Weekend Recap Part 2: New Plant-Based Milk!!!!

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I'm back!  Woah, two posts in a week?!  Am I going crazy??  Nah, I just have a lot to say!

To continue with my weekend recap:

By 1pm, The Grove was getting crowded and hot, so we left and shared a veggie burger at a local restaurant because we'd be eating again in a couple hours.

At 4, we met up with a friend at a Thai restaurant. Yummmm!!

Then, we ended the evening cruising along the lake on another friend's boat.

Sunday was a day to catch up!  Typically, I try to restock our fridge, plan for the week, and go for a walk/bike ride.  Well, Andrew and I were both tired from Saturday, so we stopped by a few stores to top off our fridge and cabinets before heading home to chill and relax.

While we were out, I wanted to stop by Whole Foods because we hadn't been there in awhile and I love to check out new vegan products.  Found this gem!

I heard about Ripple several weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it!  It is a 100% plant based milk (made from pea protein) that has the same amount of protein as cow's milk.  Now, you all know I don't stress over protein as here in America, it is VERY hard to have protein deficiency unless you are living off of solely highly refined foods (like cookies, chips, and cupcakes).  That being said, some people are concerned, so this is a great option for those who want a higher protein in their milk (compared to almond and rice milks which barely offer 1 gram...eat those foods in their natural state and that's a whole different story!)

And before you ask, yes this is high in sugar, but it is also their chocolate version, so what do you expect?  Ripple's standard milks have just 8 grams for the sweetened and zero for the unsweetened.

I have loads of recipes to share with you and possibly a yoga video in the future!!!

Have you tried this milk? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Weekend Recap Part 1: Planning for July 4th

What a weekend!

I have a weekend recap for you all, plus 3 tips for staying hydrated during next weekend's Independence Day festivities.

Saturday started with a car wash!  If my car could talk, it would say, "Finally!  Thank you for cleaning me up!".  I got the outside of the car nice and shiny, and vacuumed the inside as well.

Then, Andrew and I headed to The Grove for their Heritage Festival.  Many people know of this place because they had a field trip here in elementary school!  It even has a beautiful space called The Redfield Estate in which you can hold events such as weddings and dinner parties!  I can do a whole post on just the wedding planning at this place!  Let me know if this is something you are interested in by leaving a comment below!

While at The Grove, there were volunteers dressed up in mid-18th century clothing and doing reenacting of what it was like to live at this home in its prime.  Below is a man acting as a school teacher.  He asked all of the young boys and girls to behave and even taught them how to bow and courtesy! School was so different back then! (Note the chalk board and iron stove!)

 This is the school house from the outside.  An exact replica, built in 1982 that could have up to 33 children from grades 1 through 8 learning at the same time!

The day started to get very warm, so Andrew and I decided to cool off with a snack of fresh juicy watermelon under the shade of a tree.  Delish!  Note the multiple napkins...I still had loads of watermelon juice all over my face!

While at The Grove, we learned to march Civil War-style, dipped candles, saw how to make linen from flax, and simply walked the grounds enjoying the sun.  Whether or not you have kids, if you enjoy history and learning, this place is for you!  I really wish I would have made a candle, but there were too many kids at the time and I've made my own taper candle before...

To keep this post form getting too long, I will stop here.  Be on the look out for part 2 coming soon!

 

Interview with Tracy from Tracy's Plate!

Hey there! 

I am starting a monthly series where I interview entrepreneurs of the nutrition world; including Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists, and other health professionals to share with you a behind-the-scenes look of the health field.  So many nutrition professionals have such a passion for health, it sometimes gets overlooked with all the daily business/computer work they are doing.  I am hoping this series opens some doors and sheds some light on why those in the nutrition/health field do what they do.

So, without further adieu, I would like for you to meet my first guest, Tracy Williams!  I met Tracy while we were part of the Hospitality committee through the North Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  She is a nutrition entrepreneur, freelance writer, and public speaker and is going to share her latest and greatest event! Take it away Tracy!

What brought you to nutrition?

I have been passionate about nutrition education since I was young. When I was a energetic 7 year old, I used to help mom type her flyers for nutrition education for her hypertension class that she taught as a nurse at Cook County Hospital.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love meeting new people and listening to their stories after they have attended a nutrition program that I have presented.

Tell me about your latest project.

 I am doing a program for Morton Grove Park District on August 9, 2016.  It is called "Positive Changes to Family Meals".  The program will include positive tips on how to make nutritious meals on the go for your family and is based on current nutrition research. Recipes and tip sheets will be given to be taken home to use for future reference when working together with your family.You can call 847-965-1200 to register. 

If someone was interested in attending, how could they sign up or contact you?

If you want to schedule a nutrition education program, please contact me through my website at www.tracysplate.com. You can also call me at 847-975-3410 or e-mail me at tracywilliams87@gmail.com.  Click here to see the event.

If a kid walked up to asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give them your best health tip, what would it be?

Fruits and veggies are your friends. Find a way to move more with your friends. Be a good role model for your younger family members for a healthy lifestyle.      

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I am comfortable to adapt my programs for any audience. I especially like to be a role model for audience members who have overcome personal life challenges. One of my main life challenges is being physically disabled with a condition called cerebral palsy. 

If you or someone you know might be interested in being part of next month's interview, please click here to contact me.