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Beat the Heat!

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:14:19 GMT

Brutal. That's how I would describe the heat and humidity thus far this summer. I don't recall even having Spring here in NYC. It went straight from about 60* to 90* once June hit. And since that didn't seem to be hot enough for me, I decided to head further south to FL for some additional torture the other week. If you've never been to FL in the summer it feels something like walking into a wall of heat. It stops you dead in your tracks. I've been brutally reminded of the importance of proper hydration the past two weeks, especially post exercise in this weather, whether indoor or outdoor. I returned from a bike ride along the beach and my aunt commented that I looked as if I stepped straight out of a magazine or tv ad. My back was wet and glistening. And no, I had not just jumped out of a pool. I was drenched in sweat --- and LOVING it. For the same reasons I do hot yoga and prefer no air conditioning while working out (Which is why I don't really like working out in a gym. I do it but always wish I could ask the manager to turn off the air and all the fans in the joint. C'mon ladies with the make up and hair spray. A little sweat will do your skin wonders!), I love working out in 95* heat with a shit ton of humidity. If I'm going to sweat, I might as well pour. Which is also how I've uncovered some great recipes and drink concoctions to stay cool this summer. If this weather is any indication of what the rest of the summer is going to be like, it's gonna be a LOOOOONG, HOT one. Just how I like it.

Some drinks I've found quite refreshing and their recipes, if necessary, are below.

ICED PASSION TEA:

4-5 Bags TAZO herbal PASSION tea (if you prefer a slightly caffeinated version, you can experiment with adding one or two bags of a green or white variety tea. I've done a white rose tea and a green lemongrass, both of which added a nice flavor with limited 'jitters'.)
4 cups boiling water
Stevia and/or agave nectar

Really, what could be easier? I've become addicted to this concoction this summer. Place tea bags in heat resistant container and add about 3 tsps of Stevia. I also add a little agave nectar. Play with your sweetener amounts. Depends on how sweet you like your tea. Pour the water over the tea bags and let sit for at least 20 minutes (I usually do longer). After steeping, remove and squeeze tea bags to ensure all flavor is eeked out! Begin to add ice, as the liquid will be quite concentrated. Chill in refrigerator and pour over ice anytime you need a refreshing lift. It's been the new staple in my fridge. Actually, I'm going to pour myself a glass now!

Something else I live off year round, but love it more in the summer, is the SYNERGY brand of Kombucha. Sadly, there has been some controversy over their truth in labeling the amount of alcohol (naturally occurring in all Kombucha due to the fermentation process) which has caused the company to pull it from the shelves of many major outlets (including all Whole Foods and most natural health food stores). I may have to resort to making my own again. Not the most space efficient task, but it definitely saves my wallet from being consistently drained! If you're interested in how you can 'grow' this healthy, amazing tonic yourself, click here.

Another great pick me up tonic, perfect for pre or post workout, is an Apple Cider Vinegar cocktail! Pour yourself some cold lemon or lime flavored sparkling water, add one to two tbsps. of Apple Cider Vinegar (I find Bragg's to be the best and they are the most well-respected brand), depending on how you like the taste, and a splash of cranberry juice. Easy and SO refreshing.

Of course, you can't beat coconut water in this heat. The best way to enjoy it is right out of the shell, but I know that isn't always the most convenient or easiest way to get the good stuff. However, in my humble opinion, it is the best. Need to know how to open your coconut? Watch this. Of course, when I do it, I'm much less graceful and mine does end up everywhere, but whatever works to get to the good stuff. Other options? Buy one of the many varieties you find on the retail shelves these days. My favorite is Amy and Brian's, as I feel theirs tastes most like the real deal. They even sell one with the pulp! Delish. I also like VitaCoco or O.N.E. brand isn't bad either. Yes, coconut water really IS nature's Gatorade supplying electrolytes and potassium to the body in a most tasty way!

And to beat the heat in the kitchen, and save time, I've really been wearing out my food dehydrator. You can slice apples, (or any fruit for that matter!) and toss them with a little bit of agave and cinnamon, pop them in the food dehydrator and a day later you have healthy homemade apple chips! It sure beats using an oven. I've also been dehydrating onions, mushrooms and zucchini and they make great add ons in salad, if they ever even make it that far. I tend to eat them right of the dehydrator tray! You can learn more about food dehydrators here. Mine is an Excalibur and I LOVE IT!

Ok, one more recipe and I'm done. It's too beautiful of a day to be sitting inside typing anymore! This is SO simple and healthy. Who wants to end up slaving in the kitchen during the dog days of summer? This literally takes about 5 minutes and will keep in the fridge for a few days.

Simple Broccoli and Avocado Salad:

1-2 heads fresh broccoli (Broccoli is not one of the 'Dirty Dozen' so it doesn't HAVE to be organic, although I will always recommend that. But hell, who am I kidding? I don't always buy organic either. And there you have it.)
1/2 Lemon
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Avocado (same with the broccoli with regards to 'organic')
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Super simple. Lightly steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes and until it's bright green (nothing worse than mushy broccoli!). Place in large bowl. With a small spoon, begin to carve 'chunks' of avocado and add to bowl. Add olive oil and juice of lemon and toss while still warm, as the heat from the broccoli will begin to 'melt' the avocado and combine with the lemon and olive oil to make a nice 'dressing'. Add salt and pepper to taste. Seriously. That's it. You could get creative and add some slivered almonds, or a little bit of red quinoa. Or just eat it out of the bowl. You can serve it warmor cold, in the air, in a chair. Speaking of chair, I need to get out of mine and get my ass outside! ENJOY SUMMER!

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Jennifer Galardi — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:53:09 GMT

During my most recent trip to Los Angeles, no less than five people asked/told me to move back. And I am tempted. During a run on the beach last week, the sun sparkling on the crashing waves, traces of salt water, literally, splashing on my face turned up toward the setting sun, I thought to myself, this is heaven. But this was heaven at that time. I've also had moments when I've truly felt no more at peace and at home than in the middle of the hustle and bustle of NYC. As I was staring into the sun across the sea, I was moved, literally, to tears. Miranda Lambert’s most recent song entitled, “The House That Built Me” popped on my iPod. A song about a woman who seems to have lost her authenticity returns home one last time to find some sense of who she is. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I myself felt confused and questioned, "Where is home? Where do I feel most at peace?" So many have called me a ‘wanderer’. Someone who never settles in one place, as if I am constantly looking for or chasing something. Often I’ve felt uncomfortable with that description and felt the need to defend myself. But in that instance, I a revelation came to me. As clear as the day is long. It doesn't matter what coast I'm on. I spent over 11 years of my life in Los Angeles and built a world for myself here where amazing things have happened and dreams have come true. At the same time, when I’m in NYC, I am reminded of my roots and the house and people who have built ME. Without those, I would not have been able to spread my wings, explore unchartered waters and fly. And the many opportunities that still lie ahead.

The answer is that I can feel at home and at peace either place and anywhere.I have always followed my heart when deciding on a place to live or a job to take. I’ve tried to let opportunities direct me and to take advantage of them without fear. And I will continue to do so, no matter where the path leads: Los Angeles, New York, New England or Timbuktu.
Yes, some may call it wandering. I prefer to call it living.

What's Important

Jennifer Galardi — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:56:13 GMT

This past week, I seemed to encounter a lot of drama surrounding work. I had a job. I lost it. I had it again, this time with more responsibility, a bigger role, and subsequently, more pay. I lost it again due to a switch in production dates. Back and forth, up and down. A never ending roller coaster ride. Add huge egos into the mix (and trust me, my ego was not excluded from this equation) and it was a recipe for well, like I said: DRAMA. I was challenged to remember what is truly important in my life.
I'd like to tell you about a few people and situations that kept me in check. And in doing so publicly offer up the utmost gratitude to them. Last week, I was fortunate to be involved in a program called Shape Up NYC in conjunction with Equinox, a program that is offering free fitness classes to dozens of locations throughout the five boroughs. I had been assigned to Hamilton Fish Recreation Center in the lower east side. Trust me, I was not looking forward to the 40 minute bus/walk trek down there, but my selfishness was quickly replaced with extreme joy and gratitude the moment I started teaching those students. Their excitement to have me there was overwhelming. These ladies (and one gentleman!) were so eager and thrilled to have someone help them along their path to health and wellness. They took no breath, no movement for granted. I dare say it was more rewarding than teaching the most dedicated member of any gym. On Wednesday, during Svasana, or final resting pose, I was rubbing a student's neck, temples, and head with essential oil. The words that came out of her mouth moved me to tears. "Thank you Jesus." To hear her, a woman who was probably facing far more difficulties in her life with far less resources than I ever would, utter such gratefulness was profound. I can only hope I played a small part in her feeling of open gratitude and love. It made me want to keep giving all I could. To her, to everyone in that room, to the entire universe. It was a moment that I will never forget.
The work drama ensued over the next two days. So many players. So much 'he said, she said'. So much work trying to decipher the truth, the exaggerations, and who really looks out for my best interest. Slowly but surely, I am learning who to trust. Who would be there for me, regardless of money or individual gain. While I struggled to decide whether to take a job that would help me feel more financially secure, or pass up the opportunity to be by mother's side during surgery, I thank Carie and Lisa, two women who both loss their mothers way to early to cancer, for their guidance. I think about it and I begin to cry. And while the procedure is outpatient and fairly routine, how could I even THINK about not being there for the one woman who gave her entire life for me? And I know you are probably reading this thinking the same thing. "How is that even a question in her mind?" But I was raised to believe that work is important. Succeeding, in the traditional sense, equals satisfaction. And many times my mother would tell me to take advantage of the work. But not this time. Nothing is worth not taking my mother to the hospital or being there when she comes out. It didn't take me long to know I've made the right decision.
There have been a handful of other incidences that occurred all week and through this weekend that kept reminding me of what truly is important.
Here are the conclusions I developed. Family is more important than money. There is so much more to me than 'what I do' for a living. My self worth, self respect and faith will provide ultimate security. The security that only comes from true inner peace and happiness. Honesty is paramount, in all aspects of your life, but especially with yourself and the ones you care about. Giving is not necessarily better than receiving, because when you truly give of yourself, you receive much more than you can possibly imagine. I also know that we ALL understand these principles on an intellectual level. Practicing them and truly believing them, with complete faith and without question? That's a whole other ball game. Drop me a line if you'd like to know how it's going.

Why Does Healthy=Expensive?!?

Jennifer Galardi — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:31:41 GMT

It's one of those evenings I truly wish I did have a television. I spent all last week cleaning up my receipts from 2009, getting my numbers in order, and, at the same time, getting my apartment in order. I was ready to rock and roll come Friday afternoon to face my accountant. Prepped as could be. And then he got on a call that went late . . . and later . . . and later. No appointment for me. So we had to punt until tonight, Monday. And wow. Let's just say the government does NOT make it easy for an entrepreneur (ah-hem, ME) to set up a business. I just found out a WHOLE bunch of stuff I didn't really want to know and it completely overwhelmed me. I feel like I've taken two steps forward and eight steps back. Between that and an intense rolfing session today, all I want to do is collapse on the couch and veg out. In the absence of a television, I figured I'd make some tea, indulge in my favorite chocolate chip cookie (that would be Nana's No Wheat) write a blog and tell you all the news that's fit to print (and there is some that isn't!) from the weekend, including my favorite new sandwich and other recipes I've had fun with. So here we go . . .
Friday, in preparation for the tax appointment that never happened, I was getting shit done. Organizing, filing, cleaning up. Had a lovely late morning visit with a good friend who stopped by (I love NYC for that reason. No one ever just 'stops by' in L.A.!) an appointment here at home and finally, once I learned of the unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on how you look at it. To me, it was just delaying the inevitable feeling of dread and depression that came this evening.) non-appointment, I was off to the gym to work on a new project. A little shopping for a new pair of sassy shorts I needed for a date that evening and I was feeling fine and ready for some wine! Or sake as the evening would have it. The special evening at Pure Food and Wine, my FAVORITE raw restaurant not only in the city but ANYWHERE, was meant to celebrate my supposed tax return. So much for that. So we drank to my date's (Let's call him JT. And no, while I wish it was the real JT, I'm not that good) bonus! And trust me, you need something to cover the bill at Pure. But it's worth the splurge. We scored a wonderful table in the outside patio area, perfect for a spring evening in the city. Magical actually. Or maybe it was just my White Light Tini, a fine combination of unfiltered sake, green tea, lemongrass and ginger. OH, how I love me some ginger. We started with the Organic Iceberg and Watercress Cobb Salad with Smokey Portabella crisps. HEAVEN! And the Nori Rolls. Once again, SCORE! So tasty. We moved on to the King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed Caviar (one of my faves) and the Sweet Pickled Tri Colored Beet Ravioli entree. THIS was pure food bliss. It was so amazing, so fresh and all raw. If I had someone preparing food like this for me every day, sure! I'd be all raw too. Not likely. Before I get on my soapbox on how f'd up it is that good, healthy, wholesome and nutrient dense food is inequitably more expensive than SHIT food that kills people, let me just conclude by saying we finished with the only reason to live. Pure's Mint Sundae. I don't care if you are raw, vegan, carnivore, omnivore, whatever! You'd swear you died and gone to heaven after just one sensual bite. (JT did!) It truly is an experience to be had. I apologize for the sub par photo. It should only provide incentive for you to go try it yourself. Thank goodness we ventured on after Pure to do . . . well what else do you do after a cocktail and a couple glasses of wine? DANCE! Somehow, JT and I stumbled upon this place called "Butter" (still not quite sure how we found this place...) which once downstairs, opened up to a club/lounge type venue. JT and I were in our own little world down there, dancing our silly asses off, albeit to a very random mix of tunes from the dj. Couldn't quite find one groove, but it was enough to keep us out until 1am. What is up with me and these late nights? Ugh. It has to stop. I need to buckle down and get to work. But there's plenty of time for that. Saturday found me with a client and then off to practice my own yoga sequence. By the time I retuned home I was famished. My plan was to head out to meet my girlfriend and new pimp, Lisa (she was the culprit of last weekend's debacle) and one of her friends later that evening (he'll remain anonymous unless it's time to introduce you to him . . . ) but I was beat. So why didn't I stay home and nap you ask? Because I'm obsessive, compulsive (yes, you heard it here first. and it won't be the last time) and felt I had to DO something. So after my new favorite sandwich (see recipe and photo below!), and some way too expensive but fabulously yummy raw Kale Chips (again, healthy=money. I can't seem to get away from this equation) I put on my Louboutins (ha, just kidding). My version of those would be my running shoes to brave the brutal wind that was blowing in the city and headed down 2nd Ave. to the Lower East Side to run some errands. Picked up some of the best beans ever for my morning lattes at Puerto Rico Importing Co. These guys aren't messing around. And it's the type of place I live for at prices that make conventional coffee sellers prices look like highway robbery. (which also makes you realize how OVER PRICED most beans are) You can't take photos and in true NYC style, they make the most out of their real estate cramping the space with wall to wall bins of freshly roasted coffee. They have a few locations here in the city and it's a must visit for any java lover. Despite the fact I popped a few dark chocolate covered espresso beans to add some pep in my step, I was still exhausted. I opted for the subway home and decided, by golly, my feet deserve a pedicure. A nice one. Yes, I'm the girl that keeps the same chipped and worn polish on her toes for two months. Whatever. I'm a dancer and my feet can't look pretty. It's a contradiction. But those toots were tired and deserved some TLC. Sixty bucks later, I walked out with pretty, smoothed, polished and somewhat relaxed feet and toes. Again, why does eating healthy and taking care of myself = BIG BUCKS?!? I vote for government subsidies of avocados, kale, onions, sweet potatoes, brown rice, tahini, hummus and PEDICURES. Only to squeeze them into heels for my evening appointment. Honestly all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and watch a flick. But in order to have the guy to cuddle and watch the flick with me, I must continue to endure dates and set ups and, yes, assholes. (That's a whole other story . . . I'll save it for the book. But what do you say when a supposed 'man' says to you "I guarantee my day was a lot worse than yours."? I was at a loss.) Ugh. I have a confession to make. I don't like getting ready. I am not one of those girls who lives for make up and getting dressed. I hate washing my hair. I dread doing my hair. I would stick it up in a ponytail every day of my life if I could. Make up, sometimes, I can handle. Tonight was not one of those times. Dread, dread, dread. Of course once I found something I felt slightly comfortable in and did all the requisite primping, I felt better and actually thought I looked quite nice. I got to the bar and ordered water. Wow, I was going to be a barrel of good times tonight. But I actually began to enjoy myself and after one glass of wine and many club soda and cranberry cocktails later. (the bartender thought I was crazy . . . I was sucking them down!) discovered I was hungry. The scent of bacon was wafting from behind the bar, and I'll tell you. I don't eat bacon but once in a blue moon. But damn, it smells good. I finally got some grub at another venue that was actually very cool called Schiller's. I was discovering a whole new world with this going out thing and enjoying it. Although a part of me longed for the days with my ex, not needing to do anything, go anywhere, get dressed up, drink beers, etc. Truth be told, a BIG part of me. Ok, back to the food. I am living proof you don't have to blow your eating habits just because you are out. Yes, it was 11pm, not the ideal time for dinner, but I knew I was going to bed no earlier than 1am and I was starved. Which was probably one of the reasons I was a little cranky. One deviled egg, 2 oysters and a KILLER artichoke salad later, I was feeling fine and had some pep in my step again. Plus, our bartender, John, was absolutely adorable and thoroughly entertaining. Good times. But time to go home and sleep. And sleep I did. Until 10:30am. Man, I needed that. I had still been battling the cold I caught from last weekend and I just needed to rest with no alarm, no agenda, no nothing to do. Couldn't really tell you what I did on a chilly, lazy Sunday (apparently nothing too good) but found myself at dance class in the afternoon (thank you James!) which always makes for a good day. I need to start going to different classes and dancing more. I forget how much, no matter what I eat, it FEEDS me more. Grocery trip to Whole Paycheck (Do you see the running theme in this blog?) and relaxing with another yummy sandwich (I'm addicted) and some "Breaking Dawn" (Hey, I don't have a television. It's the closest thing I get to trash.) and I was ready to call it a weekend. Done. And ready for Monday. And here I am, cursing the IRS and finished with the blog. Goodnight. Oh wait! Forgot my favorite sandwich! Pulls together some of my favorite foods EVER! And it really is so easy.

Hummus and Avocado Open Face Sandwich:
1 slice whole grain bread (my new favorite is Hemp Seed Bread from French Meadow Bakery )
Generous slathering of hummus (I prefer my homemade hummus, but I'm a snob like that! Any fresh, store bought is fine. Remember, the less ingredients, the better!)
3 slices avocado
2-3 slices ripe juicy tomato of choice (heirlooms are coming around!)
Generous helping of fresh sprouts
Salt and pepper to taste

In case I really need me to tell you, here's what you do. Grab that piece of bread. Slather on that hummus. Place tomato slices on top, then avocado and top with the sprouts, sprinkling with pure sea salt and some pepper here and there in between. LOVE LOVE LOVE on your easy delicious 'sandwich'. If you're feeling crazy, grab another piece of bread, slather on some more hummus and top that sucker off for a true sandwich.
Ugh, I forgot to give you the other recipes. (A new Tahini dressing and my homemade hummus recipe . . . ) But I'm tired. I'll post another blog just with those. G'night!

Having Fun Til It Hurts

Jennifer Galardi — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:58:20 GMT

Why does having fun result in me HURTING the next day? Actually the next TWO days, as I just don't recover like I used to! The weekend started out innocently enough. Although I really didn't want to get ready for early work drinks at 5:30pm, I drug myself into the shower to head to one of my favorite restaurants in the city, TABLA in Gramercy Park. The weather was heating up and they have an outdoor patio. Perfect for cocktails with out of town guests, co-hosts of the Atlanta based radio show, Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy, also known as Dr. Adam Shafran and Lee Kantor. Who, I may add, are particularly funny. I've done several interviews with these guys to promote my DVD's and I always have a blast! It was nice to finally meet them in person. They were very impressed with my choice of venue and by the time we finally secured an outdoor table, I was ready for the cocktail. I've also been particularly obsessed with one of life's most perfect food: the avocado! Does it get any better? Let me answer that for you . . . . NO. I would seriously question someone who doesn't adore the avocado. The only problem is that with an avocado, you must anticipate your cravings. Typically stores just don't have a wide selection of ripe, ready to go avocados. They take at least a day if not two to get to the perfect firm mushy consistency that melts in your mouth like butter. True nirvana. And I just found this website with a boatload of recipes all including the avocado. Ok, back to Friday night. Of all the amazing dishes on Tabla's menu, I went for the Guacamole (of course) with burdock root chips. Oh sweet heaven. Tabla does this typical Mexican dip much different. Big chunks of fresh avocado seasoned with one of my favorite spices, cumin, often used in Indian foods. A perfect snack, a perfect drink and perfect weather made for a perfect early evening with my out of town guests. After a pleasant walk down to Union Square and a brief visit to lululemon with Adam and Lee, I decided to head home early and get some rest, dreams of dancing avocados in my head! My dinner plans fell through (Dare I say I was stood up? That's a whole other story ... ) and I wanted to get up early and get a jump start on my Saturday anyway.
If you've seen what's going on here in NYC (besides suspicious car bombs in Times Square!), you'll know I awoke to some serious sweltering heat, a la August style. With no air on in our building yet, I resigned myself to sweating the rest of the day! Which was a fine detox. After many morning chores and cleaning, I headed out to Central Park to get my run on. But after the initial 15 minute jog to get to the park, my knees weren't having it. So I settled onto a piece of greenery which became my own personal yoga mat. One hour later, and feeling dandy, I headed home, again, full of dreams of avocados! I had been invited to a Kentucky Derby party but wanted to make sure I at least had a snack before I moved on to a gathering of alcohol and what was sure to be not so good for me food. My plans were foiled. There were no ripe avocados to be found at any of my local stores. I was so disappointed, a little pissed off to be frank, but settled for a snack a little less satisfying. After a healthy afternoon, I was ready to head downtown for an adult beverage and somewhat mellow evening. I was wrong about the mellow evening, but dead on about one thing: BAD food. We're talking Kentucky Fried Chicken bad. And if you've ever thought to yourself, "Eh, it's chicken. Protein. How bad can it be for me?" Check out their latest greatest invention, the Double Down. I get ill just thinking about it. I mean I know the FDA is a relatively useless institution, but I'm shocked even THEY let this hit the market. To be honest, KFC wasn't even tempting to me. Maybe had I been hungry I would have succumbed, but I wasn't even close. Which is why it's always important to know where you're going and prepare accordingly. But on the flip side, a GREAT party. I met a lot of new fun people and even ran into an old friend I already knew. Small world. My favorite vegan yogi, Rachel and I eventually were ready to leave the temptation of Double Downs and bad mac and cheese to hit up on of my favorite vegan joints in the city, COUNTER in the East Village. Although, don't get me wrong, vegans have their version of junk food too. I certainly never feel deprived of anything. Can you say "Chickpea Popcorn"?!!? Rachel and I downed these puppies like nobody's business. I assumed they were just garbanzo beans cooked in olive oil, although I couldn't tell if they were roasted or pan fried. No matter, they are next on my list to try at home or for a dinner party! I would sprinkle with cumin and cayenne, and of course, sea salt! This recipe cooks them in olive oil in the pan and uses different seasonings, but it's definitely something to play with and a nice break from my traditional fave, hummus! OK, you may be asking "Where is the FUN in all of this? Sure, it sounds like fun and all, but til it hurts? Not so much." Well not YET. After a few more small plates like red quinoa with broccoli and avocado (See? Avocado!!!!) and Spaghetti Squash Spaghettini, PLUS a super delish panini with lentil walnut pate and rosemary aioli (Did I mention the apple cobbler with cashew milk ice cream? Ugh. . . ) I was ready to roll on out of Counter and walk off some serious calories all the way home. However, somehow, I got suckered into going to another party down in the Village. My friend had me at 'cute sports guys'. I'm so easy. Let the debauchery begin. Rachel and I moved on to Oliver's in the Village and stepped into a frat party. I'm sure these people were all very nice, but I was seriously over it. And the guys were cute, but not THAT cute. Ha. After about ten minutes, Rachel and I were ready to call it quits and my friend Lisa, a firecracker of personality, insisted we meet a certain sports anchor and golf writer. (To protect the not so innocent, I will let them remain anonymous) And those two are the ones that kept us at Oliver's til 3am. They had wit, smarts, HEIGHT, and charm out the wazoo. And, I for one, fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Stupid girl. Not to say I wasn't having a great time, but I felt like such a sorority chick, dancing in a bar to late night versions of "Boom Boom Pow" and "Toxic" (hoping I danced off some of that dessert!) And I hadn't had that physical, chemical attraction to someone in a while. It sucked me in and kept me there. I'll spare you the gory details, but there's just something about walking through NYC on a hot steamy muggy night/morning and kissing on the curb. Damn sports guys. Too make a long story MUCH shorter, I wasn't asleep til about 5am. And awoke at 11am. And I am NOT my sparkly shiny best on 6 hours sleep. I'm an eight hour girl all the way. Plus keeping those hours, your body is just all OFF. But I had to buck up because I had three classes to teach at Equinox. Once again, thank God for dance. (Watch one of my favorite lyrical pieces I've choreographed in a while here!) Needless to say it's Wednesday and I am just finishing this blog. I was hurting straight up til yesterday evening really. Between the classes, the Saturday evening spectacular and my own workouts, my body felt like someone hit it with a Mack truck, felt like it was coming down with a serious cold (Downed double dosages of Wellness Formula and kicked THAT in the ass! Booo-yah!), and I was feeling mild symptoms of depression, which usually happens after I drink, even minimally. (I had a beer and a half and maybe a sip of wine at the Derby party! That shouldn't even count!) So now you see where the HURT comes in. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just don't recover like I used to. But was it worth it? Abso-you know what- lutely! And oh yeah, I almost forgot to give you my version of the wonderfully delectable red quinoa salad we had at Counter!

Red Quinoa Salad:

1 Cup Quinoa
1-2 Cups Broccoli
1 Avocado
Olive Oil
Roasted Almond Slivers or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (optional)

Cook quinoa according to package directions (usually takes about 20 minutes). Steam broccoli. Slice and cut up avocado in cubes. Stir together and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Top with a sprinkle of slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds! Eat it up!

Ups and Downs . . . Mostly Downs

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:10:46 GMT

What a weekend. My eyes were like waterworks and I could never be sure when the tears were going to start. It was so unexpected, because my Friday started out pretty kick ass. It was a beautiful day here in NYC. Sunny, breezy, warm. Perfect Spring has sprung type of weather. After some PR photos with my gal Kelsey from CRUNCH for an upcoming workout in SELF Magazine, we decided to wander over to the best "fast food" place on earth, Pret a Manger. Or as New Yorker's would call it, simply "Pret". Now before you get up in arms at the words "fast food" check out their website. This stuff is FRESH as it gets in a box. No soggy lettuce or wet bread. Ick. Nothing fried or even grilled. Fresh baked whole wheat breads, wraps and salads makes this place a standout and NYC fave. Kelsey and I decided to try the Salmon and Brown Rice Salad which seemed very similar to the brown rice bowls I love to make at home. I was skeptical about the whole salmon part, but I shouldn't have been. This thing ROCKED and has a healthy balance of wholesome unrefined carbohydrates (brown rice), protein (salmon and edamame), fresh veggies (cucumber and red cabbage) and healthy fats (let's hear it for the omega-3's in salmon!). My new fave. The only thing missing for me was avocado! So we also split an Avocado and Parmesan sandwich as well. Not QUITE as healthy, but damn it was good. I've been in love with my avocados lately and using them in a simple salad I've been loving all weekend. To be honest, if you've read my Facebook posts recently, I've been downing desserts like it was the fourth meal of the day. I felt the need to clean up my act a little bit, nutritionally speaking. Here's the Detox Salad I've made for dinner two nights in a row:

Detox Salad:

Shredded Red and/or Green Cabbage
Mixed Greens (Mesclun salad mix, spinach, ARUGULA and KALE are my faves)
1 Roma Tomato
Slices of Red Onion
1/2 Avocado (or more if you wish!)
1/4 cup Edamame (optional)
1/2 Lemon
EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar
Sea Salt
Cayenne Pepper

Toss all ingredients in large salad bowl, drizzle with EVOO and a few dashes of Balsamic Vinegar, squeeze the lemon on there, add a little S&P and mix well so the avocado mixed with the liquid gives it a nice creamy "dressing" like texture. Simple, fresh and YUMMY.

Ok, back to the weekend. I continued to bask in the sunshine of the day on Friday walking all the way down to the Village, making pit stops at BB&Beyond (my new home away from home as I begin remodeling this apartment in NYC!) and Lohemann's (I really need to get back to work at some point. I don't even like to shop and I'm shopping.) Decided I would get a workout in and popped into Equinox a little before 5pm. At this point, my day was still fantastic. I received a dose of inspiration and surge of energy on the treadmill so decided to hop into the open studio and start working on choreography for my dance class on Sunday. It came pouring out of me like water out of a faucet. I love those routines that just seem to find their own steps. I left the gym with a good foundation for the routine and still chipper and happy. Somewhere between the subway home and midnight, my mood shifted. Unexpectedly, unpredictably. I came home just worn out and exhausted and had a late conference call at 7pm with the west coast. Again, all good there too. No reason for this sudden turn. I was scheduled to go on a date to see a documentary film, and just couldn't get excited. But I was committed and really did want to see the film about choreographer and dance pioneer, Anna Halprin, Breath Made Visible. I begrudingly dragged my ass in the shower but felt rushed and annoyed as I hustled to make the 9pm viewing. We had to wait in line for the previous viewing to finish and I could barely stand. I was becoming crankier by the minute and I felt awful for my date. I was no sort of good company tonight. Finally, we entered the theater and after an introduction by Anna herself, the movie began. I was not prepared for the emotions that this film stirred in me. Anna Halprin was not your typical ballerina. Nor was she a traditional modern dance choreographer. This woman felt EVERYTHING. And now revisiting the website, I can tell the musical score had a lot to do with the emotional stirrings in my body. Not to mention Anna and her husband, landscape architect, Larry Halprin's lovely relationship which is a true testament to what it means to be a life partner in love and friendship. Everything about this film is inspiring and beautiful. Even when it touches upon some ugly topics, such as Anna's cancer. The woman basically healed herself through dance. I sat in awe of this woman who never compromised her expression or her movement. Nor apologized for it. If we all could be so daring in the exploration of our emotions, no matter what form we choose. It was quite simply, beautiful. While I did cry, I was holding back what would surely have been an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation for my date. I needed a much bigger release. Yet, after the film, I suggested we go somewhere for dessert. Seriously? At 11pm? Why? Was I avoiding going home and dealing with the emotions that were bubbling up inside of me? Wanting to shove them down with sweets? Probably, yes. Although the dessert was yummy, I was disconnected and didn't enjoy it, nor my company, as much as I should have. I went home only to receive a large package that unlocked the dam holding back the flood of tears that began to run down my face. What began as a beautiful day turned into quite frankly, a wet mess. I finally cried enough to drain myself of any energy and fell into a not so peaceful sleep of unpleasant dreams. And awoke with what I like to call a 'crying hangover'. Saturday felt very lethargic for me, and while it was a beautiful day outside, I stayed inside as the tears continued to pour on and off like a dripping faucet. I threw myself into the many home chores I needed to do, trying to keep myself busy and occupied. I finally decided it was time to get outside, tears or no tears, for a walk. My first stop was an attempt to make my body feel better after my late night sugar rush. Liquiteria. Some of the best darn juices in the city. A little more shopping (am I detecting a pattern here?) and walking around the city. I shunned any social offers to return home, clean up and make my Detox Salad above. I was going to be nice to myself, read and watch another documentary, Food Inc. I know it's been a phenomenon for about a year now, but I was just getting around to watch it. While nothing in the film totally surprised me, it is a MUST see for anyone who wants to know more about where a majority of our food is coming from these days. Please watch the trailer here. Again, another very powerful and inspiring film about one of my other passions . . . . FOOD. And a great motivation to change the way this country's agricultural system operates. I could go on and on about this topic, but I'll save that for another day. I collapsed once again to bed with a more restful night of sleep.
Since I feel like I am dragging on and on in this blog, I'll finish it similar to how I finished last week's blog. With a story of how dance continually saves me. I was still not feeling 100% Sunday morning, but the rain gave me an excuse to stay inside, rest, and finish my choreography to a song that has always, and continues to, move me. Breathe, by Anna Nalick. I poured my heart and soul into teaching that routine last night (thank you to all who shared their passion and energy with me yesterday afternoon at Equinox in Columbus Circle. You saved my weekend!) and as always, felt so much better for it. I'm not going to lie, I felt very alone and very sad this weekend. But looking back, it's something I needed. Time to process, time to release, and time to cry. We all need that every now and then to come out bright and shiny on the other side.

A Weekend Of Discoveries

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:46:31 GMT

A late Thursday night with one too many martinis induced a very mellow Friday afternoon and evening here in NYC. I just don't bounce back like I used to. I now find myself strategically planning my evenings out so that I make sure I don't have to do anything too taxing the next day. Getting older is sad. It's also wonderful. But sad. I spent most of Friday indoors organizing a very messy life after months of travel. Papers had piled up, receipts everywhere, W-9's to be sent to the accountant (Yes, I punted on last week's frightening deadline. The IRS will just have to wait to suck me dry.) and DVD orders to be sent out. Basically my only trip outside all day was to the post office. I made a go of it at the gym, but after five minutes on the treadmill, decided to punt on that, too. It just wasn't happening. I decided that I would later go to NY Hot Yoga to sweat out any remnants of whatever caused the previous night's damage. Mission accomplished. That room was so damn hot and delicious. I dare say it was the most I've sweat in any hot yoga class including Bikram. And it felt oh-so-yummy. Needless to say, I wasn't going anywhere that evening except my couch. I had made some brown rice earlier and decided to check my cabinets to see what I could drum up. Although, as you've probably surmised, I'm not a huge fan of food in a box, I did buy some Indian fare a while back. It was as good as night as any. I was too exhausted to even dial the phone for take out. So I whipped out a little Spinach Dal from Tasty Bites Indian Food and popped that puppy in the microwave. (Yes, I DO use a microwave.) Two minutes later I was thoroughly enjoying it over some brown rice and have to admit . . . it was pretty damn good! And they've got a bunch of vegetarian options with very little processed and unrecognizable ingredients. Score! What I also discovered quite recently is that I can rent movies on iTunes for under $5! Genius. Basically, iTunes will keep the movie in your list for 30 days. But once you start the movie, you have to watch it within 24 hours. Given I don't have a television, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I chose "Up In the Air" with my meal. Sadly, I was more impressed with the Spinach Dal than the movie. Early to bed meant early to rise on Saturday. I love quiet mornings with my lattes. I got some work done, and then it was off to the gym for a little workout. When I came home I whipped up one of my favorite smoothies and instead of using my normal coconut water or almond milk as a base, I tried some Berryblossom White Iced tea from TAZO which gave my berry smoothie a nice kick! Here's my recipe:

1/2 cup TAZO Berryblossom White Iced Tea
1/2 cup goji berries
1/2 cup frozen berries of choice (I used mixed)
2 tbsps. almond butter
2-3 heaping tbsps. hemp seed protein powder (or powder of choice)
2 tbsps. flaxseed or ground flaxseed
1 large scoop Green Superfood (I'm using Macrogreens brand now)
Pinch of sea salt
Drop of vanilla
1 dash Steevia
Agave to taste

Combine all ingredients in blend and blend away til smooth! Add more liquid or ice if necessary! Green tea would probably be equally yummy in any fruit smoothie for a great energy boost and burst of anti-oxidants.
After the smoothie I was charged for a late afternoon date at MOMA for the Tim Burton exhibit. I had been dying to see it and had yet to go to MOMA so it was a win-win choice all around. It was crazy packed and a little annoying as I am not a big crowd kind of girl, but it didn't detract from a lovely first 'date'. Ugh. I hate that word. Anyway, after sitting in the garden, and taking a load off (I wanted to look cute so I certainly didn't have the appropriate foot attire for standing around a museum for two hours), a drink was in order at the Modern. (One of my favorite spots in the city) Score two seats at the bar and the bartender places . . . what's this???? TRUFFLE OIL popcorn??? Oh heaven. If you are unfamiliar with the most fantastic variety of mushroom there is, please. Treat yourself to anything with truffles in them. They can be pricey, but it's just one of those amazing delicacies you have to have at least once in your lifetime. The day continued into the evening with good food, good wine and a spontaneous visit to the theater to see RACE, David Mamet's latest piece. Again, I had been wanting to see this for a long time. What a treat! It was neat to see Hollywood power houses such as James Spader (man, he was great in "Pretty In Pink"!), Kerry Washington, and Richard Thomas (John Boy!) on the stage doing theater. Another discovery? I was really beginning to like this guy. Especially after we stopped for post theater wine at yet another place I had never been, the Royalton hotel. Apparently, they had recently re-done the lobby and it was beautiful. A fireplace (which, oddly enough was much needed in the end of April in NYC . . . will it please get and STAY warm already?) set the warm, cozy and just a tad romantic atmosphere of the lobby lounge. We sat and chatted and . . . ok, enough about my date.
The weekend was not over before I discovered one more thing. That dance is the most powerful tool I own for emotional release and cathartic expression. Actually, I already knew this, but I was reminded just how healing dance is for me. It was a rough Sunday morning. Dawn came too soon after my enchanted evening and I was awaking to get ready to go to a dear friend's mother's funeral. I don't need to tell most of you that one of the saddest most painful things you can witness is someone you love going through such a devastating experience. Carie's eulogy was both poignant and humorous. Under the circumstances, she did lovely and remained a rock for her family and loved ones. I am so proud of and inspired by her strength, but as funerals often do, this occurence threw into question all that was important in my life. I returned to the city, emotionally confused and decided to go to dance. Although I was going to take the day off from any physical activity, I came to the conclusion that this had nothing to do with 'working out'. I was going to dance because my soul needed it. Not my body. And I was right. I danced the shit out of what was, for me, an emotional lyrical piece to Michael Jackson's "What About Us" (thank you James), thrusting any anger I had at Carie's mother's cancer and any sadness I felt, into my feet and my body. Bloody feet and all. And it was the best discovery I made all weekend.

Letting Go

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:07:44 GMT

This past weekend I found myself with nothing on my 'agenda'. It was truly the first time all year where I didn't have a looming deadline, a class to teach or choreography to create. And I wasn't on a plane either. Wow. What was I going to do with myself? Friday afternoon found me exhausted. All I wanted to do was collapse. So I basically did. I ran a bunch of errands, trying to get my life back in order from a long trip away and wondering how I was going to clean up this apartment? That's it, I decided. Taking care of me meant not only taking care of my career and my nutrition, but taking care of ALL of me. Including my home, my personal space and my spirit. I needed rest. So I downloaded "Up In the Air" (which I haven't watched yet), cleaned up my work station and found an organization that would recycle old electronics in the city on Saturday, as I've been trying to dispose of two archaic dinosaur-like televisions without wrecking havoc on the environment. (By the way, if you are in NYC and need to do the same, please check out the Lower East Side Ecology's Center for dates and drop off locations!) A good start.
My Saturday morning started out like any other for me. Meditation, latte, breakfast, computer work, etc. Someone came by to pick up a huge piece of furniture I've been trying to get rid of (YAY!!!! Cleaning up shit!) and then it was off to drop off the televisions. Check. I even had time to stop at my favorite chocolate store in the Village, Pure Dark, to pick up dessert for the Paella party I was co-hosting later in Brooklyn. (Wait, did I say nothing was on the agenda for the weekend? Apparently, I lied. I forgot I was to help with a dinner party. Small detail.) They have a new variety that is darker and richer than any of the others. I think it's called their "SERIOUS" chocolate and if I'm not mistaken it's straight up 80% cacao. We all know how I love my chocolate! I dropped off my friend's car back in the Village and thought, wow. Only 12pm. What am I going to do with myself? It was a beautiful day so I decided to start walking. I stumbled into an AMAZING smelling coffee roastery, Roasting Plant, remembering I needed some more of that tasty bitter goodness that saves my life every morning. I added a latte and thought a morning of espresso and dark chocolate could lead to nothing but good! Where to next? I figured I would drift east and head to the Union Square Greenmarket and see what delicacies I could find there. But lo and behold, directly in my path lay a lululemon store. Well, well. Isn't that convenient? Convenient for my style, but no so convenient for my wallet. Whatever. I must say, this sea green runners top looks smashing on me and I need headbands. Very functional. But I had to pull myself out of there before any other products sucked me in! Across the street to the Greenmarket where I found a lovely Manchego cheese for the Paella party, a perfect Spanish accompaniment. Somehow, a homemade oatmeal carrot raisin cookie also found it's way into my basket. But when it's made with nothing but all natural ingredients that I can pronounce, I never concern myself! Quite a yummy addition to my latte and chocolate brunch! As I wandered through I decided to walk all the way home to prepare for the trek to Brooklyn to help my friend with the dinner party. The best laid plans . . . . somewhere at about 18th and 5th Ave., my friend from L.A., Ken, called to inform me he was finally free from the morning's Bat Mitzvah obligations and could we meet up. Sure, I said, but I swore I only had about a half hour as I had to go home, clean up and get my ass to Brooklyn. Well, Ken happened to bring a friend who, let's just say, made it much more compelling to share beers and head to Brooklyn in what I was already wearing. Yes, two hours later, my new friend, sans Ken, and I hopped on the 4 train over to Cobble Hill. Sweat pants, grubby t-shirt and sweatshirt be damned. I didn't care what I looked like (although a shower would have been nice) as I had an unexpected afternoon of great company, laughter and good conversation. Which, in my book, trumps appearance any day of the week and twice on Tuesdays! After his initial annoyance at my tardiness, my co-host seemed to forgive me as I brought along an extra pair of hands to help chop and prepare. (Thanks, James!) As the guests began arriving, and raves for the food began to flow, along with the sangria, I forgot all about what I looked like and found myself marveling at how wonderful my afternoon, and now my evening, had turned out to be. And I hadn't even planned it that way! And I certainly didn't plan on staying out until 3am, but I didn't seem to mind my later than normal bed time much either. I was smiling and laughing more than I had in a long time and was reminded, once again, how good it can feel to let go and be spontaneous. You never know who you'll meet and what you'll find. I found inspiration, new friends, and great food. Plus, a new recipe to share! Here is the fresh salad I made for the Spanish style fiesta! Totally off the cuff!

Hearts of Palm Salad:

3 jars hearts of palm (I found Trader Joe's to be wonderfully tasty with a great consistency. Not too firm or too mushy!)
2 avocados
1 red onion
2 Vine Ripened Red Tomatoes
Bunch cilantro
EV Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
1 lemon or 2 limes
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

Slice first 4 ingredients into nice bite size chunks, not too small. Chop Cilantro. Toss 1-5 in large serving bowl with the juice of lemons or limes, and the remaining ingredients to taste. You won't need a lot of balsamic as the citrus will provide enough 'bite'. SUPER EASY, SUPER HEALTHY AND SUPER TASTY!

Eating LA Style

Jennifer Galardi — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:23:16 GMT

My last day here in Los Angeles and I'll be boarding another plane in just a few short hours. I'm tired of traveling and can't wait to be home in NYC where I can begin preparing my own food again and pay attention to my nutrition to really get my body back to optimum functioning capacity. This week has been disastrous for me. It has proven the necessity for me to be on a disciplined diet, not from a 'low-fat, carb cutting, calorie watching' perspective. But to be more mindful of making the best possible choices for me and my body. Pay attention: This does not necessarily equate with RESTRICTION or DEPRIVATION. All I'm saying is I know what my body needs to run like a well oiled machine and I haven't been giving it that. My energy is low, I've been supplementing with more caffeine, (never a good option) and feeling, well, just blah. Next week, I'm home and going to kick off Spring with a 3 day cleanse from my favorite provider of all things good and fresh, Blue Print Cleanse and so I don't feel completely deprived, am planning on testing out their new program, the Juice til Dinner package which is more up my alley. I know it's not the BEST way to eat, and contrary to what all the other 'experts' out there proclaim, but I can make it through my day with very little sustenance and really need some nourishment come 6pm or so. I am constantly on the go, teaching, taking classes, etc. and for the most part, a heavy lunch does not sit well with me. Hey, cut me some slack. I just started eating breakfast a little over a year ago. Anyway, judge if you'd like. It works for ME, but I am not recommending it for everyone. If you are able to sit and digest your food in the afternoon, or do your workouts in the morning or plan your workouts for after work, then, absolutely. A good filling, satisfying lunch is best. Period. End of story. Ok then. Enough about future plans and on to the present. While I'm in LA, I, unfortunately rarely cook. My breakfasts usually consist of my morning latte (those of you who read my blogs or writings frequently know what this is all about!) and a raw food bar and/or a piece of spelt bread with some almond butter slathered on it. Lunch, well, we've already discussed that above. I'm usually running around picking up a snack here and there from Whole Foods or Erewhon or wherever else I can pull over and pick up something to eat in the car (I know, I know . . . ). Dinner is my time to sit with friends that I haven't seen and catch up. The usual haunts? Real Food Daily, M Cafe, blah, blah, blah. But I was over them this week. I needed a fresh perspective, something new. And I found a few great places this trip. First and foremost, my new favorite, CRU in Silverlake. It's a little out of the way for me, but worth the drive. This vegan and mostly gluten free restaurant serves up both raw and cooked food. It's AH-MAAAA-ZING! I started with the raw squash and curry soup last night and chose the mushroom and asparagus crepes for my main course. Caroline, my wonderful friend, had the risotto. To DIE for. And of course, being the dessert whores we both are, Caroline ordered this 'off the menu' treat of yummy-ness with carmelized manna bread, raw vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. (Our waiter actually apologized for the wait on our dessert because the kitchen was making some fresh caramel sauce. Uh, we forgive you.) I love three hour dinners with nourishing tasty food and wonderful company. Thank you to Cru, Chef Rachel and Caroline for making my final LA meal memorable. (FYI, Cru also offers kick ass cooking classes every Sunday. Check it out!) Some other new and noteworthy joints in my Los Angeles restaurant book: HealthyCa in North Hollywood for those of you on the 'other side' of the hill, and, for something with a little more atmosphere and a great place for both vegetarians and none alike, AKASHA in Culver City (some of the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had my hands on!) Akasha also makes KILLER drinks with all organic ingredients and fresh squeezed juices. You have to have the 'Emerald City' with Tru organic gin, house made basil elixir and fresh lime. Seriously? It's too good. Be careful! If anyone else has some recommendations whether in LA or your city of choice, post them here! I love to hear from people in the know about where to go! Happy Passover/Easter everyone and have a great weekend!

Chocolate For Breakfast???

Jennifer Galardi — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:19:44 GMT

I say 'Why Not?!?!' As long as you're not downing a bowl of Cocoa Puffs or a Snickers bar first thing in the morning, a little all natural deep dark cacao bean in some form is perfectly acceptable in my book. I am no stranger to the sweet stuff in the morning (see my recipe for the ultimate Chocolate Chunky Monkey) and as I reviewed my choices of LARABARS this morning, it became apparent to me that more often than not, I opt for this flavor in the morning. My favorite variety of Larabars are the Jocalat ones (fancy way of spelling 'Chocolate'???) which of course all include, yup you guessed it . . . Unsweetened Chocolate and Cocoa Powder as a main ingredient. I figured I could either criticize and scold myself for not having something like toast and almond butter, or some other buttery, eggy, protein filled option, or I could simply embrace my adoration for the brown stuff and feel great about it. I choose to embrace! But which flavor to embrace? Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Mint, or just plain old Chocolate? (By the way, there is also German Chocolate, Chocolate Cherry and Chocolate Hazelnut . . . just an FYI!) This morning, only the Chocolate Mint would do. Mostly because it was already opened. (What? I had a late night sweet tooth. Don't judge!) These tasty treats are high in fiber and chock full of good, natural stuff like almonds and dates. If you rather eggs in the morning, these will do just fine as an afternoon snack or pre workout boost (the natural sugars found in these bars are a great source of fast energy providing carbohydrates). MMMM, MMMM, GOOD! Don't get me wrong, I still love my hot tasty oatmeal in the morning, but with as much traveling as I've been doing lately, these are the perfect way to start my day and go great with my ultimate latte! They don't melt, they are portable and they are just about, well, perfect. In order that I don't sound too much like an advertisement for Larabar (unless of course they want to ship me a few cases free and then I'll plug em all they want!) I do want to let you know that my chocolate addiction didn't stop there this morning. OH NO . . . there is this GREAT dark chocolate store in the West Village that sells nothing but, you guessed it DARK CHOCOLATE. It's called PURE DARK and you won't find any of that icky diluted, crap filled milk stuff here. This place is nothing but PURE DARK CHOCOLATE goodness. Everything in here is amazing, from their slabs to their spicy hot cocoa! (Although my recipe for homemade spicy cocoa is pretty friggin good too!) But my favorite thing to do is mix up my own little concoction. You can mix and match from a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and of course, cacao nibs (little bits of pure unadulterated chocolate). So I proceeded to down a couple of tablespoons of one of my favorite mixes I created. I call it the "Galardi Special": Dark Chocolate covered cacao nibs, ginger bits, shredded coconut and chopped pecans. (I also love a blend with blueberries and slivered almonds) I've been nibbling (or downing may be the more appropriate word here) this blend for days now and finally just polished it off as I write this entry. Good riddance! I can NOT be tempted to get more, as good for you as it may be in healthy fats and fiber. Unfortunately, PURE DARK is in the direct path of my return route from my BARRE ASSETS class every Tuesday at CRUNCH. Darn those Pure Dark people. And I have plenty more suggestions on what to buy when you just can't seem to resist the temptation of a sweet treat. Email me HERE! Enjoy your weekend!

The One Year Mark

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:04:08 GMT

Wow. A year ago today I had not much but a couple of full suitcases and excitement of landing in NYC to temporarily, maybe permanently, move back to the east coast. Looking back, it seemed so easy. I had school every month, a wonderful new group of ladies I was befriending and just the anticipation of being someplace completely different. I tried to stave off all the pressing questions of “Are you going there for good?” “When are you coming back to l.a.?” “What are you going to do after school?” “What are you going to dowith that?” Questions of the future often unnerve me as, although I can be somewhat of a control freak, I am not much of a planner nor do I attempt to predict every little twist and turn my life will g take. First x, then y. Not so much me. And I don’t like trying to explain that to people, especially when I sense disapproval.
But I could never even have imagined what would be in store for me this past year. SO many good times, wonderful memories and beautiful friendships and loves in such a short period of time. Even the events you wouldn’t expect to be good (like getting hit by a car, a relationship that pushed me to my edges, a painful break up, my grandmother’s terrible fall) are all benchmarks in a year full of growth, maturity and success for me. And the ones you would expect (fun parties for school, amazing dinners in the city, a wonderful romantic relationship, U.S. Open visits, new friends and flings, professional successes.) were all present as well.
Oddly enough, all this happened just within the parameters of my 35^th birthday. I turn 36 in less than a week. (Yikes, should I be disclosing that information?) Oh well. Nevertheless, while I try to look ahead and plan for the next year, I remind myself not to. Because, given the example of the past year, things can happen that I could never dream for myself. Yes, I set goals. Yes, I cultivate positive thoughts, as I try to everyday, that are filled with love and not fear. And I am looking forward to what this year has in store for me, without expectation.
So there is no new recipe associated with this blog. No new food revelation. Although, if you are ever in Portland, OR you must must must try the coffee at STUMPTOWN. I just returned from there to shoot an amazing infomercial for NordicTrack (stay tuned!) Some of the best lattes I’ve ever had, only because of the excellent quality of the beans and the espresso preparation. Try it and you’ll understandwhy so many people bash Starbuck’s!
Anyway, I was just looking for the space and the outlet to reflect on an amazing life which I’ve been blessed to have and to tell those that have been a part of it (which means YOU too if you are reading this!), “Thank You.”

Procrastination

Jennifer Galardi — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:31:33 GMT

Ahhhh, one of my favorite things to do . . . Procrastinate. The word just sounds wrong: Pro-CRAAAAS-tinate. Ugh. But darn if I'm not very very adept in this area. Bad for me when deadlines have to be met. Good for you when looking for new recipes! Because, for me, the best and easiest way to procrastinate? COOK! Or at least go try to whip something up in the kitchen. So I don't waste any more darn time getting started on this new dance workout DVD (Did I peak your interest??? Stay tuned!) I'm going to get right to the point. I made the tastiest, healthiest Chocolate Peanut Butter shake you can possibly find. So here you go:

Choco Chunkey Monkey

1/2 cup UNSWEETENED Chocolate Almond Milk (I like Blue Diamond Brand)
1 ripe banana
1-2 tbsps. natural nut butter of choice (peanut and almond are always faves)
3 heaping tblspns CHOCOLATE HEMP SEED PROTEIN POWDER
Touch of agave
A dash STEEVIA
1 tsp. Cinnamon
ICE

Stick all that in a blender and whip it up! Pour in a tall glass and you can add a dash of cinnamon on top if you'd like!
I also added a GREEN SUPERFOOD powder. The brand I use is not too overpowering so you couldn't even tell there was so much good stuff in there. DRINK IT UP!!!

You Asked For It . . . .

Jennifer Galardi — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:03:19 GMT

So I posted on Facebook that I made the best darn granola EVER! Let me just tell you how gratifying it was, not only because the final product came out stupendous (at least in my mind, you can judge for yourself), but also because I have been meaning to concoct this recipe since the holidays. Yes, as in LAST YEAR, 2009. Ok, maybe it's just a month ago last year, but nevertheless. It is something I like to do for family and friends in lieu of big expensive gifts (sorry to those of you that didn't get a Rolex) as I think a homemade gift shows more love and care than anything you can buy in the store. And, well, let's just say I was in my own little world caught up in the throws of a break up and never quite got around to it. The ingredients were all there, and maybe the love I needed to give to creating the recipe was just dried up. (Maybe a metaphor for something? Hmmmm.) Anyway, Christmas turned to New Year's turned to January and forget it. This month was crazy. So I was thrilled when Thursday came around and I had NOTHING on my calendar until 6:30pm when I had to go teach at Equinox. I said TODAY IS THE DAY for granola! (And how often do you announce THAT to yourself?) Besides, I didn't need an occasion to share some homemade love with my friends. As a matter of fact, how nice is it to receive a gift for no reason? When you don't expect it? Pretty darn nice. So Ladies and Gentlemen, without further adieu, I give you, my

GROOVING GRANOLA:

2 c. oats (I used a mix of regular oats and this multigrain mix from Country Choice)
1 c. flaxseed
1/2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
1 c. raw mixed seeds (I used sunflower and pumpkin but feel free to use just one)
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. sliced almonds
3/4 c. sweetener (I used a blend of agave and maple syrup. You can experiment with honey too!)
1/4 c. Olive or coconut oil (if you like a more 'buttery flavor try Earth Balance or use a little less oil and add a tbsp. or two of butter)
4 tbsp. cinnamon (I also like to shake in a couple dashes of ginger powder, especially when using maple syrup as sweetener!)
3/4 c. dried fruit (I used a mix of cranberries and mulberries. Blueberries and/or gojiberries would also be great!)

Preheat oven to 275*
In large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients (oats, flaxseed, coconut, seeds, nuts). Over low heat, begin to melt Earth Balance (or butter if you are using, with the oil) adding syrup (or honey) and stirring. Add cinnamon and continue to stir until completely melted and combined. Remove from heat and toss with dry mixture. (If you are only using oil, be careful not to burn. You just need to warm it enough so that it blends with the sweetener. Actually, if you're using just oil, you can skip this step and pour the oil and sweetener directly onto the mixture and toss well to coat dry ingredients, adding cinnamon after oil and sweetener.)
Spread mixture onto two large cookie sheets (you can use parchment paper on the baking sheet if you have it, but I didn't and it came out just fine!) and bake at 275* for 20 minutes. Toss and mix granola and place back in oven for another 15-20 min. (Oven temps vary and it will also depend on how 'well done' you like your granola.) Remove from oven and allow to cool. Place in bowl and add fruit mixture. Keep in airtight container until all gone! (Which, in my case was 2 days!)

Ok, here is something I failed to mention. You can also add DARK CHOCOLATE to this for a real treat. I did do a small batch like that. All you do is drop a few of the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate on top of the granola as soon as it leaves the oven and mix until the chocolate is all melted and allow to cool. Surely, your kids will be loving you and it's much better for them then, say, um COCOA PUFFS! Of course, I gave all of this particular batch to friends!

I just finished the remnant of this crunchy deliciousness as I write this, and am about to lick the bowl. I mixed it with this new sheep's milk yogurt I am obsessed with from Old Chatham Sheepherding Company (?!?) that I randomly found in my local health food store, the Health Nuts. It seems to be a somewhat obscure product with no fancy packaging or crazy marketing, but I'm telling you, this stuff is the bomb! (I just checked out their website and am loving their old school, organic farm photos. It's the real deal and a place like this should be where we get all of our food!) Sheep's milk is often easier digested than yogurt typically made with cow's milk. And this product has all the good stuff like the active cultures that aid digestion. PLUS, the variety I discovered had bits of real ginger in it but no other added sugars, fillers, and the like.The sugar content is relatively low compared to most yogurts (only 12 grams) and contains a nice amount of protein (8 grams). The saturated fat content is a little high at 4 grams, but I didn't even eat the entire canister in one sitting. I dipped into a little yesterday, had a little at night for a treat and added the rest to my GRANOLA this morning. HEAVEN!

Magical Miso . . . and Help For Haiti

Jennifer Galardi — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:48:12 GMT

Today was an odd day for me. Right from the get go, I felt a little 'off'. Like I was outside my body watching my life go on. I felt like 'something' was going to happen. Nothing monumental. Today just felt weird. Like a quiet calm before the storm. I was praying there would be no storm.
And there wasn't. But I wasn't wrong either. I had an unexpected 'drop in' from the ex-BF. Although I certainly wasn't expecting it, I wasn't shocked. Like I said, I knew there was going to be 'something'. I just didn't expect to see 'this thing'.
Although it was a brief visit, it was nice to just have a connection again. A hug. To see someone you care deeply about is never a bad thing.
But it did leave me quiet for the rest of the day. Not sad. Just quiet. So my day went on and I knew the best thing for me was yoga. I'm still a little tweaked from my Rolfing session the other evening. Not quite sure I gave my body enough time to rest after. What can I say? That's me.
So I hit up a class at NY Yoga's hot studio. The heat of Bikram, the fluidity and dance of vinyasa. Sweat dripping. Cleaning, purging, releasing . . . ahhhhhh. It felt good. I was putty at the end. And as I mentioned in my Facebook post, I'm so thankful for my Manduka mat, for it reminds me to let go. And more importantly, it's not about how I can perfect a pose of twist deeper, but that I just show up. That in and of itself is healing.
So in my reflective state, I decided to forgo a movie with a friend and come home and do what I love to do when I want to be quiet: cook. Or just get in the kitchen and create.
And ever since I've returned from Los Angeles earlier this week, I've been having a difficult time getting my body back 'on track'. So I wanted to eat as clean as I could. Unfortunately, I think I may have a serious case of PMS so as much as my head wants to eat well, some part of me is screaming COOKIES and dark chocolate. Whatever. I'd try. I had some leftover grains and seaweed from my favorite macrobiotic meal at Souen the other day. But of course, I lapped up the extra dressing packed in my to go bag like a dog. So I did my best to re-create their Miso-Tahini yummy-ness the best I could. I knew of two ingredients in this recipe: Miso and tahini. The rest I made up as I went along. And I'll be damned if it didn't come out fabulously. So here it is (more or less!)

Magical Miso Tahini Dressing:

1/4 cup warm water
4 tsp. White Miso
1/4 - 1/2 cup Tahini
1 tsp. Sesame Oil
Couple splashes Rice Wine Vinegar
Dash or two of Umeboshi Vinegar
1-2 tsp. Gomasio (I used the 'Black and Tan' Gomasio which contributed to the 'specks' in the dressing pictured left.)

As you can see, I drizzled my lovely creating over a bed of steamed kale, brown rye sticky rice (compliments of Souen!) and Hijiki seaweed (again, thank you Souen). Love in a dish. This dressing would also be great drizzled over some steamed broccoli or any other green so as not to taste too, well, 'green'. You don't need much and you do want to use sparingly due to a potentially high sodium content. Keep it lower by watching how much Umeboshi Vinegar you 'dash' in! (Of course, being the condiment queen, I use liberally. Oops.)
I settled onto the couch to enjoy my meal and decided to turn on the TV only to find the Hope For Haiti program running on all channels. (With the exception of Fox News, as my mother kindly pointed out. Ugh.) And I was all the more grateful for my tasty, nourishing meal. And like I did on my mat this evening, please, just show up. However you can for the people of Haiti. Whether it's a monetary donation or you have the time and the heart to donate time. Whatever you can do. There is also a program called Soles4Souls that is organizing local collection sites to help Haiti. And there is always your prayers and love. Those alone are a powerful healing agent in rebuilding the hope and spirit of those whose lives have been devastated by this terrible disaster. Love.

My Favorite Drink

Jennifer Galardi — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:54:30 GMT

I just got done with an intense Rolfing session (which is basically a REALLY deep massage that structurally alters your muscles to relieve tension and increase mobility) and am WIPED out! I wanted to post a blog about how I have a new found love for the incredible edible egg with a great recipe for easy egg salad, but I'm going to have to postpone that entry. All I want to do is crawl into bed and finish watching American Idol (Orlando is pretty talented, y'all!) HOWEVER, many of you have requested my recipe for the 'Best Damn Latte Ever' through my blog and on my Facebook page. And far be it from me to deny anyone of one of the simplest pleasures of my day. So here it is, short and sweet.

I have a little stove top espresso maker that makes SUCH good, rich dark shots of espresso. It’s made by Bialetti and it’s amazing. And doesn't cost hundreds of dollars . Use it and you’ll feel very European!

What you’ll need:

Good dark roasted (either Italian or French roast) beans. If you are big on organic and/or sustainable, you can find these at Whole Food or a natural food store near you. Commercially, I like Peet’s Coffee beans. The best bet is to support your local shop or roaster if they make quality beans. They usually do!

Bialetti Stove Top espresso maker. The Brikka model is my favorite, but any of the ones listed on the page above are great.

Choice of milk. I love the unsweetened Blue Diamond Almond Milk Vanilla flavor. OR Chocolate Flavor when I’m feeling like a Mocha. Try to stay away from the Vanilla Soy milks usually loaded with sugar.

Stevia, agave nectar or other natural sweetener. (NO PINK, BLUE OR YELLOW packets please!)

Make stovetop espresso according to BIALETTI instructions. Place sweetener on bottom of big coffee mug and then pour in espresso.
Warm 1 cup milk (you can use more or less to taste) either in the microwave, on the stovetop or with a frothing pitcher if you have one. If you have a hand frother you can use that to whip up some foam on the warmed milk. Pour milk into coffee and ENJOY and start your day off right (if you drink coffee that is!)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:21:50 GMT

I'm finally back in Los Angeles for more than three days and am so happy to be able to escape the tundra of New York City and skip to the warmth and sunny skies. Today I went for a little jog before hitting up one of my favorite things to do on a late Sunday afternoon --- Bryan Kest's yoga class at Power Yoga in Santa Monica. This one, two combo felt so good. As I sucked in some fresh ocean air, felt the warm sun on my face and the sweat down my arms, I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be basking in 75* on a sunny day in the middle of January. I began to recall why I do love L.A. so much. This west coast trip is a much needed break from a lot that seems to be attached to NYC, although work will keep me plenty busy during my stay here. However, all the traveling back and forth this week, east to west, back east and back west again with a trip to Phoenix and finally L.A. last night, has wrecked havoc on my body. All the sitting on planes has locked up my hips and resulted in a distressed digestive system. Some mornings this week I would wake up not knowing where I was (a hotel? my own bed?), much less what time zone. While I, like everyone else, tried to maintain some sense of balance and nutritious diet during the holidays, it was definitely challenging. And I can't believe we're only one full week into the new year, as it's felt like a month. Not much time to get eating back on track and with all the traveling, forget it. I prepared as best I could. My first trip out, much to my seat mates dismay, I brought along some brown rice, steamed broccoli (probably the nastiest smelling vegetable you can bring on a plane. But hey. At least i was being healthy, dammit.) and white bean dip plus a small sweet potato. And of course some dark chocolate. But three days in L.A. with a free mini bar (POP CHIPS anyone?!?) in the hotel, no kitchen, eating on the run and one big dinner at Mastro's later, I was feeling like I was growing a small kangaroo pouch. Another flight back to NYC on Virgin and nothing really nutritious to speak of (unless you count all the free snacks I was chowing on. . . Stacy's Pita Chips which are as nutritionally void as a the 'apple' potato chips I opened up, but equally tasty. Hummus, some Almonds, dark chocolate, OY!), I was CRAVING GREENS. Something full of nutrients. But before I could say "spinach salad" I was back in JFK after a very brief stint on the Today Show Friday morning. And completely unarmed with any sort of arsenal to battle the airport food court. Ugh. I wish I was as prepared as the first trip days ago, but there was just no time. I arrived in Phoenix feeling bleh and bleh. There was no other way to describe it. I was tired, bloated, cranky and feeling downright nasty. And it didn't help when my friend commented on my 'pooch' he caught on camera while I was teaching, which he threatened to post on Facebook. Nice. With less than a week to go before being in front of the camera to shoot more workouts for Exercise TV. My self esteem was not ready for this.
I have already been feeling as if the pounds have been creeping on, which results in me trying to control every thing that goes in my mouth and subsequently, losing control and being hard on myself. I hate this vicious cycle, but with a shoot day coming up, it's hard to break. All I hear in my head are the comments of how great I looked in such and such a video and thinking to myself, "I'm not going to look the way the viewers expect me to look." or "I'm heavier than I was in such and such DVD." Or "Man, I look fat. So and so is so much thinner than I am in their workout DVD . . . mine won't do as well." It's sheer torture I tell you.
And then, somewhere in the middle our 50th downward dog and standing split pose, Bryan said something in yoga clas today that hit home for me. "The greatest disrespect you can show yourself is comparing your body to someone else's." Wow. By comparing myself to other fitness professionals and comparing myself to ME at another point in time, I was DISRESPECTING myself. I would never want to disrespect someone else, so why is it so easy to disrespect MYSELF? How can I compare? My body is totally unique and different. And, at that point, as I was standing with one leg in the air and hands along side my body, I thought my body is pretty amazing. I turned a corner. So what if I don't have the six pack abs? So what if I'm not RIPPED from head to toe? I am creative. I am healthy. And I am strong. I absolutely, no questions asked, must, must, MUST, show more respect for my body and its abilities or I am sure the universe, in a way that will not be pleasant, will MAKE me.
So you see, it comes down to a matter of RESPECT. Do you respect your body enough to feed it wholesome nourishing foods? Do you RESPECT your body enough to move it around and touch every part of it with breath and love? Do you RESPECT your body enough to rest it when it needs it? And do you RESPECT yourself enough to go easy on yourself, give yourself a break and enjoy your life? Let's free ourselves of the shackles of comparison, judgement and DISRESPECT we impose on ourselves.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:18:30 GMT

Nothing Like a Quickie!

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:08:55 GMT

Ok, get your minds out of the gutter! I'm talking about a quick, up and at em, grab it, out the door snack. I thought I'd get in one last little blog before I fly off to Los Angeles this afternoon (then back to NYC then back to Phoenix then back to L.A. ... it's going to be a long two weeks!) Anyway, I am very excited about all the work and the opportunities that have blessed me lately but I've got to stay hydrated and fueled and well rested, for sure, if I'm going to be on the top of my game with all this traveling.
This week, I'll be shooting a commercial for POLANER SUGAR FREE with Fiber in Los Angeles to be airing in several national markets this month! (Talk about a quick turn around.) I am very excited about this partnership and grateful they chose ME to represent the company. Stay tuned for the commercial on a television near you.
So before I say bon voyage to the chilly air of NYC, I wanted to share my latest favorite snack. Granted, the recipe is not going to break any ground in the culinary world, but it is simple, healthy and an oh so TASTY twist on everyone's favorite PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY. Please, I haven't met a jar of all natural peanut butter I didn't love. Not to mention a Peanut M&M or a Reese's Pieces. But I digress . . . ok, back to the task at hand. Here you go!

As you can see from the photo, you've got everything you need right here. Just
grab a spoon and dig in! You can imagine, it's very complicated. But in case you need some help:

2 of your favorite rice cakes/spelt cakes OR
1 piece spelt bread (toasted is wonderful)
Almond Butter (I like the creamy, salted from T.Joe's)
2 tsp. favorite flavor Polaner Sugar Free with Fiber (I'm digging the Apricot!)

Take out a cake or two (My favorite, Suzie's, pictured, are thin so I'll go for two, thank you.) Slather on a generous amount of Almond Butter and top with PSF with Fiber. Done. Just make sure you have some water handy to wash down the yummy gooy-ness that may stick around. A great quick breakfast, pre workout snack or anytime you think it may be wrong to eat almond butter straight out of the jar with a spoon like I do! Gotta run . . . running behind as usual!

Ho Ho Hummmmmm

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:46:19 GMT

I wish I could say that I haven't had anything to write about the past few weeks which would explain the lag in blog space. But that is not the case. I've had plenty to write about. I've been cooking quite a bit, wanting to post a hot chocolate recipe, yearning to brag about what I like to consider my now famous Krispy Kale Chips, and talk about my trip home for the holidays from where I am definitely going to steal my father's Spinach and Cannellini Bean dish. (More on this to come) But the truth is, I've been sad. Just before the holidays, the BF and I decided to take a break, or as most people would say, simply, break up. My heart has felt heavy and I've also felt very lonely. Oddly enough, work is going great but it's difficult to get excited about anything when you all of a sudden stop sharing your life with someone you've spent the past nine months getting to know. Becoming close to. Opening up to. It took me a long time to allow myself to be open and vulnerable to this relationship and then POOF! Before I know it, it's gone. No more considering someone else when making travel plans or figuring out social arrangements. It was the holidays, and I was heart broken. No secret smiles across the dinner table when a family member says something crazy. No snuggling by the tree. No sharing all the insanity of being home with the person I love. All the romantic scarnarios I so looked forward to that seemed easily within my reach were gone in no time at all. I can feel the lump in my throat as I type this and small tears filling my eyes.
So yes, I have been spending more time on my own, trying to get back to what I used to know as me. Cooking more. Filling up time and space. So I have plenty to share as far as recipes. However, the plain old truth is I haven't felt like sharing anything.
But every day gets better and I get more and more used to being on my own again. I took a trip to the Greenmarket in Union Square this afternoon. After the rush of the holidays it was fairly mellow and I basked in a late afternoon glimpse of the sun. Followed by a trip to Trader Joe's, which is always a test of patience and determination to get through the lines, to stock up for the week on healthy, wholesome items like brown rice, spinach, light coconut milk, sweet potatoes, almond milk, etc. Plus a last minute purchase, the only carbonated sweet beverage I will buy (I refuse to call it 'soda'),

REED'S EXTRA GINGER BREW. This stuff is the real deal. Like they make in Jamaica, 'mon'. Imagine standing in a line wrapped all the way around the store for a half hour. You're bound to pull some items off the outer rim shelves that weren't on your list.
Then off to a hot, sweaty, lovely and divine yoga class at NewYorkYoga. It was the first time I had been to this studio and I loved it. My friend and amazingly beautiful and talented teacher, Rachel Page was leading this class and I love her flow and sequencing. It always feels so right on my body. I came home to cook and enjoy an evening with a little Monday Night Football, a little chat with Mom, and this blog entry. I'm getting back to me. Slowly but surely.
Here is what I made tonight, which I thought was lovely and simple. I 'cheated' and used a bag of pre-washed and pre-cut root vegetables consisting of parsnips, sweet potatoes and butternut squash that I picked up during my Trader Joe's visit. And I couldn't be happier about it.

ROOT VEGETABLE ROAST:

Variety of root vegetables cut in cubes (Parsnips, Sweet Potato, Winter Squash, Rutabaga)
Brussel Sprouts (washed and halved)
4-5 Garlic Cloves
Yellow or Red Onion
Olive Oil
Quality Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375*. Place all vegetables in large mixing bowl and pour olive oil liberally over vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir and mix with hands (I've said this before . . . it makes an AMAZING salt scrub for your hands! Who needs a manicure?!?) Dump mixture into baking dish or casserole dish large enough so all are touching bottom of dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, depending how thick your cuts are or how well done you like your vegetables. Serve warm. Excellent side dish for hearty winter meat dishes. But me? I just dumped them over a wild brown rice mix. To me it was heaven. Simple and beautiful.

All is quiet in the apartment. My phone doesn't ring as often and my messages are fewer. But I have many more recipes to post and blogs to write. This is the healthiest way I can think of to help myself and help others, too. Thank you.

Why Stealing Is Not a Bad Idea.

Jennifer Galardi — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:42:51 GMT

One of my favorite things to do (ok, this shows you how OBSESSED I am with food and healthy preparation of it) is to walk through the deli case of Whole Foods or my favorite prepared food store DISHES in Grand Central Market in NYC. I'll taste everything to try to get a sense of what is in it that may not be listed on the ingredient card and how fresh the dish is. Often times, I will thank them for the sample and walk away thinking, "Hmph. I can make that." And I can also be sure it hasn't been subject to countless cycles of freezing and thawing to lengthen its 'shelf life'. Also, I always feel as if there is WAY too much salt added to a lot of the dishes, and then after consuming, wonder why I am so dehydrated the next morning.
One of my favorites at DISHES is a grain salad made with lentils, and my favorite fall/winter vegetable, butternut squash. It was so tasty I had it for lunch and dinner last night. However, when I looked in my cabinet I realized I already had almost everything to make the dish myself. Red quinoa, onions, and lentils (Yes, I used canned lentils. While there are certain times you couldn't PAY me to eat something out of a can, beans I'm o.k. with. I mean, seriously. . . who wants to sit around and wait for their beans to soak?) I was just missing the butternut squash, which I picked up on my way home last night.
When I returned from teaching today I was pretty famished and knew my squash would take a while to bake. I fought the temptation to hit the computer right away (ok, I did hit the computer right away, but didn't stay there) and forced myself to cook a healthy lunch which I knew would offer an abundant amount of leftovers. So I got in there and started chopping.
Plain and simple, cutting butternut squash is a pain in my ass. Cutting any hard, awkward shaped root vegetable is never pleasant, but after a few chops and cuts, I began to get in the swing of things and it became a very ZEN task. I had already made the quinoa and lentils (which consisted of pulling out the can opener, draining them and adding them to the lentils. WHEW! Tough stuff) the day before so that was ready to go. Plus, I forgot I had almost an entire bucket of spinach in the fridge. BONUS! The cutting is the most time consuming part so once you finish that your free and clear. Here's how it goes:

Warm Winter Salad:

1 Cup Quinoa
1 Butternut Squash
1-2 Sweet White Onions (I love me some onions so I use two. If you don't, use one.)
1/2 Cup Lentils (I like green in this recipe, and yes, canned is fine!)
Shitload of spinach (you know how that stuff cooks down!)
Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook quinoa according to package (it's easy and should only take about 20 minutes). Add lentils and mix. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil and salt to taste. This can be made ahead of time and is always a tasty little side dish all on its own.
Preheat oven to 400*
Cut butternut squash in half and scoop out seeds and pulp. Lay each side flat on cutting board and cut in 1/2 again. Then cut each quarter into cubes and slice rind off. Place in large mixing bowl. Cut onion (s) in half. Then quarters, and then eighths until you have nice sized onion slices. Add to mixing bowl. Add 3 tbsp. olive oil and salt and pepper and toss to coat vegetables. I like to do this with my hands b/c after you are through you can rinse your hands under warm water and you have an EXCELLENT salt scrub leaving your skin silky smooth!)
Dump onion and squash mixture into baking dish or pan (I actually needed two of them to fit all of it!)
Bake at 400* for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking for done-ness.
While the squash and onions are cooking, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a pan and lightly saute spinach. Do not overcook! You can also steam the spinach if you prefer. Add to quinoa and lentil.
Once the squash and onion mix is done, remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Add as much of the butternut squash and onions as you like and VOILA!!!

How beautiful! (with butternut squash to spare!)
This is a great side dish for many, or be used as a main dish for you vegetarians. Hell, I ate this whole bowl for lunch just now as I was typing this. MMMMM . . .

Now, listen up! You don't have to follow the exact amounts for this recipe. Hell, I don't care if you hate onions and avoid them all together. (I happen to love them. As a matter of fact it's safe to say I downed an entire onion in this one serving, as I picked all of them out to eat.) Or you just ran out of spinach. Or you'd rather die than cut up and cook a squash. The grain (again, you can use any grain. Wheatberries make a nice hearty fall salad!) is the staple of this dish, so experiment! Actually, try taking the grain out and use only the spinach, lentils, squash and onions. And in any amounts you want. I had a butt load of butternut squash left over that I plan to eat, mmmm, in five minutes or so. GO HOG WILD. And then write to me and tell me how it went.
I think I'm in love with my new recipe. I'd marry it if I could.

Changing Tradition

Jennifer Galardi — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:06:23 GMT

I've been meaning to update my blog since the Friday after Thanksgiving to share with you how impressed I was with my contributions to the family meal. Why I've delayed this entry is a whole other story. I procrastinate with the best of them. Anyway, I was back in West Palm Beach, FL sharing the special holiday with my family, and I asked if I could cook some of the side dishes, in hopes they would find my healthy options as delicious as I did, and more importantly, worthy of Thanksgiving table status. Luckily, my family was open minded enough to forgo the tradition of the 'green jello' (Although, I must say, I do miss that stuff a little bit. I think it's just nostalgia, really.) and allowed me to make the greens for the feast (which I gladly obliged with my now famous roasted brussel sprouts) and the sweet potato dish. I am a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but I never enjoyed the Thanksgiving version with marshmallows (ick) and orange juice. Yuck. I can't tell you how excited I was to change history. My family now wants this recipe (which I modified from a popular online recipe) to become the new tradition. I must admit, I did pat myself on the back with this one. It was SO yummy. I'll give you the recipe, but be warned. Your family may want you to start a new sweet potato tradition! And it's great ANY time of the year.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Note: Use a metal baking pan or broiler safe ceramic dish as opposed to a glass baking dish, which may not be able to withstand the heat of the broiler
POTATOES:
2 pounds (appx. 6) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped (I cut in 1/8 cubes)
1/4 - 1/2 cup organic agave nectar (depends on how sweet you like your casserole)
1/4 cup lite coconut milk
2 tbsps. melted butter (or Earth Balance for vegan dish)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large organic eggs (or egg replacer such as Ener-g: read for equivalents)
Cooking spray

TOPPING:
1/3 or < spelt flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. melted butter (or Earth Balance)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. To prepare potatoes, place potatoes in pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until tender and drain. Cool for 5 minutes
3. Place potatoes in large bowl, add agave, and coconut milk, 2 tbsps. melted butter (Earth Balance), 1/2 tsp. salt, and vanilla. Beat with mixer at medium speed (or just use large spoon and mix by hand) until smooth. Add eggs (or egg replacer) and beat well. Pour potato mixture into 13x9 inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
4. To prepare topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and 1/8 tsp. salt. Stir with a whisk. Stir in 2 tbsp melted butter (Earth Balance). Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over potato mixture and arrange pecans evenly over top.
5. Bake at 350* for 25 minutes or until just golden.
6. Preheat broiler (remove casserole from oven)
7. Broil casserole for 45 seconds or until topping is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

I'm telling you this dish is SO yummy, you'll want to eat it all winter long. You can even make it without the topping for a simpler dish. Next time, I am going to try omitting the topping and cut the recipe in half to make it more manageable for one! (With still a lot of leftovers.)
This recipe, in conjunction with my killer roasted brussel sprouts, made for a very successful Thanksgiving dinner. I can't speak for the turkey (although everyone else seemed to enjoy it) but I thoroughly enjoyed my special meal. Especially after my adorable nephew said grace.
I was also pleased that I kept up a reasonable exercise routine while away. Trust me, I felt blech all week, but at least I did things to help me through. I'll credit theBikram yoga studio I discovered in West Palm for keeping me consistent and limber. And I got to visit the beautiful new EXHALE studio and spa in Palm Beach at the Omphoy Hotel. My diet may have been crap, but I vowed to get back on track once in L.A. And now that I am here, it has been much easier to eat healthy this week. Subsequently, I'm feeling better. But I'm tired of living out of my suitcase. It's wreaking havoc on my diet and the control I am used to. Which lends itself to a whole other entry on the transformation I went through here, so stay tuned . . . .

"En Papillote"

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:19:58 GMT

I will apologize upfront for the typos, mispellings, random thoughts, etc. in this blog. You see, I am in the middle of taking a self administered medical test this morning and have been up for two hours, with barely any water, much less caffeine. Yesterday, I had to reduce my diet to anything 'white', which, if you are not new to my blog, you would know is my own personal hell. I crave vegetables. My favorite 'white' foods are coconut Jelly Bellys and that addictive cookie dough Coconut Milk ice cream mentioned in my previous blog. My directions specifically stated "Plain white bread, plain white rice, plain white potatoes, baked or broiled chicken or fish, water, non-flavored black coffee or tea. Salt may be used to flavor your food." Well, thank God. At least I could have salt. Everything else on this list was my nightmare. Seriously? WHITE RICE? I haven't had that since the early 80s when no one knew any better! (But back in the day I did love me some Rice a Roni, the "San Francisco Treat". And I'm here to tell you, I cheated yesterday. I made my usual latte with my fave unsweetened Almond Milk. I had half a Larabar in one of my favorite flavors, Cinnamon Roll. And then I picked at whatever I could find that would be as gastronomically harmless as white rice. As well as nutritionally void. Saltines with a tad of Polaner All Fruit, Blueberry. Gluten free crackers. Water. Ugh . . . the blueberries and hemp seed protein were calling my name. But I was to avoid, specifically : "Beans, pasta, meats (steaks), fiber or bran cereals, soda (pop) cola drinks, butter or margarine and high fiber foods (whole grains)." Like I said, it was hell.
But it didn't say anything about juices (?!?) so I 'indulged' in glass of carrot, greens and ginger deliciousness. And then for dinner? Well, it said simple broiled fish, and I got very excited. It's the little things you know? I've always wanted to try cooking fish in parchment paper so I seized the opportunity. What could be 'simpler' than the "en Papillote"? I picked out a beautiful piece of Wild Salmon and recycled parchment paper at my favorite health food store here in Tampa, FL, Village Health Market on South Mac Dill (much like Everything Natural in Clarks Summit, it is my saving grace here), and was ready to rock! Well, let me be the first to tell you, it turned out BEAUTIFULLY! I am so excited and proud of myself, as, while I am constantly whipping up grain and vegetable dishes, being single for so long, I rarely took the time to make myself a fish meal. This was SO easy. All I did was place the fish on the parchment paper, cut two slits in the fish and stick garlic slivers in them (that may have been against my 'rules' but whatever. I already broke a bunch of them!) drizzled with lemon and olive oil, added two lemon slices on top of the fish and VOILA! Wrap that fish up on a baking sheet and stick it in the oven at 400* for 15-20 minutes (The time will depends on how well done you like your fish. I was using salmon and I like mine still slightly pink!)

I couldn't believe how gorgeous this turned out! And no mess to boot. You just toss the parchment paper when through, which by the way is 100% recyclable! I so thoroughly enjoyed this and can't believe it took me this long to experiment with parchment paper. The next move? A whole meal with parchment paper. You can add veggies and some grains with the fish and all the flavors will bake beautifully together. Stay tuned for more experiments with this! For now, my buzzer just went off for the final stage of my 'test' and I'm a turning on the stove to make my coffee. The latte calls. If you are interested in how to make the best at home latte, email me here!

Where's the Willpower?

Jennifer Galardi — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:12:09 GMT

The biggest downside to having a boyfriend is undeniable weight gain. I swear, dudes can eat whatever they want, whenever they want and it doesn't affect them in the LEAST! I watch my love down burgers, pasta, bagels, whatever, and not put on a pound or feel a shred of guilt. Somehow, God removed the genes in men that make women feel AWFUL about anything they put in their mouth that is not green. I'm never 'jealous' when he eats this stuff in front of me, because for the most part, I don't crave or wish I was eating a piece of steak or a plate of gnocchi.
But the sweets, I can't resist! I won't even be hungry and if they are in front of me, watch out. Which is why I don't keep 1 pound bags of peanut M&M's lying around or any other 'traps'! I'll eat dessert with the best of them, but if that stuff is in my fridge or cabinets I will fall prey to mindless eating, just as easily as the next woman.
So last night, I was left to fend for myself for dinner as BF (code for 'boyfriend', as he will from here on out be known) grabbed a bite with his friend uptown. Good. I don't have to pick off his plate and I'll make myself a nice healthy dinner and go to bed early in preparation for my BALLET BODY DVD PR shoot on Good Morning America Health! (Very excited by the way!) Post yoga, I picked up some roasted cauliflower and decided I'd eat that along with a few chips and hummus and roast the brussel sprouts I purchased earlier in the day at the Farmer's Market. Nice easy, healthy. All went according to plan until BF said at about 9:30pm, "I want something . . . mmmm. . . like a mint chocolate cupcake!" Great! I figured I'd lace up, go for a nice brisk fall evening post meal walk with him to seek out what he desired and return to finish up the night and head to bed. Well, if you've ever been around mid-town NYC at 10pm on a Monday night, you'd know it's not exactly the mecca of late night cupcake joints. With the exception of Buttercup Bakeshop, which closes promptly at 9pm. How convenient.
So, with no 'specialty shops' in site or anyplace to get a somewhat 'healthy' cookie, me and the BF dropped into the abyss of Morton and Williams, which for those of you who don't live in the city, is a chain grocery store. And mind you the grocery stores in NYC are NOT like the one's in L.A. where organic produce is as prevalent as conventional or there is a separate organic or 'health food' section. Oh no. Real estate is not easy to come by in this town, thus the shelves are filled with what a majority of America demands, which is not an organic wheat free cookie from Nana's (one of my favorites by the way!) But from a distant I'll I heard the BF yell "They have the Coconut Milk Cookie Dough ice cream!" And you can imagine that it all went downhill from there. Shit. What were the odds?!? Seriously? I can resist a cupcake, I can resist those icky cookies you see sitting in a grocery store bakery at 11pm that have probably been sitting there for well over a week. But the Coconut Milk Cookie Dough ice cream? I didn't have a chance in hell. And who was I to deny a man of his right to dessert? I'd just say no when we get home. I can do that.
Apparently I can't. 11 o'clock and I'm scarfing a portion of the good stuff along with some caramel soy crisps. WHAT?!? Am I so weak I can't wait ONE NIGHT to do this? Knowing full well, I had a shoot for which I should be looking my most radiant healthy and joyous self?!? Instead, I lie in bed awake until 3am, most likely due to a sugar high. They call this stuff PURELY DECADENT for good reason. Although for me, it is a great alternative to dairy ice cream, made with coconut milk, no gluten and no soy, I would still not label it as 'good for you'. It's perfect on a hot summer night when you are dying for an ice cream. Not ideal at 11pm in the middle of November.
The morning is not going to be pretty I thought. And as my alarm jolted me out of a deep slumber and a peculiar dream, I realized I was right and cursed myself. I can't believe I let myself DO THAT. And now hours later, post GMA shoot, I still feel awful. Tired, bloated, heavy and anything BUT beautiful. So in order to purge myself of the guilt, the anger at my BF for purchasing the culprit of my misery, and my undeniable hostility toward food, I write my feelings here. I am tired, cranky, and yes, pissed off. Hopefully enough to remind me the next time I reach for a pint of pure decadence, to pick up my pen and paper instead.

Moods and Food

Jennifer Galardi — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:31:23 GMT

We've all done it. Emotional eating. I know I eat at the end of my day, even if it's 9pm. After I get home from a late class, I want to unwind. I use food. I'm bored. I don't have to work, I'm chilling in front of the television, and if it wasn't so late, I would sit down and have a proper meal. But because it is past a normal dinner hour for me, I have a 'little' of something like a small bowl of soup, a slice of Manna bread with hummus or butter, thinking that will be enough. And it never is. I'm not satisfied and I need something more. So I continue to nibble. And nibble . . . and nibble.
And now I'm facing a new feeling. I'm sick to my stomach from emotion. And I don't want to, can't, eat. Food is not appealing at all. Maybe some dark chocolate (and I found a new fave from Trader Joe's . . . the Dark Chocolate Lover's 85% Cocoa Bar. AMAZING.) I don't know what to do. Although in a sick twisted way, I'm thinking "Oh yay! I don't have an appetite!" The truth is, I would do anything to not feel as sad as I do right now.
So I make some green tea to help me get 'up' for class. We'll see if that helps. I thought maybe writing about the opposite of what I normally do some good. Which is obsess about food. I can't even think about it now. Quite a switch.

Moods and Food

Jennifer Galardi — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:23:48 GMT

We've all done it. Emotional eating. I know I eat at the end of my day, even if it's at 9pm. After I get home from a late class, I want to unwind. I use food. I'm bored. I don't have to work, I'm chilling in front of the television, and if it wasn't 9pm I would sit down and have a proper meal. But because it's so late, I have a 'little' of something like a small bowl of soup, a slice of Manna bread with hummus or butter, thinking that will be enough. And it never is. I'm not satisfied and I need something more. So I continue to nibble. And nibble . . . and nibble.
And now I'm facing a new feeling. I'm sick to my stomach from emotion. And I don't want to, can't, eat. Food is not appealing at all. Maybe some dark chocolate (and I found a new fave from Trader Joe's . . . the Dark Chocolate Lover's 85% Cocoa Bar. AMAZING.) I don't know what to do. Although in a sick twisted way, I'm thinking "Oh yay! I don't have an appetite!" The truth is I would do anything to not feel as sad as I do right now.
So I make some green tea to help me get 'up' for class. We'll see if that helps. I thought maybe writing about the opposite of what I normally do would help. Which is obsess about food. I can't even think about it now. Quite a switch.

Home

Jennifer Galardi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:14:38 GMT

So here I am, at the local Starbuck's in Clarks Summit, PA enjoying a cappuccino less because I was really craving one and more because I was freezing my butt off (I think it's about 35* out right now, which is crazy considering it's only the beginning of November. It better warm up a little bit for tomorrow. I'll be sitting outside watching the Penn State/Ohio State game!) and because I needed a place to work where I could have an internet connection. My father isn't exactly up on the latest technology and wireless internet really hasn't entered his vocabulary. I think he just got off dial up about two months ago in his office. I'm hoping the minimal amount of soy milk in a cappuccino as opposed to a latte won't wreak havoc on my gut. I try to stay far away from processed soy products, especially the milk Starbuck's uses because it's usually the sweetened Vanilla variety filled with extra sugar. Eh, one won't kill me. Plus I'm on my way to work out so I'll burn that sugar.
Coming home to the small town where I grew up is always interesting. Things I love? The peace and quiet at night. The beautiful fall colors of orange and red leaves. Hanging out with some of the best friends I've ever had and ever will have. The slower pace of life. It reminds me of the important stuff.
Things that are not so great? Eating within my normal regime can be extremely challenging. Lucky for me, there is a saving grace. A store called EVERYTHING NATURAL (thank you Barry!) I make sure my dad goes in there prior to my arrival to get a few of the staple items I'll need (Almond milk, Kombucha) and then I usually do a follow up visit myself to see what's new and get the particulars I feel like that day. Knowing this store is there amongst a sea of processed foods stuffed in my cabinets at the house where I grew up is huge consolation. It's kind of a scary place in the overstocked kitchen. I never know who my stepmother thinks she is going to feed (a small army may stop by just for a snack?) but I swear, there are things that have been in those cabinets since I left for college. And trust me, that was a long time ago. Nothing that has a shelf life over 10 months, much less 10 years, should be eaten. Trust me, it ain't pretty.
So I come as prepared as I can to fend off the cries of "eat me" from the box of Wheat Thins (one of my processed food weaknesses). I brought my no wheat Olive chips from F ood Should Taste Good. They have the least amount of ingredients that I can find in a chip/cracker (about 5) and are so delish. And I packed up some of my favorite, home made hummus. It's always a good idea when traveling to know a little about the place your going, where your roadblocks may be and prepare yourself as best possible. And then let it go.
I wasn't sure what the heck I was going to do for lunch today. Maybe just get some natural soup and heat it up at home and try to avoid the Wheat Thins. Luckily, my good friend Beth, who just happens to be a great and healthy cook, invited me over. We had a lovely salad and some broiled salmon. Perfect. She also had a huge bunch of spinach and asked if I wanted to saute it. I took advantage of the opportunity to test out a recipe I've been wanting to try: DAIRY FREE 'CREAMED' SPINACH. Oh my goodness! SO easy and SO good. Here it is:

3 cloves garlic cut or chopped into smaller pieces
2 bags pre-washed spinach
(fresh from a farmer's market is always better, but the organic packaged variety is most convenient)
olive oil
salt and pepper

Cover base of skillet with olive oil and heat. Place garlic and saute for about 2-3 minutes or until brown. Add spinach and cook until wilted. (Note: we had a full large bag of spinach which ended up being NOTHING. For full servings of this recipe, definitely use at least two bags). Transfer garlic and spinach to food processor and add salt and pepper to taste. Pulse until desired consistency is reached and add 2 tbsp. water if needed. We also added about another tbsp. of olive oil. POUR IT ON, don't be shy. Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats. Better than the butter and cream in traditional creamed spinach! Continue to pulse until consistency mimics traditional 'creamed spinach'. It will look like it too.

This was one of the best side dishes I've made in a while and OH SO EASY. It's a great idea to serve as baby food as well (without the garlic maybe) and a great way to ensure the spinach is digested properly. Many people don't chew their salads well enough to be properly digested. Beth and I decided it would be great as a base under white fish with some chopped black olives and maybe sauteed tomatoes. Yummmmmm.
So going home definitely has it's advantages. I don't have a Whole Foods or Gourmet Garage to just go and 'pick something up'. It forces me to get creative and cook. I may be coming home more often.

Marathons and Blue Cheese. Oh The Guilt.

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:26:13 GMT

Yesterday was filled with many mixed emotions. I was conflicted. While I enjoyed sipping a way too strong Bloody Mary, I was equally inspired by the tenacity and will power over 40,000 people demonstrated as they neared the last few miles of the New York City Marathon. I prepared myself well in the morning so I wouldn't feel so guilty as I indulged and others suffered. I finished half of a small muffin from my favorite macrobiotic restaurant here in NYC, Souen, with my morning half caf latte. (It was a gluten free, no sugar . . . must have been agave or something, blueberry muffin with coconut shavings. SO GOOD!) I have been craving eggs lately, so around noon, I met my aunt at another one of my favorite places, Le Pain Quotidien. They are a chain, so you may have one nearby. The food is organic, fresh and amazing. If you can avoid the bread, pastry and Nutella floating around, you're good to go! I had an omelet (and no, I didn't freak out about egg whites. I felt I needed the nourishment that the yolks provided) with some asparagus and mushrooms, small side of mixed greens and half piece of whole grain bread with butter (oh so good). A nice meal to fend of the nasty bar food sure to stare me down later. I get in trouble when I get hungry so I was glad to have, for once, prepared myself appropriately.
From 50th St. and @2nd Ave. I crossed over to 1st Ave.to walk along side the runners that were galiantly striding up town. I was completely inspired. I wanted to jump over the fences and run along with them (although I'd probably only make it a mile). Sadly I was forced to stay within the confines of the sidewalk, trying to keep a brisk pace, which was a challenge. I had to bob and weave around slow passerbys and people casually strolling along. I had places to be, people to meet and energy to burn! Finally I made it to 75th and joined a group of friends already cheering the runners on. They began imbibing long before I and I was ready for my Bloody Mary.
I had prepared myself for this. I wasn't drinking on an empty stomach and although I hadn't officially worked out that morning, I walk at a pace faster than most people run, so I wasn't stressing. Plus on my way up town I must have been carrying an additional fifteen pounds I left with my aunt. That had to have burned some extra calories.
As the day ensued, so did the football games. We turned our attention inside the bar as the drinks kept coming. I, ever the picture of restraint, stuck with my one Bloody. Over the next two and a half hours or so, I think I may have had a few chips and a little bit of homemade guac. Nothing earth shattering. I was taking it easy and still feeling good.
At about 4:30 or so, as it was beginning to get dark (so sad to see Daylight Savings disappear), a few of us were coerced to move on to another bar where a friend of a friend was celebrating his marathon finish. I could have taken or left it, but apparently, I was taking it. Besides the Packers/Vikings game had just begun and I would want to watch that at home anyway. Off we went.
I felt as if I wanted a drink but not beer and not another Bloody. So I ended up with some lightly 'spiked' (with what I'm still not sure) apple cider. It was good but I was getting a little hungry as the 5 o'clock hour rolled around. What do I love more than anything when I'm in a good bar? Celery sticks and blue cheese. That's right. I can do without the wings. I just love that crisp watery crunch with some really good blue cheese dressing. And under any other circumstances, I don't even like blue cheese dressing. But I do in this case and, despite crazy looks from friends, that's exactly what I ordered. After this I was done for the day and I was going to go home and have a nice macrobiotic meal with some brown rice, spinach and whatever else I decided to concoct.
My plain foiled when someone from the table afar dropped a basket of two mini burgers with tater tots in them. SERIOUSLY??? TATER TOTS??!!?? I haven't had those in forever, and I caved. Seeing as there were about five of us digging into the same basket, I probably only had a few. Ok, maybe five. Tops. Yes, with ketchup. Oh they were so good and reminded me of being six again. And then the bomb dropped. Basket of fresh warm fries incoming. WAIT!!! We didn't order these!!! Screw it. In went the hands . . . again several pairs of them. And not only did I dip in the ketchup, but also the blue cheese that was left over from the celery sticks. Damn, where were those celery sticks when you needed them the most? I was hoping everyone would gobble those warm, salty, crispy, fried sticks of goodness before I could get my paws on them, but to no avail. Shit. And you can't stop at one. And I had planned for the day SO well. You know what they say. "The best laid plans . . . "
I wasn't happy with myself but as I tried to let it go, found myself even more upset about not working out in the morning. We left the bar before six and I vowed to just go home and have a light snack, especially since I felt ill. I couldn't imagine why?!?
The good news is I was inspired to eat and BE very healthy this week. I stopped by the Japanese store and bought an already halved kabocha squash. It is one of my favorite fall vegetables and is so good simply baked in a small baking dish placed in a small amount of water, face up at 400* for about an hour. It's high in beta carotene, iron, Vitamin C, and potassium. My french fry guilt also forced me to prepare and experiment with one of my own dressings, a Tahini-Garlic dressing, so I knew exactly what I was putting in my mouth. Here is my make-shift recipe. Any of you that know how I cook know that I am not huge on measuring, but try this:

1/3 Cup Tahini (roasted or raw)
2 cloves garlic (you can use less or roast for a milder flavor, but I do love me some garlic)
3 tbsp. (give or take) of EV olive oil (do yourself a favor and use the good kind!)
About 12 squirts of Bragg's Liquid Amino Acids (kind of like soy sauce, but less sodium and still adds salty flavor. you want to do this to taste)
Juice of about 1 lemon (told you I'm scientific)
1/4 cup water and as needed to blend

Add all liquid ingredients in a blender then add garlic and pulse a few times. Add in tahini and blend away. Again you may need a little more or less of the liquid ingredients to suit your taste and for desired consistency.

After a small dinner of a little brown rice, some steamed spinach and a few pieces of my piping squash with my AMAZINGLY good dressing over it, I decided it was time to take a walk. I was getting anxious and feeling warm from cooking in the kitchen. I knew the crisp fall evening air was going to feel great. And it did. And the brisk walk was invigorating. I sailed over to the West Village with my iPod, thinking of all those who ran earlier. This was the least I could do. I returned home an hour later, exhausted and ready for bed. I didn't need to run a marathon. I just needed a walk. To let go of the guilt from a day of small indulgences. I had found my balance. A walk and a few french fries complement each other nicely, don't you think?

Me, Not So Pretty: Let the Neurosis Begin

Jennifer Galardi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:17:19 GMT

So here it is. The first glimpse into my crazy mind. I woke up this morning a little groggy after a fitful night's sleep. Didn't think I'd snap out of it in time for my Dr.'s appointment. But one latte and bowl of oatmeal with accoutrements later, I was raring and ready to go. Until I tried to 'slip' into my jeans. Slip would not be the appropriate word here. Struggle, wiggle, bend up and down so they would stretch to the comfortable fit is a more apropos description. It's a great way to start the day mentally. Already, within the first two hours of my day I'm thinking, "I need to lose weight". Fabulous. The last thing I needed was to get on a scale at the doctor's office. I was dreading it already, hoping for some reason the nurse would have a brain fart and forget that part.
That's like wishing you never found out Santa Claus wasn't real. It's not going to happen. So reluctantly, I removed every piece of jewelry, clothing article and zipper I could. This was not an appointment for which I had to get undressed. I wish it were. I needed every ounce at this point. This number could potentially devestate me for the greater part of the rest of the year. So I did what any self-respecting, confident, brave woman would do. I stepped on backwards. And made sure I didn't even TRY to sneak a peak and the nurse's records. It was bad enough other people know my weight. I didn't need to. At least it shaved my mental torture down to about a day or two. I am sure I will be visited by ghosts of scales and flying numbers this evening.
I came home still thinking, "Shit my jeans are too tight against my hips and butt and I need to pare things down." So I decided while the purple kale in my fridge may have been past its due date for cooking purposes, I could probably get some use out of juicing it. And I've had apples and lemons and ginger in there I need to use up. The way I saw it, I needed to be juicing more if I am going to be any lighter by tomorrow. Such a reasonable goal, right?
Let me tell you, anyone who tells you juicing is easy is quite frankly, LYING. No you won't pull any muscles doing it (unless you just can't seem to get that dull knife through the rind of the lemon) and it's not an intense cardio workout, but it's a labor of love. You have to really LOVE your juices to put up with the cutting en masse and large mess. Two notes for you. First: Kale? Not that great to juice. These little flakes of kale ended up all over my counter and my kitchen, and yes, even on my very nice, pretty expensive sweater I treated myself to a few weeks ago. It was my one big fall purchase, along with a classic Theory blazer. Anyway, although the kale did provide a nice purple type hue to the final product, it didn't produce much juice. I'd stick to other greens such as wheatgrass (where just a little adds a very potent 'green' flavor) or spinach.
Second, make sure you clean your juicer ASAP. No time to sit and enjoy that great healthy beverage you just spent twenty minutes preparing and making. You have to start running those parts and blades under hot hot water NOW. With my juicer I get my WHOLE HAND in there and scoop out all the appetizing remaining pulp and put it in one of those plastic produce bag (which originally held my kale, apples, etc.) There are not many moments when I think, gee, I really wish I were into composting. But this is definitely one of them. So much great raw material.
Then, I clean that thing out and set it to dry. The bodies aren't even cold yet. It's the only way to do it. Otherwise, you'll convince yourself you'll do it later and you never will because as the days go by, it gets nastier and nastier to the point where you just want to throw the thing out. And you can't, because they are so darn expensive and then you berate yourself for ever buying one in the first place. It's a vicious cycle. If you love your juice, I highly recommend a juicer. Just do yourself a favor and clean the thing. End of story.
So now I had some glorious kale, apple, lemon, ginger juice that would probably last me all of, oh, one day.
But mess aside, I am so glad I did it and immediately felt better for treating my body to what it deserves.
After my juice fiasco, I headed to yoga where, out of nowhere, I did my first tri-pod headstand! No drama. No falling all over the place! We were in crow. From there, the instructor told us to put our head on the ground. OK, check. And then whoop! Up went my legs. Who knew? This sudden rush of excitement (or could it have been the sudden rush of blood to the head?) made me forget all about the limitations or pitfalls of my body and my ass and filled me with sheer joy. I'm up! I'm up!
So for the rest of the evening, I forgot about my size, jeans, and weight and exaulted in my strength and abilities.
And I'm going to go celebrate with a glass of wine.

Me, Not So Pretty

Jennifer Galardi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:50:10 GMT

Welcome to my new blog topic, Me, Not So Pretty. For the unforeseeable future, this blog will chronicle my obsession, healthy and frequently, not so healthy, with food, nutrition, and yes, my body. Often you hear me preach about loving your body the way it is and being in awe of what it does, no matter the shape size, blah blah blah. Well guess what? It's time to practice more of what I preach. I know this is ultimately the way to go, but it's hard to "love my body" when, quite frankly, my ass is chafing from jeans that were not so tight a month ago and I take them off only to find the side seems and waist band have made permanent indentations in my hips. More often than not, I am as self conscious and filled with insecurity as anyone else.
I recently realized how much time, energy and brain power is sucked by contemplating what I'm going to eat, where, how, when, why, etc. Lately, I've felt like a contestant on the Biggest Loser, without the goal of losing weight. Which really makes it no fun. I get no cash and prizes at the end. It seems I try to reign in the one thing I have complete control over and am knowledgeable, and passionate about (that would be FOOD), when other areas of my life feel a little OUT of control, which they have lately. (Hmmm, does that smell something like an eating disorder? Nahhhhh . . . )
I've hid behind the precept that this is a 'healthy' obsession. "I'm using it to learn more and in turn, help others." Bullshit. Lately, it's been prohibitive, limiting my creativity, joy and potential for some really good times! Ok, yes, at times it definitely DOES help others.
So in an attempt to get out of my head, I've decided to tell you all about what goes through it. And while it my be cathartic for me, you may find yourself saying, "That's nice. But what the heck will I get out of this?"Well, it is my hopes you will find it somewhat comforting to know you are not alone in your own mad thoughts. You may even chuckle once or twice at how incredibly ridiculous my behavior can be. At the very least you'll get some great recipes and restaurant reviews, as my stories take me from my kitchen to dining around the town and the country when I travel place to place (oh, you'll really like those . . . traveling presents a whole other set of issues . . . )
It will be authentically me: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It will be me . . . . NOT So Pretty.

Fall Fruits!

Jennifer Galardi — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:27:42 GMT

Ahh, the smell is in the air. The leaves are turning. Fall is here and I love being back on the east coast to witness this most perfect time of year. Oh, Fall, how I've missed you. (Especially since it is still 70* here in New York today!) I have been anticipating playing with new recipes and the experimenting has begun. So I thought I would share a few of my culinary explorations with you. Hopefully they will inspire you to get in the kitchen and experiment yourself.
I have never been a big fruit eater. I enjoy juicing and often use apples to sweeten up any green concoction. And I do love my mother's homemade apple pie. But outside of that, when I go for a snack, it's usually not a piece of fruit. However, I have been finding that fruits, dried fruit and even jam, can really add some flavor and liven up fall vegetables and meats. you want to look for the dried fruits that will add a little sweetness to your dish with just a handful, such as blueberries, cranberries, apricots, and my new favorites, dried cherries. Personally, I would never think to buy dried cherries, but the other morning I woke up to find my sweet boyfriend had already returned from the market with a container of dried cherries, raw almonds and steel cut oats. My initial thought was "What the heck am I going to do with these?" And then I decided to get creative!
The other night I added the cherries to a wild brown rice mix with some slivered almonds and drizzled with just a little bit of Annie's Natural Raspberry Vinaigrette. It was a perfect side dish to some juicy sirloin with rosemary and sage.
If you are concerned about the sugar content of dried fruits, try a sugar free version of the recipe with a product like POLANER Sugar Free with Fiber!

Polaner just released this product and the apricot, orange marmalade or blackberry flavors would all be good add ins to dishes such as wild rice, a glaze for lean pork (I really want to try the apricot with pork and rosemary!) or my next adventure, quinoa with the blackberry flavor, some almond slices and roasted kale. PLUS, the new Polaner product contains extra fiber, upping the amount of this healthful nutrient in any meal. It's a great way to 'sneak' it in without anyone else in your family knowing!

I'm also going to experiment with the high anti-oxident and powerful super food fruits, goji and mulberries. Both really pack a nutritious punch without too much sweetness. Make sure to drop me a comment if you have any recipes or ideas you'd like to share about how to add some flavor in your favorite fall dishes. Stay tuned for some more great fall recipes and ideas. I'll be cooking up a storm to keep the home warm!