A Couple of Whole 30 Things

I'm not sure I've mentioned it on here, which is weird because I literally mention it to every person who comes near me around meal time, but I've been doing the Whole 30 program for the last 25 days.  For those of you who don't know, Whole 30 is basically a 30 day reset where you forgo grains (no bread, pasta, quinoa, oats, etc. no gluten free anything, nada), dairy, soy, beans, legumes (no peanut butter), added sugar (no honey, stevia, maple syrup - this one was hard because sugar is literally in everything...), alcohol, processed anything and treats even if they are made with approved ingredients (no paleo pancakes or primal cupcakes). So far I've cheated twice, once at our company outing where I had two glasses of wine and then the night after when we had friends over and I had 2 then. Other than that, I've completely stayed the course. In whole 30 land, if you cheat once, you have to start over, but I don't think I'd be able to do another 30 days in a row so I'm staying with it. 

So, what do I eat, you ask? Lots of grass fed beef, chicken, wild caught fish, LOTS of eggs, veggies, fruit and nuts. I've had to cut down on the amount of fruit and nuts I was eating because I cheated and weighed myself(you're not supposed to take any measurements until the end) and I had only lost about 2 pounds halfway through (most people lose around 8-15 during the whole program).

I wanted to write about a few things that helped me stay on track for the past 25 days to help any other whole 30 wannabes who are looking for tips. Also, a few of my favorite whole 30 approved things.

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Meal Delivery: I would have had an extremely hard time without Model Meals and Sunbasket. Sun basket is a food delivery service that sends you ingredients that you then prepare. They have a paleo option and, for the most part, it's all been Whole 30 approved. I am definitely going to keep my subscription past my W30 time period. The box is delivered on Tuesday morning with 3 meals (2 servings), which I cook on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then I eat the leftovers the following day. I've really loved practicing my cooking skills and having high quality ingredients to work with. Plus, no creativity needed. Model Meals is a southern California company that makes Whole 30 meals and delivers them to your door. The box arrives on Monday morning with your pre-made meals and it is completely a la carte, which I love, because some weeks you just can't commit to a food delivery service! The food has been delicious and is obviously MUCH healthier than the food delivery I was doing before. Both Sunbasket and Model Meals are pricey but no more so than my Postmates habit... You can get 3 meals free from sun basket by clicking this link and I get $25 towards my meals! Plus, they deliver nationwide. No deal on this link for Model Meals, but it is seriously amazing, so if you are in SoCal, check it out!

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Restaurants: I didn't eat out much but when I did, I asked if I could pick the restaurant. I stuck to Mexican, American and meat-focused restaurants and avoided Italian like the plague. 

Supplements: I'm not a doctor so make sure you consult with yours before taking my advice but the following are Whole30 approved supplements that I've really loved. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: From their site, "Replenish naturally with 100% pure collagen peptides. This natural anti-aging protein supports youthful skin, strong bones, reduces joint pain, and provides deeper, more restorative sleep. Collagen peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed collagen protein." They also sell on Amazon. WS03 Fish Oil: From their site "All natural concentrated Omega- 3 oil, each teaspoon delivers 1000IU of Vitamin D3 and 150% RDA of Vitamins A, K2, B6, B12 and folic acid." Not too fishy - I take the women's one. Nutrafol: From their website, "introducing “hair nutraceuticals”. These are not just simple vitamins. These powerful botanicals act as plant medicines able to target many more causes at the root of compromised hair health than hair nourishment formulations could ever imagine. New technologies exist today to harmlessly extract the most therapeutic-active plant parts and concentrate them to achieve unprecedented efficacy in addressing many more underlying causes at the root of poor hair health." My hair has been looking awesome! I was reading that a bunch of models take this because of all the damage they do to their hair so obviously I tried it... Flora adults probiotic : With no yogurt and less fiber, I was all-in on taking a probiotic.

Emergency Snacks: RX Bars were my emergency on the go snack. I really liked the chocolate sea salt and the blueberry. The only one not approved is the peanut butter one. They sell them on Amazon and at Whole Foods, so grab a sample pack.

Kombucha and La Croix: La Croix is W30 approved and my fave #whitegirlproblems. I particularly like the grapefruit flavor. I have been LOVING Better Booch Kombucha. Kombucha is tricky because to make kombucha, sugar has to be added so that the bacteria has something to "eat" and grow from but lots of companies add sugar after the fact and don't call it out (can't wait for those food label changes in summer 2018 where they will have to call out added sugar...) but Better Booch specifically calls out that they do not add sugar and it is the tastiest Kombucha in the land. Golden Pear and Morning Glory are my favorites.

Recipes: Pinterest is a treasure trove of W30 recipes so definitely start there but beyond that, I love Juli Bauer's new book (try the buffalo chicken spaghetti squash casserole - yum!) and all of Danielle  Walker's books ( I just bought her newest, "Celebrations"). While these aren't necessarily Whole30 recipes, most can be tinkered so they are and they're great resources for after you are finished and want to keep up with your healthy eating.

So that's about it. 5 days left. Feeling okay, sleeping fantastically, don't feel like I've lost much weight but I definitely have a better understanding of food and have cooked more in the last 25 days than in the last 2 years so that is a huge plus. Have any of you done the Whole 30 or stick to a paleo lifestyle? Were your results different than mine? Let me know in the comments below!

Favorite Healthy Cookbooks

Favorite Green Smoothie - Zenergy

I was recently back on the East Coast and I stopped in to my favorite smoothie/salad/health food spot, Green and Tonic, off of Greenwich Avenue and got a "Zenergy" smoothie. Packed with greens, protein and other goodies, the smoothie filled me up and made me feel great for the rest of the day (after eating - and drinking- terribly for the days prior...). I decided to recreate it back on the West Coast and it's helping me start my day off right and get me back on track with my healthy eating. Try it out and let me know what you think - and comment your favorite smoothie recipes below!

+ 1 banana

+ 1.5 tablespoons of almond butter

+ 8 ounces of almond milk 

+ 1 cup of spinach

+ 1 tablespoon of bee pollen

+ 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea powder

+ a few drops of B12

+ 6 ice cubes

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Favorite Westside LA Restaurants: Part 1

I'm a huge foodie. Throw truffle oil and burrata on a rock and I'd happily eat it. I've had such a fun time exploring the LA restaurant scene and have yet to explore much beyond the Westside (Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Pacific Palisades, etc.) but below are some of my favorites. Next step: West Hollywood! What are some of your favorites. Share below!!

Tasting Kitchen: The Tasting Kitchen is an Abbot Kinney must-see with great food and an awesome interior. Brunch or dinner are awesome and it's fun for a big group or even a birthday party.

 

Belcampo: Recently added to the neighborhood, Belcampo is a butcher/restaurant combo with amazing meat. They are vertically integrated so control everything from the soil they use for the cows to the butchering, etc. They have an awesome bar with skilled bartenders (ask for the bartenders special). I love the ribs and wings as apps and the beef banquette for dinner. Perfect for my paleo sprints. Good for a decent sized group.

 

Giorgio Baldi: Best Italian on the Westside but super expensive for small portions. If you're in the market for a celeb siting though, this is your place. Located on the edge of SM and Pacific Palisades, GB is an institution. Order the prawns and sweet corn ravioli and anything with truffles.

 

Gjelina: Gjelina has been "the" trendy place to go for years. Great food, great people watching and really cool vibe/atmosphere. Try to sit outside.

 

Hinterland: Hinterland is Joe Jonas' newest venture on Main Street and I loved it before I even got my food. Let me explain: they have exposed brick walls, bronze sconces, Hick pendants over the bar and herringbone floors. Only drawback is that they only serve beer and wine but I really wasn't bothered by that. The pork chop was the best I've ever had. I would never order a pork chop at a restaurant but this one was pretty mouth-wateringly life changing. They have some southern favorites like shrimp and grits, which I also appreciate. Hinterland also features the best dessert in Santa Monica. You heard that correctly. I dream about the peanut butter, chocolate chip bread pudding with salted caramel ice cream. Perfect for a small group (4 or less) or date night.

 

Ox and Son: Ox and Son has a mean burger, an awesome steak with bernaise and it's right next to my apartment to boot. I love their corn griddle cakes with ham, oysters and steak tartar. Really nice people/service and food that is consistently good. Montana Ave got a good one.

 

Scopa Italian Roots: Scopa is my new favorite restaurant out here. Like number 1 of all of these here. I went for drinks and apps one night and was giddy. They have a huge L-shaped, marble bar where they prepare craft cocktails and shuck oysters among other things. The stuffed zuchinni blossoms were a stand-out for me, as well as the steak tartar, Brussels sprout salad and burrata (what else...) for dinner. For brunch, I loved the egg sandwich and the in-house smoked salmon platter.

 

Sugarfish: You can't leave LA without going to Sugaarfish. If you want great, no-frills sushi, this is your place. With multiple locations, you can go downtown, SM, Brentwood etc. Get the "love it" and prepare to be amazed. I would legitimately bathe in the ponzu sauce by the way... jk but it's pretty awesome.

 

Tavern: Do you ever just want to feel like you're living in a Nancy Meyers movie?? Grab a few well-dressed girlfriends and head to Tavern for brunch, lunch or dinner. Located in Brentwood, Tavern has a great grab and go section along with a stunning dining room. Lots of Farrow and Ball blues, greens  and grays but enough about the paint colors and herringbone... The food is awesome, try the avocado toast with burrata and prosciutto.

 

Tar and Roses: Tar and Roses is definitely a Santa Monica hotspot. Located near the promenade, they have interesting dishes with a twist and awesome cocktails and desserts.

 

Milo and Olive and the two restaurants below - Huckleberry and Rustic Canyon Wine Bar, are owned by a husband wife team and located between 11th and 28th and Wilshire in Santa Monica.

Huckleberry: Huckleberry is definitely a brunch spot with grab and go pastries that are some of the best I've ever had (get the blueberry ciabatta loveliness) and lunch options like brussel sprout salad and quinoa salads. Their friend egg sandwich, huevos rancheros, chicken salad and croquet madame are wonderful. Tory and I go just about every Sunday.

 

Milo and Olive: Milo and Olive stands out for its brick oven. Their burrata pizza and the wild mushroom pizza with a farm egg on top are pretty wonderful. I love their poached pear salad and they also have specials like pesto pasta and meatball sandwiches that hit the spot. They have the same great pastries as Huckleberry so it makes a great brunch, lunch or dinner spot.

Rustic Canyon Wine Bar: Rustic Canyon Wine Bar is fun for a small girls dinner or date night. They have an awesome wine list and there is a good vibe and great food. I love the Kale salad along with the (you guessed it...) burrata.

Superba Food and Bread: The little sister restaurant to Superba (also in Venice), Superba Food and Bread has a great brunch/lunch menu that has a ton of different toasts, pastries and breakfast favorites. Try the jam of the week and ricotta toast as well as the cheesy egg scramble toast. The chocolate croissant was also pretty darn good. Really chill indoor/outdoor vibe and they often have a low key guitarist strumming. One of many new restaurants on Lincoln, Superba is another restaurant pushing the area into foodie-dom.  

 

Malibu Farm: On a nice day, Malibu Farm is the perfect place for brunch or lunch. Sit outside on the end of the Malibu pier and enjoy watching the surfers or sit inside with the cozy, California-cool décor. I've been about 5 times and have only ever ordered the fried egg sandwich with bacon, arugula and aioli and the Swedish mini pancakes but they were both so good I can't stop ordering them!

 

Part 2 coming soon! Please let me know where you guys like to eat too - always looking to expand the list.

Tasting Kitchen

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Belcampo

 via Yelp
 

Giorgio Baldi

Gjelina

 

 Hinterland

 via Zagat
 

 Ox and Son

 via LA Eater
 

Scopa Italian Roots

 

 

Sugarfish

 via sugarfish.com

 

 Tavern

 via tripadvisor.com

 

 

Tar and Roses

 

 Milo and Olive

via travelchannel.com

 

Huckleberry

via deliciousla.blogspot.com

 

 Rustic Canyon Wine Bar

via New York Times

 

Superba Food and Bread

 

Malibu Farm

 

 

Salad Happy

On Sunday I decided to turn over a new leaf after an unbelievably indulgent holiday (think cocktails and champagne and appetizers every night mixed in with a few nights of pizza and caviar). Oh yeah, we did it up at the Berner household. My favorite diet to date to feel tighter and lighter in just a few days is paleo. It's a lot of eggs and protein and veggies. I  like to focus on the things I can eat rather than the things I can't (dairy, gluten, grains, beans, soy, added sugar, corn, alcohol...). Yeah, it's a lot but I swear it works and my skin is better, my bloat goes away and I sleep like a baby. Well, I always sleep like a baby but the other stuff is good! I'm going to the Turks and Caicos in 2 weeks with Riley (I know, tough life) so I want to look extra trim. To jump start my health kick, I went with a meal delivery program called paleo delivers. It's expensive but I'm on the second day and so far so good. Next week I'll continue my diet but I needed to ease into the cooking after a long vacay with my mom prepping every meal (thanks mom!).

 

For those of you wanting a complete lifestyle change, check out the Whole 30 program. It's a little stricter than paleo as it doesn't allow you to make things that are "subs" for things like paleo pancakes and treats. There are some absolutely amazing transformation stories on their site.

 

Anyways, no matter what diet you're on, I bet you salad is allowed (unless you're doing phase 1 of dukan or atkins). I am extremely uncreative when it comes to prepping my greens so I turn to pinterest for help. Below are a few that look amazinggg that I am definitely going to try. I also found a line of salad dressings, sauces and marinades called Tessamae that is approved for Whole 30, which basically means it's good stuff and very natural and healthy. And they taste delicious! (link) I got the southwest ranch to make a take on chicken salad. I'd love to hear about your new year's resolutions, diet tips and favorite salads!
 

 Kale, Avocado, Tangerine and Sesame Salad



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Kale Rainbow Detox Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries & Toasted Almonds

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Bistro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

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Triple Berry Kale Salad with Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette

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Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Lime Quinoa

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Kale and Fig Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing and Hemp Seeds

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Honey Crisp Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cider Vinaigrette 

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Raw Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini-Maple Dressing

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Tasty Tuesday: Chia Pudding

I have been loving chia pudding recently. I love yogurt so when I am on my paleo kicks, I have been turning to this wonderful recipe to satisfy my creamy, sweet breakfast pang. This recipe does require the ingredients to sit overnight but it is super easy. For those who are not inclined to wait that long, check out chia pods in whole foods. Vanilla bean, coffee and banana are my favorite and they have built-in mini spoons for girls (and guys!) on the go. They are also under 200 calories and keep you super full.

 

 

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

(makes 3 servings)

2 cups of almond milk

1/2 cup of chia seeds

2 tsps of pure organic vanilla extract

1 tsp of cinnamon

2 tsp of pure organic maple syrup

 

Let the concoction sit in the fridge overnight and enjoy in the morning with fresh fruit or shaved coconut!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Treats: Paleo Pancakes

As many of you know, I go through paleo phases where I'll go a week here or there or a day here or there following the paleo diet guidelines. I am a huge foodie so paleo for life just doesn't work for me. Burrata and fresh baguette is just too delicious to give up forever! I came across this recipe for paleo pancakes the other day and am hooked! They are so easy to make and require few ingredients. They are the perfect, balanced breakfast or snack. I like to put almond butter on mine for a meal complete with protein (eggs, almond butter), good fat, omegas and carbs (banana). I'd love to hear from you guys about your favorite healthy recipes too!

 

 

 

Makes 4 (I usually cut this recipe in half and make one big pancake)

- 1 banana

- 2 eggs

- 1/2 teaspoon of chia seeds

- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

- 1 pinch of sea salt

 

1. In a medium bowl, mash the banana to a smooth texture. Add the eggs and whisk thoroughly until the "batter" is fully combined. Add chia seeds, cinnamon and sea salt

 

2. Heat a pan over medium flame and grease with coconut oil or other paleo approved method. Ladle the batter into the pan and cook for approximately 60 seconds per side ( I like to keep them on a little longer)

 

3. Serve with almond butter or vanilla agave syrup and berries

 

Recipe via

 

 

 

 

Cocktail of the Day: Tennessee Honey Storm

I'm not huge into whiskey but JD's honey whiskey is so so good. The "Tennessee Honey Storm" is the perfect summer drink. My uncle Bill introduced us to these amazing cocktails and got us these awesome ice ball molds that make huge ice balls that keep your drink cold all night. We had cocktails over at the finished cottage on John Street (the property that my parents are working on) and had a blast. Be careful because the Honey Storm is so smooth you may be on number 5 before you know it! Not that I know from experience!

 

 

Recipe

1.5 ounces Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey

3 ounces of ginger beer

1 lime wedge

Muddled Mint

Lots of ice

 

 

 On my way to the cottage - in the woody, of course!

 

 

 cheers!

 

 Tory in front of the cottage - the sunset was beautiful!

Gotta have cheese, truffle honey and sushi right??

 

Açai Bowls

Açai bowls are the hottest new breakfast trend. Similar to pitaya bowls, this superfood packed meal is the perfect thing to get you started in the morning. If you live in LA, you're probably familiar with the look of açai bowls from numerous instagrams. There's even a food truck called "Amazebowls" that serves them all over LA. If you're not, I've included a recipe below so you can get into the healthy Cali mode from home. I love putting chia seeds, ground flax, cut bananas, strawberries and blueberries on mine but there is not shortage of healthy ingredients you can but on top. Think of it as a healthier, dairy-free version of a yogurt parfait.

 

The first time I made this I put in too much almond milk and it became more liquid and less of a "mash" so be sure to follow the directions and guess and check until you get the consistency just right for your liking. Some apparent health benefits of this superfood include aiding weight loss, keeping your heart and skin healthy, promoting good digestive health, anti-aging effects, energy boost, and promoting overall mental function (amongst other things). Have you guys tried an açai bowl yet? Share your recipes if so!

 

1 packet of Smabazon Original Açai Smoothie Packet

1/8 cup of almond milk

1/2-1 banana

 

via cleanfooddirtycity instagram

 

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Detox Smoothie

This recipe is delicious and energizing. After seeing it on wellangooodnyc.com (one of my favorite websites) I tried it and had to post. For those of you who want to have greens in your smoothie but don't want to taste them, this is the smoothie for you. It is also an amazing antioxidant punch to have before you indulge in all of those V-Day treats. It's packed with 11 grams of complete protein and omega 3s and maca is known to have numerous health benefits like tons of B vitmains for energy. Enjoy!

P.S. if you don't have a blender, I highly recommend the nutribullet. It's small and powerful.

(Photo: Jennifer Kass for Well+Good)

The Heart Chakra Smoothie

1 or 2 kale leaves

1 cup fresh organic strawberries

1 frozen banana

1 Tbsp maca

1 Tbsp hemp seeds (blend first with water to make homemade milk)

1 cup filtered water

Top with Goji berries and sweetened cacao nibs to taste

(Recipe from wellandgoodnyc.com)

Health Food of the Day - Goji Berries

I don't know about you but I am going to need some serious detox after all of the eating and drinking I've been doing. I feel like I've had a holiday party every night and my body is taking a toll. As many of you know, I prefer to add good things to my diet instead of taking things out (not always the best route but gotta start somewhere!) Goji berries are gaining popularity and with such great health benefits, and Gwyneth supporting them, why shouldn't they?? Goji berries, or wolfberries, have been around a long time and are native of China. They have a sort of chewy/crunchy texture that are similar to craisins with a little more crunch (if you get the sun-dried kind). Some of the numerous health benefits include:

+Filled with antioxidants

+Compounds rich in vitamin A, C and E

+Lots of fiber to keep you full

+Contain 15x more iron than spinach

+Full of carotenoids like beta-carotene (seen in carrots) and lycopene (seen in tomatoes).

+Some research suggests goji berries can help increase metabolism and boost energy levels.

 via

I like to soak the berries overnight and put in a smoothie with a banana, acai powder, almond milk, ice cubes and a touch of honey. They are also great on salads and in yogurt bowls. I've even recently seen goji berry infused vodka (which looks amazing...). 

If you live in NYC, try Hu Kitchen's kale salad with goji berries, which is literally kale, goji berries and a yummy dressing or try their amazinggg "mash bar." I like my mash with chocolate chia pudding, cashew butter, almond butter, puffed quinoa bits, strawberries, bananas, goji berries and chocolate syrup - YUM! Probably more calories than going to Pinkberry but at least it's healthier...

Superfood Breakfast Bowl via Camille Styles

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 dried merjool dates (more for added sweetness), seeds removed and chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamon
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon golden raisins
• goji berries, chia seeds, banana and coconut flakes, to garnish

Recipe

1. Rinse quinoa until water runs clear and combine in a medium sauce pan with water, coconut milk, and dates.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa has started to soften.
3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, pepitas, shredded coconut and golden raisins.
4. Cook an additional five minutes, adding water if necessary, until quinoa and soft and fully cooked.
5. Serve hot and topped with banana, goji berries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes. Add maple syrup or honey to sweeten further if you’d like!

My Life Lately

Changes

As many of you have noticed, Metropolitan Musings has a new layout and I hope you all like it! I wanted to have a cleaner/crisper look. Does anyone feel like this holiday season has completely crept up on them?? One minute it's summer and the next everyone's buying a Christmas tree! Before we know it, it will be the New Year and so I thought I'd get ahead of the game by making a few small changes to the blog now. 

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Sorry I have been MIA this week but sometimes life gets in the way of writing every day. By this point every year I have usually finished all of my Christmas shopping - I haven't started yet...nor do I know what to ask Santa for. Sometimes life events put things in perspective and it's hard to ask for things when you're so thankful for the people in your life. I got to spend time this week with a bunch of friends that I truly adore and although it was for unfortunate circumstances, we all found a way to make each other smile. 

Anyways, I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on the new layout! Excited to share pictures of the progress on my parents new house next week. They have completely redone one of the little cottages and it is adorable. My mom truly has a gift. I'm heading up to Hudson tomorrow morning (if I can roll out of bed after a hectic and tiring week). My sister, Tory, made reservations at Fish and Game, which is one of my favorite restaurants in the Berkshires. Their seven course tasting menu is truly a culinary experience and the atmosphere is cozy and rustic. The restaurant actually used to be a 19th century blacksmith shop and it has gorgeous fireplaces and delicious cocktails. I can't wait! Have a great weekend everyone! 

Above images via