Columbiana: Zoe Saldana, Second of Fame & Cattlleya’s Breakfast

About a year ago I was at the Union Station, patiently sitting with my copy of Twilight on my lap, and waiting for my cue (not that I had much of a role…but let’s not spoil the moment here!). A cue that would later land me my (blurry) second of fame in the “big screen.” It was for a scene in Columbiana. Don’t believe me? See 00:50-00:51.

After nearly two months since it hit theaters, I finally got around to watching it. And so, ladies & gentlemen, I shall share with you some really awesome facts about Zoe Saldana, both on and off screen.

3 Encounters with Zoe Saldana Both On and Off Screen

photo courtesy: ranqer.com

1. OFF SCREEN: She’s really good with kids. I don’t know who’s baby it was, but in between takes she would play with someone’s baby. And let me tell you, there’s a difference between people who try really hard to make it look like they’re good with kids and fail miserably and people who are just genuinely good with kids. She’s the latter. I fell in love with her then and there!
2. OFF SCREEN: She took the time to smile at me. I know that sounds silly, but it happened, and I can’t deny it. It was one of those things where you can’t believe it’s actually happening to you and you have to look around you before realizing that yes, it is really you that she’s acknowledging and smiling at. She was walking back to the other end of the Union Station’s Grand Hall when it happened. I’m convinced she smiled because I was reading Twilight. And if you were to ask me? She seems like a Team Edward kind of gal.
3. ON SCREEN: SHE DOESN’T EAT BREAKFAST?! Not Zoe, but the character she played, Cattleya. I mean I get it, you have a mission and rarely have time to sleep nor eat. Well, I have a mission too. Which is why I’m about to do what I’m about to do…

3 Reasons Why Cattleya Should…

1. To jump start her metabolism. Think of your body as this brilliant machine…or robot (Yes, like R2D2). It will do as you say, or rather…eat. If you wake up, and feed it within the first 30 minutes of waking up, you are setting up how you would like it to break down and digest food throughout the day. You’re giving it a head start and training it how to work efficiently for the rest of the day. Breakfast is like the on and off switch to R2D2. (Must…stop…referencing…Star Wars!)
2. To ditch out on mindless snacking. If you don’t eat breakfast, you’ll eventually get hungry. Don’t think that just because you skipped a meal means that you’re suddenly saving yourself 300-400 calories a day. Those calories will more than likely find their way in your day. Likely in between what could have been breakfast and your lunch.
3. To prevent overeating. And if you’re not a “snacker”? Do you feel that you’re “starving” by the time the clock hits noon? What people will tend to do is overeat for lunch, then spend the rest of the day not eating because they’re so full from lunch, and overeat again for dinner. Just an example! And by the end of the day, you won’t even think about the calories you saved from skipping breakfast.

And that, movie-goers and Zoe Saldana fans, is my little story that I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone! With tidbits of nutrition information of course.

Are you a Zoe fan? Is there something you know about her that I don’t? (Because I honestly wouldn’t mind knowing…so do share!) And sure, breakfast feedback is also welcome.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (Review) and 3 Reasons Why Fasts Don’t Last

“I’m fasting this week”, that’s what got my attention about this documentary: “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” (watch trailer here). The worst part was that I had to hear it from a good friend, who I’ve watched grow out of unhealthy eating habits, to a better version of herself today. And she worked hard for it, and now…a juice fast? But why? Due to time constraints?

Trust me, I get the hype about this documentary. A 42-year-old Australian man, coming to America to spread the word about his 60-day juice fast which resulted in an 82-pound weight loss. And all he had to do was drink this juice, made out of fresh fruits and vegetables, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That’s “all…he had…to do.”

(pause)

Do you have ANY idea how difficult and unrealistic that would be for the majority of Americans?!

(takes a deep breath)

While tweeting my frustrations regarding this documentary, Amelia from Eating Made Easy was on point when she tweeted: “I found it very frustrating. Wasted opportunity to give people practical tips to eat healthy for life. FASTS DON’T LAST!” I couldn’t agree more.

Fasting, used as a form of weight loss or even as a way to “detoxify” your body, is like the latest tabloid magazine on the shelves of your local bookstore. You know, the ones that you’ll read standing up but not actually purchase. They’re temporary, and worthless, because they won’t really hold any value to your lifestyle other than being able to participate in conversations that involve phrases like: “I read Kim got a divorce?!” or “Oh, I can’t eat. I’m on a juice fast.” In a week, probably less, there will be another story or fad diet to top that last one. More often than not, they don’t stick around for the long-term.

3 Reasons Why Fasts Don’t Last

1. Starving Slows Metabolism. Limiting yourself to only eating fresh fruits and vegetables in liquid form not only is restricting your caloric intake below your daily estimated needs, but also slows down your metabolism. If you train your body to only digest liquids, that’s exactly what it will do. And the second you start eating solid foods again? Well it will have to work harder to be able to digest solid foods more efficiently. And yes, this may lead you back to weight gain if you’re not careful.

2. You Will…Eat Again. Although juice fasts may be a SMART goal (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound), it’s not long-term. Just like any diets, it ends. You will eventually go back to eating solid foods, and when you do, what will you have learned? Would you be able to apply those changes in your life long after the fast? …Have you learned anything at all?

3. Look Around You. We live in a world that obsesses over food. Obesity epidemic, diabetes, heart disease— that’s the type of problems we are facing and it won’t take a juice fast to fix it. It will take small changes that are realistic and can be made for the long-term.

Although this documentary may act as a catalyst for change for many people (which by the way, I support by all means), I don’t feel that fasting is the answer. That’s like buying CliffsNotes instead of actually reading the book itself.

Have you watched the documentary? What are your thoughts? Do you agree, or disagree with what I had to say?

Special Soup for the Young, Broke and Fabulous

Dining out has officially taken over my life like a Rookie immersing herself into Fantasy Football culture (true story). Given my recent move to the city and now being steps, literally steps from some fine restaurants, it would be a sin of some sort in some religion if I didn’t give them a shot. From trying that one brunch place, coffee shop, sandwich place, bar over yonder, burger joint, restaurant with that one great special (mind you, more than once)— I realized that, I had gone too far with the whole “eating out” thing. It’s gotten to the point where, I don’t even have money to buy groceries to cook my own food! And that, my friends, is my inspiration for this soup.

Veggie Couscous Soup for the Young, Broke & Fabulous

• extra virgin olive oil
• minced garlic
• 1 carton of chicken broth
• 3/4 cup uncooked couscous
• organic cherry tomatoes (straight from our garden)
• 3/4 bag of Japanese style frozen vegetables
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• red pepper flakes
• dried parsley flakes
• Sriracha

Sautee garlic in olive oil. Add chicken broth, then couscous, then vegetables. Season with above seasonings in the beginning, middle and end of cooking time. Cover and cook, until it’s cooked. Duh!

Sorry folks. I probably do my best cooking when I “wing it”. Hence the horrible, horrible instructions above! But hey, you get the idea. My roommate, Gil, loved it. I mean really loved it! Gil don’t lie, so I must’ve done something right!

SEE RED l EAT RED!

The color red. I’ve been seeing a whole lot of it lately- mainly because of the fact that the Chicago Bulls are in the playoffs! If you follow me on Twitter @dearnutrition, you would know. Maybe it’s because I had an opportunity of a lifetime just a few weeks ago when I drove out to Indiana with family & friends to watch the Bulls face the Indiana Pacers play Game 4!

I already bleed red and SEE RED…might as well EAT RED! Who’s with me?! Halftime huddle…HOO!

SEE RED l EAT RED: Top 3 Foods to Rep the Chicago Bulls

1. Kyle Korver’s “HOT SAUCE”: Yes, that’s right. You know it had to be done. Not only is Mr. Hot Sauce an exceptional outside shooter, but hot sauce also plays a role in curbing appetite! Hot sauce (and chile peppers) contain a compound called capsaicin that reduces hunger-causing hormones according to new research by the European Journal of Nutrition. How much? A few dashes will do.
2. Ketchup Time! That’s probably the mode the Atlanta Falcons are in right now being down 14 in the middle of the 3rd quarter! Fun Fact: It also lowers risk for cardiovascular disease. Ketchup contains a powerful antioxidant called lycopene that may slow the process that leads to atherosclerosis (or clogged arteries). Opt for organic versus conventional brands which has been shown to have more lycopene and highest levels of Vitamin A, C and E (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry). How much? 3-4 tablespoons.
3. “Bulls, BEETS, Battlestar Gallactica.” Dwight Schrute from The Office, revisited (if you will). So he owns a beet farm, we all know that. And around this time of the year, he would be very busy! Beets are in season starting June through October and are packed…and I mean PACKED with antioxidants to defend your body from free radicals aka: “the bad guys” aka: Atlanta Falcons. They are rich in (the aforementioned) lycopene, folate (Ladies! We need about 400 micrograms of folic acid a day!) and anthocyanins. How much? Just enough to add some color in your salad/soup/stew/side dish.

SEE RED…EAT RED!!! Now…where were we? … (LET’S GO BULLS! FINISH ‘EM!)

Michael Scott Does Hot Chocolate

There’s no better cure for the cold, windy weather in the fabulous city of Chicago then watching “The Office” all day long. Michael Scott’s cold sense of humor (and contradicting good heart) gets me all warm and fuzzy inside – the very reason why I will be dedicating this blog post to Dundler Mifflin Scranton’s very own Branch Manager.

In Season 4’s episode “The Chair Model”, Michael went on a date with Pam’s landlord lady. They met at a coffee shop where Michael ordered a “large hot chocolate with caramel and a shot of peppermint.” Very “Michael Scott” if you ask me! Let’s break it down, shall we? Let’s pretend he was at Starbucks while we’re at it!

1 Venti Hot Chocolate with caramel (made with whole milk, with whipped cream): 790 calories, 40 grams fat (24 grams saturated fat), 84 grams of sugar (that’s over half a cup of sugar!)

Shot of Peppermint: 20 calories

TOTAL CALORIES: 810 calories

Scranton’s Healthy M. Scott would replace his usual with:

“Hi, I’m the new and improved Michael Scott. Can I get a tall, nonfat, hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint, no whip.” (Don’t whip me…THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!)

Total calories saved: 810 calories – 224 calories = 586 CALORIES! That’s an entire meal just waiting to be eaten!

That’s what…Sincerely, Nutrition said!

Dexter’s Breakfast

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve dedicated a lot of my time to catching up with a Showtime television series, Dexter. I…am…hooked. I am particularly in love with his morning routine, as shown below:

(IDEA lightbulb lights up) Why not go through Dexter’s breakfast and provide some useful nutrition information? “Ding-ding”, indeed.

6 oz Canadian bacon: 257 calories, 34 grams protein, 12 grams fat, 81 mg cholesterol, 2149 mg sodium. A good source of niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and selenium and a very good source of protein and thiamin. However, it is high in cholesterol and very high in sodium.

1 egg, sunny-side up: 55 calories, 4 grams protein, 4 grams fat, 128 mg cholesterol; good source of riboflavin, vitamin B12, phosphorus and very good source of protein and selenium. However, eggs are high in saturated fat and very high in cholesterol.

1 teaspoon hot sauce: 0 calories, protein and fat, 119 mg sodium. Although hot sauce helps increase metabolism (increased heart rate), it is very high in sodium and mostly made of sugars.

6 fl. oz. of black coffee: Coffee is high in antioxidants and protect your body from the “bad stuff” aka: free radicals. It’s what you add into your coffee that can add up.

According to the web site myfoodapedia.gov — part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion — a 6-ounce cup of black coffee contains just 7 calories. Add some half & half and you’ll get 46 calories. If you favor a liquid nondairy creamer, that will set you back 48 calories. A teaspoon of sugar will add about 23 calories

6 fl. oz. freshly-squeezed blood orange juice: 70 calories, 1 gram protein, 3 grams fiber. Fat-free, cholesterol-free, sodium-free and high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

TOTAL: 389 calories, 39 grams protein, 16 grams fat, 209 mg cholesterol and 2,268 mg sodium

Dexter – Your breakfast is high in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Give me a call and we’ll set up an appointment. Sincerely, Nutrition

How NYC Stole My Heart

This past week, a good friend and I made a trip out to New York City. We left the city of Chicago with no plans, a handful of money, and big dreams. It’s been three years since our last visit. Three years and about 80 pounds lighter between the both of us. 

One of the most fabulous things about getting away from home is having full control over everything, especially what went in my mouth. Although there’s this preconceived notion that while on vacation you can eat what you want, I took myself a little more seriously on this trip. I took care of myself, and I felt good. With the combination of eating well and not having the luxury of my car parked 50 feet away from my front door to jump in, I never felt better about myself.

There’s this one quote, from one of my favorite movies of all time The Holiday that my girlfriends and I couldn’t help but bring up as we conversed over a candlelit dinner at Osteria Serafina over a glass of Chardonnay:

I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn’t know you had inside you. And it doesn’t matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends… you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he’ll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you’ll go somewhere new. And you’ll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade.

Whether it was about a boy or our once-upon-a-time unhealthy relationship with food, it felt good to to look back and realize how much we’ve accomplished.

In other news…

How NYC Stole My Heart

Caloric Content Heaven. NYC is on top of it when it comes to having the caloric content of foods available for their customers. I was very impressed to see it on every product. Chicago, we’re next. Check out this study saying that the NYC calorie rule makes a difference.

Walks to Work, Revisited. Our New Yorker friend who works at Madison Square Garden made us realize just how much more physical activity she’s able to incorporate into her day just by her commute to work. Her walks to and from the PATH station added up to 24 minutes per day. Back home, it takes me about 10 seconds to walk to my car. Convenient?…yes. Sad?…I’m beginning to think so.

Vegetarian Cravings. Not going to lie, I’m a meat eater. But for whatever reason I found myself craving vegetables like never before while in NYC. Why?, you ask? Diversity and brilliance. From falafel sandwiches, Portabello stuffed mushrooms, to pasta with spinach, garlic and roasted red peppers…NYC stole my meat-loving heart.

What do you love about New York? Any pointers for next time?

Calorie Content of Hooters Wings & Curly Fries

Every now and then, I get this craving for Hooters wings. It’s not all the time, but I will admit that I do get them. Today was one of those days, and lucky me, I had two friends with that very craving.

“How many calories are in Hooters wings?”, my friend asked.

“I don’t even want to know,” I responded. Funny how the minute I got home I found myself looking it up. You ready to find out? Below is my order, followed by their nutritional content.

5 Medium Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings: 866 calories, 62.6 grams of fat

1 order of curly fries: 631 calories, 37 grams of fat

That doesn’t even include my little souffle cup of ranch dressing in which two tablespoons is equivalent to 148 calories, 15.6 grams of fat. There was definitely more than two tablespoons in my souffle cup, so double the calories and fat.

Total Damage: 1,793 calories, 130.8 grams of fat

Check out Healthy Dining Finder for healthier options when dining out at Hooters if you don’t mind skipping the chicken wings. Personally, I would much rather go less often and/or eat less then not satisfy my wing cravings at all. Cravings will be cravings, but it helps to know their nutritional value.

Are you at all surprised by how many calories and grams of fat of Hooters wings and fries? Do you like knowing the nutritional content of these foods?

Truth Behind Cures for Cellulite

Funny how I just got inspired while perusing through In Touch Weekly. Topic at hand? Cellulite…what works and what doesn’t. 

What Doesn’t Work…

• Liposuction. As much as we want to believe that getting fat cells suctioned out of our bodies can magically make cellulite disappear, it doesn’t. In fact, liposuction actually makes cellulite appear worse.

• Vigorous massage, mesotherapy (inject solution) and cellulite creams. I’ll have to admit. I am absolutely guilty for thinking that these actually work. Fact is, there is little or no scientific evidence to support claims that they remove cellulite. And if you do find one that does? Chances are, results won’t last.

What Works…

• Laser and radiofrequency systems. I know it sounds pretty intense but they are actually the “most promising medical therapy” according to the Mayo Clinic. Combining tissue, radiofrequency, infrared light or diode laser energy in a series of bi-weekly treatments can treat cellulite with results lasting up to 6 months. Does it work? Yes. Permanently? No. Is it worth it?…consult your wallet and/or purse.

• Weight loss through healthy diet and regular exercise! Not something we haven’t heard, but definitely the most effective in the long term. Losing weight and strengthening your muscles actually reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. With weight loss alone, they are less noticeable but don’t get rid of cellulite completely.

So the next time you find yourself in the lotion/cream aisle at your local drugstore, or like me, perusing through gossip magazines wondering about cellulite treatments…remember that eating well and exercising regularly is THE best treatment. Who woulda thought?!

So as far as treatments for cellulite are concerned? Eat well. Exercise. Save money. You’d be amazed by all the other awards that go along with them!

Top 3 Reasons to Eat ‘Shrooms in June

I am dedicating this blog post to my older brother and little sister who asked me the other day…

“Are mushrooms good for you? How?”

Whether you are brushing olive oil on them and throwing them on the grill or sauteing them with minced garlic and chopped onion to put on your burger this summer, mushrooms are in fact, very good for you.

How? He asked. Below are the top 3 reasons why you should eat ‘shrooms in June!

1. Cancer-fighting. Mushrooms are packed with selenium plays a significant role in fighting against cancer, specifically prostate cancer. 1996 study showed that selenium decreases recurrence of prostate risk by 60%!
2. Emotional/Mental Health. Yoga and meditation aren’t the only things that can keep you sane. Mushrooms are good sources of three essential (body can’t make them) B-vitamins (riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid) which help keep you emotionally and mentally healthy.
3. Body Regulator. Mushrooms are also rich in potassium which helps regulate body pressure, balances water in fat and muscle tissues, and makes sure that your cells are working properly. Think of potassium as the manager of a really busy restaurant. Without it, things can get pretty crazy.

Five medium mushrooms contain only 20 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrate and are practically fat-free! I like adding mushrooms in my omelet, vegetable stir-fry, on top of my burger and/or salad. How do you like your ‘shrooms?