My Favorite Summer Text Book

Summer school is in session class! It’s time to score an easy, fun A in our class Summer: NYC Style. Last year the coveted Vanity Fair All Access Summer Guide was my reference for all things food, bar, entertainment, and summer activity related. It introduced Bo and I to some of our favorite outdoor dining spots, bars, and summer activities.

vfsummer.jpg image by karinacifuentes

Each year it is created by the witty and down to Earth, Jessica Latham, VF’s special events manager for the advertising portion. She doesn’t fail with this year’s edition which highlights some new places as well as the classics. I’ve noted a few of my favorites below:

Harry’s LIC at Water Taxi Beach

Dos Caminos Meatpacking

Bar Pitti

Aurora

The Standard Biergarten

The Frying Pan

230 Fifth

Bryant Park Good Morning America Concert Series

Museum Mile Festival

P.S. 1 Warm Up

I’d love to hear what some of your favorites are that Vanity Fair highlighted in this year’s edition. Summer sunshine, fresh air, and a summer drink in my hand? Yes please!

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Back to Basics: Lunch and Dinner

Similar to my breakfast this morning, when I’m trying to get back to basic, healthy eating I keep my meals simple and routine. I find that the first few days back on track are easier if my meals are planned in advance and have little variation. In fact, I’ve often read in many health and wellness magazines that the less thought one has to give to their daily meals and snacks the more likely they are to stick to the routine!

Today’s lunch was basic but delicious. I enjoyed a salad from Pax, keeping in mind that salad toppings can easily add up. 

For example, if you love the crunch nuts provide, keep in mind that one tablespoon can equal over 100 calories. Use carrots and celery for added crunch instead. If you MUST have nuts on your salad, be sure to enjoy almonds or cashews with our lower in calories.

Dried fruit can also add up very quickly. I’ve noticed myself enjoying tangy craisins or chewy raisins on my salads more and more these days. However, a small serving can equal at least 100 calories. A healthier alternative would be fresh apples and grapes which add more fiber and bulk since they aren’t concentrated.

While grilled vegetables include vegetables in their name, they are often drenched in oil. Therefore, it’s often safer to stick with raw vegetables versus grilled or roasted vegetables at the salad bar.

Therefore I stuck with egg whites for protein and lots of healthy vegetables.

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Thanks to Meghann’s freezing tips, tonight’s dinner was simple and easy as well. I enjoyed a hearty portion of thawed mushroom chicken chili and a side salad. It was absolutely delicious and the perfect post workout dinner.

Hope you have a great Wednesday! I’m going to enjoy a run with Rachel tomorrow in honor of National Running Day!

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Hotel Chains Making Healthy Travel Easier

Good evening from scenic Cincinnati! As you all may remember, my travel schedule this May is absolutely insane! It looks a bit like this:

-Three days in South Bend

-Two days in Cincinnati

-Six days in Las Vegas

Are you traveling at all this month? Do you travel a lot for work? Well, spending 11 days out of town on travel in one month, means that I can’t look at each trip as a time of indulgence and fun. I have to find compromise and ensure that I keep to some sort of healthy schedule and routine.

Last weekend and today I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what each hotel has done to help travelers find a healthy balance. Last weekend I stayed at the Hilton Garden Hotel and was offered an awesome Stay Fit Kit. Their new slogan blends perfectly with healthy living:

When tomorrow’s a big day, get prepared with a great workout.

The kit was in a huge sling bag and included yoga blocks, an 8lb medicine ball, resistance band, 3lb hand weights, and a yoga mat. It also included some great workout cards including pilates moves and resistance training. I was able to enjoy this in room amenity two mornings while Bo was still peacefully snoozing. Have you ever seen a kit like this at a hotel? Did you take advantage of it? Was it free?

My second healthy hotel experience occurred tonight upon my arrival to the Westin. It was 9pm when I finally got settled in my hotel room. I was absolutely starving after a long day of work and 3 hours of travel. Unfortunately those Delta pretzels just don’t cut it! I quickly pulled out the room service menu hoping I could find at least a plain grilled chicken sandwich or simple salad. To my surprise, I was absolutely floored by the thorough menu which promised to

 

Feed the body, nourish the soul

The All-Day dining menu is six pages and includes superfood menu items. Their superfood menu items are items that contain the following ingredients as a primary ingredient:

Tomatoes, broccoli, onion, oats, soy, garlic, olive oil, yogurt, avocado, spinach, nuts, or salmon

There were 12 different Super Food menu items throughout the menu including appetizers, salads, main dishes, and even dessert items. I went with an appetizer and salad tonight as I didn’t want anything too heavy as it was already late.

Confetti of Field Greens: candied walnuts, beets, goat cheese, apples, and champagne vinaigrette on the side

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This salad further reaffirmed my belief that any mixed green salad is improved when mixed with goat cheese and beets! I’ve been on a beet trip lately. What is your favorite salad ingredient?

Pan-Flashed Coastal Crab Cake and Griddled Tofu spicy orange chili sauce and spinach

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This dish was delicious though I wish the crab cakes weren’t quite so heavy. I only ate two of the crab cakes but loved the tofu and spinach. I would like to recreate this dish at home while reducing the sauce.

These two experiences have provided me with a renewed faith in healthy travel. For more healthy travel tips, check out this great article by Health.com.

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