Foodies: You’re Gonna Want To Bookmark These Most-Photographed Restaurants For Your Next Meal

$5 Meal Deal

According to McDonald's, a majority of local markets will be extending the $5 Meal Deal into December 2024. The value meal includes your choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.

“Together with our franchisees, we're committed to keeping our prices as affordable as possible, which is why we’re doubling down with even more ways to save," said Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA. "Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, we want everyone to find the food they love at a price that hits the spot. The extension of the $5 Meal Deal, and the other offerings we’re announcing for our fall line-up, are just a few of the ways we’re working hard to offer great meals at a fair price.”

$0.50 Double Cheeseburgers on National Cheeseburger Day

MyMcDonald’s Rewards members can enjoy cheeseburgers for cheap on September 18, AKA National Cheeseburger Day. Mark your calendar now to take advantage of some tasty $0.50 Double Cheeseburgers!

$2 McCrispy Sandwich in honor of National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day

National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day is coming up soon on November 9. To celebrate, McDonald's is offering $2 McCrispy Sandwiches for rewards members. Yum!

$1 10-Piece Chicken McNuggets between November 4-December 2

McDonald's rewards members can also snag a 10-piece McNuggets for just $1 on November 4-December 2. This offer is only valid once per week, perfect for a last-minute workday lunch or midnight snack!

Free Fries Fridays

Rejoice! Finally, Free Fries Fridays will continue at McDonald's through 2024! Customers can get a free medium fries with any $1 minimum purchase every single Friday, which I certainly think is worth celebrating!

Despite being a food and travel journalist, I’ve always struggled with my eating habits. I go to new restaurants to try out dishes, head to culinary festivals with some of the best chefs in the business, and travel to new countries where food is a significant part of the culture — like the Bahamas. I’ve practiced diets that never truly worked, resulting in a mindless cycle that I can only describe as mild binge-eating, restricting, and binge-eating again — left feeling ashamed of this habit I couldn’t seem to break.

While I've never been diagnosed with an eating disorder definitively, my relationship with food has struggled throughout the years, usually related to the high-stress emotions that I’m feeling at the time and, unfortunately, certain health problems in regards to my digestion system — but, as they say, ‘hot girls have stomach issues’.

Yet, these exciting trips with cuisines unknown to my own culture have allowed me to learn balance, and in this case, the mindset of intuitive eating.

“Intuitive eating is a practice to honor both mental and physical health,” says intuitive eating expert and registered dietitian, Sammi Haber Brondo. “It removes barriers from eating that stop you from enjoying, while also allowing you to prioritize your health. In a nutshell, intuitive eating is about getting rid of rules and rigid mindsets that make eating an obstacle and instead, make it easy and enjoyable.”

Thanks to Chef Tevin Kemp, I walked into the Baha Mar’s The Kitchen cooking class excited, and walked out more confident that I could be successful in eating mindfully.

The class started off with a pre-made coconut ceviche and spicy lemonade. I then began mixing the ingredients for our Johnny Cake, a popular Bahamian bread which resembles a pound cake, often enjoyed as a side dish. After I (kind of) perfected the dough’s consistency, the class popped them in the oven. In the United States — or at least, to me — a cake like this is associated with dessert and extra carbs, rather than a flavor addition to a solid meal. That’s when I first realized the problem with my mindset.

The main course was a seasoned, island grilled lionfish on top of vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, onions and cassava) coated in a liquid lemongrass mixture. I quickly learned that coconut cream and ghost pepper are beloved in the Bahamas (which is both good and bad for a girl who is ultra-sensitive to spice). There was such an emphasis on the simplicity of earthly flavors and utilizing the entirety of ingredients. Chef Kemp explained that he uses every piece of the lionfish he can — from creating mouth-watering fish stews to ceviches. Fun fact: lionfish is actually an abundant food source in the Bahamas, but I had never tried it before this cooking class.

As we fell deeper into the class I was taught to score fish and season thoughtfully, while not underestimating the flavor of natural ingredients or creativity that they lend you. Chef Kemp explained that he grew up not necessarily focusing on a balanced plate, but rather understanding the notion that, “If it makes sense and it tastes good, put it there.” As a person thrust into a society where counting calories is the norm, I was floored by this simple opinion.

To truly practice intuitive eating, Brondo says you have to “let go of food rules and really understand how dieting and restriction is holding you back.” It’s all about finding the flexibility in those gray areas, such as eating when you aren’t super hungry, or tasting something to see if it’s delicious, despite not carrying a physical hunger. This is the part where I’d usually become frustrated with myself for snacking mindlessly, even when the snack is objectively healthy, refusing to give myself grace for just enjoying good food.

When you do actually implement intuitive eating though, you may experience health benefits. According to Brondo, also a recent partner of Carnation Breakfast Essentials, this may include a “higher satisfaction” with your body and a “higher motivation to exercise, because exercise is focused on enjoyment.” Intuitive eaters also tend to opt for more fruits and veggies, leading to “lower total cholesterol, higher HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower triglycerides.” I envied Kemp's mindset, because I’ve always viewed breaking my personal diet rules as a significant, rigid obstacle.

As I consumed the delicious meal, Johnny Cake and all, I headed back to my hotel room. I was left thinking a lot about my choices — cue the tiny violin. About why in the past I’ve allowed the decisions I make in the kitchen to define me so deeply, to control my life to the point where meals are not as pleasurable as they once were. And while the answer may be layered and nuanced, food doesn’t necessarily have to be. Maybe it is okay to follow your cravings while still maintaining your healthy quota of veggies and fruits.

Just like the stunning blue waters and soft sandy beaches in the Bahamas, there are things in life that are just meant to be enjoyed. Now, when I catch myself becoming upset about consuming that extra cookie or enjoying a weekday margarita, I tell myself to let food be one of them.

Watch My Mindful Eating Experience Here!

Baha Mar Resort’s Wellness Weekend is taking place September 13 through 15, 2024. For more information on the experience or to book this wellness weekend for yourself, check out the resort’s website.

Knit Sweater Dress

A basic, knit dress is a staple that will carry you through the fall season given all the various ways to style it! One of my favorite looks for a dress like this is to pair it with knee high boots and a thick, wool trench coat! This one will be sure to make you look like a chic, cold-weather style icon! Love this one!

Long Chiffon Dress

Bring on the boho chic fall — I'm all about it! I can't wait to buy dresses like this to live out my ethereal, fall dreams! This dress is whimsical, but it doesn't feel too out there to wear to dinner with your in-laws! I love the neutral color, paired with the flowing sleeves and cut. Definitely will be a popular pick this season!

V Neck Dress

Everything about this look screams fall to me, from the unique floral pattern to the flowy boho sleeves to the overall fit itself. I can already see it on Pinterest paired with the perfect knee high boots and socks. Definitely grab this one if you're wanting to go for that effortless, chic look!

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Burgundy Mini Dress

This burgundy mini dress is a great example of how fall style does not have to be boring or one-note! You can play with the typical autumnal color palette through textures, prints, and interesting designs. This dress has a busy print that is super fun, and it allows you to go simple with the accessories, yet still make a statement! Not into this particular pattern? There are three others to choose from to suit your needs!

Embroidered Dress

Another gorgeous boho look, but mini style! The puff sleeves give off an airy vibe, and the embroidery add a subtle unique element to the design. If you really wanna double down on the western vibes that are so boho adjacent, I love this dress styled with some cowboy boots, similar to the above look!

Tie-Belt Dress

Nothing says "fall" like a classic shirt dress! These are a great go-to when you've gotta get ready for work in a snap, or for when you're bopping from the farmer's market to brunch with the girls. A shirt dress like this is truly so versatile, and super flattering! This earthy green tone is essential for your fall wardrobe this year, so be sure to grab it ASAP!

Red Knit Dress

Red is the "it" color of the season — specifically, this bright, ruby red color. So, if you're looking to make a statement, then opt for this striking red knit dress, and make sure to accessorize with some chunky jewelry as shown above! Already adding this one to cart as we speak!

Tie-Belt Crêpe Dress

Again, I just love an autumnal floral pattern! This dusty blue color paired with the lovely flowers on the flowy maxi silhouette are stylish and airy and exactly what you need for the boho chic fall look! Plus, the tie waist is so flattering, giving a nice shape to this loose style.

Boucle Jacket Dress

Did someone say, "Tom Ford-era Gucci" — because this is definitely it! This kind of boucle dress that gives off a jacket vibe is just the style I'm going for this fall! Plus, the burgundy bag shown above is a great cheaper alternative to a lot of Gucci's newest arrivals! I plan styling this one with some heeled slingbacks for a sophisticated look this season!

Fine Knit Dress

French girl fall is always in style, and I can't wait to recreate some inspired looks for the aesthetic! Starting off with this collared knit dress here, I would style it with the quintessential French shoe: heeled Mary Janes! Make sure to add some French girl beauty products for the full look!

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Rib Knit Dress

In case you're wanting to invest in some classic, staples for the fall, this knit green dress is just for you! Knit dresses are a daily essential for me in the fall — they can take me straight from work, to a night out, or a casual dinner at a restaurant. They're extremely versatile, and very comfortable to wear; even all day!

V Neck Dress

I'm loving all things burgundy this season, and this dress caught my eye for the luxe style and shape of the dress. It has a beautiful cut that hugs the body, and gold detailing at the shoulders for a high-end look that will have people thinking it's way more expensive than it is. This is sure to be your new date night dress — and even makes for a great wedding guest dress! — for the coming months!

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Sheer Tie Neck Dress

Obvi, we had to add another bohemian option since it's so in style right now. This dusty blue color is really love is for the season, too — perfectly breaking up the reds and clays and burnt oranges you've already stocked up on. I love this dress styled with black boots like above. I honestly can't wait to start incorporating these boho vibes into my wardrobe all season long!

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