End of Week Two..

So, two weeks into this lifestyle change and I'm happy that I've done it. My clothes feel better each day, no stomach aches- except for last night going out for dinner the asian sauce I should have ordered on the side. Eating clean changes the way your taste buds operate let me tell you. The need to add sauces and dips etc doesn't seem as appealing these days. The one thing I am struggling with a bit is cheese! Yep, I kind of miss it! I won't go into detail and ruin it for my friends that love it as to why I shouldn't eat it. ( I've been warned already not to do that).
Another great weekend and on Saturday I thought I was going to get a veggie burger from Licks as a little treat. My husband was craving pizza and I thought sure, loaded with veggies and no cheese I'll be great....
For some reason I ordered a gluten free crust, I feel bad for those that are gluten intolerant and want pizza, it was like chewing on sawdust I could barely get it down!
I guess not having any cheese didn't help either. I decided to cut a fresh baguette in half, use my vegan friendly butter, garlic and Daiya cheese to make a garlic bread. I then scraped all the toppings from the pizza over the bread in hopes to save it. It turned my stomach to say the least, no pizza for me.
So I guess if I'm not going to have the real thing why bother at all? They say it takes 21 days to change your taste buds, I think I'll just leave the memory of cheese as I have it instead of trying to change it. Only time will tell.

Snack Ideas your kids might just like too.....

Kale and Plantain Chips

My sister texted me and asked, " So what do you snack on at night?'

I told her I try not to snack, for the most part but if I did, Kale and Plantain chips!!

I was being facetious actually I'd never really tried them so I thought, hey give it a try!

I'm not the first to do this so it's not an original. Talk about easy and so tasty! I had my son be the taste tester and when I heard, "Wow Mom that is really good" I had to smile. A friend came over and tried them as did my husband and we all agree, a snack everyone would like. I will note that both recipes tasted the best fresh out of the over with a little sea salt on them:)

On a large cookie sheet tear pieces of washed and dried Kale into bite size pieces, drizzle a little olive oil and toss.
Cook in the oven at 375 for approximately 10-15 min, don't let the leaves burn, lightly browned is fine.
Remove and sprinkle with sea salt and serve.

I dusted off the mandolin to prepare the plantain. Peel the plantain as you would cucumber and  cut each end to even them out. Use the guard to guide the plantain, slicing thin slices. Gently place pieces in a bowl and toss with a bit of olive oil. I know friends that just spray the pan and pieces with Pam cooking spray instead so you are not getting all the oil if you prefer.

Arrange Plantain "chips" on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet in a single layer and bake at 375 for 30 min approximately turning once. Make sure the cuts are not too thick, they are not as tasty cooked. If you have two sheets going at the same time rotate them while cooking every 10 min from upper to lower racks.

And there you have it plantain chips.

Kale chips - I'll cook more next time!

My handsome some trying the plantain chips.

Yep he likes the Kale chips,
We hope you do too!

Dining out,what to do what to do...

It was that time again, the time that we usually look forward to, the ritual we have with friends that make us feel connected, the dining out.
I don't know about you but I'm the type of person who thinks about what they are going to have for dinner while eating breakfast! I look forward to eating, I love it actually.
So last night was my night to go out with a friend for a belated birthday dinner. We usually get together every two months and go to the same restaurant, order the same wine, the same entree right down to the same sides and dessert! Did I mention we've been doing this for years? Sound boring? Nope, that was our thing, up until last night!

As I was contemplating the menu looking for my "vegan" options I realized there were none..on the menu at least. I though for sure I was going to give in and just have some crab legs and a side of steamed veg, that used to be one of  my favourites, so that I didn't cause a fuss.
My friend announced that she was going to enjoy our usual: Beef tenderloin with frites, stilton demi glaze on the side ( minus the shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad to start ).
I asked the waiter what he would suggest for a vegetarian and he said he had no clue but would check with the kitchen. He came back with the option of a vegetable curry or a pasta prima vera. I chose the latter. I'm sure the staff were looking at me funny knowing how long I've been going to this restaurant enjoying all it had to offer now looking for vegetarian options? It didn't bother me in the least.

We were enjoying our conversation and wine when the dinner arrived. It looked and smelt fantastic. I dug in with great anticipation and came up with a greasy mouthful. I looked at my friend and thought for sure it must look like I had wiped Vaseline all around my mouth!! Did it taste delicious, yes. Did I eat it all, no. I did however eat every bit of veg that was in the dish, thinking this would be great without all the oil!
This was the first time we didn't have dessert and coffee and guess what, we had our usual great time.
I honestly didn't miss the food I once enjoyed and I learned that I'm worth it, worth it to make healthier decisions when dining out. So next time I go to a restaurant I'm going to tell them what I'd like to have rather than them giving me options and see what they can do. I think I should say that I'm allergic to dairy so I don't get any butter snuck in there!
I've learned that I'm going to plan ahead before eating out!

Pizza Night - Trial and Error

Pizza Night

Trial and Error

Tonight was one of those nights when the family wanted pizza. I had the usual pepperoni and cheese waiting for them and I thought what the heck am I going to do, I need to buy more groceries! I decided to look in my cupboards and fridge to see what I could find and here is what I did. I'm not sure if there is something wrong with my taste buds but I loved it! I tried both versions of what I had made then thought to myself what if I put one slice on top of the other and blended all the flavours together? Well, I may just be on to something I loved it even more!!

The one thing I will say is that I chose a Indian Roti as the base for my pizza and looking at the calorie count for just half of one small round- 160 calories, I didn't think it was worth it so watch out for that. I think it is time to pull out my mixer to make my own healthy dough.

The other note I would make is that I would use thin tomatoe slices instead next time.

Black Bean Pizza

Combine 1/2 cup of black beans with a teaspoon of pizza sauce- homemade preferably. 

Mash together then spread over base.

Add sliced chipotle pepper ( canned in Adobe sauce- spicy )

Top with sliced green onion and green olives and what the heck more green if you like...

Add small slices of fresh avocado once the pizza comes out of the oven.

Tomatoe and Pepper Pizza

Add tomatoe sauce to base then top with Daiya shredded Mozz strings

Add roasted or sliced tomatoes and roasted red peppers

light sprinkle of kosher salt

( I should have added broccoli to this pizza I think )

I prepared cherry tomatoes by halving them and drizzling them with a drop of olive oil them topped with salt and pepper. I put them in the oven at 400 for about 10 min.

The Tamarillo - The Verdict

The Red Tamarillo Fruit

Many of you may already know what this pretty little fruit tastes like and what you are supposed to do with it. For others perhaps not. 

This fruit is from New Zealand and in my opinion tastes and looks like a version of a kiwi fruit. It has a tough outer skin that you do not consume so you have to peel it first before eating. You can cut in in half and scoop out the inside which is what I chose to do, or you can slice it up once peeled and use it like you would a tomato. There are lots of possibilities, make a salsa, use it in salads etc.

I was really excited to try this little thing expecting something sweet and juicy. What I found what that it was a bit bitter, tart and slightly sweet all in the same bite. I was saving the other half to broil with some garlic but never got around to it I guess because I didn't care to eat it again. So I guess I know why at the grocery store there is such a small selection of them to pick from- just not that popular!

Quinoa with Black Beans, Spinach, Roasted Cauliflower and Brussles Sprouts

Roast cauliflower and brussles sprouts at  400 for 30min approx

Add one teaspoon of olive oil to pan (or Pam or non at all) heat over med
Add in 2 cups of spinach 

Cook until wilted, I added a pinch of Kosher salt turn off and remove from  heat

Add spinach to a plate of 1cup cooked quinoa
heat black beans in spinach pan until warmed through ( don't over cook )

Add black beans to plate

Add the roasted cauliflower and spinach, top with chopped fresh tomato and a dash of pepper.
So simple, tasty and filling!

note: I sat down to eat and removed almost half off my plate for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked Quinoa

1cups baby spinach

1cup each of brussles sprouts and cauliflower (cut into quarters )

1cup black beans ( rinsed and drained )

1tsp olive oil (optional)

kosher salt and pepper to taste

End of week One

A week of letting go of all of those foods that I thought I couldn't live without and how do I feel you ask? I've never felt better!

Here's is what I have done for the week so you get an idea:

No sugar (Okay, well in the wine yes, it's the one thing I won't give up)

No dairy, no meat, chicken, fish etc

No junk

I take a tablespoon of progressive greens with 1/2 oz POM juice /1 oz water every morning when I wake up. This helps to make the body more alkaline which is what our body needs.

While my husband enjoys his coffee I have hot water with lemon ( 2 or more a day )

4 large glasses of water before lunch time and at least 4 in the afternoon.

I have a handful (9) of almonds one in the am one in the late afternoon.

I eat an apple a day.

I have been following the principles in the book- The Lean by Kelly Freston. This book has inspired my desire to change and has helped me maintain my focus.

The rest of my food consumption is filled with healthy choices.

What have I learned this week?


Would you believe me if I told you that I have had not one single craving this week? I have not felt like I've been deprived of anything. I realize that with my blood sugar stable, and by eating regularly I no longer give in to the impulse cravings that I once had, I just don't get them.
My skin is glowing and the bloated feeling is going away! One week! All you ladies out there will appreciate it when I say there is a hormone shift that affects me once a month for a few days... I reach for chocolate and chips etc. We will see how this next week goes and I'll let you know!
 One thing I have learned is that when you mention a vegan diet and meditation in one conversation it is hard for some to take so I'll just keep that for my blog instead.

Feeling great! I hope you are too!

Family Friendly Fajitas

Family Friendly Fajitas

In a large fry pan add oil to heat

Saute onion for about 3 min

add mushrooms

Stir occasionally so the mixture doesn't stick. 

Wait for the onions to brown slightly.

Add in the peppers

Stir and keep cooking until the peppers look wilted, then comes the fun part.

Remove a portion of the mixture depending on who is Vegan into another pan that is warm on Med-low heat. 

Add in the broccoli and combine the mixture stirring constantly, turn heat up to med-high and continue to stir until the broccoli starts to deepen in colour then reduce to med-low.

Put a lid on it and turn down to low or off depending on how the broccoli is looking we don't want to overcook it.

                                    

In the original pan add in desired amount of previously cooked chicken thinly sliced.

Add teriyaki or sauce of your liking for fajitas and combine, now it is ready for your wraps or served over a bed of brown rice.

                             

                              Meanwhile back in the other pan the broccoli should be nice and bright.

Add in a generous handful of baby spinach and combine.

On low heat combine the spinach until slightly wilted.

Choose a wrap of your liking and spoon on 1-2 tbsp of hummus

Add your warm veggie mixture

Fold two sides towards each other

Fold over and wrap folding in the other two sides

I push in the ends so I don't lose my filling

Cut in half

Yummy Dinner
added organic sweet potato and brown rice

           

Ingredients:

1tbsp grape seed oil

1 white or sweet onion

1 pk mushrooms

1 ea red/yellow peppers

1 head of broccoli

2 cups baby spinach

2 tbsp hummus

Family version 

cooked chicken

teriyaki sauce

In my husbands case ( white tortilla wraps )

Getting in the groove

So I know you've missed me. What's that? "Where have I been you ask" Hmm, at the grocery store or cleaning up in the kitchen!
I'm used to cooking and cleaning up but I have to be honest, there is a tad bit more of a mess dealing with all of these fruits, veg and beans of sorts. Not to mention cooking two types of meals, three if I'm in the mood to be the short order cook!

Having said all that, did I mention how much fun I'm having? I was at the grocery store today and thought to myself, I'm going to choose a new fruit or vegetable every few days and do something with it! As I perused the isles looking for my first treat I found a Red Tamarillo! A very pretty looking fruit.
At the check out the clerk looked at me holding this little treasure in her hand and said "Oh, what's that?" I took out my paper that I had written the name down on because I thought for sure I would forget, and told her. Well the number came up and after many attempts she was not able to ring it in. Is this a sign perhaps? I told her I would be back again, not to worry and left without it.
I realized today that there are many fruits and vegetables that I've never tried. A big bunch of Kale frightens me to be honest! Yes, I've had Kale I've just never prepared it myself.
So, when I do find out about the red tarmillo I'll post about it so maybe you can learn too!

I have a few more recipes and pictures I'll post tomorrow, for now I'm taking my dish pan hands and having a rest.

             Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta

Groceries prepped and Ready to go

                                                 Simmering away

 Three different pastas on the go, lucky I was able to sneak in some whole wheat pasta to my unsuspecting husband, or so I thought...

       All done! Can't wait for the herb garden to be ready for garnish!

Recipe for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta

1 cup asparagus tips

1/2 cup white onion chopped

2 garlic cloves coarsely chopped

1 cup mushroom chopped

1 1/2 cups Original Soy milk

1/4 cup Daiya mozzarella style shreds

1 tsp kosher salt

1tsp grape seed oil

2 cups 100% Brown Rice Pasta

Dash of each- cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic flakes and white pepper.

( I added extra ground black pepper before I ate because I love the flavour on pasta )

In a non-stick frying pan sauté onion in the grape seed oil  for 2 min then add the mushrooms.

Keep stirring for about 8-10 min on med heat. 

Add the chopped garlic at this point so it doesn't burn and add cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic flakes and pepper to the mixture.

Add in asparagus tips and reduce heat to low stirring often

In a separate bowl add:

 1 1/2 cups of Original Soy Milk

1 tbsp of gluten free corn starch

Wisk until combined

Add the 1/4 cup of Daiya shreds to the pan and combine

Slowly add in the soy mixture, bring temperature up to med for 5 min while stirring then reduce to a simmer for another 5 min to thicken.

Add fresh parsley to garnish and some extra black pepper if desired.

I hope you enjoy!

Spicy Lentils with Broccoli and "Cheese"


1cup canned lentils
1cup broccoli
1/2 white onion finely chopped
1cup mushrooms finely chopped
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp roasted garlic flakes

Saute onion for 1 minute then add in mushrooms and sauté for another 5 min over med heat. The moisture from the mushrooms will create liquid in the pan so you don't have to add any oil. You can also add a little liquid from the lentil can to moisten if the mixture is sticking.
Add broccoli and cook stirring often until the broccoli is bright green- we don't want it overcooked!
Stir in lentils and add the cayenne and garlic flakes- more if you like it spicy!
Cover for 1 minute until the lentils are heated through.
The lentils are just being warmed. If you leave them too long they may become mushy.
Once plated you can add some Daiya cheddar style shreds if you please,
Yummy!

The Start of something New

Why does the thought of me becoming Vegan scare my husband so??

(Let me clarify as my sister pointed out when I say Vegan, I mean following a vegan diet.) 

Perhaps we are caught up in the tradition of enjoying great yummy food and fine wine together and the thought of veganism is that it is going to change our love of dining together?

My husband as it stands is allergic to fish, seafood and eggs; so if I am adjusting my diet a tad bit it shouldn’t impact him or my son right?

Let’s see how it goes.

In the last few days I’ve learned that it freaks more than my husband out too! My friends are already visualizing me chewing on a celery stick while enjoying a BBQ together. I’m sure some sort of veggie burger or grilled mushroom will work for me?
I look forward to the possibilities..