Turkey Lettuce Wraps

If you know me, you know my obsession with The Biggest Loser and Jillian Michaels.  I don't know what it is...but I can watch one episode and immediately feel the need to go run to the gym and drink water from a Brita.  So needless to say, when I'm hungry and watching the show, I always want something they make that looks healthy.  I also went to a baby shower this weekend and ate WAY to many white chocolate covered Oreo's (they were amazing).  So I took a vow of no carbs today.

Lettuce Wraps seemed like the perfect answer.  These little healthy wraps are perfect for a weekday night as well cause they only take about 20 minutes to make and are an instant hit (especially after the gym when you need a little protein kick).

I got this recipe from Delish.com ! Serves about 4.  I modified their version a little bit by adding more veggies.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. ground chicken breast (you can make this with turkey or tofu as well - equally as yummy)
2 tablespoons all natural or low-fat peanut butter
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce
1 small can drained chopped water chestnuts
1/2 chopped onion
1 green pepper (or red)
4 chopped celery stalks
4-6 leaves romaine lettuce

 
PREPARATION
1. In a pan, heat olive oil. Add ground chicken and brown; stir occasionally to separate the meat.
2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce; and teriyaki sauce to the chicken until well mixed.
3. Add water chestnuts, onion; and cashews.

I felt that a bloody would go very well with this meal.

4. After chicken is completely brown, let simmer for about five minutes; stirring every couple of minutes. Uncover and cook until a thick consistency.

Ben was waiting for a taste too!  Sorry bud. Ok, I almost gave him some but feel like I heard that turkey isn't good for dogs.

xo,
zo

Tea for Two

It's December.  Everyone is flipping out that it's December and everyone is sick.  It's making me a walking anxiety attack.  So besides from washing the shit out of your hands and putting an air purifier in your office (true story I did that), "they" say that you should be drinking a lot of fluids.  I totally agree but also think that you might as well spruce up your fluids with some health benefits.  Some people think a hot cup of tea can prevent sickness. Do I agree...not really.  BUT I do think tea helps and it tastes good AND there are other great qualities tea brings to the table.  I'm not going to go into them here but take a look at the health effects of tea.

Not all of us have the time or patience to go get loose leaf tea and get all of the utensils needed to make it. Although, if you do, the tea is freakin' awesome and you can find the stuff to make it at Teavana.  If you don't know what you want or need go to one of their stores and an expert will help you.

So below is my top list of grocery store teas. At the grocery store there are usually two tea areas, one near the coffee and another in the health food section.  I have nothing against generic tea but it's like eating two gummy bears in the morning instead of gummy vitamins (that was a horrible example but you get the picture).  So, walk yourself over to the health food section and pick up one of my favorites below:

1. Yogi Tea.  Check out their tea finder so you can find the perfect tea for your mood/ailment.
2. A Mighty Leaf. You want the tea pouches.  This site also has a tea finder.
3. Traditional Medicinals. This stuff is organic so that's cool. Also the purpose of the tea is on the box so you can just go straight to the store and pick what's best.

We used to have this kettle growing up. It whistles!

When all else fails, go for any Celestial Seasonings tea.  They're all pretty good.

xo,
zo

No no, thank YOU!

Every email I have gotten in the last month has been about a Thanksgiving sale or what to eat to not be in a food coma for the weekend. I totally could have written a post giving you tips on how to eat healthy, what to shy away from or even substations. But I'm not gonna do that. You may be asking yourself, but why Zoe? The reason, you can get all of that info from the bagillion emails you have probably received also.

My tip for you this Thanksgiving is to enjoy yourself. Spend time with your friends and family. One day of eating a little unhealthy is totally ok. Pick a few things that you just can't live without and then load up on the veggies. Take a long run or long cardio session the next day after your shopping binge and you will quickly get back into your normal routine.

If you want to feel extra good about life, make a food donation to a local shelter for peeps that aren't as lucky as you to be able to stuff your face with mom's marshmallow sweet potatoes, they will be very thankful.

VOLS sweet potatoes - a family tradition.

Also - thank you for reading my blog! It's been really fun to write and I'm excited for many more Thanksgivings with you all!

Xo,
Zo

Miller Union

Ok, don't kill me but the meal at Miller Union was so good (and I was a little drunk) that I forgot to take pictures of the food.  Whoops, my bad.  BUT the good thing is that the meal was amazing there were definitely healthy options, even though I didn't necessarily choose to eat all of them (you have to splurge sometimes right?).

All of the food is prepared farm to table and they have a great "Harvest Dinner" every third Tuesday of each month where all meals are served family style and it's $35 per person for 3 courses, yum! My suggestion - arrive 15 to 20 minutes early and have a cocktail at the bar.  It's a great scene and the bartenders are very knowledgeable and make very tasty drinks (a little too tasty).  Try the Miller Thyme or the French Connection. 

 My Order:
- Farm Egg Baked in Celery Cream w/ Rustic Bread (ok so this is not so healthy but it was delicious).
- Carolina scamp grouper, leeks, fennel, radish, celery

Xo,
zo

Comfort Cuisine (Kinda)

We all want it, we just don't want the calories associated with gorging into a huge chunk of fried chicken with some deliciously gooey mac & cheese.  I was challenged with this conundrum a few weeks ago and didn't know what to do.  Do I go to Whole Foods and get the chicken fried tofu, do I just say F it and head over to South City Kitchen or do I be the Skinny Peach that I know I want to be and try to make a healthy version of this age old southern delicacy? Obviously the answer was C. try and make a healthy version.

Recipe for: Bab's Cornflake Chicken w/ Vegan Mac & Cheese

What you will need:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Chicken breasts
- Corn Flakes
- Honey
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder

Directions

Chicken: Put the oil in a bowl.  Put a lot of cornflakes in a different bigger bowl and ad a few shakes of paprika as well as garlic, salt and pepper to taste (I don't like a lot). Dip the chicken breast in the oil, let a lot of it drip off.  Then place the chicken in the cornflake mixture, push down on both sides so it's totally covered and then throw it in a baking dish.  Once you've coated all of the chicken drizzle some honey on top and bake for 375 for about 30 - 45 minutes. 

Mac and Cheese: follow directions on box.  I took a look at a handful of different options and chose the vegan version with the least amount of sodium, calories and fat.  Dairy Free Shells and Cheese (what a clever name). I thought it was delicious...my boyfriend had mixed feelings.  I bought one other box but haven't tried it yet. I'll keep you posted.

Broccolini: Steam and Serve (tough one).

TA DA!!!!!!

xo ya'll,
zo

Tailgating Troubles

In light of the much hyped about big game tonight, Tennessee vs MTSU :), I figured it was topical to give everyone a few healthy tailgating food ideas and tips.

 It's so easy to get off the wagon on days like today, especially after a few traditional Jack & Coke's.  However, you don't want to wake up with a hangover AND the feeling of guilt because you ate an entire tupperware of queso, gorged yourself on greasy fried wings and popped more than a handful of brownie bites.

Whenever I am faced with this challenge there are a few rules I try and keep:
- Portion control. Good lord - did you really need to eat an entire bag of chips?
- Atkins diet on game day.  TRY and stick to the meats and veggies (again remember the portion control).
- If people are hanging out and chatting around the food, catch up with your friends that aren't in arms reach of the table.  You'll be less likely to snack on stuff you're not hungry for.

A few foods that are healthy that are surefire at all tailgates. And if they're not, you can always bring food.  The hosts will always appreciate it.
- Guacamole
- Pita Chips
- Veggies (sometimes I steal all of the celery from the wing tray, whoops)
- Smoked meats (in moderation and w/ no sauce). My fav is smoked brisket.

Also, make sure to pick ONE thing to treat yourself to or once you get drunk you'll eat everything in sight. Or maybe that's just me but I usually indulge in 3 or 4 wings.

Happy Tailgating and GO XXX (Fill in the blank for your team) VOLS!

xo,
zo

Acne Dote

I mean what am I...13? My face is breaking out like a teenager and it's giving me an anxiety attack. I went to the dermatologist and she was no help.  Gave me some topical bs that didn't do one thing.  I tried the Target version of Proactive and nothing.  I was about to burn a few layers of my face off but figured I'd try some natural stuff first for one last go round.  Oddly enough...it worked!  I went to the face wash area at Whole Foods and saw a wash that said "Better skin in 7 days." Yes please.  So check out alba Botanica acne dote.  I used the deep poor wash and oil controlling lotion.  They were about 12 bucks a pop but well worth it.

 Ok, so I realize this isn't my usual workout or or food post but I figure this revolves around health and appearance so I might as well, whateves. If this bs is happening to me, it's got be happening to other people...right?

BTW - can you believe it's November? Lord.  Good luck to all you fellas growing staches for Movember!

Xo,
zo