Motivation and inspiration across fitness, food, wellness and mental health
When I lived in NYC, my favorite lunch was building my own salad from Just Salad! I even, for a time, had my own reusable Just Salad bowl (I’ve always loved their focus on sustainability). I was excited to be the first customer at Just …
This was my second visit to The Stand (they are 100% vegan). I was excited to try their jackfruit grilled cheese (which is buffalo-marinated jackfruit, mozzarella, grilled nine-grain bread, served with blue cheese and celery). I had it prepared gluten-free. Worth noting, this is a …
I have a weakness for ice cream. I don’t discriminate, though I gravitate toward chocolate and peanut butter-based flavors. Give me a solid chocolate and peanut butter combination I am hooked. My absolute favorite chain store ice cream is peanut butter cup perfection from Cold Stone Creamery, using their massive cone as a spoon (because, why not?). This is so rich and creamy with the streams of peanut butter through it – it lives up to its name! There is nothing healthy about this, but on occasion, it’s important to indulge and treat ourselves. I find moderation works long-term over trying to eliminate things like these.
Visit coldstonecreamery.com for locations and the full menu.
This local cafe has something for everyone– including a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free options. My favorite breakfast options are their Vegan BLT (House-made tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cashew mayo on a multigrain roll), the Scrambled Tofu Wrap (Seasoned scrambled tofu, house-made hummus, …
This is a fun little whole-in-the-wall vegan food done right with an amazing unique flavor experience! Matthew has been cooking up his original vegan recipes here for a loyal following for the last 18 years in Bridgeport, CT. There are 15 (or 16?) staple offerings. …
With work, the kiddos, and other things going on – it’s very easy to say: “I don’t have time to work out today.” I know when a workout is part of my day, I feel so much better and it leads me to stack up more good decisions. This past week, I had a bunch of appointments once more and was disappointed I wouldn’t be able to get a workout in – or could I? I was able to find 20 minutes and took a nice walk around my dentist’s parking lot. It wasn’t the greatest or most intense workout I’ve had, but that’s OK – I got what I needed and felt good about it. Being adaptable isn’t always easy, but sometimes you need to make your workouts work for you in the moment.
I’ve been wanting to try insomnia cookies for a while now and finally got my chance when I stumbled upon one of their locations in New Haven, CT. I went for the 6-pack sampler, so I could get a good sense of all their flavors. …
This chain has been as close (to me) as New York City for a while and hadn’t had a chance to check them out. I was happy to come across a location in New Haven, CT. I went for the potato mozzarella (they call it …
While not an ‘official’ designation, they claim to be the largest vegan bakery in Connecticut. No question, if not, they are close. They have an impressive and diverse selection of vegan options from cakes (carrot, chocolate, apple cinnamon, vanilla, maple raspberry, carnival, and strawberry coconut), pies (apple crumb, blueberry crumb, pumpkin, and cranberry), cookies (tahini chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, maple chocolate chip, raspberry chocolate chip, linzer, oatmeal chocolate chip, and chocolate chunk), bars (pecan pie, berry-along, brownie, and blondie), and cupcakes (chocolate peanut butter, pistachio, carrot, apple pie, pumpkin, black forest, rocky edge), along with various baked scones, muffins, and baked goods. Many of the vegan options are gluten-free as well.
On this trip, I only got to try the peanut butter cookie -which was generously portioned, rich, and soft. Everything I want and need in a cookie. My family seemed satisfied with their cupcakes and other treats.
I’m excited to come back and try more, including their famous veggie burger!
Visit eotwm.com for their menu and hours. Follow them on Instagram @edgeofthewoods.
This delicious breakfast sandwich is loaded with plant-based sausage, plant-based egg, and plant-based cheddar on local Fairfield Bread Company organic sourdough. It’s the perfect centerpiece of a vegan breakfast, it’s incredibly hearty and filling. Visit theoldmillmarket.com for the menu and hours. Follow them on Instagram …