nanashi

Friends, I have news: my master's thesis is fini ! I submitted it roughly 56 hours ago, before heading out for a most crazy-rewarding 24 hours of volunteering at the OECD Forum, so I'm only just now appreciating how incredible (and unnerving) that is. I hope my baby research and writing are received well. Also of note: "the beginning of the end" has officially begun; thus these deep thoughts.

Between my own choices and life's serendipity, I've experienced such mixed feelings rather frequently--eagerly looking forward to what's to come while tenderly savoring what I'll soon have to let go of. I wasn't kidding when I said I'm going to miss Paris. I am. Like crazy. And not even the Paris we see in movies and on Instagram necessarily... but the city that's very much become my own; much like New York had previously. It's hard to imagine myself settling into another cosmopolitan ville in just two short months.

Although I can't reveal which one quite yet, I will tell you that reading this past week's Astrostyle horoscope made me smile. "You might even consider moving to a new part of town, one where you can get your Gemini RDA of culture, intellectual repartee, and awesome brunch options." Replace "a new part of town" with "a new part of the world" and I've recently accepted their suggestion.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Not yet. Instead, please allow me to share last Saturday's Nanashi brunch. 'Twas a good one! For as much as I'd hoped to go to a healthy Meetup with Melanie (she's since relocated to Rome), my delay was fortunate in that I got to meet the darling Dunia and more at a Franco-Japanese cantine I've been curious about since last year's lunch at Café Pinson.

The fabulous meal, company, and conversation fueled one of my last productive bouts at Café Craft. Then, I walked up along the canal (an especially good choice for my heart and soul), admired these photographs at metro Juarès, and made my way home...

la pharmacie

While in New York earlier this year, I boasted to a friend about not having ever gotten sick in Paris. It must be because I eat so well there, I half-joked. But it's true. And not just because "science compared every diet, and the winner is real food"; which, apparently, is not already a given. (For the record, I made a visit to a Parisian doctor's office in late February. Karma: 1; lack of humility: 0).

Science has also proven that we value experiences above all other purchases and that meaningful relationships promote well-being. As if I don't say it enough: there's something so wonderfully special about sharing a meal, whether at home or in a restaurant.

Last night, I was lucky enough to meet Rebecca for dinner. (She spent the last day of a Euro-work trip in Paris.) I made reservations at La Pharmacie, an especially convenient choice as I've been lusting after it since last summer when I first passed its pretty exterior.

My à point steak with chimichurri sauce, roasted potatoes, and salad was fantastic; our pichet of red wine, even more so. And don't even get me started on their butterscotch molten cake. My god. I've since added it to my list of favorite restos and am already eager to bask in the warm ambiance and convivial environment once more. I'll likely be pressed for time, money, and occasions to do so though. Have I mentioned I'm leaving Paris in early June? Well, I am. So it's as good a time as ever to share my nine other top eateries :) Semilla, Le Garde Robe, 3 Pièces Cuisine, Septime, Holybelly, Le Richer, Artisan, Caillebotte, Lockwood. Bon app !

P.S. The last time I dined in a pharmacy--also awesome.

super nature superfoods

Healthy, it's an elusive concept. My definition? Being healthy is spending time with people I love eating food I enjoy, food that nourishes me in the ways I need nourishing; falling asleep soundly and dreaming for 7+ hours; taking every opportunity to use my legs to explore, my arms to carry, and my core to hold it all together; taking alone time to reflect, rejuvenate; letting myself cry sometimes, but trying to laugh more often than not. To me, being healthy is being happy, and in that happiness, treating myself and all around me well.

My individual understanding of "healthy" becomes especially interesting when I place it in a distinct cultural context. Previously, it's been Ecuadorian, Chilean, and French... and now, even more specifically, it's Parisian. There are characteristics that remind me of the New York health food scene: organic open-air markets, green juice bars, vegetarian cafés. And then there are others that are distinctly Parisian: 3-course, prix-fixe brunches with dessert, for instance. A recent experience at Super Nature comes to mind.

Boy have I been craving healthy, in every sense of the word. The craziness of these past few weeks has meant lots and lots of mental stimulation, but it's also meant less girls nights, green vegetables, and quality rest. I've been sitting at my desk more often than not and stress-induced insomnia has all but replaced a good night's sleep. I can tell, too. I feel sluggish, breakouts have been more frequent and my clothes don't fit quite like they used to. And it's because the Hive last weekend that I reflected on it.

Believe it or not, I used to identify as "a healthy food blogger." I studied nutrition, ran a few races, and drank a ton of green smoothies. And then, at some point, I lost interest. I wanted to be able to embrace travel and food without worrying about whether or not it fit my narrow view of what was "good for me." I reveled in the joie de vivre. I become more flexible in my lifestyle. But, I never stopped caring; I still believe that if we don't feel our best, we can't possibly enjoy all the goodness around us. So, this is my pledge to focus on healthy living a little bit more in these weeks to come. It is possible to embrace healthy in a (dare I say it) healthier way, even here in Paris. And with that, I'm off to bed. Looking forward to cleaner eats and exercise tomorrow.

how to vegan in paris

I imagine it'd be difficult to be a vegan in Paris. It would for me, at least. There are simply too many non-vegan temptations--cheese, chocolate, yogurt, pastries. That said, there are days when I crave cleaner eats than the standard French diet provides. Take yesterday, when, following a long morning, I sought bobo refuge in the northern Marais to try the recently popularized Café Pinson.

The late Fashion Week crowd was wrapping up their organic meals by the time I arrived. It was 2pm. I was starving. The smiling server at the counter helped me make my formule choices; one appetizer (soup/salad) and dessert, in addition to the pre-determined plat chaud. Fresh juices and coffee were also available. Upon seating, I appreciated the carafe de l'eau already on the table.

Though the menu itself isn't explicitely defined as vegan, most of the plates are. I began with two salads of the day served alongside a box (a cardboard one) of bread. Then I moved on to a main course of "fried rice", onions, sweet potato, spinach, and cumin. And for dessert, a compote of orange and grapefruit--which, to be honest, was far too tart for my liking, but I suppose that should've been expected. Overall, the meal was filling yet light and energizing; exactly what I'd hoped it be. Definitely worth the 17€.

It was such an enjoyable solo lunch, too. The relaxed environment in the midst of "modern-vintage Parisian" décor was perfect for a change of productive scenery. I'll be sure to make a reservation for their noteworthy brunch sometime soon. And while we're on the veggie-centric topic, a raw dinner at Pousse Pousse and vegan brunch at Soya are also on my list... as is Bob's Cold Press. 

I tried to snag a few juices to-go this afternoon actually... yet failed to note they don't open until March 19th. Oh well. At least now I know another place to go for my greens fix. Although I tend to prepare vegetarian meals in ma cuisine and shop at the Marché Bio des Batignolles whenever possible, a few extra nutrients are always appreciated; especially during midterms.

good food, bad food

Last month, I announced I was TA-ing for an undergraduate course, Food and Communications. It's going exceptionally well :). So, despite the fact that I'm swamped with midterm assignments at the moment, I want to talk about our most recent topic: nutrition.

You may or may not know this, but our nutrition-based approach to eating is very much American. How'd it come about? In Quantifying the American Eater: USDA nutrition guidance and a language of numbers, Jessica Mudry explains: "In order to better 'assimilate' these new Americans, Progressive reformers, under the aegis of both public and privately funded organizations, attempted to teach Americans how to live, dress, be tasteful consumers, and eat," (235). Yep. Calories, a unit of measurement for energy + vitamins, organic chemical compounds obtained from the diet + all this scientific discourse was developed in order to promote citizenship and invent a "standard American diet."

What's the problem? Well, "the eater becomes a fictional aggregate of numbers and statistics," (Mudry 250). And when what we eat is based on hunger, availability, price, and desire, including the desire to 'be good' and 'eat well'... things get complicated. "On the one hand, our advice about the health benefits of diets based largely on food plants--fruits, vegetables and grains--has not changed in more than 50 years and is consistently supported by ongoing research. On the other hand, people seem increasingly confused about what they are supposed to eat to stay healthy," (Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health, Nestle).

Most alarming is the fact that, "at the level of everyday experience, nutritionism has given rise to and promoted the nutritional gaze--a way of looking at and encountering food as being composed as nutrients, which overwhelms other ways of encountering and sensually experiencing food," (On the Ideology of Nutritionism, Scrunis 46). Why does it matter? Because in addition to confusing us, this 'nutritional gaze' also exceptionally distorts our relationship with food. As Carole M. Counihan pointed out in her book, The Anthropology of Food and Body: Gender, Meaning, and Power: "Personal expression of willpower and release of control only under certain culturally sanctioned conditions are the key issues in their relationship to food an in their overall ideology of life," (118).

"In fact, women are much more likely than men to be the targets of judgement comments made by both women and men on all topics related to eating. The acceptance of this fact and its constant reproduction by women as well as men reinforces the subordinate position of women, who are judged, relative to men, who do the judging. Given the importance of being attractive to men in the college 'culture of romance' (Holland and Eisenhart 1990), it is no wonder that my female informants devote a great deal of time and energy worrying about their weight and food consumption," (Counihan 125).

The fourth photo above is from last year's Thanksgiving dinner in Paris. The first three were taken the day before I left New York. On January 10th, my mom declared that neither she, myself, nor my sister had been able to enjoy it at home, so we should belatedly celebrate. Gosh do I love my mom. I may have figured out another reason I love Thanksgiving, too. It's one of the few days of the year I don't consider nutrition. No matter how much I've been inspired by alternative approaches, I suppose I'll always be American in this way. Maybe I'm okay with that though. 'Good' food can have a place in my diet... just as long as I leave room for other 'good food', too. With National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week in mind, I sincerely hope you're able to do the same.

heat waves & prom dresses

If you haven't heard already, it's very hot and humid in New York; as if the newly appointed summer were trying to make a point or something. This means one of two things. First, my eating habits will most definitely "improve." This is not to say that I make completely unhealthy choices the other three seasons of the year, just that in the heat of summer, I crave more raw fruits and vegetables.   

Case in point: today's breakfast smoothie. If you can believe it, I was actually explaining this recipe to a gentleman at a West Village bar late Wednesday night, and he was actually very interested in hearing it. I can be quite the conversationalist ;). Moving on... my usual blend consists of spinach, banana, cucumber, frozen berries, romaine, flax, almond milk, cinnamon, and avocado. Today, however, I tried something new.

Last week, a representative from Vega contacted me to see if I'd be interested in trying their newly branded Vega Energizing Smoothie. Yes, please! I hadn't enjoyed a Vega smoothie since the delicious Shake & Go choco-a-lot samples on my road trip, and was thrilled to find I love the vanilla almond Energizing Smoothie just as much. Rich in nutrition (two vegetable servings, 10g plant-based protein, 5g fiber, 1g Omega-3) and ridiculously convenient ("add water, shake, and go!"), they also come in four other flavors: tropical fruits, chocolate, mixed berries, and natural. I can't wait to try each one this coming week.

Aside from salads and smoothies, I also tend to gravitate towards quicker meals. Yesterday, I whipped up a batch of quinoa with edamame and bell peppers, grilled a handful of my beloved haricot verts, and warmed up left-over falafals (inspired by Heidi Swanson on a day when it wasn't ludicrous to use the oven) for lunch.

Second, the on-set of summer means that although I'm re-starting a running routine, I will most often seek refuge (and exercise) in beautiful, air-conditioned studios like this one. You can follow my class reviews on Pravassa. In other news, remember how I mentioned my little sister's prom? Well, there she is looking stunning as always in the left photo. To the right, you'll see me, seven years ago, at my junior prom. Our dresses are surprisingly similar, wouldn't you say?

how to eat out, healthfully

Hi, howdy, hey... how are ya? It's certainly been awhile. I returned to New York yesterday morning exhausted but so completely full on the loveliness of recent Oklahoma memories. I must admit I'm pretty busy playing catch-up now though. Point is, I will tell you all about our local OKC evening, St. Patrick's Day festivities in Dallas, lunch on a Texan ranch, late night concert and family weekday brunch in Tulsa, and dinner and a movie date... but I can't do so quite yet. Instead, I thought I'd write another how to post. Traveling often translates to non-stop dining out. And as much as that is certainly a dream come true, it can be a concern when it comes to feeling our best. This is how I eat out healthfully, whether I'm half-way across the country, world, or just around the block:

Order two drinks. I don't mean to say you should limit yourself to two alcoholic beverages throughout the meal (although such advice wouldn't be unwise), just that you should have a glass of water in addition to whatever it is you feel like drinking. Preferably not soda though, please. Unlike in a bar environment where guzzling water may make you feel uncomfortable or just not fun, there's no reason not to stay hydrated at the table. It'll keep your hunger cues in check so that you're less likely to unintentionally overindulge. Not to mention that water is key in regulating your body's temperature and maintaining other bodily functions. Plus, I hear it'll keep you from getting a headache after one too many glasses of wine...

Start with a salad. For years, diet "experts" have been praising first-course salads with reducing overall calorie intake at a meal, and in 2008, Penn State researchers proved it. Honestly though, that's not why I'm suggesting you start with a salad. Start with a salad because restaurant salads are just better. Usually they'll contain unique ingredient combinations, or at least, fresh vegetables we don't often think to add to salads at home. This fact alone makes the whole salad-eating thing more exciting. Furthermore, starter salads are the perfect way to consume a good amount of nutrient-rich plant foods which will not only benefit your overall health but also ease your mind. By having a salad first, you can confidently enjoy whichever entrée it is you are truly craving without regret. Really, truly. Guilt is not welcome at most restaurants anyway; she sucks.

Have dessert if you want to. Most of the time, I am completely satisfied after a restaurant meal of two courses. With that said, I like chocolate, a lot. Sometimes I'll opt to split something sweet with the table. Or, if I know the restaurant's dessert menu is incredibly appealing from the beginning, I'll split my main dish to ensure I have room for le Mousse au Chocolat, the Chocolate Cake "Brioche", etc. For instance, at the end of the photographed meal above (one of the prix-fixe variety, no less), I enjoyed a cup of gelato. A little extra sugar won't actually do any harm; Reuters says so. And since dining out is often a rare occasion that is both pleasant and social, you should savor it in every way you can.

pizza, the vegetable

Last November, Congress called pizza a vegetable. Or did they? As a Washington Post blogger explained, the debate was actually about how much tomato paste equated one full serving of vegetables. Either way, it's a bit ridiculous. But I will say that I believe pizza to be healthy. Or at least healthy enough. Seriously, just think about it: crispy thin crust; fresh, flavorful tomatoes; mild buffalo mozzarella; and simple, picked-off-the-plant basil. What's not to love?

I love pizza, but the good kind, from an actual pizzeria. I could do without the silly named pies topped with pounds of oily cheese, salty tomato sauce, and greasy meats. I have no need for overpoweringly doughy crusts. (Sorry, Chicago.) I'd also be happy to never, ever taste non-fat--or even low-fat--cheese, again. Though I'll admit I do appreciate a whole grain crust. Depending on the day, I either crave a somewhat authentic slice with seasonal vegetables, or one prepared margherita-style, as described above. I enjoy it this way and almost always alongside a salad.


 A random post, yes, but being as we're about one week away from the last day of January 2012, I've been reflecting on my first meal in the United States this year. You wouldn't happen to be a pizza-lover too, would you?

proof that beer is healthy

It's no surprise that I love wine. I was conditioned to, having studied in notable wine countries like Chile and France, and continue to explore my refined (ha) tastes in unexpected places like Central New York and Williamsburg. I do like beer too though, and I prefer it on the hottest summer days and coldest winter ones.

Plus, (didn't you hear?) beer can be really healthy. The fact that Whole Foods is serving beer should be proof enough, but I'll expand further... 

(1) Hops, a primary ingredient in beer, is "a significant source of cholesterol-lowering, cancer-fighting, and virus-killing compounds called polyphenols."

(2) Brewer's yeast, which is added to beer bottles right before they're closed, "is a rich source of B-complex vitamins, protein, and minerals such as chromium." Furthermore, "as a probiotic organism, yeast helps your body break down nutrients, regulates your digestive system, maintains your nervous system, and even helps modulate blood-sugar levels."

(3) The dark malt roasting process, used in brewing stouts, porters, and browns, fuels the formation of more than twice the amount of antioxidants found in the average lager. "What's more, 'The antioxidants in beer are better at reacting with toxic-free radicals than the ones in antioxidant vitamins pills."

(4) And perhaps the most important piece of health information (discovered through personal experience as opposed to an article in Men's Health): blowing off a week of steam with three great friends is always really good for you.

So cheers, friends. Hope your Monday is filled with many happy hours... ;)

treating myself

I don't know if you've realized this, but in addition to embarking upon "the most wonderful time of the year" we're also in the midst of that frightening holiday season with gift stress, family drama, and empty calories. The horror!

At least we're enjoying spring-like, late fall weather?

In all serious though, I'm excited. I feel secure with where I am personally and professionally. My social calendar is filling up with potlucks and parties. This year (as opposed to the last) I'm feeling especially festive, thankful, and ready.

In order to enjoy everything to the fullest, I'm rededicating myself... to myself. When I get the fun kind of busy, I tend to exercise less, eat out more often, and not get enough sleep. As much as this lifestyle is fine for a short while, it becomes anything but when it lasts for weeks on end. So, here's the plan:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule. I like my planner, and my to-do list, and all the productivity that is meant to come from it. Trouble is, when it comes to settling down in the evening, it's tough to slow my mind down from that go-go-go. Enter a book before bed. Although I read regularly, shutting down my computer and opening up my next good read of choice isn't a habit of mine. I've decided to make it one. Reading before bed calms me down and truly prepares my body for sleep. And when I am able to get those solid 7-8 hours, my days are brighter, as is my skin. Just last year, Swedish researchers found that "people deprived of sleep for long periods appear less attractive and more unhealthy than those who are well rested."
• Prepare myself (at least) two meals a day. Working from cafés by day and making dinner plans in most evenings means that I too often only make myself breakfast. I wouldn't dream of waiting for oatmeal until I was out and about ;) but I also need to pull in the reigns (reindeer pun intended) on my lunches. I'm usually more than capable of channeling Heidi Swanson and whipping up one of the recipes I'm constantly collecting. As for those days I can't be home around noon, well, I'm pretty sure convenience is why sandwiches were invented. Prioritizing these midday meal options will surely be more beneficial for my health and finances.
• Get fresh air on a daily basis. Being that I have the unfortunate desire to become less active in the colder months, I was inspired to write Four Reasons to Stay Active This Winter. Even if it's just taking a walk with my roommate's dog along the East River or around Central Park, I know that being outside and moving makes me happier... and helps me maintain my weight. (There. I said it.) Thankfully, I'm also responsible for reviewing fitness classes for Pravassa. I'm hoping it, along with publicly declaring my goal of 4 classes/week, keeps me accountable.
• Only celebrate when celebrating. I am the first person to advocate for plenty of bubbly and sweets this holiday season. With that said,however, there's no real need to open three new bottles of wine in one week, or have three homemade pumpkin scones in one sitting; even if both or either are gifts. Furthermore, prioritizing health and maintaining mindfulness when I'm eating on my own will surely make those many special occasions with family and friends (and drinks and desserts) that much more special.

staples

Later this morning I will go to the farmers market. I will walk down the block to admire fresh ramps, rhubarb, nettles, asparagus, strawberries, rainbow chard, amongst other goodies, and decide on a few that would be a useful addition to my kitchen. Which got me thinking: there are already quite a few existing items that I always have residing there. And as a better-late-than-never to my friends question of  "how do I stock a healthy kitchen?," I'd like to share them avec vous :).

Organic Walnuts, TJ's Almond Butter, Local Raspberry Preserves (farmers market buy), Organic Peanut Butter, Annie's Goddess dressing (I usually make my own with oil and a vinegar but this is a nice treat),  Bob Mill's Golden Flaxseed Meal (Omega 3s), Nutiva Hemp Seed (It's great for protein, but because of the price, I don't usually buy it; this bag was a gift from a press event).

TJ's White Bean Hummus, Stop & Shop's Roasted Garlic Hummus, Whole Food's Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (My mom bought too much last week and shared the wealth; Gotta love variety).

Organic Mixed Greens, Romaine Hearts, Local Asparagus (last week's farmers market buy), Organic Celery Hearts, Cucumber. (With the warm weather joining us, there's almost too much beautiful produce available. Each week I let myself choose three vegetables and one bunch of greens. That is it. I would hate for endive to go bad without being able to enjoy it... hypothetically speaking).

Bananas (The oranges belong to my roommate; I save my money on sweet produce and simply enjoy the morning fruit plate at the office).

TJ's Steel Cut Oats and essential spices like Garlic & Onion, Herbs de Provence, Pepper, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Salt, and Basil. 

Other must-haves include Organic Olive Oil, Jarred Sauces by Russo Rustica, and a variety of Lucini Vinegars (Balsamic, White Wine, etc).

 

Tea, tea, and more tea: Green, Peppermint and un-pictured Chamomile and Chai. Yogi is my favorite.

Canned Salmon and Tuna, Muir Glen Canned Tomatoes, Beans (Garbanzos and Lentils this round) and Canned Coconut Milk (for my favoritest recipes).

[Insert photo of frozen goods here] 

Sunshine Veggie Burgers (for quick protein), Van's Buckwheat Waffles (for weekend breakfasts), Whole Food's Organic Frozen Vegetables (just because), Amy's Vegan Spinach Pizza (I crave them every now and again).

Doctor Kracker Crackers, Lundenberg Brown Rice Cakes, Whole Grain Bread (this isn't it, but I prefer Rudi's Organic).

Sweet Potatoes (a carbalicious, year-round, just because treat).

Shiloh Farms Quinoa and Spelt, Polenta, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Brown Rice.

And, of course, sustainable breakfast items like Bran Flakes, camera-shy Almond Milk, Earth Balance, Gluten-free Pancake Mix, and Vermont Maple Syrup (courtesy of this lady). That, my dears, is what makes up my complete "healthy kitchen." Although, I must admit that I forgot one very important item: Theo's Dark Chocolate. Buy it, try it, love it... it's all a part of the lifestyle.

a balancing stroll

May has certainly been a busy month thus far. I moved and settled into my new apartment, I'm slowly but surely surviving a marathon work week, and apparently my birthday is the weekend after next. It's been fantastically exhausting. So, for the next few days, I am going to take a long, hard look at the areas of my life that need balance and determine how it is I'm going to find it.

Sleep: I don't often sleep as much as I should. I intend to go to bed early and then stay up, lying in bed, as I ponder all the things I need to do the next day. Then I watch Hulu for a few hours. Unfortunately, lack of proper rest has physical effects as that of stress. You can imagine how pretty things often don't look as a result ;). I need to get myself on a regular schedule while also finding moments throughout the day to mentally rest. Meditation comes to mind, quite literally.

Nourishment: I cannot say that I haven't been eating healthfully, but recently, convenience has taken priority before nutrition. Now that I have my weekends again, I'd like to visit my local farmer's market more purposefully, seeking seasonal produce with an idea as to what dishes I'd like to whip up later in the week. I never though I'd be the one to plan my meals, but perhaps I will. Albeit loosely. It might be the only way I'll properly use my new Vitamix, and it'll certainly be a way to make sure my eats have variety.

Movement. Oh dear yoga, how I have neglected you. Exercise always seems to go to the wayside as I accumulate more and more into my schedule. I miss it. Believe it or not, I'd actually like to get into the habit of running at least once a week. I also must use of my Yoga PassBook, in addition to trying out local rooftop yoga at YoYoga! NYC and a few other studios I've acquired trials for. Thankfully, no matter what, I always have my walk to and from the subway. It keeps me centered.

And there ya go; My general plan for re-balance. Throughout these next few posts, I'm going to highlight a few of the tools that have and will help me in this ever-necessary process including a round-up of kitchen staples, new activewear, and general thoughts. I know I'm looking forward to writing and then practicing them more than anyone :) hope you'll enjoy too. Have a good night, lovelies.