Chewy Kombucha

Hi guys ๐Ÿ˜€ How are ya? Hope that youโ€™ve all had a wonderful day! Weโ€™re back in Valdosta.. Iโ€™m stoked, can ya tell? ๐Ÿ˜‰ Iโ€™m actually not bummed to be back after having such a lovely weekend.

This morning, despite all of the vino from last night, I got up early like a champion and went to Bikram yoga. Not gonna lie, some poses were a little extra painful, but I made it through and was so glad I did.

When I got back to the hotel room, the pilot and I checked out the menu for room service.

The pet menu always makes me smile

pet menu

Open-faced beagle burger, anyone? ๐Ÿ™‚ Bella and Viesa would be all over that.

They brought in the tray of goods.

roomservice

Two fresh-squeezed orange juices,

a panini and house-made chips for the pilot:

panini

and I asked for a salad with veggies and goat cheese:

salad

It was everything I could wish for ๐Ÿ˜€

After chilling at the hotel for a while and then checking out, we stopped at the utopia of food perfection (aka Whole Foods) on our way back:

wholefoods

I got the usual essentials (bars, produce, salad dressings, condiments) + random fun things that got thrown in the cart, and a kombucha as they can help after a rough night.

kombucha

Check out the bacteria strands in this bad johnny:

strands

*Shudders* No, I didnโ€™t drink that part. I donโ€™t like to chew my kombucha, thank you ๐Ÿ˜‰

We made it back to Valdizzy, picked up the puppers then unloaded the car.

I really wasnโ€™t starving for dinner, so I decided to make something Iโ€™ve had my eye on for a while: Kristen’s Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake

cherry bomb

I followed her recipe almost to the โ€œTโ€ but made the following changes:

1.5 cups almond milk instead of water

Sun Warrior for the protein

1 T hemp seeds instead of two

added 1 T raw cacao nibs

It was pretty much incredible. Kristen, my friend, you know your stuff ๐Ÿ˜‰ But we all knew that already.

Iโ€™m off to Wizzle to get the rest of this weekโ€™s groceries and then have a date with the Kardashians.

Have a wonderful evening!

xoxo,

Gina

Preguntas y Respuestas: (from my Ask Me Anything page)

Where did you go to college?

University of Arizona ๐Ÿ˜€ GO CATS!

I noticed you use Stevia in some of your recipes and was wondering if you worry about the "harmful side effects" some believe it may cause?

Nahhh, Iโ€™m not too worried about it. I think in moderation, itโ€™s one of the best sweetener choices out there. I donโ€™t really think the studies are too effective because if you pump up a rat with 10 times its body weight of anything, no matter what it is, chances are that it will get sick. I think as long as I donโ€™t get too crazy with it, itโ€™s fine. Splenda on the other hand was a disaster.. I used to sprinkle it on EVERYTHING and it was quite the beast to quit. When I stopped with the Splenda, I went cold turkey and used no sweeteners, so it taught me how to appreciate foodโ€™s natural sweetness. After you stop sweetening your food, naturally sweet foods like fruit and sweet potatoes taste like candy ๐Ÿ˜€

Any advice on how to lose the last 5 pounds?

The โ€œlast 5 poundsโ€ are often the hardest to get rid of because as you have less weight to lose, the more difficult it can be. This is your chance to kick things upโ€”tighten up eating and increase the effectiveness and intensity of workouts. See what changes you can make in your food choices and exercise routine to encourage your body to continue changing. Try adding a salad or broth based soup to your meals and adding in speed intervals to your training.

Where do you and the pilot want to move when you leave Valdosta?

ANYWHERE! Bahaha. For real though, weโ€™re praying for Tucson. Most of my family is there along with job opportunities and a house that weโ€™d like to buy. The ironic thing is that when I lived in Tucson, I couldnโ€™t wait to get out of there. Now, I canโ€™t wait to get back.

Hi, love your blog. Does the pilot have a younger, single brother? You know, just asking for a friend…

To many girlsโ€™ dismay, the pilot only has a sister. No bothers, no guy cousins, nadaโ€ฆ. I know, I know, it really is a waste of dang good genetics ๐Ÿ˜‰

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45 Comments

  1. Jessica @ The Process of Healing on February 15, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Love kombucha!!! It’s so expensive..but so worth it. And Whole Foods is like my favorite place on earth ๐Ÿ˜€

  2. Sara @ ActiveGal on February 15, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    I have never tried kombucha, it looks….interesting. I guess I can’t judge until I give it a go!

  3. Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle on February 15, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I never thought I would want to live in my hometown but the longer I’m away and the older I get, the more I would loooove to be close to my family. PS- That pet menu is crazzzy silly!

  4. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is on February 15, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    There is no place like home – I’ll second that! Now I just want to be back home, too, and I’m super close!

  5. Nicole @ Making Good Choices on February 15, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I love reading the answers to your questions! so fun. After taking a road trip to Providence (3 hours from me) I had to stop in Whole Foods there also, they have the biggest one I’ve ever been in there. love it!

  6. Ashley on February 15, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I love Kombucha! How expensive is it in Valdizzle? I paid $5.99 by accident for it the other day. The cranberry is soo good!

  7. Kristin on February 15, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    That smoothie looks YUM! I’m also very bummed that the Pilot doesn’t have a younger, single brother. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  8. Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN on February 15, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    LOL “a waste of dang good genetics”. You’re too cute! Isn’t it good to be home? ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg on February 15, 2010 at 7:52 pm

    I always drink/chew those strands– I figure that’s where all the good stuff is!!!

  10. Erin K on February 15, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    I’m the same way about Tucson. I went to The University of Arizona for undergrad (Bear Down!!) and couldn’t wait to leave. I’m from Seattle and after a few cross-country moves post-undergrad, I’m back in the Seattle area. I love Seattle, but I think I miss how carefree undergrad was as well as the warm weather. Every time I visit Tucson I want to stay (and I’ll be going back in a couple weeks!).

  11. Karyn on February 15, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    yummy looking smoothie and haha “waste of good genetics” i was hoping for a younger brother like whoever asked that question! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Lindsay on February 15, 2010 at 7:56 pm

    yummmmy KOMBUCHA!!! Citrus always refreshes me too. Glad you had a good day and welcome home.
    p.s.
    You all should move to austin!!!

  13. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on February 15, 2010 at 8:30 pm

    You keep reminding me that I need to stop at Whole Foods soon. Welcome home!

  14. Jessica (Fit and Clean) on February 15, 2010 at 8:30 pm

    Love Kombucha! Do not like the green one, though. YUCK! The bacteria kind of skeeves me out too, but I get through it ๐Ÿ˜‰ I moved far away from my hometown…and have never regretted it.

  15. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on February 15, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Kombucha totally freaks me out still. One of these days I’ll grow a pair and try it ๐Ÿ™‚

    You know where I’m vying for you to go next… fingers crossed!

  16. kirsten on February 15, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    yay, I love the questions and answers!!

  17. kt F on February 15, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    I’ve never had kombucha but not gonna lie, that bacteria freaks me out! I’m taking Microbiology right now and that looks almost exactly like the bottom of a test tube I was streaking the other day…

  18. Suzanne on February 15, 2010 at 9:33 pm

    I LOVE your shoes in the V-day post! I also would really like a glass of champagne now, so thanks for that ๐Ÿ™‚ Champagne is my favorite kind of booze. Have a nice night!

  19. Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) on February 15, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    Yes, definitely a waste of good genetics, you are one lucky chica!

    Never tried citrus Kombucha, but I love the ‘bucha! What is your favourite flavour?

  20. Laura on February 15, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    I love reading your blog; you give me tons of great food ideas! I do have a couple of questions. What is the difference between Whey Protein and and Rice Protein? I know you talked about it once before but I can’t find that post. I always use the Whey Protein powder but have noticed that a lot of bloggers use the Sun Warrior Protein Powder. Also, where do you buy your honey stingers gummies? I found them online but I want to try them out before I order a whole case. Thanks!

  21. Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) on February 15, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    My friend calls the chewies mushroom floaties. Totally grossed me out when I heard that, but I drank ’em down anyway. Cheers! ๐Ÿ™‚

    You’re so right about sweeteners Gina. I went cold turkey for a few months, and lean to love all my foods, even oats totally plain. Then I started using stevia again, and it just makes me crave everything sweet. Wish I didn’t use it so much, but it’s definitely better than some other options out there.

    Hope you enjoyed bonding with the Kardashians tonight!

  22. Marissa on February 15, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Kombacha is so good!

  23. Emilyeatsclean on February 15, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    Currently in grocery store envy!! I love Whole Foods and wish I had one nearby!!!

    -emily http://www.emilyeatsclean.wordpress.com

  24. kara on February 15, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    Whole Foods is one of those places that I can only go occasionally and it feels like a special treat/vacation. LOVE, love, love that place! too bad there’s none close to me…..

  25. Kendall (Whisk Her Away) on February 15, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Great question about the pilot having a brother. Bad answer. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I always thought you should shake up the little strands in the kombucha?! Good to know that you ignore them.

  26. Jessie (Vegan-minded) on February 15, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    Ewww, I hate when I get an extra “chewy” kombucha! When that happens, I try to swirl it around, then I close my eyes and drink up! The things we do for the sake of health. ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Megan @ Healthy Hoggin on February 15, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    I’m nervous about those chewy kombucha strands, too! No thank you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I quit sugar cold-turkey a couple months before my wedding, and I was amazed how naturally sweet things were, too! I practically went into sugar shock when I took a bite of my wedding cake!!

  28. Lily @ Lily's Health Pad on February 15, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    I’ve found that a gentle shake mixes up the floaters in the kombucha. Obviously gentle is the key. I always give it a shake before I unscrew the cap, and I haven’t had any sprayage yet.

  29. Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA on February 16, 2010 at 12:52 am

    LOOOOOOOVE Kombucha!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

    I made your sweet potato chili again for a dinner party this weekend and everyone LOVED it! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    http://www.biochemista.com/2010/02/roadtrip.html

  30. Heather @ get healthy with Heather on February 16, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Your salad they brought you looks divine! Hope you guys get your wish to tuscon… Nice n toasty ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. Romy on February 16, 2010 at 2:11 am

    The pet menu makes me smile ๐Ÿ˜€ I’ve never heard of a pet menu before! It’s a good idea though ๐Ÿ˜€
    I hope your wish comes true…go Tucson ๐Ÿ˜€

  32. Jenn @ Livewellfit on February 16, 2010 at 8:13 am

    Love Tuscon! It’s always funny how you can’t wait to get out of your home town but suddenly…you miss the fam and need them back in your life!

    Losing those last 5 pounds is intense. I’m embarking on that currently before our wedding. The only thing that has helped me the most is actually removing the pressure of doing it. Then it just makes eating better and working out harder more of a challenge- not a required thing to do. ๐Ÿ™‚

  33. Abby on February 16, 2010 at 9:14 am

    Hey! I live in Jax! That’s my WF! It’s so nice to see it on your blog! Where is that hotel that you stayed at? Maybe I can convince a certain someone that we need to go on vacation at home… ๐Ÿ™‚ Glad you had a nice time here, I’m sure Jacksonville was sorry to see you go.

    • Fitnessista on February 16, 2010 at 9:17 am

      hey girl,
      we stayed at one ocean http://www.oneoceanresort.com/
      i think you would LOVE it.
      we’ll be back soon, maybe i’ll have to do a blog meet-up there.. looks like there are a lot of jacksonville bloggies!

  34. Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle on February 16, 2010 at 9:42 am

    I just bought some cacoa nibs yesterday so I will be trying that smoothie very soon ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. Caitlin on February 16, 2010 at 10:06 am

    love the last question. don’t love the last answer. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I wish there was a Whole Foods near me. I always have to visit when I am in NYC bc their WF near Central Park is amazing!!

    • Fitnessista on February 16, 2010 at 10:16 am

      YES! it’s gigantic!
      i could live in the cheese room ๐Ÿ™‚

  36. K on February 16, 2010 at 10:12 am

    The puppy menu is way too cute! I’ve actually never seen a puppy menu before. Ordering room service is one of my favorite things about hotels. I once ordered toast at 11:30 at night one time – I had a craving!

  37. Heather (Heather's Dish) on February 16, 2010 at 11:09 am

    you’re hilarious! i hope you guys find a way to get to Tucson, that would be great! i’m glad you didn’t “chew” your kombucha…the girls at work do and it kinda grosses me out ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on February 16, 2010 at 11:09 am

      blahhhhh. i just threw up in my mouth a little when i read that, haha

  38. Ryan @ Greens for Good on February 16, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    I made Kristen’s Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake yesterday evening too! LOVED IT!

    • Fitnessista on February 16, 2010 at 12:11 pm

      isn’t is AMAZING? i can’t wait to make it again ๐Ÿ™‚

  39. Kristilyn (My 29th Year) on February 16, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    I love that animal menu! There are a few dog restaurants in the city where I live … we keep meaning to take our pups there for a special occasion, but with 3 of them, it’s definitely something to plan for!

    K

  40. Tee on February 16, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    you’re supposed to drink the stands, it’s called “the mother.” that’s where all the nutrients are. no clue why you’re under the impression that they’re “chewed.” give the bottle a little twirl when you get low and you don’t even notice that you drank them.

  41. All Women Stalker on February 17, 2010 at 9:07 am

    The pet menu is just precious! And the cherry chocolate bomb shake is just delish!

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