Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Oh my gosh! How time flies!

First, my apologies for my latest hiatus with my blog. I was on a roll there for awhile, updating Chomp! every couple days. And then, well.... life happened I guess? Perhaps most importantly, I started a brand new job as a Guide Coordinator at the Legislative Assembly Office. But I've had trouble making a nightly routine of any kind. On top of that, my food hasn't been very exciting... or I should say, its diffferent from when I was a student. Often I come home from work and just throw things together when I have energy. i'm getting better now that I'm more used to the 9-5 thing!  I think I'll have a blog post soon about a week's worth of lunches- forcing me to be a little bit more creative!
Another thing that is keeping me more busy is that I joined the downtown YMCA and have been working out most nights of the week. I really love it there and am really happy to be back into an exercise routine. This blog`s main focus is food, but I will keep you updated on my workouts as well, since in my mind, they go hand in hand. Right now I`m back doing Rachel Cosgrove`s workout!

So, onto the food! This post is just to update everyone on some of my new favorite foods and products! Hopefully you will get some ideas of your own! I promise I'll have some recipes and restaurant reviews up soon though!

Liberte Greek Yogurt
Costco now has Greek yogurt! HOORAH!!! If you live here you know that this wait has been too long. haha. I've seen greek yogurt from time to time in grocery stores, but this particular brand is fantastic. Its 110 cals with 20 grams of protein (POW!) for 175g. That is some powerhouse nutrition baby. And with Costco offering it, you know you are getting a good deal! I really love it mixed with fruit and cereal and some honey to sweeten.



Hemp Milk

Ryan and I went to Bulk Barn last night and I discovered Hemp Milk! I've been using almond milk in my oatmeal and cereal for months now, but decided to try out hemp milk. I'm really excited and will let you know what I think. I feel like I'm going to enjoy it, since I already use hemp seeds in my yogurt and oatmeal from time to time. If you want to know more about the nutritional benefits of hemp, check out this link. (The quick 411 is that it is a vegetarian source of food high in protein, antioxidants, vitamins and this particular brand is organic, which makes it a great alternative to soy.)

Kamut Oatmeal
Also discovered this at Bulk Barn. Kamut is an ancient grain full of nutrients. I am most familiar with it in bread I often by from Breadland Organic Bakery in Oliver Square, so when I saw it in oatmeal form I GOT REALLY EXCITED! I had it for breakfast today in my typical oatmeal form (mixed in with fruit/pumpkin, cottage cheese and nut butter!) I love the large flakes and its sweet, nutty taste. I've never seen it in normal grocery stores, but keep your eyes peeled. Its a great alternative to the usual oatmeal! (Nutritional info here)

Eat Local First
My sister and I tried out this really cool service two weeks ago! Eat Local First is an online local food and product ordering service, which will then drop off your food in a cooler to your door. I have so many good things to say about it-- most importantly how many different local foods and products they have to offer. We got: extra lean ground beef, kale, mushrooms, tomatoes, bread and pears. Came to around $26. I think if you live in a house and are willing to spend just slightly more on your food in order to get the local fare, this is a fantastic option! (Especially in the winter!!) That being said, for me and my sister, it isn`t ideal. We live in a condo downtown, and had to go all the way to the north side to pick up our food, and only between noon and 7pm on Thursday. It was too much out of the way for us. I think from time to time I will use it though and hopefully the program will grow and offer more services, availability and products. Please check it out and support this awesome Edmonton business and local farmers and producers!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this post. Once again I am sorry for not updating in such a long time. I was so surprised when people started to ask me where I had gone and what was going on. I realize I have readers and a responsibility to post on a regular basis- and I will try my very best to do this from now on, for both you guys and myself!
For now, keep fit and eat well! hehe. Chomp!