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

Wisdom Wednesday

This week, take time to be grateful. Take time to look at all the great things happening in your life, without wanting, without needing, without looking into the future. Look at what is happening RIGHT NOW. Never let the things you desire make you forget what you have in the present. At any moment, it could all be gone. When you are in love with your life and are grateful for all it gives you, you have everything you could possibly need. 

I am so very grateful...for everyone and everything in my life. 

Weekly Conversation

I am grateful this week for my conversation with Food Scientist (and also the wonderful editor of my book), Susan Bingaman. 

From time to time, I want to have conversations with guests who are not registered dietitians, but have a deep connection to food, nutrition and wellness. Susan is one of those fascinating guests whose lifelong passion has been the science of food. As a little girl, Susan always found herself in the kitchen with her family cooking and this passion lives on in her today. My conversation with her is about being a food scientist, working in a test kitchen and the importance of recipe development. It is a great listen for anyone who has an interest in the dedication to creating recipes with love and that taste great. 

And in the spirit of one of Susan's favorite quotes from Ina Garten:  "If someone can do something better, let them." Please enjoy my conversation with Susan. 

Week in Review 

This past week, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience something new and attend an evening with Henry Rollins. What I know about Henry was that he was a hard core front man for a band in the 90s and he had a cameo in Sons of Anarchy. I had no idea he is a writer, journalist, comedian radio host, has his own publishing company and tours with his spoken word in intimate speaking engagements. I was encouraged by a friend to go to his show at Hoyt Sherman in Des Moines because of his motivational and entertaining way he speaks to a crowd. I was floored because I had this idea of who he was in my mind and left knowing a completely different side of this human. He is very intelligent, well traveled and extremely motivating. I am encouraged to be extraordinary and never stop learning. If you have the opportunity, catch him on tour or check out his website for all the amazing things he does. 

I am also grateful for Arron Smith, president of the Iowa State University Student Dietetic Association, who at their meeting this past month, hosted a fun interactive quiz for the students and used my book as a prize!  Emily Lensing was the winner of the book for her essay answer on the difference in a Dietitian and a Nutritionist. Proud of Emily and all the other RD's to be at Iowa State for being a part of their student organization!

Workout Playlist of the Week

In continuing with my theme this week, I am sharing my grateful and thankful playlist.  I am so grateful I can exercise everyday.  Make sure to get your "Thanksgiving" treat at the end of the playlist!  Listen to Thankful Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music. 

 What I Love Right Now

During these short days of fall/winter (looking forward to the longer days of January), I am very grateful for a warm, caffeine tinted latte to get me through the afternoon. Around 3 pm is when I notice my need for a little pick-me-up. Latte's can be expensive and I do not have a latte budget, but I have figured out an easy way to make my own.  Make a pot of your favorite coffee. Pour 1/4 cup of low-fat milk, my favorite is Fair Life milk for extra protein, into a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake the milk for about 30 seconds. Then take the lid off the jar and microwave the foamy milk for about 45 seconds. Pour 1 cup of hot coffee into the warm milk. 

I love the latte plain but if you would like to mix it up, try this new gourmet spice blend from McCormick: Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Chia Seed seasoning. It is the perfect topper and mix in to your homemade, cozy latte. It is a great way to add a little more nutrition to your beverage and is great with oatmeal, yogurt and pancakes. The perfect spice for this time of year. 

So very grateful...

~AE