Tag: diet

The Weekly Report [In GIFs] 11.29.15

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If you didn’t already discover, today is a real struggle for many of us.

It’s the Monday after a holiday weekend … and it’s freakin’ cold. This may or may not have been me during breakfast this morning:

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But instead of dwelling on the Monday struggle, let’s focus on the week that was … Thanksgiving, lots of food, even more family time and some holiday shopping … for myself. Oops.

Waking up on Thanksgiving morning:

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Me 5 seconds after Thanksgiving dinner:

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My reaction when my mom catches me going back for round two … of pie:

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First hardcore Barry’s Bootcamp workout post-Thanksgiving had me like:

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And then came the realization I’ll be in Florida, sporting a bathing suit, in 9 days:

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Just after I polish off this bottle of wine and box of maple cookies 🙂

Hope y’all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

xo 

TTT

Happy Thanksgiving! Now Go Eat Some Food

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You know what I haven’t done in a while? Stood loud and proud upon my imaginary crate I call a soapbox. And, if I’m being honest, I have been missing the vantage point … So let me step on up.

Every year around this time, talk shows and radio personalities alike fill the sound waves and inter web with jabber about holiday weight gain, counting calories, low-fat side dish options and portion control.

On average Americans gain 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

We get it.

Food is everywhere, parties are in full force and baked brie is more common than kale chips. However, what I do have a problem with is the idea of ‘dieting’ on Thanksgiving Day. I’m talking about ONE day where our focus should be less about the calories in a can of cranberry sauce and more about being grateful for the person that is passing it to you at the dinner table.

Am I saying you should be comatose come 5 p.m. Thanksgiving night? Absolutely not. But one day enjoying vibrant, flavorful and yes, fattening food isn’t going to put your body into a state of immediate weight gain.

Instead of dwelling on this singular day — where food and family are the main attraction — be mindful of your eating habits the other 364 days a year.

So enjoy your mom’s cooking, your sister’s baking, your aunt’s laughter and cousin’s jokes. Because, at the end of the day, November 26th 2015 will not make or break your ability to be healthy. What this day should in fact represent is something much deeper and more meaningful.

Be thankful. And for goodness sake, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, be beyond grateful for what’s plated in front of you. And, for the opportunity to go back for seconds 🙂

Happy HAPPY Thanksgiving, 

TTT

I Tried It: Just Add Cooking [a review]

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It’s always fun getting snail mail. I mean, who doesn’t love to coming home to a package sitting at your doorstep or even better, hearing the doorbell ring with a delivery — seriously, it’s like Christmas to me.

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So when given the opportunity to review Just Add Cooking, I jumped at the opportunity. Also, this meant more food and experimenting with new recipes … double win.

JAC is a Boston-based company that sources their ingredients locally as well as uses local farmers, vendors and and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. And if you live in the ‘burbs, no worries. JAC delivers throughout Eastern Massachusetts as well.

I decided on the 3-meal box for 2-people. The meals I chose were: Shepherd’s Pie, Indian Vegetable Curry and Vegetarian Hash. While I’m not a vegetarian, I traditionally opt for these types of dishes and tend to toss in my own proteins.

1st Meal: Shepherd’s PieIMG_5028

I’m not going to lie to you … I kind of flopped on this one. When selecting this meal I completely glazed over the fact there is ground beef in this recipe (which I’m not a fan of). SO, like a good friend and neighbor, I whipped up this dinner for one of my best friends and her husband to enjoy. And they LOVED it!

I have to say, it was really easy to prepare and was paired with a cabbage slaw that was equally as easy.

2nd Meal: Indian Vegetable Curry

You guys. This was by far my favorite. Savory, hearty and healthy, JAC made this meal a one-pot-wonder and it was as simple as chopping, sautéing and simmering. Served with traditional naan and I was in heaven.

I ate this for about 3 dinners in a row … I was that obsessed.

3rd Meal: Vegetarian Hash
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More of a side dish than an entree, the hash was relatively simple to make … unless you’re like me and set your fire alarm off 😉

What?! I’m not used to cooking in a new kitchen … give me a break!

Full of seasonal veggies like brussel sprouts and hearty potatoes, I served thiss hash up alongside a couple of eggs. This meal could have easily been served for breakfast as well!

Overall, JAC was a simple substitution to my traditional weekly meals … many of which include apples and peanut butter, veggies and hummus and popcorn 🙂 Only the finest at Chez Caroline.

This is definitely something I’d toss into my routine to shake up my mundane meals as well as learn some new recipes.

Good news for YOU: JAC is offering boxes starting at $39 (2-person, 3-meal box normally $69) as well as $69 for a 4-person, 3-meal box (normally $109). This is for new customers only and only for your first box. Visit JAC and register by clicking “Get Cooking.”

So, what are you waiting for?! Grab an apron and get cooking.

Oh yea, and don’t set off the fire alarm like I did. Turn on a fan or something.

-TTT