Well, at least I'm eating good cakes! at: Magnolia Slastice

Magnolia Slastice is the cutest place you've ever been to. From the moment you step in you feel the authentic atmosphere, filled with sweet smell of cakes and cookies (something I don't really smell that often while coming in cake shops) and... love. Magnolia recently turned two years of existing and from the moment I tried that chocolate cake they offer, I was mad at myself for not going there sooner. 

Friday Fitness Post: Protein cookie & Breakfast

I ususally avoid protein bars. In my opinion they are just like regular chocolate/candy bars only with extra protein and rarely they taste as good so it's a tie on the pro/cons list. The extra protein they provide you with is replaceble with regular food (unless you're in particular situation where it can't be done, but the preparation is the key) and that way you can avoid the extra sugar they contain.

However, as this week allowed me to try a new restaurant and shop yet again for winter accessories, I decided to explore, once again. in the protein-bars-area. 

On the recomendation of the employee of the sports nutrition store, I bought My Protein protein cookie with Double Chocolate Chip Flavour. 

Happy Birthday Chocolat 041

This place so close to my heart is turning one today! I can barely recall what stood on its place on the address of Masarykova 25 before it appeared, a bookstore if I’m not mistaken, but I’m so happy that Chocolat 041 took its place.

To cut right to it, it’s because of 30 or so flavors of delicious ice-cream they offer and unique cakes that I’ve

Velvet :: authentic café in Zagreb

Velvet café & gallery, Dežmanova ulica 9.

Oranž Zagreb :: Wine bar & Desserts

I think that official name of this place is Oranž wine bar and bistro, but I mostly think of it as a place to get something sweet. To give you some basic information; Oranž is located at Zagreb's center, in the street of Ilica, on the number 7. You notice how close it is to the main square? It's probably why it settled as a tradition for me and my family to go there for a dessert after our traditional lunch we have together every time we're all in Zagreb. Actually, it's our tradition even when it's just me and my mother. Lunch, then Oranž.

What really drawn us to Oranž in the first place (right after its proximity to main square) is how fresh it looks. The terrace outside is very cousy, although in the busy part of Ilica. It is one of the things I like about Oranž, weather I sit outside on the terrace or inside near that window that overlooks Ilica I'll be happy because I like that view of the busy city while I'm relaxing, completely comfortable. 

And then there are cakes and pastries. It might seem silly, but first two give the big advantage. Regarding the cakes, I’ve tried nearly everything! I’m only too sorry for not taking enough pictures to show you. Nutella cake and Nutella cake with nuts are to go option for everyone who loves Nutella and big dose of chocolate. The second one is very filling and some might struggle to eat the whole piece of cake they get. I did, but it wasn’t too hard ;) It’s now my favorite of all things they offer.

Does Chocolate counts as Salad?

I bet you saw this picture, or one of those ecards, or something simillar somewhere. When I first saw it, I laughed because I thought it was funny! As everything that's funny, it stops being funny after it has been repeated 24 234 229 times. Today I saw three of those quotes on my newsfeed on Facebook and I don't even have that many friends, it's kind of annoying.

What I actually find wrong with this is the fact that people think salads are very important and good while chocolate is exact opposite. It is not like that.
Salads go weel with some meals, they are good source of vitamins, but can also be a great source of calories even when it's not this chocolate-salad thing. I'll clarify!

Few words about salads

On the one side:

•  fresh vegetables (always a base, can go alone or with something mentioned below...)
• some tuna 
• some chicken
• some nuts
• olive oil
• balsamico vinegar
• low-fat, high-protein cheese 
• fruit salad (separate kind, great treat, do not add extra sugar, fruit has it's natural sugar already and it's healthy and yummy)-can also be mixed with vegetables if you like the combination

Combine these ingridients all together or some of them and you can have either adition to your meal or separate meal, depending on your combination. Enjoy!

On the other side:

• cream
• fried chicken in it
• pieces of bread
• you over do it with oil
• high-fat cheese
• all sorts of toppings that usually have too many calories

Now, these things make a bad meal. So your salad won't be as good for your body as the first one. It will be a meal, but not a good one.

Take a bad rep away from chocolate 

You don't have to call chocolate a salad to justify eating it. Take it as a treat, but don't eat the whole damn thing (Miranda Kerr once said). Choose the type with higher percentage of cacao (at least 70%) and enjoy it "guilt free" once in a while. It can actually be good for you because it simulates your body to produce endorphins, which are hormones of happiness. Exercise does the same.

Do not over do it, whether it's a salad or a chocolate. Moderation is the key to have a happy and balanced life. I had urge to say this because I have a feeling tht people use this ("Chocolate comes from a cocoa, which is a tree, what makes it a plant. Chocolate is the salad, you're wellcome.) saying to justify something that doesn't have to be justified and gives a bad rep to both: chocolate and salad. 

Enjoy your chocolate, enjoy your salad. 

Love, A.

P.S. what's your favorite chocolate? How aboout salad? What do you think about this quote?