Top 5 Nutrition Noshes and Wisdom Wednesday

Nosh One. Wisdom.

Who else out there has the best thoughts and ideas every time their head hits the pillow?  Is it a curse or a blessing?  I don't know sometimes!  I embrace the flow of all the ideas when I am quiet and restful, but then these crazy vibes set in and I cannot go to sleep. I cannot turn my brain off. Until recently, I would let this destroy my time to recharge.  I was torn because my creativity was alive the minute I fell into bed but the next day, I was paying for it with continuous yawns and a foggy mind. When I find myself in this situation, I spend 10 minutes in creative time and follow-up with 10 minutes of meditating and breathing time. It clears my mind, rests my body and turns my brain off to get the much needed sleep my life was lacking. Nighttime has now become my friend, I can work on building blueprints and resting my brain to enjoy my dreams. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation.

6 months ago I did this crazy thing. I started a podcast to tell the impeccable stories about my favorite people: Registered Dietitians! I have met some inspiring people along the way including other health, wellness and food experts. 

If you haven't taken a listen, I would love for you to stop by: Conversations with Anne Elizabeth

For those of you who have listened, what is your favorite episode?!? Please share with me!

I am working on a VERY special one to share with you next week! 

Nosh Three. Week in Review.

I know this is a little late, but I received the loveliest May Day basket at work from my friend Sophia! I loved her artistic decor she put on my red cup with stickers!

And to top off the tasty treat of my favorite two things:  popcorn and Skittles, I received the best sticker surprise on the inside of my cup. Thank you Sophia for this thoughtful and very "Anne" decorated May Day Joy! 

This past week was the infamous Kentucky Derby and my tribe usually has a pretty elaborate and wildly fun party to celebrate. For a variety of reasons, we decided to have a low-key Derby Day. Kevin and Ryan hosted as they usually do, no hats or betting, but just great company and conversation. We couldn't have Derby Day without a signature cocktail, so out came our book and we settled on the Whiskey Smash. This drink was the winner!  Much better than the Mint Julep, but don't tell Churchill Downs. We all decided this will make a repeat appearance next year. The best part was the fresh mint from Kevin and Ryan's garden and I had a blast playing bartender this year. 

Charcuterie and pimento cheese dip made a lovely appearance. 

It felt like we were at the Derby with the neighbors horses in the back yard and a peak at Kevin's stellar topiary skills. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week.

In the spirit of Mother's Day, these are a few of my favorites that remind me of my Mom!

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now.

If you have been watching my IG, I would not be getting through Spring without sneezing 1000 times a day without MOCU Kombucha. I have tried a variety of Kombucha drinks because I am a huge fan of probiotics and the numerous benefits it has for the body especially improved immune system, improved digestion, prevents constipation/diarrhea and improved nutrient absorption. Most importantly, it is my sneeze saver!  I have gotten a little older (shocker) and allergies have started to tickle my nose a little bit. I am not a fan of taking allergy pills because I get the worst medication hangover. It is awful. I have never felt better and my allergies minimally affect me when I drink this daily. I can grab a handy packet of my favorite flavors (Acai Blueberry Pomegranate Pow is AHHHH-mazing) and have one with me at all time and just mix with water when you are ready. You can even get a little fancy and mix with your favorite seltzer water. I love this stuff so much, I am sharing the love and giving it to my Mom for her special day. Surprise Mom!  I have partnered up with MOCU and if you want to give it a whirl, go to MOCU and upon check out, enter in the code Anne20 for 20% off your order. I promise this will change your life!

~AE

5 Nutrition Noshes and Wisdom Wednesday

Nosh One. Wisdom.

The daily grind. It's the same thing every day. Wake-up to our alarm, attempt to shower with your eyes open, get dressed, grab something to eat on the way to work, work, go home, eat dinner and sleep. Repeat x5 or 6 or 7 more times each week. Do you ever ask yourself "is this it?"  Or do you wake up each day and you are grateful for another day of opportunity?  I used to ask myself, is this it? and it was depressing. I was going about it all wrong. I needed to change my perspective and think of work and life in a completely different way. I am not meant to work, pay bills and die. I am meant to help people, change lives, make someone smile, see the sun shine, go on adventures. I am lucky to be able to wake up each day to a snazzy tune from one of my favorite musicians as my alarm on my phone goes off, take a warm shower and eat breakfast in my beautiful home, go to work at a job I love, afford a healthful meal for dinner and sleep in the comfiest bed with the pretty white sheets. 

That is what I a meant to do and that is what I am grateful for. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

The Story, Journey and Passion of Ashley Pringle, RD-to-Be

My conversation today is with RD-to-Be, Ashley Pringle. I wanted to have a conversation with Ashley, because she went on a trip with a friend to India and decided to go back to school to help people by being a registered dietitian after working in the business world as an HR recruiter. She reveals her perspective on going back to school, the internship application process and where she see’s herself practicing. Not only is she waiting for her internship match, she is getting married in 6 weeks. I am excited to share her journey and her perspective as an RD-to-Be.

Click here to enjoy my conversation with Ashley

 Nosh Three. Week in Review

This past week, I was fortunate to be a speaker at the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This group of registered dietitians are such a cohesive and supportive group of each other. They had a great line up of speakers, including one of my favorites and fellow Dairy Nutrition Communicator with Midwest Dairy Council, Melissa Joy Dobbins. 

I met some wonderful people, including two amazing ladies who went back to school in the prime of their lives and are finishing up their internships, a registered dietitian who has been working and pioneering our field for 60 years (which totally brought tears to my eyes) and reconnecting with a a familiar face from past. Such an awesome opportunity to close the conference with my presentation. 

After resting up, I decided to spend a day in Boise!  Since my day would be short, this trip I focused on downtown and food. (Next time I am will do some hiking and hitting up a hot spring)!

First stop was Guru Donuts where there motto is "We make donuts holey!" to indulge in made-from- scratch and with love The Girl Scout yeast donut and a latte. It was delicious and reminded me of a Caramel Delite (as we Iowans call them). I did grab their signature Hipsterberry (the signature glaze made with blueberries, blackberries and organic lavender) for a snack later. It was really good, btw. 

To prevent my donut and latte coma, I hit the pavement to check out downtown. Downtown is easy to walk around and see everything you want. I had just missed the Farmers Market that is held each Saturday but had a chance to walk around the Capitol Building. It is a gorgeous building and the park across the street was full of blooming flowers and trees. At the top of the stairs you can see for miles and have your own personal Rocky moment. 

Downtown Boise has a lot of cool and unique shops, but this particular one caught my eye. Wear Boise is an adorable little shop has all things Boise and the shirt in the front window made me laugh! We could easily have this shirt made in Iowa and just circle our state. Reminded me of Raygun! 

After awhile of shopping and walking, I got thirsty!  So I was drawn to this sign and took a right. Down 8th Street are a multitude of restaurants and bars. It was really hard to choose one because all of the menus looked great. 

I decided on the restaurant right around the corner, Fork. The cocktail menu just spoke to me!  They have a beautiful variety of craft cocktails, so I started off with the Summer Time because of the passion fruit puree, honey and basil. It wasn't too sweet and I loved it as my "linner" cocktail of choice.

After looking at a lot of menus and shopping, I noticed a theme of things being made with Huckleberries. Thank goodness for smartphones for me to realize that Huckleberries are the state fruit of Idaho. You can find jam, candies and cocktails. Fork had a drink called the Huckleberry Gemini and it was a little sweet and tangy. Great second choice. 

Then it was time. I was in Idaho after all, so I had to have something with potatoes. Fork is a farm-to-table American restaurant with a variety of local farmer's products on their menu. There were many menu choices that were hard to pass by like the Tomato Basil Fondue and Grilled Cheese made with local cheese and Zeppole Bakery bread, Asparagus "Fries", Grilled Artichoke, House Banh Mi and the Artichoke Heart and Ricotta Ravioli. So I decided to just go with a classic, the Urban Burger (made with Wagyu beef) and Parmesan fries. I added Ballard Family Farms white cheddar (because who doesn't love cheese from a local dairy farm?) and an onion ring for good measure. It was one of the best burgers I have had dining out and the fries, well for some reason they tasted better than anything I have had in "Iowa."  I couldn't finish it all and it made me sad, but it will be great to try again upon my hot spring and hiking adventure. 

Nosh Four. Weekly Playlist. 

Made this playlist for my trip to Idaho. For some reason, these songs remind me of this beautiful place. It was great to listen to while I was downtown on my adventure!

Find the playlist here!

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

This bracelet!  This is what I love right now and will love forever!  This was given to me by a new friend and fellow Registered Dietitian, Amanda. Her and I have connected over a variety of things but joy, that is my favorite. I wore this beautiful gift while I have been on the road traveling and presenting, as well as every day. It is the perfect, precious reminder to always choose joy. It helps me change my perspective if I happen to be hanging on the negative side and it also reminds me what special and wonderful people are out there in this world. So glad joy connected Amanda and I. 

~AE

5 Nutrition Noshes and Food Hangover Wisdom Wednesday

Nosh One. Wisdom. 

Hungry. Cravings. Food. More. Now. 

There are days all I want to do is eat the house down. It is usually after a holiday where I eat anything  and everything I want with wild abandon. Then the next day....my body pays for it. 

It is in food hangover mode. It is sleepy, exhausted, lethargic. My brain is fuzzy, I cannot focus. My pants are tight, my socks are cutting off the circulation in my legs and ankles, a new pimple has decided to pay my chin a visit and my thirst cannot be conquered. 

I could give 2 shits what the scale says after a day of eating like this. It is all about the way I feel. I feel horrible and my body is doing everything to process the caloric, sugar and fat madness boxing it out inside my body. Then there is my appetite, it is raging out of control and I want to continue the inhaling of all things made of sugar and fat deliciousness. I am a firm believer my appetite spirals when I eat an excess of any food, including fruits and vegetables. 

It is all about balance and portion size and all foods fit. Quote me on that AND please, please, pretty please hold me to it upon the next holiday.  Thank you. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation.

The Story, Journey and Passion of Brian Smith, RDN, LD

My conversation today is with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Brian Smith.  I have to tell you, sitting and talking with Brian is like sitting with a friend I have known for a 100 years. He is so warm and welcoming. What I love about this conversation with Brian is that he has had multiple careers, has traveled around the world, was a star college athlete, brews his own beer, loves to cook, is raising 2 daughters after the passing of his wife and still lives a good examined life with much satisfaction. He truly embodies the definition of living his passion by being a registered dietitian. If you are someone who has found dietetics later in life, you will find a great connection with Brian. Also, if you are a student or intern, Brian is a mentor who welcomes you with open arms. I wish I would have had him in my life at the start of my dietetics adventures.

Click here to enjoy my conversation with Brian

Nosh Three. Week in Review. 

This past week I flew into Indianapolis to speak at the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting: Making A Difference.  

It was my first time to Indianapolis and it was a quick in and out. It was great to meet new dietitians again! I was surprised to learn there are more than 1400 members of IAND and 4 colleges that either offer a dietetics program and/or internship. A lot of mentoring and preceptors in Indiana! I absolutely am loving getting to know new people along my journey and maybe getting a chance to touch their lives in some way. I also got to do some podcasting with 2 new friends that I cannot wait to share with you. Registered Dietitians are doing some AHHHH-MAZZING things!  I am always blown away by my peers!  It confirms the path I chose was the right one. 

Before I boarded my plane back to Iowa, I had a few hours to catch some of the local eats in Indiana. I headed to the Broad Ripple neighborhood. There were a ton of restaurants and places to enjoy a cocktail, but Flatwater Restaurant caught my eye based on menu items and what I was hungry for!

It was a beautiful day to sit on the patio overlooking the canal. Very relaxing place to enjoy my last few hours in Indy. 

Wedge Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, yum!

House-made hummus I could have eaten with a spoon. 

Pulled Pork Nachos

I kind of had a problem choosing one thing and I did not make it past the appetizer/salad section of the menu. So now, I will have to go back!  Everything was delicious and you can tell they made about everything in house. The Green Goddess dressing on the salad was delicious and the hummus was creamy and perfectly flavored. It was even a bigger treat to have a dill cucumber salad and kalamata olives with it. The nacho chips were made fresh too and the brisket was perfect, not to smokey and perfectly tender. I highly recommend!

Since I was traveling, I also had a lot of work to do, so I decided to host Easter at my house this year.  As I was getting things ready on Saturday night, I channeled my Dad and decided to dye eggs. Something I never did when I was younger because my Dad and sister always did it for the family. I had no idea how to even do it, so thank goodness for McCormick's dye and easy directions. 

The finished project!  I even had a white crayon for adding decor!

I decided to fancy up my table with beautiful glass chargers my sweet cousin Christine gave to me that matches my polka dots and dots on my glasses and dishes. The Easter Bunny brought my guests a Lindt Gold Bunny and a snack container of Skippy Natural Peanut Butter for dipping (I still haven't eaten mine, but I know he will be whispering to me tonight). 

Ham and fresh asparagus make a pretty presentation. 

Roasted sweet potatoes with honey and fresh rosemary

Hy-Vee Seasons Magazine saved the day and gave me some great and easy recipes for Easter dinner. Thank goodness!  I did not have much time to plan and it was easy to grab the magazine and shop right from there in-store. 

My Gramma Alice celebrated 91 years of life this past Friday, so it seemed only fitting to have her favorite pie, sing Happy Birthday and make wishes. My mom also brought her delectable caramel pecan cinnamon rolls (with golden raisins! Yipee!) that I have mentioned before. So I had to have a little of each. It was a great, relaxing day!

Too much sugar?  Nah.

Love these two beauties. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

Channeling my inner small town country girl this week, channel yours and click here!

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now.

While I was in Utah, I met Registered Dietitian Brianna Rhodes, who love to cook and entertain as well as being a wife and a mother of 3 kiddos. She has started her own new adventure, her own business, RD and Me Nutrition.  She enjoys one-on-one counseling and takes clients to help them make real lifestyle changes with the help of her coaching and expertise. You must go check out her blog!  She shares easy and delicious recipes in her blog with mouth-watering photos of her food creations.  You can sign up for her blog, Confessions of a Dietitian, and never miss a recipe. This is a picture of her Cran-Apple Chicken Salad. I love her passion: "teaching you that nutrition is simple and to get back to basic, healthy and happy eating." I have made a couple of her recipes, including this one, her Asian Lettuce Wraps & Chow Mein and her Greek Meatballs & Couscous. All of them are soooo easy, delicious and healthy. What is also SOOO GREAT is she includes the nutrition label for each recipe. Give her some love and yourself some love by going to her website to make some of her recipes. I know I will be visiting often!

~AE

5 Nutrition Noshes and Wisdom Wednesday

Nosh One. Wisdom.

Photo credit to my new friend and Registered Dietitian Karlee Adams on Instagram

Do you have this innate desire to make everyone happy like me?  This is something I have struggled with my entire life and it makes me sad I have done this for so long.  I would drive myself psychotically bonkers trying to be everything to everyone. Within in the past 3 years, I have LET. THAT. SHIT. GO. I am not a pizza. I cannot make everyone happy.  But I most definitely can make myself happy. Yes, me. Not anyone or anything else. Me. When I take care of me and all the atoms that compose this pretty awesome person, then I can share with others my happy. When I am radiating happy and when I have contagious happy, my tribe picks up on those vibes and in return are happier as well.  Take care of yourself, make yourself happy, "do" for you. When you can 100% do this, then you will naturally stop trying to be the pizza and instead you devour the pizza happily with others. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation.

The Story, Journey and Passion of Susan L. Roberts JD, MS, RD

My conversation today is with Registered Dietitian Susan Roberts. Susan has been a pioneer in a variety of professional settings by creating her outstanding professional path. During college, she discovered her appreciation and passion for landscape architecture and agriculture blended well with becoming a registered dietitian. In the middle of her career, Susan went to law school to have the opportunity to influence food policy as a JD and RD.  In our conversation, she shares her passion for research, sustainable food systems, owning a private practice, advocacy and policy, childhood obesity, her joy of gardening and cooking, as well as working with the Let’s Move Campaign and the former First Lady Michelle Obama.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Susan.

Nosh Three. Week in Review. 

Why is it when we get older, time just flies by. I never thought I would ever say this, but it does. I am really enjoying starting my week off with flowers. There is something sweet and special about starting off your day seeing something that radiates happy.

Cocina Mexicana Hy-Vee 4th and Court Avenue, Downtown Des Moines, Iowa

I met my friend Nate and his wife for lunch at the new Hy-Vee in downtown Des Moines for great conversation. I also wanted to see the new store, get some goodies (loose tea and spices were on my list), try a few new things and experience lunch. With so many unique options unlike any other Hy-Vee from Hibachi, Italian, Deli and soup/salad combos, I reluctantly passed by the smoothie station (I will save that for a snack sometime, I was really hungry) and stopped at the Cocina Mexicana. I am very glad I did. 

Made-to-Order Burrito Bowl

Why I loved these eats is because of the variety of fresh options. And I love anything that resembles or tastes like Mexican food. I could eat it every day, not kidding. In less than 5 minutes, you can have a burrito, burrito bowl, street tacos or quesadilla made for you. There are 4 protein options:  Pollo Asado, Beef Barbacoa, Pork Carnita and Vegan Tofu Chorizo. There are a vast variety of toppings from black or pinto beans, cilantro or chili lime rice, salsas, fresh cilantro (YES!), avocado or guac, Monterey cheddar or Chihuahua cheese and fresh chips. The key word at the Cocina Mexicana is FRESH. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I had a burrito bowl with cilantro rice, beef barbacoa, fresh romaine lettuce, lots of fresh pico, fresh cilantro, guac, Chihuahua cheese and a berry La Croix. I couldn't stop eating my lunch but there was so much food for less than $6, so half of it went home with me for dinner. I will be going back and it will be fun to try a different combination full of color and flavor.

I was hungry for pasta and Italian food this past week and got inspired by new products I saw in the grocery store to try a new recipe.  I had some Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey in the freezer and some leftover red onion. McCormick Seasonings have come out with Organic blends and I was intrigued by the Italian Seasonings with Flaxseed. This would be a perfect addition to meatballs.

I mixed 1 pound of the ground turkey with 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 tablespoon of McCormick's Italian Seasoning and Flaxseed blend, and 1/4 cup of Aleia's tasty Italian breadcrumbs I had in my pantry. 

I sculpted these tasty bites into 12 nice sized meatballs, placed on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and popped them in the 350 degree oven for about 18 minutes. 

Meanwhile, I got busy preparing my "noodles."  These sweet potato noodles by Nora and Ashley's Veggie Plates (made right here in the Midwest) caught my eye in the grocery store. Zucchini, beet and butternut squash varieties are also available, but I am always a sucker for sweet potatoes. I have a spiralizer and have done my own sweet potato noodles, but it was a busy week and I needed the extra time.

I added a little olive oil to a skillet heated to medium and placed the whole container of noodles into the pan to warm them. I don't recommend moving them around to much because they will break easily on you. To cook, you will want to give them about 10-12 minutes, flipping once during that time. I like mine a little toasty and browned, so I let them cook for about 15 minutes. 

I then added a jar of prepare tomato pasta sauce and let it warm for about 3 minutes. 

I topped the pasta with 3 meatballs, freshly grated parmigiano reggiano and fresh basil. It satisfied my pasta desires and was very filling. I was not able to finish my plate, so half the noodles and meetings went to work for lunch the next day. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week.

You may have wondered why I share my workout playlist. I am motivated by music, all the time. From writing, to cleaning to exercise. Just like my food, my palate changes each week. I also like to keep my workouts efficient and effective, so 30 minutes or less for this girl, which is the length of my playlist.   I would love for anyone to share with me their playlists. I love new and different music, send it my way!  anneelizabethrd@gmail.com

This week is it all new songs I really like right now (well at least new to me!), just click this link!

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now.

This girl. I love her all this time but this past weekend, I got to spend some precious and rejuvenating time with her. Carlena is my frista. The bestest friend a girl could have. She makes me laugh, she make things easy, she has the biggest heart and loves more than anyone I know. She is a great mom and wife. She is just awesome. Life is busy lately for both of us but we still make time to reconnect about once a month. Each time we get together, it is like we pick up right where we left off. She makes my heart and life full, I am so thankful for her. 

Blatt Beer & Table (try the Border Burger!!!!)

Nothing beats a weekend of burgers with your bestie. 

~AE