Healthy Shemlthy

No matter where I go in New York, I’m surrounded by delectable food options.  Yesterday, I had just  finished my morning workout (resolution #2) and was eager to nourish my burgeoning muscles. I’d made it to 1:30 without any caffeine or sugar, so I decided to treat myself organic style.  I stopped at a little vegan cafe and ordered the Adam & Eve. It sounded raw, stripped bare of any impurities, and kind of sexy. In fact, it was a simple glass of fresh squeezed carrot, orange and ginger juice.  $4.50 seemed a bit steep, but I thought it was worth it. When the server handed me a small plastic cup containing no more liquid than a child’s juice box, I cringed. Small was tiny.  Was this some kind of a cruel joke? How much had I paid per ounce? I downed my little plastic cup in a few sips. Still hungry, I then stumbled upon Soup Stop, where I got a cup of spinach lentil that came with bread and a small apple for $4.90. A great deal, plus that post-soup inner warmth  on a bitter cold day to boot!  Case in point: eating healthy on a budget can be done, and done well.

Food prices and calories generally seem to go in inverse proportions, but where there’s one good deal there’s bound to be another. As of today, here’s what $5 or less can get me in and around the UWS. I know many of these items don’t constitute a meal in the eyes of the average three squares a day eater, but in my unconventional book, these items often sustain me.  In a few weeks, I hope slash the sugar filled ‘meals’ for healthier options.

P.S. Not sure why but I feel that I’m revealing a very sacred part of my soul here. I’m not sure if these choices reflect the works of a sick mind or merely a neurotic one.

1. Small cup of carrot apple ginger juice at Cafe Blossom: Columbus and 82nd
2. Egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel (I prefer sesame) at Nussbaum and Wu: Broadway and 113th
3. Two slices of cheese pizza at Joe’s (Located in the West Village but Adrian Brody loves the place. Need I say more?)
4. Frothy large latte from Max Cafe: 122nd and Amsterdam
5. Chocolate croissant and hot chocolate from Chocolat: Broadway and 122nd
6. Giant chocolate chip cookie from Levain bakery (yes, 1 cookie is over 4 bucks. Does anyone notice a theme here?):  74th and Amsterdam
7. Luna bar and naked juice (my favorite post-workout combo): Subs Conscious: Amsterdam and 120th
8. Liege waffle with dinges from the Belgium waffle truck (this is actually $6-$7 but its become my Monday ritual) Parked at 113th and Broadway on Mondays

Healthy suggestions? I’m starving.