My New Home!

Healthy San Diego Living  has MOVED!

 

http://healthysandiegoliving.com/

 It’s still under major construction but I’ll be updating on this site from now on!

COME VISIT!

Save the Planet One Chocolate Bar at a Time!

Endangered Species Chocolate

I got a great package the other day! Why was it great you might ask??? 2 reasons:

1. It was FILLED with Chocolate
2. It represents a GREAT cause!

Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation’s mission is empowering individuals to create solutions that sustain species, habit and humanity.

They make charitable donations in 3 ways:

1. Providing Grants to nonprofits that fulfill the requirements of the Endangered Species Chocolate 10% Give Back application process
2. Funding and providing volunteers for on-the-ground projects focused on creating solutions that sustain species, habitat and humanity in the areas where Endangered Species Chocolate cacao is grown.
3. Aiding cacao farmers in the company’s farming communities intimes of crisis.

Endangered Species Chocolate has committed to donating 10% of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. PLEASE check them out and help support!

Sooo delicious! All of the 3 oz. milk and dark chocolate bars are made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao and all-natural ingredients.

Their All-Natural bars are certified Gluten-Free and they have a huge selection of Vegan bars as well–the one I ate was one of them!

I’m cutting it short tonight. I met a great  friend for coffee after work today and we ended up talking for hours–so much fun! But now it is time for BED!

Hope everyone had a great day! The week is ALMOST over!

Rutabaga Fries

As most of you know, I’ve recently been trying to branch out of my little bubble of habbits–well I was at the grocery store looking for some new and exciting food to add to the menu this week and I came across something I’ve NEVER had…a Rutabaga. I’ve heard of them and have seen them used in different dishes but had yet to try this cross between a cabbage and turnip–so I picked a few up and here is what I did!

Preheat oven to 425

I peeled them as I would a potato and made my best attempt at cutting them into FRIES–some steak fries, some shoestring fries I’m working at my fry cutting skills for sure!

I spread them out on a pan then; added a bit of EVOO, salt, nutmeg, and basil–all spices I like, so I  figured they’d go great all together (I’m such a professional, I know!)

I let them cook for about 14 minutes…they made the house smell amazing! When I took them out of the oven I threw on a bit more seasoning and let them sit for a few before I dove in!

Well…..I loooooved them!

They had a spice to them that I really enjoyed and the mix that I threw on top wasn’t bad at all, infact I’ll definitely use it again next time.

I really am a HUGE french fry fan and am always looking for healthy variations, so the fact that this one has fewer calories AND carbs than an actual potato is awesome, especially since I’ll be making them again.

I Think Tonight May be the Night!

I know, I know! So not appetizing…The Boo loves them though and apparently it’s getting sweeter and sweeter by the day!  You can see in my other post why I have, what looks like a rotten banana, sitting on my counter.

Did you know that bananas and plantains have been used by many people around the world as anti-wrinkle cream? Yep, it’s true! You’re supposed to mash about 1/4 of the fruit until it become a sort of paste, rub it on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

Hmm…I guess you learn something new everyday!

Whipped up some quick veggies today after work

• Zucchini
• Squash
• Onion
• Mushroom
• Shrimp (new additions)
• Water Chestnuts (another new addition)

I’m really excited–tomorrow night I’m going to attempt to make FRIES out of a Rutabaga! I don’t think I’ve actually every tried one before, so this should interesting…

I’m headed to the gym now to work it out and try to do some running! I’ve been thinking about setting a goal for myself…maybe a marathon or something to push me a little?!

Hillcrest Farmers Market

Hillcrest Farmers Market –voted many times as best of San Diego’s Farmers markets. It’s part of the California Federation of certified Farmers Markets and is located in the DMV parking lot.

Every Sunday from 9-2pm RAIN or SHINE

Today was my VERY first Farmers Market experience and I’m hooked—it’s such a great weekend GOTO whether it is for the organic, locally grown fruits & veggies or the delicious food from around the county.

I was amazed at the variety that was there

 

I have to be honest, one of my favorite parts of the market was the numerous amounts of samples that were offered—not only for the obvious reasons, but I got to try so many things that I would NEVER ever think to buy, or even think I would like.

When is the last time you went to the grocery store and sought out a jelly that would set your mouth on FIRE?!

 

I’m a huge spice fan so this was right up my alley–I had a taste of the HOT watermelon and the mix of sweet and spicy was incredible!

We saw some strawberries that were the size of my head

Gorgeous fresh flowers

They have live entertainment

I came across this great stand

All of their items are made from scratch with local and organic ingredients! The first thing I tried was a sample of Strawberry Horchata–it was delicious so I couldn’t resist buying a whole drink

How cute is that? A pleasure for the mouth and the eyes!

Next thing I tried was the Vegan Chocolate Mousse

As I was devouring every last drop of my sample, the man at the stand asked me to guess what the “secret” ingredient was–I had no clue but it turned out to be…..AVOCADO! Hmm I would never think to put avocado in chocolate mousse but he said it made a thicker consistency, which it did, and offcially made it healthy, which I guess it did as well! Loved them and I’m defiitely making my way over there again the next time I’m there–I think I may have found my signature Hillcrest FM drink!

How good does THAT look? Vegan Cashew Cheese Pizza! One of our good friends that also came to the market had this and said it was DELICIOUS!

It really did look as good as she said it was, in fact, I wish I would have gotten a piece as well–Luckily I snapped this photo and can try to recreate it myself!

The Boo also got a plate of amazingness

A Beef Sandwich on Pita Bread–I guess it was a Gyro…

I didn’t make a Green Smoothie today

Soooo I was super excited to see they had some samples of a delicious green mix–it definitely made me rethink what I’ve been using and you may be seeing some new ingredients very soon!

I’ve lived in San Diego for most of my life and now after experiencing my first trip to a FM, I’m sad it took so long for me to get there. I highly recommend a trip to one of SD’s best, whether it be for the great local produce, or the fun atmosphere–Hillcrest Farmer’s Market is definitely not something you want to miss out on!

It was such a Beautiful day–I can’t wait to go back and to try more of San Diego’s Farmers Markets.

Sunset Bar & Grill Del Mar

Sunset Bar & Grill is NOW a new favorite for me and The Boo—such a cute little place located in Del Mar, right by the beach. We sat in the bar right next to the sliding glass door where we got a great ocean breeze and VIEW! To start we had the Grilled Pizetta

Goat Cheese Spread, Marinated Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Spinach, Toasted Pine Nuts

I’m not a HUGE cheese fan; however, I have recently discovered the deliciousness that is  Goat Cheese, and this for sure confirmed my recent obsession—the appetizer definitely set my expectations high for what was to come.

After a glass of wine I got the

HUMMUS PLATE
Cilantro-Jalapeno Hummus with Pita Chips & Fresh Veggies and another side of the sautéed fresh veggies.

When it all came out I asked for another side of raw veggies to dip in the hummus since I was way more excited about those than the pita chips (which ended up being delicious as well.)

Everything was delicious! The Boo had a Turkey Club on Whole Wheat—I snuck a taste and it was seriously SO good—the perfect amount of turkey, bacon and avocado in one bite. YUM!

We’re already looking forward to going back as we enjoyed not only the food, but the beachy, laid back atmosphere as well (I’m a sucker for that)—it’s definitely a new Del Mar GOTO for us.

Sunset Bar & Grill Check it out!

On the agenda today–HILLCREST FARMERS MARKET!

Saturday=Movie Day

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Yesterday The Boo and I went to the gym BRIGHT and early

• 10 min Evil Stair Master
• 3×10 Bicep Curls
• 3×10 Leg Press
• 3×10 Tricep Kickbacks

I didn’t get through much cardio today—so tired and taking it easy on the weekend!

After we got showered up and ready for the day, we decided to head to the movies to see Inglorious Bastards. SO SO good, just a little hard to watch at times due to the intense amount of violence, gore and blood. I didn’t mind the AC either though–it was a hot one!

I pretty much refuse to buy snacks at the movies for 2 reasons…

• #1. WAY too expensive
• #2.  Not too many healthy choices

So luckily The Boo stashed one of Betty Lou’s Nut Butter Balls in my purse in case I got the munchies

Aaaand it wasn’t long before I had a taste. It was the Almond Nut Butter Ball with 12 g. of Protein and ehh, I wasn’t crazy about it—only ate about half and put it away. I definitely preferred the Cashew flavor over the Almond.