Category Archives: Food

Apr 19 2012

Hangover Heaven

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Have you heard about the latest craziness in Las Vegas? It’s called the Hangover Heaven bus.

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A man named Dr. Jason Burke developed this company, around a bus that travels throughout the city ready for those people who partied a little too hard the night before. According to the company’s website, this is how it works:

“treats clients intravenously (IV) with a special hydration solution consisting of vitamins, amino acids, and prescription medications. This safe and medically proven technique dramatically reduces recovery time from hours to minutes and helps the body avoid the harmful side-effects of a hangover.

The treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the Basic package and about an hour for the Premium package. Most people start feeling better after about 20 minutes.”

I suggest checking out their website to get educated (or shake your head rapidly?!) on the new company.

I don’t know about you guys … but I already can’t stand bus bathrooms. I’m sure this one is terrible.

Would you take a ride on the Hangover Heaven bus? I don’t think I would…

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When I was in my late teens (remember, the legal age is quite young in Canada) and drank much more than I do now, my immediate hangover “cure” was strange and a little bit gross. I believed in the power of orange (a prequel to yesterday’s post, perhaps?). I always drank a bottle of orange juice, a bottle of orange Powerade, and an entire bag of crunchy cheetos. Sometimes a jumbo bag. I told you it was gross. In addition to the crap listed on the ingredients … I left a trail of orange cheeto dust everywhere I went ;)

Maybe I thought monochromatic eating would heal me? I honestly don’t think it ever did.

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Now, I try to exercise the evil out … quietly. Hahahaha. In addition to that, I try to drink lots of water, catch up on sleep, and make Tylenol my best friend in the whole wide world.

And if we’re being honest here (which I always do on YHG), sometimes I just say screw it and order the greasiest cheeseburger/pizza/entire appetizer menu at the nearest restaurant. It happens. I always make sure to balance it out the next day with lots of fruits and veggies!

What are some of your hangover remedies? I apologize for the lack of “healthy choices” illustrated in today’s post ;)

Apr 13 2012

Onion Breath

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When I was a kid, onions were the enemy. White, green, red … I didn’t want any part of them.

My tastes obviously changed as I grew up, and now I use onions quite often when I cook. As my mom would say (when they were left on the edge of my plate at the dinner table), “you can’t even taste them … they taste exactly like whatever they were cooked in”.

First of all, Mom, you’re wrong. But that’s okay because I love them now. This week I’ve been practically obsessed.

Yesterday, I had red onion in my breakfast wrap (with egg whites, spinach, chia seeds, nutritional yeast and green peppers), in my lunch (a chicken pita wrap from a Greek restaurant at the mall) and it had a starring role in the quesadilla I made for supper.

Toppings spilling out! Green peppers/red onion/cheese/chicken/spinach, with cantaloupe on the side.

 

I was all out of Greek yogurt (warning: NEVER let that happen), so I drizzled some sriracha on top.

Did I mention that the onion pieces weren’t sautéed for any of my meals? Uncooked, baby. Raw, raw, raw. I don’t cook my veggies for a lot of meals … I like having the crunch included. I’m sure I probably smelled lovely all day.

Did you ever detest something (doesn’t have to be food) as a child but love it now? Or do you still push it around your plate so it looks like you ate some? ;) And don’t pretend you didn’t do that. I know all the tricks, guys.

I also used to have a severe aversion to refried beans, but now I’m such a Mexican food junkie that not liking them would practically be a sin.

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In unrelated, non vegetable news … I got another iPhone. A big, HUGE shout out to Apple for sending me a brand new (practically free) iPhone because mine was having periodic seizures.

Hello lover.

Hallelujah! And yes, I get inappropriately excited over menial, materialistic things. Guilty.

Have a wonderful weekend :) Do you have any exciting plans ? I want to hear about them!

Apr 10 2012

Lentil Lovin’

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10 months, 3 iPhones.

Seriously.

Apple is sending me my third phone this week. The one I currently have keeps spazzing out. It will be fine one second, not working at all the next second, and then completing freaking out the next.

Eeeeeesh. Here’s hoping that the third time truly is the charm :)

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Last week, for the very first time, I made lentil soup.

I used a couple different recipes for inspiration and developed my own.

In the mix:

3 cups of water
1 3/4 cups of lentils (soaked the night before)
3 cups of vegetable broth
3 stalks of celery, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
1 can of low sodium tomatoes
a shake of oregano
a small spoonful of garlic puree
salt and pepper

I threw everything into my slow cooker (seriously, one of the best inventions since the beginning of mankind). It simmered for about 6 hours, and left me with tons of filling soup.

I ate it by itself, and also paired it with rice to form a bit of a lentil jambalaya.

I ended up having a lot of leftovers, so I have two big containers waiting for me in the freezer for the next time I come home from work and don’t feel like cooking (this will probably be tomorrow, haha).

Are you a lentil lover? What are some ways you eat them? I like to add leftover lentils into mac and cheese.

Also, if you didn’t see it yesterday, head on over to Sub-three to see the guest post I wrote for Charles…

Have a wonderful day!

Apr 5 2012

A Little Bit Of Heaven

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We had a pot luck lunch at work yesterday. I love those days ;) This one was a little bit different though, because it was tied into the food bank drive we’re currently having.

The assignment? Bring in a dish for everyone to eat … and then bring in the non perishable ingredients to donate. Great idea, right (I’m on the committee, of course it was)?

My contribution was heavenly. The recipe came from a friend of my mama. I tried it one time, and needed to have the recipe. It’s not healthy. At all. It’s not friendly to people with particular diets. At all. But it is incredibly simple, and it will impress even the trickiest of people.

Here’s the recipe for what I’ve started to call “Heaven In A Pan” (you can call it whatever you want … as long as you pay tribute to the wonderfulness):

Step 1 (Rice Krispies squares)

1/2 cup margarine
400g mini marshmallows
8 1/2 cups Rice Krispies

Step 2 (Caramel Sauce)

1 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp white corn syrup
1 can condensed milk (I used Eagle Brand)

Some of the ingredients, thrown onto my kitchen table/paper holder/blogging space.

First up, make the rice krispie squares. If you’ve never done that before, wow. Hahahaha. But I’ll walk you through it.

Melt the marshmallows and margarine in the microwave. Stir it up. Add the rice krispies. Stir it up. Press it into a pan. Whew. Tough, right? ;)

Now, just put all of the sauce ingredients into a pot. Are you still with me? Keep it on low heat until it changes color (about 7 or 8 minutes). I highly encourage taste testing to make sure it has reached it’s full caramelness. I did, a lot. I actually ending up giving myself stomach ache!

Once the sauce has reached it’s full caramel potential, pour it onto the squares. Let it set (I put it in the fridge, although I wouldn’t call that necessary).

Then you can serve it to people and let them honor you.

The picture DOES NOT do them justice.

Apr 3 2012

Admitting Defeat

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A little over a week ago, I told you I was committing to a meal plan.

I was all for it. I sat down on Sunday and developed a detailed list. I knew what I was going to have for breakfast, lunch, and supper from Monday through Thursday. Everything was balanced. Everything was nutritious. I had such high hopes.

…no thank you.

I’m not a quitter. But I wholeheartedly admit defeat here. Meal planning is so not my thing.

I last until Tuesday night, maybe? Then I just felt like I was being forced to eat meals that I really didn’t want to. It’s not like the meals I had planned were atrocious and gross things like liver and onions or something (I’ve never actually tried them … the thought just is repulsive). It was filled with some of favorite items like smoothies, overnight oats, and wraps. None of them were taxing in the kitchen. I don’t think prep time for anything was more than 15 minutes.

I just don’t want someone (in this case, myself) forcing me to eat certain food. And no amount of airplanes noises helped either ;)

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So I changed my approach.

I revamped my daily plan. I developed one big list. I sat down again and did more brainstorming, writing down the most delicious meals in my limited repertoire. I listed them all. Then I referred to that list for the rest of the week.

The result was fantastic! When I came home from work each day, I already had a list of ideas scribbled down, waiting for me to pick something to eat. I tend to get into ruts with food … this is a terrific way of avoiding that. And the least amount of thinking at the end of the work day is always a bonus ;)

Have you ever really wanted to like something and just couldn’t make it happen?

Have a wonderful day! We’re one day closer to the end of a short work week!

Mar 30 2012

Condiments & A Sipping Snapshot

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Yesterday morning I woke up and thought, “yaaaay it’s Friday!”. If you’re familiar at all with how the seven days of the week work, you’ll know that definitely was not true. What a disappointment.

Let me tell you, there’s almost nothing worse than thinking it’s the last of the work week and then realizing it’s actually Thursday. But Friday is finally here now, and I’ve recovered from yesterday’s early morning trauma ;) What better way to celebrate the upcoming weekend than with a random post?

Random > everything else.

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Lately, there’s been one thing on my mind. I can’t stop thinking about it. I need it, I’ve gotta have it.

Mustard.

Seriously. I saw a picture of a meal with mustard on it the other day, and I’ve been itching to put that kick ass condiment on something ever since. Yesterday’s lunch was mustarded up to the max. There’s a mix of barley and chia seeds on the bottom, then steamed broccoli, peppers, asparagus, and carrots. Then a spoonful of Greek crack yogurt (you probably saw that coming if you’re a regular reader of YHG) and the beloved mustard.

So colorful! And incredibly delicious :)

What are your favorite condiments? In addition to the obvious mustard (and I’m counting Greek yogurt too), I love me some hot sauce. I think I’ve actually damaged tastebuds from my excessive use of it.

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The awesome Janice (seriously she’s a superhero mom and she’s Canadian) over at Fitness Cheerleader tagged me in a cute little post earlier this week.

It’s all about drinking coffee! The challenge is to take a photo of yourself enjoying your morning cup of java (and I promise to never use that phrase again). In my case, it was a cup of Mom’s Apple Pie green tea made by the fine folks at David’s Tea. It’s the best tea company on the planet. I’ve been planning on doing a big, dramatic post about how much I love them. I just haven’t got to it yet.

I’ve never shown my face on Yellow Haired Girl before, and I haven’t decided whether or not I’m going to yet. So here’s a happy medium. Mid sip.

Try looking at a camera without spilling on yourself. Also, try looking at a camera without smiling and attempt to not look like a crazy psycho.

That’s my favorite mug. It’s so big (TWSS), I’m pretty sure my whole face could fit in it if I tried. That hasn’t happened yet, but don’t count it out ;)

Are you a coffee drinker? I am – but only sometimes. I usually stick to a smoothie or a cup of tea. But I always drink at least one cup of tea at my desk once I get to work, too!

Mar 27 2012

WIAW: A Triumphant Return

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When I find something I like, I stick with it. I’m talking inseparable.

I go hard until I get very, very, very sick of the particular obsession. And I’m not just talking food, guys. I’ve had this affliction with every single season of The OC (sorry Adam Brody, we’re on a break), vanilla cupcake flavored coffee (the Van Houtte people are brilliant), and even certain flavors of chapstick.

My latest obsession? Overnight oats.

You see, I’ve had this addiction before. I ate a big, cold bowl of overnight oats every single day for several months, and then didn’t want to see it again.

But they’re baaaaaaaack. A triumphant return, you might say.

This week’s WIAW (hosted by the stupendous Jenn at Peas and Crayons) is full of oaty goodness.

Thursday:

Kamut flakes/green juice/Greek yogurt/chia seeds/flax seed oil, topped with berries and crunchy PB

Friday:

Kamut flakes/green juice/Greek yogurt/chia seeds/flax seed oil, topped with sunflower butter and trail mix

Monday:

Kamut flakes/chocolate protein powder/chocolate almond milk/Greek yogurt/flax seed oil, topped with cranberry granola

I even had a ginormous container of them for LUNCH on Tuesday:

Kamut flakes/green juice/Greek yogurt/an apple/a banana/flax seed oil/chia seeds, topped with trail mix. With kombucha on the side!

See what I mean? It’s go hard or go home in my household. Stay tuned next month for a post detailing why I hate overnight oats so much and never, ever, ever want to see a bowl of them again ;)

I’ll leave you with two more meals this week, just brimming with vegetables (that’s a big deal for the weekly WIAW party!).

Monday’s dinner:

A shredded chicken breast, roasted butternut squash, barley, and edamame.

With a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side, of course ;) gotta mix all that goodness together!

Tuesday’s dinner:

A salmon fillet, barley, roasted butternut squash/sweet potato/carrots/broccoli, topped with more Greek yogurt.

A big thank you again to Jenn for hosting this weekly shindig :)

I’m off to drool over some other WIAWs. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Mar 27 2012

You Know…

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You know you’ve really been missing working out when the alarm goes off at 6AM on a Monday and you practically fly out of bed with excitement.

You know you really went too hard, too fast when you have to cut your workout short by 20 minutes because those sprints you just did may lead you to throw up in front of everyone at the gym (I’ve never had that happen before, can’t say I liked it).

You know you want spring to arrive when you decide to wear a bright white spring jacket and flats when it’s zero degrees Celsius (that’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit).

You know it was probably stupid to see that it’s only zero degrees outside yet you choose to walk to work for the first time in months. Brrrr.

You know you have a problem when instead of checking your work email once you get to your desk, you automatically and mindless log right on to Pinterest.

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You know that making plans to try out a new Thai restaurant on Friday will lead you to daydream at work about curry/have nightmares about losing your appetite/drool sporadically this entire week.

You know it was a productive Monday (minus the Pinterest incident) when you fall asleep (I’m talking “dead to the world” sleep) at precisely 5:40 that evening, and don’t wake up until someone texts you more than an hour later.

You know you have too many bottles of nail polish when you can paint every finger a different shade of green.

You know there’s hope for you yet when you turn on E! during your lunch break … and there’s an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians you’ve never watched before.

…But then you watch it, so maybe you are hopeless. ;)

Fill in the blank for me! You know….

Mar 26 2012

A Meal Plan

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So, tell me. How was your weekend?

Mine was fantastic. I was able to spend time with a great group of people Friday night, then went to The Hunger Games on Saturday. Just so you know, I’ll be seeing it 8 more times and then buying it on DVD. It was done so well, and stayed as true to the book as possible. Oh just awesome.

But the weekend wonders didn’t stop there! I had a reunion with a group of friends that I had been missing dearly on Saturday. So many laughs, such a spectacular night.

I have the greatest friends.

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Now I’m ready for the week … and it’s going to be healthy one! I’m FINALLY recovered from my cold (hooray!!!) and I’m hopping back on the healthy train. And I’m taking a new approach.

I’ve made a meal and exercise plan for the next five days.

While I had a blast in glass this weekend, I treated my body a little like a garbage receptacle. I’m talking beer, pizza, nachos, greasy concoctions … zero nutrition. Kinda like how Ron Ron eats when they get back from Karma on a Saturday night. And as delicious as it all was, bacon was involved in at least two meals, come on now ;)  , I’m ready to commit to eating clean this week.

Also, my groceries are dwindling and my plan will carefully utilize what’s left in the fridge :)

I’ve never meal planned before, but I’m very excited about it! I’m looking forward to getting back on track.

And the scheduled workouts?! I can’t wait. Typically, I just go to the gym and do my thang without a lot of planning ahead of time. Since I wasn’t feeling top notch last week, my workouts were 98% non-existent (except for the sweaty attempt on Wednesday). Now I’m craving sweat. You must know what I mean, right?

I can't WAIT to feel better. Yaaaay sweat!

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Did you have a stellar weekend? Do you meal plan?

Have a great day – and how can you not, since I managed to fit three Jersey Shore references into this post?! I did that just for you :)

Mar 19 2012

Getting This Off My Chest

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Frustrated.

That’s how I feel sometimes when people comment on my body. I eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables, I work hard at the gym, I get lots of sleep … I do everything I’m supposed to do to live the healthiest life. And as a result, I’m happy with my body. Very happy! I’m healthy. I’m proud of myself – because while I was never overweight when I was in high school and college, I wasn’t always leading the healthiest, most balanced lifestyle.

But I get so frustrated when some people make snap judgements about me. Some people look at me … and because I fit comfortably into a size 4 … they just assume “that girl doesn’t eat” or “that girl is a gymaholic”. I’ve received this from family, friends and even coworkers (one in particular says it regularly). Or, on the flip side of not eating at all … friends have watched me enjoy a plate of pasta and a cupcake for dessert and then said, “you must have a really high metabolism, because there’s no way you can eat that sort of stuff and look like you do without one”.

My metabolism tends to work at a higher rate because I get off my butt and WORK OUT. And I can enjoy a plate of spaghetti and a delicious dessert because I believe in balance. I’m not going to deprive myself from things I enjoy (hello, chocolate and carbs!). I just know how to do it right.

People I haven’t seen in a while? They say “oh my goodness, there’s nothing to you!”. That’s most definitely not true. I’m strong, I have muscle. There’s A LOT to me.

5 lbs of muscle vs 5 lbs of fat

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I don’t go through life fishing for compliments from others. I live my lifestyle for me, because it makes me feel good. And because of this outlook, I really shouldn’t let those words distract me. But they do sometimes, I’m only human.

If you’re going to comment on my body … don’t put me in that category of people who have come to look like they do through unhealthy means.

Don’t reflect your unhappiness with your self-image by cutting me down. Also, there’s a BIG difference between being thin and being fit. I am fit. Stop telling me I’m skinny.

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Maybe this post doesn’t make any sense. If you read this and it just seems like a big jumble of words, I apologize. Come back tomorrow for something more lighthearted and coherent ;) I just wanted to get this off my chest, and the last thing I want to do is come across as having a “holier than thou” sort of attitude. I just want to know if anyone else feels the same way.

Do you put work into living a healthy life, and people assume (because they might be uneducated or have a poor view of their own body) that you are unhealthy? Do you let it get to you like I do sometimes?