This week's dinners were fairly ho-hum. Both Alan and I have increased our workouts (me working out in the early morning, Alan during lunch and after work) and we have just been exhausted when we get home.
We had tomato and tofu sandwiches one night, leftover mac & cheese the next, caramelized onion pizza one night (using leftover tomato sauce from last week's spaghetti) and the big winner this week was:
Isa Chandra's Chickpea Cutlets
These were crazy good and pretty easy. I made garlic mashed potatoes and white gravy and sliced tomatoes to go along with the cutlets...and I ate way too much!
The recipe makes 8 cutlets, and knowing that now, I will definitely be making half, or even just a quarter batch next time. I ate some of the leftovers of this meal tonight for dinner and found that while so, so good the first night, the cutlets really aren't that fantastic re-heated. The wheat gluten in them gets fairly stringy and chewy, so I probably will let Alan have those leftovers from now on. He'll eat anything.
March 31, 2012
March 25, 2012
Pantry Clean Out Night 6
Tonight's dinner was one of my all time favorites, vegan Mac & Cheese. This is my own recipe that I worked on several times until I got it just where I wanted it. It's fairly cheap to make, and I always keep the ingredients on hand. Try it out sometime, you will not be dissappointed!
Caitlin's Vegan Mac & Cheese
Caitlin's Vegan Mac & Cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 cup vegan margarine
1/2 cup flour
3 cup boiling water
3 Tablespoons soy sauce or preferably Bragg's if ya got it. Get yo aminos!
1 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
good shake of turmeric
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 can Rotel, do not drain
1/4 to 1/2 cup bread crumbs, optional
1) If you're an oven pre-heater, this is when you would turn it to 350 degrees. I don't believe in preheating, though. Weird? Probably.
2) Cook macaroni according to package directions and add a bit of salt to the water used. Drain when done.
3) In a saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Continue whisking for 2 minutes.
4) Whisk in boiling water, soy sauce or Bragg's, garlic powder, and turmeric. Whisk until dissolved.
5) Once thick and bubbling, whisk in oil, nutritional yeast and Rotel.
6) Mix in the bread crumbs and onion, if using. I prefer the bread crumbs because they make the sauce thicker, and give the mac and cheese the consistency of mac and cheese that was made with a strong, cheddar cheese. I'm a texture eater.
7) Mix 3/4 of the sauce with the macaroni and place in 9x13 casserole dish. (I just mix it in the casserole dish so I don't dirty extra dishes)
8) Cover with remaining sauce.
9) Bake 15 minutes, then broil for a few minutes until brown and crispy.
10) After it cools, eat your heart out. No animals were hurt or even slightly upset in the making of this awesome dish.
1/2 cup vegan margarine
1/2 cup flour
3 cup boiling water
3 Tablespoons soy sauce or preferably Bragg's if ya got it. Get yo aminos!
1 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
good shake of turmeric
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 can Rotel, do not drain
1/4 to 1/2 cup bread crumbs, optional
1) If you're an oven pre-heater, this is when you would turn it to 350 degrees. I don't believe in preheating, though. Weird? Probably.
2) Cook macaroni according to package directions and add a bit of salt to the water used. Drain when done.
3) In a saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Continue whisking for 2 minutes.
4) Whisk in boiling water, soy sauce or Bragg's, garlic powder, and turmeric. Whisk until dissolved.
5) Once thick and bubbling, whisk in oil, nutritional yeast and Rotel.
6) Mix in the bread crumbs and onion, if using. I prefer the bread crumbs because they make the sauce thicker, and give the mac and cheese the consistency of mac and cheese that was made with a strong, cheddar cheese. I'm a texture eater.
7) Mix 3/4 of the sauce with the macaroni and place in 9x13 casserole dish. (I just mix it in the casserole dish so I don't dirty extra dishes)
8) Cover with remaining sauce.
9) Bake 15 minutes, then broil for a few minutes until brown and crispy.
10) After it cools, eat your heart out. No animals were hurt or even slightly upset in the making of this awesome dish.
March 23, 2012
Pantry Clean Out Nights 4 & 5
Last night I wasn't very hungry and was pretty tired, so we had sandwiches. We've had some tomatoes that needed to be eaten, so of course I had to have one of my favorite things ever...a tomato sandwich. Really, I could eat either a cucumber sandwich or tomato sandwich every day and be happy. My dad used to say that he had a cousin who ate nothing but tomato sandwiches for years. Anywho... I had found a recipe for "Comeback Sauce" online that looked super good. I whipped up a small amount, put it on my sandwich, and was super disappointed in it. I love me some condiments, but I did not like this one. Oh well. I'll stick with just vegan mayo, tomato & dill next time. Alan fixed his tomato sandwich up fancy with onions and other stuff...and his breath smelled for hours. Hours.
Friday nights are my nights alone in the house. I had to work super late (on a Friday! boo), so I came home not wanting to do a whole lot. Warmed up some leftover spaghetti from a few nights ago, and watched some quality television until Alan came home and made himself another stinky-breath tomato and onion sandwich. Oh well.
Tomorrow night, I'm thinking about making sushi. We'll see. Don't wanna get too crazy...
Friday nights are my nights alone in the house. I had to work super late (on a Friday! boo), so I came home not wanting to do a whole lot. Warmed up some leftover spaghetti from a few nights ago, and watched some quality television until Alan came home and made himself another stinky-breath tomato and onion sandwich. Oh well.
Tomorrow night, I'm thinking about making sushi. We'll see. Don't wanna get too crazy...
March 21, 2012
Pantry Clean Out Night 3
Tonight's dinner was sooo delicious. It was a rainy and cold day and evening here, so what better dinner to fix than chili? I fixed a red bean chili that I served up on top of cornbread waffles. It was so stinking good!
Cornbread Waffles with Chia Seed
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cups soymilk
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Chia seeds for topping waffles
Directions:
Cornbread Waffles with Chia Seed
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cups soymilk
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Chia seeds for topping waffles
Directions:
- Plug in you waffle iron and get it preheating.
- In a medium bowl, wisk together the soymilk and the vinegar and set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder and garlic salt).
- Add the oil and maple syrup to the soymilk mixture. Wisk with a wire wisk or a fork until it is foamy and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the wet ingredient into the dry and mix together using a large wooden spoon or a firm spatula.
- Bake waffles according to waffle maker instructions. Before closing the lid, sprinkle with extra garlic salt and chia seeds.
March 20, 2012
Pantry Clean Out Night 2
Tonight's menu was fairly simple, we weren't too hungry after our workout. Also, when you read this and think "That is a lot of food!" please know that more than half of this recipe was made into freezer-ready meals for us to eat on-the-go. We aren't the biggest fatties in the world...
Quinoa, Tofu & Pepper Flautas
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 block Italian flavored tofu (it's what we had, don't judge)
3 jalapeno pepper
1 orange bell pepper
1/2 purple onion
10 flour tortillas, fajita size
2 bay leaves
1 Tbl Mexican oregano
1/2 Tbl paprika
1 tsp fajita seasoning
1 Tbl olive oil
Olive oil spray for casserole dish
Preheat oven to 425.
Quinoa, Tofu & Pepper Flautas
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 block Italian flavored tofu (it's what we had, don't judge)
3 jalapeno pepper
1 orange bell pepper
1/2 purple onion
10 flour tortillas, fajita size
2 bay leaves
1 Tbl Mexican oregano
1/2 Tbl paprika
1 tsp fajita seasoning
1 Tbl olive oil
Olive oil spray for casserole dish
Preheat oven to 425.
- Mince peppers and onions, saute in the oil with the bay leaves and oregano for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine in a large bowl with cooked quinoa and tofu.
- Add paprika and fajita seasoning.
- Spray casserole dish with olive oil spray. Spoon about 1/8 cup of filling into flour tortilla. Roll up and place in casserole dish.
- You can top these with enchilada sauce if wanted, I chose to top them with salsa and green chile. Either or nothing at all would be perfectly fine.
- Cook for 25 minutes, or until warm throughout.
March 19, 2012
Cleaning Out the Pantry!
Tonight started another one of my cleaning kicks. I'm tired of having a super full pantry, but still going to the grocery store every few weeks. I am going to see how many meals we can get out of our stocked pantry without having to bring home groceries.
Night One:
Spaghetti with fresh mushroom, onion and tomato sauce
Crusty bread
Leftover Vegan Andouille Sausage
Cooked lamb's quarters with green chille
We had a ton of spaghetti sauce leftover, so I pizza in our future! Mmmm
Night One:
Spaghetti with fresh mushroom, onion and tomato sauce
Crusty bread
Leftover Vegan Andouille Sausage
Cooked lamb's quarters with green chille
We had a ton of spaghetti sauce leftover, so I pizza in our future! Mmmm
March 17, 2012
Vegan Andouille Sausage
This is a recipe I found in one of the numerous vegan cookbooks I have, Quick and Easy Vegan Celebrations. It is one of my new favorite books, and is packed with some of the greatest vegan conversions I have ever seen.
I tried out this sausage recipe, and I am certain that this will be a mainstay in our house for a long time to come.
Dry ingredients:
1 cup Vital Wheat Gluten
1/2 cup soy flour (I substituted with whole wheat)
2 Tbl nutritional yeast
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup water
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbl Bragg's liquid aminos
1 Tbl tahini
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbl extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbl vegan Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp hickory liquid smoke
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Whisk the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in with the dry until it forms a dough. Break into four balls, and roll each ball into a 6 inch log. Wrap very tightly in aluminum foil and twist the ends. Put into a steamer pot and steam for 40 minutes, covered. Let cool, keep refrigerated until eating.
I tried out this sausage recipe, and I am certain that this will be a mainstay in our house for a long time to come.
Dry ingredients:
1 cup Vital Wheat Gluten
1/2 cup soy flour (I substituted with whole wheat)
2 Tbl nutritional yeast
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup water
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbl Bragg's liquid aminos
1 Tbl tahini
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbl extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbl vegan Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp hickory liquid smoke
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Whisk the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in with the dry until it forms a dough. Break into four balls, and roll each ball into a 6 inch log. Wrap very tightly in aluminum foil and twist the ends. Put into a steamer pot and steam for 40 minutes, covered. Let cool, keep refrigerated until eating.
February 27, 2012
Green Chile Chickpea Gumbo (of sorts)
I was cleaning out our refrigerator/pantry tonight to come up with dinner...and put together an awesome dinner that Alan said "Write down that recipe!" because he enjoyed it so much.
I kind of followed my standard way I fix chilli and gumbo, so it ended up a bit like both.
I hope you try it. I hope you enjoy. Be warned that Alan and I eat things fairly spicy. You may want to tone down the spices for your own.
Green Chile Chickpea Gumbo
2 Tbl Earth Balance margarine
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 Tbl dried, crushed green chiles
1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 yellow onion, diced
2 orange bell peppers, diced
1 cup brewed coffee
5 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 can chickpeas, drained
1 cup broccoli florets
2 links Field Roast vegan Chipotle sausage, sliced into bite sized rounds
4 cups cooked rice of your choice (I used brown Basmati rice)
I ate mine spooned onto raw cabbage leaves, which I highly recommend!
I kind of followed my standard way I fix chilli and gumbo, so it ended up a bit like both.
I hope you try it. I hope you enjoy. Be warned that Alan and I eat things fairly spicy. You may want to tone down the spices for your own.
Green Chile Chickpea Gumbo
2 Tbl Earth Balance margarine
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 Tbl dried, crushed green chiles
1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 yellow onion, diced
2 orange bell peppers, diced
1 cup brewed coffee
5 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 can chickpeas, drained
1 cup broccoli florets
2 links Field Roast vegan Chipotle sausage, sliced into bite sized rounds
4 cups cooked rice of your choice (I used brown Basmati rice)
- Melt butter in a large pot on medium high heat .
- Add spices and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add onion and bell pepper, saute 3-4 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, broccoli and coffee. Let simmer 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook for 5 minutes.
I ate mine spooned onto raw cabbage leaves, which I highly recommend!
February 5, 2012
Mmm soup...
I had some vegetables that needed to be eaten soon, and when I have that conundrum, I always end up doing the same thing with them: make soup. I love soup so, so much, and thankfully so does Alan. I had seen different variations of Kale & White Bean Soup recipes online, so last night I finally made my own version of it. It was so delicious.
Kale, Carrot & White Bean Soup
4 cups kale, chopped
4-5 large carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can Great Northern (Cannelini) beans
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (32 oz.) box of low sodium vegetable stock
2 potatoes, diced
1/2 Tablespoon crushed green chiles
1/2 Tablespoon Italian blend seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
1) Heat oil in soup pot on medium-high heat, add onions and saute for 3-4 minutes.
2) Add the garlic and seasonings, saute for 2 more minutes.
3) Add vegetable stock, carrots, and potatoes, bring to a boil.
4) Let simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are cooked through.
5) Add beans and kale, continue to simmer until kale has wilted (about 5 minutes).
Yield: About 6 bowls (like how specific that is? haha)
Kale, Carrot & White Bean Soup
4 cups kale, chopped
4-5 large carrots, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can Great Northern (Cannelini) beans
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (32 oz.) box of low sodium vegetable stock
2 potatoes, diced
1/2 Tablespoon crushed green chiles
1/2 Tablespoon Italian blend seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
1) Heat oil in soup pot on medium-high heat, add onions and saute for 3-4 minutes.
2) Add the garlic and seasonings, saute for 2 more minutes.
3) Add vegetable stock, carrots, and potatoes, bring to a boil.
4) Let simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are cooked through.
5) Add beans and kale, continue to simmer until kale has wilted (about 5 minutes).
Yield: About 6 bowls (like how specific that is? haha)
January 26, 2012
So embarrassing...
I can't believe that it has been so stinkin' long since I lasted wrote. Embarrassing.
To catch everyone up:
Holidays were amazing. My fantastic job allowed me an 11 day holiday vacation that afforded me the much needed time off to refinish the floors in our spare room. We were essentially using the room as a store-all. It just had box after box stacked on one another. The contents of these boxes, you ask? They may or may not have contained stuff that was still packed from when we moved here. ...OVER A YEAR AND A HALF AGO! How disgusting is that? But, I figured that if we haven't needed/used it in such a long time we really don't need it anymore. I've slowly been culling through that junk and finding new homes for everything. Mostly the trash can.
My job has been super duper busy the last couple of months, but I have been offered a transfer to a different department that I start soon. I cannot wait.
The biggest news? My mom and I have started up a small business together! KindRed Artiques is our vintage goods resale venture. We started up in December selling vintage and retro goods. We've had a ton of fun doing it, and are doing fairly well at it. I will get some photos up soon of some of the stuff we sell.
What else is new? Hmm... Can't really think of anything. Instead, I'll post some photos of things that make me happy.
To catch everyone up:
Holidays were amazing. My fantastic job allowed me an 11 day holiday vacation that afforded me the much needed time off to refinish the floors in our spare room. We were essentially using the room as a store-all. It just had box after box stacked on one another. The contents of these boxes, you ask? They may or may not have contained stuff that was still packed from when we moved here. ...OVER A YEAR AND A HALF AGO! How disgusting is that? But, I figured that if we haven't needed/used it in such a long time we really don't need it anymore. I've slowly been culling through that junk and finding new homes for everything. Mostly the trash can.
My job has been super duper busy the last couple of months, but I have been offered a transfer to a different department that I start soon. I cannot wait.
The biggest news? My mom and I have started up a small business together! KindRed Artiques is our vintage goods resale venture. We started up in December selling vintage and retro goods. We've had a ton of fun doing it, and are doing fairly well at it. I will get some photos up soon of some of the stuff we sell.
What else is new? Hmm... Can't really think of anything. Instead, I'll post some photos of things that make me happy.
October 20, 2011
Garden Tomato Soup
I had an excess of tomatoes this evening, and wanted something to warm me to the bone. Grilled cheese and tomato soup? Yep! I used to hate tomato soup, but that was before I found out that it doesn't have to be the sweet, yucky stuff that comes in a can. As much as I love tomatoes, I am so glad to find out that maybe I do like tomato soup, after all.
I made this recipe on the fly, so don't feel like you have to follow it to a T(easpoon). I never follow recipes as is, anyway...so neither should you.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 cup butter
- 1/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 6-7 cups roughly chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, rosemary, oregano mix (Italian seasoning is good if you don't have fresh)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to round out the flavor, its pretty acidic otherwise)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Add olive oil to a large stock pot over medium heat, add onion and garlic and cook until translucent and soft, about 7 minutes.
- Add butter and melt. Whisk in flour until onions and garlic are well coated. Continue cooking for 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth. Add tomatoes, vinegar, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tomatoes have cooked down.
- Remove from heat.
- If you like a smooth tomato soup, blend the soup with an immersion blender. I prefer chunky soups, and this one is perfect without having to blend it.
Grocery Shopping Gripe
When I moved from a large town to the very large city of Oklahoma City, I had to find a new grocery store. Living in north west OKC for 5 years was awesome. I lived in the Asian district with amazing food culture surrounding me in all directions. There were two great Asian markets, two small Mediterranean markets, and a mix of typical North American foods mixed into the general grocery stores. All within one mile from me. Being vegetarian, and 90 percent lactose intolerant (I can tolerate hard cheeses), I can only eat certain varieties of foods. With these particulars, north OKC was very easy for me to grocery shop.
Then I moved. Although I am happy(ish) with the grocery stores in south OKC, they leave a lot to be desired. There are no groceries within walking distance, which really upsets me. There are mainly Hispanic markets here and only one Asian market that is several miles from me. Alan and I have one grocery store here that we frequent that is quite large. I've been very happy with the prices and the quality of the produce, but there are several foods that are not sold since the store caters to a different cultural audience.
Then I moved. Although I am happy(ish) with the grocery stores in south OKC, they leave a lot to be desired. There are no groceries within walking distance, which really upsets me. There are mainly Hispanic markets here and only one Asian market that is several miles from me. Alan and I have one grocery store here that we frequent that is quite large. I've been very happy with the prices and the quality of the produce, but there are several foods that are not sold since the store caters to a different cultural audience.
- Mushrooms
- Texas toast (although I don't eat bleached bread often, its really the only way to go for faux BLTs)
- Bread flour
- Soy products of any variety (soymilk, soy cheeses, etc.)
- Fake meat products, ie: Morningstar, Boca Burgers, etc
- Romaine lettuce (Alan loathes Iceburg lettuce)
- Newman's Own Spaghetti Sauces... these are so delicious and contain real ingredients!!
- Fresh herbs. They only have Cilantro.
- Pickled beets
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Sour Kraut
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Every type of pepper and chili ever grown
- The best vanilla extract ever made
- Amazing varieties of tortillas, locally made
- Pan (crazy delicious sweet breads!)
- Mexican chocolate
- Nopalitos (Pickled cactus)
- Vegan refried beans
October 2, 2011
Where Have I Been?
It has been an awful long time since I posted, but life has been busy.
To answer any questions, I did, indeed, find a new job. That I love. I work at a company that allows me to go mentor students and/or rock babies during my work day, hosts exercise classes during my lunch break (that I am really loving!), gives me amazing health insurance...and even pays me to make sure I am going to the doctor for yearly exams and losing weight. They pay me to work out! How fantastic.
I am really loving the job.
Now that I can get home at fairly normal hours without being mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted, I have been thinking up stuff that I've been wanting to do more of.
My list that I've worked up, and accomplished some of:
Pack my lunch. - I love doing this. I really do.
Use new ingredients. - Lately I've been using different rices, quinoa, oats, and wheat berries.
Travel more. - Have a trip to New Mexico planned SOON!
Sew more. - I absolutely love sewing. It's been so fun to get back into it.
Start work on my cookbook. - This is my only one that I haven't done...yet. I am waiting until the winter for this one. I plan on this being the main source of heat for our home this winter, rather than the furnace. We'll see if it gets us into December.
I have also been searching the internet for new ideas. I am constantly looking for new recipes, new fashions, new home decor ideas, new crafts to make.
What websites do you frequent mostly?
Here's some of mine:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
http://peasandthankyou.com/
http://www.designsponge.com/
http://www.desiretoinspire.net/
To answer any questions, I did, indeed, find a new job. That I love. I work at a company that allows me to go mentor students and/or rock babies during my work day, hosts exercise classes during my lunch break (that I am really loving!), gives me amazing health insurance...and even pays me to make sure I am going to the doctor for yearly exams and losing weight. They pay me to work out! How fantastic.
I am really loving the job.
Now that I can get home at fairly normal hours without being mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted, I have been thinking up stuff that I've been wanting to do more of.
My list that I've worked up, and accomplished some of:
Pack my lunch. - I love doing this. I really do.
Use new ingredients. - Lately I've been using different rices, quinoa, oats, and wheat berries.
Travel more. - Have a trip to New Mexico planned SOON!
Sew more. - I absolutely love sewing. It's been so fun to get back into it.
Start work on my cookbook. - This is my only one that I haven't done...yet. I am waiting until the winter for this one. I plan on this being the main source of heat for our home this winter, rather than the furnace. We'll see if it gets us into December.
I have also been searching the internet for new ideas. I am constantly looking for new recipes, new fashions, new home decor ideas, new crafts to make.
What websites do you frequent mostly?
Here's some of mine:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
http://peasandthankyou.com/
http://www.designsponge.com/
http://www.desiretoinspire.net/
August 16, 2011
Reboot: Finished
So, Alan and I finished our two week reboot diet two days ago. For two weeks we consumed no solid foods. We put a million bunches of kale, celery, green apples, cantaloupes, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, ginger and lemons and limes through the juicer every day and concocted some amazing drinks that kept us super full. I reached my goal weight. It was great.
However, after two days of eating solid foods again I now understand a bit more about food than I originally did. I was exhausted today! I came home a bit early from work to take a nap! Never during the Reboot did I feel very tired. I miss the juice! I went to the grocery store earlier and picked up some cantaloupes and cucumbers so I can make more juice tomorrow. (Cucumber Melon is by far my favorite juice! Mmmm!)
So, I will definitely be sticking with the juicer for awhile. I am definitely addicted to the juice!
However, after two days of eating solid foods again I now understand a bit more about food than I originally did. I was exhausted today! I came home a bit early from work to take a nap! Never during the Reboot did I feel very tired. I miss the juice! I went to the grocery store earlier and picked up some cantaloupes and cucumbers so I can make more juice tomorrow. (Cucumber Melon is by far my favorite juice! Mmmm!)
So, I will definitely be sticking with the juicer for awhile. I am definitely addicted to the juice!
August 9, 2011
Reboot: Trials and Tribulations
Today has been the hardest day of the diet thus far. We're at day 9 now, and although I wasn't hungry at any point...I craved a thousand foods throughout the day. Everything sounded amazing. They made Indian Tacos at work today...those looked AMAZING! Coworker eating a teriyaki rice bowl? That looked AMAZING! Another coworker eating nachos, AMAZING! I wanted carbs really bad.
But, I was good. I drank my juice and continued on my day. I'm in the homestretch though, folks. I will soon be eating solid foods again. And here is a list of many of the foods I want to be eating asap (and juicing about half my other meals in addition so I don't gain the weight back):
Bruschetta
Indian food
Black bean burrito
Tofu hot dog with onions, sour kraut and mustard
Tomato sandwich on whole wheat bread with extra Veganaise and dill
Baked sweet potato with sea salt
The list could go on and on. Trust me. But I will wait. And then eat all of that stuff in a single day and gain all the weight back. Wait, no. I. will. not. But I will eat them in moderation and have juice for breakfast and lunch to control my caloric intake.
But, I was good. I drank my juice and continued on my day. I'm in the homestretch though, folks. I will soon be eating solid foods again. And here is a list of many of the foods I want to be eating asap (and juicing about half my other meals in addition so I don't gain the weight back):
Bruschetta
Indian food
Black bean burrito
Tofu hot dog with onions, sour kraut and mustard
Tomato sandwich on whole wheat bread with extra Veganaise and dill
Baked sweet potato with sea salt
The list could go on and on. Trust me. But I will wait. And then eat all of that stuff in a single day and gain all the weight back. Wait, no. I. will. not. But I will eat them in moderation and have juice for breakfast and lunch to control my caloric intake.
August 7, 2011
Reboot: End of Week 1
It's been an entire week since I ate food. Still feel pretty stinkin' awesome. It is so surprising how just drinking pure fruit juice can be so filling. I have rarely felt hungry this week. Craving food is the hardest part. I want to bite into something crunchy so badly! I think that I will fix veggie tacos whenever we're done with the diet! Mmmm, tacos!
We're still trying out new recipes to change things up, and found a couple of things I do and don't like. It's funny that I loooove V8 so much, but when I've made any tomato juices, I really haven't liked them. Besides our "Mean Green" recipe we have every day for lunch and dinner, I've stuck to the sweeter fruit juices for breakfast and dessert.
Mean Green Recipe - makes about two glasses
6 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
4 Celery Stalks
2 Green Apples
1/2 Lemon
1 piece of ginger
After I make my breakfast juice, I make two batches of this to take to work with me. I drink it just about all day long, and usually have enough left over for a small glass for dinner. Alan does the same recipe and adds some jalapenos. I've been substituting a lot of the celery for cabbage and really like that.
Wish me luck this week! Pray that I don't go crazy and bite into the next crunchy food I see.
P.S. I lost 9 pounds this week!
We're still trying out new recipes to change things up, and found a couple of things I do and don't like. It's funny that I loooove V8 so much, but when I've made any tomato juices, I really haven't liked them. Besides our "Mean Green" recipe we have every day for lunch and dinner, I've stuck to the sweeter fruit juices for breakfast and dessert.
Mean Green Recipe - makes about two glasses
6 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
4 Celery Stalks
2 Green Apples
1/2 Lemon
1 piece of ginger
After I make my breakfast juice, I make two batches of this to take to work with me. I drink it just about all day long, and usually have enough left over for a small glass for dinner. Alan does the same recipe and adds some jalapenos. I've been substituting a lot of the celery for cabbage and really like that.
Wish me luck this week! Pray that I don't go crazy and bite into the next crunchy food I see.
P.S. I lost 9 pounds this week!
August 3, 2011
Reboot: Day 3
So how do I feel after not eating for 3 days? Amazing! This diet is absolutely what I've been looking for. The fruit and vegetable juices are so filling, give me lots of energy, and I'm losing weight at a healthy pace.
Alan and I are have quickly found some juice recipes that we like, and some we don't. We have been fixing sweeter juices (orange or apple) for breakfast, and make a vegetable juice for lunch and dinner, and sometimes another sweet fruit juice for dessert.
I've always gained and lost weight in my face first, so it's beginning to be obvious that I'm losing weight. My mom even noticed my weight loss today! I realized today that at the beginning of 2011, I was the heaviest I'd been in 7 years. I was super depressed, super tired all the time, and generally felt like crap. I hated the way I looked and felt, and it was seriously affecting me.
Today, I am the lightest I've been in years! Since January I have lost 25 pounds! I feel so great, and so confident about the way I look right now. Today I wore and shirt that I was very tight just a few months ago. Today, it was a bit baggy! Eeeeeeee! So excited to continue on the weight loss journey!
Alan and I are have quickly found some juice recipes that we like, and some we don't. We have been fixing sweeter juices (orange or apple) for breakfast, and make a vegetable juice for lunch and dinner, and sometimes another sweet fruit juice for dessert.
I've always gained and lost weight in my face first, so it's beginning to be obvious that I'm losing weight. My mom even noticed my weight loss today! I realized today that at the beginning of 2011, I was the heaviest I'd been in 7 years. I was super depressed, super tired all the time, and generally felt like crap. I hated the way I looked and felt, and it was seriously affecting me.
Today, I am the lightest I've been in years! Since January I have lost 25 pounds! I feel so great, and so confident about the way I look right now. Today I wore and shirt that I was very tight just a few months ago. Today, it was a bit baggy! Eeeeeeee! So excited to continue on the weight loss journey!
July 31, 2011
Reboot
A few weeks back, I was searching through Netflix for something to watch. In the Recommended For You section there was a documentary that looked interesting. Titled "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" I was a bit intrigued. I had just started a diet plan that was working, but was leaving me with very little energy. I watched the movie...and well, it totally changed my life. I'm not a person who says stuff like that alot, but this documentary totally changed the way I think about dieting.
The diet plan I had doing was only the 2nd time I'd ever dieted. But frankly, I was so tired of carrying around an extra 30 pounds that I had gained over the last 3 years.
The movie centers around a couple of men who embark on a 60 day diet plan of not eating any food. Rather, they are drinking juice. Juice made from fresh fruits and vegetables that they extract using a juicer. Both men lose massive amounts of weight. They do everything in very smart fashions, making sure to track their health with doctors and nutritionists advice the whole way through.
By the end of the movie, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. I already eat no meat, and honestly enjoy every fruit and vegetable known to man. Seriously, I LOVE fruits and vegetables.
I knew I could do this.
Alan decided he would join me on this journey.
After doing a lot of research on the Reboot diet plan, and juicers, and the like...we bought a juicer. This last week we have been having juice for one meal a day to figure out what recipes/flavors we like the most. Tomorrow morning we start two weeks of the Reboot juice diet. For two weeks Alan and I won't be eating any food, but will be drinking a ton of fruit and veggies. I am going to try to update as often as possible to document what is either going to be awesome, or very trying. Wish us luck!
The diet plan I had doing was only the 2nd time I'd ever dieted. But frankly, I was so tired of carrying around an extra 30 pounds that I had gained over the last 3 years.
The movie centers around a couple of men who embark on a 60 day diet plan of not eating any food. Rather, they are drinking juice. Juice made from fresh fruits and vegetables that they extract using a juicer. Both men lose massive amounts of weight. They do everything in very smart fashions, making sure to track their health with doctors and nutritionists advice the whole way through.
By the end of the movie, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. I already eat no meat, and honestly enjoy every fruit and vegetable known to man. Seriously, I LOVE fruits and vegetables.
I knew I could do this.
Alan decided he would join me on this journey.
After doing a lot of research on the Reboot diet plan, and juicers, and the like...we bought a juicer. This last week we have been having juice for one meal a day to figure out what recipes/flavors we like the most. Tomorrow morning we start two weeks of the Reboot juice diet. For two weeks Alan and I won't be eating any food, but will be drinking a ton of fruit and veggies. I am going to try to update as often as possible to document what is either going to be awesome, or very trying. Wish us luck!
July 14, 2011
Pantries Galore
Not so fun fact about my home: It was built by idiots.
There is one closet that is original to the home. ONE!
ONE!
Our bedroom had closets added later, and the bathroom has a tiny linen closet that I think was built on.
Because of some moron's lapse in judgement, or lack of wife (let's be real here...if he had a lady, there would be storage galore!), I have no pantry.
It is very ridiculous. I wish this house had more storage. Or, well, any storage.
While rummaging around the internet the other day I came across these photos of some seriously sick pantries. These pantries make me want to cry. So, take a look. I hope you cry, too. At least I won't be the only one.
There is one closet that is original to the home. ONE!
ONE!
Our bedroom had closets added later, and the bathroom has a tiny linen closet that I think was built on.
Because of some moron's lapse in judgement, or lack of wife (let's be real here...if he had a lady, there would be storage galore!), I have no pantry.
It is very ridiculous. I wish this house had more storage. Or, well, any storage.
While rummaging around the internet the other day I came across these photos of some seriously sick pantries. These pantries make me want to cry. So, take a look. I hope you cry, too. At least I won't be the only one.
June 22, 2011
Patience is a Virtue...
...Although not something I have a lot of.
While the job hunting process has been painfully slow, I am trying to be patient. Good things come to those who wait? In the meantime, here are some adorable things some creative person put together. How can you look at these and not be happy??
While the job hunting process has been painfully slow, I am trying to be patient. Good things come to those who wait? In the meantime, here are some adorable things some creative person put together. How can you look at these and not be happy??
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