Just call me Strawberry Shortcake!
This past weekend I took advantage of BOGO strawberries. Oh Mr. Strawberry, how I love thee. Let me count the ways…
I love you with…
waffles and cream cheese
yogurt
peanut butter toast
whipped CREAM
HOT FUDGE (and ice cream for that matter!)
And just straight up!
How do you eat your strawberries? What’s your favorite flavor combo?
Good morning, friends! Confession: on the workout front, I’ve been slacking. Before you get all judgmental on me, let me explain. I’m taking the GRE this weekend. Yes, yes, I took it for my Master’s program, but those scores expire this year and I need to take it again so I’m ready when I apply for my PhD. But with words like Quiescent, Trenchant, Nascent and Meretricious (to name a FEW!) I’ve been spending almost ALL my spare time studying. And don’t even get me started on all the math skills I’m re-teaching myself! Anyway, something’s gotta give, and unfortunately it’s been my time at the gym.
This makes me both sad
and ANGRY!
I’m know I’m not alone in this predicament. I know several of you have other things going on — i.e. work, kids, school — that infringe on your workout time. I’m here to help!
What should you do if you can’t make it to the gym?
1.) EAT CLEAN — Diet is 80% of the way you you look. If you can’t get your body moving, make sure you decrease your calories a bit and keep things clean with fruits, nuts, veggies and lean protein.
2.) Take the stairs! I’m on the third floor in my office. While others take the elevator for lunch breaks and to get to other meetings, I take the stairs. Every little bit helps!
3.) Save some time with Exercise TV or a workout DVD (like 30 day shred or Physique 57)
4.) Two birds. One stone. Need to study? Incorporate it into your workout! For example: If you are trying to learn definitions (like me!), create a workout challenge. For every word you don’t get correct, you have to do 10 sit-ups while reciting the definition. If you get it wrong AGAIN you have to do 10 push-ups — I guarantee you’ll start remembering!
Need more help? Read:
How to fit in fitness on any schedule
Fitting in Fitness (even at work!)
How do you change things up when you can’t make it to the gym? What adjustments do you make? Please share your words of wisdom!
Have you ever tried a turnip? Me neither! Doesn’t it just sound funny? TUR-NIP? HA! Anyway, I’ve never met a vegetable I didn’t like, so I figured it was about time I gave ‘ol turnip a try (if you follow me on twitter, you may already know some of this). In truth, I was really craving potatoes. But after hearing that turnips (also a “starch” vegetable) contain only one third the amount of calories as potatoes, I figured it was worth testing. It turns out these root vegetables pack quite a nutritious punch, as well! Turnips provide an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, manganese, pantothenic acid, and copper. They also offer a very good source of thiamine, potassium, niacin, and magnesium. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin B6 and E, folic acid, and riboflavin.
Not having cooked a turnip before, I did a bit of research and learned that you can cook them very similar to a potato. Knowing this, I came up with the following recipe.
Easy Turnip Saute
You’ll need:
Add chopped onions and 1 tablespoon butter to a medium-heat saute pan. Cook until browned. Add turnips and another tablespoon of butter. Cook about 5 minutes. Add rosemary and stir. Cover and cook about 10-15 minutes. Remove lid and cook until turnips are browned and soft.
Season with salt and pepper, plate and enjoy!
This was great! I thought they tasted A LOT like potatoes. Definitely had the same consistency. But the turnip had more of a distinct flavor, though. I can’t really describe it other than… turnipy — how’s that for descriptive?! Anyway, I really enjoyed this dish and love how easy it would be to customize with your favorite spices and flavors. Get creative!
Have you tried turnips? What did you think? How have you had them prepared? I have a feeling I’ll be on quite the turnip kick, so I could use some ideas!
Remember how I recently gave out the title of “new favorite restaurant?”
Well, I think we have another contender. And not surprisingly, this new spot, Chinato, is owned by the same genius who created L’albatros!
From the restaurant’s web site:
Zack Bruell, award-winning chef and restaurateur, announces the opening of Chinato, an old-meets-new Italian culinary concept on Cleveland’s East Fourth Street. Chinato, named after a flavorful Italian after-dinner wine enriched with herbs, spices and Cinchona bark, is Bruell’s fourth restaurant within the city of Cleveland.
Bruell designed Chinato’s menu to highlight the simplicity of all Italian cuisine, not limiting himself to one region or technique. “Authentic Italian food is simple and flavorful – regardless of whether you’re in Tuscany, Sicily or Campania,” said Bruell. “I wanted to stay true to that.” Chinato’s menu features Bruell’s take on simplistic Italian dishes, like Bistecca ala Florentina, accented with Lemon; Sweetbread Fritto Misto with Fried Caper Berries, Carrot and Zucchini Julienne; and Raviolis with Pork, Veal, Zucchini and Shiitake Mushrooms with Melted Butter and Parmesan. Antipasti offerings are just as appealing, with options like Buratta with Grilled Toast and Cold Tomato Basil Sauce and Involtini of Eggplant Stuffed with Ricotta and Shrimp.
Chinato puts the same emphasis on decor and ambiance as L’albatros. But the overall feel/look is much different. Chinato feels modern, yet cozy and intimate, yet airy. I loved the openness and soothing color palette.
Check out this charming, picturesque mural!
The menu carried the same authentic charm.
My friend Jenn and I (who is becoming quite the regular on The Daily Balance) wanted to sample of variety of Chinato’s offerings. If you are trying out a restaurant for the first time and want to sample it ALL, go with my method: a little bit of this, a little but of that 
We ordered an appetizer, starter salads, a side, soup and a “small plate” version of a pasta entree (I love that Chinato offers this figure-friendly portion!)
We started with Jenn’s selection, the Suplee, pan-seared risotto balls with fresh mozzarella cheese.
Balls of heaven. These crunchy morsels held cheesey, gooey goodness that had us saying “mmmmmmmmmmm” and “nomnomnomnom!” I tried to limit myself to just a two– we had a full meal ahead!
Next up, arugula with julienne of pumpkin, roasted turnips, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
One of the main things I was looking forward to in this salad was the PUMPKIN. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of it. I was expecting more of a pumpkin punch! Although I suppose others might find my typical love of pumpkin a bit too intense, so subtle may have been the right route to take.
For my main “meal,” I enjoyed the Ribollata, a dish explained as a “minestrone-like stew.”
This soup was delicious! Can you count all those veggies?! Jenn and I both couldn’t believe how much flavor was packed into each bite! I have GOT to try and get some details on this recipe next time I’m at Chinato. I think the key is cooking the pork and letting it get all nice and smoky before incorporating it into the soup with the roasted veggies.
Jenn was kind enough to share her main dish with me: Gnocchi with tomato, basil, toasted garlic, butter and parmesan
wowzer! Best.Pasta.Ever. No joke. And I live in LITTLE ITALY! This gnocchi was sensational. Each pillowy noodle melts in your mouth and sets your taste buds into overdrive. I’m quite impressed that I was able to stop myself from grabbing the dish from Jenn and inhaling it in all its buttery glory.
On the side, Jenn and I both loved the white beans I ordered. These were seasoned with parsley and were so simple and satisfying. I didn’t think a side of white beans could be so delicious… And how cute is the little pot it’s served in?!
Jenn and I both agreed that it just wasn’t right to judge a new restaurant without ordering dessert! I think once you see these beauties, you’ll agree with our decision
The Tiramisu was fantastic! I loved the nutty layers of breading/walnut and how they complimented the light cream so nicely.
But as amazing as it was, it didn’t hold a candle to this gorgeous specimen:
One of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I actually just typed “best.dessert.ever.” but you all know how much I love my desserts, and I’m not sure that’s 100% accurate — but pretty damn close!
Clevelanders – get your buts to Chinato right now! If you don’t live in Cleveland, this restaurant is worth the trip (even if you only order the mousse cake!). Just call me beforehand. I’ll make the reservation
Which one of these dishes looks the tastiest to YOU?
What would you have ordered? I ask because the Mister and I have a trip planned – he just HAD to get in on the action after hearing my glowing review!
The following recipe will change your life. It will also cause you to exclaim, “why didn’t I think of this before?!”
Behold: An ‘Egg’cellent Baked Sweet Potato
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just ‘cuz
You’ll need:
First, bake your sweet potato. Here’s a simple method I use: pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake about 10-15 minutes.
Your potato is now soft on the inside. Cut it in half and scoop out some of the sweet potato on each half, forming a tiny bowl. Now break for a bit and enjoy a little snack with the scooped out potato flesh! I like drizzling mine with ketchup
Drop a bit of buttah into each hole and cover with a cracked egg.
Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Season with salt and pepper. Attack and enjoy the sweet, eggy, carby goodness.
ENJOY!
If you don’t like sweet potatoes, this recipe is just as yummy with a good ‘ol Idaho!
You’re welcome.
