Update - Doctor's visit

This week I had a follow up Doctor's visit. Since I have be taken off of insulin my Hemoglobin A1C has been slowly rising. Ideally it should be under 7, however at my last appointment (3 months ago) it had risen to 7.7.
I wondered if insulin was crucial to my condition and would she need to put me back on it?
So over the last few months I have been exercising harder and more frequently then ever. Overall I have eaten out less and made healthier choices at home. (I still struggle with food every day)
Much to my excitement and relief, upon reading my results, she was pleased to tell me that my number had dropped to 7.2.
This is the first time I have reduced my HA1C without adding more medication.
I am thrilled, however it makes me want to try that much harder to bring it down under 7.
I know that the additional exercise was a large factor with my diabetes, as well as I had a really good Cholesterol report.
so...
More Exercise (I'm keeping a good workout log)
Better Eating
I am going to succeed!

I love produce!

So I am taking a break from Restaurant Reviewing for a couple of weeks. Not only is this a busy time for me at work, but I have been enjoying hitting the Produce Stands and fixing my own meals (still dining out a little, but trying to cut back for now)
Mark has also been cooking, so there is plenty of delicious food to choose from.
I am currently weighing in today at 182.2. I am slowly getting down to the 170's but need to give that extra push.
I have been doing my Cardio pretty religiously, doing an average of 5 days a week.
I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks, and I am hoping for a good report.
That is the health update, more after I get official doctor's news, or I successfully get below 180, whichever comes first!

Yellow Dog Eats

We just came back from Yellow Dog Eats out by Windermere, FL, and I must say that this is one of the best new establishments that I have tried in a really long time! Well, it isn’t a “new” place at all, I believe it has been in this location for about 12 years, but it is definitely “new” for me, and immediately climbed its way to the top of my list.
It seems to be a huge house that has been turned into a restaurant, a Gem that one stumbles upon with a Hippie Flare that serves Food made with Love! Throw in a touch of the Cracker Barrel Style Store where you can purchase unique Bar-B-Que Sauces, Wines and T Shirts. Then stir in a whole bunch of Eccentricity, and top it off with a cool guy named Fish (the Head Cheese and Chef) who walks around and talks to customers and makes sure everybody is happy!
The Food – Delicious! Sandwiches, Salads, BBQ, Desserts, Beer, Vegan/Vegetarian Options – all in interesting combinations. I had the Pulled Pork Salad ($12.95) a bed of fresh greens, grape tomatoes, fresh onions, scallions, carrots, tangy bleu cheese, fried onions, cucumbers, and dikon sprouts topped with a hearty serving of our famous pulled pork and Fish’s Citrus-BBQ sauce. It was sweet, spicy, hearty and extremely fresh all at the same time, there were some bonus peanuts and almonds on it which gave it an extra crunch, and not only did I practically lick my plate clean, but I couldn’t have been happier to do it!
It was well worth the 20 minute drive. Upon looking at the website I found they have a room upstairs with a Chef’s Table for larger parties, and also a cool outdoor seating section for a day with nice weather! I plan on going back often, and taking friends that I know will love it. And I feel excited to have this treasure in my repertoire of Delicious places to eat!

Cafe Trastevere

I have been eyeing Café Trastevere for years, but finally had it for dinner last week. Sitting just north of Colonial on Magnolia, in downtown Orlando it is a beautiful house that has been transformed into a quaint little Italian Restaurant. Inside it is surprisingly spacious, yet cozy at the same time and most importantly they serve thoughtful and delicious dishes.
For my Thursday evening dinner I had La Caprese ($9.00) which is something I like to get at every Italian place I go. Although it WAS delicious, I would probably pass on it the next time simply because there was nothing “special” about it. There was also nothing “special” about the Bread/ Butter (complimentary) that they brought around, however we had no problem emptying our Bread Basket.
But on to my entrée, after asking the server’s suggestion, I selected the Pollo Formaggio ($18.00): Chicken Breast in a white wine sauce topped with asparagus and mozzarella cheese served over pasta with broccoli on the side. Extremely Delicious! It tasted not only fresh, flavorful and fulfilling, but I didn’t feel too weighted down afterwards like I usually do after Italian Food.
They could use a price update on their website, however my bill (with a tea) ended up being just over $31.00 and I left with the satisfaction of a really nice meal.

Acropolis Greek Taverna, Tampa Florida

Acropolis is a Greek Taverna Chain in the greater Tampa Bay Area. I visit the one in Ybor city every chance I get. I have had several of their menu items, but I keep going back to the Gyro Platter : Sliced Lamb and Beef Gyro served with Pita and Tzatziki, which comes with not only a Greek Salad but also a side of Greek Fries with Feta. It is a steal for $10, especially considering that it is enough food to take home and have a second meal. If you haven’t already, give it a try!

Three Coins Diner, Tampa Florida

I was recently in Tampa, on a Monday night at 3am (technically Tuesday) and there was nowhere to eat. A friend suggested taking a small trip to the Three Coins Diner, and boy was it worth the trip. I am a fan of all greasy spoon type diners, however this one had the following things in its favor : Open 24 hours, Quick and Friendly service (Our server Cindy was excellent!), Large Portions, Inexpensive Prices and to top it all off, if you sit outside you can even smoke! ( a special treat for the friends that I was with) I enjoyed a delicious Omelet with Spinach, Feta and Gyro Meat, accompanied by Hash Browns and Toast, and my friends’ food looked really good too! Highly recommended!

Dixie Crossroads, Titusville Florida

Eatty PhoneHome and myself recently went to Dixie Crossroads and filmed this movie clip.
Hope you enjoy, and hope you will check out Dixie crossroads!