If you must go out...

The reality of living in a vacation destination during the winter months is that people will visit. A lot of people. This also means you won't be cooking for all these people because your staycation and their vacation mean nights on the town and many meals at restaurants. 

So, how do I possibly adhere to my diet guidelines? 


Well, a lot of research and settling for things on the menu because its your only choice. But that doesn't mean you can't eat well. 

Mom came to the beautiful and warm  valley of the sun last weekend and we had a blast. We also had great food and a great time exploring some new places! One of my favorites that we discovered, recommended by a coworker, is The Farm at south mountain (http://www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com). 

The Farm is an adorable 'farm' (literally) snuggle near near south mountain in Phoenix. I love this place because they grow their own veggies and herbs and have their own chickens too! Its  a breakfast place, lunch joint, and even has wedding venue areas. We spent our morning at 'Morning Glory', their breakfast/brunch restaurant. The wait was about an hour for the two of us, but they have areas where you can shop around for food or neat home made crafts and decorations. 

I love that all their veggies and eggs are farm fresh and organic. Totally coincides with my current diet. So, what did I get to eat? I got the brisket hash. Oh man, so good. I've discovered that I have learned to avoid the dishes with cheese where I know the cheese plays a big part. I've also found that I can pretty much eat any meat I want and its not limited so I indulge. Since I'm not eating a lot of carbs these days anyways I embrace the hash browns I get with breakfast meals too. :) Potatoes make me happy. 

 

I may have gotten a little picture happy…bear with me…

And if your friends insist that you go out, you still have to eat. 

This past Friday my wonderful group of friends and I went to a really neat place, The Vig (http://thevig.us), for dinner, wine, and the perfect company. I had the deconstructed fish tacos (deconstructed meaning the corn tortillas were on the side) with Mahi Mahi, jicama slaw, pineapple, edamame, black beans, and pico de gallo. I opted for no sour cream and I didn't eat the corn tortillas. So much flavor and so filling. Being Lent and Friday, fish was a perfect choice. 

Coffee. Tea. Two of the first things to go when people start to diet. To me these are things I swore I wouldn't be able to give up. Therefore, I can't help but help myself, everyday. Since I've been craving sweets and can't have them I have the perfect combination to caffeinate and suppress my sweet tooth. Chai tea, dirty chai tea. Yes, I get a dirty (meaning added shot of expresso) chai tea latte, with soy instead of milk and its been a godsend. 

My good friend, Megan, and I have started a Phoenix coffee tour. On the map this week, Cartel Coffee Lab (http://www.cartelcoffeelab.com).