Nutrition/Wellness: January favorites
It’s now officially February and NYC hasn’t gotten any measurable snow, which I’m totally ok with after spending the holidays in the Buffalo blizzard. In addition to bearable morning run weather and mild-ish Central Park walks with Peanut, here are a few of the things I’ve been into this month.
Thawed frozen berries in my oatmeal
’Tis that time of year to make the switch from fresh berries to frozen, which taste MUCH better and likely have more nutrient density than out of season fresh berries that have traveled far and wide before they make it to our grocery stores. I get the question of whether or not frozen produce is “healthy” all the time, and the answer is a resounding YES! They’re frozen at peak ripeness and most nutrients remain fully intact until we eat them. Frozen produce is also super helpful at reducing food waste if you find your fresh stuff going bad before you get the chance to use it.
Always Pan
My sister got us an Always Pan for Christmas and I am in love with it. It is completely non-stick, easy to clean and everything I’ve made on it thus far has been delicious (including the brussels sprouts gnocchi recipe below!).
Bliss Eye Got This undereye masks
My sleep has been fairly inconsistent of late (hormones? anxiety? age? all of the above?), and if I have a rough night these masks give me life. They are cooling and moisturizing, and help me feel as though I don’t look like an exhausted mess.
Crisp Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter
Saw this recipe in the NY Times newsletter and had to try it - super easy and really good. It was satisfying, but I think I’ll try to add a bit more protein next time I make it, with perhaps some shredded chicken thighs or maybe some grilled shrimp? Toasted almonds would also be a great addition. TBD!
Lululemon Base Pace High Rise Reflective tights
I have been searching and searching for running tights that don’t fall down or start sagging mid-run, and snagged these on sale in the “We Made Too Much” section on the Lululemon website. They stay put, are super comfortable and I love them. They’re pretty thin though, so not the best for super cold runs but great for this mild January we’ve had.
Local NYC shout-outs
Here are some area favorites of the month:
My husband and I got dinner at Le Botaniste after seeing a foreign animal rights movie (EO) at Lincoln Center and let’s just say it was a good time for a (very delicious) vegan meal.
My other favorite restaurant of the month is Bar Pasquale on the Lower East Side, a Sicilian restaurant with the most delicious thick square cut pizza, homemade pasta, and tiramisu I am still dreaming about.
I volunteered at a Muddy Paws adoption event over the weekend, and grew quite fond of Sake, who is still available for adoption and such a little gentleman. We’re coming up on Peanut’s 6 year adoptaversary (!), which makes her around 9 years old and I can’t really comprehend that.
I used to go to the Union Square Greenmarket all the time pre-pandemic, and finally stopped by on a recent Saturday just in time to pick up the last of my favorite carrot raisin cookies from Breezy Hill Orchard before they sold out. I also got a decadent hot chocolate from Breads Bakery and it was amazing.
Thanks for reading!