have time.” Quick, easy, nutritious and delicious. Score! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the chia seeds and am looking forward to incorporating them more into my diet. Thanks for understanding my chaotic life and still coming back to me. Love you for that! Have you ever tried chia seeds? What did you think?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

Posted in Breakfast, Food for Thought | 10 Comments »

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April 2, 2011

Green with Envy Drink

Good morning! I woke up bright and early on this sunny Saturday to get a nice workout in (P90x Plyometrics) before meeting up for a group project. What was on the menu for pre-Plyo breakfast? A glorious green drink!

Ingredients
1/2 English cucumber
1 Granny Smith apple
Two big handfuls of spinach
1/2 inch ginger root
1/2 lemon
1/4 cup water

I threw all my supplies into the juicer and voilà! Breakfast. Next time I’ll definitely add in some celery…and maybe another apple. Still very refreshing and a great start to my day! What’s your favorite pre-workout fuel?

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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February 28, 2011

The Breakfast of Champions

Good morning all! And what a wonderful morning it is. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping…oh, what am I kidding. It’s a dreary day. A day of leggings, rain boots, a baseball cap (concealing bed head) and a windbreaker. What can make a rainy Monday morning better? Breakfast. My favorite meal of the day! This morning I pulled out leftover quinoa stir-fry I made last night (with garlic, spinach and lentils), added in some sautéed vegetables and topped with an egg over easy. It was delightful and started my day off on the right foot. If you want to kick your breakfast up a notch, try this protein-powered meal with your favorite vegetable mix-ins.

Ingredients
Egg, over easy
Quinoa
Broccoli
Spinach
Yellow Bell Pepper
Lentils
Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I started by sautéing a handful of chopped broccoli and yellow bell pepper in about a tablespoon of olive oil (I know, really professional measurements here). I added in my leftover quinoa stir-fry once my veggies were lightly browned.


I then carefully cooked my egg…it’s always disappointing when I ruin it and don’t get a runny yolk! I put it over the quinoa and dug in, while looking over my to-do list for the week. Bleh, I hate Mondays!

Busy, busy bee! Over the weekend I did very little besides perfecting my resume, working on my cover letter and hitting up the gym so it’s time to kick it in high gear! Lots to do before a much-needed Spring Break…awful midterm on Wednesday, lots of internships to apply to, column to write, etc. Ahh! Have a great week!

Sprinkled with Love,
Lauren

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