She's finally here. The new and improved Soul Searching Vegan. Please join me at
Soul Searching Vegan or http://soulsearchingvegan.wordpress.com/
I hope you like it!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Week 2: What it has done for me
Sunday fun day! How was your weekend? Did everyone celebrate their Valentine's Day this weekend or are you all waiting for the real deal on Monday?
After tonight, it will be officially two weeks completed of February-In-The-Raw and I must say it has been an experience so far. Here is what has happened to me throughout the past two weeks...
-My skin has taken a beating - my face has broken out almost as bad as it did when I was a teenager, but as long as all these toxin are getting out of my body whether through my face or however, so be it. Get them out!
-I have been an emotional roller coaster - I can't seem to be able to keep my emotions in check at all, one minute I'm happy-go-lucky the next I'm crying about something the Z man said or my chai tea latte not being warm enough. Needless to say, I've been a little temperamental.
-My workouts have been phenomenal - I haven't had workouts like the ones I've experienced these past two weeks ever! I can run my miles or do the elliptical and not feel like a walking zombie afterwards. I have so much more energy to workout, allowing myself to actually enjoy my workouts - even my long runs. I don't feel like I have to just sit and watch TV to zone out because I'm so physically and emotionally exhausted.
-I have so much energy - like I said, I've been able to do and enjoy my workouts because I have had so much more energy. I can run, do my yoga, and still go for an evening walk (just because I can not because I feel I have to).
-I don't feel bogged down, bloated after eating, or emotional towards food - raw food has a way of making me feel light and satisfied without feeling overly full. Feeling full would tend to make me feel anxious towards my food and body, as if I'd eaten too much (meaning I felt I would gain weight) but eating raw foods allows me to eat nutritionally dense foods in adequate and satisfying amounts keeping me sanity intact. (Plus who ever heard of gaining weight from eating too many greens anyways)
-I don't have cravings - like I said eating the raw foods makes me feel light while still being full and satisfied. Before I'd eat just what I thought I was supposed to eat and then I'd get cravings to eat cookies, candies, cakes, anything that I restricted (or not sometimes). But now I feel fulfilled with my meals I can actually turn down the cookies or french fries, and save them for when I truly want them.
I also would get cravings to binge (on anything) and to get that feeling of fullness (due to my typical restricting of food), but my meals are filled with such varieties of fruits and vegetables, fats and proteins, that I feel satisfied - meaning no cravings.
-I go to the bathroom a lot - This may be a little TMI but I have been going to the bathroom a LOT meaning I am removing built up toxins from within my body and allowing my digestive system to work the way it is supposed to. I feel lighter then ever (not in regards to my weight though, I have no idea what is has done for that nor am I concerned).
These are the things I have experiences and I am excited for what the next two weeks has in store. Hopefully a little more steadiness with the emotions and some calmness with the skin situation, but if not, I know this is doing great things for me so it is all worth it.
What has eating raw foods done for you? Have you felt any differences? What have experienced as far as side-effects, if any?
After tonight, it will be officially two weeks completed of February-In-The-Raw and I must say it has been an experience so far. Here is what has happened to me throughout the past two weeks...
-My skin has taken a beating - my face has broken out almost as bad as it did when I was a teenager, but as long as all these toxin are getting out of my body whether through my face or however, so be it. Get them out!
-I have been an emotional roller coaster - I can't seem to be able to keep my emotions in check at all, one minute I'm happy-go-lucky the next I'm crying about something the Z man said or my chai tea latte not being warm enough. Needless to say, I've been a little temperamental.
-My workouts have been phenomenal - I haven't had workouts like the ones I've experienced these past two weeks ever! I can run my miles or do the elliptical and not feel like a walking zombie afterwards. I have so much more energy to workout, allowing myself to actually enjoy my workouts - even my long runs. I don't feel like I have to just sit and watch TV to zone out because I'm so physically and emotionally exhausted.
-I have so much energy - like I said, I've been able to do and enjoy my workouts because I have had so much more energy. I can run, do my yoga, and still go for an evening walk (just because I can not because I feel I have to).
-I don't feel bogged down, bloated after eating, or emotional towards food - raw food has a way of making me feel light and satisfied without feeling overly full. Feeling full would tend to make me feel anxious towards my food and body, as if I'd eaten too much (meaning I felt I would gain weight) but eating raw foods allows me to eat nutritionally dense foods in adequate and satisfying amounts keeping me sanity intact. (Plus who ever heard of gaining weight from eating too many greens anyways)
-I don't have cravings - like I said eating the raw foods makes me feel light while still being full and satisfied. Before I'd eat just what I thought I was supposed to eat and then I'd get cravings to eat cookies, candies, cakes, anything that I restricted (or not sometimes). But now I feel fulfilled with my meals I can actually turn down the cookies or french fries, and save them for when I truly want them.
I also would get cravings to binge (on anything) and to get that feeling of fullness (due to my typical restricting of food), but my meals are filled with such varieties of fruits and vegetables, fats and proteins, that I feel satisfied - meaning no cravings.
-I go to the bathroom a lot - This may be a little TMI but I have been going to the bathroom a LOT meaning I am removing built up toxins from within my body and allowing my digestive system to work the way it is supposed to. I feel lighter then ever (not in regards to my weight though, I have no idea what is has done for that nor am I concerned).
These are the things I have experiences and I am excited for what the next two weeks has in store. Hopefully a little more steadiness with the emotions and some calmness with the skin situation, but if not, I know this is doing great things for me so it is all worth it.
What has eating raw foods done for you? Have you felt any differences? What have experienced as far as side-effects, if any?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Making today great
Far too many of us will have a bad day whether that is through eating too much of something "bad", eating too much in general, or not eating much at all. Whatever your vice, we all have them and we all tend to have an all or nothing mentality - we've already done the damage we'd might as well keep rolling with it and "start over" tomorrow. (Sound familiar?)
I know I have had far too many of these types of day and I always vow to myself that it's the last one or that I'll do better tomorrow. Unfortunately my vows tend to be short lived and those days still keep creeping in every once in a while. But no matter how down I get or how blue I might be feeling, I somehow always am able to look at tomorrow in a positive light. Even better, I've been really working hard on rather than waiting for tomorrow, I'm trying to take what is left of that day and make it great.
My point is we all have difficult days and in a span of 24 hours can overdo it due to our emotions - or underdo it - but it's what we do with the rest of our 24 hours that are important. Contrary to (my) many's beliefs, we do not gain or lose a significant amount of weight in a day regardless of what we did within that day.
In light of searching for a new home for the Train and I, trying to find what it is that I want to do with my life career wise, saving for our wedding, planning our wedding, school, a social life, a relationship, and blogging, I've been feeling a little stressed and slightly beaten. I've always been the type to have a plan, know where I'm going and what I want to do, and how I'm going to get there. But as of recent, my plans are basically nonexistent. This is driving the anxiety levels sky rocketing causing me to have emotional episodes that tend to cause me to take steps back in my soul searching journey.
But no matter how stressed, anxious, sad, or down I get, I know that I am making progress. With each step back, I'm making strides forward in my soul searching.
Moral of the story, don't let one bad day turn into two, and even if you have a bad episode regardless of what it is, do what you can to change your situation then and there rather than beating yourself up and dumping the whole rest of the day, try making the rest of the day great!
**I apologize for being MIA recently, it's been somewhat a crazy couple of days. I'm actually working on a new blog site for all of you to enjoy. It'll still be the Soul Searching Vegan but with more to offer all you readers! Stay tuned! :-)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Raw Apple Chai Spice Bar
Oh man it is could outside. I hope everyone makes a steaming cup of chai tea with their homemade almond milk to keep warm. I made two today!
I've been doing some research on what I want to do with my leftover almond pulp from my homemade almond milk. The options are endless. Do I want to make a vegan nut loaf or maybe a raw nut pate? While I was scrutinizing my many choices, I munched on my favorite Larabar and the light bulb lit up. Here I was complaining over how much I spend on almond milk when I'm spending far too much on these delicious packaged portable treats. I think the decision was made for me, I'm going to try my hand at a raw bar. And being my passion for all things chai spiced, the vote was unanimous, a homemade apple chai spiced larabar was the ballet winner.
Raw Apple Chai Spice Bar
2 apples - very thinly sliced
1 c almond pulp
2 tsp chai seeds - soaked in 4 tsp of water
1/2 c dates
1 scoop Vanilla Chai vegan protein powder
2 tsp pure maple syrup
Heat the oven as low as it can go. Place the sliced apples on a sheet pan and put into the oven with the door propped open with an inflammable object to assure the temperature does not get too high. "Bake" for 2 hours.
While the apples are baking, soak the chai seeds in a small shallow bowl. Meanwhile, place the dates into a food processor along with protein powder and combine.
Once the chai seeds have gelatinized - an hour or so -, add them to the food processor along with the dates and protein powder and combine.
Next, place the mixture into a bowl and stir in the almond pulp and maple syrup.
After the apples have "baked" chop them in food processor until they are the consistency of a thick chunky apple sauce/paste. It shouldn't be very wet due to the apples being dehydrated by the "baking". Add the apples to the mixture and combine well.
Place a third of a cup of the mixture into individual pieces of saran wrap or, as I did, in individual baggies (I was out of wrap) and form into 1/4'' thick bars. Place them in the fridge overnight to allow to come together . Store them in the fridge so they keep well.
Here is a picture of the real thing.
And here is my delicious (money-saving) clone.
Not exactly the same, but none-the-less just as tasty, healthy, and portable. A satisfying treat on the go, or delicious treat with a chai tea latte. No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe is definitely one to add to the books. Now, what to do with my other cup or so of leftover almond pulp? Any thoughts or suggestions? Anything you would like to see veganized or raw-ified?
I've been doing some research on what I want to do with my leftover almond pulp from my homemade almond milk. The options are endless. Do I want to make a vegan nut loaf or maybe a raw nut pate? While I was scrutinizing my many choices, I munched on my favorite Larabar and the light bulb lit up. Here I was complaining over how much I spend on almond milk when I'm spending far too much on these delicious packaged portable treats. I think the decision was made for me, I'm going to try my hand at a raw bar. And being my passion for all things chai spiced, the vote was unanimous, a homemade apple chai spiced larabar was the ballet winner.
Raw Apple Chai Spice Bar
2 apples - very thinly sliced
1 c almond pulp
2 tsp chai seeds - soaked in 4 tsp of water
1/2 c dates
1 scoop Vanilla Chai vegan protein powder
2 tsp pure maple syrup
Heat the oven as low as it can go. Place the sliced apples on a sheet pan and put into the oven with the door propped open with an inflammable object to assure the temperature does not get too high. "Bake" for 2 hours.
While the apples are baking, soak the chai seeds in a small shallow bowl. Meanwhile, place the dates into a food processor along with protein powder and combine.
Once the chai seeds have gelatinized - an hour or so -, add them to the food processor along with the dates and protein powder and combine.
Next, place the mixture into a bowl and stir in the almond pulp and maple syrup.
After the apples have "baked" chop them in food processor until they are the consistency of a thick chunky apple sauce/paste. It shouldn't be very wet due to the apples being dehydrated by the "baking". Add the apples to the mixture and combine well.
Place a third of a cup of the mixture into individual pieces of saran wrap or, as I did, in individual baggies (I was out of wrap) and form into 1/4'' thick bars. Place them in the fridge overnight to allow to come together . Store them in the fridge so they keep well.
Here is a picture of the real thing.
And here is my delicious (money-saving) clone.
Not exactly the same, but none-the-less just as tasty, healthy, and portable. A satisfying treat on the go, or delicious treat with a chai tea latte. No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe is definitely one to add to the books. Now, what to do with my other cup or so of leftover almond pulp? Any thoughts or suggestions? Anything you would like to see veganized or raw-ified?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Week 1: February-In-The-Raw
How did your first week of February-In-The-Raw-Go? Mine, well let's just say, bring on the emotional detox...
I stated here, when one does a raw diet, some experience a sort of detox due to the cells releasing all the harmful substances, both physically and emotionally, that they had been housing for how ever many years. This detox can cause some intense physical and emotional effects to occur. To say that this release of toxins was a gentle process for me would be a complete understatement. Bring on the tears (poor Z man, he's so patient with me, Thanks Brat).
I have been an emotional roller-coaster. One second I'm riding high and on the up and up, and then next I'm am soaring at a rapid speed in a downward spiral. And I know that my emotions may be a little irrational to put it lightly, but I can't help but feel these intense sensations no matter how ridiculous they may be. It took me a few tears to figure out why I was having such highs and lows, but once it dawned on me I was releasing years of unhealthy toxins it made me feel less of a wack-a-doo. Now I am just trying to ride the coaster and let the tears fall - I've cried more in this week than I have in the 5 years the Train and I have been together. I'm actually talking about my emotions and getting them out. I think of the tears as washing the toxins out of my body. Everyday, I'm getting farther and better than I ever have before.
Have you been experiencing any emotional tidal waves? What do you do when you're emotional to feel better? Cry? Shop? Exercise?
Now, let's talk Almond Milk.
Isn't it funny that we complain about $2.99 a gallon for gas, but some of us are willing to pay some where up to $3.50 for a 16 oz carton of almond milk? I'm not a math wizard by any means so I'm not even going to attempt to do the breakdown on this equation. But I do know what thing, the equation looks a little like this: Crazy-outrageous-overly-priced + sweet-healthy-nutty-deliciousness = spending far to much on almond milk in the stores. The solution? Make it yourself!
I stated here, when one does a raw diet, some experience a sort of detox due to the cells releasing all the harmful substances, both physically and emotionally, that they had been housing for how ever many years. This detox can cause some intense physical and emotional effects to occur. To say that this release of toxins was a gentle process for me would be a complete understatement. Bring on the tears (poor Z man, he's so patient with me, Thanks Brat).
I have been an emotional roller-coaster. One second I'm riding high and on the up and up, and then next I'm am soaring at a rapid speed in a downward spiral. And I know that my emotions may be a little irrational to put it lightly, but I can't help but feel these intense sensations no matter how ridiculous they may be. It took me a few tears to figure out why I was having such highs and lows, but once it dawned on me I was releasing years of unhealthy toxins it made me feel less of a wack-a-doo. Now I am just trying to ride the coaster and let the tears fall - I've cried more in this week than I have in the 5 years the Train and I have been together. I'm actually talking about my emotions and getting them out. I think of the tears as washing the toxins out of my body. Everyday, I'm getting farther and better than I ever have before.
Have you been experiencing any emotional tidal waves? What do you do when you're emotional to feel better? Cry? Shop? Exercise?
Now, let's talk Almond Milk.
Isn't it funny that we complain about $2.99 a gallon for gas, but some of us are willing to pay some where up to $3.50 for a 16 oz carton of almond milk? I'm not a math wizard by any means so I'm not even going to attempt to do the breakdown on this equation. But I do know what thing, the equation looks a little like this: Crazy-outrageous-overly-priced + sweet-healthy-nutty-deliciousness = spending far to much on almond milk in the stores. The solution? Make it yourself!
Almond milk is so easy to make, you're going to be kicking yourself for spending so much for so long (I know I was). I said yesterday that the overall process is slightly time consuming, but this is only due to the fact that you need to soak your almonds overnight. Here's the breakdown.
Homemade Almond Milk:
1 cup almonds - soaked overnight
4 cups water
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
2 tbsp agave or 1 packet stevia - you can use honey but know that it's not truly vegan at this point (optional)
Start off by placing your almonds in a large bowl and covering completely with water. Place in the fridge overnight (8 - 12 hours).
Drain the soaking water, the almonds should have almost doubled in size. Place the soaked almonds in a blender along with the 4 cups of water on high speed for 5 minutes.
Place a couple of paper towels or a cheesecloth over a colander and place the colander over a large bowl. There should be enough room between the bowl and colander to allow the milk to drain. Strain the almond milk. After it has strained, wring out the paper towels or cheesecloth to assure you have gotten all the milk.
Place the milk back into the blender along with the vanilla and agave. Blend for another 5 minutes. Place the milk in an old milk carton (cleaned and rinsed). The milk will keep for a week. A week of inexpensive, fresh, luscious straight from the source almond milk. And keep the leftover almond pulp because I have some really great things we can do it!
It really is that simple.
Tomorrow I'll show you what you can do with that leftover pulp. I'm thinking raw nachos or maybe homemade chelseabars, my take on a larabar. We'll just have to see.
Homemade Almond Milk:
1 cup almonds - soaked overnight
4 cups water
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
2 tbsp agave or 1 packet stevia - you can use honey but know that it's not truly vegan at this point (optional)
Start off by placing your almonds in a large bowl and covering completely with water. Place in the fridge overnight (8 - 12 hours).
Drain the soaking water, the almonds should have almost doubled in size. Place the soaked almonds in a blender along with the 4 cups of water on high speed for 5 minutes.
Place a couple of paper towels or a cheesecloth over a colander and place the colander over a large bowl. There should be enough room between the bowl and colander to allow the milk to drain. Strain the almond milk. After it has strained, wring out the paper towels or cheesecloth to assure you have gotten all the milk.
Place the milk back into the blender along with the vanilla and agave. Blend for another 5 minutes. Place the milk in an old milk carton (cleaned and rinsed). The milk will keep for a week. A week of inexpensive, fresh, luscious straight from the source almond milk. And keep the leftover almond pulp because I have some really great things we can do it!
It really is that simple.
Tomorrow I'll show you what you can do with that leftover pulp. I'm thinking raw nachos or maybe homemade chelseabars, my take on a larabar. We'll just have to see.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A night of chili and football
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I'm not sure if everyone grew up in the midwest surrounded by football or had 6'2 300lb D-lineman brother, but I did and I love football, meaning I love Super Bowl Sunday (it's usually my birthday too!).
Tonight was spent in a very cooked fashion meaning, vegan chili with some cold beers, followed with some obscenities yelled at the television - and the Train - and sadly, very few laughs at the commercials (was it just me or were they particularly bad this year?). But don't worry, I went into tonight prepared. I had a giant green smoothie for breakfast and a giant salad loaded with greens and things. So, I did not lack in the raw department today. And to be honest, I needed a little chili to warm me up - or maybe that was the beers. Either way, I feel good.
Anyways, I don't have much to write tonight, but I did want to prepare you all for what is to come your way tomorrow. Homemade Almond milk.
Yes, you can stop throwing away $3.00 for a 16 oz box of this glorious drink and start making it yourself to throw into your smoothies, oats, and baked goods. I will warn you, it is somewhat of a time consuming process, but that is only because you need to soak your almonds at least 12 hours in the fridge. Otherwise, it's a few minutes in the blender and ta-da, rich, creamy, straight from the source almond milk. Not to mention, the things you can do with the left over almond pulp. But that is another post for another day.
Did the Super Bowl turn out to your liking? Did you watch the Super Bowl? What's your favorite way to use almond (or any kind) milk?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A little rant followed by 2 recipes
It's Thursday! I hope you're all excited for the weekend to begin - even those of us (me) who have only worked one day this week.
So I have to start today by getting something off my chest. I'm a little anxious right now because today I have been a bottomless pit. I have been hungry all day long no matter what I seem to eat. For some ease these hunger pains (it could have been that 6 miler I did yesterday, but logic is hard to come by right now). This usually kicks me off my path of wellness, I'd say 8 times out of 10 time, letting the ED voice ring loud and clear, but today I stood strong by allowing myself to sooth the pains with food. Without even a second thought at that too, well, until now.
Night time usually is my hardest time because I would usually rehash everything that I'd done for the day to calculate what I needed to/could do tomorrow - what I could eat, how long and how hard I needed to workout, etc. But tonight I'm trying to just sit and feel. Feel the fullness of my stomach, the satiety from a wonderful dinner, feel the emotions - anxiety and all - that are racing through my heart and head. I have to admit in the back of my mind the ED wants me to do something bad, but in my heart - and the rest of my mind - I know that I'm going to be ok (ED 0, Burns 1.7 million!).
Yes, I'm going to be ok.
Thank you for letting me get that out. I'm still a little anxious, but like I said I know I'm going to be ok.
So I have to start today by getting something off my chest. I'm a little anxious right now because today I have been a bottomless pit. I have been hungry all day long no matter what I seem to eat. For some ease these hunger pains (it could have been that 6 miler I did yesterday, but logic is hard to come by right now). This usually kicks me off my path of wellness, I'd say 8 times out of 10 time, letting the ED voice ring loud and clear, but today I stood strong by allowing myself to sooth the pains with food. Without even a second thought at that too, well, until now.
Night time usually is my hardest time because I would usually rehash everything that I'd done for the day to calculate what I needed to/could do tomorrow - what I could eat, how long and how hard I needed to workout, etc. But tonight I'm trying to just sit and feel. Feel the fullness of my stomach, the satiety from a wonderful dinner, feel the emotions - anxiety and all - that are racing through my heart and head. I have to admit in the back of my mind the ED wants me to do something bad, but in my heart - and the rest of my mind - I know that I'm going to be ok (ED 0, Burns 1.7 million!).
Yes, I'm going to be ok.
Thank you for letting me get that out. I'm still a little anxious, but like I said I know I'm going to be ok.
For example, I love beans and right now I haven't gotten to sprouting yet so I take the route more traveled and do the cooked beans. Vegetables have a great amount of protein, but I need the beans to satisfy and get my nutrients. So until I have my own kitchen to do my own sprouting, I'll put these in my 20% cooked category for that meal. I also happen to love oats for breakfast - or any time really - so until I find the time to soak them, I'll resort to cooking them. And I'm ok with that, 80/20 after all.
Today I wanted to share with you a raw wrap that is so good and so easy, you'll be wondering why you hadn't been doing this sooner.
Wraw Wrap:
1 large collard green
2 - 3 tbsp hummus
Any and all vegetables you can fit in it (I used an avocado, a tomato, and a carrot)
First, remove the fibrous stem (about 1/3 the way up into the actual greens) from the collard green like so.
Next, cover with the hummus followed by your vegetables. Then fold the two longer ends up over the vegetables and roll together as you would a tortilla. And enjoy!
I had to wrap mine in foil (please recycle if you do too) because I got a little over zealous with the hummus - oops - a delicious mishap. The collard green has a slight sharpness and spiciness to it, but it has much more flavor than a store-bought tortilla. Talk about a great way to get some more greens in your day.
The second recipe I have for you all tonight is seriously going to change the way you think of mousse again - and avocados come to think of it. This is my raw carob mousse recipe adopted from Gena's and Lyne's recipes of chocolate pudding.
Raw Carob Mousse:
2 ripe avocados
8 medjool dates - pitted and soaked in 2 cups very warm water
2 heaping tbsp carob powder - you can use cocoa powder if you don't have carob but make sure it's fair trade and organic
1/2 tbsp vanilla
2 tsp raw turbinado sugar
1/2 - 1 cup water from the dates
pinch of salt
Start by soaking the pitted dates in the warm water for about 20 minutes so that they can reconstitute.
Place the ingredients into a food processor or a blendor starting with 1/2 cup of the date water. Turn on high speed and slowly add the other 1/2 cup of water 1/4 at a time. You probably have to stop every few minutes to scrape down the side. Once it has all come together it should look like this.
It looks super rich and decadent and a little soft and fluffy too.
But refrain from taking a spoon to it yet. It has to refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the fats from the avocado to solidify. I promise, it's worth the wait.
After an hour it should look more like this, very rich and decadent, silky and creamy, and oh so chocolatey.
I'm still working on getting the necessary ingredients for my tofu recipe I want to try so I can give you a tutorial on using tofu. Until then, enjoy these two easy, very nutritious, and super delicious raw recipes!
Did you try something raw today or maybe even something different?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A little Q & A
Hello everyone! I really can not thank you enough for the comments, encouragement and your interest in raw food, myself and veganism! I am so happy to know that my words are not only doing things for myself, but they're reaching people. So excited!
I have gotten a few question - great, keep them coming - on learning more in depth the topic of veganism and raw foods. And although I have quite a bit of knowledge on nutrition and health, I'm going to refer you all to some fantastic authors who have a better grasp of the topic than myself. But do feel free to ask me any question you do have. As I've mention before, I do specialize in nutrition and wellness (even though sometimes I don't take my own advice, do as I say not as I do syndrome, but I can assure you all, I am so much better at listening to my advice).
Aftertrying to force asking the Train to go to the bookstore with me for a little bit of research, I decided he was right, it was too darned cold to get out of the house today. And why go to the stores when the stores are at my fingertips! I warned him though, I can do some damage to the ol' bank account internet shopping for cookbooks - and lululemon while I was at it. All for a good cause though, I couldn't let you all down.
Perusing the many isles (?) of vegan, raw vegan, and raw food cookbooks - and reading all their reviews -, I decided on these as recommendations (I also asked my fellow raw and vegan blog writers their opinions on books). They all present easy delicious recipes, great advice for easy transition into veganism and/or raw foods, and a vast array of information on the benefits of veganism and raw food.
*Crazy Sexy Diet - Kris Carr
*Kristen Suzanne's Easy Raw Vegan Transition Recipes - Kristen Suzanne
*Ani's Raw Food Essentials - Ani Phyo
*Raw Food/ Real World: 100 recipes to get that glow - Matthew Kenney & Sarma Melngialis
*Raw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food For Life - Juliano Brotman & Erika Lenkert
*Everyday Raw - Matthew Kenney
The list could go on and on, but these are some great ones just to name a few. The only reason I haven't purchased any of these yet myself is because, well frankly, I have far too many cookbooks that I don't use collecting dust somewhere - however, 95% of them aren't vegan so that is why they're dust bunnies now. This doesn't stop me from hours on end at the bookstores soy chai tea latte in hand reading each one and getting inspiration for my own recipes from them. A basic raw vegan cookbook is a great investment though to make because they offer insight and many basic recipes for you to try and add your own spin on once you become comfortable with the process. I highly recommend finding one you like to have at your beckon call.
I know I promised a tutorial on tofu, but the grim weather would not let me outdoors to get what I needed - or more like I wasn't about to let myself outdoors in the grim weather. So instead I promise two amazingly raw vegan recipes for you tomorrow, a raw wrap and raw carob mousse. You won't be disappointed.
I have gotten a few question - great, keep them coming - on learning more in depth the topic of veganism and raw foods. And although I have quite a bit of knowledge on nutrition and health, I'm going to refer you all to some fantastic authors who have a better grasp of the topic than myself. But do feel free to ask me any question you do have. As I've mention before, I do specialize in nutrition and wellness (even though sometimes I don't take my own advice, do as I say not as I do syndrome, but I can assure you all, I am so much better at listening to my advice).
After
Perusing the many isles (?) of vegan, raw vegan, and raw food cookbooks - and reading all their reviews -, I decided on these as recommendations (I also asked my fellow raw and vegan blog writers their opinions on books). They all present easy delicious recipes, great advice for easy transition into veganism and/or raw foods, and a vast array of information on the benefits of veganism and raw food.
*Crazy Sexy Diet - Kris Carr
*Kristen Suzanne's Easy Raw Vegan Transition Recipes - Kristen Suzanne
*Ani's Raw Food Essentials - Ani Phyo
*Raw Food/ Real World: 100 recipes to get that glow - Matthew Kenney & Sarma Melngialis
*Raw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food For Life - Juliano Brotman & Erika Lenkert
*Everyday Raw - Matthew Kenney
The list could go on and on, but these are some great ones just to name a few. The only reason I haven't purchased any of these yet myself is because, well frankly, I have far too many cookbooks that I don't use collecting dust somewhere - however, 95% of them aren't vegan so that is why they're dust bunnies now. This doesn't stop me from hours on end at the bookstores soy chai tea latte in hand reading each one and getting inspiration for my own recipes from them. A basic raw vegan cookbook is a great investment though to make because they offer insight and many basic recipes for you to try and add your own spin on once you become comfortable with the process. I highly recommend finding one you like to have at your beckon call.
I know I promised a tutorial on tofu, but the grim weather would not let me outdoors to get what I needed - or more like I wasn't about to let myself outdoors in the grim weather. So instead I promise two amazingly raw vegan recipes for you tomorrow, a raw wrap and raw carob mousse. You won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 1: February-In-The-Raw.
Day 1 of February-In-The-Raw is about come to a complete and I must say, it felt so much better than I'd imagined (despite this blizzard that ensuing around us).
The first of this 28 day endeavor began with a vamped green smoothie. What better way to start of a month of raw with other than a delicious cup of Banana, Greens, and Maca smoothie.
Banana, Greens, & Maca smoothie:
1 c almond milk - or milk of your choice
2 bananas
1 handful spinach
1/2 bunch of kale
1 scoop raw vegan protein powder
1/2 tbsp Raw Red Maca powder
Place ingredients into a blender on high until thick, creamy and smooth. Enjoy!
Maca powder, for those of you new to this ingredient, comes from the root of the maca plant of Peru and is a highly nutritious. It is considered the superfood of the Incans, dating back to the 16th century as a form of medicine used to balance hormones, boost energy and endurance, and increase overall well-being. However, start slowly with Maca. It can cause you to feel gittery as if you'd had too much caffeine due to its properties as an energy booster.
I'm sure you're aware of the blizzard of 2011 we are all suffering from, which meant no work for me or the Train. I hate to admit this, but enough with the snow days already. Anyways, before the storm could force us inside for good, we headed out to get a workout and some reserves of the essentials (milk, bread, cheese and meat for the family, lots of fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and soy milk for me). I forgot to mention, Day 1 of February-In-The-Raw also consisted of Day 1 of training for Dam-to-Dame 2011 (a 20K race I do every year). Not only am I challenging myself in the dead of winter to eat a raw vegan diet, but I'm also back to running. If today is any inclination on how training season is going to go then I am more then ecstatic. I got 6 miles in 50 minutes and felt great!
After a few curse words and some sliding in the snow drifts, the Z man and I declared defeat and headed home - very slowly - for who knows how long, weather permitting. We sat down for lunch together which consisted of a mile-high mound of vegetables - mixed greens, half a red pepper, cabbage, and carrots - with two heaping scoops of Basic Hummus, an avocado, Bragg liquid aminos, and nutritional yeast. It is a pretty typical salad for me - only with the volume turned up -, but today it felt like so much more knowing that all this raw nutrition is helping to make me physically and emotionally fabulous. Later I snacked on a Larabar (raw) and an almond milk chai tea latte (not raw) while doing some damage in the homework department.
I'm not sure if it's the raw food, the 6 miles, or my change in perspective, but I am feeling on top of the world. Like I was feeling pre-move only better with the Train by my side. I have found myself saying "Positive. Positive. Positive." any time I begin to have any thoughts of doubt or hear the ED start to squeak its nasty little voice. No matter what it is, I know I am the one creating the change, I am the one causing the action. I'm finding that strength again!
Dinner I broke out the ezekiel sprouted pita pockets that I have been so excited for. I discussed the wonder of sprouted grains here. You all must try these. They are light and airy, but still dense enough to be satisfying. I spread hummus and quacomole on the inside and stuffed it with mixed greens, sliced red peppers, 1/2 an avocado, and red cabbage. Not too much not too little. It was perfect. This is what feels to be satisfied - in every sense of the word.
Tonight is going to be spent working on a little more homework and doing some research for this week's menu. I have some tofu that I want to do a little tutorial on since I know a lot of you are either afraid or confused on how to use it. I'm thinking something Asian if my cupboards permit. We'll just have to see.
What did you do today that made you feel satisfied? Are you joining me in February-In-The-Raw?
The first of this 28 day endeavor began with a vamped green smoothie. What better way to start of a month of raw with other than a delicious cup of Banana, Greens, and Maca smoothie.
Banana, Greens, & Maca smoothie:
1 c almond milk - or milk of your choice
2 bananas
1 handful spinach
1/2 bunch of kale
1 scoop raw vegan protein powder
1/2 tbsp Raw Red Maca powder
Place ingredients into a blender on high until thick, creamy and smooth. Enjoy!
Maca powder, for those of you new to this ingredient, comes from the root of the maca plant of Peru and is a highly nutritious. It is considered the superfood of the Incans, dating back to the 16th century as a form of medicine used to balance hormones, boost energy and endurance, and increase overall well-being. However, start slowly with Maca. It can cause you to feel gittery as if you'd had too much caffeine due to its properties as an energy booster.
I'm sure you're aware of the blizzard of 2011 we are all suffering from, which meant no work for me or the Train. I hate to admit this, but enough with the snow days already. Anyways, before the storm could force us inside for good, we headed out to get a workout and some reserves of the essentials (milk, bread, cheese and meat for the family, lots of fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and soy milk for me). I forgot to mention, Day 1 of February-In-The-Raw also consisted of Day 1 of training for Dam-to-Dame 2011 (a 20K race I do every year). Not only am I challenging myself in the dead of winter to eat a raw vegan diet, but I'm also back to running. If today is any inclination on how training season is going to go then I am more then ecstatic. I got 6 miles in 50 minutes and felt great!
After a few curse words and some sliding in the snow drifts, the Z man and I declared defeat and headed home - very slowly - for who knows how long, weather permitting. We sat down for lunch together which consisted of a mile-high mound of vegetables - mixed greens, half a red pepper, cabbage, and carrots - with two heaping scoops of Basic Hummus, an avocado, Bragg liquid aminos, and nutritional yeast. It is a pretty typical salad for me - only with the volume turned up -, but today it felt like so much more knowing that all this raw nutrition is helping to make me physically and emotionally fabulous. Later I snacked on a Larabar (raw) and an almond milk chai tea latte (not raw) while doing some damage in the homework department.
I'm not sure if it's the raw food, the 6 miles, or my change in perspective, but I am feeling on top of the world. Like I was feeling pre-move only better with the Train by my side. I have found myself saying "Positive. Positive. Positive." any time I begin to have any thoughts of doubt or hear the ED start to squeak its nasty little voice. No matter what it is, I know I am the one creating the change, I am the one causing the action. I'm finding that strength again!
Dinner I broke out the ezekiel sprouted pita pockets that I have been so excited for. I discussed the wonder of sprouted grains here. You all must try these. They are light and airy, but still dense enough to be satisfying. I spread hummus and quacomole on the inside and stuffed it with mixed greens, sliced red peppers, 1/2 an avocado, and red cabbage. Not too much not too little. It was perfect. This is what feels to be satisfied - in every sense of the word.
Tonight is going to be spent working on a little more homework and doing some research for this week's menu. I have some tofu that I want to do a little tutorial on since I know a lot of you are either afraid or confused on how to use it. I'm thinking something Asian if my cupboards permit. We'll just have to see.
What did you do today that made you feel satisfied? Are you joining me in February-In-The-Raw?
Monday, January 31, 2011
The first annual February In The...
In the what?! Are you tired of me leading you on already? Out with it right? What is this mystery project that I have been eluding to this past week. Alright, here it is. I'm really excited! Introducing the first annual February-In-The-Raw.
February-In-The-Raw is project that I was inspired to do after enjoying three glowing and (mostly) peaceful months pre-move-to-midwest. This project is going to consist of 28 days of a raw vegan - but none the less delicious - diet. Why a raw vegan diet? I hope after the 28 days - if you'll please join me on this quest - you'll appreciate why.
What does this all mean? Why raw foods?
Raw foods are a living source of nutrients. A raw vegan diet consists of nutritionally-dense living organic uncooked and unprocessed foods to optimize health and alkalizing the body. Cooking food kills it, destroying many of it nutrients. Some forms of cooking, lightly steaming or boiling, damages the food but does not render it completely devoid. However, many raw foodist believe heating food over 118 degrees kills the food, destroys the enzymes within it and changes the structure of the cells which create a toxic harmful substance. At the rate our elimination system works, eating cooked foods is consuming acidic toxins faster than your body can eliminate them, disrupting the acid/alkaline balance causing a range of problems from cancers and diseases to excess weight and psychological disorders. In thought, it is as if one would be eating rotten apples. The fruit is dead, void of nutrients and is harmful to the body, ultimately causing you to be ill. Same is the thought of cooked food.
As I stated before, February-In-The-Raw was inspired while I was in Boise. Previous posts here and also here all touch on a time when I was finally coming into my own - sans ED - and finding happiness. I tribute this discovery of self to adhering to a semi-raw vegan diet (semi-raw to me was 80% of each meal was raw while the other 20% was cooked foods). I had done quite a bit of research on finding happiness within and being healthy mind, body and soul, which kept leading me to a raw vegan diet. I started reading articles and books, listening to podcasts, and speaking to other bloggers on their experience as a raw vegan. After much research the vote was unanimous, in order to determine fiction from faux I had to try it for myself. And that is just what I did.
February-In-The-Raw is project that I was inspired to do after enjoying three glowing and (mostly) peaceful months pre-move-to-midwest. This project is going to consist of 28 days of a raw vegan - but none the less delicious - diet. Why a raw vegan diet? I hope after the 28 days - if you'll please join me on this quest - you'll appreciate why.
What does this all mean? Why raw foods?
Raw foods are a living source of nutrients. A raw vegan diet consists of nutritionally-dense living organic uncooked and unprocessed foods to optimize health and alkalizing the body. Cooking food kills it, destroying many of it nutrients. Some forms of cooking, lightly steaming or boiling, damages the food but does not render it completely devoid. However, many raw foodist believe heating food over 118 degrees kills the food, destroys the enzymes within it and changes the structure of the cells which create a toxic harmful substance. At the rate our elimination system works, eating cooked foods is consuming acidic toxins faster than your body can eliminate them, disrupting the acid/alkaline balance causing a range of problems from cancers and diseases to excess weight and psychological disorders. In thought, it is as if one would be eating rotten apples. The fruit is dead, void of nutrients and is harmful to the body, ultimately causing you to be ill. Same is the thought of cooked food.
As I stated before, February-In-The-Raw was inspired while I was in Boise. Previous posts here and also here all touch on a time when I was finally coming into my own - sans ED - and finding happiness. I tribute this discovery of self to adhering to a semi-raw vegan diet (semi-raw to me was 80% of each meal was raw while the other 20% was cooked foods). I had done quite a bit of research on finding happiness within and being healthy mind, body and soul, which kept leading me to a raw vegan diet. I started reading articles and books, listening to podcasts, and speaking to other bloggers on their experience as a raw vegan. After much research the vote was unanimous, in order to determine fiction from faux I had to try it for myself. And that is just what I did.
I had never felt better. I felt this glow this livelihood within me that others said radiated everywhere. I felt confident, healthy, at peace. I did go through a short phase where I felt extremely tired and emotionally challenged, but after discussing this with other raw foodist, they explained this was my body's way of reacting to the elimination of toxins from my entire body. They described it as detoxing each and every cell of years of built up toxins, stress, anxiety, things I had internalized both physically and emotionally. They were all being flushed from my body. After this, I felt radiant.
February-In-The-Raw as I mentioned before is going to be 28 days of a raw (semi-raw) vegan diet. I choose February to launch this project because it is the shortest month of the year so it was a great chance for me to test it out. On this quest of raw veganism, I am going to be consuming as many fresh fruit, vegetables, sprouted grains, nuts and seeds, all while not skipping on flavor, nutrients or originality. Along the way I will be sharing with you recipes, answers to questions, exercise tips, alternatives methods to health and wellness and of course my ups and downs.
Here is what we have to look forward to this week (weather permitting):
Many different recipes for Green Smoothies, salads, raw soups and raw desserts to start with, followed by raw oats, raw wrap, and raw sandwich recipes.
So welcome to the first annual February-In-The-Raw! I hope you will all join me on the soul searching quest to health and happiness.
**One of my final research papers for a class I did last semester was on reversing diabetes with a raw vegan diet and the information I found was amazing. Check out Choosing Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days, a truly inspiring documentary proving diabetes is curable on a raw vegan diet.
February-In-The-Raw as I mentioned before is going to be 28 days of a raw (semi-raw) vegan diet. I choose February to launch this project because it is the shortest month of the year so it was a great chance for me to test it out. On this quest of raw veganism, I am going to be consuming as many fresh fruit, vegetables, sprouted grains, nuts and seeds, all while not skipping on flavor, nutrients or originality. Along the way I will be sharing with you recipes, answers to questions, exercise tips, alternatives methods to health and wellness and of course my ups and downs.
Here is what we have to look forward to this week (weather permitting):
Many different recipes for Green Smoothies, salads, raw soups and raw desserts to start with, followed by raw oats, raw wrap, and raw sandwich recipes.
So welcome to the first annual February-In-The-Raw! I hope you will all join me on the soul searching quest to health and happiness.
**One of my final research papers for a class I did last semester was on reversing diabetes with a raw vegan diet and the information I found was amazing. Check out Choosing Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days, a truly inspiring documentary proving diabetes is curable on a raw vegan diet.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Beautiful roses and spouted grains
Hello everyone! I hope your having a fabulous weekend. Thank you all for the posts and words of encouragement so far. They have been such a blessing and an inspiration!
In light of my upcoming event - which you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the final revealing - I decided to start the week off right with a very healthy and semi-raw (hint hint) recipe that I'm sure you all will love. Not to mention can all do effortlessly. All you need are a few ingredients and a blender (or food processor) and you are well on your way to Hummus Heaven! Behold my super easy, succulent and healthy hummus recipe.
Hummus Basics:
1 can Garbanzo beans
1 lemon - juiced
1 tbsp Braggs liquid aminos
2 tbsp seseme tahini
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all the ingredients into the blender or food processor on high speed.
You may need to stop every few seconds to scrape down the sides and ensure everything is blending well together.
After 5 - 10 minutes here is what you'll have.
A flavorsome spread to put on anything your heart desires: sandwiches, wraps, salads, vegetables, cardboard (it's that good!). If you can dream it, you can do it. And the best part is, this is just the basic recipe that you can play with. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness or maybe some roasted broccoli for a little something different. Like I said, if you can dream it, you can do it.
What I'm really excited to put this hummus on are these, Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 Prophet's Pocket Bread.
Based on a recipe from the bible, Ezekiel breads are created from sprouted grains which are incredibly nutritious because sprouting grains before baking them produces a living substance. What does that mean? Many things that everyone needs to know.
Germination changes the composition of the grain or seed. Think of it as a seed of an oak tree. It has all the potential to becoming a 100 year old beautiful giant, but it must be given the proper circumstances to become a tree. Same goes for any grain or seed. Germination allows the dormant seed to become alive.
Sprouting increases many of the vitamin content such as vitamins C and B. Carotene increase somewhere around eight times the amount of nongerminated grains and more importantly sprouting neutralizes phytic acids which inhibits absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Sprouting also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors that can have the ability to neutralize our own enzymes in the digestive tract. Lastly, sprouting produces numerous enzymes that assist in the digestive processes.
How is this different from any other grain or seed that creates our delectable breads and pastries you ask? Well unfortunately when grains are not given the opportunity to germinate or sprout, they do not contain the nutrients sprouted grains do and they retain the naturally occurring antinutrients which make digestion of grains rather difficult. Sprouting also makes the grains alkaline which are essential in creating internal pH balance and maintaining good health. And you are not eating a living substance, but rather almost to the equivalent of eating a rotten fruit or vegetable. After all, you want your fruits and vegetables fresh and living, why not your grains.
Here is a great article on the topic of sprouting. I hope you all found this information eye opening and at least somewhat interesting.
Well tonight is going to be full of homework and reviewing articles for class and for the project. I hope everyone is getting excited tomorrow's revealing!
*Isn't this rose beautiful? I had such fun photo shooting it!
In light of my upcoming event - which you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the final revealing - I decided to start the week off right with a very healthy and semi-raw (hint hint) recipe that I'm sure you all will love. Not to mention can all do effortlessly. All you need are a few ingredients and a blender (or food processor) and you are well on your way to Hummus Heaven! Behold my super easy, succulent and healthy hummus recipe.
Hummus Basics:
1 can Garbanzo beans
1 lemon - juiced
1 tbsp Braggs liquid aminos
2 tbsp seseme tahini
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all the ingredients into the blender or food processor on high speed.
You may need to stop every few seconds to scrape down the sides and ensure everything is blending well together.
After 5 - 10 minutes here is what you'll have.
A flavorsome spread to put on anything your heart desires: sandwiches, wraps, salads, vegetables, cardboard (it's that good!). If you can dream it, you can do it. And the best part is, this is just the basic recipe that you can play with. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness or maybe some roasted broccoli for a little something different. Like I said, if you can dream it, you can do it.
What I'm really excited to put this hummus on are these, Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 Prophet's Pocket Bread.
Based on a recipe from the bible, Ezekiel breads are created from sprouted grains which are incredibly nutritious because sprouting grains before baking them produces a living substance. What does that mean? Many things that everyone needs to know.
Germination changes the composition of the grain or seed. Think of it as a seed of an oak tree. It has all the potential to becoming a 100 year old beautiful giant, but it must be given the proper circumstances to become a tree. Same goes for any grain or seed. Germination allows the dormant seed to become alive.
Sprouting increases many of the vitamin content such as vitamins C and B. Carotene increase somewhere around eight times the amount of nongerminated grains and more importantly sprouting neutralizes phytic acids which inhibits absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Sprouting also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors that can have the ability to neutralize our own enzymes in the digestive tract. Lastly, sprouting produces numerous enzymes that assist in the digestive processes.
How is this different from any other grain or seed that creates our delectable breads and pastries you ask? Well unfortunately when grains are not given the opportunity to germinate or sprout, they do not contain the nutrients sprouted grains do and they retain the naturally occurring antinutrients which make digestion of grains rather difficult. Sprouting also makes the grains alkaline which are essential in creating internal pH balance and maintaining good health. And you are not eating a living substance, but rather almost to the equivalent of eating a rotten fruit or vegetable. After all, you want your fruits and vegetables fresh and living, why not your grains.
Here is a great article on the topic of sprouting. I hope you all found this information eye opening and at least somewhat interesting.
Well tonight is going to be full of homework and reviewing articles for class and for the project. I hope everyone is getting excited tomorrow's revealing!
*Isn't this rose beautiful? I had such fun photo shooting it!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Where did the week go? It flew by so fast, I had a hard time believing it was Friday. And as a side not, only 4 months from today my wedding! It's a good thing I am slightly a control freak in a sense because 90% of the planning is done, otherwise I'm sure I'd be a little tense right now.
Like I mentioned the other day, I'm starting a new project coming in February so I've been doing quite a bit of research on the topic. Trust me, I'd like to share with you this mystery project, but you will just have to keep checking back in to see what all the hype is about. For now, I'll only give you a slight hint, it has to do with reviving health through delicious recipes and a slight amount of "detoxing". I use the term detoxing loosely not in a sense of weight-loss or the likes, but it does describe what will be happening both physically and emotionally. Are you confused yet? Good, I have to keep you coming back for me somehow.
Back to the slight control freak I had just mentioned. I can't say I used to be this way, but rather it stemmed from the ED and also from the lack of structure growing up. To say I embraced dominance with warm open arms is a small understatement, after all being in command of every little detail of my day - more like what I consumed (or not) within that day - was ultimately what the ED wanted. And so it started, first by way of calories, to foods, to ingesting certain foods at certain times under certain circumstances and eventually to complete manipulation of my diet to mere nothing. Unabbreviated and relentless control, perpetuated by and fueled for the ED.
In this healing process, I have begun to release myself of this sense of ultimate domination over what I intake and many other phases of my life. However, it has been probably the most challenging aspect of this journey. Letting go of the compulsive habits and mentality is difficult to do, but I am getting there. Not meticulously measuring and counting each facet of meals has been the most freeing feeling. I no longer write down and calculate everything I eat, nor do I eat the same exact thing everyday. It may be similar in a sense - salads, oats, smoothies - but I have found myself enjoying the opportunity to spice it up with something new and different. I have even discovered a (gasp!) love for food and preparing it.
During my time in Boise while I was without the stability and support - physically, not emotionally - of the Train I had to find my own strength which led me raw (or semi-raw) veganism. I had never felt such clarity, such vigor, such freedom in my own skin - and from the ED. However since moving back to the Midwest I slipped back into a slight rut, not trying many new recipes or even really enjoying the process of fabricating each meal, and subsequently losing that sense of self I had found.
This passion for discovering new recipes, techniques and freedom is what led me to this upcoming project I will be launching in February, in hopes that I will be not only be as strong and healthy as I was in Boise, but far more being that I have already begun to find my way without it. Not to mention I have so much love and support surrounding me pushing me to that final step to achieve freedom and peace of mind.
I hope you'll all join me on this new project. This is all I can divulge at this time, but come back tomorrow and you will all be in for a real treat, the first annual February In The.... oops!...not yet.
Back to the slight control freak I had just mentioned. I can't say I used to be this way, but rather it stemmed from the ED and also from the lack of structure growing up. To say I embraced dominance with warm open arms is a small understatement, after all being in command of every little detail of my day - more like what I consumed (or not) within that day - was ultimately what the ED wanted. And so it started, first by way of calories, to foods, to ingesting certain foods at certain times under certain circumstances and eventually to complete manipulation of my diet to mere nothing. Unabbreviated and relentless control, perpetuated by and fueled for the ED.
In this healing process, I have begun to release myself of this sense of ultimate domination over what I intake and many other phases of my life. However, it has been probably the most challenging aspect of this journey. Letting go of the compulsive habits and mentality is difficult to do, but I am getting there. Not meticulously measuring and counting each facet of meals has been the most freeing feeling. I no longer write down and calculate everything I eat, nor do I eat the same exact thing everyday. It may be similar in a sense - salads, oats, smoothies - but I have found myself enjoying the opportunity to spice it up with something new and different. I have even discovered a (gasp!) love for food and preparing it.
During my time in Boise while I was without the stability and support - physically, not emotionally - of the Train I had to find my own strength which led me raw (or semi-raw) veganism. I had never felt such clarity, such vigor, such freedom in my own skin - and from the ED. However since moving back to the Midwest I slipped back into a slight rut, not trying many new recipes or even really enjoying the process of fabricating each meal, and subsequently losing that sense of self I had found.
This passion for discovering new recipes, techniques and freedom is what led me to this upcoming project I will be launching in February, in hopes that I will be not only be as strong and healthy as I was in Boise, but far more being that I have already begun to find my way without it. Not to mention I have so much love and support surrounding me pushing me to that final step to achieve freedom and peace of mind.
I hope you'll all join me on this new project. This is all I can divulge at this time, but come back tomorrow and you will all be in for a real treat, the first annual February In The.... oops!...not yet.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Ready for the world
A great day under the belt is all I needed to feel back on track. I feel rejuvenated, reenergized and ready to take on the world.
(This was taken during one of my trips to Hawaii. I thought it illustrated how I'm feeling)
The day didn't start off like any other day, well it did as far as my breakfast - big green smoothie with a heaping scoop of vegan protein powder -, but upon waking I vowed to be the creator of my emotions and the ruler of my disposition. My holistic counselor taught me that what we put out into the universe is what we receive, if I want happiness and love, I need to put out happiness and love. I decided on the word Positive as my emotion and state of being because I felt it blanketed all areas in my life both physical and emotional. Positive. Positive. Positive. I said it to myself three times and felt this radiant glow in my chest. I was putting my heart in charge.
I did start to feel a little anxious and slightly worried midmorning because soon (very soon) after my breakfast, I had hunger pangs. Usually the ED starts rattling off unrealistic and untruthful excuses to these early signs of hunger, but I refused to let it get in edgewise and soothed the pains with a half almond milk half almond cream chai tea latte. Super rich and creamy spiced tea hit the spot and held me over for my workout and during the hour it took to shower and get ready. ED 0, Burns 1. Positive. Positive. Positive.
Lunch was the last of my mexican red quinoa from the other day on top of kale, a mix of vegetables and greens. I added some chickpeas for a little extra protein. Something about eating raw kale that makes me feel so nurturing of myself, it is incredibly nutritious and one of the best greens to add to your diet. It's like taking a dose of health and longevity. Kale is great source of protein and essential nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, folate, calcium, vitamins A, D and K. I do recommend easing it in though, it can be a hard green to get your taste buds to get accustomed to.
After lunch, I was off to my first day of my new job. I'm currently working as a temp athletic trainer at a university here in Kansas City, but there is a great chance for me to get hired on for the full-time assistant position. I was a little hesitant to even take the temp position due to my not such positive experience at my previous position, but knowing that I am good at what I do (ED 0, Burns 100), I decided to give it another shot. And my am I glad I did. It was so refreshing and inspiring to be back in a positive work environment again - even with being sadly understaffed and very overworked. Took me back to my undergraduate days at Simpson. Today was great and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. Positive. Positive. Positive.
I packed for a dinner out tonight al fresco, or more like al BarnsandNoble. The Train has graduate classes on Wednesday nights and isn't home until late, so I hit up the book store to do some research on a project I'm going to be starting in February. You'll have to stay tuned to see what it is.
After a few hours of diligent scouring of many different vegan raw cookbooks (oops! almost gave it away!) I packed it up to call it a night. I vowed to myself to make tomorrow just as great as today and to keep my heart in charge.
I am the creator of my own emotions and I am the ruler of my disposition.
(This was taken during one of my trips to Hawaii. I thought it illustrated how I'm feeling)
The day didn't start off like any other day, well it did as far as my breakfast - big green smoothie with a heaping scoop of vegan protein powder -, but upon waking I vowed to be the creator of my emotions and the ruler of my disposition. My holistic counselor taught me that what we put out into the universe is what we receive, if I want happiness and love, I need to put out happiness and love. I decided on the word Positive as my emotion and state of being because I felt it blanketed all areas in my life both physical and emotional. Positive. Positive. Positive. I said it to myself three times and felt this radiant glow in my chest. I was putting my heart in charge.
I did start to feel a little anxious and slightly worried midmorning because soon (very soon) after my breakfast, I had hunger pangs. Usually the ED starts rattling off unrealistic and untruthful excuses to these early signs of hunger, but I refused to let it get in edgewise and soothed the pains with a half almond milk half almond cream chai tea latte. Super rich and creamy spiced tea hit the spot and held me over for my workout and during the hour it took to shower and get ready. ED 0, Burns 1. Positive. Positive. Positive.
Lunch was the last of my mexican red quinoa from the other day on top of kale, a mix of vegetables and greens. I added some chickpeas for a little extra protein. Something about eating raw kale that makes me feel so nurturing of myself, it is incredibly nutritious and one of the best greens to add to your diet. It's like taking a dose of health and longevity. Kale is great source of protein and essential nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, folate, calcium, vitamins A, D and K. I do recommend easing it in though, it can be a hard green to get your taste buds to get accustomed to.
After lunch, I was off to my first day of my new job. I'm currently working as a temp athletic trainer at a university here in Kansas City, but there is a great chance for me to get hired on for the full-time assistant position. I was a little hesitant to even take the temp position due to my not such positive experience at my previous position, but knowing that I am good at what I do (ED 0, Burns 100), I decided to give it another shot. And my am I glad I did. It was so refreshing and inspiring to be back in a positive work environment again - even with being sadly understaffed and very overworked. Took me back to my undergraduate days at Simpson. Today was great and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. Positive. Positive. Positive.
I packed for a dinner out tonight al fresco, or more like al BarnsandNoble. The Train has graduate classes on Wednesday nights and isn't home until late, so I hit up the book store to do some research on a project I'm going to be starting in February. You'll have to stay tuned to see what it is.
After a few hours of diligent scouring of many different vegan raw cookbooks (oops! almost gave it away!) I packed it up to call it a night. I vowed to myself to make tomorrow just as great as today and to keep my heart in charge.
I am the creator of my own emotions and I am the ruler of my disposition.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
To learn is to grow
Hello everyone! I hope you're Tuesday is shaping up to some thing wonderful! Thank you for the wonderful responses to the other day's post, they are magical to me.
I knew this journey was going to be a learning experience for me, but I never knew how much I would learn about myself, about others, and from others. I am learning how to be more forgiving, more respectful and more expressive of myself. Empowering my inner voice of compassion has given me the strength to do such things. I am also learning how to identify things that I wouldn't have had I not written them down, read them and had you all acknowledge them. But there is one thing that I did not expect to learn that I am, learning to talk about this honestly and truthfully with the Train.
For those of you who do not know, an ED creates an immeasurable about of shame and embarrassment - even more so for those of us who specialize in health and nutrition as I do. This remorse makes the ED extremely challenging to talk about with anyone, especially and particularly those we love. But being so honest with all of you, it struck me that I need to be as honest with the Z man. I'm going to push myself to let go of the shame, release myself of the guilt, fully open my heart and be forthright and sincere with the man I love.
So today I wanted to share with everyone a wonderful recipe that I was inspire to make - and put my own mark on - after reading some of my fellow vegan foodie blogs. Angela, a vegan food enthusiast and baker like myself, from Oh She Glows had made Red Quinoa and Black Bean Vegetable Salad that sounded like something that could hit the spot, but after pouring over the recipe something wasn't working for me. Don't get me wrong, it sounded great, but it wasn't doing that thing for me. After gather all the ingredients and perusing through the cupboards, pantry, fridge, and freezer, I found what I was looking for. Mexican stewed tomatoes with green chilies. Yes, Mexican food is where I was headed and this is what I came up with.
Mexican Vegetable and Quinoa Salad:
1 cup Red Quinoa
2 tbsp olive oil
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper - chopped
2 cups diced mushrooms
1 package frozen corn - thawed
1 12oz can Stewed Mexican tomatoes with chilies - I went with medium, but you can choose your own heat level
1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved
1 avocado
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Prepare the quinoa according to package. While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place mushrooms and bell pepper in the skillet and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Next add the corn, stewed tomatoes, and black beans, allowing them to cook down slightly, about another 7 minutes. Add the spices to the skillet, mixing well to allow them to become fulling incorporated. Lastly, off the heat, add the tomatoes and the avocado allowing them to warm through.
Once the quinoa is cooked, it takes about 30 minutes, add the remaining olive oil and fluff it with a fork gently. Combine the vegetable mixture to the quinoa and incorporate with a fork to ensure a light fluffy consistency. Add a heaping cup to some mixed greens and enjoy!
This salad is perfect by itself, added to mixed greens or romaine, or atop toasted bread. It is packed full of protein and essential nutrients thanks to the quinoa, vegetables, and healthy fats creating a light and yet satisfying meal.
With that said, I'm off to go spend the evening with the Train. I feel I have some ground to make up.
I knew this journey was going to be a learning experience for me, but I never knew how much I would learn about myself, about others, and from others. I am learning how to be more forgiving, more respectful and more expressive of myself. Empowering my inner voice of compassion has given me the strength to do such things. I am also learning how to identify things that I wouldn't have had I not written them down, read them and had you all acknowledge them. But there is one thing that I did not expect to learn that I am, learning to talk about this honestly and truthfully with the Train.
For those of you who do not know, an ED creates an immeasurable about of shame and embarrassment - even more so for those of us who specialize in health and nutrition as I do. This remorse makes the ED extremely challenging to talk about with anyone, especially and particularly those we love. But being so honest with all of you, it struck me that I need to be as honest with the Z man. I'm going to push myself to let go of the shame, release myself of the guilt, fully open my heart and be forthright and sincere with the man I love.
So today I wanted to share with everyone a wonderful recipe that I was inspire to make - and put my own mark on - after reading some of my fellow vegan foodie blogs. Angela, a vegan food enthusiast and baker like myself, from Oh She Glows had made Red Quinoa and Black Bean Vegetable Salad that sounded like something that could hit the spot, but after pouring over the recipe something wasn't working for me. Don't get me wrong, it sounded great, but it wasn't doing that thing for me. After gather all the ingredients and perusing through the cupboards, pantry, fridge, and freezer, I found what I was looking for. Mexican stewed tomatoes with green chilies. Yes, Mexican food is where I was headed and this is what I came up with.
Mexican Vegetable and Quinoa Salad:
1 cup Red Quinoa
2 tbsp olive oil
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper - chopped
2 cups diced mushrooms
1 package frozen corn - thawed
1 12oz can Stewed Mexican tomatoes with chilies - I went with medium, but you can choose your own heat level
1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved
1 avocado
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Prepare the quinoa according to package. While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place mushrooms and bell pepper in the skillet and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Next add the corn, stewed tomatoes, and black beans, allowing them to cook down slightly, about another 7 minutes. Add the spices to the skillet, mixing well to allow them to become fulling incorporated. Lastly, off the heat, add the tomatoes and the avocado allowing them to warm through.
Once the quinoa is cooked, it takes about 30 minutes, add the remaining olive oil and fluff it with a fork gently. Combine the vegetable mixture to the quinoa and incorporate with a fork to ensure a light fluffy consistency. Add a heaping cup to some mixed greens and enjoy!
This salad is perfect by itself, added to mixed greens or romaine, or atop toasted bread. It is packed full of protein and essential nutrients thanks to the quinoa, vegetables, and healthy fats creating a light and yet satisfying meal.
With that said, I'm off to go spend the evening with the Train. I feel I have some ground to make up.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
"A nobody with nothing to show"
I actually said this to myself last night - more than once. These words literally played over and over again in my head, beating and beating away myself. What a terrible thing to say. I would never say this about someone else nor would I allow someone else to say this to me. But for some reason it's ok to say it to myself, repeatedly, until I am succumbed to nothing. I am in every sense my own worst and most horrible critique.
Not that it matters, let us rehash yesterday's events. Why was I saying such belittling words to myself?
The day started like I imagined it would after a night of buffeting. I wanted to start fresh with a giant dose of green smoothie, but in the process, I cut some corners since last night was spent dining on piles and mounds of glutenous food. So rather than a full scoop of my protein, I opted for slightly less. Alright, about half as much as I usually use, but I reasoned with it because I - rather the ED - told myself I had eaten enough last night, I didn't really need the full scoop this morning. Low and behold, I was hungry about 1 1/2 hours after breakfast and had to persuade my hunger that it wasn't simple true, I couldn't possibly be hungry. How could I be, I'd eaten so much last night? Down went 2 camelbaks of water to prove my point. Point not taken.
Rather than beginning to fathom I could possibly be hungry, I jumped on the elliptical in attempts to further prove my point. For an hour. At one resistance level higher than my usual. Just to be on the "safe" side. Upon barely finishing my workout, feeling terrible and finding myself listening more and more to the ED more clearly, I tried to wash it all away in a hot shower. Not such a big deal, unless like me you get overwhelmed by being overly hungry and rather than trying, I don't know, to eat something, you become afraid of all things food and become so anxious you avoid the whole thing entirely. In other words, no, I did not eat lunch, after not eating a very good breakfast, after working out longer and harder than typical, and being lightheaded with hunger.
At this point, I was at what I call, the point of no return. I knew that if I allowed myself to eat alone, I'd be on enemy grounds and ultimately binge, but by not eating I was continuing the dreaded cycle. My brain was on hyperdrive, battling back and forth, quarreling with the ED, trying to find my voice of compassion. I could hear it trying to fight for me, but the ED was like a vice, holding me down, twisting tighter when I started to resist.
Loosening its grip only slightly, I was able to silence the feud long enough to eat an orange and some carrots with hummus - one small feat, but no doubt a feat.
The Train and I had a nice evening planned of wedding planning, soy chai tea lattes and basking in our love as we discussed our wedding. Alright, I planned the last two things, the Train really only had any idea of the wedding planning. I would like to say this is how our evening ended up playing out, but on the contrary. It ended with disagreements over the wedding budget, me in tears and the Z man trying to figure out where our night had gone wrong and what I wasn't telling him. All I could tell him was "this all just drives the point home that I am still a nobody with nothing, after everything and all my hard work, I'm am nothing more than a nobody with nothing."
I heard the words ring over and over in my head. I tried to fight the words with thoughts of all my accomplishments, a college degree from a prestigious private college, a license and certification to practice athletic training, three quarters of a masters degree - to be finished in May- and a wonderfully fabulous man who loves me unconditional. Try as I might, these accomplishments got a KO from the ED.
I felt defeated. I felt I had gone 10 steps forward only to go 12 steps back with no idea where to even begin. I didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to eat, I wanted silence and peace within me only for just a second so that I could give myself a chance to pick up and start the healing process again.
After not such a good night's rest, I took a look back, evaluate and learn from last night, rather than allow myself to start the cycle over. But what had I learned, I had allowed the ED to ruin yet another day of my life?
I tried to say to myself today what I had said last night and I could not even begin to form the words. I simply do not believe them, nor looking back did I really believe them when I said them. I had allowed in a moment of weakness the ED a chance to speak. At a time when I was most vulnerable, I listened to it over my voice of love and compassion.
Be that what it may, I did learn for yesterday's events. I learned that even though nights like those happen, I grow stronger and more empathetic towards myself each time. I learned that even though I recognized a situation for a possible binge, which was a good thing, I need to resist the temptation to restrict out of fear and anxiety, but rather be merciful and oblige in what my body needs. I'm slowly learning to have some amnesia in a sense that yesterday's food and meals need to be forgotten and listen to what I need for today. I learned that even with each step back, it gets easier to return to where I was, and am even able to progress forward more firmly. I'm learning to fight and talk back to the ED, and to love and forgive myself.
I am not a nobody with nothing to show. I am someone with the entire world before me. I am me, learning and loving myself one day at a time.
Not that it matters, let us rehash yesterday's events. Why was I saying such belittling words to myself?
The day started like I imagined it would after a night of buffeting. I wanted to start fresh with a giant dose of green smoothie, but in the process, I cut some corners since last night was spent dining on piles and mounds of glutenous food. So rather than a full scoop of my protein, I opted for slightly less. Alright, about half as much as I usually use, but I reasoned with it because I - rather the ED - told myself I had eaten enough last night, I didn't really need the full scoop this morning. Low and behold, I was hungry about 1 1/2 hours after breakfast and had to persuade my hunger that it wasn't simple true, I couldn't possibly be hungry. How could I be, I'd eaten so much last night? Down went 2 camelbaks of water to prove my point. Point not taken.
Rather than beginning to fathom I could possibly be hungry, I jumped on the elliptical in attempts to further prove my point. For an hour. At one resistance level higher than my usual. Just to be on the "safe" side. Upon barely finishing my workout, feeling terrible and finding myself listening more and more to the ED more clearly, I tried to wash it all away in a hot shower. Not such a big deal, unless like me you get overwhelmed by being overly hungry and rather than trying, I don't know, to eat something, you become afraid of all things food and become so anxious you avoid the whole thing entirely. In other words, no, I did not eat lunch, after not eating a very good breakfast, after working out longer and harder than typical, and being lightheaded with hunger.
At this point, I was at what I call, the point of no return. I knew that if I allowed myself to eat alone, I'd be on enemy grounds and ultimately binge, but by not eating I was continuing the dreaded cycle. My brain was on hyperdrive, battling back and forth, quarreling with the ED, trying to find my voice of compassion. I could hear it trying to fight for me, but the ED was like a vice, holding me down, twisting tighter when I started to resist.
Loosening its grip only slightly, I was able to silence the feud long enough to eat an orange and some carrots with hummus - one small feat, but no doubt a feat.
The Train and I had a nice evening planned of wedding planning, soy chai tea lattes and basking in our love as we discussed our wedding. Alright, I planned the last two things, the Train really only had any idea of the wedding planning. I would like to say this is how our evening ended up playing out, but on the contrary. It ended with disagreements over the wedding budget, me in tears and the Z man trying to figure out where our night had gone wrong and what I wasn't telling him. All I could tell him was "this all just drives the point home that I am still a nobody with nothing, after everything and all my hard work, I'm am nothing more than a nobody with nothing."
I heard the words ring over and over in my head. I tried to fight the words with thoughts of all my accomplishments, a college degree from a prestigious private college, a license and certification to practice athletic training, three quarters of a masters degree - to be finished in May- and a wonderfully fabulous man who loves me unconditional. Try as I might, these accomplishments got a KO from the ED.
I felt defeated. I felt I had gone 10 steps forward only to go 12 steps back with no idea where to even begin. I didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to eat, I wanted silence and peace within me only for just a second so that I could give myself a chance to pick up and start the healing process again.
After not such a good night's rest, I took a look back, evaluate and learn from last night, rather than allow myself to start the cycle over. But what had I learned, I had allowed the ED to ruin yet another day of my life?
I tried to say to myself today what I had said last night and I could not even begin to form the words. I simply do not believe them, nor looking back did I really believe them when I said them. I had allowed in a moment of weakness the ED a chance to speak. At a time when I was most vulnerable, I listened to it over my voice of love and compassion.
Be that what it may, I did learn for yesterday's events. I learned that even though nights like those happen, I grow stronger and more empathetic towards myself each time. I learned that even though I recognized a situation for a possible binge, which was a good thing, I need to resist the temptation to restrict out of fear and anxiety, but rather be merciful and oblige in what my body needs. I'm slowly learning to have some amnesia in a sense that yesterday's food and meals need to be forgotten and listen to what I need for today. I learned that even with each step back, it gets easier to return to where I was, and am even able to progress forward more firmly. I'm learning to fight and talk back to the ED, and to love and forgive myself.
I am not a nobody with nothing to show. I am someone with the entire world before me. I am me, learning and loving myself one day at a time.
Friday, January 21, 2011
It's cold outside, make sure to drink your greens
Ok, I can't say I'm happy anymore about these snowy days. Can someone please turn summer back on.
Because of the fridged -10 degree temperature and feeling a little under the weather - pun intended - I decided I was in serious need of a soul enriching green smoothie. Give my body that extra pow it needs to fight off any ill whether it be due to stress, anxiety, or the cold. I've mentioned before in previous posts my love and appreciation of green smoothies, but I just can not tell you enough the liveliness I feel from giving my body all the nutrients from this power drink. It has changed my life.
You can play around with the green smoothie and alter it to your own tastes - maybe you don't like kale, that's fine, spinach are wonderful greens for smoothies. Today's smoothie consisted of 1 bunch of kale, 1 (large) orange, 1 (large) gala apple, 1 cup of almond milk, and 1 Nutiva protein powder packet to give it an extra boost of green power.
The power of this drink, for me, goes far beyond it's nutrient. Starting the day off with a green smoothie makes me feel alive and diminishes any feelings associated with the ED, anxiety, cravings, fears, all I feel is alive and well.
For those of you attempting to live a life will less animal products, almond milk is a great substitute to dairy. I use Pacific original organic almond milk - I think it tastes better than the unsweetened. Pacific is a pretty reputable and trustworthy brand.
After battling the elliptical trainer for an hour and sweating more than a cold drink in July, I was so beyond stir crazy from being stuck in the house for 2 days, I decided to risk the roads and take a trip to The Bucks. Starbucks to you who aren't delighted to be familiar with my lovely father - there's a little sarcasm in there for those of you who aren't catching that.
Lunch consisted of a green machine smoothie with another packet of Nutiva for extra umph, a soy chai tea latte, an orange that I forgot to photograph and lots and lots of work on the Macbook. You would be surprised how refreshing it can be to sit in a crowded room full of people with the aroma of coffee brewing unless you have been stuck indoors for 2 days. Oh society how dearly I missed thee.
After soaking in all the wonderfulness that is people watching and getting a second hand high off of the many pots of freshly brewed coffee, I roughed it back home to make my favorite treat, muffins. I have a very loving bond with muffins. They were the first pastry that I was able to allow myself to treat myself to without the feelings of guilt and anxiety. I'm not sure why the muffin was the miracle worker that it was, but it definitely was the key that opened the door to other wonderful pastry perfections.
Good Morning muffins: make 16 muffins
Dry Ingredients
1 1/2 c whole wheat pastry flower
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp flax seeds
Wet Ingredients
1 tbsp Red Mill all-natural egg replacer + 3 tbsp water
1 apple - chopped
1 banana - chopped
1 c organic apple sauce
1 tbsp vanilla
1/4 c organic grade B maple syrup
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c all-natural peanut butter
1/2 tbsp olive oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Begin by combining dry ingredients in a large bowl and wisk together to incorporate. In another bowl place all wet ingredients and stir together until everything is well combined. Slowly, 1/3 at a time, combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Do not over mix, just stir together enough to allow everything to come together. Once combined, using an ice cream scoop, place the muffin mix into pre-greased muffin tins. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool. Enjoy!
These are perfect for breakfast, snack, or a treat. I enjoy my muffins best with a steamy cup of my favorite chai tea latte and either Jess Merritt, Liz Norton, Andi Ostrowski, or any one of my wonderful girl friends. The Train and I usually opt for chocolate if we're going to treat.
Tonight is date night with the Z man. It's Japanese/Mongolian night for us which means Legends of Asia, an all you can eat Japanese & Mongolian buffet - stay tuned, tomorrow could be rough, buffets and I usually do NOT get along, too much food eeks me out and usually is a trigger to binge. I've been good about talking this over with the Train - not a usual thing for me - and he is very good at "holding my hand" through the process to keep all the anxiety at a minimal otherwise I would be a wreck. Wish me luck!
How do you get through anxious situations?
Because of the fridged -10 degree temperature and feeling a little under the weather - pun intended - I decided I was in serious need of a soul enriching green smoothie. Give my body that extra pow it needs to fight off any ill whether it be due to stress, anxiety, or the cold. I've mentioned before in previous posts my love and appreciation of green smoothies, but I just can not tell you enough the liveliness I feel from giving my body all the nutrients from this power drink. It has changed my life.
For those of you attempting to live a life will less animal products, almond milk is a great substitute to dairy. I use Pacific original organic almond milk - I think it tastes better than the unsweetened. Pacific is a pretty reputable and trustworthy brand.
After battling the elliptical trainer for an hour and sweating more than a cold drink in July, I was so beyond stir crazy from being stuck in the house for 2 days, I decided to risk the roads and take a trip to The Bucks. Starbucks to you who aren't delighted to be familiar with my lovely father - there's a little sarcasm in there for those of you who aren't catching that.
After soaking in all the wonderfulness that is people watching and getting a second hand high off of the many pots of freshly brewed coffee, I roughed it back home to make my favorite treat, muffins. I have a very loving bond with muffins. They were the first pastry that I was able to allow myself to treat myself to without the feelings of guilt and anxiety. I'm not sure why the muffin was the miracle worker that it was, but it definitely was the key that opened the door to other wonderful pastry perfections.
Dry Ingredients
1 1/2 c whole wheat pastry flower
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tbsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
1 tbsp Red Mill all-natural egg replacer + 3 tbsp water
1 apple - chopped
1 banana - chopped
1 c organic apple sauce
1 tbsp vanilla
1/4 c organic grade B maple syrup
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c all-natural peanut butter
1/2 tbsp olive oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Begin by combining dry ingredients in a large bowl and wisk together to incorporate. In another bowl place all wet ingredients and stir together until everything is well combined. Slowly, 1/3 at a time, combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Do not over mix, just stir together enough to allow everything to come together. Once combined, using an ice cream scoop, place the muffin mix into pre-greased muffin tins. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool. Enjoy!
Tonight is date night with the Z man. It's Japanese/Mongolian night for us which means Legends of Asia, an all you can eat Japanese & Mongolian buffet - stay tuned, tomorrow could be rough, buffets and I usually do NOT get along, too much food eeks me out and usually is a trigger to binge. I've been good about talking this over with the Train - not a usual thing for me - and he is very good at "holding my hand" through the process to keep all the anxiety at a minimal otherwise I would be a wreck. Wish me luck!
How do you get through anxious situations?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cold days call for sledding and comfort food
Happy snow day! Well, to those of us living in the midwest and being blasted with loads and loads of snow. For the first time in a long time, I don't mind a snow day because that means I get the Train home for the day with me. Happy snow day indeed.
With the falling snow and the bone-chilling temperatures, I was inspired to comfort by way of nothing other than warm sweet oats. Not wanting to fall into routine or be menontinous, I played around with different recipes to spice things up. First up Cinnamon Chai Spiced Apple Oats. These oats were the perfect beginning to such a frosty morning and with my obsession of chai, these oats made me smile inside and out.
Cinnamon Chai Spiced Oats:
1/3 rolled oats
1 c. almond milk - or any type of milk you prefer, or water
1 apple, chopped
1 tbsp chai seeds
1 tbsp cinnamon - this is a lot, but I love cinnamon, so feel free to start with 1 tsp
1 scoop Lifetime Life's Basic vanilla protein (optional)
1 packet stevia
1 tsp vanilla
Place the oats, apple, chai seeds, cinnamon and milk into a small sauce pan and place on medium low heat. Bring to a simmer stirring constantly and then remove from heat, placing a lid on the pan so to trap the heat and allow the oats to cook and the apple to soften. After 10 minutes, add the protein, stevia and vanilla, and mix well - it'll take a little work to make sure the protein gets incorporated well - and enjoy the piping hot spicy goodness warming your soul.
After a trip on the elliptical trainer watching the snow continue to fall and blanket the KC, I was ready for some things good to eat. Again, I turned to oats, but made sure to change it up and give myself - and you - something different. Lunch consisted of Monkey Oats. Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate cooked together with oats, nothing better for a post-workout lunch.
Monkey Oats:
1/3 c. old fashion oats
1 c almond milk - or your milk of choice, or water
1 banana
2 tbsp PB2
1 tbsp carob powder - cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 packet stevia
Place the oats, banana, PB2 and milk into a small sauce pan and place on medium low heat. Bring to a simmer stirring constantly and then remove from heat, placing a lid on the pan so to trap the heat and allow the oats to cook and everything to heat through. After 10 minutes, add carob powder, stevia and vanilla, and mix well, and enjoy the piping hot chocolatey, nutty goodness warming your soul.
For those of you not familiar with PB2, its a delicious substitute to peanut butter. All the peanutty goodness without the saturated fat, PB2 is peanuts that are roasted and then pressed into a powder creating a deep rich peanut flavor. I suggest trying it in smoothies, sauces, dressing and of course oats.
Of course the Train and I could not let all this beautiful snow go to waste, so after dinner, all bundled up, we trecked out to the famous Mad Dog hill down the road for some good old fashioned sledding. Not only was this so much fun, it totally kicked my butt walking back up the hill with 10lbs of extra clothes on and 6 inches of snow to get through. It was totally worth it.
After a good hour of trips up and down Mad Dog, we decided to call it a night and resume tomorrow after the snow has packed down a little - yes, the Z man and I are truly dorks at heart. Once we peeled all 6 layers off, I made something that I knew would do some serious warming of my heart. Chai tea latte made with almond milk, oh the things you do to me chai tea. It was just what my cold body needed.
After finishing off this lovely cup of sweetness, the Train and I plopped it on the couch and watched the snow fall. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful day. The best part of it all, we get to do it all over again tomorrow.
Happy happy snowy snow day indeed.
1/3 rolled oats
1 c. almond milk - or any type of milk you prefer, or water
1 apple, chopped
1 tbsp chai seeds
1 tbsp cinnamon - this is a lot, but I love cinnamon, so feel free to start with 1 tsp
1 scoop Lifetime Life's Basic vanilla protein (optional)
1 packet stevia
1 tsp vanilla
Place the oats, apple, chai seeds, cinnamon and milk into a small sauce pan and place on medium low heat. Bring to a simmer stirring constantly and then remove from heat, placing a lid on the pan so to trap the heat and allow the oats to cook and the apple to soften. After 10 minutes, add the protein, stevia and vanilla, and mix well - it'll take a little work to make sure the protein gets incorporated well - and enjoy the piping hot spicy goodness warming your soul.
After a trip on the elliptical trainer watching the snow continue to fall and blanket the KC, I was ready for some things good to eat. Again, I turned to oats, but made sure to change it up and give myself - and you - something different. Lunch consisted of Monkey Oats. Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate cooked together with oats, nothing better for a post-workout lunch.
1/3 c. old fashion oats
1 c almond milk - or your milk of choice, or water
1 banana
2 tbsp PB2
1 tbsp carob powder - cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 packet stevia
Place the oats, banana, PB2 and milk into a small sauce pan and place on medium low heat. Bring to a simmer stirring constantly and then remove from heat, placing a lid on the pan so to trap the heat and allow the oats to cook and everything to heat through. After 10 minutes, add carob powder, stevia and vanilla, and mix well, and enjoy the piping hot chocolatey, nutty goodness warming your soul.
For those of you not familiar with PB2, its a delicious substitute to peanut butter. All the peanutty goodness without the saturated fat, PB2 is peanuts that are roasted and then pressed into a powder creating a deep rich peanut flavor. I suggest trying it in smoothies, sauces, dressing and of course oats.
Of course the Train and I could not let all this beautiful snow go to waste, so after dinner, all bundled up, we trecked out to the famous Mad Dog hill down the road for some good old fashioned sledding. Not only was this so much fun, it totally kicked my butt walking back up the hill with 10lbs of extra clothes on and 6 inches of snow to get through. It was totally worth it.
Happy happy snowy snow day indeed.
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