Food has meaning again!

Over Winter Break, I struggled to eat nourishing foods. I tried to eat seasonally, which meant no more tomatoes and berries and summer salads. It was hard. Equally saddening was my inability to be imaginative with food.

So instead, I relied on lots of frozen pizzas, microwavable soups, and buttery popcorn.

Of course, that left me feeling sluggish and constantly bloated.

Now that school is back in session, and I have some semblance of structure back into my life, food has meaning again. It’s the fuel I need to help me carry on with the craziness of everyday…..it’s been fun to see colors and textures come alive under my hand.

Here’s everything good.

Breakfast

When I am not eating polenta and a fried egg, I have been venturing into the world of smoothie bowls (ironic given the colder weather here in Asheville). They are getting prettier and more vibrant the more I make them, but I still haven’t mastered the art of toppings. My favorite things to add: macadamia nuts, peanut butter, granola, and dark chocolate chips. When I can coax my friends into a take-out brunch, I love anything by Simple, a locally owned, organic cafe & juice/smoothie bar in West Asheville. I recently tried their Tikka Masala Brekkie bowl, and it was heavenly.

Lunch

Lunch is always quick and whatever I can quickly (yet mindfully) consume in between classes- and yes, sometimes during classes. Usually, that consists of lots of freshly cut veggies I can dip into hummus, or fruit (I love blood oranges).

Dinner

Anything warm and steamy, and savory has been my go-to! Pho, roasted veggies, and plant-based supreme flatbread, the options are endless.

Wash it all down with……

Who would have thought? I am finally drinking coffee. An iced cinnamon hazelnut coffee when I want something sweet. Or a cortado if I want something smooth (the one above is from the cafe inside Citizen Vinyl.

And in between lots of water and coffee, I’ve been making my own oat milk!

…..And for dessert!

Surprisingly, there is no ice cream. Instead I’ve been eating a lot of chocolate chip cookies and matcha kit kats.

When I am not eating good food, I’m learning about food, through one of my new favorite podcasts, Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg (by Food Tank). Give it a listen, here.

happy eating!

.....And We're Back!