I felt like something trashy for lunch today. I’ve had a headache all morning (weather is changing) and my sunburn is killing me. That, coupled with the fact its my last day of spring break equals a crabby jenna.Ā You know when you just get the craving for something, um well, not good for you at all? Some people crave burgers but I crave falafel. Granted, falafel is no way as “bad” for you as a double whopper is, but it IS fried and probably greasy and high calorie. Lucky for me, yesterday was the grand opening of pita pit about a half mile away from our apartment and I begged Ryan to take me there for lunch. I got a whole wheat pita (trying to be relatively good) stuffed with lettuce, black olives, babaganoush, red onions, green peppers, hot sauce and falafel. It was very good. Not the best falafel I have ever had (that would be in Paris), but it satisfied my craving. I’m guessing my lunch was around 600 calories or so—not that I care because its very rare I eat like this but calories in fried food adds up quite fast.
This morning instead of exercising, Ryan and I walked Mikan for about 45 minutes along the bay. Its going to storm this afternoon, but the morning was relatively nice. I’m going to head back to Orlando in a little bit. I’m not in too much of a rush but would like to get back before it starts to storm! I’m already excited to have paella leftovers for dinner tonight!
Mikan reading the Sunday paper
Rebecca
April 6, 2008 at 4:54 pmAlice in Vegan land,
Thanks for the description of paella, but it sounds basically like stir fry with spanish spices?
When you mentioned frying in oil, isn’t that the same as stir fry?
Rebecca
April 6, 2008 at 4:56 pmJust to add,
Jenna feel better š
Erin
April 6, 2008 at 4:59 pmI just got back from Barcelona, and I’m missing the paella and sangria already!! And I’m feeling the sunburn today too š
Em
April 6, 2008 at 5:04 pmHaha I love the Pita Pit! There needs to be more pita-serving fast food franchises!
Ella
April 6, 2008 at 5:06 pmSomeone should come up with “baked” falafel…yum.
Having a lot of sun makes me tired too.
~
Jenna or anyone,
I’m thinking about giving up caffeine, and I was wondering if you ever drink decaf (e.g., coffee or green tea, etc.). I want to stop using caffeine, but the “health benefits” of tea, in particular, have made me rationalize that it’s okay. Does anyone have any opinons on this?
~
Thanks! Everyone have a great Sun!
Rebecca
April 6, 2008 at 5:18 pmAlice,
What does saffron taste like? Sorry for so many questions. I love learning about other culture’s foods.
Alice (in Veganland)
April 6, 2008 at 5:22 pmI never thought paella would be so difficult to explain… It’s not exactly stir-fry because it’s partially stir fried and partially cooked with the rice and water. It tastes in no way similar to a stir-fry, but I guess it’s easier to understand what I mean if you have actually eaten it… You have to use a special pan, and this pan is only used to cook paella, and if you use something else it doesn’t taste the same for example.
Craving falafel is not bad at all!! The worst for me is craving french fries, and it happens sometimes. Or chocolate cake! Your pita looks great.
Oh, and I love your dog! so sweet!
Alice (in Veganland)
April 6, 2008 at 5:27 pmSaffron? That is a difficult question! uh, I really don’t know how to answer, I’m so sorry… help anyone?
Kat
April 6, 2008 at 5:45 pmAccording to the website the falafel pita is actually not that bad š Granted it may underestimate the calories and fat – it is one of the best choices at pita pit!
I know that you do not feel bad about it – but it is worth knowing that it really isnt as bad as you think!
Meredith
April 6, 2008 at 6:01 pmThat falafel pita looks SO GOOD! I’m craving one so badly right now!
NJ
April 6, 2008 at 6:44 pmAhh Pita Pit! I used to love eating at Pita Pit DT Orlando after bar-hopping. Although one time while in line for our pitas at about 2 a.m. my friend asked to use the bathroom. They said “no” even though we were getting pitas. She was drunk and offered the guy $27 (what she had in cash left) and he still said “no.” It was hilarious.
LauraECU
April 6, 2008 at 8:25 pmI posted this in the Breakfast post, but in case it got overlooked, I’m posting it here:
“This is kinda off the topic of food, but I was wondering if any of you are familiar with Ayurvedic Medicine. Iām really interested in learning more about it, and was thinking of picking up a book about it. However, there are soooo many on this topic. Could any of you recommend a good one on this topic?”
Also, Sweet basil, YES I go to East Carolina….I’m a Pirate š
Okay…I just got back from grocery shopping, and I was excited that I found these Flat Out wraps that I have heard some good things about. However, I was very upset when I was looking over the ingredients (once I was home) to see that they contain hydrogenated soybean oil….grrrr!! It is towards the bottom of the ingredient list and no trans fat is listed in the nutrition facts, but still…I don’t want to consume ANY hydrogenated fats. Had I only checked this BEFORE I got home…. Ok, enough of my ranting!
erica
April 6, 2008 at 9:12 pmjenna, sort of a random question, but what camera do you have? it takes the best pictures! š
Nadia
April 6, 2008 at 10:12 pmmmm…i LOVE falafels. I’ve tried many in my day but my favorite so far has been at “Mamoun’s” restaurant in NYC. Now I want one even though I just ate…
Betsy
April 6, 2008 at 10:47 pmi love love LOVE falafel. also my go-to bad food.
mamouns is delish! as is taim…soo good.
Kat
April 6, 2008 at 10:55 pmLauraECU – provided the package is unopened and you have the receipt you can take them back. I know this is a hassel too – but then you can also find some wraps that you will actually enjoy!
Kat
BethT
April 6, 2008 at 10:55 pmEllie Krieger from Food Network has a baked falafel recipe. It’s not bad – a little dry, but not bad if you want a healthier version.
Ella
April 6, 2008 at 11:15 pmoo thanks beth!
I just went and found that:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_142493,00.html
I will def try it!
Romina
April 7, 2008 at 2:02 amPita pit is sooo worth the 600 calories! =)
jenna
April 7, 2008 at 2:06 america,
I have a gross, food encrusted Casio Exlim 7.2 mega pixels. I’ve had it for a long time and need a new one!!
Ashley H
April 7, 2008 at 4:54 amI was on Pita Pit’s recipe because my boyfriend and I were going to eat there. and I decided to enter your sandwich in the calculator. It was 551 better than you thought huh! well just a little but hey not too bad and totally worth it. : ) I hope you feel better soon!!
Allison
April 7, 2008 at 6:07 pmI know this is a few days late, but I.Love.Pita.Pit.
The one in my college town was open until 3am, and it was on the same street as all the bars. The line at 1:45am was usually out the door and around the corner. At least people were getting their veggies in! š