Jaime Jereb's Favorites Things List

Move over, Oprah! 

There's a new favorites list in town and it's mine!

Back up. Do you watch Oprah? Heard of her infamous "Favorite Things List"? Simple, really. Oprah herself finds products or companies worthy of mentioning on her show, her magazine, her website, her network, her planet ... I'm sure that's coming soon. So basically if you make her list, whether you bake cupcakes or trim poodle hair, you're phone is guaranteed to ring off the hook. 

While I don't have nearly the power of Ms. Winfrey, listed below are a few of my favorite things. From favorite workout gear to favorite local brewery.

Favorite Stuff-Your-Face Restaurant: 

Hash House a Go Go and The Tractor Room—San Diego 

Why? While the plates may be the size of your torso, feel good about what’s being served up. They only use the freshest, locally available produce, free-range meats and organic juices for their cocktails! Oh and did I mention the food is amazing? The food is amazing!

Favorite Local Brewery: 

Stone Brewery—Escondido

Why? It’s not my favorite beer, so I think it’s fantastic that they have about 25 non-Stone beerson tap, in addition to their own of course. Speaking of their own, they sure do produce a lot of beer, which equals a lot of waste. However, to counter the effects, Stone gives their leftover grain to local cattle farms and even treats and recycles their own water. AND ... Stone is the largest purchaser of local, small-farm organic ingredients in San Diego County. Pretty cool, huh?  

Favorite Pizza Joint:

Pizza Port 

Why? Their homemade, whole wheat beer crust and outstanding beer list, of course.

Favorite Pre-Workout Snack:

Whole Wheat Toast, Peanut Butter, Berries

Why? Gives you energy without dragging you down. 

Favorite Post-Workout Snack:

Chocolate Milk or Chocolate Almond or Coconut Milk

Why? Why not? It’s got the perfect carbohydrate and protein mixture. And it tastes good. *Tip—you gotta earn it though. If you’re reading a magazine during your workout, you do not get chocolate milk after.

Favorite Healthy Dessert:

Simmered Berries and Balsamic Vinegar

Why? It’s simple, it’s healthy and it’s amazing! If you reduce balsamic vinegar, you concentrate the few grams of sugar that reside there. Add some berries, which really adds sweetness. Pour mixture over ricotta cheese or greek yogurt to keep it healthy—ice cream if you’re not. 

Favorite Eco-Friendly Habit:

Recycling

Why? Because it takes two seconds and may have the biggest impact on our planet. If you're still not recycling, you're an idiot! 

Favorite Athletic Shoes:

New Balance Minimus

Why? These are the best shoes! They are low profile, so finally getting away from that bulky clown foot look (not that you have clown feet). They conform to your feet, so I like them for running. I also like them for doing athletic drills. I have more foot control than with bulkier tennis shoes. Plus they’re cute and look good with clothes. What a girl comment.

Favorite Outdoor Workout:

Running Staris at the Beach

Why? Walking stairs will get your heart pumping.  Pick up the pace or add some lunges and you're looking at a full blown workout.  Plus, you're at the beach, where workouts are always awesome and free.

Favorite Exercise:

Any Combination Exercise

Why? Your body recruits more muscle which means you burn more calories.  Examples would be a lunge with a bicep curl or a squat with a shoulder press. The bonus is that you'll get your workout over with faster!

Favorite Workout Clothes:

New Balance

Why? They fit well, they use high-quality athletic material and they’re cute.  What else can you ask for. Oh, and ladies, I have spent years looking for the perfect sports bra. I think I found it here. Spend the extra bucks and get one that actually works. 

Favorite Quote:

"Well done is better than well said."—Ben Franklin

Why? If you say you want to lose weight … DO IT!  If you say want to fit in your jeans … DO IT! If you say you hate your body ... CHANGE IT!