#drink tons of water and wear your masks whenever possible!!!!!! stay safe!!!!!!!!!!!

[deus-ex-mona]

✨cursed thoughts✨ only

[abiteofnat]

AN ANXIETY-APPROVED GUIDE TO SOCIALLY-DISTANT  DINING IN THE NORTH SHORE

A headline I truly thought I would never write, because I used to be the type of person to leave work, jam myself into an L train packed with people, scroll through my phone while breathing in someone’s backpack, and then get to a busy restaurant to meet friends and dive into food without washing my hands. My entire immune system was chock-full of city scum, and eating indoors with dozens of other people who likely got off an equally full train? Not even a question of a doubt in my mind. Things took a quick and dire turn in May when suddenly I became afraid of everything and grossed out by anything, and after moving home with family I was certain I would never leave the house again. I miss being the fearless gutter rat I used to be, but times are different, and staying safe is key. 

Alas, while my family has been taking quarantine very seriously, we reached a point in August where we all felt “ok” with sitting at a restaurant once or twice a week to feel like we were still part of society and because we all mutually hate cooking. After not being at a restaurant once since March, we nervously ventured out to a local Italian restaurant, sat outside very far from others, and ate pasta that was still piping hot from the kitchen and that didn’t taste mediocre after sitting in a takeout container for an hour. It was refreshing as FUCK. Rose? In a real wine glass? Served chilled? What am I, a QUEEN? 

Ever since we have been carefully dining, only ever sitting outdoors, and carrying packs upon packs of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer like actual loons. But safe loons! Being home and enjoying the local restaurants through new eyes and new level of appreciation has made me love them 10x more, even if we’ve eaten somewhere a hundred times before. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to dine with these spots, eat favorite dishes & try new ones, and be out of the house for 1-2 hours on a Friday during these wild times. So, why not share some of my favorite spots?? Maybe you’re also living back in the good ole North Shore, and looking for any excitement at all in the quiet of the suburbs. Here you go. 

1. Mino’s Italian - Winnetka

This restaurant is newer to Winnetka, however it became an instant local favorite and is always, always full. They have a huge patio area with lighting, cozy wooden benches, tons of tables, heaters, and a menu packed with classic Italian dishes done so right. Their Calamari is unreal due to the seasoning and the roasted garlic aioli it comes with for dipping. Their Cacio e Pepe is magically light but still full of cheese and fresh cracked peppercorns, and the seasonal Risotto consists of warm mushroom richness. Their pizza is great to-go as well, and tastes like an NYC slice if you order the largest size. 

2. Pescadero - Wilmette 

Ok to be fair, Pescadero is not somewhere we’ve actually dined AT during the pandemic. We do pick it up quite often though, and it is some of the best carryout in Wilmette. The Fish & Chips is mouth-watering, with fresh fish covered in a seasoned batter that alone is delectable. Their chips (really more french fries) are thin, crispy, and topped with a parmesan and herb dust. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE FRIES. The Mahi Mahi tacos are excellent and a lighter, fresher dish with broccoli apple slaw and avocado crema, and for fuck’s sake order a side of the Mac & Cheese just to stick a fork in. Pro Tip: You want as much extra tartar sauce as they will give you!!!

* Edit - since I wrote this post a few days ago, we ate on the Pescadero patio and it was delightful. Even though it was 55 degrees, the hot Clam Chowder and Fish & Chips warmed me up real quick. Clam Chowder served in a hot mug = a new fall dinner staple. Will only accept soup in a mug from now on. And, they do have heaters!

3. Depot Nuevo - Wilmette 

I have eaten here no fewer than 3,456 times in my life and every single time I feel like I’m on vacation because the vibes, the food, and the booze are immaculate. Located in an old train station turned restaurant, Depot Nuevo is warm and inviting no matter if you’re inside (pre pandemic) or on their gigantic patio that allows for spaced out and comfy seating. They’ve added heaters for the fall, so don’t worry about being chilly- and if you are, the Pomegranate Margarita will warm you right up. It’s strong, delicious, and comes in a very pleasing traditional margarita glass. I always order the Appetizer Trio as my entree, which has queso fundido (ordered without the chorizo!), guacamole, and ceviche composed of scallops, shrimp, and calamari with vegetables and lime. Usually this comes with tortilla chips as it’s meant to be shared, but I ask for corn tortillas instead and then pile a little of everything in there for the taco of my DREAMS. Do it. Order it. I dare you. 

The staff is exceptionally friendly and have taken COVID precautions seriously, so menus are disposable and everyone has gloves on. They will treat you like family, and they are family to us because we go there so often. See you on Friday, Depot! 

Other good things on the menu are the Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Salmon, Chipotle Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Quesadilla (smothered in their salsa verde of course). 

4. The Noodle - Wilmette

Can you tell downtown Wilmette is the place to be? It has truly popped off and the majority of restaurants aren’t serving up your typical “suburbs” food (you know- fried appetizers and burgers and weird salads and overpriced meat dishes) so I am always happy to be out in our little mini city. The Noodle is as classic Italian as you can get, with overflowing ceramic boats of buttery garlic bread, a salad OR soup included with your entree, and no bar- only wine (or beer) if you want a drinky drink. Incredible. I am partial to the house-made spinach linquine with Roasted Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes sauce, and the starter salad with house Creamy Garlic Parmesan dressing. Their Tomato Basil soup is also delicious, however I have some suspicion that that soup is the same as the Roasted Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes sauce... just served as soup... they refuse to confirm or deny whenever I ask. Either way, delicious. I tried a NEW DISH when we went last week to sit at one of the 6 large tables they have spaced out outside, and let me tell you that the bowtie pasta (not house-made) with Alfredo sauce is THE SHIT. It may be my new go-to when I just want to carbo-load the hecking out of my night. On your way out, get a Pot de Creme to go- it’s the richest, smoothest chocolate dessert on this side of town. 

5. Hometown Coffee & Juice - Glencoe 

Hometown deserves a round of applause for breathing life back into the stuffy grandmother of the North Shore - Glencoe. Between the gorgeous Writers Theatre and countless boutiques selling blouses and hand-blown glass jewelry, it used to only really serve a certain demographic, however Hometown said “let me give it a try” and changed weekends in Glencoe for good. This coffee shop, smoothie bar, bakery, & cafe hotspot is the perfect afternoon spot to grab a drink, enjoy avocado toast, and sit outside at one of the dozens of tables they’ve lined the corner and two streets with. They’ve moved their registers outside so you don’t even need to go inside to order, and the wait staff will bring you your order right to your table to make it as organized and safe as possible. The tables are spread out, the corner it’s located on is beautiful in the fall, and there are lots of good dogs out and about. 

I will say that while Hometown is doing a great job with COVID precautions, the people of Glencoe are a little high & mighty, and seem to think they’re exempt from wearing a mask to wait in line to get their smoothie. It’s irritating that they’re putting the staff at risk and just ignoring state mandates because they feel safe in their little North Shore bubble and because it’s entirely outside, but come on. Be respectful and understand the privilege of these places even being open to serve you, and just wear mask. I hate people. ANYWAY. Love you, Hometown. 

6. Coast Sushi - Evanston 

Ok, so this gem is not open for dining indoors OR outdoors, however they have their carryout system down and their sushi is so, SO fresh and good. I’ve picked up from here a few times and eat time I fall more in love with the flavors and how consistently tasty it is- and with sushi, it’s always a gamble if it’s going to be really good or kinda fishy and old. The Coast in South Loop was a favorite spot for a while, however it has shut down and I am so happy to be able to get my favorite rolls up in the burbs. My go-to order is a Spicy Tuna Maki, Spicy Scallop Maki, Spicy Miso Soup, a side of Spicy Mayo, and a side of Sushi Rice. This sounds odd, but hear me out- I like to mix the spicy mayo into the sushi rice and eat it just like that. It’s. So. Good. Am I gross? I might be gross. 

Anything you get from here is going to rock your socks off, so for your next night in (aka every night lol) treat yourself to some sushi, babbyyy! 

I sincerely hope that we can keep dining outside for at least a few more weeks, and I am absolutely ok with wearing Uggs and a full-on coat to be able to. Just a reminder to keep your mask on when talking to wait staff, be polite, be patient, and don’t be an asshole. You don’t NEED to dine out- it’s a treat- and you should treat it as such. Don’t be a Karen, or don’t leave your house. Those are literally the only two options.

I hope you try somewhere new, whether it’s carryout or dining out, and tell me if you have any favorite North Shore spots I missed! 

Until next time, Happy Eating!

- Natalie

[coachdog96-blog]

Fasting While Traveling & My Top Travel Tips

I have been traveling A LOT lately and because of this I’ve been sharing some of my travel tips on social media and why I fast when flying. It’s been a hot topic over on my Instagram, with many asking for in a more in-depth blog post, so with that said, let’s take it away!

Fasting While Traveling

Before we get into fasting, I thought I’d share my top travel tips, along with ones you have sent me!

My Top Travel Tips:

Pack a sweatshirt or blanket / scarf for the flight

Download Podcasts & books beforehand

Bring your own tea bags

Bring extra phone charger pack (I love my Away luggage which has a charger in it- not sponsored, just love it)

Bring a reusable water bottle

Pack snacks

Find workout classes in the area

Live a little!

Do research beforehand of where you want to check out

Book reservations in advance

Be present in current activity

Pack light but leave space for gifts 

If you are a nervous traveler, talk to your captain or flight attendant, they can explain why flying is actually super safe and may help put you at ease!

YOUR Top Travel Tips:

Travel with a tide stain remover stick

Make sure you know where to get coffee/eat when you land after a long flight.

Pack your own snacks if not fasting

Dropbox everything!

Keep smiling and stay positive

Bring an extra outfit in your carry-on, in case luggage is lost.

Pack hand sanitizer wipes

Tips for Traveling Internationally:

Photocopy your passport if traveling abroad

Download google maps and bookmark locations

Research $ situation- what credit cards are expected, if you can convert money ahead of time or not, etc.

Adapters: For example, Morocco uses the same electrical system as Europe, 220v – make sure you have an appropriate converter for your electronics!

Do your homework: be respectful of culture, what you can/cannot wear, etc.

Schedule the trip with relax time included.

Don’t be married to your schedule! Be open to meeting people, changes, etc.

Why I fast when I fly:

I started fasting while flying this year for a few reasons. Flying can be tough on our bodies. It can throw us off our routine. Our bodies are under more stress in the air and the added food can create much more work for your body to do!

Aside from dehydration, the higher cabin pressure and the sparser amounts of oxygen can really be a lot on our gut/bodies/digestion. Fasting while flying is also known to help with jet lag!

For me, after any flight, I find myself gassy, bloated, constipated and SO dehydrated — even when packing my own food. My stomach is totally off and feels beyond uncomfortable. If this isn’t you, amazing! If it is you, like so many of you messaged me saying it was, this might be something to consider trying!

Let’s Break It Down:

I feel like I need to reiterate this again: This is certainly NOT for everyone. Seriously. I get so many questions about if it’s right for YOU, and that’s where your intuition comes in and you listening to your body. If you do just fine flying, do your thing, pack snacks, enjoy! If not, read on!

So in short, it’s called intermittent fasting, which is something people do daily, when not flying, too. It can help the body with a ton of things, like giving your digestion a break, having more energy and better overall circulation, gives your detoxifying organs support and a break, reduces oxidative stress, and often can stabilize your metabolism. But again, you might not be someone this will be good for so always consultant a doctor if you have medical conditions and are unsure!

Short Flights:

Now this is more intuitive. I try to schedule an early flight and fast until I land. My stomach always feels perfect.

Long Flights:

Longer flights require more planning. I did fast on my flight home from Morocco and Italy and felt awesome. Some long flights, or flights with connections may be your exception. For example, I’m personally not going to fast for 20 hours. So recently, when I missed my connecting flight and ended up in the airport for an additional 6+ hours, I ate something bland. I was hungry and for me, listening to my body is key. Guess what? My stomach was in shambles, but you can only do so much!

My Suggestions:

Drink LOTS of water

Not hydrated enough? Grab a coconut water to add extra electrolytes

Order herbal tea

Get up and walk around

Eye masks or face masks to hydrate the skin

A good moisturizer

Testimonials:

“My husband recently joined the military which meant traveling back and forth to see him while he was training for several months. Until then I never flew regularly. Now we’ve moved across country from family and the frequent flying continues! I have leaky gut, hashimotos and pcos. Flying left me exhausted, my stomach a wreck, and with hung over feeling. The last trip I took I tried fasting each way and it has changed my life. I now will book direct flights whenever possible. Get the the airport early, drink tons of water, do yoga or walk around while I wait for my flight (not sit down), and not eat a single thing till I land. Then I feast on a burger (lettuce wrapped of corse👌). Best routine ever and I feel great! Straight into family fun and no jet lag or sleep issues.

And best of all, my stomach is completely normal. I still have a bit of that stress stomach ache getting to the airport and waiting for my flight but it disappeared after fasting. And didn’t get worse like it usually does after eating! So thankful for this tip and now I apply it to most travel. Even a day trip! I have bullet proof coffee, drive where we are going and don’t eat till lunch. Helps with that as well especially doing so many day trips now that we live in a new city! Totally changed the game for this ibs like symptom girl. What I’ve learned: don’t eat when stressed! Don’t eat when rushed. It’s better to just fast and hydrate.”

“I didn’t know fasting on a plane could help with my tummy bloatedness. I saw your post just before my upcoming trip to NYC. I fasted 12 hours for my first leg, just drinking more water. Indeed I did not feel any discomfort of bloatedness during that flight. Awesome!”

“Girl. You changed my life. I flew back to see family in CA from MD. My first flight was at 2pm so I had a shake first thing then fasted all day and rank tons of water. And maybe some champagne. I have NEVER felt so good while traveling. Then coming back I had a 6am flight and fasted again. Never felt so good.”

Your Questions:

Should everyone do it or just people with stomach issues? Probably just those with stomach issues!

How do you start fasting? It depends on the time of day I’m traveling!

If you are on an evening flight, after 7pm, when would you start fasting? A few hours before my flight.

Do you feel hungry? Or not after a while? If I do, and I’m really hungry, I’ll eat. Not trying to starve here. But mostly, I don’t feel hungry! I plan for it!

Does fasting with flying help with constipation afterwards? YES.

What’s the longest flight you would fast on? I fasted home from Italy and Morocco (to Boston). I ate earlier in the day and was strategic about my choices.

Would this be beneficial for road trips? YES, YES, AND YES.

What do you drink? Lots of water and herbal tea! Fresh lemon if they have it.

How do you stay hydrated on the plane and then rehydrate afterwards? Lots of water and tea, and then water after and sometimes a coconut water for extra electrolytes.

Is there anyway to reduce radiation while traveling? I avoid the machines in the airport and opt for the pat down – unfortunately aside from that it’s tough.

14 hour flight – fast or no fast? I would personally eat a few hours before and fast – and try to sleep, haha.

Wouldn’t it just be considered nervous travel stomach? Nope, I’m not a nervous flyer in the least. There’s real evidence about the pressure, oxygen, being off the ground, and more that supports why so many people have upset stomachs while flying.

Next travel post coming: Packing Essentials!

What would you add to this? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Source: https://lexiscleankitchen.com/fasting-while-traveling/