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Health, San Francisco, Travel

Artisan Mochas and Vegan Mexican Food

April 10, 2015

 As someone getting their master’s degree (and graduating in May, YAY), I won’t lie; my social life has taken a huge beating. My workload has considerably lessened with the end of my final exam last week and I am making an effort to see more of my friends and to explore more of San Francisco. I can’t believe I have just over a month before I graduate and move to Salt Lake City. Where has the time gone?!

Mission (1 of 8)

I met up with my friend Sheri to explore the Mission district. Our first stop was this cute chocolate factory, called Dandelion Chocolate, which serves artisan chocolate products. As you can see, they offer a variety of drinks which left my friend and I ‘umm-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’ for a good 5 minutes haha.

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  I finally decided on the house mocha, which came with a yummy little biscuit. Although mochas do contain chocolate and thus added sugar, this was a rather bitter and rich chocolate so I didn’t feel quite so bad in ordering it. And hey, when in San Francisco right (let’s ignore the fact that I live here haha)?! The atmosphere was really cool, and they have a bar area where you can sit and watch the people working there make chocolate!

Mission (3 of 8)

 After our coffee stop, we walked over to Dolores Park and spent a couple of hours just hanging out and catching up there. It was such a gorgeous and sunny day in San Francisco; San Francisco is notorious for being chilly and foggy. Which most of the time is true lol! I was ecstatic to finally be able to wear a dress, get some sun on my legs (gasp!) and break out this gorgeous necklace I got from my latest Rocksbox set. If any of you are interested in learning more about Rocksbox, feel free to read my review about it and click here to get your first box (the code alicexoxo will get you your first month free). Also, I don’t know why this photo came out so purple haha!

Mission (5 of 8)

 A few hours later, our tummies started rumbling and we headed back towards the Mission District to try out Gracias Madre, a vegan Mexican food restaurant. I had heard about it but had yet to try it so I was pretty happy my friend wanted to check it out as well. My husband absolutely will not try out vegan or raw food places so I always have to find a willing friend to go with me!

Mission (6 of 8)

 We got the ‘totopos’ to share as our starter, which are house made tortilla chips tossed in creamy chipotle salsa roja topped with cashew crema and cilantro. I thought the tortillas were a littleeee too thick, but the sauce was delicious.

Mission (7 of 8)

Mission (8 of 8)

 For our main course, I ordered the tacos filled with mushrooms, asparagus and broccoli topped with cashew cheese and served with black beans. My friend got spicy mole enchiladas topped with mushrooms and cashew cheese, served with sauteed greens and beans. I was really impressed with how flavorful my tacos were and the bite that I stole off my friend’s plate was also delicious! Although I admit that I like the heartiness of a beefy enchilada, I think that Gracias Madre have made a flavorful and pleasing vegan alternative. NOT an easy feat in my opinion, especially because I have had some pretty bad vegan food a few months ago and was still a little bitter from that.

Where have you had great vegan food?

Great weekend, and so excited for the rest of this month. I have some exciting posts in store for the rest of April that I cannot wait to share with you all 🙂

Honestly yours,
Alice

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Health, Travel

Healthy Travel Snacks

November 25, 2014

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for the majority of us, some form of travel is involved. Whether it be by car, bus, train or airplane, travelling isn’t the kindest on our health as it can be hard to find healthy options on the road or in the sky. I wanted to compile a little list (cute graphic included) of some easily portable and healthy travel snacks and foods that can be easily found, to help prevent any nasty episodes involving greasy burgers and snacks with little nutritional content. 

Healthy Travel SNacks

Healthy Travel Snacks packed full of protein

1. Fruit

Fruit is a great choice as it can be bought from a variety of different places, and is a great source of carbohydrates and various minerals and vitamins. Some good choices are apples and pears (lots of fiber to fill you up), bananas and dates (for an energy rich fruit for those long journeys) and strawberries and blueberries (low in calories, and high in fiber and antioxidants).

2. Nuts

Nuts are light and last for ages, so make a great travel snack buddy. Some good options are unsalted almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Pair it with some fruit for a snack which will keep you full and satisfied due to the great combination of healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates.

3. Quest Bars

I LOVE quest bars! I do not normally go for protein bars, as most are essentially just a repackaged candy bar, but quest protein bars have a stellar nutritional profile. Cookies and Cream is my favorite flavor and per bar, it is 180 calories, 21g of protein, 17g of fiber (!!!) and only 1g of sugar. Keep a pack with you and I guarantee it will keep you full and satisfied on your travel journeys.

4. Coconut water 

You can’t take in liquids (unless they’re under 100ml which is nothing) on airplanes, so stock up on coconut water if you are travelling on land. I absolutely love coconut water, and particularly Harmless Harvest coconut water. Click here to read why coconut water is such a great drink and all about Harmless Harvest.

5. Grain-free, refined sugar-free fudge brownies

Hehe, okay, shameless self recipe promotion. But hey, they would make great travel snacks! Not only can you pack them into a tupperware box, they are low in sugar, low in carbohydrates, high in protein and healthy fats. And they are gluten-free; gluten-free healthy options will probably be difficult to come across. Click here for the recipe (it’s easy to make, don’t worry).

6. Latte

Latte’s; they are on the list because you can get a latte anywhere and it is a great way to stay alert if you are on a long road trip. Again, you can’t really take a latte with you on a plane, although most airports will have a coffee shop where you can enjoy a latte before your flight. If you ask for a non-fat and no whip latte, this is a good way to get some protein in and some calcium. Plus as a graduate student, I am just really addicted to latte’s … stop judging me 😛

 These are my 6 picks for healthy travel snacks which you can bring anywhere, with some snack options which should be easy to find no matter where you travel. I hope they prove useful and help make your travels a little easier 🙂

What do you usually bring to snack on when you go for road trips or plane trips?

Honestly yours,
Alice