LBK Revisited

March must be my month of new beginnings. The past two years have marked the starting of my dietetic internship and now my job as clinical dietitian. This time of year also marks my family’s annual trip to Longboat Key, Florida. Each year I am reminded how beautiful and serene this part of the country is and am grateful that I get to be with family and visit such a special place overflowing with poignant memories.

In typical fashion, most of the trip centered around food. Whether it was hitting up our favorite spots or cooking with local fish and creating fresh and light meals, we all remained well fed and satiated during our stay.  

The Prelude

Beginnings are typically an adjustment period, and rarely is it possible to start something new and challenging unnerved. The past few weeks have been the beginnings of my career as a practicing clinical dietitian. During the first few days on the job, I almost felt as if I were playing dress up and at any moment someone was going to tell me "game over". It has been a long and grueling road to finally get to the place where I currently am, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a practicing clinician in an influential and respectable environment. I know that the days will get easier, and I will be rewarded knowing that I had a positive impact on a patient’s recovery.

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.