Eat right, travel light ;)

I feel like I'm ALWAYS traveling. Whether it's for a weekend trip, recent job interviews in Atlanta. On a jet plane going somewhere. A quick trip home to Tennessee. Or Mini vacations/ date days my boyfriend create, that usually include a theme park, or a beach... hours away. I am ALWAYS on the go, and keeping my bags packed. That is why I am not ashamed to call my self a gypsy.

But being on the go can not always be healthy. It is so easy when you're hungry to use traveling as an excuse to eat what you want. Fast food seems the best, or easiest option. But here are a few tips that help me when I'm traveling to : 1) save money and 2) remain healthy.

When my boyfriend and I are going to Hilton head for the day, It's a two hour road trip. And we know that with any beach, the price of food will be doubled. So we bring our own food. As for car snacks, this normally includes healthy almonds, mixed nuts, apples, special k bars, and things of that nature. We also LOVE these rice base chips for snacking on the beach.
The rice base allows your body to break it down faster and easier unlike complex carbs. Once you try them, I promise you'll be addicted ;) As for cold beverages ;) we also bring our own. plus NO ONE sells skinny margaritas that are actually skinny, so why not bring / sneak in the bottle yourself?

Also if you're traveling and MUST get fast food. They're are a few options. One includes chick-fil-a. Here is a list of their nutrients and menu options. The 8 piece nugget only contains 260 calories! Great for traveling and snacking in the car! Plus they only use all natural, no hormone or MSG. Here is a link to see more http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Food/Menu

I LOVE the chickfila fruit cup. It's filling, cheap, and a great breakfast.

I took this picture one morning while I was stuck in ATL traffic around a month ago, before a job interview. LOL I also drive a stick. So, if I can drive and eat healthy, so can you! The fruit always taste fresh. And it's extremely cheap.

Another option if you MUST eat fast food is the McDonald's egg mcmuffins for breakfast. I always get mine without cheese to save a few extra calories, but one contains 300 calories. For Lunch, their grilled chicken snack wraps with no cheese are also another healthy(ish) choice! I also LOVE McDonald's oatmeal. It is Huge, filling, cheap, low calorie, and I promise, it's delicious. Here is a picture I snapped while my boyfriend and I were on one of our many road trips. You may feel like a crazy person eating oatmeal while you're traveling but the results will be worth it. Plus, the best part? McDonald's serves oatmeal all day long!

Gas stations also have a huge variety of tempting, fattening things. One thing I'm obsessed with every time I travel is getting nuts at a gas station, or the air cheddar pop corn. An ENTIRE bag is 150 calories, and it's delicious. Not to mention it makes my 5 hour drive from South Carolina to (home ) in Tennessee, a lot less boring.

These are just a few options that can help you remain healthy while you're traveling. Airports have a wide variety of choices... just make sure you make the right one if you're trying to live a healthier life style or cut the pounds ;)

And for those of you who may think eating healthy is expensive... remember life is all about prioritizing and choices. This picture will help explain how you can make the decision to have healthy habits.

Thanks and happy Easter! He is risen!!!!

xxxx

-Courtney

Where to go and what to do! yee-haw

Nearly once... or twice... or three times a week I get a facebook , email, or social media message of someone going to NYC and wanting tips/ advice of cool things to do!

With the ONLY REAL CITY in my eyes. Real city defined by these elements: culture, food, fashion, architecture, public transit, entertainment, night life, bars, restaurants... and so on. There are endless things to do.

I love to help each time, and I'm flattered all of you keep asking! But, since it can be time consuming and I become extremely repetitive... I thought I'd link everyone to this blog!

There are the typical tourists things you can do, but I'll give you a list of absolute MUST DO's! And, Since I was on a budget the entire time I lived there, half the things on this list, won't be expensive.

Some are places to eat, some are sights to see, some involves original Picasso paintings, and since I'm a news guru, some are media based!

1) If you like authentic Asian food, Vanessa's dumpling is definitely the place to go. There is one in the lower east side. But I suggest you try the one in China town, to get the full experience. PS while you're in the city I suggest you install yelp unto your phone. You'll need it to help you find restaurants, etc. here is a link to the lower east side location for Vanessa's dumplings http://www.yelp.com/biz/vanessas-dumpling-house-new-york

2) The NBC experience store is great. They also offer a tour upstairs of NBC studios. This includes: the Dr. oz show, Saturday night live, news studios, Jimmy Fallon studios, and so on. It cost 24 bucks. But I PROMISE it's worth it. When will you ever be able to stand in Saturday night dressing rooms again in your life?

NBC is right next to Rockefeller plaza located on 49th street between 5th and 6th avenue. The tour is around 70 minutes long.

3) WALK THE HIGH LINE!http://www.thehighline.org/ It's a great way to see Manhattan. ( as if you're not going to be tired from the shock of walking enough.) The high line is in Chelsea, The lower west side of Manhattan. It's an old train track they renovated into a walking/ park type of place. It's gorgeous and below the high line is Chelsea market. A great place to eat, and that is home of the food network! so you can see where Rachel Ray use to shop for her 30 minute meals. It has over 10 unique , gourmet restaurants. More importantly it has the best gellato and cupcakes you'll ever put in your mouth--bring your sweet tooth ;)

4) try a frozen hot chocolate at serendipity's. It will be the best thing you've ever drank. And they're known for their frozen hot chocolate. It is a trendy/ rich/ ritzy (whichever adjective you'd like to use) part of Manhattan in the upper east side.http://www.yelp.com/biz/serendipity-3-new-york

5) GO TO A COMEDY SHOW! Anytime you're walking near 42nd and 2nd avenue (times square) and hear "comedy show tickets" this way.. I suggest you buy one and go! It will literally be the funnest times of your life! It is the BEST DATE my boyfriend and I have ever been on, in our two and a half years of dating! .... We saw four acts, and they were all wonderful. ADVISORY: don't pay anymore than 10 bucks for a ticket, or bring your parents there. Some jokes are definitely not appropriate for family outings ;) .... ps each comedy club makes you pay/ buy a two drink minimum rule. So make sure you do not pre-game, and have to get a cab to take you two blocks to your hotel . Their drinks are potent!

6) check out River Side park or Columbia University in the upper west side. Both are breath taking. And river side park is the park shown numerous time throughout the movie "you've got mail." Also on 113 and Broadway is the Seinfeld Restaurant. Although no filming actually occurred on the inside of the restaurant, It is worth checking out! here is a pic I snapped walking through the block one day.

7) go by the CNN studios. It's near Columbus circle in the upper east side. great area of the city!

8) Go, and explore union square. It's a urban, young, area of town. They always have unique fresh markets, shopping, and parades there. Also you can see where my school, New york film academy was!

9) GO TO THE METT! http://www.metmuseum.org/ The museum takes a ' pay what you wish/ donation' fee. The suggested price is 10 bucks. But they are understanding. As a student and an intern I paid only three dollars to see original Picasso, Monet, paintings. This museum takes a while to explore, but it is completely amazing, and worth it. I suggest you do it in the morning when it's less crowded, and your creative juices are flowing. Another free museum is the public library located on 5th avenue. (Yes, the library Carrie Bradshaw get's married in ;) ps if you don't get that reference, or know who she is-- maybe you shouldn't be visiting the city! lol

The museum allows you to see Gutenberg bible, Hitler's first book ever written , civil right collections from marches, and many more stimulating and intriguing things... FOR FREE! Plus the library is absolutely gorgeous inside, with amazing architecture, so that's an added bonus.

The Museum of sex is also fun. And the MOMA (museum of Modern art). However, they can get pricey. Here is a link to free/ cheaper museum based on their hours. http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2012/02/free_museum_hou_3.php

10) Try cuban food, and try SOPHIE's! http://www.sophiescuban.com/ I've only tried the one on west 45th street in midtown. So that is one I suggest, it is amazing. For 10 bucks you get tons of food, and a meal that will feed three, or last you three meals. This place is so good they even have posers/ copy restaurants in the city. But they're no where near as good as Sophie's! It's a must try!

11) On the same note-- go to Little Italy. It's almost like Epcot at Disney world... you close your eyes and you're in Italy ;) Le mela is my absolute favorite restaurant in the city! They have salads and Italian wines to die for. You must try a freshly made Conolie, eat at Le Mela, and explore that area while you're in the city!

12) Explore grand central. Just do it. It's grand, and magical. Ps they're food/ chili has been featured on the food network. So if you need a break from walking try one of their 30 million food stands with chili!

13) Go to a game in Madison square garden! I got to see the Lady vols play for only 10 bucks. It's a great experience. I can guarantee some sort of event will be going on in the arena while you visit. (Hockey, concert, basketball) etc.

14) Try to explore Bryant, Washington, and Central Park (if you can't do all three choose one) Each are unique, exciting, and breath taking.

15) Also if you want a great aerial view of the city DON'T go on top of in empire state building . Go " on top of the roc" Rockefeller plaza . It's a little more expensive but you get to see all of Manhattan , Staten island, some of long island and jersey up there . It's breathtaking ! Ten times a better view

16) You have to also try crumbs cupcakes while you're there! they are amazing. and they have over 5 locations in the city!

There are obviously a ton of more things I could tell you to do. But these are 'must do's.' You can read my previous blog post to find out more of where to go out, eat, and explore the night life the city has to offer.

17) go to the flatiron district of the city! That area and Flat iron building is my absolute favorite area of Manhattan. After exploring the architecture there , I'm sure it'll become your favorite too !

PS when you're riding the subway here are a few tips!

remember the green line is always the east side, and the red is the west. also numbered.... 123=west 456= east L train takes you to Brooklyn. also downtown is exactly like it says.. you're going south. uptown= north. hope this makes since! I promise the grid/ subway system is super easy. you'll get the hang of it. Or you can just look at a map ;-)

Also feel free to email me if you get lost, or have additional questions everyone! celledg2@gmail.com

Eat Healthy, Be Happy. (If it can go bad ,it's good for you. If it can't-- It's bad for you!)

So, for those of you who don't know. I no longer live in the city. 1) I was no longer truly happy there. 2) I could no longer afford it. However, I love New York with all my heart and have a half a year's worth of experience living there.

One thing I loved about it , was the food. Not because the top chefs in the nation (or world for that matter) cook and live there, but because everything is healthy, organic, and fresh. I say this, because I know for a fact! Each bodega, office, and grocer order from a place called fresh direct http://www.freshdirect.com/about/index.jsp;jsessionid=2LyHPGtYcySpkgfbqMg8hJCz1b7qKqyTTTnWp8hhvtDfmSFYppj1!-1320995938!-1018207326?siteAccessPage=aboutus&successPage=/index.jsp

Fresh Direct is huge warehouse that stores organic: fruits, fresh meats, and so on from local farms in Pennsylvania, New york, Jersey, and Connecticut. If you're driving from Manhattan to the LGA airport, you'll be sure to see the ginormous warehouse. Here is a picture of one side of it, up close.

This may sound dumb, or rude, or both. but that has been the largest adjustment moving back to the south, is the food. Yes, I was born and raised in Tennessee. But living in the north opened my eyes . And I want to carry the eating habits and health I picked up with me. I also want to inspire / teach you to do the same! It is easy, and affordable.

I had never really eaten organic food before 1) because I couldn't afford it. 2) because unless you shop at the fresh market in Knoxville, or local produce markets it's not that easily accessible.

But in a society such as New York, that is all that was available. That was nearly my only option. Most of you asked how I lost so much weight and toned up-- yes, it's true that sadly I could only afford one meal a day (lol). And I walked nearly a mile everyday. Even with riding the subway, you still have to walk to the nearest subway stops.

But the REAL secret was that I was constantly eating healthy, and organic foods.

For example-- In nearly 6 months I had fried chicken/ food in general, one time. At Brooklyn bowl to be exact. (side note, not only is a great place to go-- it's know for it's chicken and oyster appetiser. you must try if you're ever in Williambsurg, Brooklyn!) If you want fried foods, you have to seek out the restaurants that serve them, or offer them as their specialty.

I'm not bashing my culture of the south, or my grandmother's cooking-- but the reality is, It's NOT HEALTHY. here is a quick poll of the states with the highest obesity and type 2 diabetic rate . It was taken in 2010, so it has most likely changed since then. And you guessed it, Tennessee/ southern states rank top ten each year.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/122405/Obesity-Diabetes-Across-States-Clear-Relationship.aspx

It's not because we're lazy, and don't work out or know what a gym is. It's because that is what's readily available in southern states. This blog is not a rant to bash any culture or anyone. It's to vent, and to help show you how to lose weight, and live a healthier life style like I am trying to do.

This milk is what I drank the entire time I was in New York. It is only, 4 bucks. I say ONLY because I'm still use to the absurd prices/ cost of living in the north. Drinking this, or using it with your cereal will make the difference, and I promise you can even taste the difference. Call me crazy, or judge me. But the cost of being healthy now-- is a lot less inexpensive than the medical bills you'll have to pay in the future. (If you have unhealthy habits and don't change them.)

Yes, sometimes I go a little crazy and like to snack on kale chips, seaweed and things like that. But if those aren't practical snack/meal replacements for you. Try these. These are my favorite,(below) and they are delicious. You can get them at publix or any grocery. Especially the fage 0% Greek yogurt with Blueberry. It's so sweet, sometimes I use it as a dessert, and only 120 calories for the whole serving!

For some reason, I can't post the rest of the pictures. but you get the point! Fresh Salsa, vegetable straws, sliced avocados, Greek yogurt, and organic blue tortilla chips truly make the best snacks. They fill you up-- and they're inexpensive. Ditch the Doritos you're eating and use these... you'll be good to go ;)

I'm not saying I'll never eat some good ole' banana pudding again, or a slice of cake. I am simply saying that I do not want to put anything into my body unless I know it's fresh and where it came from.

Recently, when I first moved back to the south, I ate a strawberry from walmart. Moments from biting into the abnormally large, chemincally growth induced strawberry...It had a strange, zingy, horrible flavor. I could literally taste the chemicals. Five months prior to living in the city I would have never known, or tasted the difference. But after eating organic fruits -- now I can. If I could taste the chemicals from one strawberry.... enough to make me spit it out like a crazy person, imagine what that 's doing to people's bodies? Imagine how unhealthy these chemicals must be!

PS here is a list of the lowest calorie fruits http://pinterest.com/pin/36802921924689035/

As a trainer once told me, If you can't pronounce the ingredients on the label.... It's probably not good for you. And your body can't recognize it either! This is most comonly known for sugar and butter subsititues.

So this blog is to help you and I learn how to eat fresh, home made, and home grown meals! I'd love to hear your ideas for healthier dinner recipes. Grilled chicken becomes old :)

Also if you know of great farmers markets that are year round in your area, I'd love to hear about it!

You know you're a New Yorker When...

If you live here a year or three months. You are now a pro with directions. The subway and grid systems makes sense. And there is no north or south, it's uptown or downtown ;) Here is what I think makes you a New Yorker... In no particular order, but we all know It's true.

1)You only go to "times square" when guest are visiting you.

2) You read a newspaper a day, and more than you ever have in your life. Print media may be dying-- but not in this city. AM new york is your best friend, and you find your fashion advice from your favorite c list celebs on your way to work .

3) Mayor Bloomberg is the man. period.
4)You join gym memberships strictly from your groupon purchase.

5) You balance your spending by 3 priorities : clothes, going out, food.

6) You use the subway as your "alone time" or reflection time, and strangely a quick time to relax and think .
7) You know that sex and the city is false-- no one has those nice of apartments.

8) Getting your laundry picked up, folded, and washed for you is the best thing that ever happened since before you left for college.

9) Red Lipstick is your best friend. Before Moving to Manhattan you only wore it for plays or performing. But now, you can't go out without it!


10) You are now a foodie. No matter where you travel or live after this. Nothing will ever be as good as the food available in NYC.

11) You are now a fashionista. You have an eye for this years style, surrounded by the best fashion in the world. You now know what to mix with that certain pencil skirt.

13) The commuters from Jersey each weekend taught you how to fist pump, and now you're a master at it.

14) Coffee is necessary. And coffee along with Advil are your survival kits.
15) You hate your supers.

16) You consider yourself branching out your horizons when you travel to Brooklyn, or Harlem.

17) Your local bodega knows you... and your order.

18) You use time warner cable.

19) You get cheap manicures once a week.
20) Thai food is your favorite. (druken noodle all the way).
21) You secretly want to camp out for Saturday Night live stand by tickets.
22) You didn't go to the annual Christmas tree lighting. Too many people.
23) Despite line, you still shop at Trader Joe's for cheaper groceries.
24) Sunday= Laundry and junk food day.
25) You think spending only 1,000 for rent a month is a steal!
26) You cherish the highline, central park,Washington square park, and the beauty of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
27) You start your day off watching NY1 news . They have the fastest weather updates, and they give you true New Yorker stories.
28) Seamless web is your best friend.
29) You like anything animal print.
30) As bad as you hate to admit it, you like fur.
31) You look forward to brunch on the weekends with your best friends.
32) You have nearly 4 metro cards at all times. Half of them are expired.
33) Going out in Meat Packing makes you feel special.
34) Sunday game days with the Giants are you favorite.
35) You thrive off of the fact that your state has 6 professional sport teams.
36) Celebs don't phase you. They are normal people, let them be.
37) You want to go to Gramercy Park / be rich enough to live in that area one day.
38) You know that casting calls suck. Five hours of waiting, for a 30 second audition/ soul selling to a mean casting director.
39) You wish you could afford to see all the Broadway plays, especially The book of Mormon.
40) You use a large vocabulary span in everyday conversations.
41) You feel "in the loop" at all times. Economically, politically, fashion wise, and current events. You see first hand whats happening.
42) You would die without 99 cent pizza on a late Friday night.
43) Los Feliz is your favorite spot on the weekends, but you know you must space it out to only once a month due to their wide variety of tequila selections.
44) You have a secret handshake with a bouncer at your favorite club.
45) You love to go running along the river.
46) You love the Staten Island ferry-- a free way to see Lady Liberty.
47) The boutiques, and unique areas of Chelsea and Soho intrigue you.
48) You hate the unnecessary barricades set up on wall street from the occupiers.
49) You cherish the MOMA and modern art.
50) Strolling up 5th avenue and day dreaming about all the things you wish you could afford is your favorite past time.
51) You take for granted the free music that is played for you at subway stops.
52) You take for granted cheap clothing stores like H&M.

53)You say "the city" and expect everyone to know that this means Manhattan.

54)When you're standing in a packed subway car with 200 hundred other people and everyone manages to avoid looking at each other.

55)$50 worth of groceries fit in one paper bag.

56)Your grocer is Korean, your deli man is Israeli, your building super is Italian, your laundry guy is Chinese, your favorite bartender is Irish, your favorite diner owner is Greek, the watchseller on your corner is Senegalese, your last cabbie was Pakistani, your newsstand guy is Indian and your favorite falafel guy is Egyptian.

57)You get pissed at people who say they're from NY and they tell you they're from upstate.

58)You can pick out the tourists when they turn their heads to the "ladies and gentlemen this is an important announcement from the MTA" message.

59)You've gotten jaywalking down to an art form.

60) You know what real pizza and real bagels are.

**There are a million other reasons that make you a New Yorker. What makes you one? leave your post here!

Free and Cheap Restaurants

Who says you have to spend 50 bucks on a steak with no sides? 30 extra if you want cream of spinach... FORGET IT! Unless you're on a hot date, you're more than likely a young adult living pay check to pay check (especially in this city). Oatmeal, hummus, or peanut butter are your survival foods for the week. They're cheap and filll you up, right? But sometimes when you can't resist a night out with friends. So, what is one to do?

That is why I am going to tell you not only my favorite but some of the truly cheapest restaurants in the city that never sleeps. Whether you're visiting or live here, this is your guide to a free and cheap New York City.

Here is a list of the cheapest I've found -- and all around delicious. In no particular order. For the times when 99 cent pizza and bagels get old.

If you like giant margaritas, this is the place to be. There are four locations in the city, but I've only been to the location on Midtown East. Called Blockheads http://www.blockheads.com
Massive burritos, tacos and margaritas for a great price. So large in fact, I always share with my friends. For 10 dollars you can have an appetizer a large frozen Margarita and a grilled chicken wrap.


The next lounge is amazing. Besides being mentioned on the cooking channel this past weekend, it is truly a fun place to watch a game, or catch up with friends. Crocodile Lounge in Gramercy http://www.yelp.com/biz/crocodile-lounge-new-york gives you an ENTIRE PIZZA if you purchase a drink. So, for a 3 dollar bud light, you can land an entire pizza. Great deal if I've ever seen one.








If you're trying to be healthier or eat veggies only-- the next place is perfect for you. Located in the upper west side, The Hummus Place is absolutely amazing.But, don't judge a book by its cover. Because while the outside of the restaurant may be deceiving, it's truly the best hummus I've ever had. And for an extremely cheap price. For 6 bucks I had enough food for three meals. Check out their website for prices and selections http://www.hummusplace.com/.


You can take the girl out of the south, but you can't take the south out of the girl... that is why I LOVE this next restaurant. Jackson Hole in Murray hill has the perfect comfort foods. If you're craving barbecue, or want to splurge on a delicious burger this is the place to go. There are multiple locations throughout the city. With homemade lemonade for a dollar, and a classic burger for 6, this place will leave you feeling happy and full. Great place to bring your southern visitors. ttp://jacksonholemurrayhill.com/food-delivery-TW/jackson-hole--third-ave-new-york-city.1362.r?QueryStringValue=PEYA45Gmyt2Es1Gx3G5YwQ







If you've ever studied abroad, there are certain things you fall in love with and adapt to in that country. One, being the food. The good thing is , New York City has nearly every culture and food you can imagine. Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this next restaurant, Pio Pio. There are multiple locations not only in Manhattan, but in New York. Since my time abroad I tried to explain to my boyfriend how delicious Peruvian food is. Thankfully, He finally got a chance to try it while he visited the city. For 14 bucks, you can get an ENTIRE roasted chicken, chiviche appetizers, and Peruvian sides (advocado salad, tomatoes, and plantanos). Come hungry, and leave with leftovers because just like the Peruvian culture you will have more food than you'll know what to do with. It is absolutely wonderful, and a great way to try new foods. Bring your friends here. Check out their locations and menu options near you .. and if you're wanting to party -- don't forget to order a pisco sour :) But trust me, ONE is all you need! http://piopio.com/#/pio-pio-peruvian-restaurant-new-york-city







Brunch is my favorite meal. And if you live in Manhattan you understand that brunch is a way of life. Something I truly never did until I lived here. Not only do the mimosas help you recover from the night before, but it's a great way to catch up with friends and relax. Sometimes, brunch places can be extremely pricey. And most places that include alcohol have a set price. But Nice Matin a french restaurant in the Upper West side is fabulous. Not only is it located in a beautiful area of Manhattan -- Next to river side park, but it is truly the best brunch I've had in the city. Average brunch, cost around 12 dollars. Cheaper than most, and it is a great place to bring your family or visitors. There is ALWAYS a wait so come early and make sure your entire party is there. Check out their menu options here. http://www.nicematinnyc.com/


And if you're a sushi lover . There are TONS of cheap places in the city. But one of my personal favorites is Aji. located in Murray hill (midtown Manhattan). For 9 bucks you can get a lunch box. This includes soup, salad, chicken terriaki and a roll of your choice. Incredible deal and this will last you two or three meals.




These are a few of the resteraunts that are "must visits". I'll have a list of more resteraunts and cheap bars coming your way, very soon!