Dinner for One.

Sometimes I think one of the hardest parts of being a single 20-something is finding something for dinner. A lot of the recipes out there are designed to serve 2 or more people, and with an appetite like mine, I often find myself struggling to stop at just 1 serving - what can I say - I love food.

And while I love fixing up a big fancy dinner for myself, sometimes all I have the desire or energy for is a simple egg sandwich and a side of broccoli. 

It's easy to make, easy to portion out and it leaves little room for making or eating too much. 

I tossed the broccoli in some olive oil, ground pepper and garlic salt and popped 'em in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees or so....

.... and the sandwich consisted of a whole wheat english muffin, 1 "fried" egg, some avocado, mozzarella cheese and a lovely tomato to top it all off:

OH, and some spinach. Twas a lovely dinner. 

What's your favorite "easy" single serving dinner to make for yourself?

Any sort of sandwich and vegetable side is mine.

Stay Healthy, 

To Buy Organic or Not to Buy Organic?

We've all seen it - the friend who suddenly decides to buy only organic at the grocery store and consequently winds up only being able to afford the dollar menu at McDonald's in the weeks following.... so much for going organic, right?

So what's the deal? 

How are we supposed to buy organic when we can barely afford to buy regular groceries? 

Is organic really that much better for us? 

Can you only be healthy by eating organic?

I get these questions a lot, and the funny thing about them, is that most people don't even know what it means when something is organic. So, luckily for all you curious minds, and for all those people who I force to read this blog, today we're going to explore the wonderful world of Organics. 

What does Organic Mean?

Well good ole Wikepedia defines organic food as foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. 

AKA food with no pesticides and more nutrients. 

Is Organic Really That Much Better for Us?

The easy answer? Yes. Organic food is free of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, while also having more nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. (but hold off on buying all organic until you get to the bottom of my wonderful words of wisdom)

"I Can't Afford to Buy Organic. Help!"
Not to worry. There are certain foods and produce that are less likely (or more likely) to have pesticide residue even after washing them. 

• Foods Worth Buying Organic:

• Apples
• Celery
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Nectarines
• Grapes
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Potatoes
• Blueberries
• Lettuce
• Kale

• Foods Okay to Pass on Buying Organic:

• Onions
• Corn
• Pineapple
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas
• Mangos
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Watermelon
• Sweet Potato
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms

Additionally, I would also suggest buying meat and milk organic. Conventional methods of raising animals typically involves hormones and antibiotics to speed up growth and ward off disease and pesticides and fertilizer are used in growing the animals' grain and food source. Organic meat must come from animal sources that are grass-fed and have not been given hormones or antibiotics. 

Please, please keep in mind that these are only suggestions and guidelines. If it comes down to buying organic or paying your electric bill on time.... use your mind and get those organic strawberries .... ha! (only joking, only joking) 

If buying organic IS a top priority in your life, don't always rely on expensive stores like Whole Foods to get the job done. Farmer's Markets and operations like Grean Bean Delivery are excellent alternatives to buying organic while still saving a little extra cash. 

Additional questions about buying organic or getting involved with Green Bean Delivery, just ask!

Take advantage of the wonderful central Ohio weather this weekend!

Stay Healthy,

p.s. buy foods in season.... it'll save you even more money :)

Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day!

Good morning all! Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and was able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather! I'd love to say that winter is over, but I'm still afraid of jinxing myself and waking up to 5 inches of snow tomorrow morning... you can never be so sure about central Ohio weather!

I would have loved to get this post up sometime over the weekend... Saturday in particular, but you know how life goes.... so that's why here at Everyday Eating, we're celebrating St. Patrick's day a few days late! 

I had all intentions of getting in a good 10 mile run to start off my weekend, but my physical therapist crushed those dreams early Friday morning. So instead of enjoying a post-run smoothie this past Saturday morning, I enjoyed a post-spinning class smoothie instead:

This smoothie contained:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• banana
• strawberries
• ice cubes
• almond milk
• lots of spinach for the green!
• and a sprinkle of pumpkin granola for some added crunch 

Ever tried eating a smoothie with a spoon? It's great, if you have the time of course... I strongly suggest you don't try this method while speeding to get to work on time in the morning. 

Here's another shot of my St. Patty's day breakfast: (check out those clovers. pretty skilled with the 10 year old point and shoot if you ask me......)

And because I'm a firm believer in everything in moderation.... here is the obligatory "green beer" picture of the weekend:

Yep. I have absolutely no desire to know how much green dye was used in the making of this St. Patrick's day beverage, hence the reason why I only chose to splurge on one.

I ended my Green weekend with a nice little Sunday afternoon lunch that included this bad guy below:

Looks gross, right? I read about the original recipe here: TwoPeasandTheirPod.

Basically all you do is smash up some avocado along with some chickpeas and some cilantro and spread it between two pieces of bread for a sandwich, or roll it up in a wrap with some spinach, as I did. 

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

the below measurements will yield about 3 or 4 sandwiches. if making for one, you can easily use enough ingredients for one serving

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas or garbanzo beans
• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• Juice from 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Bread of your choice 
• Fresh spinach leaves or other sandwich toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, sprouts, etc. 

How did you guys spend your St. Patrick's Day? Did anyone celebrate?

Stay Healthy,

p.s. how about 4 teams from Ohio making it to the sweet 16?!