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PMA On Tour: Epic Burger in Chicago

2/27/2013

While visiting the windy city of Chicago we met a friend for lunch at a burger joint not to far from our theater. We ate at a place called Epic Burger. The food is fresh and the burgers are made to order. No heat lamps here.

I got myself a burger with no bun and although they don't actually do a lettuce wrap here they do present it to you in a pretty way with lots of tomatoes and lettuce. Its not just sitting on some paper so you feel stupid. Food presentation is a big deal to me. If a place doesn't want thier food to look good when they deliver it then they don't care much about their food. I have been to many fast food places where the burger shows up in a plastic bowl with nothing else. Just a patty and maybe some cheese. Hard to fill your belly full with that. So Epic Burger won points for presentation.

The burger itself was a little forgettable though. It's not really anything special here. To be honest I am writing this review a day or two after we went and I cant even remember much about it. Its probably close to that of a Five Guys Burger only I didn't think it was quiet as good. It was just lacking a bit is juiciness. Still, they understood how to delver a low carb burger so that was nice.

Would I go back, probably not, again not because it was bad, but it just wasn't good enough.

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Celebrating with Family

2/24/2013

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We had a week off in our travels for our tour so we decided to surprise my family by swinging back to Fargo. It was my brother Ben's birthday so the timing worked out well. For his birthday my mom made a family favorite of lasagna. Now I know what you are all thinking, CARBS! Well, hold on a second, She use that Dreamfields pasta stuff which is a lot less carbs... supposedly. Now hold on a second, before you all write me with links about how bad that pasta really is and how it's a scam, the point is really that she was being thoughtful. Making Lasagna isn't easy. She made two different pans. One normal and one "low-carb" for the health conscious. Well I didn't care whether the pasta would work or not. I knew what I was eating.

It's great when you have people around that can help be supportive and try to encourage with healthy choices. They may not always be the best options to eat, but having others to help in your journey makes all the difference.

The birthday cake is not Low Carb. :(

I mean, come on.

Cambria and Grandma Betty

Me and Charley. He is a trouble maker.

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Panera Has New Secret Low Carb Menu

2/22/2013

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A reader Louisa passed this along to me and it's pretty awesome so I wanted to share it with all of you. Apparently Panara Bread just launched a new secret menu with low carb items for people to enjoy.

Heres what they say about it:

Developed by Scott Davis, Panera Bread's Chief Concept Officer, Panera's "off-the-menu" dishes offer nourishing options that make sticking to New Year's resolutions simple. All of these meal selections are an excellent source of protein and contain limited processed carbs. But you won't find these items on banners in our cafes, or even on the menu board.

Here's how you get the dishes -- just tell one of our associates that you're ordering from the "Hidden Menu", and they'll take care of it from there.

Here a link to their post.

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PMA On Tour: Freshii In Chicago

2/20/2013

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I forgot to take a picture of the outside. you would probably miss it anyway this place was so small. This place is called Freshii. Not a lot to say about this place other than they let you customize your salad. So you can have it just the way you want. Quick easy, probably not the cheapest option, but I like seeing places like this that give the customer more of a choice.

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Supreme Protein Peanut Butter Pretzel Twist Bar Review

2/17/2013

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I found this bar at a 7-eleven while walking back late from a show one night while we have been on tour. It was huge. This bar is clearly sold in the larger size to act a s a meal substitute, which is what I used it for.

This bar is great! The outer layer was covered in a peanut butter coating almost like a peanut fudge. Inside was a little carmel, some pretzel, and whey filling. I loved it! I am a sucker for anything that uses salty and sweet together so it seemed like it was right up my ally.

Supreme Protein makes bars that taste good thats for sure. I can't say that they are the healthiest option out there, but they taste like candy bars. So that works for me.

I would only tell someone to be careful of all the sugar alcohols in it. Might be a better choice when you are maintaining later.

8 carbs for the bar is a lot but its a pretty heft bar.

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PMA On Tour: The Protein Bar in Chicago

2/13/2013

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Um... this place is awesome. It is called The Protein Bar. They make burritos and salads for those of us with different eating lifestyles. Low in carb, High protein, lots of great choices.

I got a Bar-rito. As described by their menu....

Ivy Bar-rito (grilled) All-natural chicken, organic quinoa, spinach, basil pesto, and shredded parmesan cheese
531 calories, 23 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 1364 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrates, 16 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 35 g protein

So yummy, and tasty. It was great to eat something and not feel awful afterwards for what I ordered. Lots of fiber. I know because I felt its effects in a positive way. I want to go back for breakfast.

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More pics from the Windy City.

2/9/2013

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We have had such a great time here in Chicago. There is no doubt that it will shape up to be one of my favorite cities. Lots of great museums and sites to check out. And there is no question that this town is a foodies paradise. We are right in the center of all the crazy good places to eat.

Tomorrow is our last day so we will go out with a bang and have some deep dish and head to the top of the Hancock Building for a drink.

Chicago skyline

Hanging with our friends at the Bean.

Whirleyball!! Bumper cars + lacrosse + basketball = awesome.

Art institute of Chicago. Van Gogh self portrait.

Who doesn't want to snuggle with a dinosaur? Actually no one.

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My Nightmare

2/9/2013

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Corner Bakery Cafe Chopped Salad is Low Carb and Hearty

2/7/2013

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I stopped into a Corner Bakery the other day for lunch. It's a cozy shop that has some great soups and salads. Of course you will be tempted to have carbs there, but stay strong. Trust me its not easy to do. Just look at the coffee cake. Actually don't.

I had the Cafe Chopped Salad, which is pretty close to their version of a Cobb salad. As described on their menu:

All-natural roasted chicken, bacon, avocado, bleu cheese, tomatoes, and green onions tossed with iceberg and romaine lettuce in our sweet and spicy house vinaigrette.

It's very yummy and even if you get 1/2 portion to split with a soup it's very hearty in size too. Big salad goes a long way. The dressing isn't to vinegary which is nice. Sometimes restaurants over do it. Not here.

Carbs: 19
Fiber: 7
Net Carbs: 12

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PMA on Tour: The Waffle in Hollywood

2/5/2013

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If you find yourself walking down the walk of fame on Hollywood Blvd and you end up in front of the Pantages Theater, about a block away from it is a yummy little diner that makes some pretty good food. The place is called The Waffle, and although they are known for the carb heavy breakfast items, they make some pretty yummy scrambles too.

I went here twice and one time got the southwest scramble and the second time got the deli scramble. Both where very hearty with lots of flavor. The fruit was fresh with a good selection of choices. They come with a biscuit, and yes, I tried it. It was adequate. Nothing worth breaking a diet over.

My wife got a waffle with bacon cooked inside. So your friends with carbs will have some unique choices for themselves as well including a Red Velvet Waffle they are famous for.

After one of our shows we went back here with friends for a late night. I got a bowl of Chili which turned out to be very meaty and I am certain not to high in carbs. It was also huge. So if you want something for lunch or dinner that isn't eggs and will fill you up, thats a good route. Give it a try. they are open late and its a nice kitschy place to eat at in hollywood.

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