CHAI TEA LATTES

There is nothing I like more than sitting with a nice, hot cup of chai on a cold winter or rainy day.  It’s also pairs well with one of those “I had a shitty time at work” days and a good book.  Chai tea is great by itself, but it’s even better in latte form. 

I’ve been on this kick lately, which is surprising given that I’m not much of a tea drinker.  So for all of you that don’t necessarily love the taste of tea, give chai lattes a try before swearing tea off completely. Not only will you get a kick of antioxidants that fight free radicals (basically, you’ll be drinking “good guys” that fight and kill the “bad guys”), but you’ll also be getting a boost of vitamin D, calcium, and protein from the milk. Its creamy, not too frothy, slightly sweet concoction will leave you in a state of pure bliss.

Save a bit of money and make your own:

-Your favorite chai tea (try to steer clear of the powdered stuff).  I like Bigelow’s Vanilla Chai

-1c. Milk (almond, soy, and coconut are great and give it a slightly different flavor)

-2-3 pkt Splenda or sugar

-1 tsp. Cinnamon (ground or a whole stick)

-Dash of Vanilla

 Heat milk over medium heat to a simmer.  Do not let boil.  Add tea bag and the remaining ingredients.  Let steep for a few minutes before enjoying.

CRABS!!

As a 5 month resident of Maryland, I am experiencing certain foods in a new light.  Crab, however, is the epitome of East Coast cuisine, and I’m pretty sure I was handed a slice of heaven the first time I tried it.  Growing up in Minnesota, crab consisted of the red and white meat “sticks” that came prepackaged.  I didn’t realize I was missing out on so much. 

Now, I won’t go back.  And you won’t either once you’ve let a bit of crab imperial touch your lips. Crab is sweet and flaky, and not to be taken lightly.  I feel for all those watermen that have to shell each individual crab to get less than half an ounce of meat.  But Oooh, is it ever good.  Crab cakes, crab stuffed pretzels, crab dip, you really can’t go wrong in Maryland if you order crab.  Fried soft-shelled crab sandwiches are another story, but I’ll tell you about that another time. 

Crab is just wonderful.  Not simply because of its divine taste, but because, on top of that, it does pretty cool things to the body.  After you’ve stuffed your face with the amazingness that is crab, it provides your body with a ton of Vitamin B12. 

While high amounts of B12 are found in oyster, clams, and mussels, I think crab is a much more enjoyable way of getting the essential nutrient!  B12 is needed by EVERY single cell in order to function properly.  On top of that, it plays a role in metabolism, DNA synthesis, and is needed to regulate proper brain and nervous system function. If you don’t receive enough B12, Pernicious Anemia results causing you to feel sluggish and fatigued.  Depression, and, in severe cases, degeneration of the spinal cord could also result.  

I’ll pass…I could do without all those extra hassles. But if you don’t like crab (and you only don’t because you haven’t had REAL crab yet), hesitate not.  Try eating eggs, beef, or other types of fish instead.

 

FOOD!

Food.  It embodies all that is delicious and outright phenomenal. You and I, of course, already know that. And we should, because people use it for everything.  They buy food for obvious survival needs, medicinal remedies, and to make their own ecofriendly cleaning concoctions. You may buy foods for other reasons entirely.  The point is, you and I are surrounded by food every day.  What I love about it is its ability to heal and protect. How the body utilizes food is a most fascinating, mind-boggling concept! I am here to help you understand food from a dietitian/ food-fanatic’s perspective- as a powerful tool that is used to aid the body and to be savored and appreciated for all that it is. 

-Sarah