Dear Friends,

This dispatch comes to you from Texas, where I’m visiting until January 10th. I am experiencing what most Americans experience daily – sever lack of healthy food choices. I really can’t believe my eyes as I drive down “Main Street” in Dallas, TX and all I see is KFC, Mc’D's, Taco Bell, Schlotzky’s Deli, Dickeys BBQ, Macaroni Grill (WHAT???) – it’s a disaster. I am not sure what to eat and where. I am afraid I might starve out here. Luckily my mom took me to the natural foods store and I was able to stock up on quinoa, veggies, beans, berries, avocados, and nuts. I may survive after all.

So what do you do in this situation? The answer is “make your own.” And not only at home, where my sister and I cooked up a feast yesterday, but at the ‘fast food’ joints, where you can pick stuff yourself. Like our trip to “Planet Burrito”, where I had a pretty good one filled with black beans, cilantro-lime rice, avocado, pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado and tomatoes. My mom and I split a small one and were stuffed for hours. Everything really is bigger in Texas!

The point is, you have to try a little harder out here, and look a little deeper to avoid the deep-fried mecca that is most of America. But it is possible, and you don’t have to give in. That said, I feel so lucky to live in NY! Miss everyone out there, and see you next week!

Much love,
Ella