Guest Blogger One Smart Brownie: 10 Snack Vices & 10 Healthy Alternatives

I am excited to introduce our new guest blogger Carolyn Brown, from One Smart Brownie. She is here to help the Newlymeds get healthy and learn a little bit more about nutrition while we are at it. She is a Nutritionist at Foodtrainers, a private practice in NYC, has her masters from NYU, and went to Tulane with us Newlymeds. We already love her because she is a Tulane grad, but this girl really knows her stuff!

I am a self-admitted snack-food-aholic (as seen below with one of my guilty pleasures).  I gave Carolyn a list of my favorite snack foods and she helped me pick out some healthy alternatives.

So, without further ado, 10 snack-aholic vices and their healthier alternatives:

Kraft mac & cheese–> I too have a soft spot for Kraft… but cheese should never be powderized. There’s no “easy” replacement for this, unfortunately; Annies organic mac & cheese is better but still not ideal. If you have your heart set on mac and cheese, try making a healthified homemade version like this from eatingwell.

Peanut Butter–> I love peanut butter and it shouldn’t disappear from your grocery list. But you want to buy the kind that separates, as annoying as it is to mix. Companies like Jif and Skippy use partially hydrogenated oils (ie trans fat), so you always want “natural” PB. I’m a big fan of DIY-grinders at Whole Foods and Trader Joes and pretty much any other health store. Peanut Butter & Co. and Justin’s nut butters are also great brands.

Goldfish –> If you can’t live without your goldfish, the whole wheat ones are the best option (and rainbow ones are the worst). If you’re ready to try something new, triscuits are my go-to cracker.  If you are willing to completely sacrifice taste for super healthy and high fiber, give GG Brancrackers a try (But don’t say I didn’t warn you…).

Teddy Grahams –> Ok, in this case, Annie’s Homegrown Honey Bunny Grahams come out far ahead and taste good too… Teddy Grahams have good ol’ trans fat (even though the label says 0 grams, there is partially hydrogenated oil on the label… ick).

Cereal (like Oh’s and Golden Grahams) –> When it comes to navigating the cereal aisle we want more fiber and protein, less sugar and other crap. Try Kashi honey sunshine, Kashi go lean crunch, or Barbara’s Puffins… All are still completely addictingly delicious, but at least they’re better for you.

(From one of Kelly’s many fiestas)

Cheese in general –> Cheese is actually not the enemy; quanitity is. So if you can’t stick to a serving size (painfully 1 oz = 4 dice), you should consider low fat. But I’m the first to admit, low fat can have a pretty miserable rubbery texture. American cheese is very processed and high in sodium; PLEASE go with white (sans food dyes) if you can’t live without it. Guilt-free cheese: Horizon low fat cottage cheese & Horizon mozzarella string cheese.

Yoplait Yogurt –> Yogurt is so totally confusing — to the point that I’ve used dating as a metaphor for the yogurt aisle. Most you’d never bring home (w/o beer goggles…), many are dateable but nothing to brag about, and then we have the gems you’d love to become a NewlyMed with  The babes of yogurt: Greek. (PS if you want to see another Greek babe, ladies, google Theo Theodoris…). So you want to skip all the sugary/fake-sugar crap when yogurt-shopping, which is about 96-97%. This includes those “lite” ones: something’s super low-cal it generally has lots of additives and  wont keep you full. I love greek because it’s super high in protein and has little to no sugar.  ALWAYS be in control of your own add-ins – fruit, nuts, cereal, cinnamon,  even sugar/agave/honey are okay. >80 cal, >12g protein is ideal.

Ketchup –>  Contrary to popular belief, ketchup is NOT just tomato! There’s lots of sugar and pretty minimal tomato. I prefer fresh salsa/pico de galo/tomato slices. If you can’t put down the condiments, mustard and sauerkraut are better options.

(popsicles from foodtrainers)

Skinny Cows Fudge Bars –> High fructose corn syrup and lots of other freaky additives to make these taste more like ice cream. Instead, try making your own popsicles!! It’s really not complicated.  At foodtrainers, the interns made pina colada pops that rocked – all they used was fresh pineapple, a banana and unsweetened coconut flakes.

Processed turkey –> Many people are unaware that Boars Head turkey and pretty much all other meats in the deli counter window have a lot of ingredients besides turkey.  Processed turkey is super high in sodium and often has added sugar/high fructose corn syrup. Ideally, go for the real thing: fresh turkey (or chicken) breast. Otherwise, I stick to Applegate or any other organic brand.

PS: I know it gets pricey, but when it comes to meat and dairy try to go organic when available. Without getting into the dirty details, it’s always worth it.

I plan to try these alternative snack foods out in the next couple of weeks and I will report back!

Resident Graduation Dinner

This weekend Doctor J and I attended the Resident Graduation Dinner.  It is the one time a year the whole department gets together to celebrate the completion of the the graduating class's residency.

There is mingling, speeches, several power point presentations and the bestowal of the diplomas to the graduating class.  It is a very exciting day for the graduates and their families.  Only four more years until I get to be a proud wife and watch Doctor J graduate.

Residents in suits not scrubs

Doctor J & Doctor R (The Big Boss!)

We went out after, something I may have tried to avoid because I knew there would be a lot of Doctor Talk!  I paid the wrong meter (by the way you pay the meter in front of your car not behind!)  I took this as a sign that it was going to be an early night due to my lack of quarters.  I told Doctor J it was time for me to go home, but the Dallas Police had other plans for me.  Just when I thought the night was coming to a close...I got an extension!  A lovely police woman named Shaniqua didn't want me to miss the party, so she wrote us the below fake ticket  for $0 to allow us to stay.

All in all it was a great night to spend with friends and celebrate the accomplishments of the chief residents.  

"How To" Create a Home Bar

After consulting the experts at Williams Sonoma here are some tips to create your very own home bar.

The ritual and ceremony involved in cocktail construction are probably as much fun as drinking the cocktail itself.  (If you are in touch with your inner mixologist) The bar area is where your guests are most likely to congregate.  If you don't have a stand alone or built in bar, you can create a temporary or permanent one using a cabinet, bookshelf, cart or side table.  Since that area will be boozing, I mean buzzing with activity, try to pick a spot that doesn't interfere with the flow of traffic throughout the room.

Stocking your bar may seem overwhelming (and quite expensive), but remember you don't have to have to do it all at once! Buy supplies incrementally tailored to you and your friends' favorite drinks.  Keep garnishes like lemon and lime wedges, olives and maraschino cherries to add flavor to your drinks and (most importantly) make them look pretty!

The Basic Bar
Vodka and/or Gin
Silver Tequila
Rum, Light and Dark
Scotch Whiskey
Bourbon
Dry (White) Vermouth
Angostura Bitters
Brandy and/or Cognac
Soda and Tonic, Fruit Juices

So there you have it.  Just in time for the weekend!

Cocktail Party Tips

According to my Summer Bucket List, I will be throwing a fabulous cocktail party.  In order to start getting  prepared I have been reading up on cocktail party tips.  Here are three helpful tips when planning a cocktail party.

1.  Plan on serving three drinks per every two hours for each guest.  This may seem like a lot, but it is better to have extra on hand then to come up short.  

Newlymed Note:  If you have just graduated from college triple that amount.  If you are a few years out of college double it.

2.  Be sure to stock up on plenty of ice for mixed drinks.  Place an ice bucket with tongs on the bar and replenish it regularly

Newlymed Note:  If you don't have a bar, no problem!  I use my kitchen counter as a makeshift bar.

3.  As responsible hosts, you will want to provide your guests with sufficient food and water, and hot coffee as the evening winds down.

Newlymed Note:  If you are going out after, skip the coffee, and go for a tequila shot instead.

Stay tuned for tomorrows' post on creating a home bar!

Paging Doctor J

This section of the blog is where Doctor J will answer all of your medical questions.  He will select one question every month.

Respond to this blog and post your questions!  Check back in a month to see if your questions have been answered.  Sorry for the long waiting period, but residency keeps Doctor J pretty busy.

Summer

Even though I consider Memorial Day weekend the kickoff to summer, today is the first official day of summer!

In an effort to make the most out of my favorite season, here is my Summer Bucket List:

1.  Learn how to actually use my new camera {instead of just pretending I do!}
2.  Throw a BBQ
3.  Go for a bike ride {on a day when it is not in the triple digits}
4.  Persuade family and friends to visit the Newlymeds in the Big D
5.  Have a fabulous cocktail party
6.  Take a makeup lesson and learn how to do it right! {goodbye clown cheeks}
7.  Spend a day on a boat
8.  Host a boozy brunch {Bloody Marys, yes please}

So here's to days filled with warm weather, sun-kissed skin, watermelon and lots of happiness.

Un-Father's Day

After wishing both of our fathers (who we love SO much!) a happy Father's Day, the Newlymeds celebrated Un-Father's day.  What is Un-Father's day you may ask?  Un-Father's day is celebrating our singledom and the fact that we aren't parents yet.  Don't get me wrong, we can't wait to have kids...one day, but for now we will sip our mimosas and enjoy sleeping late on weekends and altogether fewer responsibilities!

Newlymed Note: Sleeping late only applies to K.  Doctor J had to make rounds quite early both days this weekend.

We made brunch that consisted of truffled egg whites with crab meat, fresh berries and this popover recipe.  Mine didn't turn out as pretty as I had hoped, but what they lacked in appearance they made up for in taste.  I even got to use my silicone basting brush for the first time!

Dear Photograph

Dear Photograph shows us people's old photographs in their present day surroundings.  This is something I definitely want to try at (my old) home.


Dear Photograph,
That's love.
-@mithical


Dear Photograph,
Grandma loved this beach.
-Dan Perry


Dear Photograph,
Chinatown use to be livelier.
-@applesundae


Dear Photograph,
I looked good in a tux.
@TJ

Snap.Crackle.Pop.

Rice krispie treats are one of those desserts that remind me of summer camp and being 12 without a care in the world.  Last night was a balmy summer night and I was craving something sweet.  I wanted to whip something up with the limited ingredients I keep stocked in my apartment.  There I found the 3 ingredients necessary to make rice krispie treats: rice krispies, marshmallows and butter!  It is amazing that you can make such a yummy dessert with just a few basics.  For the complete recipe click here.

Newlymed Note:  The key to pretty rice krispie treats is to cut them with a sharp warm knife.  Run your knife under hot water before you make your first cut.

"How To" Decorate your Apartment with a +1

The Newlymeds have recently moved into a new apartment.  We had some items from our old apartments to work with, but this was the first place we were moving in to TOGETHER.

I had to explain to Doctor J that this was a grownup apartment, since we are now married.  Being married makes you a grownup right?  There were lots of decisions to be made confounded by differing opinions, but 7 months later we put the finishing touches on our living room.  Here is the progression:

Step 1: The couches have arrived.  (All the way from Nashville, thanks Aunt G and Uncle J!)  This picture was taken pre-pillow fluffing.


Step 2:  The Hanging of the Jazz Fest Posters.  Since we met at Tulane this was art we could agree on.

Step 3: The rolling out of the taupe carpet.  After searching high and low I  (I mean we) finally settled on this carpet from Restoration Hardware.

Step 4: An impulse purchase by Doctor J.  He said since I got to pick out all of the china for our wedding, this was his "consolation prize".

Newlymed note:  Let your significant other pick out at least one item, so they feel like they were involved in the process!

Step 5:  After 2 years of searching we finally found and agreed upon a coffee table.  This was the finishing touch to our room.


And to put a spin on things Doctor J surprised me by hanging the below chandelier.  I was not so sure how I felt about surprise home decor, but it is slowly growing on me.  So here is the finished product, ta da!

"How To" Plan a Fabulous 1 Year Anniversary Celebration

Your Wedding was an amazing time and you can't believe how fast the time has gone.  The 1st anniversary is a special one, so here is...

"How To" Plan a Fabulous 1 Year Anniversary Celebration.  It's time to break out some of those Wedding gifts (many of which you may have never used) and celebrate!

Step 1: Put your cake topper in the fridge a full 24 hours before you plan to have your celebration

Step 2: Serve champagne in the fancy glasses you registered for.  I chose to use some vintage champagne glasses that my Mom lent me.


Step 3:  This might be a good time to use your china!  Break out a plate and proudly display your one year old cake


Step 4:  Although a wedding dress and tux is not required, dress up!  Feel fancy for the special day.

Step 5: Cut the cake and enjoy!  Remember the sweetness of your wedding day with every bite.

Cheers to a fun, one year celebration!

Never Eat Alone?

My brother recently gave me this book...and then laughed.  He knows that as a resident's wife there are many meals where I have to fly solo.  There was even one time my family skyped me into the dinner table so  I could eat with them. (embarrassing!)

I am sure I will have the opportunity to read this one of those nights where I am setting the table for 1 and will be sure to report back.  Supposedly it's a book about how to be successful...I sure hope there are other methods!

"How To" Keep your Flowers Fresh

There is nothing like coming home to a bouquet of flowers.  They brighten up any room and make your home smell nice.  When entertaining I always try to have flowers in my apartment to keep it looking  fresh.

My mom sent me an article this week from the Houston Chronicle on how to keep your flowers fresh.  Here are their tips:

1.  Change the water honey!  If the water is greenish on the bottom it is time for  change

2.  When arranging flowers in a vase, recut the stems on a slant and under water, which allows them to draw in water instead of air.

3.  If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement and trim the stem again.  Leave the entire rose submerged in warm water for an hour or two.  It should revive.

4.  Try to get your roses in water right away.  If that's not possible, store them in a cool place.

That way those birthday/anniversary/valentines/just because flowers will last for days!

My Favorite Things: The Texas Twosome

Two weeks ago I packed my bags and headed to Nashville for the (University of) Texas Twosome's wedding. Doctor J was working (surprise!) so I attended the wedding stag.

It is now time to report on My Favorite Things from the wedding.  As a former wedding planner and a bride I always pay attention to all of the little details.  You former and future brides know what I am talking about!

So here are My Favorite Things from the wedding weekend:

1) The most delicious southern meal with all of the fixins'.  This included fried chicken, a biscuit, mac & cheese, brisket,  corn and a raspberry walnut salad.  Hunger struck and took a bite before I had a chance to take the picture!

2) The way the light hit the room at dusk at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Magical!

3) The beautiful wedding cake with so many intricate details.  Love those sugar flowers.

4) Personalized flip flops for the bridesmaids

5) Meeting many new friends (who all apparently have the same taste in clothes!)

6) And spending time with old ones.

7) A sweet ending to the evening



Lovingly yours until the next wedding...

Graduation

Happy Graduation to my baby brother.  My how time flies...

A Look Back

After hitting the one year milestone I wanted to take a look back and reflect on the day I said I do.  Instead of coming up with cheesy captions I will let the pictures tell the story...

*Photography by Nahn Nguyen & Rachel Tenenbaum