Healthy Food Swaps

Posted in Healthy Habits
October 16, 2017 • By Chou Xiong

“Midlife can teach you a lot about yourself, if you’re finally willing to listen. ” – Susie Rosenstein

I think I’m in the early stages of a mini midlife crisis. It’s nothing serious (ha – I hope!) but as I approach another birthday in my forties I’m starting to recognize things: my need for more self-reflection, the fact that I have more questions about life than answers, wondering if I’ll always feel the need to prove myself, etc. It’s a tricky time – even though my kids are getting older and are more self-sufficient, there’s still a huge amount of need that zaps my days before they even begin.

Earlier this week I had to laugh because my 6-year-old daughter was home from school not feeling well (a.k.a. hooky) and as we got in the car to pick up her older sister from school she commented, “Wow! It’s time to get Adelyn from school already? When I’m at school the day feels like it’s 200 hours but when I’m home it’s like a snap!” I fully agree. Maybe I’m not losing it when I find myself frustrated for not getting as much accomplished as I had hoped during the day? The days do fly – even our baby says so!

I’m not looking for an Eat-Pray-Love moment (although a vacation sound divine!), I’m just trying to find some contentment with my current chaotic mid-forty life. One friend informs me that it’s not possible – that I’m wired to always be doing and searching for the next thing. We’ll see.

One thing I do know is as we wrap up our first Bliss 30 Day Health Challenge this week I’ve found enjoyment in offering tips on how to live healthier. So often we think we need that one HUGE change to make it happen… but for many it can be a SIMPLE TWEAK here and there to your existing lifestyle to help find your healthier you. Whatever it may be we’re here to help at Bliss! I’m also providing a list of favorite healthier food swaps that focus on great flavor with less calories and added nutrition. (I love to bake and have been amazed at the results.) Try a few and let us know what you think!

Wishing you a great, healthy month! Thanks so much for your business!

– Jennifer (& Mark) McNamara, Bliss & Vinegar Owners

P.S. Here’s another GREAT local resource on how to stay healthy and fit in GR: GR HEALTHY LIVING (Very excited that Bliss was featured last week!)

— VIEW OUR ENTIRE FALL 2017 NEWSLETTER HERE —


Posted in Healthy Habits
October 16, 2017 • By Chou Xiong

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  • “Everything was extremely fresh and delicious!  I tried the Michigan Cobb and the chicken was served warm on the salad which I loved – and the cherries made it perfect!”

    Ann

  • “Unique and creative combinations.  So good!  I travel a lot and am familiar with the concept but I was so pleasantly surprised to see different, interesting combinations and ingredients.  I’ll definitely be back!”

  • “Your Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili was awesome.  I loved it!  Great mix of spicy and sweet.”

  • “Great quality and variety… ingredients you don’t normally see in most restaurants!”

  • “Everything was delish!  The Gaucho wrap was terrific – the chimichurri vinaigrette really knocks it out of the park!  I could eat this every day!”

  • “Really love how you cut the salad into bite-sized pieces.  And I was not a fan of Kale but tried yours and really enjoyed it.  Wow, I’m now a believer of Kale!”

  • “Your staff was very helpful and suggested the Vegan Bliss salad… I’m not a vegan but I LOVED that salad.  Thanks!”

  • “My favorite custom salad in Grand Rapids. I love that you chop and toss every salad with the best choices of ingredients I have ever seen.” 

  • “A-mazing. Delicious, fresh, good for you, and pretty reasonably priced too considering that all the ingredients are super high quality (often local and organic).  New favorite lunch spot.” 

  • “The steak gaucho wrap was one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted!!!  The ingredients were fresh & made to order. Besides that, the staff was super friendly & helpful.  The adorable atmosphere was an added bonus!”