Tag: brittany chin jones

Greenville Restaurant Week 2019 Dietitian Picks

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Photo Credit: Jianna

It’s Restaurant Week again in South Carolina! Here in the upstate there are tons of local restaurants offering special 3-4 course menus from January 10th – 20th 2019.

I love this time of year to get out of the house (because these 20 degree nights are no fun) and try something new! However it does come at an interesting time, just ten days into the New Year. If you are focused on healthy eating habits but want to support Restaurant Week, this post is for you!

I’ve taken some time to look over the menus, and below are my top 10 healthy picks for this year. I chose these options using the portion plate concept. I was searching for options prepared using a healthful cooking method, featuring lean meat or fish, lots of vegetables, and whole grains. (Note: I was not given nutrition facts for any of these dishes, and these recommendations are based on the menus descriptions from each restaurant. This blog post is not sponsored by Greenville Restaurant Week nor any specific restaurant. All opinions are my own.)

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Photo Credit: Tupelo Honey Cafe

But before we get started, I wanted to share my tips for Restaurant Week:

1. Choose if it’s an 80% or 20% meal. These are my personal healthy restaurant week menu picks, however I am totally down for some She Crab Soup and Mac and Cheese every now and again. It’s important to think about your week, and your goals, and decide if you want this particular meal to be an “80% meal” or a “20% meal.” What does that mean? I work with all of my clients to find a balance between functional and fun foods – without cutting anything compeltely out – you can read more here. So, these picks below would be considered an “80% meal” or a healthy option, but of course there is a time and place for fun foods as well!

2. Use the fullness scale to pace your eating. Three to four courses is a LOT of food! I would recommend checking in with yourself regularly, and being sure to eat until you are a 6-7 on the fullness scale (with 10 being overly stuffed and 1 being ravenous). This will make sure you are not uncomfortable when leaving the restaurant, and keep you feeling great!

3. Get a box for dessert or split it. You will see my picks below focus on the appetizers/main course, without a mention of dessert. Chances are you will fill up on the first two courses, and I would recommend splitting the dessert with a friend/family member, or bringing dessert home to eat or share later!

So without further ado….

10 Greenville Restaurant Week 2019 Dietitian Picks

  1. Basil Thai: Fresh Basil Rolls + Basil with chicken/shrimp/tofu
  2. Generations Bistro and Bar: Seared Tuna Poke + Fresh Pasta Pesto Primavera
  3. Ji-Roz: Greek Salad + Rabbit Stifado
  4. Jianna: Grilled Pear Salad + Sea Scallops with Farro, Kale, Carrot and Citrus
  5. Larkins on the River: Larkin’s House Salad + Mahi Mahi with stone-ground yellow grits, and roasted cauliflower
  6. Lazy Goat: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad + Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Polenta, and Roasted Root Vegetables
  7. Nose Dive: Tuna Poke Bibb Wraps + Cedar Grilled Salmon with Jasmine Rice, and  Braised Bok Choy
  8. Rick’s Deli & Market: Gourmet Greens + Herb Crusted Salmon with Vegetable Medley
  9. The Farehouse: Kale Salad + Trout dip with veggies + Seared scallops with pomegranate sauce over roasted root vegetables, and parsnip puree
  10. Tupelo Honey Cafe: Slow Roasted Beet Salad + Spiced Blistered Vegetables + Charred Broccoli with Kale (V)

Have questions about healthy dining out options, or want to learn more about my concierge nutrition packages? Send me a message here!

 

10 Healthy Afternoon Snack Ideas

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The 3pm hunger strike is real! t’s been a long day, you ate lunch 3-4 hours ago and it’s not time for dinner yet. Your afternoon “snack attack” can make or break the rest of your afternoon, either giving you a major sugar high and energy crash OR giving you sustainable energy through the rest of your work day!

But exactly how do you get this “sustainable snack energy?”

By combing healthy carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat.

The healthy carbs will give you the energy boost you need and the protein and healthy fat will help sustain that energy until dinner time.

10 Healthy Afternoon Snacks

  1. 1 small apple + ¼ cup unsalted nuts
  2. ½ banana + 2 Tablespoons of natural peanut butter
  3. 1 small orange + 1 string cheese stick
  4. 1 cup raw vegetables + 2 Tablespoons hummus
  5. 6oz of Greek yogurt + ½ cup fresh berries
  6. 3 cups air popped popcorn + 1oz cheese
  7. 1 hard-boiled egg + ½ medium orange
  8. 3 celery stalks + 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter + 1 Tablespoon dried cranberries
  9. 1 cup diced watermelon + 1oz feta cheese
  10. 1 piece of Ezekiel toast + ¼ avocado

Happy afternoon snacking!

(This blog was originally published by Brittany L. Chin Jones, MS, RD, LD for Pure Barre Corp LLC)

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies Two Ways

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Who doesn’t love peanut butter cookies during the holidays? I put a spin on this classic recipe using almond flour (gluten free) and giving my guests the option of choosing peanut butter and jelly, or peanut butter and chocolate.

I recommend using organic fruit preserves (without high fructose corn syrup) for the jelly option, and you can use Nutella or the Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Butter for the cocoa ones! You’ll also want to be sure to get the NATURAL peanut butter without hydrogenated oils, as these are trans fats which will build up plaque in the arteries. The World Health Organization is banning hydrogenated oils due to it’s tie in with heart disease in 2023, but until then just read the ingredients and be sure to avoid them to keep your heart healthy.

Check out my easy to make recipe below, with only 6 ingredients! Each cooke comes in between 90-100 calories (depending on filling), has less than 10 grams of carb, and over 3 grams of protein to keep you full!

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Gluten Free Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Serves: 24 Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Natural Peanut Butter (no hydrogenated oils in the ingredients)
  • 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Cup granulated sugar, more for rolling
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
  • Organic Fruit Preserves and/or Cocoa Spread

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients (except filling) and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  4. Shape dough into 24 small 1-inch balls
  5. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat
  6. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  7. Lightly press the center of each dough ball with your thumb to create a well
  8. Add ¼ teaspoon of jam or cocoa spread in the center of each cookie
  9. Bake for 7 – 9 minutes, until set on the outside but still very soft – do not over bake!
  10. Slide the parchment papaer from the baking sheet onto the counter. Let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying!

 

Meet the Blush Nutrition Summer 2018 Intern!

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Thank you to the students who applied for the Blush Nutrition summer internship. I was fortunate enough to interview several students, and after careful consideration, I am very excited to introduce you the Blush Nutrition Summer Intern, Abigail!

Abigail’s studies in both nutrition and phsychology, combined with her experience in fitness and overall wellness made her a perfect fit for this position. She is energetic, eager to learn, and super social media savvy. Read more about her below!

Where are you enrolled in college and what are you studying?

Abigail: I attend Clemson University where I’m currently majoring in Food Science Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics, and a minor in Psychology. I’m very involved in my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, the Nutrition Club, and I’m currently working with the Clemson Football Performance Nutrition Team. I’m also a group exercise instructor at GHS YMCA!

What is your dream job?

Abigail: My dream job would have to be eventually opening up my own wellness center where I work as a dietitian, teaching people how to live a healthy lifestyle. I would also love to offer various types fitness classes, since exercise is such a big part of my life as well!

Why did you choose the dietetics field?

Abigail: I chose the dietetics field because I’m super passionate about the effects of eating whole, healthy foods on our body.

I also love working with people, and I wanted to combine these two passions into a career of helping others eat right in order to be the best version of themselves as possible.

You live a healthy lifestyle everyday and also love fitness. Tell us about becoming an ACE certified fitness instructor.

Abigail: I became ACE certified last June and have been teaching group exercise classes since then! Becoming ACE certified has been one of the best decisions I’ve made yet, because now I’ve found another outlet to help people grow, but now it’s through exercise and fitness! I teach all different types of classes, such as barre-style, TRX, spin, and HIIT to name a few.

What is your favorite dish/recipe?

Abigail: I’ve actually been a pescatarian for almost two years now, so I’ve loved experimenting with different types of fish and vegetables in order to make sure I’m getting a balanced amount of nutrients. My favorite dish would have to a one pan meal where I bake salmon, sweet potatoes, and asparagus, and drizzle the whole meal in a honey-coconut amino glaze! It’s super quick, healthy, and so easy I make it in my college dorm.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Abigail: I’m SO excited and thankful for the opportunity to intern with Blush Nutrition this summer! I want to learn more about goes into being a Registered Dietitian, and running a dietetic business, as this is the career path I want to take post-graduation!

Please join me in sending a warm welcome to Abigail!