Restaurant Addict: Tilt

There's a new casual eatery in Portland's Pearl District called Tilt.  It's very Portland, with loud music and shop towels for napkins.  They serve sandwiches, burgers and breakfast all day.  My husband had been there for lunch several times, and already has a favorite.  He gets the Classic Italian which I tasted and it was really good.  I got the burger and it was good, but I ordered it well done and it was more medium.  I can't tell if they don't care how I want it, or if it just didn't work out this one time.  They have a full bar, and they had several choices of wine and I will definitely go back, but I might get the Italian sandwich. 

Restaurant Addicts Diet: Snowed In

I was getting ready for a snow storm to hit on Saturday, then it came Thursday.  The upside is the worst day of the week at work got canceled, and I was able to get a few things prepared.  I stopped at Safeway on my way home and got pizza which I quickly ate way too much of.  Today I am hoping to get it under control with a normal day and the frozen chicken cordon blues I picked up last week.  I was supposed to get to go to a new restaurant tonight, but it looks like that will have to wait.  Oh well, a snow day and the Olympics will fill in nicely. 

Restaurant Addicts Diet: Low Will Power

I had the best intentions of making chili last night!  Then I got a "lets have Panda Express" text from my husband and I just couldn't resist the easy solution to my dinner making issue.  Not only is it tasty, but it's cheap and I don't feel that guilty eating it.  That said, I am definitely making chili tonight.  Since planning ahead has helped me in the past I am already making plans to stay in this weekend.  The Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics is Friday and the weather is calling for snow so it seems like the perfect opportunity to stay warm and eat in.  I'm thinking a pizza bar with take and bake pizza from the store and toppings to add.  Then Saturday I'd like to make tacos and try the lower carb tortillas.  I think it would be a good idea to add one more dinner and at least one lunch option.  My go to weekend lunch is grilled cheese and tomato soup.  The only issue there is excessive bread that I love so much.  That will give me something to think about the rest of the week. 

Restaurant Addict: Cafe Nell

Since we have been eating out slightly less often my goal is to try new places.  We decided to start our Super Bowl Sunday with brunch at Cafe Nell.  I have been wanting to try this place since last summer, and it was worth the wait.  I started off with a Manmosa, which was just the right mix of juice.  I take every opportunity I can to get a great Benedict.  You have to be so careful not to order one anywhere that might use a premade sauce.  It was delicious!  The sauce and the biscuit were homemade and just right, and it wasn't too salty.  My husband had the Huevos Rancheros with the sausage sauce on the side and he loved it too.  I can't wait to go back and try dinner. 

Restaurant Addicts Diet: Back On The Wagon

My second week back at work was a very busy one.  I did pretty well, but after Super Bowl weekend it's time to get real about my goals.  We have been invited to Hawaii for Christmas next year, and we want to stay for 2 weeks.  Not only do I want to look fantastic in my bikini, but I also know how expensive it's going to be.  With the Olympics to enjoy while hanging out at home it seems like a great time to do my best.  The premade chicken cordon blues I bought were great and could not have been easier.  Tonight I'm going to make a pot of chili, then tomorrow we can have chili dogs without the bun.  I could really use a carb reduction in my life not to mention wine.  One nice thing about work is I'm almost guaranteed to get my 10,000 steps in.  Here's to a successful FABuary! 

Restaurant Addicts Diet: First Day Back At Work

I had a great day back to work from the holidays!  I was a little anxious, after all, worrying is my hobby.  I have TV plans with my friend, so it's Whole Foods hot bar night which is always a welcome break from cooking.  I did stop at the store on the way home to get pre-made chicken cordon blue for tomorrow so I wouldn't have any excuses to order takeout.  Having something easy to make is the important key for not blowing it off.  The trick is not to plan things that you are sure to make because they are high calorie comfort foods.  I'm always up for mac n cheese or mac and anything for that matter!  I love starch and cheese!  Stay strong!

Restaurant Addicts Diet: Post Holiday Report

It has been a fantastic holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Years I have enjoyed myself immensely.  I had a terrible cold, but I didn't get sick until New Years day.  It set me back a little on my exercise.  I did manage to eat at most of the steak houses in Portland, but I also showed some restraint and cooked at home.  I return to work tomorrow and I am looking forward to getting into a routine.  I got a Fitbit Flex band for Christmas and I love it!  I have the app on my phone and I tied in Myfitnesspal and the Withings scale app as well.  I love having my steps counted into my overall daily exercise count.  Last night I cooked jambalaya and tonight I'm making meatballs.  I'm hoping to start a habit of cooking in.  I looked over Mint and I really think I have reduced my overall spending on food and beverage.  I really would like to achieve my goal of losing weight and saving money in 2014.