My Weekly Vices...Confessions of an RD

I've been a naughty little RD this week. Naughty in the sense of maybe having an extra glass or two of wine, multiple dinners out, and indulging with friends in rum babas and pistachio laced baklava's.  It's impossibly dull and unrealistic to live a puritanical eating existence. When having indulgent weeks like this one, which has been food and friend-filled, I try to be extra conscious of my remaining meals and get in an extra workout or two. It's all about compromise and eating as "cleanly" as possible without sacrificing friendships, social obligations, and delicious and exciting eating opportunities.

The Morning After...

Using some of the remaining pesto, I added a tablespoon or so to a few eggs to scramble up with some thyme sautéed mushrooms...it was divine. I enjoy my green fix any time of day.

Memoirs of a Kale Addict

Mentioned time and time again, kale is a powerhouse green with much versatility. In the warmer months, I have become quite partial to ripping up the leaves and massaging them with lemon juice, salt, and olive oil to prepare them for an avocado-laced salad. A friend of mine told me some time ago that she loves shredding the leaves into fettuccine-like strands, allowing the nutrient dense greens to serve as a foundation for her homemade meatballs and “gravy”.

Squaghetti

I am so excited to share this recipe. Although extremely simple, it is booming with flavor and nutrients and provides the diner with a light yet filling and complete meal.

January is a time when a lot of people try and reboot their eating habits and get back on track after overindulging in the preceding months. Spaghetti squash is lighter and crunchier than its brethren winter squashes due to its increased water content, and has the magical ability, once roasted, to be scraped apart into spaghetti-like strands. Most people love pasta, but who enjoys that weighed down lethargy that usually follows a pasta filled meal. Spaghetti squash fills you in a lighter, energy inducing way and is ideal for someone who is aiming for a lower carb meal or has gluten sensitivity.

Tree Top Livin' and Jerk Chicken Eatin'

After much persuading, my workaholic travel companion agreed to spare a few days to venture into the Jamaican Rainforest. Who would have thought that someone would put up such a fight for views like this?

Despite my companion's initial qualms, the workhorse was able to unwind and appreciate the incredible beauty and lushness that enveloped us. Although our travels were brief, we enjoyed our time to the fullest and were able to veer far away from touristy hot spots. We stayed at an eco lodge which consisted of individual treehouses. Not only was the atmosphere serene and breathtaking, the gracious host, who also happened to be an amazing cook, completed this memorable travel experience.  We went rafting on the Rio Grande, plunged into invigorating fresh water pools at Reach Falls, drifted on the Blue Lagoon, gaped open-mouthed at surfers and rock jumpers at Boston Beach, and savored the immensely flavorful local cuisine.  

So Nice They Named it Twice

Holiday Party Mixed Nuts- Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts with Maple and Brown Sugar

2012 was a trying year. In its fleeting visit, it brought along many ups and downs like all years do and for many, unimaginable hardship and devastation. I was fortunate to be able to celebrate some major accomplishments. I completed my dietetic internship, finished the Masters Program at NYU, and finally became a registered dietitian. The year also came with many challenges from school and work, some broken bones, and emotional tribulations with family. It also welcomed many wonderful travel opportunities for me such as here, here, and here and I will soon post about my most recent trip to the Jamaican rainforest. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. With January 1st, we are offered an almost clean slate to start some things anew and welcome fresh and exhilarating experiences. For 2013, I want to continue building and blossoming my little biddy baby blog, experiment and share more recipes, revisit places I adore, and explore places I’ve been dreaming of going. I hope to continue growing as a dietitian and a home cook, I'd like to share more meals with family and friends and reconnect with those who I might have lost touch with, but think about often… I wish you all a gratifying, healthful, and delicious 2013.