Berry Mojito

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a freshly muddled mojito on a hot summer day! This is my "go-to" drink recipe for almost any occasion. With my birthday coming up this weekend, I'm sure you'll be able to find me sipping one of these! I love this recipe because it is very personalized based on what you like. You can make it strong/weak, more or less flavorful, and can adjust the sweetness to your very own tastes.

Ingredients (that I used):
Juice from 2 limes
1 cup fresh raspberries (note all the raspberries in the photo were not used)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Bundle of fresh mint
3L seltzer water
Bacardi Rum
*To taste* Splenda (for a lower-calorie version), Agave, or a Simple Syrup 

Directions:
Toss the berries, and mint into a pitcher and squeeze in the lime juice.

Then just muddle everything together and add your seltzer and rum. 

Finish by sweetening to taste. You can use a simple syrup, agave syrup or even Splenda for a lower calorie option. Be creative with your flavors and don't forget to personalize it based on what you like! This a drink recipe that you cannot mess up.

Oreo Thins

So, I know these aren't necessarily nutritious, BUT I was invited to try Oreo's new cookie, "Oreo Thins." Needless to say, but they are delicious. They are pretty much the same exact thing as a regular Oreo...just thinner and crispier. From a nutritional stand point...instead of the regular Oreos (which offer 2 cookies for 140 calories), you could get the Oreo Thins and have 4 cookies for the 140 calories. It's one way to trick your mind if you get that mid-day sweet tooth.

Life Update

So I apologize for having been so MIA lately! I've been going through some major transitions lately. I am so happy to announce that I finished my dietetic internship and passed my exam and am FINALLY a Registered Dietitian! I also am very fortunate to be employed at Duke University Medical Center as a Clinical Research Dietitian and fitness interventionist. I am currently helping with three studies and my job consists of making personalized diet plans and counseling individuals on how to lose weight while also teaching exercise classes that the study participants can attend to help them reach their goals. So the sake of the study, I have been experimenting with Greek yogurt and whey protein powder to come up with protein pack recipes. Hopefully I'll have some good ones to share pretty soon ;)

P.F. Changs

Chinese food is notorious for having high sodium levels in the dishes and no matter where you go, you will run into this problem at any authentic Chinese restaurant.  But when you go somewhere thats a little more classy than your typical "Chinese Takeout" place, you should be able to ask for sauces on the side etc. to help monitor your intake. 

Though P.F. Changs was no exception to high sodium levels, the food quality is a little better than what you would fine at your traditional take out joint. 

I know most people aren't going to want a salad from P.F. Changs, but if you know me then you know I have a weakness for anything with Ahi Tuna! The picture below is what I ended up having...so good!

But, going to https://www.pfchangs.com/nutrition allows you to look up the nutritional information for whatever dish you may want!

Ahi Tuna Salad from P.F. Changs

Saunas...What are they good for?

Ever wondered about those steamy/hot wooden boxes you see all over your gyms and spas? There are a few ideas that you may want to consider if thinking about sitting in a sauna.

Some research has supported the idea that saunas stimulate a similar physiological reaction as a fever. Fevers occur when your immune system is fighting an illness and is part of your body's defense and natural healing process. They also promote blood flow throughout the body and may help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility. 

So go ahead...next time you're through exercising, jump in that sauna/steam room! I've always found it to be relaxing to do my post-workout stretching in them.

National Association of College and University Food Service (NACUFS) Conference

For my last week as a food service intern at NCSU, I aided the program directors in executing the Southeast Regional NAUFS conference. From introducing speakers to guiding attendees on where to go, it was a activity and food packed three days! I felt like I was constantly eating the entire three days...so much that I didn't feel hungry agin until the following Sunday (no joke)! But, thats just the way food service employees roll.

One of my favorite features of night one was the "molecular gastronomy" food station

Food was available 24/7

This is only a glimpse of what was really about 100 station...all set with free sample

From the Raleigh dine around at Bolt, Centro, and Garland 

This was the menu for the closing ceremony

The last of the food!

I took TONS of pictures  but below are the best of the bunch. 

Wine & Design

I'm posting this a tad bit late, but I was just reminiscing on how much fun I had with my Raleigh Blogger ladies a few weekends ago at Wine and Design! Below are pictures that sum up our night. Shout out to Meghan (Champagne and Suburbs) for organizing the event and for these pictures!

Be sure to check out their blogs too!

Champagne and Suburbs
Sara Kate Styling
The Whimsy One
Hashtag FAB Life
Baseball Wife Nicole
The Barbee Housewife
Head to Toe Chic