A Foodie and Nutritionist walk into a...Restaurant.

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Last week I had the pleasure of dining with Nutritionist and Healthy Living Concierge, Ashley Pettit. I've respected her talent and career for a long time, and even though our lines of work are quite different...we knew there had to be some way we could synergize.  We decided to have a collabo lunch at both of our favorite spot, Beatrix.  Beatrix has amazing foodie finds, and all of their food is health oriented, fresh, organic, and delicious.  Win-Win!!  Read below for Ashley's insider take on our awesome meal together!

"Lunch dates…they are a pretty common thing, especially during the work-week when you may want to catch up with a girlfriend or colleague. However, so many of my clients always tell me that when they are trying to be healthy, they don’t eat out and abstain from hanging out with friends so they can keep on track.

Get this: there is absolutely NO reason to become anti-social when you are adopting healthy eating habits. If I can do it with my friend + ridiculously awesome food, music, + travel blogger; Ms. Kelly Rizzo (aka: Eat, Travel, Rock,) then you can eat out with just about whomever, wherever you want!

I love being able to dine with all sorts of people, anytime I want. It just takes some simple consideration and a determination to eat right while being a social butterfly! I managed to maintain my composure when Kelly ordered something that came with my biggest weakness: French fries (see below- doesn’t that fry look amazing?) And sometimes I have some fries, but this lunch was not my time to indulge. Yet, in the end, I did not miss them! Here is a glimpse into our meal + the main APL tips to eating out socially."  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Get Up, Stand Up!

Alright fellow Chicagoans, the polar vortex has subsided... at least for now (hopefully).  We all know Chicago has a great patio scene and that drinking ice cold beer in the summer sun is our favorite pastime.  But what if you want to REALLY enjoy the weather, our gorgeous city, AND the lakefront, but still be healthy?  I've got the answer, folks.  I have been paddleboarding for the last 3 years and I swear it changed the way I look at fitness.  Granted, we cannot do this all year round in Chicago, but while we can, I definitely take FULL advantage.  It's a very useful skill to have, as it's become a popular sport the world over.  (One of my best friends was paddleboarding in Cinque Terre, Italy last week).  Not only is it fun, relaxing, and an amazing workout (core, arms, legs) but you can get a great tan while doing it! 

I go, as often as I can, to Chicago SUP at North Ave Beach.  They rent the boards for $30/hr, or you can buy a package that can save you some dough.  They also offer private lessons (which I don't feel are very necessary, the 2 min tutorial should be enough).  What's even more fun is they offer SUP YO! Classes...(stand up paddleboarding yoga).  Click here for class schedule.  Can you think of any better way to do yoga?  With the backdrop of the most gorgeous city right behind you... and if you get too hot... ya just jump in the water!! 

Lately, after I finish my paddle session, I head into the ground floor of Castaways.  Now usually, when you think of beach food, you think of hot dogs and burgers and snow cones...so basically shit.  Now you can complete your healthy day because the little stand in there makes green smoothies.  My favorite is the Kale Ginger- made with Kale, Banana, Orange, Fresh Ginger, and Coconut Water.  It's the perfect healthy hydration after your work out.  

Go check it out!  Trust me, you'll love it.  Do NOT be scared to fall in, I guarantee you'll welcome  a quick dip.  It's the most tropical thing you could possibly do in our fair city, so take advantage of it while you can... then go do it around the world!