Faux Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms

I have a confession: I'm addicted to Brussels sprouts. I never had Brussels sprouts as a kid, as the veggie's reputation as being "yucky" made me believe the experience of eating one would be truly horrific. Fast-forward 20 years and I'm hooked on these bite-sized cabbages. I usually stick to a pretty simple preparation for Brussels sprouts -- roasted with a splash of balsamic vinegar -- but over the weekend I stumbled upon this recipe that couldn't be more perfect for the fall running season. While the results were a bit mixed (the sauce was a bit too cheesy for my liking), I think with a few tweaks this dish will be on heavy rotation.

Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, and like its relatives cabbage, kale and broccoli, Brussels sprouts pack a whole lot of goodness in its tiny package. Studies have shown Brussels sprouts have cancer-fighting properties and help lower cholesterol and aid digestion thanks to its high fiber content. Brussels sprouts also are high in vitamins A, C, E, K and B-1 and have the most healthy plant omega-3s of all the cruciferous cousins.

Mushrooms are another small vegetable that weighs in with a heavy nutritional count. They are high in potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure, and are rich in riboflavin, niacin and selenium, an antioxidant that works with vitamin E (like that found in Brussels sprouts!) to protect cells against free radicals.

Garlic breath is far from sexy, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices for health. Garlic has been used as a "cure-all" for centuries, and for good reason -- the plant contains the chemical compound allicin, which helps fight everything from acne to asthma, the common cold and even hypertension, as well as minerals like phosphorus, calcium and iron. And, let's be honest, garlic also tastes good, meaning you can use this healthy herb, along with some antioxidant-rich, low-cal balsamic vinegar, to flavor food instead of salt and fat.

Moderation is key when it comes to high-fat, high-sodium foods like cheese. Luckily, Asiago cheese is quite flavorful, so it doesn't take much to get that cheesy taste most people crave. (I used 1/3 cup of cheese even though the recipe called for a full cup, and that was still too strong for me.) It also has a very salty taste, so there really is no need to add more salt when seasoning the sauce. Health-wise, Asiago cheese is a rich source of calcium, providing 20 percent of your daily recommended intake, and also provides a surprising 5 percent RDA of vitamin C, which, like calcium, helps strengthen bones.

This is where the "faux" in the recipe title comes in. I'm not a big fan of noodles; even whole wheat noodles I avoid. I've seen many, many variations for zucchini noodles (see my favorite take on it here), so thought I would substitute these ribbons for 2/3 of the pasta called for in the original recipe. Not only does this lower the calorie content quite a bit, it also adds plant-based fiber, vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, magnesium and manganese, an essential trace mineral that helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates and is essential for the production of proline, an amino acid that is leads to proper wound healing and healthy skin.

While I could eat just the zucchini "noodles" and be happy, long runs require energy in the form of carbs. Instead of loading up on pasta made from white flour, I used a very scant amount of a quinoa-corn-flour-blend spaghetti. Quinoa is a superfood in every way: It is a complete protein in that it contains all nine essential amino acids the body needs for muscle development; it acts as a prebiotic that feeds the microflora (good bacteria) in your intestines; it has the highest amount of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc of all the grains. It also is easily digestible and gluten-free, so no stomach trouble come race morning.

As mentioned previously, the next time I attempt this recipe I may reduce the amount of cheese used (or I may swap it out completely and create sauce made from Greek yogurt) and up the zucchini fettuccine. But for a first-time effort, I was pleased with the overall outcome and am happy to have found a new way to appease my Brussels sprouts addiction.

Bright Spots

Getting into the spirit a little early with a metallic skull candle

Maybe it's because I was sick for a few days, but this week seemed to fly by. What's even harder to believe is that today is the last day of summer. It seems like June was just yesterday and I was eagerly anticipating spending long drawn-out days outside exploring new hiking trails, running routes and picnic spots. Now September is nearly over, and the holidays are already making their appearance known. There also are fewer than 80 days left before my marathon in December -- when did that happen?! Besides a much-needed long run (I missed two workouts while I was sick), this weekend I plan on slowing down a bit to test new fall recipes, catch up on an ever-growing stack of magazines and, maybe, brave the mall to pick up Halloween decorations. Here's a look at some other things that make saying good-bye to summer a little more bearable.

Fall-inspired nail combo a la Eva of Miss Renaissance (colors: Essie Armed & Ready / OPI Warm & Fozzie / Essie Wicked)

Heels that combine two of my favorite current shoe trends: patent leather & the smoking slipper

Dinosaur friends made even more awesome thanks to a few coats of paint (DIY to come next week)

Thanks to the addition of faux fur pillows and a throw, our bedroom now feels like a cozy retreat







Creature Comforts

Peter Jensen / Madwell / J.Crew / Markus Lupfer / Monsoon / Sonia by Sonia Rykiel / Aubin & Wills / Wildfox Couture / J.W. Anderson for Topshop

There's a huge soft spot in my heart for animals. Growing up, there were always at least three dogs around to keep me company, along with cats, chickens, rabbits and even a duck. I became a vegetarian at age 11 because I did not want to eat my "pets," and for the longest time everyone in my family believed I would end up being a veterinarian so I could help my furry and feathered friends. While those plans didn't pan out, and even though I returned to being meat-eater a few years ago (for health reasons), I still love animals and remain fascinated by them. Which is why this season I couldn't be more excited that animal sweaters are making a comeback. From cats to bats to hens, deer and little lambs, animals are shaping up to be a huge trend, and the above is just a small sampling of a few sweaters I'll be cozying up to later this fall.

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Soup is one of my ultimate comfort foods, especially on a rainy day or at the onset of a cold. Yesterday I began feeling a little under the weather, so to stave off what I suspected were the beginnings of a nasty bug, I whipped up this creamy soup chock-full of healthy, healing ingredients.

While it's not as colorful as a tomato or as trendy as kale, cauliflower is a superfood in that it is rich in vitamins C and K, along with folate, dietary fiber and the two phytonutrients (chemical nutrients found in plants) sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which together help prevent cancer.
And despite the russet potato's bad rap in recent years, this humble tuber shouldn't be feared. Like cauliflower, russet potatoes are high in immune-boosting vitamin C as well as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin and iron. Also, be sure to leave the skin on, because that's where the majority of the fiber is.

Onions are the perfect defense against a cold, or any disease, for that matter. Full of vitamins C and B6, biotin, chromium, calcium and fiber, onions also contain sulfur-containing amino acids called methionine and cystine, which are good at detoxifying the body.



 

There's a reason why Mom always reached for the chicken noodle soup when you came home sick as a kid. Chicken stock (and broth) provides potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron, all of which are important for a healthy heart, strong bones and transporting oxygen to cells and organs. Just be sure the stock is low in sodium; I also look for organic brands that are made from whole, natural ingredients.

 

Turmeric, the spice in curry powder that gives it that distinct yellow color, also is responsible for a number of health benefits, including reducing joint inflammation, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. Other spices, such as anise, allspice and cardamom, can help reduce indigestion. Cumin is also good for easing an upset stomach and can help boost immunity thanks to essential oils that act as disinfectants and fight viral infections.

 

While a toasty piece of bread or gooey sandwich would go great with this soup, I topped my bowl with a chicken breast I rubbed with more curry power, cumin and garam masala -- gotta get my protein somehow -- then grilled in the oven.

This soup was so good, it was all I could do not to eat the entire pot in one sitting. The only thing stopping me: the thought of leftovers! Happy Eating!

Black Swan

BCBG Dress (old, similar styles here & here), Saks Fifth Avenue Shoes, Alfani Clutch, Banana Republic Earrings (old)

I love to play dress up, but my day-to-day life hardly warrants anything fancier than a clean pair of pants and a blouse. This past weekend, however, the S-man and I attended a sunset wedding by the beach, which welcomed the perfect excuse for me to pull out one of my favorite cocktail dresses for the occasion. I bought this dress nearly four years ago and from the moment I put it on, I knew it would be a piece that would last me for years. The fitted bodice of black satin that blooms into a fuller skirt reminds me of something a ballerina would wear, and the swaths of fabric at the hips and subtle peplum in the back only add to the feeling of being an elegant swan. Needless to say I did not want the clock to strike midnight and summon the end to the fairy tale.

Sudden Shift

Mossimo Supply Co. Jacket (old), Boots (old) & Backpack; James Perse Tee (old); bar III Jeggings (old); Michael Kors Watch

Even though Hawaii doesn't have traditional seasons, there was a sudden shift in the weather this past week, signaling the end of a hot, humid summer and the beginnings of what promises to be a chilly and blustery fall. I gladly welcomed the change, as this is my favorite time of year, for many reasons: wearing layers in rich and cozy fabrics; running through puddles on rainy mornings; watching decorations go up for the approaching holidays. While it is still a bit warm to pull out my heavy sweaters just yet, I still got a little excited to incorporate a jacket and combat boots with my go-to T-shirt and jeans. I can only wait with eager anticipation as these next few weeks come and go and "fall" truly makes its official arrival in the islands.

 

 

 

Breakfast on the Run

Most health experts say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I couldn't be more in agreement. Breakfast also happens to be my favorite meal of the day, as I consider it a time to relax with a big mug of coffee and reflect during those quite morning moments before the day starts. However, now that I'm back at an office job and am in full marathon training mode, my breakfasts need to be easy to make and even easier to eat on the go. They also have to be a balanced combination of carbs, protein and heart-healthy fat, as this meal has to refuel me after a 4, 5, 6 or even 8 mile run. I tweaked the standard PB&B (peanut butter and banana) idea a bit to accommodate my food allergies and now look forward to breakfast even more, thanks to this delicious, nutrition-packed meal.

Soy butter is a great substitute for those with peanut/nut allergies, and this one also happens to be gluten-free! Although it packs 7 grams of protein per serving, it also has 190 calories and 14 grams of fat for two tablespoons. I make sure to measure out an even tablespoon to keep my calories in check.

  

In addition to good carbs from natural sugars in the fruit, bananas are also a great source of potassium, a mineral that regulates muscle contractions and can prevent muscle spasms.

Spread on top a 7-grain waffle (full of good-for-you fiber, protein and low in sugar), sprinkle with cinnamon (which can help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, boost cognitive function and memory, and is high in fiber, iron, calcium and manganese) and serve with black coffee (another great antioxidant powerhouse) -- Happy Eating!

Long Story Short

Victoria's Secret Sweater, F21 Shorts (old), Nine West Heels, Michael Kors Sunglasses (old), Thrifted Scarf & Clutch

After much radio silence on my end, I'm back! To make a long story short, there's been a few major changes in life over the last few months. I was hired at a weekly newspaper in May, meaning I'm back to a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday work week after essentially being my own boss for nearly a year. I began marathon training last month, so now five out of seven days of my week (and my entire weekends) are consumed with training. And, most importantly, I re-prioritized what was really important to me -- where my real passions lay, what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, how I want to be living 10, 20, 50 years down the line.

All of these changes took some getting used to, but the switch was greatly needed. And now that I've taken some much-needed time away to adjust, I feel like this blog will better reflect me as a person and what makes me shine daily.

So, about this outfit ...

I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of leather shorts for more than a year now. While leather shorts abounded in many stores and at all price points, each pair I'd try on had one thing that wasn't quite right -- they were either too baggy or too tight, the material was too stiff or felt like cheap plastic -- which forced me to leave empty handed time and time again. I had nearly given up when I saw these beauties hidden in one of the racks at Forever 21. My expectations were low stepping into the dressing room, but that all changed as soon as I put them on. The rise, fit and soft faux leather were spot on, and while I had been wanting a pair in matte black, the light brown shade reminds me of fresh caramel. I am happy to say my search is over, and I have no doubt these shorts will quickly become a staple in my fall wardrobe.