Whether you are a pro at packing or still in the novice stage you will enjoy these clever packing tips I shared on News 4 Jax. Crazy simple and easy to do! You'll wish you thought of them before.
How do you eat all that food and still stay in shape? I hear it often from those I chat with about what I do. It is a little mystifying I'm sure from the outside. I post images of delectable dishes glistening in the light with what is sure to be some very indulgent ingredients. Not only that but from the evidence on social media it probably seems like I always have a drink in my hand. What gives? Do I have some kind of super human metabolism? In short answer no. In my "Secrets Revealed Series" I begin by sharing how youcan be a Foodie, and still remain Fit. Let me lead with a disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist, these are just habits that I've picked up from a lifetime of working towards healthy living.
10 Habits of a Fit Foodie
1. The Rule of 80/20
Many a celebrity has been credited with adopting this method. If you are not actively trying to lose weight the 80/20 philosophy is great. 80% of the time you eat clean avoiding sugars, fried foods, bread, and prepackaged foods etc. 20% of the time you allow yourself small indulgences in moderation. This could be 80/20 weekly or daily, much of that depends on your self discipline. I like this method since it discourages binging because you know there are no "bad foods", you are simply choosing to make good decisions and keep higher calorie foods to a minimum.
2. Stay Moving
It has been said that "A body in motion stays in motion." The hardest part of developing an active lifestyle is just getting started. Once you begin it's easier to maintain because of the amount of extra energy you have. On average I try to weight train two to three times a week and do the same amount of cardio (in 30 min to 1 hour increments). We also live a pretty active lifestyle riding bikes around the beach town we live in and chasing our energetic preschooler from activity to activity. Staying in motion burns more calories keeping your metabolism active and helping you maintain your weight.Don't forget to have fun! You are way more likely to stay fit if you choose a training routine that you find invigorating instead of a chore.
3. You Can Have More Later
I learned this in my teens when I went through healthy lifestyle transition. Just because it's on your plate, doesn't mean you have to eat it all right now. You can eat it later. The world is not suddenly going to run out of Creme Brûlée. So if I'm too full to eat it, I don't. I can eat it later. In many cases when I'm doing a food review I do just that, taste, then take it home.
4. Quality over Quantity
When you aren't constantly skimping to eat "lower fat" foods or foods with artificial sweeteners you get to enjoy the real, potent taste of fresh ingredients. Eating quality leaves you more satisfied and less likely to over consume. When you eat artificially flavored foods you tend to over eat because your brain is not satisfied, even when your stomach might be. Less is truly more. If you think eating quality is more expensive, consider the amount of extra food you buy when you are consuming more to satisfy your brain. It really evens out in the end.
5. Make Good Choices
Sure this requires a certain amount of discipline but if you are following the ideals in 1-4 it should be a given. When you want a snack, steer yourself toward the nuts instead of the chips. When you are at a restaurant order the fish or a fresh salad instead of the burger. You should be able to enjoy great tasting, well made healthy food without feeling like you are making a sacrifice by not getting the highest calorie plate. If you do choose to get that craving, share it, most American dishes are way too big anyways, by sharing you and your date will save money and your waistline.
6. Be Picky about your Destination
We hand select the restaurants we review based on specific standards of excellence. As a rule we tend to avoid chain restaurants because they usually cook with pre packaged ingredients and produce that comes from who knows where. We love local, responsible businesses that go the extra mile in caring about what they put on the plate. When we dine out I know that the places we choose will have a great selection including healthy options.
7. Eat Slower Dining on the go is an American thing. They have it right in Europe and the Mediterranean, where breaking bread is a timeless tradition built on relationships. Take your time with each course and embrace the moment and the taste of each well prepared bite. You may just find yourself more satisfied and less likely to consume more than you need.
8. Special Order Don't be afraid to special order food to your criteria. Switch butter for olive oil, dressing for lemon juice, or starches for steamed veggies.
9. Get Rid of Guilt
So you had a big night and ate a little too much? Don't feel like you have to drown yourself in remorse because you fell off the wagon. It's not the end of the world. Just start making good choices on your next meal and move on. Don't psych yourself out because of a little misstep.
10. Take a Break
If you find yourself traveling a lot or attending a bunch of dinners, parties, and obligatory functions where the treats and alcohol are overflowing, then find a time to press the pause button. Take a break, even if that means saying no to invitations and make your health the priority again. Do a 30 Day Challenge, try a Juice Cleanse, or take a break from alcohol and sugar for a month. You will be surprised how quickly your body will recover, heal itself, and begin to let go of cravings and bad habits.
Tell me your secrets to staying a Fit Foodie in the comments below.
With all the memories and experiences that come with being a Travel and Lifestyle writer and personality, there also comes a heck of a lot of work. No complaints here, as I can truly say I'm living my dream. It's always great though, when that hard work gets recognized by esteemed peers in my industry. As I continue to build this brand I am honored to be featured in statewide and worldwide media. Here are a few revealed this week.
Visit Florida Insider Kara Franker featured me on her blog and Visit Florida in an interview on fellow travel bloggers from the Sunshine State. I dish on what where I like to Stay, Play, and Dine.
Click here to read the whole story.
Publishing my first assignment for 10Best.com this month, you can see my story on Jacksonville's 10 Best Hotels.
Click here for the full story.
There are more great assignments on deck and some great personal stories hitting Amy West Travel this month.
I'm so happy to reveal our brand new website today. Make sure to drop in and see what's updated. AmyWestTravel.com is now sporting a sleeker more modern look that is easier to navigate and a whole lot more interactive. I really love how it highlights all the great blog features we have been working on this year and completes the story telling side of what we do with the stunning visual images used to illustrate our work. Enjoy the exciting new site and make sure to let me know of any notable stories you think I should cover on the blog, youtube, or the other media outlets I'm friends with. See below for a more thorough tour.
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It's been a great 2014 for Amy West Travel. As the year winds down I must say how thrilled I've been to be featured in several great media outlets. Besides my monthly guest spot on News 4 Jax morning show, frequent guest segments on First Coast Connect, and now my addition to USA Today's 10Best.com family, I've been honored to be showcased on the following platforms.
Check out the cover image of EU Magazine for August 2014, featuring the Moxie Burger by Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails shot by me during my "Bold in Brunch" blog review.
I couldn't be more honored to be included with so many other exceptional blogs in the "2014 Best Travel Blogs" featured on The Luxe Insider this September 2014.
I send out my heartfelt thanks for the attention brought to the Amy West Travel brand. Every day I work hard to bring you the best in Travel and Lifestyle content to keep you on the forefront of what's new, and exceptional. Thank you for continuing to make this brand a source of insight and entertainment. If it weren't for our amazing fans, we wouldn't be where we are. Here's to many more great stories to come! Until then...
Food is not so different from fashion. Trends come and go based on a lengthy measure of circumstances. What's in season? What crop did well this year? What celebrity chef debuted their newest dish using that random ingredient? And what are the latest health trends? It's unclear at times just what makes an item leap of the menu and into patrons mouths (besides their tastiness), but what is clear, is that it is ever changing. Of course there are classics that will never go out of style like the iconic Filet, Salmon, and Pasta dishes, but some specialties will see their rise and fall within the spectrum of a year... give or take. Here are some dishes that have received a lot of fanfare recently that me thinks.... may not last much longer in the popularity contest that is dinner. So get em while they last friends before the next big thing goes viral across the dining rooms of the country.
5 Popular Foodie Trends that May be on their Way out
1. Mac N Cheese
It seems like everywhere you turn these days a new restaurant has a creative take on Mac N Cheese. This comfort food gone gourmet can be dressed up in a number of ways via bacon, lobster, breadcrumbs, and maybe even truffle oil. It's been a great revival, but I predict it will soon make way for a new comfort food of choice reinvented by our favorite talented chefs. Green Bean casserole anyone?
Photo by CherryLet
2. Macarons
A fashion bloggers best friend, these colorful creations are all the rage across 'Merica and beyond. Who knows maybe we will start to see make it yourself Macaron shops pop up like the ever popular Fro Yo destination... I predict the macaron doing well for a bit, and then relaxing back into it's iconic specialty department for the true believer. Yummy? I really think so. Trendy? You betcha... which is why I question it's ability to stick around as long as classics like the croissant, and creme brûlée.
3. Kale Anything
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the kale trend. I love me some kale chips, green smoothies, and kale salads. Kale has been a huge health fad, joining ranks with super food favorites like acai, Noni Juice, and chia seeds. I feel the love, but I think there will be a new "Next Big Thing" coming out of the Amazon or some such region of mystery. For now we will "Love the Kale we are With".
4. Fro Yo
Remember two years ago when you couldn't look left or right down any given street without a new Fro Yo place popping up? You might have already guessed that this trend is fading, with just a few strong brick and mortars hanging around. I love Fro Yo and hope they last a while longer. When I was in NYC I witnessed a tasty new take on yogurt in the form of yogurt bars (build your own non frozen yogurt bowl). I perceive this might be the new wave in yogurt, but only time will tell.
5. Beets
It seems Beets are receiving a nice new push to the forefront in veggies specialties. I've seen lots of beet salads, roasted beet sides, and even beet fries. Personally I think beets are an acquired taste and can be a rather strong flavor to match well with entrees. I see this being a short 15 seconds of fame and being replaced by something a little more versatile.
Photo by Martin Delisle
I'd love to hear any predictions of dishes you think are on the rise and fall. Leave a comment below and tell weigh in on the discussion.
Recently I published a few blogs on my exceptional experience with the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, FL. After three days of getting to know this southern gem, I can tell you with authority, it is something really special. Get up close and personal in this new video we just released showcasing what makes this location, so unique.
