Category: Food

My 2025 Ins: Fashion, Food, and Wellness Routines

Now that we’re about halfway through 2025, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on some of the new routines/products I have implemented into my life this year. Who knows– maybe my 2025 “ins” will inspire you to try new things as well.

#1: LAGREE

Y’all…. this semester I have really gotten into Lagree, and it has completely changed my outlook on fitness. Back in high school, I used to be really into going to the gym- lifting weights, progressive overload, all that stuff. Transitioning into college, I have found it so difficult to find the motivation and time to make my way to the gym. Quite frankly, it’s just gotten really boring for me.

Over winter break, when I was back home and didn’t have much to do, I tried Pilates and Lagree classes through ClassPass. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I’m lucky enough to have a studio located less than a five-minute walk from my college apartment! Naturally, I bought a monthly membership and have been attending classes religiously.

I will say… Lagree is on the more expensive side when it comes to fitness classes. However, the workouts are so worth (it in my opinion). I’ve never done anything quite like it. Lagree combines high-intensity, low-impact training into one workout. The shakes you will get during class are insane. That first class is definitely humbling- LOL. I enjoy a challenge, and no matter how difficult the class is, I always walk out of the studio feeling strong and accomplished.

Over the past few months, I have definitely noticed a difference in my body composition and overall strength. My muscles are more pronounced and toned, my flexibility has improved, and the muscle gain has made running easier as well.

My favorite thing about these classes is that every time you go in, you are bound to get a different workout. It never really gets boring! If you haven’t tried Lagree, I would HIGHLY recommend. You might just fall in love with it like I did.

#2: Weekly-ish Dinner Parties

Hosting/attending little dinner parties is the highlight of my week. Sometimes, it can feel a little lonely eating in college, especially if you are used to eating dinner with your family back at home. Additionally, college is an incredibly busy time in your life, and it can be hard to make time for social commitments. Dinner parties are a great way to solve both of those issues!

A dinner party does not always have to be some grand ordeal with five courses, caviar, wine, and the whole nine yards. Sometimes when I have a dinner party, I literally just invite one or two of my friends over. We each cook a little dish/cook together and then turn on a movie or play some cute music. It’s always a gorgeous time and a great way to unwind from the week.

If you need some dinner party inspiration I will attach some photos below of past dishes I have made with friends. There’s a range of simple meals to more complex ones.

My 21st birthday dinner celebration featuring a charcuterie board made from scratch. The charcuterie board had pickles, seed crackers, strawberries, cashews, red grapes, cheddar cheese, brie cheese, blackberries, and fig jam.

For my 21st birthday, I wanted to have a rager but also a classier celebration (two celebrations to represent my two personality types). For the classier celebration, I opted for a small dinner party with about six of my friends. My friend Joel and I cooked two pasta dishes: he made a green poblano pasta and I made a tomato-based pasta dish. As a side, I prepared a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and balsamic glaze. For the appetizer, we opted for a super cute charcuterie board. It was so much fun and a really great way to celebrate my birthday.

My friend Bella and I wearing out cute dinner party attire.

Because this dinner party was more of a special occasion, I had all my friends dress up in cute, classy, cocktail attire. This really elevated the dinner party experience and made it feel like we went out to eat at a fancy little restaurant.

Like I said before, dinner parties don’t always have to be a ton of work. Sometimes I like to host in my pjs and make super simple meals. Below is an example of a dinner party I had with two of my friends where we cooked very low effort (but still delicious) food.

Kale Caesar salad with chicken, avocado, and Parmigiano Reggiano. On the side we had air fried sweet potato fries sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano.

We were inspired by the classic ‘girl dinner’ meal: Caesar salad and french fries. We elevated the dish and tweaked it a bit by using kale instead of classic romaine lettuce and sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the fries. Additionally, instead of deep frying we used an air fryer to get a similar crispy effect. Overall it was a super delicious meal.

#3: Eccentric Tights

Night out on the town.

This year, I feel like I have not had the time to play with my style. School, work, volunteering, and studying for the MCAT has kept me so busy that I don’t even have time to plan cute outfits as often anymore. Fashion is such a big part of my identity, and I see clothing as a way to creatively express myself. It’s hard to put effort into keeping up with my style amid all my other commitments, so lately I have really been slacking in that department.

One thing that I have found to be an easy, low-effort way to elevate my look is by adding an eccentric pair of tights to a simple outfit. Tights are a huge confidence boost as I always feel very good about myself whenever I put on a pair. Plus, I think tights are super chic and really elevate a look if styled correctly.

Lately, I’ve been playing with colored tights and animal-print tights to turn a basic outfit into a more editorial, high-fashion look. Not only do they look really good, but they’re also pretty cheap. I thrifted my leopard-print tights from Pavement (they have never worn before), and Amazon also has great options for cute, cheap, colored tights as well.

#5: Run Clubs

Lady Bird Lake running trail in downtown Austin, Texas.

Guys…. run clubs are not propaganda. The wellness girlies were right…. running is so much fun. If you want to hear my whole pitch about how I got into running and my running tips, you can read a bit about it here.

Anyways, back to run clubs. Run clubs are so much fun and a great way to meet people in your community. If your city/town doesn’t have any major run clubs, create your own! I love setting a weekly schedule with my friends and choosing a different trail/route to explore with them.

This past April I met my goal of running my first ever 10K (go Longhorn Run!). I owe part of my training dedication to my weekly run club. It’s not always easy to get out there and run. Some weeks you will feel soooo unmotivated. Having a group of people to help keep you excited and accountable is so inspiring. It truly helps you stay on track.

Go get out there!

That pretty much sums up my new 2025 routines. Like I said, a big part of my life is being consumed by the MCAT right now. Hopefully after I #ace this test in September, I can get my life back in order and start doing more things again. With that being said, I hope you enjoyed this little read and a peak into my year so far.

If you were inspired by any of my wise words of wisdom, let me know down below. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my blog post, and I will see you very soon. Stay beautiful!

May 28, 2025
Healthy College Pantry Essentials for Busy Students Like You

I’m currently in my third semester of college and trust me, I’m no stranger to a busy schedule and a stressful workload. Some days I have 6-8 hours of back to back classes with no time to hit the dining hall. Because of this, I have learned what foods belong in my pantry to keep me fueled and fed. It’s so important for us students to take care of our nutritional needs so we can tackle all the tasks needed to get done. So, whether you live in a dorm room with just a microwave or even a small apartment, everything on this list will work for you.

#1: Quick Oats

Quick oats have to be one of the most important things on this list. Oats are an amazing, nutrient dense food that is great to add to your diet. They are a great complex carb that will help keep you satiated and energized until lunch. Additionally, oats are a great source of fiber and help regulate your cholesterol levels. The specific type that I choose are gluten free, protein oats. I like them with a little added protein for additional benefits.

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Protein Oats

I reach for these in the morning, especially when I have early classes to get to (since I don’t feel like waking up even earlier to get breakfast at the dining hall). You can make these in the microwave by adding some water or milk, or if you want something even quicker, let them soak overnight in the fridge so you can eat them on your way to class.

#2: Microwaveable Brown Rice

Again, another great, easy way to get whole grains into your diet is with microwavable brown rice. Of course if brown rice is not your thing you can opt for white rice, but I prefer brown rice for a multitude of reasons. For one, it’s a whole grain (whereas white rice is a refined grain). This means that when you eat white rice, you are not getting all the nutrients that the whole grain version has to offer. Additionally, since brown rice is a whole grain, it is a complex carbohydrate which will keeper you fuller for longer. Besides all the health benefits, I just honestly prefer the texture of brown rice better. It’s a win-win for me.

Seeds of Change Organic Brown Rice

I love this specific brand because it’s a certified gluten free rice. If you don’t have to worry about avoiding gluten, any brand works fine.

Spice this up with your favorite seasonings to add an extra punch of flavor and variety to the taste. My favorites are cumin, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and cardamom. If you are vegetarian of vegan, pair this rice with a peas, chickpeas, or beans to create an easy, plant based complete protein source! You really can’t go wrong with this. It’s easy, fast, and filling.

#3: Canned Beans/Legumes

Beans and legumes are an amazing food group to incorporate into your diet. They are very nutrient dense and are a great source of fiber, protein, iron, and B vitamins. As I mentioned above, if you pair them with a whole grain such as brown rice, it creates an amazing plant based complete protein source.

Green Valley Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

Some of my favorite beans/legumes are chickpeas, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Again, you can eat them straight out of the bag/can by adding your favorite seasonings! A good tip is to try and look for a low sodium variety for something a little healthier.

#4: Salty Snack- Hippeas Chickpea Puffs

Every once in awhile, you just want a satisfying snack to crunch on while watching your favorite show or while studying. The great news is, you do not have to give up taste/satisfaction for health! Some of my favorite chips that I reach for constantly are Hippeas chickpea puffs. These snack puffs are made from chickpeas which makes them a great source of fiber and some protein. Additionally, they are vegan, gluten free, and nut free! I highly recommend if you are looking for a savory snack with great flavor and crunch.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs

#5: Sweet Snack- Siete Mini Bunuelos

Of course we need a sweet treat in the pantry to satisfy the sweet tooth cravings. So, I present to you: Siete mini bunuelos! Siete is another one of my favorite brands out there. All of their products are gluten free and made with wholesome ingredients (without sacrificing taste). If you had not yet tried their products, I highly recommend!

Siete Grain Free Cinnamon Crisps (Mini Bunuelos)

#6: Nut Butter

A good nut butter is such a versatile food that is also a great source of healthy, unsaturated fats (which can help keep you full). I recommend looking for a natural nut butter that is made from only your nut of choice and maybe some sea salt. There really is no need for all the filler ingredients that big brands like to add, so try sticking to the natural stuff as it is the healthiest option.

Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Almond Butter

Personally, I am a big fan of almond butter and peanut butter, so I switch between the two depending on what mood I’m in.

I love adding nut butters to my oatmeal, as filling for dates, or in sandwiches. Honestly, a drizzle of this stuff over anything is sure to be delicious.

#7: Dates (or your favorite dried fruit)

I could write a love letter to dates. They are one of my most used fruits when I am in a pinch. Dates are full of natural sweetness and offer a ton of carbohydrates, so they are a great food to eat when you need a boost of energy. My favorite way to eat them is filled with a nut butter. It’s like a healthy, natural version of a candy bar and is a great midday snack.

Another way I eat dates is in my oatmeal as a natural sweetener.

Dates last such a long time in the pantry and are a staple for my ‘kitchen’.

Natural Delights Fresh Medjool Pitted Dates

#8: All Natural Protein/Energy Bars

Like I mentioned before, life as a student is very, very, busy, especially if you are managing a job on top of your school work as well. One way I stay energized and fueled on days where I have a back-to-back schedule is with protein bars.

Now, I have a love-hate relationship with protein bars. On one hand, they are super convenient. You just put them in your bag and eat them whenever, wherever. On the other hand, many protein bar companies add in so many weird ingredients that I am not a fan of. I really try to keep my diet focused on whole foods, so for me those are a no-go.

However, throughout my years consuming protein/energy bars, I have come across some great brands that use good ingredients to create their products.

All Natural Protein/Energy Bars

Some of my favorite bars are made from the brands RXBAR, GoMacro, and LARABAR.

The RXBAR and GoMacro bars offer a larger protein content, so if that’s what you are looking for, I’d go with those. There’s also sooo many flavors to choose from so experiment! Some of my favorite RXBAR flavors are peanut butter, pumpkin spice, and chocolate sea salt.

LARABAR does not offer a lot of protein, but they are still a great bar made with real fruits and nuts. If you need some extra energy, these are a very good option for you as well.

#9: Protein Powder

Protein is a very important macronutrient that helps support strong muscles and is in charge of many functions in our bodies. It’s very important that you get an adequate amount of protein in your diet so you can live a healthy, enjoyable life. An easy way for busy students like us to up our protein intake is with protein powder! Protein powder can be added to oatmeal, milk, water, and smoothies for an easy protein boost.

Vega Plant Based Protein Powder

My favorite brand of protein powder is Vega. Their protein powder is plant based, gluten free, and nutrient dense because they are made with vegetables as well! The taste is amazing as well. My favorite is the chocolate flavor!

Plant Power!

There you have it, healthy pantry essentials for busy students like me and you. I hope you found this blog post helpful! If you try any of these or have added these to your pantry, let me know! As always thanks so much for reading and please take care of yourself! Until next time.

-Diana

January 15, 2024
10 Must Try Gluten Free Items From Trader Joe’s

Whether you suffer from celiac disease, are sensitive to gluten, or just need some tasty food recommendations to try, this post has you covered. Here, I list my top 10 must try gluten free items from Trader Joe’s (and you can’t even tell they’re gluten free!!!). Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Thank me later.

#1: Cauliflower Gnocchi

Now, I know what you might be thinking, ‘Cauliflower gnocchi?! Ew!’. No, no, before you judge it too harshly based off of first impressions, I’ll have you know… it’s bomb. The thing is, you can’t go into this expecting it to taste exactly the same as traditional gnocchi. Traditional gnocchi are made with potato whereas these are made with cauliflower (obviously they will differ slightly in taste). However, the cauliflower taste is not overwhelming at all. In fact, with my preferred method of preparation, I barely notice it.

I recommend pan searing them straight from the freezer. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic and start sautéing away. When brown and slightly crispy, I add Parmigiano Reggiano and chili flakes on top. BAM! Easy and delicious dinner served to you in under 10 minutes.

(P.S. don’t feel bad about eating the entire bag. I do it every single time).

#2: Joe-Joe’s Cookies & Creme Inspired Granola Clusters

I AM ADDICTED TO THIS GRANOLA! Joe was NOT lying when he labeled this as ‘cookies & creme’!! It captures the taste of cookies so well I can’t even wrap my head around it. I love to just snack on this straight from the bag or add it to my yogurt bowl in the morning.

#3: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

These are seriously so addicting. They are a great, healthier alternative to Takis that us celiacs can indulge in. I have never met a single person who does not like these so I highly recommend.

#4: Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs

One word: heavenly. These puffs are the perfect blend of airy and crunchy. Once you take that initial first bite, they seem to melt in your mouth. The jalapeño seasoning is not too overpowering, so even if you can’t handle much spice, I think you would still enjoy these. Another thing I love about these puffs is that they are a healthier alternative to a typical potato chip. Since they’re made with quinoa, they have a nice complex carb to help satisfy your hunger.

#5: Gluten Free Five Cheese Ravioli

Being Italian, my celiac diagnosis was especially hard for me. I felt like I had to turn my back on so many cultural foods that I grew up with. For the past four months I have been searching for the best pasta alternatives, and this one did not disappoint. The cheeses used add an amazing sharp flavor. The actual pasta blend itself is tasty and holds together fairly well once cooked! I like to add crushed chili flakes on top for extra flavor.

#6: Hearty Minestrone Soup

These cold winter months call for cozy soup to keep you warm. I love this soup because not only is it gluten free, but it’s plant based as well! There are so many great ingredients in it such as kale, beans, and quinoa, so it’s sure to keep you satisfied.

#7: Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies With Sea Salt

Trader Joe’s has perfected gluten free desserts. These cookies are to die for and taste just like traditional cookies. I love anything and everything chocolate-sea salt so these are perfection! (They are massive too so that’s a bonus).

#8: Gluten Free Madeleine Cookies

My mom is their biggest supporter. Every time we go to Trader Joe’s, she will buy like five boxes of these cookies. They are her morning staple and I can’t really blame her for that. These madeleine cookies will transport you straight to Europe. Light, fluffy, with a subtle sweetness, they pair perfectly with a smooth espresso.

#9: Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

The first time I tried these muffins, I had to triple check that they were actually gluten free- they’re that good. My favorite part is the cinnamon sugar muffin top. I promise you will not be disappointed if you decide to try these for yourself.

#10: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups

I am a peanut butter cup LOVER, so when I saw these in store I had to give them a try. Let me start off by saying that there’s so much to love about these sweet treats. Not only are they gluten free, but they are also soy, dairy, tree nut, and peanut free. Oh, and they’re vegan! If you suffer from any other major food allergies, these are a great option for you. Another thing I love about these is that they are not too sweet! I feel satisfied and good about snacking on them.

Time To Go Shopping…

There you have it! 10 amazing foods from Trader Joe’s that you are guaranteed to enjoy- celiac or not.

I hope this list serves you well, and If you end up trying any of the these, I’d love to hear about it!

If you know of any other gluten free products from Trader Joe’s that you love, sound off below! I’m always looking for new foods to try.

Until next time!

-Diana

December 30, 2023
My Journey With Celiac Disease

I feel like it’s only fitting to start my food and wellness pages with the biggest part of my life right now- navigating the world as a newly diagnosed celiac.

2020

My noticeable health struggles date back to the early pandemic days. When the world ‘shut down’ I was a sophomore in high school. As did everyone else my age, I just thought I was getting an extended spring break. I decided this was the perfect time to reinvent myself. I started doing at home work out videos from famous fitness YouTubers, and I had recently become vegetarian. My diet drastically changed. I incorporated more whole foods, more vegetables, and more plant based protein. I limited foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and added sodium (all the health buzz words really).

Green Goddess Salad

Protein Packed Baked Oats

Spicy Veggie Bowl with Tofu

Of course, my newfound fitness and diet caused me to lose weight (something I did not have intent on doing). I just wanted to become a healthier person overall, and I guess an aftereffect of that was slimming down and putting on muscle definition. However, with my slimmer figure I started noticing something else as well. After every meal, no matter how big or small, my stomach would inflate like a balloon. I literally looked like I was in my second trimester carrying twins.

My bloating started becoming physically uncomfortable. I had a constant pressure pushing out from my insides. My appetite started to decrease because it seemed like the only way to avoid the pain was to stop eating altogether.

After three months of constant pain and rapid weight loss, I went to a gastroenterologist to seek help. He did some bloodwork on me and my results came back with one marker positive for celiac. I was scheduled for an endoscopy the following week to officially test for celiac disease. To everyone’s surprise, the endoscopy came back negative. My gastroenterologist was a bit shocked, but he continued digging to see what could possibly be wrong with me. I had a gastric emptying scan done, a lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance test done, an x-ray of my intestines done, the list goes on. Nothing came back conclusive. I was left with no answers.

Fueled with frustration, I had to go on with my life. It seemed that this would be my new normal from now on.

2021

As time went on I began to lose more and more weight. My energy levels plummeted, I was irritable, constantly sad, self conscious, and always in pain. My family and teachers expressed their concern, but I brushed it off as being ‘fine’. This was in fact my new normal.

I had my yearly physical done for school and my physician noticed my rapid weight loss. I expressed my chronic fatigue and loss of appetite, so more bloodwork was done to see what could be the root of the problem. One of those tests being another celiac panel. This time around, two positive markers for celiac came up.

I was supposed to schedule another endoscopy, but with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I never got around to it.

2023

The summer of 2023 was my breaking point. That summer I was visiting my family in Italy. Pasta, bread, and pizza made up a majority of my diet (I mean, can you blame me?). Although my tastebuds were more than happy, my GI tract was as upset as ever. My symptoms became the worst they had ever been and a switch finally went off in my brain. When I got back to the U.S. I decided to make another trip to the doctor. This time, I expressed to my physician that I believed I had celiac disease. She ran another blood panel on me. This time, three markers for celiac came back positive. I was referred to another gastroenterologist and she agreed with my concern.

So, I underwent yet another endoscopy. After two weeks of impatience, my results finally came back- I was officially diagnosed with celiac disease… And so my gluten free journey began!

As of right now, I have been gluten free for about four months now. It has definitely been a struggle adjusting to this new lifestyle, especially as a sophomore in college. My family is from Italy and so much of my cultural food has gluten in it. Not only that, but going out to eat is virtually impossible. I struggle to find places that are affordable and safe for me to eat at.

On the plus side, I have been having so much fun experimenting with new recipes, so stay tuned for posts on that.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my story! Until next time!

-Diana

December 26, 2023