Sunday, September 7, 2008

Dunkin vs. Starbucks- A Quest for Health


Water or Oil? 
I am guilty as charged in wanting to rid the world of corporate businesses and support the smaller ones. However, in my lifetime, I don't think that will occur.
 In the meantime, these businesses are continuing to pop up in neighborhoods across America. I am simply informing you that if you 
choose to venture into them, be aware of what you put into your body. I 
venture to Starbucks, because it is convenient (when I'm not working 
there.) That is why these companies are so successful. The more they place themselves around, the more we go to them.


My time at Starbucks is coming to an end. With one more week remaining at the Corporate conglomerate, I decided to take a look at and inform you of this massive coffee company. Other coffee corporations such as Dunkin Doughnuts 
competing for equal recognition, healthier choice options are available. Here is a look at what to order and what
 to steer clear of.

They now have oatmeal
 Yes, now instead of buying your own box of yummy oats, you can have it on the go. This tasty breakfast includes your choice of nuts, fruit, and brown sugar. Its tasty, except you will think as you eat this, "I could have made this at home."
Protein Latte

Yuck! These lattes are gross! First of all, why would you want more protein in your latte? Its a coffee drink and you're ruining it! The workout maniacs are forever changing the way we drink simple coffee. Let me inform you of how we make these muscle maniac lattes. A protein powder is used and dumped into the milk pitcher with one's choice of milk. Next the milk an
d powder are steamed together. Espresso is added and voila you have yourself a chalky muscle building, wake me up latte. If you don't believe me, you can try one but be warned... I can't see this sticking around too long.

Dunkin' Doughnuts

 First of all, their coffee tastes like water. If you are a serious coffee drinker this co
ffee will taste like water... did I already mention that? This could be attributed to the fact that Starbucks literally turns into oil after it has been fermenting in your cup for 20 minutes. 

What to steer clear of at Dunkin:
-The coffee- Be sure you inform them exactly how much milk and sugar (if any) you want inside your coffee. Otherwise, they dump the entire sugar bag and gallon of milk into the drink.
-Doughnuts- They won't even let you purchase one doughnut hole, one! You have to buy 6 in order to make a purchase. ( I know, because I tried to buy a few.. I mean one.)
-If the Dunkin' is connected to a Baskin' Robbins, just don't even look over there.

What is actually pretty healthy and tasty:

 - The egg white panini. They have a veggie one, that is my fav and a sausage one. It is made entirely of egg white and you get a coffee along with it. In my opinion it can be a little blan, but that cuts down on the calories. 
* Make sure they toast it all the way. Last time I had one, it was still frozen in the middle. 


So why are these two companies suddenly trying to be healthy? It is actually a health requirement to list all calories on food. When a person sees 480 calories on one doughnut, there are not that many sold anymore. I think they've finally realized they are a large factor in obesity in this country. I don't think we can blame these companies for what we choose to eat. We make the choice to throw that apple fritter into our mouths and wash it down with a coffee. Now, we have healthier options. Just keep in mind, however, that you CAN just as easily make the oatmeal at home. 


Friday, September 5, 2008

My Last Days in New York City


I can't believe my journey here is coming to an end. I gotta say that I am both relived and nostalgic. Everything is telling me to go and yet still telling me to stay. "I"ll be back." I say, but will I? Honestly, I think that it's me doubting. Once again I am living in transition. It seems that my life has been nothing but a series of transitions. I am constantly dealing with change and adapting to new surroundings constantly. Yes, I move around every year. Yes, life changes constantly and we must learn to adapt. Hey, I love change. However, I think i am reaching that point in my life where I'm saying, "Hello, um can I be still for once and maybe make a home for myself?" I still want to travel and embrace change with open arms, yet I would like to live in the same apartment for longer than a year. That so wrong?
Since being in New York, I have decided that living here is like being in a messed up relationship. The ups the downs, the love, the hate, the fighting, and the love making. The thoughts of denial that they are not right for you, yet you want them so badly. I don't know if its just that there are so many of us living on one tiny island all cramped on top of one another that bothers me. To me, it is about the frustrations of success ad what defines that here. People say that "If you can make it in NY you can make it anywhere." Well, did those people realize that they are saying, "If you can work your ass off and pay your rent and count your pennies, you will be wealthy anywhere else."  Seriously though, I do believe that to a certain degree that if you achieve goals here, you have reached "the top". However, it is not like reaching enlightenment, if you will. New York is not the only city in the universe offering opportunity. Too many people are here competing for the same roles, jobs, lifestyle, etc...

Ok, I am finished with my ranting. I will miss New York, however, and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be back to visit her. To all of my friends, I will miss you the most!!
I think that is one thing New York has given the most of, friendship. 

THANK GOD FOR FACEBOOK! Sheesh, yeah! There are a few other things about New York that I will miss:

-Upper East Side bitching
-Expensive EVERYTHING
- The street performers (esp the singing saw lady... i need to write about her)
- The hot dog vendors (even though I don't go near them)
- Central Park
- Amazing friends
- All of the shows of course!
- Crazy people in New York 
- The subway

Yeah, just ranting, love ya NY.