If you've ever clicked on my other blog, you know I'm a Jesus follower. So no, I'm not converting to a different religion or even another denomination. What I'm hoping to convert is my family...and honestly, finish converting myself.
I'm still really struggling with the complete elimination of dairy (mostly butter) and eggs. There are some recipes that just aren't the same...like the pumpkin pie that just came out of my Christmas baking oven. For a while, I've told myself "I'll just make this for the family", "I'll just let them have this (insert bad food or drink item name here)" or even "I'll work on them later, after I've gotten it all down pat". Tonight, I'm just telling myself I can't have any of the pie. But by this time next year, my prayer is to have an entirely Vegan dinner for all of us! I don't really want to fix turkey, ham or even chicken for anyone else. If I don't believe it's good for me, why should I cook it for them??
So here's to getting more creative, positive and determined! I never make New Year's resolutions, because I don't like to knowingly set myself up for failure. But these are changes that will only bring positive results.
The tricky thing is...I just can't announce to them that I'm doing it (unless I want a minor rebellion)...it just has to happen & a few weeks down the road maybe they'll realize that they haven't really missed the butter, eggs and excessive sugar anyway!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
I Don't Need Any More Convincing
It's been very difficult for me to completely eliminate dairy so far. If I'm cooking/baking at home, it's easier than if I go somewhere. Dining with family, friends or even buying something pre-made at the store (i.e. packaged anything!), has been really hard to have no milk, butter, cheese or eggs (although I know they're not dairy).
But, I have greatly reduced the amount of dairy that I've had and when I have some, like my Starbucks indulgence this last week, I can tell that it causes the "fuzzy brain" feeling that I've struggled with for several years. I can't say for sure that this was always the cause, but it's definitely been the reason for lack of focus and that occasional "drunk" feeling since I've made my dietary changes.
Yet, I've been dallying back and forth with the dairy elimination...until now. Last night, my daughter (who is a great cook/baker) made some spinach artichoke dip. I wanted to taste it to encourage her efforts and it tasted great. Problem is...I didn't stop with just a taste. I by no means ate what I would have in the past, but I apparently had more than enough.
I'll spare you the details, but intestinal issues and fuzzy brain were just the beginning. I woke up feeling lethargic & it took a good few hours, a litre of water and a good cleanse to start feeling right again. Not to mention that during my exercising this morning I had to stop a couple of times to attempt to cough up the huge phlegm balls that were trying to dislodge themselves from my sinuses. (That may have been more detail than necessary, but you get the point!)
Where does this leave me? With even more determination to eliminate dairy. I even made a dessert for tomorrow night when we have company, that I know I won't be able to eat. And actually, I'm okay with that. Knowing that something is off-limits because of my dietary exclusions actually makes the choice for me...at least it helps.
My renewed efforts to eliminate dairy will hopefully extend toward choices for the rest of the family too...3 of the other 5 had stomach aches this morning, I'm guessing from the pizza they had last night. I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before they make the connection and the switch too!
But, I have greatly reduced the amount of dairy that I've had and when I have some, like my Starbucks indulgence this last week, I can tell that it causes the "fuzzy brain" feeling that I've struggled with for several years. I can't say for sure that this was always the cause, but it's definitely been the reason for lack of focus and that occasional "drunk" feeling since I've made my dietary changes.
Yet, I've been dallying back and forth with the dairy elimination...until now. Last night, my daughter (who is a great cook/baker) made some spinach artichoke dip. I wanted to taste it to encourage her efforts and it tasted great. Problem is...I didn't stop with just a taste. I by no means ate what I would have in the past, but I apparently had more than enough.
I'll spare you the details, but intestinal issues and fuzzy brain were just the beginning. I woke up feeling lethargic & it took a good few hours, a litre of water and a good cleanse to start feeling right again. Not to mention that during my exercising this morning I had to stop a couple of times to attempt to cough up the huge phlegm balls that were trying to dislodge themselves from my sinuses. (That may have been more detail than necessary, but you get the point!)
Where does this leave me? With even more determination to eliminate dairy. I even made a dessert for tomorrow night when we have company, that I know I won't be able to eat. And actually, I'm okay with that. Knowing that something is off-limits because of my dietary exclusions actually makes the choice for me...at least it helps.
My renewed efforts to eliminate dairy will hopefully extend toward choices for the rest of the family too...3 of the other 5 had stomach aches this morning, I'm guessing from the pizza they had last night. I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before they make the connection and the switch too!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Marinated Pasta Salad
This recipe came from my husband's great aunt. Her original recipe called for three times the amount of oil, vinegar and sugar that I use. I will add her amounts to the notes section. Judge for yourself how much marinade you would like.
1 pound pasta (for gluten free, use rice or quinoa pasta)*
1/2 c. oil**
1/2 c. vinegar***
1/2 c. evaporated cane juice crystals
2 Tbsp. mixed seasoning****
sea salt to taste
Cook pasta following package directions until al dente. Drain. Add to marinade and keep in fridge 1 hour to overnight giving the flavors as much time to "meld" as possible.
Just before serving, add any combination of chopped veggies you would like. Some of my favorites are tomato*****, onion, celery, peppers (green, yellow, red, orange), cucumber and carrots.
Serve well chilled.
Notes:
*I prefer small pastas...macaroni, rotini, wheels, shells, ziti, especially "piccolini" sizes.
**I use the oil that would work best with the flavor I'm trying to achieve. Canola for Mexican, Olive for Italian or Sesame for Asian.
***Again, I use the vinegar that would work best with the flavors I'd like to blend. Red wine vinegar for Italian, rice wine vinegar for Asian. White vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegars work well too!
****Any combination of herbs will work well, just remember to compliment. Garlic, basil, rosemary, oregano blend for Italian; cilantro, dried chili peppers, garlic, cumin for Mexican; Sprinkle with sesame seeds or slivered almonds for Asian.
*****Tomatoes do get mushy if you have leftovers...and this does make a lot of pasta salad. I usually leave the tomatoes out and add just before I serve.
Remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors. Play with it, mix it up and it will be different every time. Honestly, I have yet to make a bad combination. If you're hesitant, you can probably google good seasoning ideas for different blends. Also, mix up the veggies to compliment the salad. You can use what you have on hand, or specifically add some that go with the "theme". Snow pea pods would be great for Asian! I've even thought about trying jicama in a Mexican blend.
Last note- original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups each of oil, vinegar and sugar, but I've never used this much.
1 pound pasta (for gluten free, use rice or quinoa pasta)*
1/2 c. oil**
1/2 c. vinegar***
1/2 c. evaporated cane juice crystals
2 Tbsp. mixed seasoning****
sea salt to taste
Cook pasta following package directions until al dente. Drain. Add to marinade and keep in fridge 1 hour to overnight giving the flavors as much time to "meld" as possible.
Just before serving, add any combination of chopped veggies you would like. Some of my favorites are tomato*****, onion, celery, peppers (green, yellow, red, orange), cucumber and carrots.
Serve well chilled.
Notes:
*I prefer small pastas...macaroni, rotini, wheels, shells, ziti, especially "piccolini" sizes.
**I use the oil that would work best with the flavor I'm trying to achieve. Canola for Mexican, Olive for Italian or Sesame for Asian.
***Again, I use the vinegar that would work best with the flavors I'd like to blend. Red wine vinegar for Italian, rice wine vinegar for Asian. White vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegars work well too!
****Any combination of herbs will work well, just remember to compliment. Garlic, basil, rosemary, oregano blend for Italian; cilantro, dried chili peppers, garlic, cumin for Mexican; Sprinkle with sesame seeds or slivered almonds for Asian.
*****Tomatoes do get mushy if you have leftovers...and this does make a lot of pasta salad. I usually leave the tomatoes out and add just before I serve.
Remember to have fun and experiment with different flavors. Play with it, mix it up and it will be different every time. Honestly, I have yet to make a bad combination. If you're hesitant, you can probably google good seasoning ideas for different blends. Also, mix up the veggies to compliment the salad. You can use what you have on hand, or specifically add some that go with the "theme". Snow pea pods would be great for Asian! I've even thought about trying jicama in a Mexican blend.
Last note- original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups each of oil, vinegar and sugar, but I've never used this much.
Basmati Pilaf
1 c. rice
2 c. veggie broth or equivalent of veggie bouillon
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 bay leaf
Combine together in a pan with tight lid. Bring to a boil, reduce to low and cook 50 minutes.
Additional ingredients:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil*
1 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. thin sliced celery
1/4 c. raisins (optional)**
1 tsp. fine chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. soy sauce (optional- or may substitute tamari or Bragg's liquid aminos)***
When rice has about 10 minutes left, saute onion in a separate pan for 3 minutes. Add celery, raisins and spices (except soy sauce) and cook 2 minutes.
Stir into cooked rice. Add soy sauce and remove bay leaf.
Notes:
*I prefer cooking with coconut oil because of its high heat threshold and it does not oxidize when heated like other oils. But any preferred oil can be used.
**I did not add raisins to our yummy rice. I just have a thing about raisins in my food. Can't get over the idea that they belong in cookies, muffins or oatmeal and the like. But that's just my preference.
***I did not add any form of soy sauce because the rice smelled so good I didn't want to load it down with soy sauce (although this is a small amount). I left it out and my husband added just the amount of soy sauce he wanted to his portion.
This is a delicious recipe. One of my girls went back for 3 helpings!
2 c. veggie broth or equivalent of veggie bouillon
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 bay leaf
Combine together in a pan with tight lid. Bring to a boil, reduce to low and cook 50 minutes.
Additional ingredients:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil*
1 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. thin sliced celery
1/4 c. raisins (optional)**
1 tsp. fine chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. soy sauce (optional- or may substitute tamari or Bragg's liquid aminos)***
When rice has about 10 minutes left, saute onion in a separate pan for 3 minutes. Add celery, raisins and spices (except soy sauce) and cook 2 minutes.
Stir into cooked rice. Add soy sauce and remove bay leaf.
Notes:
*I prefer cooking with coconut oil because of its high heat threshold and it does not oxidize when heated like other oils. But any preferred oil can be used.
**I did not add raisins to our yummy rice. I just have a thing about raisins in my food. Can't get over the idea that they belong in cookies, muffins or oatmeal and the like. But that's just my preference.
***I did not add any form of soy sauce because the rice smelled so good I didn't want to load it down with soy sauce (although this is a small amount). I left it out and my husband added just the amount of soy sauce he wanted to his portion.
This is a delicious recipe. One of my girls went back for 3 helpings!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Blueberry Spelt Muffins
Found this on Whole Foods' website. My family can't get enough when I make them. They're easy to double and freeze the leftovers. Also, remember, spelt is not gluten-free but is easier to digest than wheat & is sometimes well-tolerated by people with gluten sensitivities.
4 Tbsp softened coconut oil (run outside of container under lukewarm water to soften)
2/3 c Sucanat
1/3 c unsweetened applesauce*
2 egg equivalent of egg replacer or flax meal**
1/2 c orange juice***
2 tsps Organic vanilla extract
2 c spelt flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated orange zest
1/4 tsp sea salt****
2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, cream together coconut oil and Sucanat. Stir in applesauce, egg replacer/flax meal, orange juice and vanilla.
In a second bowl, combine flour, baking powder, zest and sea salt. Stir flour mixture into butter-egg mixture until just combined. Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into lined muffin cups and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, or about 30 minutes.
Notes:
*I use an apple or apple/carrot pulp that I have left from my juicer. Spelt is usually damp anyway so no liquid from applesauce is okay. If your batter seems dry, add a Tbsp of water at a time until it looks like muffin batter. Also, remember the berries will lose juice into the muffins as they bake too.
**See previous post on flax meal if this is your option. Remember it's 1 T flax meal/3 T water whisked together to equal 1 egg.
***I read years ago of this tip. Keep a can of orange juice concentrate in your freezer and when you need orange juice, scoop out 1/4 of the amount of o.j. needed and mix with 3 parts water to get the amount you need. i.e. If recipe calls for 1/4 c orange juice, use 1 Tbsp concentrate & 3 Tbsp water. Honestly, I don't worry about it being exact. You're going for flavor here, it's not an exact science.
****I have never used the exact amount of salt called for in any sweet recipe. I usually just dash the salt shaker over my bowl. In fact, if I put in the full amount, it usually tastes too salty to me.
4 Tbsp softened coconut oil (run outside of container under lukewarm water to soften)
2/3 c Sucanat
1/3 c unsweetened applesauce*
2 egg equivalent of egg replacer or flax meal**
1/2 c orange juice***
2 tsps Organic vanilla extract
2 c spelt flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated orange zest
1/4 tsp sea salt****
2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, cream together coconut oil and Sucanat. Stir in applesauce, egg replacer/flax meal, orange juice and vanilla.
In a second bowl, combine flour, baking powder, zest and sea salt. Stir flour mixture into butter-egg mixture until just combined. Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into lined muffin cups and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, or about 30 minutes.
Notes:
*I use an apple or apple/carrot pulp that I have left from my juicer. Spelt is usually damp anyway so no liquid from applesauce is okay. If your batter seems dry, add a Tbsp of water at a time until it looks like muffin batter. Also, remember the berries will lose juice into the muffins as they bake too.
**See previous post on flax meal if this is your option. Remember it's 1 T flax meal/3 T water whisked together to equal 1 egg.
***I read years ago of this tip. Keep a can of orange juice concentrate in your freezer and when you need orange juice, scoop out 1/4 of the amount of o.j. needed and mix with 3 parts water to get the amount you need. i.e. If recipe calls for 1/4 c orange juice, use 1 Tbsp concentrate & 3 Tbsp water. Honestly, I don't worry about it being exact. You're going for flavor here, it's not an exact science.
****I have never used the exact amount of salt called for in any sweet recipe. I usually just dash the salt shaker over my bowl. In fact, if I put in the full amount, it usually tastes too salty to me.
Pasta e Fagioli
I was in Half-Price Books today browsing for some Vegan cookbooks...didn't find any! But, one vegetarian cookbook had a recipe for this Italian veggie soup that I've liked in the past. Came home & googled the name, but came up with about 10 different websites for recipes of Olive Garden's version...sorry, don't want to make anything that requires 9 quarts of chicken broth.
Then I remembered my Rachael Ray cookbooks. Surely, she had a usable version! And as always, Rachael didn't disappoint! I have a habit of marking my cookbooks so I know if I've tried something and if we liked it. Turns out, I had "very good" underlined at the top. So here's my modified vegan version.
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp EVOO (RR says "two times around the pot")
1 carrot, peeled & finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, peeled & chopped
2 stalks celery, tender pieces (from the heart?), chopped
2 stems fresh rosemary, left whole (I had to sub about 2 tsps dry)
Several sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped from stems & chopped, about 2-3 Tbsp
coarse salt & black pepper, to taste
16 ounces tomato juice or sauce (my sauce is home canned, so it's more like thick tomato juice)
30 ounces vegetable broth (I used the equivalent of bouillon)
1 can Organic kidney beans, drained (can use cannellini too!)
1 cup pasta (I used Barilla piccolini wheels. To make gluten free, use quinoa or rice pasta, etc.)
Heat garlic in olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven (deep pot). Add veggies, herbs and salt & pepper. Cover & cook 5 minutes, stirring ocassionally. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add beans and pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
Paired this with a salad and homemade crusty bread dipped in olive oil & herbs. Yum!
**My whole purpose in looking for this recipe was because I'd thawed some previously frozen chili for the family and wanted to have a hearty soup/stew for myself...it's cold here! But the smell & appearance was so tantalizing that all but 2 of the family dove into the pasta e fagioli. I had to get aggressive to have a 1/2 cup of it left for my lunch tomorrow!**
Then I remembered my Rachael Ray cookbooks. Surely, she had a usable version! And as always, Rachael didn't disappoint! I have a habit of marking my cookbooks so I know if I've tried something and if we liked it. Turns out, I had "very good" underlined at the top. So here's my modified vegan version.
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp EVOO (RR says "two times around the pot")
1 carrot, peeled & finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, peeled & chopped
2 stalks celery, tender pieces (from the heart?), chopped
2 stems fresh rosemary, left whole (I had to sub about 2 tsps dry)
Several sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped from stems & chopped, about 2-3 Tbsp
coarse salt & black pepper, to taste
16 ounces tomato juice or sauce (my sauce is home canned, so it's more like thick tomato juice)
30 ounces vegetable broth (I used the equivalent of bouillon)
1 can Organic kidney beans, drained (can use cannellini too!)
1 cup pasta (I used Barilla piccolini wheels. To make gluten free, use quinoa or rice pasta, etc.)
Heat garlic in olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven (deep pot). Add veggies, herbs and salt & pepper. Cover & cook 5 minutes, stirring ocassionally. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add beans and pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
Paired this with a salad and homemade crusty bread dipped in olive oil & herbs. Yum!
**My whole purpose in looking for this recipe was because I'd thawed some previously frozen chili for the family and wanted to have a hearty soup/stew for myself...it's cold here! But the smell & appearance was so tantalizing that all but 2 of the family dove into the pasta e fagioli. I had to get aggressive to have a 1/2 cup of it left for my lunch tomorrow!**
Good Egg Replacer Recipe- Flax Meal
1 cup flax seeds
4 cups water
Process in blender until thick and almost gelatinous. It will set up more after refrigerated. I've read that it should be stored in the refrigerator in a dark container to preserve its nutrients. This substitutes great in baking & I add it to all my smoothies now.
For the equivalent of 1 egg, whisk together 1 Tbsp of this flax meal with 3 Tbsp water.
I was even doing this in incorrect proportions and it still worked. My family never notices this switch or even when it's added to their smoothies.
4 cups water
Process in blender until thick and almost gelatinous. It will set up more after refrigerated. I've read that it should be stored in the refrigerator in a dark container to preserve its nutrients. This substitutes great in baking & I add it to all my smoothies now.
For the equivalent of 1 egg, whisk together 1 Tbsp of this flax meal with 3 Tbsp water.
I was even doing this in incorrect proportions and it still worked. My family never notices this switch or even when it's added to their smoothies.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
It's Just Not the Same
Have had two back-to-back days with eating out & not being near home. I've still eaten Vegan (as nearly as I can tell), until last night. I had a weak moment & bought a loaded potato pizza for the family from a local place we like. It is one of our family favorites, but is a little pricey, so we don't have it very often.
Even though I knew this wasn't part of my lifestyle change, I told myself I could pick off the bacon & if there was any cheese, I could find pieces without much. The pizza gets here, and it's covered in cheese...but I persisted with my mouth watering! I grabbed the piece and the corner that I felt had the least bacon, picked it off, ignored the ranch dressing & milk that is undoubtedly in the mashed potatoes & sunk my teeth...into the most bland, mushy tasting concoction I think I've ever had. Yuck!
At the same time, I was thrilled that my taste buds have changed to the point that this pizza that used to make me salivate now holds no power over me. Makes quick meals out less enjoyable and frustrates me a little that I can't really have any restaurant cook for us anymore, but it will definitely save us money and the family's just going to have to enjoy fruits, veggies, breads, etc. as the alternative for "Mom's not cooking night"!
Even though I knew this wasn't part of my lifestyle change, I told myself I could pick off the bacon & if there was any cheese, I could find pieces without much. The pizza gets here, and it's covered in cheese...but I persisted with my mouth watering! I grabbed the piece and the corner that I felt had the least bacon, picked it off, ignored the ranch dressing & milk that is undoubtedly in the mashed potatoes & sunk my teeth...into the most bland, mushy tasting concoction I think I've ever had. Yuck!
At the same time, I was thrilled that my taste buds have changed to the point that this pizza that used to make me salivate now holds no power over me. Makes quick meals out less enjoyable and frustrates me a little that I can't really have any restaurant cook for us anymore, but it will definitely save us money and the family's just going to have to enjoy fruits, veggies, breads, etc. as the alternative for "Mom's not cooking night"!
Thanksgiving Update
I'm a little late getting this out, but Thanksgiving wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I went prepared and did okay. I still ate too much and did have some dishes that included eggs & dairy, but I just couldn't get my brain around only eating fruits, veggies & bread for Thanksgiving. There were a few odd looks at the mention of my bringing baked beans, but I didn't care...they were good!
Later found out two of my daughters also had no meat for the Thanksgiving dinner...and I think the youngest one only had a bite or two of some turkey. Converting them wouldn't be as difficult as I think it would be...I just need to give them time to process & let their taste buds change.
Interestingly enough though, as much as I felt like I overate and got down on myself for overindulging, two days later, I'd not gained any weight. But I did get what I call the "fuzzy brain" syndrome which I think is caused by dairy or too much sugar. (Still can't place my finger on why this happens, because it's started to happen at Chipotle some also...and that frightens me that I might have to give up my favorite indulgence!)
So another lesson learned...I can eat Vegan at a holiday/family gathering if I arrive prepared. And really, it wouldn't have been that much of a stretch to stay away from the eggs & dairy if I'd been better prepared mentally. Now, back to the daily grind of trying to stay away from these two...they seem to be the most difficult to purge because of all the baking I love to do!
Later found out two of my daughters also had no meat for the Thanksgiving dinner...and I think the youngest one only had a bite or two of some turkey. Converting them wouldn't be as difficult as I think it would be...I just need to give them time to process & let their taste buds change.
Interestingly enough though, as much as I felt like I overate and got down on myself for overindulging, two days later, I'd not gained any weight. But I did get what I call the "fuzzy brain" syndrome which I think is caused by dairy or too much sugar. (Still can't place my finger on why this happens, because it's started to happen at Chipotle some also...and that frightens me that I might have to give up my favorite indulgence!)
So another lesson learned...I can eat Vegan at a holiday/family gathering if I arrive prepared. And really, it wouldn't have been that much of a stretch to stay away from the eggs & dairy if I'd been better prepared mentally. Now, back to the daily grind of trying to stay away from these two...they seem to be the most difficult to purge because of all the baking I love to do!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saying Goodbye to One More Thing!
I just can't do it! It's lost it's appeal! I know you're a culturally accepted addiction...but you don't even taste good anymore. Why do I pump you into my stomach so you can churn the acid just so I can have a minor caffeine fix? It is time to say farewell my friend...my coffee!
Funny thing is, I started drinking coffee four years ago to try to give up Diet Coke. The Diet Coke fast was short-lived and I had a new addiction to coffee. I loved mochas, lattes and buying Starbucks made me feel cool!
I even started out being a coffee snob. I mean, if I was going to drink this stuff, I should have the best right? Even at home, I have always purchased Starbucks or 1 or 2 other organic brands that I've liked. I even have a small (yes, cheap!) espresso maker. But it was always good for a latte or mocha at home! I also regularly travelled to Jungle Jims to stock up on Torani flavored syrups & white chocolate mocha syrup.
When I decided to pursue the process of becoming vegan, coffee was on the bottom of my list of things to go. I even thought I could keep it. After all, I switched to decaf months ago, the Torani is made with cane sugar (no HFCS) and I didn't mind coconut milk in the coffee in place of cow's milk. The mocha syrup does have dairy...but I could just use it up and not buy it again, right? Plus, I was still losing weight just having eliminated the other things like meat, cheese, milk, and butter from my diet.
But then I had to go and do this juice fast! And after going 10 days without coffee, mostly having juice (see previous posts about the juice fast) for 7 days and probably having every part of my digestive tract cleansed, when I first tried some coffee last week...still doctored with Torani, mocha sauce & coconut milk...it tasted awful!
I can't believe I just typed that! My friend had betrayed me. She was no longer my hot cup of steamy goodness that I awakened every morning to enjoy! Plus, only having fruit in the mornings now, due to the acid caffeine can produce, I wasn't having coffee until about noon even before the fast. And coffee with lunch just isn't the same as coffee and scones, muffins, toast or granola.
So I've continued to push for my return to coffee. I've tried again with no success & even bought some different caramel flavored syrup today...just clinging to the hope. But this is my third attempt and I think it's the last strike. These last two attempts produced better taste, but I had to add so much sweet to it (either syrup, mocha or coconut milk) to make it palatable, that I have that "too much sugar" dry mouth thing happening. And I don't want to acclimate my body to copious amounts of sugar again. Because I feel great and don't want to lose that! I feel better and have more energy every morning than I ever had with coffee.
I heave a sigh and say goodbye. I have enjoyed my addiction, but alas, you hold no sway over me. My re-found love of tea has usurped your place in my life. Go with my blessing and pursue another lover. There are plenty who will welcome you with open arms (or mouths!).
Now my only problem is to whom do I give my last bag of Starbucks and big bottle of Torani White Chocolate Mocha syrup?? I'm keeping the caramel for now...it sounds like it would be good in my chocolate tea!
Funny thing is, I started drinking coffee four years ago to try to give up Diet Coke. The Diet Coke fast was short-lived and I had a new addiction to coffee. I loved mochas, lattes and buying Starbucks made me feel cool!
I even started out being a coffee snob. I mean, if I was going to drink this stuff, I should have the best right? Even at home, I have always purchased Starbucks or 1 or 2 other organic brands that I've liked. I even have a small (yes, cheap!) espresso maker. But it was always good for a latte or mocha at home! I also regularly travelled to Jungle Jims to stock up on Torani flavored syrups & white chocolate mocha syrup.
When I decided to pursue the process of becoming vegan, coffee was on the bottom of my list of things to go. I even thought I could keep it. After all, I switched to decaf months ago, the Torani is made with cane sugar (no HFCS) and I didn't mind coconut milk in the coffee in place of cow's milk. The mocha syrup does have dairy...but I could just use it up and not buy it again, right? Plus, I was still losing weight just having eliminated the other things like meat, cheese, milk, and butter from my diet.
But then I had to go and do this juice fast! And after going 10 days without coffee, mostly having juice (see previous posts about the juice fast) for 7 days and probably having every part of my digestive tract cleansed, when I first tried some coffee last week...still doctored with Torani, mocha sauce & coconut milk...it tasted awful!
I can't believe I just typed that! My friend had betrayed me. She was no longer my hot cup of steamy goodness that I awakened every morning to enjoy! Plus, only having fruit in the mornings now, due to the acid caffeine can produce, I wasn't having coffee until about noon even before the fast. And coffee with lunch just isn't the same as coffee and scones, muffins, toast or granola.
So I've continued to push for my return to coffee. I've tried again with no success & even bought some different caramel flavored syrup today...just clinging to the hope. But this is my third attempt and I think it's the last strike. These last two attempts produced better taste, but I had to add so much sweet to it (either syrup, mocha or coconut milk) to make it palatable, that I have that "too much sugar" dry mouth thing happening. And I don't want to acclimate my body to copious amounts of sugar again. Because I feel great and don't want to lose that! I feel better and have more energy every morning than I ever had with coffee.
I heave a sigh and say goodbye. I have enjoyed my addiction, but alas, you hold no sway over me. My re-found love of tea has usurped your place in my life. Go with my blessing and pursue another lover. There are plenty who will welcome you with open arms (or mouths!).
Now my only problem is to whom do I give my last bag of Starbucks and big bottle of Torani White Chocolate Mocha syrup?? I'm keeping the caramel for now...it sounds like it would be good in my chocolate tea!
Yikes...Thanksgiving is coming soon!
Turkey has never been a huge lure for me...but I do have a great herb rub when I get to roast the bird (which only happens at my house...so about twice a year!). So I don't think going meatless is going to be a problem. But staying vegan will. I cannot think of a single dish my in-laws usually have that won't include eggs, butter, milk, cheese or various combinations thereof.
I'm still new to this so I'm not yet burned out on sticking to the side dishes. Problem is what to do when the side dishes are not vegan-friendly. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head (which I am strongly trying to ignore!) that says, 'So what if you cheat a little!' But when I quickly come back to my senses, I remember that this is not just another diet...this is a complete lifestyle change that I feel called to make and want to stay committed to. In fact, if anything I should be extra vigilant during the holidays. Dairy and eggs sneak in everywhere!
And even if I had the strength to cheat 'just a little' (which I don't), why would I? The energy, clear-headedness and constant feeling of being "lighter" than normal is worth more than a piece of pumpkin pie anyday! This is one person that hopes to have more energy after the Thanksgiving meal instead of crashing on a couch for three hours.
But if there's anything I've learned from all my years of dieting, it's that I need to have a plan. So I'm not going to my in-laws's without being well armed! So what if I don't have 20 different items on my plate. When Abraham Lincoln made this a national holiday, it was in the midst of a Civil War when half the US citizens probably didn't even have enough food...yet, they were thankful! Isn't that the real reason for the day? To be thankful...not gluttonous?
What's my plan? Take fresh salsa, organic chips, make guacamole once I get there, take a huge green salad & bring my own dressing, lots of fruit for breakfast the next day, make some homemade zucchini & fruit bread (no eggs!) and maybe even attempt a vegan sweet potato pie. This still sounds like way too much food. Oh well, we'll be there for about 24 hours...at least I'll be prepared!
I'm still new to this so I'm not yet burned out on sticking to the side dishes. Problem is what to do when the side dishes are not vegan-friendly. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head (which I am strongly trying to ignore!) that says, 'So what if you cheat a little!' But when I quickly come back to my senses, I remember that this is not just another diet...this is a complete lifestyle change that I feel called to make and want to stay committed to. In fact, if anything I should be extra vigilant during the holidays. Dairy and eggs sneak in everywhere!
And even if I had the strength to cheat 'just a little' (which I don't), why would I? The energy, clear-headedness and constant feeling of being "lighter" than normal is worth more than a piece of pumpkin pie anyday! This is one person that hopes to have more energy after the Thanksgiving meal instead of crashing on a couch for three hours.
But if there's anything I've learned from all my years of dieting, it's that I need to have a plan. So I'm not going to my in-laws's without being well armed! So what if I don't have 20 different items on my plate. When Abraham Lincoln made this a national holiday, it was in the midst of a Civil War when half the US citizens probably didn't even have enough food...yet, they were thankful! Isn't that the real reason for the day? To be thankful...not gluttonous?
What's my plan? Take fresh salsa, organic chips, make guacamole once I get there, take a huge green salad & bring my own dressing, lots of fruit for breakfast the next day, make some homemade zucchini & fruit bread (no eggs!) and maybe even attempt a vegan sweet potato pie. This still sounds like way too much food. Oh well, we'll be there for about 24 hours...at least I'll be prepared!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Attempted the Juice Fast...
and did okay. It actually wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be. And yes, I even juiced some beets along the way. Had to buy a new juicer though...the old one finally died.
I don't think I had the amazing results that you read about when you research a juice fast. I'd already dropped the initial water weight you get with any dietary changes. I did lose 7 more pounds, but quickly put back on 3 of those when I started eating again. But I lost those 7 pounds in 7 days and still ate my favorite Chipotle meal (yes, w/guac & chips) 3 times in those 7 days.
Here's a few things I learned:
1. Your stomach shrinks very quickly on a juice fast. With each attempt to eat Chipotle, I could eat less and less & took the leftovers home to my 7 year old that now loves the veggie burrito bowl, guac & chips!
2. When you've fasted and your system is empty, if you put something into your body to which you are sensitive...your body will purge itself very quickly and thoroughly! 'Nuff said! (BTW, I will be very cautious about how much soybean oil I ingest from now on.)
3. While I did struggle with fatigue during the day & was completely ready for sleep by 10 p.m. each night, I woke each morning between 6-6:30 a.m. with energy and a readiness to get going on whatever needed to be done.
4. It's very difficult...but possible to shop & cook for your family when you are the only one on a juice fast.
5. When you're drinking veggie & fruit juices all day long, you really don't crave sugar!
6. When you haven't had coffee (of course I only drink decaf!) for 10 days and try to go back...even loaded with coconut milk, white chocolate mocha (that's not dairy free!) & Torani syrup...it just tastes plain awful! My normal mug which is probably a good 16 ounces didn't even get 1/2 drunk!
7. When you haven't had processed refined sugars for 3 weeks and only natural sugars found in veggies & fruits for 7 days, one chocolate chip cookie can give you a massive sugar high!
8. It is possible to eat well at a pitch in when you've realized how great it feels to be meat & dairy free!
9. When ending your fast, you really should follow the advice of others and only eat raw foods for 1/2 the number of days that you juice fasted. Cooked foods really slow down your digestion after a fast and sit like a brick in your gut.
Did I get all the benefits of a juice fast? Probably not. I know I didn't do it long enough to rid my cells of the extra fat they contain. But the amazing energy that I now have was a great byproduct and I'm thankful I did it. My biggest hurdle, was that I mentally couldn't fathom continuing the fast through Thanksgiving. I really didn't relish the thought of explaining to extended family why I was juicing for food. I set myself up for failure by thinking that I'd have to stop fasting for the holiday & not be able to eat raw while away from home. So for now, I'm trying to hold steady, eating the vegan way & I think the weekend after Thanksgiving, I start giving it another chance. Now that I know what to expect, there is no all day commitments to interfere and no birthdays/holidays for 3 weeks, I really think I could go longer, exercise more and enjoy the process instead of dreading it. Stay tuned...we'll see!
I don't think I had the amazing results that you read about when you research a juice fast. I'd already dropped the initial water weight you get with any dietary changes. I did lose 7 more pounds, but quickly put back on 3 of those when I started eating again. But I lost those 7 pounds in 7 days and still ate my favorite Chipotle meal (yes, w/guac & chips) 3 times in those 7 days.
Here's a few things I learned:
1. Your stomach shrinks very quickly on a juice fast. With each attempt to eat Chipotle, I could eat less and less & took the leftovers home to my 7 year old that now loves the veggie burrito bowl, guac & chips!
2. When you've fasted and your system is empty, if you put something into your body to which you are sensitive...your body will purge itself very quickly and thoroughly! 'Nuff said! (BTW, I will be very cautious about how much soybean oil I ingest from now on.)
3. While I did struggle with fatigue during the day & was completely ready for sleep by 10 p.m. each night, I woke each morning between 6-6:30 a.m. with energy and a readiness to get going on whatever needed to be done.
4. It's very difficult...but possible to shop & cook for your family when you are the only one on a juice fast.
5. When you're drinking veggie & fruit juices all day long, you really don't crave sugar!
6. When you haven't had coffee (of course I only drink decaf!) for 10 days and try to go back...even loaded with coconut milk, white chocolate mocha (that's not dairy free!) & Torani syrup...it just tastes plain awful! My normal mug which is probably a good 16 ounces didn't even get 1/2 drunk!
7. When you haven't had processed refined sugars for 3 weeks and only natural sugars found in veggies & fruits for 7 days, one chocolate chip cookie can give you a massive sugar high!
8. It is possible to eat well at a pitch in when you've realized how great it feels to be meat & dairy free!
9. When ending your fast, you really should follow the advice of others and only eat raw foods for 1/2 the number of days that you juice fasted. Cooked foods really slow down your digestion after a fast and sit like a brick in your gut.
Did I get all the benefits of a juice fast? Probably not. I know I didn't do it long enough to rid my cells of the extra fat they contain. But the amazing energy that I now have was a great byproduct and I'm thankful I did it. My biggest hurdle, was that I mentally couldn't fathom continuing the fast through Thanksgiving. I really didn't relish the thought of explaining to extended family why I was juicing for food. I set myself up for failure by thinking that I'd have to stop fasting for the holiday & not be able to eat raw while away from home. So for now, I'm trying to hold steady, eating the vegan way & I think the weekend after Thanksgiving, I start giving it another chance. Now that I know what to expect, there is no all day commitments to interfere and no birthdays/holidays for 3 weeks, I really think I could go longer, exercise more and enjoy the process instead of dreading it. Stay tuned...we'll see!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Days 1-3 of the Juice Fast
Thursday to Saturday, November 11-13, 2010
I started the fast! Thankful I gave up meat & dairy already and have a fairly clean colon. Some of the warnings you read about fasting is that the first 1-3 days can be miserable as all the toxins start to be released into your bloodstream and your body begins the healing process.
I was tired and run-down the 1st day, but that was also from starting my menstrual cycle & not sleeping well the night before. Hard to say which had more influence, lack of sleep or the fast. I was VERY hungry at times & tried one tomato/garlic/carrot/apple combination that I could NOT finish. Thought a good night's sleep would make Friday better.
But alas, I had a scared young 'un in my room at about midnight & with my new-found energy, my body seemed to say, "hey, we've had a nap...let's lay here & not sleep for a few hours!" Ugh! Got some great time in with the Holy Spirit...but probably had bags around my eyes all day!
We participate in a home school co-op, so I bought some Naked brand juice to bring with me. Typically, on a juice fast, you want fresh processed. The health benefits of juice quickly deteriorate after processing, so fresh is best. But can't exactly take the juicer with me to co-op and I knew I'd be hungry and greatly tempted by the mom's snack time. So during that time I proudly drank my green superfood juice & even had some moms ask me what was in it. As I listed the ingredients...spinach, broccoli, wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina, blue algae, apple juice, pineapple juice, kiwi juice, and more...they were awed and amazed.
Hah! I should have known!
Whenever I have cleansed in the past, I quickly find out any TRUE sensitivities that I have. This is how I discovered years ago that soy can make me sick, bloat my stomach with gas (& cause severe pain) and cause IBS-like symptoms for my bowels. Many times I leave restaurants with an upset stomach...presumably from the copious amounts of cheap genetically-modified soybean oil that they use.
So by the time I leave our co-op about 1 1/2 hours later, I think I'm starving...but when I get home 20 minutes later...I am ILL. I mean a capital ILL!!!! First my stomach is purged, then my bowels. Not to be gross, but if I'd needed a scope from either end, yesterday would have been a good day! I also had this happen about a week ago with my first attempt as using Agave nectar. I have a friend that thinks it's the greatest food ever. Sorry...I'll be sticking to raw honey and sucanat as sweeteners. Don't want to use a "sugar" that purges my body of all solids and liquids thank you very much!
What was in the green superfood juice (Naked brand) that did the same thing?? I don't know. I've had Bolthouse Farms' similar drink with no problems in the past. I'll have to compare the ingredients. Also, who knows what the "natural flavors" really are. This isn't an organic product after all.
The good news, after 3 hours (and 9...yes, 9 trips to the bathroom) my stomach and all of me felt great. The sensitivity-causing item had...well, passed. I was even able to slowly sip on a banana/strawberry/hemp seed smoothie and keep it down. I know it's not technically juice, but if my cheat is no worse than this, then I'm doing okay.
But when I say that I've lost another 5 pounds in 2 days, don't attribute it to this unintentional cleansing. 3 pounds said goodbye after the 1st day on the juice fast which went off without a hitch (other than the aforementioned fatigue!). What will tomorrow bring? Don't know...but pretty sure it will be a least a little more weight loss & increased energy.
***BTW...GREAT night of sleep last night. I was out by about 10:45 p.m., slept straight through to about 6:30 a.m.! Woke up feeling great! The added bonus each day since even giving up meat is better mental clarity. No more fuzzy brain...but more on this on another day. I'm finally caught up & should actually get busy doing something else!
I started the fast! Thankful I gave up meat & dairy already and have a fairly clean colon. Some of the warnings you read about fasting is that the first 1-3 days can be miserable as all the toxins start to be released into your bloodstream and your body begins the healing process.
I was tired and run-down the 1st day, but that was also from starting my menstrual cycle & not sleeping well the night before. Hard to say which had more influence, lack of sleep or the fast. I was VERY hungry at times & tried one tomato/garlic/carrot/apple combination that I could NOT finish. Thought a good night's sleep would make Friday better.
But alas, I had a scared young 'un in my room at about midnight & with my new-found energy, my body seemed to say, "hey, we've had a nap...let's lay here & not sleep for a few hours!" Ugh! Got some great time in with the Holy Spirit...but probably had bags around my eyes all day!
We participate in a home school co-op, so I bought some Naked brand juice to bring with me. Typically, on a juice fast, you want fresh processed. The health benefits of juice quickly deteriorate after processing, so fresh is best. But can't exactly take the juicer with me to co-op and I knew I'd be hungry and greatly tempted by the mom's snack time. So during that time I proudly drank my green superfood juice & even had some moms ask me what was in it. As I listed the ingredients...spinach, broccoli, wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina, blue algae, apple juice, pineapple juice, kiwi juice, and more...they were awed and amazed.
Hah! I should have known!
Whenever I have cleansed in the past, I quickly find out any TRUE sensitivities that I have. This is how I discovered years ago that soy can make me sick, bloat my stomach with gas (& cause severe pain) and cause IBS-like symptoms for my bowels. Many times I leave restaurants with an upset stomach...presumably from the copious amounts of cheap genetically-modified soybean oil that they use.
So by the time I leave our co-op about 1 1/2 hours later, I think I'm starving...but when I get home 20 minutes later...I am ILL. I mean a capital ILL!!!! First my stomach is purged, then my bowels. Not to be gross, but if I'd needed a scope from either end, yesterday would have been a good day! I also had this happen about a week ago with my first attempt as using Agave nectar. I have a friend that thinks it's the greatest food ever. Sorry...I'll be sticking to raw honey and sucanat as sweeteners. Don't want to use a "sugar" that purges my body of all solids and liquids thank you very much!
What was in the green superfood juice (Naked brand) that did the same thing?? I don't know. I've had Bolthouse Farms' similar drink with no problems in the past. I'll have to compare the ingredients. Also, who knows what the "natural flavors" really are. This isn't an organic product after all.
The good news, after 3 hours (and 9...yes, 9 trips to the bathroom) my stomach and all of me felt great. The sensitivity-causing item had...well, passed. I was even able to slowly sip on a banana/strawberry/hemp seed smoothie and keep it down. I know it's not technically juice, but if my cheat is no worse than this, then I'm doing okay.
But when I say that I've lost another 5 pounds in 2 days, don't attribute it to this unintentional cleansing. 3 pounds said goodbye after the 1st day on the juice fast which went off without a hitch (other than the aforementioned fatigue!). What will tomorrow bring? Don't know...but pretty sure it will be a least a little more weight loss & increased energy.
***BTW...GREAT night of sleep last night. I was out by about 10:45 p.m., slept straight through to about 6:30 a.m.! Woke up feeling great! The added bonus each day since even giving up meat is better mental clarity. No more fuzzy brain...but more on this on another day. I'm finally caught up & should actually get busy doing something else!
Just What IS a Juice Fast??
Monday, November 8, 2010
I've seen Jack Lalayne & the Juiceman touting their wares on TV and attributing all kinds of health benefits to fresh processed juices. But really?? Who can drink beet/carrot/tomato/cantaloupe/berry juice?
Okay, that was an exaggeration & a BAD combination...but you get the idea! Haven't we all been told that liquid diets are horrible for us. Oprah's example was enough to kill the Optifast craze, right? And the act of chewing or crunching is enough to help me de-stress after a long day...so wouldn't I miss that?
I didn't just come up with this randomly. Several weeks ago, I watched a documentary called A Beautiful Truth. It's about a teenage boy that sets out with his dad to learn more about the raw vegan, cancer-healing lifestyle promoted by a German doctor named Gershon. In the movie, his daughter, Charlotte, is one of the people that help this teen learn about the Gershon method. (Research it, watch the documentary or read some literature on the benefits of raw vegan lifestyle.) But the bottom line is there are documented cases of people being healed of cancers and other debilitating diseases.
That I know of, I don't have any...although I DO occassionally think I'm having some gall bladder issues, which wouldn't be uncommon at all for an obese person. So am I ready for coffee enemas (okay, read up on the Gershon method before you think I'm wacked out!)? Probably not! But I AM ready to lose weight, feel great & have a more excellent quality of life than I can remember having in the last several years.
One of the best ways to jump start weight loss is with a juice fast. There are websites you can google to get the best info, but my understanding is that when you are obese, ALL of your cells contain extra "oil"...it's not JUST specific fat cells. But as you fast, your body naturally detoxifies & that includes pulling out this excess fat for fuel. A juice fast, feed nutrients & enzymes into your body while still getting the benefits of detoxification, cleared digestive tract, etc that a fast produces. Again, google juice fast & find out all the benefits.
So now, I was full of all the info I needed, had some juice "recipes" to try, bought some fruits & veggies I thought I could start with...but my daughter's birthday was in 2 days...better wait until after dinner at the Italian place she wanted to go to...then I'll start!
I've seen Jack Lalayne & the Juiceman touting their wares on TV and attributing all kinds of health benefits to fresh processed juices. But really?? Who can drink beet/carrot/tomato/cantaloupe/berry juice?
Okay, that was an exaggeration & a BAD combination...but you get the idea! Haven't we all been told that liquid diets are horrible for us. Oprah's example was enough to kill the Optifast craze, right? And the act of chewing or crunching is enough to help me de-stress after a long day...so wouldn't I miss that?
I didn't just come up with this randomly. Several weeks ago, I watched a documentary called A Beautiful Truth. It's about a teenage boy that sets out with his dad to learn more about the raw vegan, cancer-healing lifestyle promoted by a German doctor named Gershon. In the movie, his daughter, Charlotte, is one of the people that help this teen learn about the Gershon method. (Research it, watch the documentary or read some literature on the benefits of raw vegan lifestyle.) But the bottom line is there are documented cases of people being healed of cancers and other debilitating diseases.
That I know of, I don't have any...although I DO occassionally think I'm having some gall bladder issues, which wouldn't be uncommon at all for an obese person. So am I ready for coffee enemas (okay, read up on the Gershon method before you think I'm wacked out!)? Probably not! But I AM ready to lose weight, feel great & have a more excellent quality of life than I can remember having in the last several years.
One of the best ways to jump start weight loss is with a juice fast. There are websites you can google to get the best info, but my understanding is that when you are obese, ALL of your cells contain extra "oil"...it's not JUST specific fat cells. But as you fast, your body naturally detoxifies & that includes pulling out this excess fat for fuel. A juice fast, feed nutrients & enzymes into your body while still getting the benefits of detoxification, cleared digestive tract, etc that a fast produces. Again, google juice fast & find out all the benefits.
So now, I was full of all the info I needed, had some juice "recipes" to try, bought some fruits & veggies I thought I could start with...but my daughter's birthday was in 2 days...better wait until after dinner at the Italian place she wanted to go to...then I'll start!
So Just What Do I Eat??
Early November 2010
When I get up in the morning, I'm sometimes not hungry. Or if I am, it quickly passes & I wait until I'm VERY hungry to eat...or actually, drink my breakfast.
A typical breakfast is fresh carrot/apple juice or a strawberry/banana/flax seed smoothie. Between 10 and noon, I have a cup of decaf coffee with coconut milk & Torani syrup (yeah, I haven't given up sugar yet...but this does NOT have high fructose corn syrup in it) Basically, just trying to use up some of the things I have (like coffee) that no one else in my family uses. But I know someday soon, I'm going to have to give up the coffee too! (Oh well, at least I've only been addicted to it for about 4 years!)
Then lunch is either a salad with lots of veggies or some leftover rice, bean, salsa or veggie dish from dinner the night before. Or there's also humuus & chips, salsa & chips, soups or lots of other things I haven't even had a chance to try yet. (Cooked spaghetti squash topped with homemade marinara, homemade wheat/spelt bread with olive oil for dipping...Yummmmm!)
Dinner usually is my heaviest meal of the day and is meatless, dairy-free and probably includes bread...my ALL-time favorite genre of food. We've even been out a few times and I've always found something to eat.
So far the most vegan-friendly place I know of around here is Chipotle...I'm just telling myself it's not "real" butter that they put in the rice. I guess what I don't know won't hurt me right? But their veggie burrito bowl (black beans of course!) with 2 salsas, guacamole & chips is probably the most amazing fast-food meal I've ever had! And if you're a Chipotle fan, you know what I'm talking about!
But my husband & I are trying to find other vegan-friendly places too. So if you know of any, please comment below. So far Panera & MAYBE McAlister's are the only other places we can think of. Otherwise, research of the menu ahead of time is a must.
Haven't starved yet! And actually have been amazed how quickly I'm filling up (can only eat 1/2 of Chipotle's burrito bowl now!) & just how much food I can eat and still lose weight.
When I get up in the morning, I'm sometimes not hungry. Or if I am, it quickly passes & I wait until I'm VERY hungry to eat...or actually, drink my breakfast.
A typical breakfast is fresh carrot/apple juice or a strawberry/banana/flax seed smoothie. Between 10 and noon, I have a cup of decaf coffee with coconut milk & Torani syrup (yeah, I haven't given up sugar yet...but this does NOT have high fructose corn syrup in it) Basically, just trying to use up some of the things I have (like coffee) that no one else in my family uses. But I know someday soon, I'm going to have to give up the coffee too! (Oh well, at least I've only been addicted to it for about 4 years!)
Then lunch is either a salad with lots of veggies or some leftover rice, bean, salsa or veggie dish from dinner the night before. Or there's also humuus & chips, salsa & chips, soups or lots of other things I haven't even had a chance to try yet. (Cooked spaghetti squash topped with homemade marinara, homemade wheat/spelt bread with olive oil for dipping...Yummmmm!)
Dinner usually is my heaviest meal of the day and is meatless, dairy-free and probably includes bread...my ALL-time favorite genre of food. We've even been out a few times and I've always found something to eat.
So far the most vegan-friendly place I know of around here is Chipotle...I'm just telling myself it's not "real" butter that they put in the rice. I guess what I don't know won't hurt me right? But their veggie burrito bowl (black beans of course!) with 2 salsas, guacamole & chips is probably the most amazing fast-food meal I've ever had! And if you're a Chipotle fan, you know what I'm talking about!
But my husband & I are trying to find other vegan-friendly places too. So if you know of any, please comment below. So far Panera & MAYBE McAlister's are the only other places we can think of. Otherwise, research of the menu ahead of time is a must.
Haven't starved yet! And actually have been amazed how quickly I'm filling up (can only eat 1/2 of Chipotle's burrito bowl now!) & just how much food I can eat and still lose weight.
And Dairy Quickly Follows...Out the Door That Is!
Monday, November 1, 2010
I LOVE dairy!!
Cheese (which is a MUST for pizza!), ice cream, yogurt and ALL of their many forms are some of my MOST favorite foods! After all, I can't have my favorite ceasar salads without parmesan cheese on the salad & in the dressing, right?
BUT, why is it that humans are the ONLY mammals that wean their children from the mother's milk only to put them on the milk from another mammal? And I know even some natural healers (think Dr. Mercola) support the use of raw milk, raw cheeses, kefir, yogurts with good bacterias and suggest you can use it freely. But then why do SO many people find healing for themselves and their children when they stick to a casein free diet?
Casein is a protein found in milk. And according to the authors of Skinny Bitch and Fit for Life as well as others, we lose almost all of our enzymes for digesting milk protein by the time we're 4 years old. (Side thought...so maybe those women that nurse their children well into their toddler years are not so crazy after all?? Hmmm??)
Numerous parents of autistic children or people with autoimmune disorders will tell you that eliminating dairy in all of its forms helped turn around the prognosis they'd been given by so-called "health" professionals. Dairy (or at least the lactose or milk sugar in it) can also feed Candida yeast which most people on the typical American diet have in excess! And then you're back to issues with the colon!!
I've even read that there are independent studies that have found too much dairy actually LEACHES calcium from your bones. What?? How come the milk mustache commercials don't tell you this?
If you think I'm crazy, just use the brain God gave you and ask yourself the last time any entity that makes lots of money off of the products you buy had your best interest at heart? Basic rule of thumb...the more money there is to be made, the less likely it is they or anyone in that company (or beaurocratic agency) has considered how it affects people on an individual basis.
I can tell you what giving up dairy has done for me. I lost 3 more pounds in 3 days (& I even had a little twice on some ceasar salads!). And the best benefit? I no longer wake up, head straight to the bathroom & spend 2-3 minutes blowing my nose. Honest truth- At one point, I did not have to blow my nose at ALL for 6 days straight! For someone that used to have horrible seasonal allergies (colon cleansing took care of most of those years ago!), not having the daily emptying of my nasal passages has been great! We've even had several dramatic warm & cold weather shifts in the last 2 weeks & my sinuses haven't even been affected.
Have I had cravings for pizza? Of course! And I'll just have to learn to fix it with loads of veggies and no cheese. Will I sometime slip & have some dairy? Probably! But for now, switching to coconut milk in my coffee and having a rare spoonful of coconut milk ice cream has been enough to satisfy the desire for something I thought I could never give up.
On to the next thing!
I LOVE dairy!!
Cheese (which is a MUST for pizza!), ice cream, yogurt and ALL of their many forms are some of my MOST favorite foods! After all, I can't have my favorite ceasar salads without parmesan cheese on the salad & in the dressing, right?
BUT, why is it that humans are the ONLY mammals that wean their children from the mother's milk only to put them on the milk from another mammal? And I know even some natural healers (think Dr. Mercola) support the use of raw milk, raw cheeses, kefir, yogurts with good bacterias and suggest you can use it freely. But then why do SO many people find healing for themselves and their children when they stick to a casein free diet?
Casein is a protein found in milk. And according to the authors of Skinny Bitch and Fit for Life as well as others, we lose almost all of our enzymes for digesting milk protein by the time we're 4 years old. (Side thought...so maybe those women that nurse their children well into their toddler years are not so crazy after all?? Hmmm??)
Numerous parents of autistic children or people with autoimmune disorders will tell you that eliminating dairy in all of its forms helped turn around the prognosis they'd been given by so-called "health" professionals. Dairy (or at least the lactose or milk sugar in it) can also feed Candida yeast which most people on the typical American diet have in excess! And then you're back to issues with the colon!!
I've even read that there are independent studies that have found too much dairy actually LEACHES calcium from your bones. What?? How come the milk mustache commercials don't tell you this?
If you think I'm crazy, just use the brain God gave you and ask yourself the last time any entity that makes lots of money off of the products you buy had your best interest at heart? Basic rule of thumb...the more money there is to be made, the less likely it is they or anyone in that company (or beaurocratic agency) has considered how it affects people on an individual basis.
I can tell you what giving up dairy has done for me. I lost 3 more pounds in 3 days (& I even had a little twice on some ceasar salads!). And the best benefit? I no longer wake up, head straight to the bathroom & spend 2-3 minutes blowing my nose. Honest truth- At one point, I did not have to blow my nose at ALL for 6 days straight! For someone that used to have horrible seasonal allergies (colon cleansing took care of most of those years ago!), not having the daily emptying of my nasal passages has been great! We've even had several dramatic warm & cold weather shifts in the last 2 weeks & my sinuses haven't even been affected.
Have I had cravings for pizza? Of course! And I'll just have to learn to fix it with loads of veggies and no cheese. Will I sometime slip & have some dairy? Probably! But for now, switching to coconut milk in my coffee and having a rare spoonful of coconut milk ice cream has been enough to satisfy the desire for something I thought I could never give up.
On to the next thing!
The Next Thing to Go is...Meat!
Monday, October 25, 2010
That's right...meat...ALL of it...beef, chicken, fish and any form thereof. I've never been a big meat eater, but I DO like big juicy burgers. In fact, it was a big juicy burger that helped me eventually make this choice.
Went out for dinner with my hubby, ordered what sounded like a great burger, was full before I'd finished half of it, but didn't want to "waste" it...so I finished the whole thing. It then sat in my belly like a brick for the next several hours.
The next day is when I finished Skinny Bitch and the following day (10/25/10) I gave up meat.
The first side benefit I noticed (& was NOT expecting) was that I no longer woke up with bad breath. I could even eat garlic or onions for dinner & not wake up with the lingering taste in my throat or on my breath. If you've ever done any research on colon cleansing, you know that bad breath is a sign that your colon is full. So apparently, just giving up meat made my digestive tract run more efficiently & now...no more morning breath.
The next thing that happened...and this is one I WAS expecting...is that I started to drop weight. 6 pounds in 7 days to be exact. So as I continue, I'll give the most accurate weight loss total in one of the side bars. Hopefully someday, I can even put my real weight on there too. But still have some lbs. to lose before I do that!
Finally, by the 3rd day of no meat, I could wake up when my husband left for work (6:30ish), be ready for the day and NOT need a nap. Not running any marathons and definitely ready for bed by 10 p.m., but interestingly enough, I'm no longer a nightowl. It seems that letting go of meat was one of the keys to helping me become a morning person...who'd a thunk it??
That's right...meat...ALL of it...beef, chicken, fish and any form thereof. I've never been a big meat eater, but I DO like big juicy burgers. In fact, it was a big juicy burger that helped me eventually make this choice.
Went out for dinner with my hubby, ordered what sounded like a great burger, was full before I'd finished half of it, but didn't want to "waste" it...so I finished the whole thing. It then sat in my belly like a brick for the next several hours.
The next day is when I finished Skinny Bitch and the following day (10/25/10) I gave up meat.
The first side benefit I noticed (& was NOT expecting) was that I no longer woke up with bad breath. I could even eat garlic or onions for dinner & not wake up with the lingering taste in my throat or on my breath. If you've ever done any research on colon cleansing, you know that bad breath is a sign that your colon is full. So apparently, just giving up meat made my digestive tract run more efficiently & now...no more morning breath.
The next thing that happened...and this is one I WAS expecting...is that I started to drop weight. 6 pounds in 7 days to be exact. So as I continue, I'll give the most accurate weight loss total in one of the side bars. Hopefully someday, I can even put my real weight on there too. But still have some lbs. to lose before I do that!
Finally, by the 3rd day of no meat, I could wake up when my husband left for work (6:30ish), be ready for the day and NOT need a nap. Not running any marathons and definitely ready for bed by 10 p.m., but interestingly enough, I'm no longer a nightowl. It seems that letting go of meat was one of the keys to helping me become a morning person...who'd a thunk it??
Really? The Book is Titled WHAT??
Late October 2010
Yep...it's called Skinny Bitch! And if you're offended by profanity, then read it in small doses. Me? I read it in about 24 hours...it IS a small book. But I was also consumed with getting my butt kicked into gear.
I've read a LOT...internet articles, get Dr. Mercola's daily e-mails, have talked to a LOT of people, even read The Maker's Diet years ago and made some changes then. But I've gone back & forth with organics & conventional foods, up & down with my weight so much that I think I REALLY needed these rude, harsh authors to be so "in your face", that I finished the book knowing I had to draw a line in the sand, and not look back.
Call it hard core or whatever you want, but I'm tired of feeling like crap and I have to do whatever it takes to get my body into the condition that God created it to be. If I'm slowed down by my weight, my energy level, my allergies or some dibillitating disease, then I am not functioning at the capacity that He created specifically for me.
The day after I closed the book, opened up a whole new world for me. I'm doing it...I'm becoming a vegan. I NEVER thought those words would come from me! I know I won't get the rest of the family converted right away, but just buying less junk and fixing more fruits & veggies for myself will benefit them too. And I've learned before that my kids do okay with small changes in their food as long as there is variety and good taste. My youngest even likes guacamole now!
Yep...it's called Skinny Bitch! And if you're offended by profanity, then read it in small doses. Me? I read it in about 24 hours...it IS a small book. But I was also consumed with getting my butt kicked into gear.
I've read a LOT...internet articles, get Dr. Mercola's daily e-mails, have talked to a LOT of people, even read The Maker's Diet years ago and made some changes then. But I've gone back & forth with organics & conventional foods, up & down with my weight so much that I think I REALLY needed these rude, harsh authors to be so "in your face", that I finished the book knowing I had to draw a line in the sand, and not look back.
Call it hard core or whatever you want, but I'm tired of feeling like crap and I have to do whatever it takes to get my body into the condition that God created it to be. If I'm slowed down by my weight, my energy level, my allergies or some dibillitating disease, then I am not functioning at the capacity that He created specifically for me.
The day after I closed the book, opened up a whole new world for me. I'm doing it...I'm becoming a vegan. I NEVER thought those words would come from me! I know I won't get the rest of the family converted right away, but just buying less junk and fixing more fruits & veggies for myself will benefit them too. And I've learned before that my kids do okay with small changes in their food as long as there is variety and good taste. My youngest even likes guacamole now!
Backing Up a Little to the 1st Thing I Left Behind...Diet Coke!
Mid-September 2010
It was killing me!
I could feel it in my head...every time I gave in to that 32 (or 64) ounces of chilly goodness. My brain felt fuzzy. I've known for year's that aspartame (a.k.a. Nutrasweet) is HORRIBLE for ANYONE...not just people with sensitivities to it.
Just google aspartame & a whole slew of articles that describe side effects, how the FDA let slide bad testing, how the approval was rushed through after being denied for years & how the substance is banned in most of the world's nations that we would consider "developed".
But not here...no, in the United States you can drink gallons of it with the assurance that it is "the most tested food substance that has ever been approved by the FDA". What they don't tell you is that this so called testing was flawed & in independent studies causes weight GAIN and several side effects to your brain that are downright nasty. But don't listen to me...do your own research.
As you're reading, the one thing to keep in mind is that once you intake aspartame (and don't fool yourself...Splenda does the EXACT same thing!), it breaks down in your body as GRAIN ALCOHOL...which converts to formaldahyde...that's right...formaldahyde...the stuff they preserve dead things in. And just in case you're wondering...yeah, formaldahyde in ANY form isn't good for your body!
So this was to by my latest attempt to give up Diet Coke. I've done it before (3-4 times for as much as 6 months), but have always gone back...one sip...& I'm addicted again. And ANY product where numerous people have told me they're addicted, can NOT be good for us, right? I was even in a Bible study years ago & when we were asked what we want Heaven to be like, one woman said, 'I don't care as long as they have Diet Coke!' I laughed...but it's sad that my days were filled with thoughts of how I could go out and get a fountain Diet...it had to be fountain! I'd even send my husband out specifically to get one. Ugh!
Finally, I'd had enough! Tuesday, September 14th, we went to a Cincinnati Reds game & I had my LAST Diet Coke. I woke up the next day resolved to kick the habit.
The first thing I did was go to our local Kroger and buy some Hansen's Natural Root Beer and other sodas that are sweetened with natural cane sugar. Pepsi now even has some "throwback" Dr. Pepper & Mountain Dew sweetened with sugar instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup (another evil you should reasearch...or better yet, watch the documentary King Corn) . Pepsi's Sierra Mist is now also only sweetened with sugar. Doing this truly DID help my body not crave Diet Coke the way I had when giving it up in the past. BUT...I did put on a few pounds...which I could NOT afford to do.
Slowly, I weaned myself away from the sugared pop too. Last week, I wanted to have some root bear with popcorn...bought a 6 pack of Hansen's so everyone in the family could have one & I didn't even drink half of it before I had to give it to someone else.
It wasn't always as easy as I make it sound. For instance, when I see the golden arches, it STILL crosses my mind to pull in and get a large Diet Coke. But overall, this has been my easiest transition away from diet...ever. One thing that may have helped was that I avoided any gums, mints, medications, etc that could have aspartame in them as well. It's in a LOT of products, so if you try to get away from it...you HAVE to read labels.
And to people who object to eating better because it's too expensive...my first response is that the $30-60 a month we spent on pop can now be used on fruits, vegetables or even my favorite splurge now...Chipotle's guacamole & chips...yum!
It was killing me!
I could feel it in my head...every time I gave in to that 32 (or 64) ounces of chilly goodness. My brain felt fuzzy. I've known for year's that aspartame (a.k.a. Nutrasweet) is HORRIBLE for ANYONE...not just people with sensitivities to it.
Just google aspartame & a whole slew of articles that describe side effects, how the FDA let slide bad testing, how the approval was rushed through after being denied for years & how the substance is banned in most of the world's nations that we would consider "developed".
But not here...no, in the United States you can drink gallons of it with the assurance that it is "the most tested food substance that has ever been approved by the FDA". What they don't tell you is that this so called testing was flawed & in independent studies causes weight GAIN and several side effects to your brain that are downright nasty. But don't listen to me...do your own research.
As you're reading, the one thing to keep in mind is that once you intake aspartame (and don't fool yourself...Splenda does the EXACT same thing!), it breaks down in your body as GRAIN ALCOHOL...which converts to formaldahyde...that's right...formaldahyde...the stuff they preserve dead things in. And just in case you're wondering...yeah, formaldahyde in ANY form isn't good for your body!
So this was to by my latest attempt to give up Diet Coke. I've done it before (3-4 times for as much as 6 months), but have always gone back...one sip...& I'm addicted again. And ANY product where numerous people have told me they're addicted, can NOT be good for us, right? I was even in a Bible study years ago & when we were asked what we want Heaven to be like, one woman said, 'I don't care as long as they have Diet Coke!' I laughed...but it's sad that my days were filled with thoughts of how I could go out and get a fountain Diet...it had to be fountain! I'd even send my husband out specifically to get one. Ugh!
Finally, I'd had enough! Tuesday, September 14th, we went to a Cincinnati Reds game & I had my LAST Diet Coke. I woke up the next day resolved to kick the habit.
The first thing I did was go to our local Kroger and buy some Hansen's Natural Root Beer and other sodas that are sweetened with natural cane sugar. Pepsi now even has some "throwback" Dr. Pepper & Mountain Dew sweetened with sugar instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup (another evil you should reasearch...or better yet, watch the documentary King Corn) . Pepsi's Sierra Mist is now also only sweetened with sugar. Doing this truly DID help my body not crave Diet Coke the way I had when giving it up in the past. BUT...I did put on a few pounds...which I could NOT afford to do.
Slowly, I weaned myself away from the sugared pop too. Last week, I wanted to have some root bear with popcorn...bought a 6 pack of Hansen's so everyone in the family could have one & I didn't even drink half of it before I had to give it to someone else.
It wasn't always as easy as I make it sound. For instance, when I see the golden arches, it STILL crosses my mind to pull in and get a large Diet Coke. But overall, this has been my easiest transition away from diet...ever. One thing that may have helped was that I avoided any gums, mints, medications, etc that could have aspartame in them as well. It's in a LOT of products, so if you try to get away from it...you HAVE to read labels.
And to people who object to eating better because it's too expensive...my first response is that the $30-60 a month we spent on pop can now be used on fruits, vegetables or even my favorite splurge now...Chipotle's guacamole & chips...yum!
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