A weekend full of food!

As you'll have seen by now I love food. I wrote a post recently on my low fodmap diet. I am feeling great and at the reintroduction stage. This means I eat foods I had to avoid before and take note of how I feel after. So far I have realised onions are not agreeing with me so I avoid them as much as I can. I am also trying my best to avoid gluten as much as possible. I noticed that I feel ok if I have a food that would has a small amount of gluten in it for example sauces that may have flour added or chicken that is coated. However if I have pizza, pasta or bread I don't feel the best. So I avoid them or get gluten free options where possible. As food is what I love, this isn't going to stop me going out and enjoying myself.

I think my favourite thing to do is to go to food festivals and I certainly made that happen last weekend. I went to three food festivals on Saturday and Sunday. Taste of Toronto was planned, I wanted to go back since we went last year and it did not disappoint! The sun was shining, I had some Jacobs Creek frosé (frozen rosé) which was delicious. I ate an amazing fried chicken dish with fries and peanut sauce, that was slightly spicy but so yummy and we even signed up for tequila tasting. I could lie and say the tequila was amazing but it tasted like 2am in a club when you totally didn't need another shot!haha. I pretended I liked it anyway and tried to not make faces!All and all it was a great day!

After a fun day we decided to go to Taste of Little Italy. There was a whole street closed off for the weekend. There were street vendors, musicians, street performers and a small fun fair. It was sooo busy so it was hard to take pictures. If you follow me on Instagram(zitajames) I put lots up on my story that day, I use that instead of Snapchat now, for some reason I prefer it.

On Sunday we said "why stop there?" and went to Taco Fest. The best part was we got in for free, it was sold out and after a disappointed hungry girl waited around for a few minutes with a sad face, we got in. Lol.  As the name suggests it was a festival full of tacos with restaurants and food trucks providing the goods.. I was so happy as there were lots of gluten free options to choose from. It was very busy and everyone was enjoying the music and food, until a thunderstorm arrived. What a way to spend a weekend! Full Belly = Happy Zita.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Talk soon xx

Zita J

Montreal

This day last week myself and Parker headed off to Montreal from Toronto, we both had a half day and got the 3.15 pm train. We arrived into Montreal around 8.30 pm and headed straight to our hotel. We stayed in the Hilton Garden Inn and I could not recommend it more. It was central, the room was very clean and the staff were attentive. They also have a pool on the top floor of the hotel. It was a great hangover cure on the Saturday morning.

On the Friday night we met my cousin (I have so many and it's great as they are spread out over the world) and we went for drinks. He took us to a few different bars on Bishops St and many drinks later we got back to our hotel. Saturday morning we woke up early and went to the pool and hot tub to help us start our day of adventures.

We headed out and went straight to Old Montreal, which was highly recommended by many people. If you're visiting from a big city like Toronto, downtown Montreal isn't that appealing as its just big buildings. Although I love that about Toronto, I was coming to Montreal to see something different. Different is certainly what I got. The whole time I was there I felt like I was in France or somewhere a million miles away.

We walked around Old Montreal admiring the beautiful architecture and stopped for lunch in a restaurant called Solmar on Rue St Paul, it looked cute and people were sitting outside so we decided to do the same. I got steak and frites and it was delicious. All the restaurants on Rue St Paul looked lovely and all were very busy so if you go there you have lots of choice on that street.

It was a beautiful day so after our lunch we walked around the old port. There was lots happening down there especially it being a long weekend. There was markets, street performers and activities for both children and adults like zip lining, adventure courses etc. It looks like a lovely place to just relax and enjoy the weather too.

After enjoying the sunshine and walking around we decided we needed a refreshment so we headed to a roof top bar called Terrasse Nelligan part of Hotel Nelligan. The atmosphere was great up there with everyone enjoying the beginning of the summer.

We went back to our hotel to get ready for dinner and drinks with my cousin. He brought us to a restaurant called Le Vin Papillon which is the same owners as Joe Beef a very well known restaurant in Montreal. It's a tapas style restaurant. The menu changes all the time and its written up on a blackboard (in french) so if you don't have someone with you that speaks french you might have fun guessing. They are very helpful though and recommend dishes to you. The food was incredible and the wine was great too.

After dinner we headed to The Drinkerie, they do cool cocktails there. So many to choose from! We then headed to The Burgundy Lion and were greeted with free shots of whiskey, the perks of having a cousin whose a bartender! Lastly we went to Le Bureau, a cosy tapas and cocktail bar. It opens until 3am... I am surprised I lasted until then.

We had a really fun night and it was great to catch up with my cousin. Sore heads in the morning as we got up and got ready to explore more and make the most of our last day in Montreal. Part 2 is to follow......

Talk soon xx

Zita J

                                                                     

Low fodmap diet

I mentioned last week on my Instagram and Facebook how I am on a special diet called FODMAP. FODMAPs is an abbreviation referring to Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people. So I am 10 days in and I wanted to fill you in on what it's all about. I haven't been feeling great for a number of years now and I have gotten tests done to see if I am celiac etc and it came back clear but I was advised about 4 or 5 years ago to limit the amount of gluten as it doesn't agree with me. I did that for awhile but as time passed I started to reintroduce it again.

However lately I have been feeling quite bad so I decided to go to a naturopathic doctor. My work benefits covered it too which is great. He recommended I go on a low fodmap diet for 3 weeks and then reassess and go from there. Low FODMAP diets are usually not a permanent diet, most of the time its about cutting lots of food such as gluten, cows milk, garlic, onion etc out of your diet and then reintroducing them to see what triggers you feeling unwell. That way you can figure out what food you should limit or avoid completely.

With the diet I am on  there are a lot of food that I cannot have anymore. Some I was very surprised by like certain vegetables i.e broccoli, although I am not complaining. The main foods that I have been advised to stay away from is foods containing gluten. Most dairy products expect hard cheeses which I also find odd.  I can’t have garlic, onions, sweet corn, apple, some juices. There is a big list!

I have also been advised to stop drinking tea and change to green tea as there is less caffeine in green tea. I usually drink three cups of tea a day and I am not going to lie I am finding it very hard to not have "real tea". What am I going to do with all my Barry’s Tea my mum has sent me? I may treat myself to one cup at the weekends but for now its green tea or decaffeinated orange pekoe. (This just isn’t the same) Must get the mother to send decaffeinated Barry’s Tea... Lol!

Along with the foods to avoid I have to take psyllium husk every day. I was told to drink it with water but after two times empty reaching into the sink trying to drink it, I decided to put it in my porridge in the morning instead. You wouldn't even notice the difference. Psyllium husk is a way of getting more fiber into you and has many benefits which included: 

• Health heart and improved cholesterol   
• Makes bowel movements easier, yes I am talking about poos on my blog.
• Weight management, as it makes you feel fuller for longer.
• It has also been said to help with diabetes.

I have also been advised to drink apple cider vinegar before my meals, I have started to do this before my dinner. It is like some form of torture to be honest but I am getting use to it. I was told to take it before meals as it helps in the process of digestion however its said to have many more benefits:

• Can treat acid reflux and heartburn
• Can kill yeast and boost probiotics
• Can help fight allergies 
• Cure colds and sore throats
• Lowers blood pressure
• Helps support weight loss
• Improves hair and skin 

To be honest it hasn't been the hardest thing ever. Some days are easier than other. With the support of my personal chef Parker, he has thought of so many great delicious dishes that are gluten, dairy free and low FODMAP friendly and you wouldn't even notice the difference. I have realised that I have to be more organised and super prepared so that I am not buying foods that I need to avoid.

Obviously at times it can be frustrating, especially for a big foodie like me who loves going out for food but I'll get there and more importantly I feel GREAT! Isn't that what it's all about.  It might not be forever and I may be able to introduce these foods again but for now I am living,learning and feeling good!

This diet isn't for everyone so if you feel unwell go to your doctor, Don't self diagnose yourself. But don't let it go on too long if your not feeling 100%. Your health is everything!

I can still enjoy my food and treat myself...just see below.

Peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda and vanilla with dairy free chocolate chips. Gluten and dairy free cookies and super simple to make.

 

Gluten free nachos, beef mince with passata (strained tomatoes), salt, pepper, paprika, chili and hard cheese(which I am allowed). Delicious!

I will put up more food related blogs in the coming weeks if people like and it might help some of you! For now I am off to pack and get ready for our trip to Montreal this weekend. Follow my trip on Instagram: zitajames.

Talk soon xx

Zita J

My 5 tips to help anxiety

Lately I have been feeling very anxious. I have shared with you before that anxiety is something that I have dealt with for awhile. When I just moved here I remember writing a post called "what I have learned so far" and in it I discussed how the subways, crowds and bad news on the TV was causing me to feel quite anxious, well since then I have learned to deal with crowds and subways a lot more. I still try avoid listening to too much bad news, obviously you can't avoid it especially with social media but I try not get engrossed in all the negativity that we have to listen to and watch every day.

I feel my anxiety may be worse at the moment due to the big decision we made to apply for permanent residency but for people who do suffer from anxiety you will know that some times you can't explain the reason for your anxiety and why you feel the way you do on a particular day, week or month. No one likes to feel down or panicked so I thought I would share with you the things I do to help me deal with it:

1. Exercise

For the last month I have been going to the gym in the mornings before work. I am mainly doing it for my mind. If I tone up then all the better but for me its all about feeling better and there is no better feeling after going to the gym or even a long walk. It clears your mind and gives you energy for the day. I think the morning works best for me. People are so busy these days, they say they don't have time but I am telling you, if you find at least ten minutes of your day to exercise you will feel so much better.

2. Talk

This is so important! Be it your girlfriend, boyfriend, mum, dad, friend, work colleague or even a professional. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I am quite open about how I am feeling and I think it really helps give you a sense of relief on a day you feel anxious. Someone will listen, even if they don't fully understand what you are going through. Remember if you are the person listening, everyone's anxiety is different. What might not seem a big deal to you could be a huge deal to someone else. So listen, try your best to support them and remember if they feel comfortable enough to open up to you, just sitting there and listening might simply be enough.

There are many great professionals out there that will also listen. Some times however you might not click with the person so don't despair, it might take a few professionals until you find the right person. I had a doctor tell me before they didn't have time for all my problems but that didn't stop me from finding someone who would listen to me. The point is someone will listen, so talk!

3. Treat yo'self

I love this tip! Lol. Really though, pick a day of the week or even once a month and buy yourself something you like. That could be as small as a chocolate bar or as expensive as a pink leather zara coat you wanted for weeks ;-) We work hard enough and for long enough so we need to treat ourselves every now and then. You don't need to break the bank to show yourself a little love once and awhile.

4. Headspace:

If you haven't heard of this app, I would highly recommend it. Its free to download and includes 10 sessions for meditation, additional sessions are available to purchase. It really helps me if I can't go to sleep at night. Night time is when I think the most and worry and this app helps me relax. It's a mediation app and they talk you through the steps. Some times I fall asleep while he is still talking, which is ideal. I should really use it more not just at night to make me more calm all the time. Definitely download it if you find it hard to relax.

5. Find what you love and do it..often

If you don't already know what you love to do, go out and try new things. It might be going for walks, it might be yoga, it might be meeting your friends for coffee, it might be going for brunch with your boyfriend (I wonder who I am talking about here), it might be helping others, it might be getting dressed up and spending time doing your make up, it might be kicking a ball around with your friends. Whatever it may be, if you love doing it then do it often. If that is what makes you happy then that's all the more reason to do it regularly. This world is so judgmental but don't let that stop you from doing the things you love.

Last week, my dear cousin passed away at the young age of 32. Unfortunately I couldn't be home to be with my family but if it has taught me anything, it's that life is too short to waste being unhappy. I know that is easier said than done but we need to try our best. Buy the coat, find what you love doing, take care of your body which will help take care of your mind and remember to talk! You are not alone and it's okay not to be ok.

I hope some of these tips will help you, they work for me and I hope that if someone reading this is feeling down that I might have helped them. Take care of one and other, life is precious!

Hope you all have a happy and healthy long weekend in Ireland! Its not a long weekend here unfortunately so I'm very jealous.

Take care xx

Talk soon

Zita J 

"When I get the giggles...It's game over"

Happy Friday, so glad this week is over. It been a wet and miserable one. Next week is meant to be nicer though so I am looking forward to that. As I mentioned in my most recent post, we had our English test last weekend as part of the PR process. I could lie and say it was easy but it wasn't, to be honest I am a little nervous about the results. I know what people might be thinking "but you can speak English", well this bloody thing was strange. 

I was okay with the listening and writing pieces, it was the reading that I struggled with. With the type of dyslexia that I have reading would be what I find most challenging. So I will forgive myself if I don't do well there. The speaking section however, that was a whole different ball game. Firstly, your speaking to a computer with a headset on. Secondly, the questions they give you are ridiculous and lastly when I get the giggles... it's game over, and that is exactly what happened!

There was one question I got, talk about why you should be allowed bring your own snacks into a movie theatre?  You had to talk for 90 seconds about it, 90!!! You would be surprised how long 90 seconds is when you have to talk rubbish. Well I started off well saying that, "it would save people some money as they wouldn't have to spend it at the cinema".Then I went on to talk about people with allergies and how, "it would be great for them as they could bring gluten free snacks such as"...and I paused, not because I couldn't think of gluten free snacks but simply because I was about to erupt with laughter as I felt I sounded like this.....

Yes, all I could think of was Miss Teen USA 2007 while taking a rather important English exam, Ugh! I got a fit of giggles and I have no idea what I said after. I would love to be the people marking these tests, the stuff people must come out with. 

Anyway, to try forget about the fact that we may not be fluent English speakers after all, we headed to Koreatown to eat. We have heard lots about Korean BBQ and really wanted to try it, so we found a really nice place called Arisu. 

The tables are set up with a BBQ in the middle. You pick from a wide range of meats and they bring it all out raw for you to cook yourself. A variety of side dishes is included to go with the meat. It was such a nice experience and the food was delicious. The prices were very reasonable too. I would definitely go again and to Koreatown in general, there was some cool bars around there that I want to try in the summer.

On Sunday, we went for walk and ended up getting some nice photos of the Toronto skyline from a place called Polson Pier. Of course we couldn't finish the day without eating (my favourite thing to do) so we went to one of my favourite Mexican restaurants, El Catrin in the Distillery District. Sitting outside eating fish tacos and drinking sangria was the prefect way to end a rather odd weekend of activities. 

Have a great weekend!

Talk soon xx

Zita J

We made a decision...

It's been a busy couple of weeks here. Do I always say that at the start of my posts? Maybe, I am always busy! Lol! Anyway, it has been particularly busy lately and I will fill you in on why that is. So if you read my post a couple of weeks back about when I came back from Ireland after Christmas you would of read how we were trying to make decisions on how long more we are going to stay and what route to take next. When it comes to us, we are the worst decision makers. We can't even decide what to watch on Netflix or what food to order, " I don't mind, whatever you want", so you can imagine what making this BIG decision was like.

We kept putting it off and when people were asking me what I was doing they thought I was keeping it a secret when in fact, I still had no idea what I wanted to do. A few weeks ago the time came to really think and talk about it. Since our visas are up in July we were really running out of time. We looked at all the visa options. To get a one or two year extension on a work visa is very difficult here. You have to basically get your employer to apply for what's called an LMIA, which is essentially trying to prove to the government, that I am irreplaceable in my role in work. Like I know I am irreplaceable  but I dunno does Canada know that yet! Haha! So that option was gone.

The only other option really and the one we went for is Permanent Residency. Yes. As scary as that sounds, permanent residents of Canada. Before I get a text from my sister who will be reading this, no I am not staying here permanently, I promise but yes I am staying a little longer. <insert monkey holding eyes emoji here>. Well that's if we get accepted etc but that is the plan anyway.

We have started the process and by god I am sick shit of it already. It's a long and pricey process but hopefully it'll all be worth it! I am not ready to leave Canada yet. I still have goals I want to achieve and places I want to see. I just don't feel ready to say goodbye to my second home right now.

I will keep you updated on my new visa journey. Wish us luck, we have our English test on Saturday. Yes, we have to do an English Test even though it's our first language. Lets hope we pass. Lol!

This wasn't an easy decision, missing family and friends is definitely the hardest about being away and I do have moments when I think this could be the scariest decision I ever made but you have to take chances in life. You are only young once. While Ireland will always be my home, for now Toronto has stolen my heart!

                         

Talk soon xx

Zita J

New York Part 2

Happy Friday! 

This day 2 weeks ago I was in New York, waaah! I did this post in two parts as I couldn't fit it all in one post, here's Part 1, if you want to have a read. I honestly didn't expect to love this city as much as I did. I thought the crowds of people would make me anxious but I kinda loved the rush! There is so much to see and even though we got a lot done in the few days we were there, there is so much more we had left to do and see. 

On Saturday, we went to grand central station, which I was very excited about seeing. It's pretty cool and after taking a million pictures we headed towards the world trade memorial. This is something I didn't want to leave New York without doing however I was a bit nervous about how upsetting it might be. 

Before we went inside the museum, we walked around the area where the two towers once stood. It was a weird feeling. What is there now is two beautiful man-made waterfalls and engraved all around it the names of the people who died. Reading all the names and seeing flowers laid down was very emotional. It is such a huge area and its crazy to think two enormous buildings were there.

The museum is really interesting but extremely sad. A worker was telling a story about the fire officers in this fire truck above and I had to walk away as it was upsetting to listen to. I would recommend it to learn about things you might not know about 9/11 but it feels weird seeing people taking selfies etc in a place where so many people died. After this we decided to do something fun as the memorial had us both feeling a bit down. We took a stroll to battery park and looked at the statue of liberty from a distance. I didn't have much interest heading out to the statue but maybe next time.

After a busy day we went for a drink in The Dead Rabbit. "The world's best bar", which I found hard to see why. Its overrated and overpriced. You'll find much better bars I think. It's Irish though so I had to have a look. We went to Brooklyn that night for food and drinks and I loved the area so much. We went to a bar that was a converted car garage called Hot Bird, so cool!

On Sunday we went for brunch in Maison Kayser, it was yummy and I wanted everything from the bakery. After that we wanted to walk it off so we went to the High Line, an old railway line transformed into a park. It is an enjoyable walk and you get an amazing view of the Hudson River. The walk was very busy towards the end so we decided to check out the Chelsea Market and meat packing area. With such nice weather that day and all weekend as a matter of fact, I got a feel of how amazing this area would be in summer time.

We met up with my friend after and went for a few drinks on some rooftop bars around this area. The views were incredible! A great way to spend our last night.

On Monday, it was our last day. I always feel on the last day of a trip you're just waiting around to leave for the airport. We weren't leaving for the airport until 5pm so we made the most of it. We walked around stalking peoples houses after brunch and headed to Central Park and The MET. We only briefly walked around Central Park the first day so I was glad we got to see more. You could spend the whole day there, I would love to go back in the summer and have a picnic in there. The MET was good too, I'm not going to lie though, I was more interested in taking pictures on the steps outside. Lol!

As I said previously I really didn't expect to love New York as much I did but I honestly think it is one of my favourite places I have ever been too. We had a great few days and being able to meet my friends again was the icing on the cake. I'm already looking forward to going back, when I have money again lol. If you want to see the video I made check it out on my Facebook page.

Talk soon xx

Zita J