now sushi-me, now you don’t

After a long, cold day walking around the city, nothing sounds better than a huge plate of carbs. Okay, fine… some protein too would probably be good for me too. My favorite way to combine the two food groups is through sushi. Right off of the Metuchen Train Station is a small little place, Sushi Suzuki, that called my name.

The space is definitely small but there’s nothing small about their plates of food and flavor. I had to quickly take a picture before the plate was devoured. Now you see me…


Starting in the top, right corner and working clockwise…

Shrimp Tempura, Philadelphia, Peanut Avocado, Pink Lady, Cucumber Avocado, and Black Pepper Tuna. 

Shrimp tempura roll is filled with two big pieces of perfectly panko bread crusted shrimp. Cucumber surrounds the shrimp for a good, refreshing bite. I love how small the cucumber is chopped. It just tastes better than a chunk of cucumber. This roll is a classic but definitely not one to pass up.
Another classic is the Philadelphia roll. Suzuki does it right though. The ratio of smoked salmon to cream cheese is perfect. Neither is too overpowering. The fish and cucumber provide a slight bite while the cream cheese pulls all the flavors together.

The peanut avocado is filled with chunks of raw peanuts tossed with a little bit of honey and surrounded by fresh, creamy avocado. This roll is all about the balance of texture and flavor. It is crunchy, savory, smooth, and sweet.



The pink lady roll is a specialty roll here at Sushi Suzuki. Inside the rice and pink soy bean paper wrap is salmon tempura (Which means salmon is fried with panko bread crumbs). Accompanying the salmon is yellowtail tuna, avocado and tobiko. The roll is drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Sweet and spicy-yum.

A cucumber avocado roll is sort of a staple that I must have when I’m eating sushi. I call it the palette cleanser. When you want to separate all of the flavors from all the other rolls, you just take a bite of the cooling, water-filled cucumber avocado roll and your next bite is like your first bite all over again. I know that this is what the ginger is supposed to be for but I put ginger on them all because I like it so much so it doesn’t do anything for me in that respect.

Finally, the black pepper tuna roll. This is different take on your ordinary tuna roll. The fish is rolled with spicy black pepper which isn’t overpowering but definitely gives you a nice added flavor. How do you describe black pepper? Well, however you do, it’s like that.


Anyway, every time I come to this sushi place I’m never disappointed. Everything is ALWAYS fresh and I never leave feeling like I need to go buy the next size up pair of jeans- which is a plus…not plus size.
Now, I know this isn’t sushi but they also have some killer hibachi plates if you aren’t into all that raw stuff.

The plate is FILLED with food. So many good vegetables, shrimp, chicken, and noodles. Their hibachi dinners are also served with miso soup AND a salad. All for a really good price. So really, this place isn’t just for sushi lovers-all taste buds are welcomed here.
After about 20 minutes of digging into these plates–> they’re empty and I feel like I’ve done something right for myself.

The Best Diet For Weight Loss, According to Harvard Studies

A Mediterranean diet yields a number of health benefits, and it's been recently confirmed to be the best for weight loss. Based on five Harvard Medical studies, this diet is the most effective for shedding pounds in comparison to a low-fat diet, a low-carb diet, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet. Heavy in fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, and beans, and low in meat, dairy, and eggs, the Mediterranean diet is also beneficial for your heart, eyes, and brain function.

All the Delicious Foods of the Mediterranean Diet

Nine-hundred-ninety-eight overweight trial participants who lived on the Mediterranean diet for a year lost between 9 and 22 pounds. Both the low-carb and ADA diet had similar results, while those on the low-fat diet lost between 6 and 11 pounds. Although the article doesn't determine a single diet that's ultimate for weight loss, it does conclude that the Mediterranean diet would be the closest option because of its heart-healthy benefits.

Whether or not these findings convince you to change your ways, try at least incorporating this diet for days you want to eat clean.

Recipe: Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

Do you ever feel a little naughty eating pasta Alfredo? Like you’re doing something you shouldn’t, eating carbohydrates slathered in rich, creamy sauce? I do, sometimes. I also feel like having something green would completely cancel out any harm the cream may do to my arteries. And adding in a protein just makes it a perfectly balanced meal, right? Obviously, chicken and broccoli Alfredo is the perfect meal. It covers all the basic food groups including garlic and cheese (because those are in their own category — I’m sure of it).

This particular recipe satisfies in a way plain ol’ Alfredo just doesn’t. Aside from the broccoli making me feel like I’m eating healthily, there’s just something about garlicky cream sauce that goes perfectly with broccoli and chicken. Here, I use penne pasta to steer from the classic fettuccine for two reasons: one, the ridges in the penne carry more of the sauce than a long, flat pasta can, and two, penne pasta freezes and reheats like a dream — no clumping to worry about.

This recipe yields about four (one-cup) portions. If you aren't making this to eat right away freeze portions in microwave-safe, freezer-safe containers for up to one month. There's no need to thaw it out before microwaving. If you bring a container of this pasta along for lunch, stick it in the fridge to slowly defrost.

Next time you're sitting at your desk faced with the prospect of some frozen meal hidden in the depths of the work freezer, or a trip to the less-than-stellar cafeteria, remember that you were smart and made yourself your own frozen meal.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

Serves 4

1 pound penne pasta
1 to 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, prepared as desired
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced/crushed
1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated (plus extra for serving)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
8 ounces frozen broccoli (see Recipe Note)

Prepare chicken breasts as desired. I recommend butterflying and seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and pan-frying in olive oil over medium heat about 8 to 10 minutes or until it's no longer pink and juices run clear when sliced. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest before slicing into strips.

Cook pasta until barely al dente. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Meanwhile, add cream, garlic, and butter to small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until garlic is soft and fragrant and butter had melted. Do not boil.

Return pasta to pot and turn heat on to medium-high. Add reserved pasta water and sprinkle with half the Parmigiano Reggiano, mixing well. Add sauce and rest of cheese. Continue mixing until well-coated and sauce reduces, about 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in chicken.

To freeze: Place 1 cup of pasta, plus 4 to 6 slices of chicken and 4 to 6 florets of frozen broccoli (or as desired) in flat, freezer- and microwave-safe containers. Freeze up to 1 month.

To reheat: Add about 1 tablespoon of cream, milk, or water. Microwave with lid ajar on high heat for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 1 minute more.

Recipe Notes

• The frozen broccoli makes this really simple, although it won't take too much more time to cut and steam some fresh or pre-cut florets. And you can toss the broccoli with the rest of the good stuff. Adding the already frozen broccoli is quick, although you will have to take the size of your container into account (since it won't be as yielding as the steamed, hot broccoli).

Can What I Eat Cause Acne Breakouts?

Plain and simple, acne can be a pain to deal with and sometimes even embarrassing. So this begs the question: how do you prevent acne breakouts in the first place? What causes these breakouts?

While some trace breakouts back to poor hygiene, or too much hygiene, others believe there is a link between the foods we eat and our tendency to breakout. Although it has been difficult to prove, some experts claim that there is indeed a correlation between what we eat and how it affects our skin.

Here are some of the foods that are more likely to cause acne breakouts.

Refined and Processed Carbohydrates

Foods such as white bread and pasta have a high glycemic index, meaning that they foods can quickly be broken down into sugar, which is not good for the skin. Fast food - pizza, burgers, french fries, etc. - also fall into this group for all the processed carbs they contain. The alternative to these foods? Products that are made with whole grains. To ensure you’re getting what you need, look for products that list whole grain as their first ingredient and that do not list any types of corn syrups.

Dairy

After many studies, researchers have found a connections between milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and other milk products and acne breakouts. Since milk is usually produced by pregnant cows, there are many hormones that are passed down into the milk we drink, thus aggravating acne or triggering acne breakouts. But don’t worry, in this day and age, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives such as soy milk, coconut yogurt, and almond cheese.

Chocolate

Although researchers are not sure why, there is a correlation between cacao chocolate and acne. However, chocolate only seems to make existing acne worse, instead of being the cause of new acne breakouts. Before you concern yourself with how on earth you’re going to resist your chocolate cravings, think about switching from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, as studies did not show any connection between dark chocolate and acne breakouts.

Essentially, yes, the foods you eat can cause acne or make existing breakouts worse. In a perfect world, you can eliminate all these foods and not worry about if what you are eating is going to result in a breakout. However, it is difficult to cut out certain food groups entirely. Focus on moderation when it comes to your diet and look for skincare products that can also help to eliminate the problem.