LOVE NOTE #164: Almond Butter by the Spoonful!

Hey Lovers!

It's the wonderful month filled with pink, red, and white shaped heart-shaped everything! My donut addiction even comes dressed up in my favorite shape and colors! My darling fiance sent the most gorgeous bouquet of pink and red roses. He's in Boston and I'm in Chicago, so our actual Valentine's date will have to wait until the next time he visits;) I hope everyone had a lovely February 14!

Anyways, I find myself shopping exclusively at Trader Joe's these days as it is the closest market to my apartment in the city. You won't find the typical items as you would at your regular grocer, but it makes you want to try new things for sure. So to cure my usual peanut butter by the spoonful cravings I get every so often (okay, every day!), my taste buds decided to take a somewhat "grown-up" turn.

I'm so happy I did! A tub of Trader Joe's almond butter with flaxseed has three ingredients. Yup. Forget about all the unpronounceable words consisting of 4 our more syllables. A simple ingredient list consisting of almonds, flaxseed, and sea salt. No preservatives or artificial colors...how refreshing! All you will find is natural ingredients and the flaxseed gives it that extra crunch! This is also a natural source of Omega-3's! Not only is it so addictive, but so much healthier and natural than the popular brands. For only $4.99, you get 16 oz. of this delight! I love this by the spoonful, but I love it on a slice of TJ's San Francisco style sourdough boule too... ahhhhmazeballs!

Thanks Trader Joe's for making eating better so much easier. Next review will be the vegetarian corn dogs! No, I'm not going all vegetarian on you; I have reduced my consumption of meat substantially and haven't eaten any for some time now. However, I will eat a burger or rotisserie chicken if I'm in the mood for sure! I'm just exploring this world of vegetarian alternatives, and so many delicious options, I'm impressed by all the tasty options!

XoX,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #163: Semi-Vegetarianly Yours...;)

Hey Friends!

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the month of love - February of course! I love this month because Valentine's falls on the 14th and all the storefronts are decorated in my favorite color combination: red and pink! Whether you're celebrating this with the love of your life, or a love interest of the moment... perhaps even just kickin' it with your best friend(s), let's make it one where we show appreciation for the ones that have brought us so much happiness!

I've been kept busy with my rotations and continually studying for board exams. I know I always have something to do, need to do something... but sometimes the stress of it all finds me and Potato fixated on the latest episode of American Idol or walking down to the end of the street to take advantage of Lincoln Park as our backyard.

Anyways, in order to keep the weight in check and trying to boost my energy levels, I've been trying to incorporate days of the week where I abstain from eating meat. I am going to go semi-vegetarian. Don't get me wrong. I still will enjoy the occasional burger and chicken wings. I guess I was starting to feel like a hypocrite when I was requested to provide information on leading a healthier lifestyle to patients. I felt so guilty because lately I have been indulging in high-calorie/high-fat content meals. Bad girl. I haven't had much time to cook lately.

However, Trader Joe's has been coming to my aid! With their selection of frozen vegetarian selections, this transition has been seamless. My first review is the Trader Joe's Chickenless Nuggets. Sooooo good! Even potato loves these things! I pair this with a side of vegetables or a bowl of soup, something carbolicious (think mini-baguette, slice of garlic bread, etc.) and I'm all set. As for my sweet tooth... that's a different story! I guess I will cut back where I can... but sometimes a girl just really wants a slice of carrot cake!

Enjoy!

XoX,

Marikym