Go Mad with Mercury

Mercury is NOT a good thing.

Mercury can actually be incredibly DANGEROUS and should be avoided as much as humanly possible.

See why mercury can be detrimental to your health... And check out how you can avoid it as much as possible:

http://www.bodypure.com/Mad-Mercury-a/336.htm

Well That's Fishy!

October is associated mostly with... Halloween, truck loads of candy, thoughts about the impending holidays and... Fish?

THAT'S RIGHT!

Go on and check out the latest at GiGi Eats Celebrities! 

Tempura Celebrity Roll « GiGi Eats Celebrities

What's your favorite roll?!?!

Tempura Celebrity Roll « GiGi Eats Celebrities

Heart the right fish

What is your favorite type of fish?

Heart the right fish - Boulder Nutrition | Examiner.com

Not such a hungry hippo anymore

You may have loved the game when you were a kid, but you probably HATE IT NOW!

Not such a hungry hippo anymore

Consumption consequences

Yikes! A little too much nutmeg on your eggnog could result in serious consequences!

Consumption consequences

Shelve those superfoods

Shelve those superfoods

Caveman cuisine ranks supreme

LOVE THIS FINDING considering this is how I eat pretty much! YAY!

Caveman cuisine ranks supreme - Boulder Nutrition | Examiner.com

Swimming through sustainability

FISHY!! FISHY!! Jump on board!


Swimming through sustainability

Whole Foods Albacore Tuna Review

So as I said, I just got back to Boulder, Colorado this past Saturday and of course the FIRST THING I did was... visit my second home, AKA: Whole Foods.


Whole Foods + Me = The love affair of the century, FOR SURE!


Every single person in the store (there are actually 4 of them in the Boulder area, so I am talking about the one located on Pearl Street... along with a Sprouts Market & a Sunflower Market) knows me by my first name or simply: FISH GIRL... Because you guessed it, I am obsessed with their fish; which brings me to today's POST!


After gathering my typical "goods" (Salmon Belly, Hamachi Collars, Eel Fillets and yes, some King Salmon because it looked, THAT GOOD) I ventured over to the frozen seafood section and to my surprise and HAPPINESS there were HUGE frozen loins of sushi grade Albacore Tuna.




I couldn't resist... and at $12.99 a pound, it was a steal.




I sliced is sashimi style that night and wrapped it in nori sheets... dipping it in soy sauce (reduced sodium, wheat free if you MUST know) with every bite.





Pure deliciousness.


The taste was buttery, melt in your mouth good and when I finished my serving I was almost depressed because I wanted more! ha ha.


Well... my depression didn't last long because... I have already bought a second fillet.


So is this going to be a new staple in my diet? YOU BET IT IS!


Oh and another WONDERFUL part about this tuna... IT'S SUSTAINABLE! SICK BUSINESS© (that's one of my phrases...), another fish I am obsessed with is actually sustainable! Go me! No ounce of guilt here about eating over fished or mercury laden tuna! Wooo!!


Now while I ate this succulent piece of fish raw, you can always sear it... Personally I think sesame seared tuna is magnificent... but each to their own!




So if you do happen to stumble upon this tuna, don't hesitate, and pick up a package today! And if you think $12.99 is too expensive, well, splurge a bit and only have a tiny bit at your meal (serving it with some less expensive fish) so you can at least get the taste sensation!


I must mention though... I have officially promised myself that I cannot VENTURE INTO WHOLE FOODS FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER WEEK! OFF LIMITS, NO! ha ha!

(Well now that's a bit extreme... I will only "TRY" to boycott for a week! ha ha)

Restaurant Review: Ai Sushi

Restaurant: Ai Sushi (the full menu is not listed on the website)
Cuisine: Japanese/Asian
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Pricey?: ** of out *****


Review: There is nothing I like more than to sink my teeth into a meaty and delicious hunk of tuna neck and this is exactly the reason why I ADORE Ai Sushi! The restaurant has all the sushi you can imagine plus exotic dishes such as this tuna neck that I love, also known as Hamachi Kama.





Last night my parents came to Boulder for dinner and my mom said "how about we go to your sushi place"... so of course I couldn't say no to that, after all it's "my" sushi place! Walk ins are welcome and space is always available, no waiting EVER!




The ambiance of the restaurant is spacious and boasts 10 hibachi grills along with a separate dining room so the loud noises from the hibachi grillers do not distract those who want to have a peaceful conversation with their dinner mates. As my parents and I headed into the dining room, we walked by a chalk board that had specials listed, and one of them was a special of SASHIMI for 2 @ $35 for 35 pieces - WHAT A STEAL!!!




So what did we order? TWO Sashimi Platters... so 70 pieces of sashimi! Plus TWO hamachi kamas (one for me, and one for my dad!)


We all received complementary miso soups & salads and the Hamachi Kamas came out first, VERY quickly.... and then... OUR SASHIMI platters! (The server knows me so he added eel sashimi onto the platters - lets just say he got a MIGHTY FINE TIP!) The fish ranged from multiple types of Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, Crab, Tilipia, Shrimp, Egg & Eel! (I am sure I am forgetting something but there was just so much deliciousness I was so distracted by my ridiculously HAPPY taste buds!)


Everything was absolutely delicious... and when I was mid way through devouring my hamachi kama and realized it wasn't cooked all the way, I told my server and he simply took it back to the grill so they could finish off what was left and he did not charge us for it!



Don't think that sashimi and Habachi is the only thing Ai Sushi serves though, they have "millions" of rolls to choose from ranging from: the 007 Roll to the Heart Attack Roll to the Playboy Roll.... If you want to know what's in these interestingly titles rolls... check out the menu!


So how much was our bill! This is the BEST PART!!!!! For three people (yep, that's right, we finished ALL of that food... let's just say I would MOST DEFINITELY win ANY Japanese Food Eating Contest...) our bill came out to be: $115 (before tip that is)... and that includes the 2 beers my father ordered as well...




Well maybe I am a tad bit bias considering I have been going to this restaurant for three and a half years now... BUT every single time I have gone (which is a heck of a lot) it NEVER disappoints! The best part is pretty much all the waitstaff know me by first name and... when they see me outside about to enter the restaurant, they already get my order started! (ha ha, not seriously, but they definitely could... this also means I am a HUGE creature of habit)... But you know what, when I know something is out of this world delicious, why would I try something different that I am unsure of?!?!




My Rating: 9.99999 out of 10 (not a straight ten because my hamachi kama wasn't cooked all the way through this go round, but typically it ALWAYS it! Oh and they don't have ESCOLAR which is one of my favorite types of sashimi... but eh, you can't win em all right?)

(My favorite fish looks ANGRY, no?)

Slim Out without Slimming Out

Healthy Inexpensive Foods... Have you been saving your Gs?!


1. Frozen Vegetables (10 to 30 cents per ounce) & Frozen Fruit (10 to 50 cents per ounce)
2. Fresh Bagged Spinach (66 cents for 4 cups)
3. Canned Vegetables (28 cents per serving)
4. Canned Tuna (20 cents per ounce) & Salmon (23 cents per ounce)
5. Eggs (12 cents each)
6. Nulaidreddi Eggs (25 cents per serving)
7. Old Fashion Oats (6 cents per ounce)
8. Frozen Whiting Fillet (28 cents per ounce) & Catfish (25 cents per ounce)
9. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Generic @ 29 cents per ounce)
10. Butterball Frozen Boneless Turkey (23 cents per ounce)
11. Whole Fryer Chicken (Generic @ 99 cents per pound)


What other inexpensive yet healthy foods have you been able to find! I know I am missing a whole bunch - but with this semester over just around the corner, I can hardly concentrate!! ha ha.


**Prices vary from store to store but are generally around this much... these prices are for Albertsons Supermarkets**

Food Review + Coupon!

Just ate some lunch... after an intense cardio and weight training session... wanna know what I ate? OF COURSE YOU DO!! ha ha.

It's by far the best combo of food ever - and ALL PROTEIN: that's right, need to build up my muscles after pumping that iron!


My Combination: Yellowfin Tuna jarred in Olive Oil + 2 Whole Omega-3 Enriched Eggs!

(mmmm, over easy!)

BOO YA - Definitely HEAVEN in my mouth... and in my stomach right now!


So you might be wondering, "where's the food review"... well I am here to review:

TONNINO TUNA

According to their web site: this yellowfin tuna is carefully selected and hand picked in glass jars to create a product of exceptional appearance, taste and texture!

AND I COULDN'T AGREE MORE!

Boasting 6 different varieties of tuna... this stuff doesn't disappoint ONE BIT!!






Popping open the jar, you see these tube shaped tuna fillets of deliciousness covered in olive oil waiting to be eaten... and depending on what flavor you buy... the armoas of oregano, garlic or hot peppers aren't far behind after twisting the lid!


And while some of you may just think that this stuff tastes like canned tuna in olive oil, you're wrong! I don't know if it's the jar, or the type of tuna, but the taste is just magical, definitely not what you would find in a can!


Oh and certainly DON'T miss out on the Ventresca, which is the fattiest most delicious part of the yellowfin tuna as it is it's belly! And as the website calls it: "the creme de la creme"...


Are you worried about the mercury that might be lurking within these succulent fillets?? I mean we have ALL heard that tuna is pretty high up on the list when it comes to being contaminated with mercury... right?


Well listen to this: Tonnino tuna fillets are manufactured from small, juvenile Yellowfin tuna, which are low in mercury...

It has been proven that Yellowfin, or light tuna, have mercury levels that are three times lower than canned Albacore tuna (also called white tuna), according to a Department of Health study . (http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2004_news/04-012.htm).

Straight from the web sites mouth... and into mine! ha ha!


Oh and now that you don't have to feel like your poisoning yourself when you eat this stuff... you can simply sit back and enjoy the numerous benefits it has to offer from high quality protein to an amazing amount of omega-3 fatty acids!


So how would I grade this stuff?? Well I think you can already tell... I give it an A!


Not an A + though because it's a bit hard to find... but if you have a Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage or a store similar... you will more than likely find these products tucked away in one of the aisles!


PS: Just to give you even MORE motivation: here is a $1 off coupon! But hurry it expires at the end of next month!!!


***Do you remember this post awhile ago... about my FAVORITE salad ever: well, eggs & tuna come together in that bad boy too so if you're looking for a more rounded meal: try it out!!

Is There Such A Thing As Healthy BBQ?

Who doesn't have a memory filled with BBQs, family, friends, sunshine and outdoor activities? Oh the memories of helping dad at the grill flip the burgers and dogs while mom prepares the condiments. Of course it could have been the other way around or who knows, maybe you were the one cooking, well whatever your memories may be, I am pretty sure every one's included things such as hamburgers, cheese burgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn, potato salad, etc... This is where BBQing gets a bad wrap because all the foods listed are known for their extreme calorie and saturated fat content!


Foods such as...

• Hot Dogs (Pork or Grain-Fed Beef)
• Grain Fed Hamburgers
• Ribs
• White Buns (PLEASE USE WHOLE GRAIN BUNS!!)
  
• Ketchup (full of sugar)
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Corn rubbed with Butter
• BBQ Sauce
• Chicken Wings

... should either be eliminated completely or eaten sparingly...


Luckily though, healthy BBQ isn't an oxymoron; it certainly can be done! Here is a list of wonderful foods on the grill, that are healthy and won't do damage to your waistline/figure:

• Grass-fed Beef, Bison, Elk, Ostrich, Venison, Lamb & Goat
• Salmon Fillets
• Halibut Steaks
• Swordfish
• Tuna
• Kabobs of Scallops & Shrimp
• Eggplant
• Onions
• Zucchini & Summer Squash
  
• Chicken & Turkey (Breast or Ground White Meat)
  
• Sea Bass
  
• Grass-fed Bison or Beef Brats/Hot Dogs
  
• Bell Peppers
• Portobello Mushrooms

Some wonderful marinades (chimmichuri sauce being one) can be made for all of the above listed along with crazy combinations of different yet healthy foods... anyone ever try a turkey burger stuffed with olives, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes & hot sauce? What about a beef burger with artichoke hearts, olives, capers, garlic & minced onions?


In order to retain the FLAVOR (that you might think is LOST from not eating the fatty cuts of meat typically seen at a BBQ) you simply have to be creative! (Oh and I am sure I will post some intense combinations sooner or later...) Just to suppress your intense desire for my creations... here is a list of wonderful herbs, spices, seasonings, and other condiments to use on your new and improved BBQ foods:

• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Sage
• Chili Powder
• Mustard Powder
• Curry Powder
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Rosemary
  
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Olive Oil
• Tomato Paste
• Olive Tapenade
• Sun-Dried Tomato
• Olives & Capers
• Pickles (no sugar added)
  
• Sauerkraut
• Mustard (no sugar added)
• Citrus Juices

And yes, you knew this part was coming... condiments to avoid:

• BBQ Sauce
• Jarred Relish
• Bread & Butter Pickles
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
  
• Honey Mustard
• Cheese

I'm sorry if this ruined BBQing for you because it really shouldn't... You just have to give the "It Is What It Is" Approved Food List a chance! I promise you will be impressed with the results and your stomach will also be thanking you and asking for more at your next family gathering! So why not break out the grass-fed beef and the halibut steaks and get grilling!!







*Things to remember: marinating all meat before cooking helps reduce the formation of chemicals that are formed when foods are cooked at high heat. Also remember to clean your grill before and after use! Pot Holders may be useful and also consider having a fire extinguisher near by if your new to the whole grilling thing!
*I don't know if you caught on... but the foods in green = GO FOR IT... while the foods in red = STOP! Ha Ha!
*Sorry Jack Daniels... but you are full of sugar!

Crazy Stir Fry Combinations!!!

Vegetables... Meat... Seasoning... All these ingredients (PLUS MORE) can be found in stir-fry recipes which is why I adore them so much! (And why places such as Mongolian BBQ always get my service - ha ha). I won't lie to you though, I eat a limited diet so my combinations may not be as "crazy" as others who do not restrict foods (allergy issues - long story)... but I find my combos still pretty "top-notch" and delicious which is why I thought I could share a few combos with all of you!

1. Diced Chicken Breast or Turkey Breast, Chili Powder, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Bell Pepper Strips, Cilantro, Sliced Onions & Olives

2. Diced Chicken or Turkey Breast, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, Green Beans, Sliced Onions, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper (Can be made with WHITE FISH of any type as well) 

3. Diced Chicken or Turkey Breast, Water Chestnuts, Diced Tomatoes (or Sun-Dried), Broccoli, Olive Oil, Basil, Garlic, Pepper & Salt

4. Salmon, Diced Cabbage, Straw Mushrooms, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Olive Oil, Red Pepper Flakes (a tiny bit), Onion Powder, Garlic, Salt & Pepper

5. Ground Elk, Diced Zucchini & Summer Squash, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Chopped Button Mushrooms, Garlic, Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper

6. Squid, Tomatoes, Red Wine, Olive Oil, Olives & Sliced Onions

7. Octopus, Paprika, Diced Olives, Red Wine, Olive Oil, Thyme, Basil, Lemon Juice, Salt & Pepper

8. Ground Bison, Diced Eggplant, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Oregano, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Garlic, Fennel Seeds, Salt & Pepper

9. Salmon, Fennel, Lemon, Celery, Green Bell Peppers, White Wine, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper

10. Clams, White Wine, Clam Juice, Chopped Parsley, Diced Shallots, Garlic, Minced Anchovies, Olive Oil, Thyme, Salt & Pepper  

11. Ground Ostrich, Spaghetti Squash, Canned Tomato Sauce, Diced Onion, Green Bell Peppers, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Oregano & Basil  

12. Ground Grass-fed Beef, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Capers, Diced Zucchini, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Rosemary & Garlic 

13. Tuna, Green Beans, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Hard Boiled Eggs, Olive Oil, Garlic, Artichokes, Salt & Pepper

14. Sea Scallops, Diced Leeks, Olive Oil, Garlic, Clam/Seafood Broth, Shallots & Diced Cabbage

15. Ground Turkey Breast, Diced Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Dill, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Sage, Thyme, Salt & Pepper

16. Hard Boiled Eggs, Shallots, Asparagus, Olive Oil, Olives, Salt & Pepper 

17. Ground Grass Fed Lamb or Goat, Spinach, Olive Oil, Garlic, Ginger Root, Curry Powder, Tumeric or Curry Powder, Salt, Pepper & Cardamon 

**So for the moment that's all I could come up with off the top of my head... but if I come up with more crazy, yet healthy concoctions I will certainly keep you POSTED - PUN INTENDED! 

OH and if you have any you would love to share... please feel free to leave a comment with your ideas! 

(Pictures on post were not taken by me, FYI)

HAMACHI KAMA Review

(Sashimi Platter)

DROOLING YET?

Oh how I adore Japanese Food! I eat it weekly and could certainly eat it daily if my wallet and bank account permitted me! But no no. I must restrain myself... Weekly is enough! Whenever I go, I order so much it's crazy, and I am known for eating such large quantities. I don't order rolls because I don't eat rice, but I do order the exotic menu items like eel sashimi, escolar sashimi, uni, etc...

(Eel Sashimi)

One menu item that I order every single time I go out to sushi (and buy at Whole Foods too when they have it) is Hamachi Kama!

(Oh the most delicious food: hamachi kama)

What is Hamachi Kama exactly? Well it's the neck of Hamachi or Young Yellow tail Tuna. It is the most fatty and delicious part of the fish. When prepared it's grill to perfection and served piping hot with soy sauce & some shaved cabbage and or diakon (depending on restaurants). They range in size from small to large and boast roughly 4 to 6 ounces of meat!! For once ounce of yellow tail tuna... you get 31 CALORIES!!!! 31! That's NOTHING! Which is why I... uh... order 2 or 3 of them depending on how hungry I am and what other things are on the menu! Wait, why did I sound embarrassed... I CERTAINLY AM NOT!! The smooth and buttery taste is sensational and the omega-3 fatty acids are abundant! Oh and get this... all that hype about Vitamin D being absolutely amazing for your health... well hamachi Kama (and hamachi in general along with other fatty fish) have LOADS OF IT packed RIGHT IN!

(Hamachi Sashimi)

SO.... what are you going to do the next time you go out to sushi? That's right, order hamachi Kama... and if they don't have it on the menu ask their server if the sushi chef has any whole hamachi in the back that he can cut and grill! The chef will be impressed with your fish knowledge and your taste buds will be impressed with how delicious this piece of fish really is!! ENJOY!

(yummy yummy - a food you don't have to be afraid to eat with your HANDS!)

*Salmon Collars are also avaliable but not nearly as scrumptious! (oh but still very yummy!)

*Next up in the sushi review: Escolar

(Escolar Sashimi)

My Favorite Salad... Any Season!

So I have a 100% French background and have grown up feasting on delicious French food... I have many favorites but my TOP favorite in terms of salads is definitely the Nicoise! Such an amazing combination of flavors & textures with so many health benefits, there are too many to count... I have decided I would like to share this amazing recipes with all of you because I want everyone else to savor such a delicious FEAST of a salad!

SALAD NICOISE

- Canned or Fresh Seared Ahi Tuna or Salmon

- Anchovies

- Hard Boiled Eggs

- Mixed Greens

- Green Beans

- Kalamata Olives

- Capers

- Artichoke Hearts

- Red Onion Slices

- Cherry &/or Plum Tomatoes

- Bell Peppers

Dressing Ingredients:

- White wine vinegar

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- Salt & Pepper

- Grated Lemon Zest

- Fresh Minced Thyme

So there you have it... a delicious and nutritious lunch/dinner recipe that I just absolutely adore... as my French Father ALWAYS says before we eat: "BON APPETITE!"