I’M A REEEEEEEEALLY BAD FOOD BLOGGER.
Actually, “really bad” – even with all the extra e’s – doesn’t do it justice. You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted a thing since JANUARY. That’s much worse than “really bad”.
I’ve been trying to make excuses for myself for my unforgivable hiatus. The lighting was bad... I was away for a few weeks for work and visiting my family... I was busy watching OITNB... None of them are any good, except maybe the lighting one.
Katie should’ve banned me long ago. Luckily, she’s a doll – or maybe she just forgot that I was supposed to be a co-contributor because I disappeared for so long. Regardless, I’m still here, so I’ll try to make it up to you.
So, what have I been doing for most of 2015? Let’s see…
• • •
I went skiing in Vail a few times and drank a decadent $16 hot cocoa. • I spent two weeks in St. Louis and then two weeks in Philly for work, mostly sitting in cold rooms and eating expensive food. • I watched corny movies on Netflix and read some good books. • I bought a bunch of clothes online and returned the majority of them. • I walked in the cornfields, picked homegrown asparagus, and cuddled with my dogs and cat while visiting home in NY for a couple weeks. • I ventured back to Ithaca for my sister’s graduation from Cornell. • I researched cat adoptions in Denver. • I waited in line for an hour and half for ice cream at Little Man. • I continued growing (quite literally) my obsession with succulent plants. • I worked on my tan and went hiking in the mountains. • I printed a zillion recipes but only tried a few. • I started running again! • I celebrated the 4th of July with my sister in Vail. • I joined a summer volleyball team and discovered I haven’t improved at all since high school gym class. • I attended two beautiful weddings in Estes Park, CO and Chatham, ON. • I tried to eat healthy and workout daily but treated myself a little too often. • I traveled 30+ hours to the Outer Banks and successfully failed to get eaten by a shark.
• • •
I did some other boring things, too, but that pretty much brings us to now. See? No real excuses.
I hope you can forgive me for leaving you for so long. But even if you can’t, I’ll still share these two healthy recipes to help fuel you through the end of summer. Hopefully it won’t be next winter when you hear from me next…
{ Lovin' from the oven, Chelsea }
Spicy Watermelon Juice
This detoxifying juice is a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated on a hot summer afternoon.
Watermelon: Each bite of this hydrating fruit, made up of 92% water, nourishes your body with significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium. As a natural diuretic, watermelon cleanses your system and helps rid your body of bloat.
Cayenne: Studies have shown that cayenne pepper suppresses appetite and revs up your metabolism, helping to burn a few extra calories. It also reduces blood sugar levels and improves blood flow.
Coconut water: Loaded with essential electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium), coconut water is the ultimate natural sports drink and thirst quencher! It can also help clear up your skin by moisturizing from within. (Sorry to use a form of the word “moist”…)
Spicy Watermelon Juice
Makes 2 servings
4 generous cups of diced seedless watermelon
2 cups coconut water
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Blend all ingredients until smooth. If you’re not a fan of pulp, press the liquid through a strainer. Serve over ice and garnish with some fresh basil or mint.
Açaí Berry Bowl
Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? Maybe your mom. But she’ll probably let you if it’s healthy! This easy, antioxidant- and nutrient-rich breakfast bowl will make you feel super(food) bad-ass for eating a meal that tastes like fruity ice cream before noon.
Açaí: This superfood berry from Brazil is low in sugar, high in omega 3-fatty acids and fiber, and packed with vitamins, like A, B, C, and E. It’s also extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious.
Açaí Berry Bowl
Makes 1 serving
½ large banana
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
½ cup frozen berries
1 packet frozen açaí puree, such as Sambazon
Your choice of toppings!Try blueberries, raspberries, diced mango, sliced peach, hemp seeds, chia seeds, goji berries, pepitas, almonds, granola, banana chips, or coconut flakes
Add almond milk, frozen berries, açaí puree and banana to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and decorate with your favorite toppings.