Delicious and nutritious...

After my vacation, where I enjoyed lots of "kid snacks" like kettle corn, snocones, chex mix, burgers and cookies (nbd) - I was anxious to get back in the kitchen and prepare some tasty, good-for-me meals.

My parents used to try to FORCE me to learn to cook... I totally rebelled.

Now, I love it!

And boy did I! This week I've been cooking up some yum-gasmic eats that are packed with the stuff my body needs to stay energized and strong, while being magically delicious. I get lots of ideas and recipes from my old standbys Self and SHAPE magazine, but I recently started reading a really great blog Fitnessista that has lots of new meals (and vegan/gluten-free options if that's your deal. It's not mine. I love MEAT and GRAINS).

One night, after getting from the gym a little later than usual and hungry for a quick meal, I made a little pico/guac/pineapple/shrimp cocktail that was fan-freakin-tastic. I just got a deli-fresh package of pico de gallo (medium spicy for me), an avocado, some fresh pineapple chucks and a bag of frozen shrimp. Defrost and boil the little shrimpies (takes, 4 or 5 minutes) and mix it all up! I ate mine with some tortilla chips with flax seeds = devine. Light, satisfying and oh-so-summery.

Sorry for my crappy photos. I'm just not a photographer. Period.

Last night, I made the massaged kale salad via Fitnessista. I adjusted her recipe just a little since I'm out of soy sauce (I used hoisin sauce) and I don't know what "agave" is. I also left it in the fridge for a couple hours while I went to happy hour with some friends, but it was perfection when I got home. So good I wasn't even jealous of Tiffany's Crunchwrap Supreme, haha!

This morning, I enjoyed another Fitnessista favorite, the breakfast cookie. I made it last night before heading to bed, so it was ready to go when I got back from my morning run. I can't believe this thing is good for you, it's so indulgent and sweet. It really tastes like a cookie! I had some eggs and salsa with it as well.

Source: Fitnessista

Needless to say, I've been eating good in the neighborhood and feeling awesome. It really is true that your body feels better when you treat it well and fuel it right.

Any other great recipes that are quick, easy -- and good for a few days of leftovers? I live by myself... mama's gotta keep the leftovers ;)

XOXO

jam

Eat at: Eatzi's (Dallas)

Every time I come to Dallas – which is often for work – I hope that I somehow find the time to make it over to Eatzi’s. I never do… but tonight, I was on my own for dinner and quite close to an Eatzi’s location on Lover’s Lane. My dreams came true!

Eatzi's on Lover's Lane

Eatzi’s isn’t your typical restaurant. In fact, it’s not even really a restaurant. It’s a European-style market that just happens to have some seating. I, however, never sit down. I’m too busy walking around and drooling over the delicious displays, samples and chef-prepared foods.

Hello gorgeous.

Imagine a place where there is the most colorful produce laid out before your eyes, a wall full of freshly-baked, still-dusty-with-flour artisan bread, a case of divine too-pretty-to-eat cakes and pastries, fresh cuts of meat hanging behind the butcher, wine wine wine everywhere and as many varieties of cheese as your heart desires. Not to mention the make-to-order salad, sandwich, pasta and grill stations. Top it all off with classical Italian tunes piping in your ears and this place is a gourmet heaven.

For me, Eatzi’s is a total sensory experience, but most of all, a feast for my eyes. Which is probably a good thing, since it’s a little pricey. You gotta PAY for gourmet heaven!

Tonight I spent about 45 minutes in there, just perusing. And tasting. Oh the tasting! I tried red pepper hummus. Artichoke and CRAB spread. Homestyle chicken salad. Havarti dill cheese. Jalepeno cheese sourdough. The most delicious snickerdoodle cookie I’ve ever had. So much tasting that I wasn’t really that hungry by the time I was ready to make my purchase. But I had to get what I ultimately came here for: the Bombay chicken curry pasta. Think chicken, tortellini pasta, hint of curry, raisins… Yum.

Then I topped it off with a Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Juice. Sparkling yum.

Drink Your Apple a Day.

On second thought, I’m glad there isn’t an Eatzi’s near my home. I’d be broke. And constantly full to the max. What this little Eatzi’s excursion HAS done is inspire me to start making my meals more beautiful, more gourmet, more of an experience. I’m going to give the microwave dinners a rest and try to be more thoughtful about dinner. Maybe I’ll start playing Italian classical music while I cook… instead of watching Jersey Shore. Ugh, embarrassing.

Anyway, no matter where or what you dine on this evening, I hope it’s lovely.

XOXO

JAM