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Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean

February 10, 2009 By 1 Comment

The Mediterranean Diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Research has shown this diet and overall lifestyle can help you lose weight, reduce incidence of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and is now associated with a reduced risk in mental decline. So, if you’re looking for a healthier approach to eating, the Mediterranean Diet might be right for you.

Mediterranean Food Pyramid

Mediterranean Food Pyramid

But what exactly is the Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean Diet is not so much a diet in the sense of a strict eating regimen where certain foods are forbidden, but rather like an eating style. It incorporates all of the aspects of healthy eating but focuses on the wonderful flavors, foods, and cooking style found in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Greece, Southern France, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. Although each country in the Mediterranean region provides its own variation in diet, all share 8 common principles characteristic to the authentic Mediterranean Diet.

8 Principles of the Mediterranean Diet:

  1. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, including beans and lentils
  2. Enjoy generous amounts of monounsaturated fats, MUFA, found in olive oil and canola oil
  3. Eat small portions of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts – also high in MUFA
  4. Drink red wine, in moderation – one to two glasses daily – and refresh yourself with at least 6 glasses of water per day
  5. Choose lean proteins such as chicken, ham, and turkey and limit red meat to a few times a month
  6. Eat fish on a weekly basis
  7. Eat small amounts of dairy, including cheese and yogurt, daily
  8. Engage in regular exercise, such as walking on a daily basis

In addition to these 8 main principles, foods in the Mediterranean Diet are always fresh, in season, and are prepared with fresh herbs including cilantro, parsley, mint, rosemary, thymus, basil, dill, oregano and fennel. In addition to this eating style, people in the Mediterranean have a more relaxed eating style, where they eat slowly and engage in lively conversation with their dining companions.

If you’re serious about following a Mediterranean style of eating, check out MediterrAsian for ideas on recipes, menus, and shopping lists that will help you stock your cupboards and pantry with these healthy foods.

 

Filed Under: Diet & Fitness Tagged With: ,

Top 10 American Cities with European Flair

February 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Although I love traveling to Europe, I definitely don’t get there as often as I’d  like. And, with the poor economy, not to mention weak dollar, I don’t expect to return anytime soon. Although a Euro trip is not on my budget-conscious horizon, there is a way that I can experience a little of Europe close to home. I have traveled enough in the last decade to see many similarities between US/Canadian cities and destinations in Europe. Granted, Europe has more history than the US, but the charm of old world and even modern Europe can be found throughout the US and Canada. 

For US travelers who have always longed for a European vacation or for those Americans who miss our neighbors across the pond, these “sister cities” can offer you a taste of Europe right here in US and Canada without breaking your budget. 

Top 10 European Destinations and their US/Canadian counterparts.

  1. Big Ben - London, England

    Big Ben - London, England

    Want London? Try New York or Chicago – Like London, New York and Chicago have a variety of architectural influences, world-renown museums, historic monuments, eclectic neighborhoods, as well as a river that runs through the cities. New York and Chicago are also robust cultural centers, with a mix of Italian, Greek, Asian, and Mexican influences, complete with the cuisine to match. 

  2. Want Dublin? Try Boston, MA – Both cities center around major universities, Harvard/MIT in Boston, and Trinity College and University College in Dublin, not to mention authentic neighborhood pubs. And, similar to Dublin, Boston is home to beautiful churches, quaint shopping areas, and passionate sports enthusiasts. To learn more, about Boston’s Irish roots, just visit the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. 
  3. Want Barcelona? Try San Diego, CA- For the Mediterranean/Spanish feel of Barcelona, San Diego is a sure bet. San Diego offers Spanish-style architecture, an ocean border complete with sand and palm trees, and a mix of modern and old world culture. Plus, the drive North on I-5 to Hwy 1 is very similar to the coastal drive from Barcelona to France, also known as the Costa Brava. Both drives lead you through picturesque seaside towns, each with a different personality. 
  4. Want Germany? Try Frankenmuth, MI – Although cheesy and a tad kitcsh, Frankenmuth, MI, is one of the most authentic German/Bavarian cities in the US. Bavarian-themed resorts, restaurants, and shops are plentiful in this very popular Midwest tourist destination. Plus, Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest, held every September, is a scaled back version of the real thing seen in Munich. The festival is so authentic, it is the only Oktoberfest outside of Germany that is officially sanctioned by Munich.
  5. Want Paris? Try Montreal, Quebec – As one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, Montreal could be considered a petite Paris. Montreal is known for its authentic French cuisine and wine that you can sample while dining at chic French bistros or street-side cafes. Montreal also boasts European-style shopping along cobblestone streets and an abundance of cultural activities. Montreal is also the home of Notre Dame…Notre-Dame Basilica, known for its Gothic Revival architecture, colorful interior and stained glasses windows. 
  6. Napa Valley In California

    Napa Valley In California

    Want Provence? Try Napa Valley – Nothing can ever top the perfection of Provence in France, but Napa Valley, in California is a solid second. Napa shares with Provence magnificent views of endless vineyards, colorful lavender fields, and temping olive groves. Napa also offers a Mediterranean climate, similar to that in Provence, perfect for nearly year-round, biking, picnics, and, of course, back-to-back wine tastings.

  7. Want the Swiss Alps? Try Telluride, CO – Both destinations offer majestic views of snow-covered mountains and luscious valleys. Like many communities in Switzerland, Telluride is home to fabulous skiing. The city even has a gondola that connects to Mountain Village, another Colorado community with European-style buildings, homes, and shopping.
  8. Want the Netherlands? Try Holland, MI - This quaint town in Western Michigan hosts the world-famous Tulip Festival each year in May, with millions of tulips planted in gardens, parks, and along country lanes. The city also boasts a unique European atmosphere, with Dutch style shopping, restaurants, plus bike-friendly tours along waterfront paths.
  9. Want Madrid? Try San Juan, PR –  Although Puerto Rico is not technically a part of the US (it is a US territory) it is still just a short flight from most East Coast cities.  As the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan delivers a top notch combination of European culture and Caribbean flair. San Juan has a southern Mediterranean climate (like most of the Caribbean) that easily complements the city’s cobblestone streets lined with al fresco cafes and restaurants. San Juan nightlife also has been compared to that of Spain’s, as locals and tourists party into the wee hours of the night at casinos, bars, and nightclubs. 
  10. Want Milan? Try Beverly Hills, CA - Milan, Italy is often referred to as the fashion capital of the world. So if you’re looking for a US counterpart, look no further than Beverly Hills, CA. Beverly Hills rivals Milan in both fashion and fashionable people. Uber trendy boutiques of top designers can be found up and down Rodeo Drive and celebrities are quite often just a stone’s throw away, lunching at equally posh outdoor cafes. Like Milan, walking through Beverly Hills will not cost you cent, but shopping here could put you in debt.

Have a favorite US destination that reminds you of Europe? Let me hear about it!

Happy Travels!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Yes, I Absolutely Do Need 5 Black Pants

February 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A recent survey found that the average British woman has over 100 items of clothing in her wardrobe. But alas, our British cousins will actually wear less than 30% of these clothes on a regular basis. What a waste! Why not keep the 30% and ditch the rest? Well, apparently British women are nostalgic, for they also reported keeping their favorite item of clothing for an average of 12 years – hoping that older pieces would one day come back in fashion (sorry dear, those leg warmers will never be stylish again in your lifetime).

This made me question, what’s in my top 30%? Like British women, I too have an oversized wardrobe, with well over 100 items of clothing, most of which have not seen the light of day in nearly half a decade. Pre-2009, I would justify my clothes habit by saying to myself, “I’m sure I will need that at some point in my life.” But, in keeping with my New Year’s Resolution of staying on a Wardrobe Diet, I have resolved to change my clothes habits.

I have recently completed the first step of the Wardrobe Diet: purging my closet of those items that do not fit, are worn out, or are out of style. All my clothes, including dresses, suits, and summer styles, were scrutinized. I admit this process was very liberating, albeit difficult. On more than one instance, I contemplated pardoning some of those clothes destined for Goodwill, but I remained strong. In doing so, I was able to eliminate 30-40% of my wardrobe, most of which I promptly boxed up and donated before I could change my mind.

5 Little Black Pants

5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have

Also during this process, I was completely amazed at the number of clothing items I was not wearing – some with the tags still on them, some that were lost in the back of the closet, and duplicate items for several wardrobe pieces, including 9 pairs of blacks. I wondered for a moment, how did I collect so many pairs of blacks pants? I tried on every single pair to see which ones would pass the test. Only 5 pairs made the cut and so, they shall remain. Now, some people may ask, “Do you really need 5 pairs of black pants?” to which I would reply in my best Charlie and Lola voice, “Yes, I absolutely do need these five pairs of black pants.”

And I truly believe that every woman’s wardrobe should include 5 pairs of black pants, even if she’s on a Wardrobe Diet. And here is the reason why. One needs multiple black pants for multiple occasions (and maybe personalities). And, each pair of pants is a different style, serving a different purpose.  So really, when you look at it from that perspective, they are five very different pieces.

So ladies, if you too have several pairs of black pants, here is how you can justify keeping them in your top 30%…

The 5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have -

  1. Three-season Capri – With the weather’s cooperation, these very versatile pants can be worn in spring, summer, and fall. In spite of their short stature, these pants give the image of style and sophistication. They are especially perfect for business casual Fridays, or can be paired with a lightweight sleeveless sweater and jeweled sandals for a summer evening on the town.
  2. Work-week trouser – These smart pants always look good (even on your “fat” days) and can convey several styles. For a casual style, it can be paired with a cashmere t-shirt, or for a more professional look, wear a fitted button-down or cami covered by a brightly colored blazer. These are your “go to” pants that will no doubt be warn often. So, whether they are boot cut or wide leg, make sure the fabric is of good quality, such as gabardine (light wool) or a rayon/spandex blend, to withstand repeated washing or dry cleaning.
  3. Fancy pants – They may shimmer, shine, or are velvety-soft, but they will always be fancy. These pants are great for a girls’ night out dancing, holiday parties, or any special occasion when you want a little more attention from the opposite sex. When searching for your fancy pants, keep in mind they should be long enough to wear with funky mules, strappy sandals, or boots. A word of caution – although fancy pants can be considered anything out of ordinary, leather pants are almost always a mistake, unless you’re a supermodel or biker chic.
  4. Yoga loungers – Ahh….lycra at its best. These pants fit snug around the hips and thighs but are a little flared toward the bottom. The right pair can show off your curves and disguise your imperfections in one fell swoop. They are ideal for walking the dog at the park, a serious day of shopping when you are constantly changing clothes, when you’re feeling a bit bloated, or when you actually are attending a yoga class. As with all pants, finding the right fit for your yoga loungers is key – it’s the difference between looking like a casual hipster waiting for her manicure or a frumpy couch potato with no life.
  5. Suit pants – Your “I’m really the CEO of this company” pants look unbelievably polished and modern when worn with the matching suit coat or equally stylish blazer. However, these pants frequently have unflattering waistlines and, for the most part, don’t look right unless you actually wear them with a suit coat. So, if you opt to leave the coat on the hanger, make sure what’s underneath – a sleeveless sweater or button down oxford – falls slightly at or over the hips.

Now, there you have it – 5 perfect black pants for just about any occasion. Always reliable. Always stylish. Always in the top 30%.

Are you on a Wardrobe Diet? What’s in your top 30%?

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: , , ,

New Year's Resolution – The Wardrobe Diet

February 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Shipping

New Year's Resolution: Put your wardrobe on a diet

American and British women are more similar than you may think. Both spend loads of money on clothes and shoes, spend hours trying them on, and then agonize over how they look in their new purchases. It’s really no secret that most women in America and Britain will have issues with weight and body image at some point in their lives, and not just in the Macy’s or Top Shop dressing rooms with scary lighting. At this time of year, when we have a clean slate ahead of us, women seem to stress about their weight and body image the most. Research shows that in the US and Britain, most New Year’s resolutions relate to either taking better care of your health, specifically making goals to “go on a diet” or to “get in shape”, and/or getting your finances in order. Yet, in spite of our best intentions, most Americans and British will have given up on their resolutions by Groundhog’s Day. For British women, the decision to quit comes much sooner with most British women forfeiting their diet resolutions after just 6 days.

It is for these reasons, and many others, why I usually do not make diet-related New Year’s Resolutions. But this year, I wanted to try something different – to make a diet resolution that was more fun, more realistic, and more budget-conscious. Instead of putting myself on a traditional diet, where I would scrutinize what food I buy and what food I eat, I have resolved to put my wardrobe on a diet – watching what clothes I buy and what clothes I wear – with the intention of cutting the fabric clutter in my closet and adding more style than hangers.

This week, we celebrated Groundhog’s Day. To me, this is the perfect time to start my New Year’s Resolution. As of today, I am already past the point of resolution failure. When you look at it that way, I’ve already made it farther than most.

If you’re like me and are ready to make an easy and fun New Year’s Resolution – try the Wardrobe Diet. You may end up keeping this resolution past Memorial Day.

The Wardrobe Diet: 5 Steps to Getting the Wardrobe You Desire

  1. There's no need to count calories on this diet.

    There's no need to count calories on this diet.

    Purge your closet  - Like the excess pounds that you do not want, get rid of your excess clothing baggage. Assess your current wardrobe by identifying clothes that don’t fit and put them in a pile to donate. Even if you intended on losing 10 pounds in order to fit into the jeans you wore 5 years ago, now is the time to stop dreaming and start purging. Also donate those pieces that are worn out or out of style. This should leave you with a decent “base wardrobe” containing all items that still look great and look great on you.

  2. Follow the 1:1 ratio - This is the buy one, donate one method, where you a) only buy clothes as a replacement for existing clothes in your wardrobe or b) only buy clothes you do not already have. For instance, if you do already have a black turtle neck, you can buy a new one but must donate the old one. This wardrobe diet tip can help you avoid SSS – sale stockpiling syndrome. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Just because henley shirts are on sale does not justify buying 5 more of the same shirt you already have, even if they are in different colors.
  3. Give your figure a compliment – Don’t buy clothes that don’t fit your figure or don’t fit properly. Why spend your money on something that looks better on the hanger than it does on you? Buy clothes that complement your figure, including those that flaunt your assets and downplay your flaws. If you must buy clothes that don’t fit exactly how you’d like, take them to a tailor or trusted dry cleaner to make alterations. 
  4. Let your style show - If you have your own unique style or aspire to have one, be on lookout for pieces that fit that style. Likewise, if there is a certain image you want to portray, be it professional, casual, or sexy, let your wardrobe fit your image. Granted, every piece in your wardrobe does not have to reflect one style. But, before you shop for or buy a specific item, ask yourself how this new piece fits your style. If you’re hoping for a more French chic style, but the piece screams 1980s housewife, you may just want to keep on looking – even if it is 75% off. 
  5. Invest in the best (that you can afford) – In this economy, it’s difficult to justify spending money on more clothes when most of us have an adequate wardrobe. But, when the time comes where you do find yourself with extra fashion cash, remember that the most flattering clothes are not necessarily ones with a brand name, ie. more expensive. Simply buy the best quality clothes that you can afford on your budget, keeping in mind that they should make you look and feel great. A word to the wise, a $20 pair of nondesigner cords that are perfectly tailored to your shape are worth much more than a $75 designer pair that are two sizes too small.

If you’re like me and want to make a different New Year’s Resolution, try the Wardrobe Diet. It’s much easier than counting calories and carbs and it gives you something else to concentrate on other than food. So, whether you’re British or American, the Wardrobe Diet can help you curb your apparel appetite and may even give you a sleeker, sexier wardrobe in the process.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: , ,

How to Make a Perfect Cup of British Tea

January 31, 2009 By 3 Comments

Like coffee in the United States, tea in Britain is a staple in nearly every household. According to the United Kingdom Tea Council, the British drink 165 million cups of tea per day or 60.2 billion cups of tea per year. Although most of these people will drink a cuppa (tea) out of habit or because it just tastes good, many British, as well as other cultures around the world, are drinking tea for its health benefits. 

The latest research suggests several associations between tea consumption and good health. In fact, the UK Tea Council recommends drinking four cups of tea per day in order experience the full benefits of tea. In just four cups a day, tea taken with milk can provide:

  •  17% of the recommended intake for calcium
  • 5% for zinc, 22% for Vitamin B2,
  • 5% for folic acid
  • Vitamins B1 and B6
  • Manganese, which is essential for general physical development
  • Potassium which helps to maintain your body’s fluid balance
A Perfect Cuppa

A Perfect Cuppa

And, not only does tea provide nutritional value, but studies from around the world are finding that tea consumption may help towards maintaining a healthy heart, while other studies suggest tea can help you recover more quickly from the everyday stresses of life. Furthermore, for those tea-lovers who are counting calories, tea without milk has zero calories, and only 13 calories if you add a splash of skim milk. Tea – the nutrition-packed, low-calorie, heart healthy beverage that comes in numerous flavor combinations – what more could you ask for?

Since I first traveled to the UK over 10 years ago, I have been drinking tea on a regular basis. I not only enjoy the simple and refreshing taste of tea, but I also find the act of tea drinking to be very sophisticated. But, even in all my years of drinking tea, I have wondered, How exactly do the British make their tea? and What do they put in it? If you ask 100 different Britons these questions, you are guaranteed to get 100 different answers. One thing they do agree on is this – whether it’s black, white, green, with cream or sugar, the art of making tea is to be taken seriously. 

Although many British follow the age-old George Orwell method of brewing tea…

A Nice Cup of Tea, the English Standard, 1946 by George Orwell

  • Use tea from India or Ceylon (Sri Lanka), not China
  • Use a teapot, preferably ceramic
  • Warm the pot over direct heat
  • Tea should be strong – six spoons of leaves per 1 litre
  • Let the leaves move around the pot – no bags or strainers
  • Take the pot to the boiling kettle
  • Stir or shake the pot
  • Drink out of a tall, mug-shaped tea cup
  • Don’t add creamy milk
  • Add milk to the tea, not vice versa
  • No sugar!
…new research from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) shows that Orwell’s method of tea brewing does not live up to the hype. The biggest difference has to do with milk – Orwell claims it is best to add milk to the tea, while the RSC suggests tea perfection is found when the milk is added first. Having been raised on the Orwell method of tea making for decades, many British citizens are up-in-arms about the new method of taking tea with milk. But, for an American girl, I tend to favor the RSC recipe for tea: 

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s definitive recipe for the perfect cup of tea

  • Ingredients - Loose leaf Assam tea, soft water, fresh chilled milk, white sugar.
  • Implements - Kettle, ceramic teapot, large ceramic mug, fine mesh tea strainer, tea spoon, microwave oven.
  • Method - 
    • Draw fresh soft water and place in the kettle and boil. While waiting for the water to boil place a tea ot containing a quarter of a cup of water in a microwave oven on full power for one minute.
    • Place one rounded teaspoon of tea per cup into pot.
    • Take the pot to the kettle as it is boiling, pour on to the leaves and stir.
    • Leave to brew for three minutes.
    • The ideal receptacle is a ceramic mug.
    • Pour milk into the cup first followed by the tea, aiming to achieve a colour that is rich and attractive.
    • Add sugar to taste.
    If you’re a tea lover, try both both recipes for making the perfect cuppa and let me know which one is perfect for you!
Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , ,