Dare You To...

Quick note: Don't forget you've got 4 more days to enter the coconut oil giveaway! Click here for details.

I love spinach and artichoke dip. Who doesn't?  It's always a hit at any party, and it's especially impressive when it's homemade.


As delicious as some of the recipes are, I wondered if there was a way to clean up the ingredients a bit, simplifying complex recipes down.

Instead of sour cream, something to which I've always been averse, I decided Greek yogurt would be a nice way to add a creamy consistency, while also packing a protein punch.

It was also important to me to use some fresh, real cheese.  I was planning to go pick up some gruyere to try, since my friend Erica had just reminded me how delicious it is.  Thought it'd be a nice way to fancy up the cheese.  On my way to the store, though, I happened to pass a farmer's market, where I found this local, raw milk "Monterey Hot Jack" cheese.  Just like that, my plans changed.


Bonus…

These are a few of my favorite things...This Friday, instead of featuring interesting articles, I'm sharing some things I've been loving lately,A through E.  

Apples
I used to snack on these all the time. Why did I stop?  Apples are the perfect snack!  They're portable, stay well in or out of the fridge, and are ridiculously satiating thanks to all that water and fiber.  Last month, I started stocking up again.  These are now a staple, once again, in my home and work refrigerators.

Banana Chobani
Ah, Greek yogurt, my love.  I was comfortable in my plain Chobani groove for a while, until the end of January, when I received an awesome package.


Inside, I got samples of the new Chobani Bites, cute little 100-calorie snack cups, with a flavored yogurt and mix-in, to boot.  The Fig with Orange Zest was interesting, for sure. I do love figs!


What I fell for even more than the "Bites" was the 6-oz Low Fat Banana.  I usually buy plain Greek yogurt, with the occasional vanil…

Hi, friends!  Hope you all had a fantastic weekend and Monday. Don't forget, Practical Paleo hits shelves TODAY!  Read my review here.  Even with generally paleo-inspired eating, one thing I, personally, have not given up is my Greek yogurt.

I've already gabbed about how much I loved my first visit to the new Chobani Soho store in New York City, so it's no surprise that I went back for more. ...and more. 


I'm going to storytell for a bit before getting to the flavor reviews, so if you're here to learn about ChobaniSoho's Creations, you can either first read all the wonderful things I have to say about Pilates, a blogging buddy, and my second visit, or you can scroll down and miss out on the fun. Your choice.

First, on Sunday, I was lucky to have a fit-foodie date with Caitlin, who was in town for the BlogHer '12 Conference.  We met up for a 9:00 am Pilates class at YogaWorks, to which we both had free passes from the FITNESS Blogger Meet & Tweet.


The Y…

I love froyo.  Anyone who knows me can confirm this statement, and I'm sure froyo has made its way into my blog once or twice.  It's my special treat, my pick-me-up, my happiness in a cup.  It's not the healthiest, most natural thing out there, but there are worse indulgences.  Plus, treats can be part of a healthy diet, too.  As Bob Harper explains in his new book The Skinny Rules (more to come!), splurges are an "ingredient in your diet.  When you plan something, you are in control."

To stay FitFluential, I'll take this moment to remind you to eat your vegetables, try a SPINNING class, and write down a goal. =D

Now, back to my personal vicetreat: oh, and for those of my readers who are not teens or twenty-somethings living in or near a city, "froyo" is frozen yogurt.  Just wanted to make sure that was clear before we move on.

Read more for my favorites, taste-testing, fruit toppings, and the dare...

Ah, the life of a grad student is a glamorous one.

[Welcome to the library]
Still, we all gotta eat, right?




First up: breakfast, which was made possible in part byJenn (Peas & Crayons), herself!


After winning her giveaway a few weeks ago, a glorious package filled with Love Grown Granola finally arrived!  She even snuck in some tea and a cute note. So Jenn.


Several bloggers have been going ga-ga over this granola this for a while, so I was excited to see what all the hype was about...


...and worthy, it was.  Mm!  One bite and I knew that was it. I'm converted. Count me in.  Good thing I finished my paleo month because this is goooood.


BONUS:  It is gluten-free!  Woohoo!  It's got all these other traits to brag about, too:


And even the "flavored" bag uses REAL INGREDIENTS for the star flavors! What a novel idea, to use real walnuts and real apples rather than "apple flavor."  Well done, Love Grown Foods.


I loved the "Apple Walnut Delight" flavor.  …