Eating on the Run
By Karen Paulk
Happy New Year! 2020 is here, and I know many of us want to make healthier eating decisions. I usually do not get caught up making drastic changes early in the year, as I know by March or even Valentine’s Day that I’ve blown it. I just try to watch the sugar (my main problem), eat in moderation (I try to follow the Mediterranean diet), and drink within moderation. I try to get 1 to 2 days cardio into my schedule … and even that is hard. It always seems that I am eating on the run.
I’ve read the most radical thing we can do to improve our health is cooking real food at home. Now that sounds simple but having the time to make it is a luxury. Most people I know work, and I know when I get home that I do not want to think about cooking—but there is a solution: there are companies that can make your life easier by delivering groceries to your home that will make a good square meal. I have also read these programs are often less expensive in the long run because it cuts down on cost. If you were to do the shopping, you might buy more than you need and end up throwing some (or a lot) of money away.
The downside of someone shopping for you is that you are giving up some of the control and knowledge of exactly what you are putting into your body. However, back to the first problem—having the time and energy to cook a healthy dinner after a long day at work. Most of us own a slow cooker and or an “Insta Pot.” Those items will help with the time and convenience of meal planning, but still, you can’t make all your meals with them without your family getting bored quickly. One or two nights a week, though, will get you a wonderful stew, soup and/or casserole. How do you use the rest of the evenings? The answer: have the correct staples in your refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
The ubiquitous rotisserie chicken can save you time for: tacos, enchiladas, soups, pizza, and more.
Next, have a good supply of frozen vegetables. I feel frozen is better than canned because of the sodium. Frozen vegetables are picked at their peak, which means they have more nutrients than even fresh that may have sat out too long.
Third, get canned beans. My favorite is the black bean because they add fiber and protein to any meal. I enjoy a fresh pot of beans, but time is the challenge. You can add beans to soups, stews and salads or purée into dips or sauté with veggies. One of my favorites is black beans that is loaded with garlic and served over rice with a side of sautéed vegetables.
Fourth, eat eggs. To me, they are the perfect food. Yes, they have cholesterol, but it is not for every night. Eggs by themselves are a great protein for dinner, and you can use them for quiches sandwiches, soups, pasta dishes, and more!
The fifth may be a surprise: the avocado. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA’s) in this gem helps burn stubborn belly fat (the fat that burns fat!), boosts memory to prevent mental decline, and helps to regulate blood sugar, which reduces the risk of diabetes. Avocados are also loaded with lutein, an antioxidant that promotes eye health and helps stave off macular degeneration. Some ideas for these treats are: guacamole (everyone’s favorite), they replace cream or butter in your pasta sauces; stuff them with tuna or a seafood salad for a nice lunch or lite dinner, or make avocado toast. My favorite is to slice them on a warm tortilla with a pinch of salt for an avocado burrito. Sounds weird, I know, but I love it.
Eating on the run may be the curse of the modern life’s schedule, yet let’s all try to be better by eating our own cooking.
Enjoy!
Sac’s Tasty Hot Dogs
Since 1976, this small family-run establishment has made a name for itself by serving some of the tastiest hot dogs around. Many would call this just a little hot dog stand but judging by the frequent lines extruding from the front door and down the street, many more would liken it to a prominent Vallejo landmark that generations of residents continue to enjoy today. Once you have one, you are hooked; and when former residents come back to the area, Sac’s Tasty Hot Dogs is always top on the list of places to go to before they leave town. This “little hot dog stand” is truly a treat with a devoted band of hungry followers. Stop on in to learn what all the fuss is about.
2445 Springs Rd., Vallejo, CA, 94591
(707) 642-2442
facebook.com/sacstastyhotdogs
Sports Basement
Originally a single shop in a San Francisco warehouse open two days a week, Sports Basement has grown into 10 fully stocked locations throughout the Bay Area. “We’ve grown up quite a bit since 1998,” said Marketing Manager Mariel Thompson. They’ve added a rentals program, in-house ski and bike shops, and numerous events to look forward to throughout the year such as YogaFest (March 7th), GravelFest (April 25th), SnowFest (November 14th), and more.
“Sports Basement is not just a sporting goods store,” Mariel explained. “We are active in the community, we host and fundraise for local leagues and clubs, our staff is extremely knowledgeable—at the end of the day, we know that your gear is more than just stuff, and we’re more than just a store.”
A great example of that is their Walnut Creek location that provides a Ski Bus headed to Squaw Valley/Alpine every Saturday morning. “Breakfast, snacks and beer are included!” Mariel exclaimed. “And special lift ticket rates are available to Ski Bus participants.”
We asked if she had any words for those who voted for Sports Basement and Mariel was quick to answer: “Through it all, Sports Basement has thrived because of YOU—the Bay Area communities that support us,” she stated. “We strive to help those communities shine a little brighter, be a little greener, and make our shared outdoor spaces more fun and accessible for everyone.”
1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
(925) 941-6100
shop.sportsbasement.com/pages/store-walnut-creek
All of our winners have been selected by you, our dedicated readers. You have helped not only to vote for them, but you nominated them as well. Cheers to you, and thank you for voting! If your favorite did not win, stop into these local businesses to discover why they did.
Animal / Pet Activity Winners
Business Services Winners
Children’s Activities Winners
Vintage Sweet Shoppe
Vintage Sweet Shoppe has been in the Napa Valley for over 40 years and has created a cozy, old-fashioned handmade chocolate store with a wine tasting bar––what could be better!
Since they also grow grapes in the Napa Valley, they create pairings with their chocolates and wines. The Vintage Sweet Shoppe has been featured on the Food Network, the Travel Channel, and in many publications over the years; their customers have included many of the top wineries in the region as well as celebrities. Be sure to put this on your itinerary when visiting the Napa Valley to enjoy a unique take on wine tasting and try their amazing chocolates.
This “Sweet” shoppe loves to make their customers happy, so please give them a call so they can help with making event chocolates. Vintage Sweet Shoppe also does wholesale and custom work!
Remember, if you can’t visit in person, you can still enjoy their products which are available by visiting their website.
530 Main St., Napa, CA, 94559
(707) 224-2986
vintagesweetshoppe.com
Romancing the Home
For almost two decades Romancing the Home, a locally owned home interior, garden, and specialty gift shop in downtown Benicia has welcomed and delighted patrons. The owners, Rob & Deb Machado, take pride in offering quality home accessories, plus an array of beautiful gift lines.
The store is always celebrating the “seasons and holidays” and every inch of it tells a beautiful tale of these moments in time. Ever-changing scenery in the store provides unique and affordable merchandise that is showcased in vignettes that provides their customers with ideas on how to enhance their own surroundings––interior design done easy!
Additionally, their tranquil garden (located in the back of the shop that showcases statuary), along with patio furniture & garden accessories takes you to a simpler and relaxing time. Come in and celebrate those special moments and discover what many of our readers already know—that Romancing the Home is the choice for gifts for any home.
617 First St., Benicia, CA, 94510
(707) 747-1717
benicia-rth.com
Contra Costa Country Club
The Contra Costa Country Club has been teeing up for more than 95 years. Generation after generation, families know exactly what to expect when they head over to the course, and the quality experience that they’ve found there over the years keeps them coming back again and again.
As you venture out through their 6,550-yard course, you can meander through a variety of oak, eucalyptus and redwood trees that will soothe your senses. Add to that the stunning mountain and valley views, and you’ll notice something new and special every round you play.
Enjoy their newly redesigned par 72 layout, open for every season throughout the year. With this new renovation, the course plays longer and is more challenging than it looks. Before this their most recent big improvement was in 1992 when Robert Muir Graves was commissioned to design new greens out of carpet-like bentgrass, which resulted in Contra Costa Country Club earning the reputation of being one of the highest quality and most challenging courses in Northern California.
You can also frequent their practice facility with a 40-yard-deep full-grass tee box and expanded mats. And with 24 spacious hitting stalls you’ll have plenty of room to sharpen your skills. They also provide separate putting and chipping greens with a variety of bunkers and hard-lie practice areas—not to mention their swimming pool, picnic tables, lawn chairs, bocce courts and more. You’ll find yourself spending many fun-filled days at the Contra Costa Country Club.
801 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523
(925) 798-7135
contracostacc.org
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch
Monica and David Stevens want to see an end to animal suffering everywhere, and it is from that desire that they founded the Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR) in 2014, the nonprofit’s spokesman Brad Schomburg said.
Approaching the relevant issues holistically, from a place that considers how animals, the environment, and our community are all interconnected, JARR is not just a rescue but instead a leader in providing solutions for companion and farmed animals in need, he said. The nonprofit breaks the status quo by addressing several systemic issues of animal welfare through an array of solution-based programs.
“Through these solutions and our amazing volunteers,” Schomburg began, “JARR is fostering harmony between humans, animals, and the planet to create a kinder, more compassionate world; we have thus far helped over 12,000 animals and humans in the community.” As one can see, JARR is clearly taking the path less traveled to lead the critical systemic change needed to ensure the future welfare of our animals, the planet, and the people who love them both.
As JARR enters the sixth year of its amazing journey, the organization seeks to build a world-class Sustainable Education and Solutions Center in Napa Valley for people to visit; the community-based facility will provide support, learning, prevention and intervention for animals and their humans (and will be replicable). “Our future mandates that we take all that we have learned since our inception and build a blueprint for others to adopt in their community to ensure we collectively have the greatest positive impact possible and put a stop to animals neglect, cruelty, and overpopulation.”
For additional information about getting involved in the funding of the Sustainable Education and Solutions Center, please contact Monica Stevens, Co-founder, monica@jamesonrescueranch.org
1224 Adams St., St. Helena, CA, 94574
(707) 927-3536
jamesonanimalrescueranch.org
