Author Archives: Jennifer

Featured Restaurant – Zinc Cafe

02 Thursday Aug 2012

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on August 1, 2012
 

Zinc Café

350 Ocean Avenue

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Phone # (949) 494-6302

Website: http://www.zinccafe.com/

Hours:

Market: 7am to 6pm – Everyday
Café: 7am to 4pm – Everyday

 

 Patio

 Patio

Zinc Café in Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places to stop for breakfast or lunch when I am in Laguna. At this location, there is a café with patio dining and a market for take-away meals and treats.

 Cafe Counter

Sabrina and Dre

At the café, orders are placed at the inside counter where Sabrina and Dre greeted us with a friendly smile and took our order. After ordering the trick is to find a table. This can be harder on the weekend but we have always been lucky. I love their patio; it is covered with umbrellas and has a casual, relaxed feel.

For breakfast at the café, they offer many egg dishes, oatmeal, muesli, granola, seasonal fruit bowls, yogurt, French toast, fresh juices, coffee and tea drinks. For lunch the menu features sandwiches, salads, personal size pizzas, quiche, soups, chili and entrees like spinach lasagna and potato enchiladas. There are many vegetarian options.

 

 Quiche

Stuffed Pepper

On our last visit, I had the quiche with a mixed green salad and pea soup. I enjoyed it all. The pea soup was velvety and mellow and the green salad was flavorful. The quiche was tender and the crust was buttery and flakey. My husband had the stuffed pepper with the mixed green salad. The pepper was stuffed with brown rice, celery, mushroom, Swiss chard and seasoned with curry and other spices. It was savory and delicious.

Market

At the market, they have hot and cold drinks, baked goods, cold sandwiches, and deli salads, cheese and wine. We usually take something home and on this trip we got a grilled veggie sandwich. The sandwich was so tasty.

If you find yourself in Laguna Beach, stop by Zinc Café for a healthy and delicious meal.

Thank you to the friendly and helpful staff at Zinc.

 ♥ ♥

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun! 16th WIAW Already.

01 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by in General, Healthy Inspirations

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) 0n August 1, 2012

 

Hello, it’s that time of the week again. Happy “What I Ate Wednesday”! This month we have a new theme and it is “Summer Staples”. Sadly, my post could not be any less summer related. Maybe next week, I will be able to work in our theme. These are my meals from last Monday and I did have some good food. Hope you enjoy my day. Thank you to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting this fun event.

This is what I ate:

Breakfast (7:00am)

I started the day with a wonderful breakfast at a new restaurant in Fullerton called the Early Bird. I had some of their in house roasted coffee that was better than most coffee houses. To eat I had an egg white omelet with asparagus, mushrooms, roasted peppers, oven-dried tomatoes and fontina served with extra crispy hash browns, a broiled tomato and English muffin with butter and jams.

 

 

Lunch (11:30am)

I had Dim Sum at Capital-Seafood in Irvine with my mom and sister. I don’t even know what we had but it was sure good.

 

 

 

Snack (1:00pm)

Since we were right next door to 85° C, we had to stop by for a Sea Salt Coffee. It is such a treat I forgot to take a picture. Here is a photo I found on Pinterest.

 

Dinner (6:00pm)

At home, I made a cheesy pasta dish. It is a recipe I am working on and I hope to share it next week. Link to recipe here.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope your day was full of healthy meals.

I almost forgot, here is a link to my exercise log for the week. 🙂

♥ ♥

July 29th – Exercise Log

30 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in Exercise Log, General, Healthy Inspirations

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 29, 2012

 

7/29/12            Walk/Hike 6 miles √

7/30/12            Jog/Walk 2 miles, Weight Train 15 min √

7/31/12            Piyo 1 hr class √

8/1/12            Jog/Walk 2 miles, Weight Train 15 min √

8/2/12            Yoga 1 hr class √

8/3/12            Jog/Walk 2 miles, Weight Train 15 minutes √

8/4/12            Off √

♥ ♥

Coffee Marinated Tri Tip

25 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by in General, Recipes

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 25, 2012

 

This is a recipe we have been making for years. And we have friends and family that request this dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 3 pound tri tip
  • 1 cup brewed coffee (good quality)
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 2 to 3 bay leaves
  • 3 TBSP bbq sauce (any type you like)

Instructions:

  1. Combine coffee, olive oil, bay leaves and bbq sauce in large Ziploc bag.
  2. Place tri tip in the bag and place in refrigerator. Marinate at least 6 hours.
  3. Remove tri tip from refrigerator 1 hour before grilling.
  4. Grill on the non-fat side for 10 to 15 minutes.*
  5. Grill the fat side for 10 minutes or until tri tip reaches your desired level of doneness (or at least close, it will continue to cook once removed from grill). *
  6. Remove from grill a let sit for 20 minutes for slicing.
  7. Serve and enjoy.
* Note:
  • On a charcoal grill move charcoals to the side, on a gas grill turn up the heat on the side burners to 600-700 degrees and the middle grills off.
  • No need to trim the fat unless there is an excessive amount of fat.
  • Using the palm of your hand: if the roast feels like the center of your palm, is rare if it feels like the bottom of your thumb is medium.

♥ ♥

 

Chef In Training Whipperberry

WIAW #15!

24 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by in General, Healthy Inspirations

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 25, 2012

 

Hello, everyone! Happy “What I Ate Wednesday”! I am sharing my eats from Monday. And this was not normal Monday because I went to a little party given by a study buddy of mine, Christine. Hope you enjoy my day. Thank you to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting this lovely event, I look forward to it every week no matter what is going on in my life.

This is what I ate:

 Breakfast (6:30am)

I started with fresh brewed coffee and I guess it was good because I almost forgot to even get a picture. And I made Trader Joe’s frozen mini croissants for the first time. They were so good, I almost wish I had not tried them because they are too easy to make. I used a little strawberry jam that came in our CSA box last week. It was also good.

 

AM Snack (9:30am)

A small green salad and made with what ever I had on hand. I made the salad dressing with some Greek yogurt with rice vinegar and some seasoning (the dressing was just OK).

Lunch (11:30am)

At a new favorite restaurant called Green2Go in Brea. I had their Angus natural beef burger in a lettuce wrap and it was very tasty. They have a lot of salad I want to try too.

PM Snack (2:30pm)

At Starbucks a decaf iced soy latte.

Dinner (6:00pm)

Christina’s parties always have lots of food. Christina’s mom made meatballs, lasagna, and other pasta dishes that were all good. Her sister Carol was in charge of desserts and they were all tasty as well.

The buffet

 

 

 

 My Plate

 Jennifer (the RD)

 Christina (our hostess)

 Partygoers at the buffet

All to all it was a good day. July’s WIAW theme is “Fun, Food and Fitness” and here is a link to my weekly exercise log. Thank you for stopping by. I hope your day was full of healthy meals.

 ♥ ♥

July 22nd – Exercise Log

22 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by in Exercise Log, General, Healthy Inspirations

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 22, 2012

 

7/22/12            Walk/Hike 6 miles √

7/23/12            Walk 2 miles, Weight Training 15 min √

7/24/12            Walk 2 miles √

7/25/12            Yoga 1 hr class, Weight Training 15 min X

7/26/12            Yoga 1 hr class √

7/27/12            Off √

7/28/12            Jog/Walk 2 miles, Weight Training 15 min X

♥ ♥

Staying Hydrated

20 Friday Jul 2012

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Posted By Jennifer (the student) on July 20, 2012

Source: amycheryl.com via Julie on Pinterest

 

This time of year, I think we are all focused on keeping hydrated. As the heat raises so does our thirst, which is a good thing. Our bodies are 65 percent water; proper hydration flushes out toxins, keeps the memory sharp, aids in digestion, lubricates our joints and keeps the body from overheating.

The old advice of eight 8 ounce a day is not really what is commonly recommended today. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine, developed new guidelines for water consumption for healthy adults. Women should aim for 91 ounces (about 2.7 liters) per day and men should aim for 125 ounces (about 3.7 liters) per day. This is the total water from all beverages (even coffee) and foods. Typically, 20 to 25 percent of the water you consume comes from the foods you eat.

Let thirst be your guide. The kidneys balance and regulate our water requirements, so we take in and retain as much fluid as the body needs. It is easy to gauge how well hydrated we are by simply looking at our urine. It should be fairly clear and if it is not, you need to drink more water. Also, take in to account some medications and foods will affect urine color.

Tips to Increase Water Intake:

  • Keep track of how much water you drink a day. Just the fact that you are keeping track of how much water you drink will remind you to drink more.
  • Carry a water bottle with you on the go. Just having water by your side will remind you to drink.
  • At night, prepare water for the next day. If it is easy to grab, you will be more likely to bring it with you.
  • Make flavored waters with lemons, limes, oranges, mint or cucumber. Get creative.
  • Recently, I have been flavoring a liter size bottle of water with one sliced apple and a cinnamon stick and I let it steep over night.

♥ ♥

I Passed the DTR Exam!!!!

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 18, 2012

 

My long-term goal is to become a RD (registered dietitian). But I completed a DT program to see if I would really like the field of dietetics. I fell in love with all my classes and am looking forward to completing school. I have been postponing this test for almost a year because I have terrible test anxiety. Now I feel like I can really move on. Thank you for sharing in my joy! 🙂

What Is a Dietetic Technician, Registered?

A dietetic technician, registered, often working in partnership with registered dietitians, screens, evaluates and educates patients; manages and prevents diseases such as diabetes and obesity and monitors patients’ and clients’ progress. DTRs work in settings such as hospitals and clinics, extended-care facilities, home health-care programs, schools, correctional facilities, restaurants, food companies, foodservice providers, public health agencies, government and community programs such as Meals on Wheels, health clubs, weight management clinics and wellness centers.

♥ ♥

My 14th WIAW

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by in General, Healthy Inspirations

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 17, 2012

Hi, everyone. Happy “What I Ate Wednesday.” These are my eats from last Monday. I was able to have one of my favorite lunches while I was out running a few errands. Hope you enjoy my day. Thank you to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting the WIAW.

This is what I ate:

Breakfast (6:15am)

Started off with Instant Coffee from Trader Joe’s. I usually brew a pot of coffee every morning but this morning my husband was rushed. So I just boiled some water and it was fairly good. It was a treat because I did not have all the clean up from the coffee pot. To eat I had 2 slices of whole wheat bread with 2 poached eggs, topped with a little shredded cheese (Trader Joe’s Mexican Blend). Followed by my usually mix of vitamins.

AM Snack (9:00am)

An apple (maybe a Fiji?!?) and raw, unsalted cashews.

Lunch (11:45am)

Before I stopped at the market, I had lunch at the Veggie Grill. I cannot get enough of their Buffalo Wings (made with veggie chicken) and the Thai Chickin’ Salad. As you can see, we could not wait until I took a photo before we started on the wings. After marketing, I ran in Starbucks to get a Cool Lime Refresher. This is my new favorite treat, really refreshing during the summer.

PM Snack (2:30pm)

Half of a Gaya Melon (I think that is what it is called) from the Korean market. I really like these melons because they are small and sort of taste like honeydew meets a cantaloupe.

Dinner (5:300pm)

Last week, I reworked a recipe and came up with a new recipe “Chickpea and Seitan White Enchiladas” and I divided the recipe in half, so I could freeze half for later.  Monday night, we finished off the second half. They were just as good as the first time we had them.

Dessert (7:00pm)

And to complete the day Chocolate Angel Food Cake, to satisfy my sweet tooth.

July’s WIAW theme is “Food, Fun & Fitness” and here is a link to my exercise log for the week. Thank you for stopping by. I hope your day was full of healthy meals.

 

♥ ♥

July 15th – Exercise Log

15 Sunday Jul 2012

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Posted by Jennifer (the student) on July 15, 2012

Source: jennfit.ca via Jennifers on Pinterest

 

7/15/12            Walk/Hike 6 miles √

7/16/12            Off √

7/17/12            Off √

7/18/12            Yoga 1-hr class, Weight Train 15 min X

7/19/12            Yoga 1-hr class √

7/20/12            Walk/Jog 2 miles, Weight Train 15 min √

7/21/12            Off  √

♥ ♥