This past week for spring break I was in Vegas and also D.C. I am a strong believer in practicing what you preach, so even when I am on vacation I try to eat relatively well (can’t say it’s always a total success). This trip I made an effort to bring snacks like almonds, fruit and oatmeal packets to try to stay somewhat on track. I do have to say though, it is a challenge to try and maintain a completely balanced diet when you are eating out for every meal. There is also the challenge of meal prices, mundane meals (I don’t always want to eat a salad) and also deciding on places to eat with numerous people (conflicting preferences?). Here is a brief rundown on how I attempted to eat well while in Vegas:

– Breakfast: Usually a yogurt parfait with fresh berries (I usually eat a smoothie in the morning, so this was the closest/most convenient replacement option) from the hotel cafe OR an oatmeal from Starbucks

– Snack: I relied on apples (they provided complimentary ones at the gym!), a small handful of almonds or half a cliff bar.

– Lunch/Dinner: We ate dinner at completely different times each night, so we tried not to go too crazy. Some meal examples: Asian inspired salad with a few grilled shrimp (we had this twice because it was so good), tuna sliders (really yummy and didn’t allow for a french fry option), egg white omelet with wheat toast, veggie burger on a bed of lettuce…etc.

Asian salad with shrimp and fresh ginger!

Eating in D.C. was not as much of a challenge because my sister has a full kitchen, so we were able to cook some of our own meals (she made an amaaaaazing pesto quinoa one night, yummm!!!).
Food highlights while in D.C. :

– Fro-zen-yo: Amazing DIY frozen yogurt place where you can mix and match a variety of flavors and toppings. I got cake batter, dulce de leche and peanut butter with mixed berries and sliced almonds. Delicious, light and totally satisfying!

 

– Food truck FRIDAYS!!! : This past Friday my sister and I were on our way to one of the Smithsonian art museums and we happened to walk by a square where there were around 8-10 food trucks lined up around the outskirts to serve all of the professionals who worked nearby. We decided to stop and sample the local cuisine and had one the best meals of our trip; fish tacos with rice and beans and then gourmet chocolate popcorn for dessert.

So many to choose from!

Fish tacos with corn salsa, guacamole and lime sour cream

Each piece of popcorn was perfectly drizzled with delectable chocolate

– Tapas at Bodega in Georgetown (for my pre-Birthday dinner): I love getting tapas with a big group of people because then you all know that you will be sampling a little bit of everything. We got shrimp, tuna, cod, spinach, chorizo….and a few more that I can’t remember. The food was yummy and we were able to sit on their heated patio area which was a nice change.

– Founding Farmers: For my actual birthday breakfast we went to brunch at the ever popular Founding Farmers. I totally splurged and split the stuffed french toast (with strawberries and whipped cream) as well as the tomato, basil eggs benedict with my friend. We could barely get through half of what we split. It was soooo incredibly good, but really filling. We had planned to go on a hike after breakfast, but were so stuffed, that it just did not happen.

Totally coming back here the next time I visit D.C.

– Birthday dinner at the Peacock Cafe: By the end of the weekend we were all craving something light, so the Peacock cafe was a great choice. We all got a soup or salad and then a small plate (pesto risotto, grilled calamari, tuna tartare). It was the perfect amount and my sister and friend arranged for a special surprise at the end of the meal (which I happily shared).

Chocolate lava cake : )

The trip was so great and my family and friends made my birthday exceptionally special this year!! But, it was also nice to come home and have a wonderful home cooked meal thanks to my mom upon my return.