New Atlanta restaurant opening alert! Baker Dude Cafe at The Beacon has opened and serves not only the best vegan and paleo cupcakes, but also healthy bites at this Grant Park hip eatery. When Orran aka Baker Dude asked me to create healthy menu items for his cafe I bolted to the kitchen to re-create my favorite menu items and do a tasting. I KNOW healthy!

Over a decade ago I started to recognize a personal trend.  

August sucked. As in, this was the time of year, for an entire month, that I truly struggled.  I hated being in Atlanta. It’s miserably hot, school is starting so traffic is trying to get in sync, clients are constantly rescheduling appointments and it’s just a hot mess.

Yesterday I popped into Trader Joe’s because I’ve seen cauliflower gnocchi posts and I’ve been super curious about that (see post coming soon).  You know how TJ has food & coffee samples in the back by the deli meats? Well the Midtown location was offering vanilla granola with blueberry lavender milk!  Good GAWD! I usually don’t eat food samples because of my sensitive belly and honestly if I want something and can eat it mindfully without guilt, then I’m game.  This checked that box today because I was super curious about the MILK!

I have a confession to make.  I am not a donut fan.  I know, I know all the donut lovers are shuttering in disgust.  How is that possible?  Back in high school I was obsessed with strawberry frosted Dunkin Donuts.  But now, fried dough, not my jam.  And okay with that.  

Anyone who really knows me is aware of my profound and undying love for Upbeet.  Ever since they opened on the West-side (insert gang sign throwing emoji here) almost a year ago, I’ve been a regular there. Since I live across 75 in Midtown, I don’t frequent it as much as I would like to.  Which is ridiculous because I’m like, only 10 minutes away.

The first time I heard about this “diet” I have to admit, I was less than interested.  First of all I couldn’t pronounce it, and quite honestly it wasn’t a personal concern because this diet is for people who suffer from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.  Oh you’ve seen the commercial for the drug Viberzi, it’s brilliant and makes me laugh.  It shouldn’t, but shamefully it does [if you haven’t seen this commercial then google it].

Lately yoga has been calling my name.   It does that when I take too long of a break from it.  My body craves it and says, okay, enough is enough please do some stretching, postures, and breathing!  I’ve been riding my bike on the Atlanta Belt Line 1-2 times a week, which I love.  I’m shocked that it’s the end of June and I’m still able to exercise outdoors without passing out.  The humidity has been super low this year and I’m loving it.  I got addicted to that San Diego weather we had in May!

I love leftovers.  I mean, love.  They make a quick meal without much planning or thought and come together for me in less than 5 minutes.  Maybe six, tops.

Problem is, my other half is not/Hnat a big fan.

Regardless, when I dine out, my secret is to over-order and take home the extra to repurpose.  Sometimes I just eat as is, or create a new meal.