Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 06:47 AM
You have to sing that to the tune of Happy Days Are Here Again. Here in the Northeast, we are finally enjoying some beautiful spring time weather. And there’s nothing like some sunshine and mild temperatures to make me start eating salad for lunch again. It is such a refreshing feeling to have salad cravings!
I made that one while lunching at home.
- Green leaf and romaine lettuce (NuVal score of 100)
- Cucumbers (NuVal score of 93)
- Cocktail tomatoes (NuVal score of 96)
- Grilled asparagus (NuVal score of 100, but the olive oil we used to grill it only gets an 11)
- Full Circle Garbanzo beans (NuVal score of 82)
- Boar’s Head sliced cheddar cheese (not yet scored)
- Newman’s Own light Italian dressing (NuVal score of 3)
I paired it with 2 Ryvita crackers (NuVal score of 87) and some Cedar’s roasted red pepper hummus (NuVal score of 61). It was so good, I had to make it in a bring-to-work version.
This time I swapped my Ryvita for some Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Flour Pita Bread (NuVal score of 65), added a clementine (NuVal score of 94), and finished up with a cup of Mint Medley tea and a few dark chocolate chips.
My office partner, Rachel, is on a salad kick too.
Between Rachel, Tina, and myself, there’s a lot of noisy crunching going on!
Remember my cool new lunch bag? Well, the kind people at Built NY sent me one to give away to one lucky ABBG reader!
The bag is called the Gourmet Getaway. So, today, in honor of the new beautiful Spring weather, I’m having a Gourmet Getaway Giveaway!
I love my lunch bag. Our Office Manager here at NuVal stopped by my office today and spied it. She thought is was a purse, not a lunch bag! She agreed that it is The Bomb!
The nice people at BuiltNY also sent me a laptop sleeve. For me – sorry, not to give away. Isn’t it cool though?
It’s made of neoprene (the wetsuit material) and it is checkpoint friendly so you can get through airport security faster. And, best of all, it matches my running shoes!
If you love BuiltNY stuff too, you can become a fan on Facebook. I know that next, I am shopping for one of their camera cases for my poor abused digital camera.
To Enter the Gourmet Getaway Giveaway:
All you need to do is comment below and answer the following question:
- If you won the Gourmet Getaway, what would you put in it and what is the NuVal score of that item?
For ideas, check out this blog, or our other two NuVal blogs: Trading Up Downtown or Nutrition Outlook. You can also find interesting scores on the NuVal site.
But wait, there’s more!
I am also throwing in a limited edition NuVal water bottle!
You get all this for one low price of leaving a little comment! You can’t go wrong. Hurry, the contest closes at 11:59 pm Eastern time tonight! I can’t wait to hear what you have to say! Happy Spring!
Winner of the Dreamfields GiveAway
Wow! It’s a big week for GiveAways! Congratulations to Commenter #16, Christina. You’ve won yesterday’s Trade-Up Tuesday GiveAway!
Posted by: Melissa
Posted in: Lunch, Salad
Tags: BuiltNY
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Hello Blog Friends! It’s Trade-Up Tuesday, the day where I blog about a Trade-Up I’ve made since learning about NuVal and give some of it away. Do you remember me telling you how dreamy Dreamfields pasta is? I love it so much I just had to make it a GiveAway! And it is worth you taking the time to comment because Dreamfields retails for $2.79 a box at my local grocery store. So it ain’t cheap. I’m giving away 4 different boxes: spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, and rotini. All of these Dreamfields varieties get Rock Star scores of 87on the NuVal scale. Why, oh why, eat plain pasta? I’m also giving away a fabulous NuVal T-shirt! Which I would advise you NOT to wear while eating your Dreamfields smothered in tomato sauce.
Speaking of tomato sauce, I highly recommend my friend Heather’s amazing marinara sauce. I made some last week and it was incredible.
It is the perfect accompaniment to your Dreamfields pasta.
So, why do I love Dreamfields so much that I’m willing to pay a higher price for it? Well, long-time readers of ABBG know that I’ve traded up to whole wheat pastas (most notably, Barilla Plus, score of 91) since learning about NuVal scores. What I love about Dreamfields is that there is nothing wheaty about it at all. It tastes just like regular pasta. Actually better. It’s so smooth and creamy. That is the only way I can describe it.
To Enter:
In keeping with the Dreamy theme of today’s giveaway, leave me a comment below telling me either:
- A “carb” score that you find interesting in the Scores section of the NuVal website. (Bread, crackers, cereal)
OR
- What you most like to daydream about
Leave your comment by 11:59 pm Eastern time tonight. I’ll randomly select one lucky winner. Good Luck!
Posted by: Melissa
Posted in: Dreamfield's, Pasta, Trade-Up Tuesday
Tags: Dreamfield's
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 07:23 AM
I was born in 1970. All my life, that has been very convenient. My age just went along with the years. It was very easy for everyone to remember my age - including myself. It is not so convenient this year, since 2010 minus 1970 equals 40. For. Teee. Yes, I’m really turning forty. In May. Sigh.
I’ve been trying to get mentally ready for this year. I started reading More magazine at the age of 39 to prepare me. It is, after all, a publication for women 40 and over. I always look those charts in entertainment magazines that show everyone’s age. While it is comforting to know that Matt Damon, Tina Fey, and Kelly Ripa will all turn 40 this year too, I am keenly aware that they get paid to stay in shape and look good. They also have the means to employ chefs, personal trainers, nannies and whatever else it takes to stay fit and beautiful. It’s a lot harder for us regular folks. (Ewwww. That sounded like something an old person would say!)
So instead of seeking consolation in celebrity magazines, I instead decided to look around me. I have a lot of friends turning 40 this year and thanks to Facebook, I am back in touch with even more of them. Many of my friends are committed to being fit and healthy and to passing those values on to their children. So, as we I go through this year, and help several of my friends blow out the 40 candles on their cake, I thought I would introduce you to some of the Fittest Forty-Year-Olds I Know.
Meet my friend Heather!
Heather, a Seattle native, has been my friend since moving to Boston in 1996. Heather works part-time as a social worker and overtime as a wife and mom to two kids, ages 7 and 3. Heather is one of the best cooks I know. I steal all my best recipes from her! She is committed to feeding her family the healthiest foods she can and keeping her family healthy. Heather’s husband, Pete, is a competitive long-distance runner (he’ll turn 40 in August – I’ll blog about him then).
I caught up with Heather and asked her about fitting everything in as she turns 40.
Me: You work, you cook, you workout, you are a Mom, you have a home. How do you fit it all in?
Heather: I don’t feel like I squeeze it all in! I constantly feel like something is lagging behind – either working out or paying attention to my kids or the house is a mess. Eventually, though, everything gets done.
Me: You’ve always been so into cooking. You introduced me to Cook’s Illustrated magazine! Now that life is so crazy, how do you fit in cooking.
Heather: The fact I enjoy cooking helps because when I have the time to spend an hour or so making dinner (chopping up tons of veggies) it doesn’t feel like a chore to me. The only foodie magazine I get anymore is Vegetarian Times. I like trying new recipes a lot and I know when I try one from that magazine, chances are it will be healthy. I guess one tip I would have for ABBG readers is to try new recipes and try vegetarian.
Me: I think most working moms – and stay-at-home moms – struggle with getting healthy meals on the table during busy weeknights. What suggestions do you have?
Heather: During the week I’ve got a couple staple recipes that are quick, healthy and the kids like (turkey tacos w/black beans and sweet potato, turkey burgers, macaroni and four cheeses (recipe below), turkey meatballs with my homemade sauce (recipe below). I save my experienting with new recipes for the weekends when I have more time. I try to make most things from scratch and not buy prepared food, although we did try the Cascadian Farms Shoe String fries (NuVal score of 81) and liked them. Yes there is a turkey theme but that’s about all my son will eat!
Me: Anything different since you turned 40 a few weeks ago?
Heather: I have figured out that what recharges me is time with friends and lots of laughing! I think I used to say “no” to a lot of stuff because I didn’t think I had the time. Now, I say yes more and worry about the lack of time later.
Two of Heather’s Favorite Recipes
Heather shared two of her favorite recipes with me. First, she told me how to make Macaroni and 4 Cheeses, a recipe from Ellie Krieger. The secret to this recipe is that it includes 2 packages of butternut squash. So, there is a 1/2 cup of a vegetable in each serving. I made this last weekend and it was delicious.
Heather also shared with me her very own recipe for Marinara Sauce. This is no ordinary sauce. It is thick and rich and incredibly smooth. I made this last weekend as well and it has been on top of pasta, ravioli and even spaghetti squash all week. Even after all that, I had some leftover to freeze.
Heather’s Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup olive oil (NuVal score: 11)
2 onions, chopped (NuVal score: 100)
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (NuVal score: 91)
1 cup carrots, chopped (NuVal score: 99)
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced (NuVal score: 96)
3 – 28 oz cans tomatoes (Heather likes Muir Glen organic tomato puree, NuVal score: 65)
1 small can tomato paste (Muir Glen organic tomato paste, NuVal score: 57)
1 1/2 T. dried oregano
2 T. dried basil
1 c cabernet (optional) – NuVal is not scoring wine (too bad!)
1/2 pound silken tofu (optional) – not yet scored
salt and pepper
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook approximately 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute. Add the carrots and mushrooms and cook approximately 5 minutes. Pour in canned tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook at least 30 minutes. Remove from heat and puree (stick blender is easiest). Return to heat, add the cabernet, if using, and gently simmer uncovered (with a splatter screen) another few hours if you have the time. the longer you simmer, the thicker and tastier it gets. Add the tofu at the end.
So, I had to go and buy a splatter screen and a stick blender to make this recipe, but it was so worth it. This is my new marinara sauce! I stick-blended it again after adding the tofu – probably because my stick blender is the Bomb!
Posted by: Melissa
Posted in: Fit Friends at Forty
Tags: Heather's Marinara Sauce, Macaroni and 4 Cheeses, Turning 40
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Hip hip hooray for Friday! I like to keep my blog posts fun on Friday, so a “Two of My Favorite Things” posts seemed to be in order.
First of all, let me just ‘fess up right now: I am not a great runner. In the 4th grade, I participated in a YMCA Fun Run with my mom and I came in dead last. In the Children’s Division. Not a good way to start my running career. And, I have been cursed with flat-as-a-pancake feet. As in the orthopedic specialist at Brigham & Women’s hospital called in about 15 interns to look at this specimen of over-pronation because he had never seen such flat feet before. Along with flat feet come alignment and knee issues. However, I have a great podiatrist in Brookline, MA who outfits me with custom orthotics that keep me running. No marathons, but running.
I love running because it is so versatile and efficient. You can do it anywhere, no equipment needed. Well, I guess you do need some equipment – like good running shoes and for me, my Ipod. Which brings us to Two of My Favorite Things!
New Balance Web Express
Like I said, I have been blessed with the World’s Flattest Feet. My custom-made orthotics are huge. And on top of them, I use a heel insert because I’ve also had some plantar fasciitis issues. So, I need a lot of room in my shoe. New Balance (a Boston-based company which began as a manufacturer of arch supports) has been my brand for many years. When we lived closer to the city, we would head to the New Balance outlet in Boston. Now, that we live out in the suburbs, I go to a small local dealer, DB Sports in North Attleboro, who has helped me to get the fit just right. However, since I try to be good about replacing my shoes often, I don’t always have to time to get to my Sneaker Man. So, I just click on New Balance Web Express, use my style number and find a great deal.
Like these!
I have to admit, they are a little brighter than they looked online. But part of the proceeds go to raise money for breast cancer research and they match my pink coat, so all is good.
I love shopping the Clearance section on NB Express. Shipping is often only $5 or free and they are on my doorstep in a day or two. Love it!
I love NB Express so much, I started buying my kids’ sneakers there too.
My son wears those shoes every day (my daughter, not as much) and see how good they look? He has had them since the beginning of the school year. Yes, they are more expensive ($35 on sale) than buying cheap sneakers at Target (only about $15), but they last so much longer. If I had purchased character sneakers from Target back in September, we would be on our 3rd pair by now. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 20 different brands of kids’ sneakers and rated New Balance #1.
Another reason I’ve switched to New Balance for the kids is that my son and daughter also have foot issues. My son has my super-flat feet and my daughter has Fred Flintstone feet (thick through the instep). New Balance has all sorts of wide widths to help me get the fit just right.
My Ipod
With my feet feeling as happy as they can, it’s time to move on to the entertainment portion of my run. I don’t know how I ever run before I had an Ipod.
My pink case matches my sneakers!
The key to a great run is a great playlist. Otherwise you get tempted to stop and find a new song. One of the fitness classes that I teach is a Running class. I use my Ipod along with my Bose Sounddock and all of the participants are on treadmills. Some choose ellipticals, which is fine too. The class consists of a great playlist that I put together ahead of time. Similar to a spin class, the participants sprint, charge up big hills, hit the beat with big strides, etc. It’s a great workout and some of the people who come to my class have become true runners.
So what’s on my playlist? So many songs. But here are some of my favorites for a great run:
- Tin Man by Animal Kingdom
- Meet Me On the Equinox by Death Cab for Cutie
- September by Marianas Trench
- Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
- Magnificent by U2
- Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls
- She Is by The Fray
- Hands Open by Snow Patrol
- Vertigo by U2
- Get On Your Boots by U2
- I Run for Lifeby Melissa Etheridge
- Meet Me Halfway by The Black Eyed Peas
- That’s Not My Name by The Ting Tings
- Somebody Told Me by The Killers
- Amsterdamby Guster
- Shake It by Metro Station
- Square Oneby Coldplay
- You’re All I Have by Snow Patrol
- Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
- Shut Up and Let Me Go by The Ting Tings
- Livin’ on a Prayerby Bon Jovi
- Under the Milky Way by The Church
- Rio by Duran Duran
- Roll With the Changesby REO Speedwagon
Don’t use all of them at once. Unless you’re running a marathon!
Question of the Day
What’s on your running or workout playlist?
Posted by: Melissa
Posted in: Two Favorite Things, running
Tags: Ipod, New Balance Web Express
Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 07:31 AM
First of all, don’t you just love my lunch bag? It’s new! My old one, which I purchased at LL Bean last year, was looking a little too mom-frumpy. Like it was the lunch bag equivalent of a fanny pack. Not a good look – even if you’re just carrying it, not wearing it. So this weekend, I found myself in Staples, trying to decide how to use my about-to-expire Rewards check for $24. I probably should have spent it on something practical, like an ink cartridge for my printer, but I couldn’t resist this new bag. You can also find it here on the Built NY website.
So what’s in my lunch bag? A good, healthy lunch. Every Day. I am a Bringer, not a Buyer. It is definitely the way to go. It keeps nutrition up and costs down. My husband, who takes the train every day from our house in the ‘burbs to his office in Boston, tells me that lunch bag carrier-ship is definitely on the rise. It is a sign of our recessionary times.
Since my own lunch gets made after my son’s and my daughter’s, it is usually very quick and simple. Today’s fare is a pretty good example.
- Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Flour Pita Bread (NuVal score of 65) with Boar’s Head Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Cheese
- Steamed yellow squash, leftover from last night’s dinner (NuVal score of 98)
- Cherry Tomatoes (NuVal score of 96)
- Clementine (NuVal score of 94)
- Ghiardelli Double Chocolate Chips (NuVal score of
I eat a lot, don’t I?
You may be wondering about the scores on the Boar’s Head deli products. NuVal has not yet scored items from the full service deli, but we will. We will score everything that you find in the grocery store. In the meantime, I feel pretty good knowing that the rest of my lunch gets a super NuVal score. Well, except for those chocolate chips. But I have a thing for chocolate. It gets me through the day.
Looking at this photo of my lunch makes me realize that I sort of have a high-rent lunch. The Boar’s Head deli items are pricey, but I am really picky about cold cuts, so they are the only kind I like. I buy the Nature’s Sweetest Cockail Tomatoes (2 bags for $5 at my local supermarket), but they are absolutely delectable. Worth the price of admission. Clementines, as you may have noticed, only got cheap for about 2 weeks this winter. Most of the time, they’ve been averaging $8 per box. But again, the sweet goodness is worth it to me. It is still cheaper than eating out every day – and SO much healthier. My lunch is an investment in my health and it deserves to be carried in style!
Or at least that’s what I told my husband when I came home from Staples with a cool new lunch bag instead of ink cartridges!
Question of the Day
Are you a Buyer or a Bringer? And if you’re a Bringer, what’s in your lunch bag today?
Posted by: Melissa
Posted in: Lunch
Tags: Lunch Bag
