Hello faithful Green Dog Wine readers! I’m Alicia – a new NEOhio blogger whom has been entrusted with Allison’s blog while she is away! I must give her a huge thank you for this opportunity.

Over at my blog – Poise in Parma: embracing life & balance in NEOhio: – I focus on finding the balance in leading a healthy lifestyle while trying to keep a “normal” routine in my hometown of Cleveland.

Sounds familiar, you say? You can see why I’m a guest blogger today. We are ladies of a similar age dealing with comparable daily choices in the same town. So here’s my outlook on things:

In my journey of losing 120 pounds over eight years, I have learned to respect food as a fuel for my workouts and as an indulgence for a job well done.  At Poise in Parma, you’ll see a section dedicated to my favorite Cleveland food hot spots under the “Believe in Cleveland” tab.  In my weight loss journey, it was important to find a way to still enjoy my favorite local haunts while finding a healthy balance.

Check out some of my recommendations in the CLE with my tips for not wrecking your healthy eating patterns:

Happy Hour in the CLE: Pier W in Lakewood

Pier W is one of the best happy hour deals in the area and their bar menu has great options.  Oh, and the view here doesn’t suck either.  The nice thing about happy hour specials is the appetizer serving size. Order a bunch of dishes to share with your friends.  Mix it up by getting a variety of items and satisfy your taste for everything in just a few bites.

Sandwiches in the CLE: La Bodega in Tremont

This awesome sandwich shop in Tremont could feed an army with one of their sandwiches. Any time you are at a restaurant that is proud of their large portion sizes (Cheesecake Factory anyone?), put half of your meal in a take out container before you start to eat. Make the choice before you start to eat and you will have some tasty leftovers to look forward to! Sure, it’s one of the oldest dieting tricks in the book, but it works.

Pizza in the CLE: Antonio’s Restaurant in Parma

MMM chewy bready cheese goodness. I grew up on this pizza and still love to treat myself to a slice after a great kickboxing workout.  My secret to eating here is ordering a salad to start my meal. Choose a non-cream based salad dressing (Antonio’s has a rockin’ house vinaigrette that I highly recommend) and fill up on your greens.  Topping your pizza with green peppers, onions, mushrooms and other veggies is another way to make your pizza pie feel healthy. Also, another “oldie but goodie” tip – don’t forget to blot that pizza grease!

Grilled Cheese in the CLE: Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood (and Cleveland Heights in 2010)

As you know already by being a faithful Green Dog Wine reader, you know this place is nuts: these people put a pierogi on a grilled cheese sandwich! What health conscience person would dare walk into such a den of temptation?! It’s all about moderation at Melt. I love their half combo option: you get a cup of soup, a small side salad and a half grilled cheese. You can customize your sandwich – I love a Greek inspired feta, spinach and roasted red pepper combo. You know you’re making a healthier choice than that Parmageddon sandwich.

“Worldly Eats” in the CLE: Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar in Ohio City

Even Cleveland’s food scene is branching out to embrace global cuisine. My favorite “worldly” choice is this Ohio City gem. Find a restaurant in your neighborhood that specializes in healthy options that include tons of fresh produce – grown locally is always a plus!  Think of treating yourself and your body to a “raw” meal every once in awhile. Start by embracing “Salad Sundays” or “Meatless Mondays”. Find a way to give your digestive track a break every once in awhile. It will be grateful!

Ice Cream in the CLE: Honey Hut Ice Cream – various locations in NEOhio

With monthly specials like Honey Graham, Blackberry and Pumpkin Pecan, most folks on a diet would steer clear of their local ice cream parlor.  My secret to giving in to my personal vice: bring a friend and share!  A single serving is plenty for my husband and I.  Luckily, Honey Hut is cool with splitting up your single serving cup with two flavors – so both you and your buddy can get a bit of what you want!

Comfort Food in the CLE: Sokolowski’s University Inn in Tremont

Sometimes, you need some classic comfort food. Sometimes, you need to splurge. And sometimes, that is perfectly okay. As long as “sometimes” isn’t at every meal.  Even I get tired of healthy choices all the time.  Don’t be afraid to enjoy a hearty meal made with REAL BUTTER and WHITE IDAHO POTATOES and ALL PURPOSE WHITE FLOUR. It’s alright – I promise the almighty Diet Gods won’t strike you down cold.

I hope that this look into my favorite NEOhio food spots has not only opened your eyes to some new dining options, but also helped you make some healthy choices while enjoying a meal out. So remember: the key to life – not only weight loss & maintenance – is finding that healthy balance of “saves” and “splurges”. It’s not easy, but you will be much happier in the long run.

I look forward to seeing you soon in “blog land” and around the CLE!

All my best: Alicia (amh7183) at Poise in Parma!