HomeSICK

I have a pretty big camping/climbing/hiking trip coming up on Wednesday and after 3 days of

that we are driving to see my fam in the metropolis known as Williamsburg, VA.  In light of this trip I've been taking all of the necessary precautions to NOT get sick (washing my hands, sleeping a lot, eating healthy, getting exercise) but I woke up today and didn't feel super awesome.  I think my body is telling me it's been too long since I've been home. Time to call in the troops.

See below for my go-to list of things to ingest to ward off the sick monster.

- Ardens Garden Grand Slams. The benefits of this little drink are huge. These little shots detoxify, fight illness and boost your immune system. A grand slam is a shot of Wheatgrass Juice, Ginger, Lemon Juice and Cranberry Juice.  Each of the 1oz shots have their own awesome qualities filled with vitamins to keep you healthy. Note: I ask for a pineapple juice chaser for after.

 

- Green Tea, Green Tea and more Green Tea.  Major antioxidants.
- Odwalla Mo'Beta (Antioxidants, Beta Carotene, Vitamins C & E)

- Water (tons of it)
- I've also heard that chewing on raw garlic helps.  Maybe I'll try that tonight.
- Mom's chicken & matzoh ball soup (hopefully I will be better by the time I'm  home but this marvelous concoction works EVERY time).

Wish me luck.

xo,
zo

Seasons 52

So Seasons 52 doesn't win the award for local restaurant with the most character (it's a national chain) but it IS a great place to share a good glass of wine with a friend, catch up and have a pretty healthy dinner. Not to mention that if you sit at the bar you have the pleasure of listening to a true Michael Bolton look-alike play the piano and he take requests.

They use natural cooking techniques (wood-fire and brick oven cooking) and promise that nothing on the menu is over 475 calories. But just because something is low in calories doesn't mean it's nutritious for you.  Pick your entree wisely (i.e. whole grains, tons of veggies, low sodium, lean protein).

My Delicious Order (Click Here to view the full menu):
- Farmer's Market Vegetable Plate: Summer Corn, Grilled Tofu, Carrots, Roasted Golden Beets, Almond Tabbouleh. I asked for grilled asparagus and broccoli instead of the tomato tapenade and gave my mushrooms away (gross). 

Make sure to specifically ask for no salt.  They tend to get a little aggressive with the sodium.
(380 Cal, 17g Fat, 11g Fiber, 15g Protein)

Optional Cocktail: We ordered a bottle of the Schug Pinot Noir and it was really good.

Awesome Tip: Our waitress told us it is now legal in Georgia to take your unfinished bottle of wine home from a restaurant.  She corked it up, threw it in a bag and sent us on our merry way. Please note - it's obviously still illegal to drink and drive.

xo,
zo

Take me out to the Ball Game!

But good lord don't make me eat the food! I thought a Braves baseball game would be a great place to find some hidden healthy treasures to talk to you all about but lord was I mistaken. Let me rephrase, there are healthy options, but they do NOT taste so awesome.  Case in point, the veggie dog (see below). This so-called veggie dog has a similar consistency of a hotdog, but was anything but.

Not even Ketchup could save this veggie dog.

I tried to find a veggie burger but after walking around for 15 minutes and asking at least 6 vendors I gave up only to find that if you get lucky and get to tag along with someone who has awesome seats (thanks J) you can order a black bean burger with avocado and grilled veggies! The one caveat is I think you have to be in the Henry Aaron section to get this.

Our Awesome Seats!

 My one awesome find: Gluten Free Stand!  It looked like the grilled chicken sandi was the best but how cool is that for all you gluten free gals (the logo is my fav).

So, after all of this my suggestion for Braves games...bring your own food! It's the healthiest and cheapest way to eat at the ball park.

Suggestions:
- Publix whole wheat wrap with tons of veggies and little light honey mustard
- Subway sandi. Always whole wheat and go for turkey, veggie burger or veggie. They have avocado now too!

xo,
zo

Freezer Burn

Did a little light grocery shopping a few nights ago for breakfast, lunch and snack options for this week.  I usually shop on Monday because I have a better idea of what I'm doing for the rest of the week so it helps me save money and not waste food if I know I'm going out.  This trip was more about navigating the freezer section (i.e. how to steer clear of the frozen pizzas).

So here is my list of healthy and nutritious staples that I like to have around my freezer (and a few extras). 

• Veggie Patch faux chicken nuggets (4 Nugs - 190 Cal, 8g fat, 3g fiber 10g protein)
• Avocados
• VitaTops Egg, Cheese & Veggie (150 Calories per Sandi!)
• Silk Pure Almond Milk in Dark Chocolate (90 Calories and perfect for a snack)
• Butter lettuce
• Low Sodium Ezekial Break, i love this stuff (1 slice - 80 cal, .5g fat, 4g protein, 0 sodium)
• Morningstar Soysage (80 cal, 3g fat, 10g protein)
• Almond Breeze Unsweetened Milk (40 Calories)
• Green Giant Healthy Heart Steamers (90 cal, 2.5 fat)
• Kashi Spicy Black Bean Enchilada (260 cal, 7g fat, 8g fiber, 8g protein)
• Morningstar Lasagna (270 Cal, 6g fat, 20g protein)
• Organic Pasture Raised Half and Half (for my coffee)
• Egg Whites

Non-Bootcamp Bootcamp

 Does the image below make you nervous? If so, please continue reading!

I feel pretty confident saying I'm not the only one that hits the gym hard when I know I have a pool or lake trip planned.  It seems as though the best option would be bootcamp but I'm not such a big fan. I'm not knocking it at all, I've tried a few in the park and it's just not for me. Let me explain...I don't like when people yell at me when I'm working out. I usually don't even like positive reinforcement because I like to motivate myself with thoughts of me in a bikini (gasp) or hard core rap music (word).

So when I tell you all about this, keep in mind, it's not your normal bootcamp, it's SO much better!

Who: Anyone that wants to look and feel fit and active. Instructors James and Amber are both awesome local personal trainers.  I take a bootcamp class with James at Urban Body Fitness and although I thoroughly dislike him during the class, I thank him repeatedly when I go to the pool.

What: Tough Love FIT(Functional Intense Training).  This isn't just push ups and crunches.  The instructors focus on body sculpting and endurance.

Where: John Howell Park on Virginia Avenue in the Highlands.

When: 4 classes a week (1 hour). Classes Start July 1.
- Mondays 6:30pm
- Tuesdays 5:45am
- Thursdays 5:45am AND 6:30pm

Rates:
1 session: $35
4 sessions/month: $120/month
8 sessions/month: $230/month
Unlimited Sessions: $300/month

Why: ummm duh. Remember the picture above?  I'll pass on the anxiety attack.

To register just email: agoppert@gmail.com

xo,
zo

It's Not a Spritza!

I've been on a mission to find the perfect low-cal summer cocktail for a while.  Something that is refreshing, light and contains alcohol.  I tried skinny margaritas last summer. The real skinny, not the one with agave nectar. The real skinny is a shot of patron, shot a triple sec and a LOT of limes. The problem with these are I would have one and be done for the night (whoopsie).  I don't do mocktails. It's really not worth the sugar. So if alcoholic beverages aren't your thing go for iced green tea with lemon or soda water with lime.  The Skinny Peach is one of my favorite cocktails to drink poolside, at the lake or at one of Atlanta's many summer festivals.  Ok, so maybe it's kind of a spritzer, but I'll never admit it! :)

The Skinny Peach:
- 1/2 can of Fresca Peach Citrus (0 Calories)
- 1/4 cup of white wine (100 Calories)
- Ice
(if you're at the bar you can try ordering with Sprite Zero but it's not gonna be as delicious).

Cheers Skinny Peaches!

xo,
zo

Workday Breakfast

As much as I would like to cook a full breakfast during the work week, 80% of the time it doesn't happen.  What can I say, I like sleep more than I like scrambled eggs.

So this breakfast isn't some grand concoction or Top Chef recipe.  BUT it's super easy, takes about 5 minutes to make and provides some healthy goodies that will keep you satisfied throughout the morning.  It is packed with fiber (that will keep you from getting hungry later), tons of antioxidants, protein and doesn't taste like cardboard (yessss)!  Ok, so it's a fancy cereal recipe and I thought twice about putting a cereal suggestion up as my first recipe, but really, who doesn't love cereal!?!?  Also, every book I've read gives me all of these delicious but super time consuming breakfast recipes so I figured I'd give you guys what I really eat.  That's what this is all about right?

What you'll need:
- 3/4 cup of Kashi GoLean Crunch (190 calories, 3g fat, 9g protein, 8g fiber)
- 1 cup Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Less than 1/3 the calories of skim milk. (40 calories, 3.5g fat, 1g protein)
- 1/4 cup of washed organic blueberries
- 3 washed and quartered organic strawberries
Optional: If you would like more protein, just sprinkle some whey protein on top!

Probably should have washed my counters but how good does all of that fruit look!

Like I said, I'm no Emeril, but BAM this breakfast is Yum-ee. Plus, when I eat healthy breakfasts it helps me make smarter decisions throughout the day!

xo,
zo

No You're a Dirty Runner

As a runner, I’m always trying to look for new routes and interesting courses that entertain me while I run so I don’t get bored.  With the Dirty Spokes trail running series being bored is not an option. Mainly because you will fall flat on your face (or butt) if you aren’t fully engaged in the course.  There are two options a 2.5 mile and a 5 mile run.  I’m pretty sure the 5 mile version is just two laps of the 2.5 mile loop.  I did a Dirty Spokes run last November and besides from freezing my butt off and snotting all over the place, this was a GREAT run.

This next one is June 25^th in Cumming and starts at 8:30am.  But, they last throughout the whole year so if this date doesn’t work you can find another time.

Check it out: http://www.dirtyspokes.com/tr_races.php?trraceid=3&trpageid=6



Central Park Mountain Bike/Running Trail, Cumming, GA

If you have trail running shoes I would definitely suggest wearing them. If not, just make sure you wear something with a lot of ankle support. You will most likely roll your ankle a few times because of the roots and rocks on the path.

Happy Trails!

Xo,

zoe

Verde Taqueria

It's no secret that besides from a good bowl of matzoh ball soup, Mexican cuisine is my comfort food.  There's just something about the crunch of hot tortilla chips dipped in fresh guacamole and then in warm queso (yes I'm a double dipper) that makes me feel like all is well in the world. But alas, eating an entire bowl of chips washed down with a sugary margarita and fried chicken tacos is not the most healthy dinner.

It's not hard eating healthy Mexican food and Verde in Brookhaven makes it easy. What you WILL need, will power.  My theme to healthy Mexican ordering is "Say no to ques-o."

My Order:

• Grilled Veggie Taco (zucchini, squash, onions, peppers, black beans) no sour cream
• 1/2 portion of the Verde Salad with grilled tilapia, no cheese
• A few chips, (I can't help myself) salsa and guacamole. 
• Optional Cocktail: Organic Margarita (100% blue agave tequila, 100% organic agave nectar, and fresh squeezed lime juice)

Say No to Ques-o!

Xo,
zo

Stone Summit - Indoor Rock Climbing

I read somewhere a while ago that toning your shoulders makes you look skinnier.  If that's the case, everyone should have a membership to Stone Summit.  If you haven't heard of it already, it's the nation's largest rock climbing gym right here in our hometown, off 85.  The first time I went I could barely lift my arms for a day or two after.  That being said, I think the proper technique is to use your arms to guide you and your legs should do all of the pushing up.  Either way, it's a great workout and only $12 for a full day (pretty cheap) and they give you everything, shoes, harness, etc.

A few things to note:
- It gets crowded as all get out so go early. 
- Go with someone that is belay certified or no one is doing much of anything on the higher walls.
- If you can't find anyone to go with that is belay certified, give the boulder room a try. It's ropeless climbing with a max height of around 15 feet.
- They also have spin, yoga and abs classes plus cardio machines and weights.  Take a look at their site for schedules. 

This place is great for getting out and doing something totally unique, especially if you're looking for a little muscle confusion.

Rock Climbing Walls - Up to 60ft!

Bouldering Room

p.s. If you are single wear something outdoorsy and cute, there are tons of shirtless guys climbing around and who knows, you might just accidentally fall into one of their arms! I can't believe I just wrote that, haha.

Belay on! (sorry it was just too easy).

xo,
zo

The Porter Beer Bar

For a place that is known for it's bar food (and 430 beers) The Porter has a few interesting and organic options for the healthy eater.  I will say, it's pretty difficult ordering healthy when everyone around you is chowing down on 1/2 pound cheeseburgers, buffalo shrimp po-boys and herb & garlic oil french fries (I may have accidentally tried a few fries and they were pretty damn awesome). That being said, I read a quote (can't remember where) that came to mind as I was contemplating my order. "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Not sure if I actually believe that but it does make you think before you order a side of fries.

My Order:
-  Organic Black Bean Burger made with quinoa (I ate the burger sans bun and no pickled onion, oh and just added a little of the feta).
-  Organic Arugula Salad (get the dressing on the side)
-  Beer: Ace Pear Cider (155 calories)

xo,
zo

Noche!

My first encounter: Noche in Brookhaven. To some, tapas may be annoying, especially if you didn’t learn to share as a little kid.  For me, it’s forced portion control.  Fried potatoes, fried lobster tail, trailer park tacos (filled with fried chicken) and other less healthy options fill the menu.  And as much as I would like to order the queso and drink the bowl, I stick to my guns and order a much healthier option.
The good thing here is that they have a ton of vegetarian options.  Note: just because a dish is vegetarian doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Case in point, queso.  

My Order:

-          Hummus (ask for sliced raw veggies instead of Pita Bread)

-          One Grilled Vegetable Taco

-          Grilled Chicken & Vegetable Skewer
-          Optional Cocktail: Rum and Diet Coke

xo,
zo

Welcome all you Skinny Peaches!

It's official, my first blog post (do most bloggers start out with that same line?).  After a year or two of consistently googling "healthy restaurants Atlanta" or "cool fitness classes Atlanta" and getting the same results over and over again I finally decided on two things. One, that I am definitely not the only gal in Atlanta searching for these things. Two, I could do something about it. So here I am, welcoming you to my Blog, Skinny Peaches.

Each week you'll find one of a few things:

- Healthy local restaurants

- Healthy ordering options at not so healthy local restaurants

- Fitness classes in the area I have tried and loved (or love/hated)

- Outdoor activities around Atlanta

- The occasional healthy recipe

- The occasional healthi-er cocktail recipe

- Healthy living tips

- Maybe even a guest blogger here and there (ohhh the suspense).

Just because you want to be a healthy person doesn't mean you have to skip dinner with the girls or workout like a crazy person 3 hours a day!  This blog will give you tips and trends to live a healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally (while still being able to occasionally indulge in a bowl of Taqueria del Sol queso).

Note: I’m not a doctor, nurse or certified at anything (except CPR when I was 19). I have done every diet/workout book that I can think of. From Skinny Bitch, Weight Watchers and South Beach, to workouts by Jillian Michaels and training for a triathalon. I am just relaying to you some of the takeaways I've learned from these experiences as well as what has worked for me and what makes me feel good about myself and my life.

Stay tuned for more!

xo,

zo