I have fallen off the wagon a little bit over the weekend. Sugar was calling my name and I let it win. Strawberry cake, banana pudding, ice cream and cheesecake. Wow all of that in just a few days. Needless to say just a few days of bad eating has made me feel slow and heavy. So instead of beating myself up and continue the bad habit, I am starting over. Sipping my hot lemon water has already helped my sore throat.
I started off eating healthier as a way to get some of the extra weight off, but after falling into some bad habits I am starting over mainly to feel better mentally, more energy, and a healthier glow about my skin. It isn't easy but it is already paying off. I did a vitality quiz on http://apps.bluezones.com/vitality/
it said I am 2 years younger than I actually am and lot of that has to do with all the fruits and veggies I've been eating. I'm sure if I was married or in a happy relationship I could have shaved off a couple more years but I'm happy with 32.
I packed my lunch for today. Cabbage & spinach salad with a dressing I made with balsamic vinegar, walnut oil, flax oil and fresh lemon juice. I never ate raw cabbage before except in a Cole slaw. It's cut up like slaw for a salad it's great. One thing I learned many years ago when I was a vegetarian is I eat a lot more variety of foods when focusing on a natural foods diet.
I walked out to the compost this morning and was surprised how many bell peppers and cherry tomatoes are still producing. I urge everyone to grow something even if it's just some herbs in a window seal. Cilantro works better in the fall, spring and early summer in a small greenhouse on the back porch. Just one example.
Don't give up keep going if you fail pick yourself back up again, dust off and keep going. You will thank yourself in the end. BE STRONG!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Ginger tofu stir fry
My 12 yr old has been requested tofu for dinner tonight. We decided to do a tofu stir fry.
Onion, garlic, baby carrots, bunch of broccoli, spinach,and baby bellas sauteed over brown rice, topped with baked tofu.
Pat dry a block of extra firm tofu and marinate it. I use a mixture of fresh ginger, Bragg's, apple cider vinegar, garlic and few drops of sesame oil.
Tofu is like a sponge absorbing all the flavors it is marinated in so give it at least 30 mins to soak.
Spread the squares on a baking sheet and place on lo broil. Stirring occasionally until it becomes a nice toasted brown color on each side.
Onion, garlic, baby carrots, bunch of broccoli, spinach,and baby bellas sauteed over brown rice, topped with baked tofu.
Pat dry a block of extra firm tofu and marinate it. I use a mixture of fresh ginger, Bragg's, apple cider vinegar, garlic and few drops of sesame oil.
Tofu is like a sponge absorbing all the flavors it is marinated in so give it at least 30 mins to soak.
Spread the squares on a baking sheet and place on lo broil. Stirring occasionally until it becomes a nice toasted brown color on each side.
When I have extra ginger I mince it and freeze it in a little water in ice cube trays. You can use the ginger cubes for juices, smoothies or in your tea
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
green tea replacing coffee
I went 3 weeks without have any coffee in the house. On the days I wasn't on the detox I would drink a cup at work but I didn't need it. That was my only addiction. I never thought I happily go one day much less over a week without. I drink a few cups of green tea a day but I don't feel like I need it to wake up and get moving like coffee had hold on me. 3 cups of green tea has about the same about of caffeine as ONE cup of coffee plus it has so many more added health benefits over coffee. Don't get me wrong I will never give up my coffee but I am happy to know I no longer depend on it and I doubt I will ever go back to drinking a cup every day much less 4-5 cups I was drinking daily. I drink yogi tea they have the most uplifting quotes on each tea packet. I look forward to reading it. Makes me want to open the next pack and drink one more cup.
I have been told by several people they can't drink coconut water. I understand it is a bit strong so I cut it. 1/2 water, 1/4 coconut water, 1/4 ginger ale(I use Reids or Blue Sky).
My amazing friend and fellow detoxer made a healthy alternative on ranch style dressing by using greek yogurt. She also uses fresh limes and cilantro. I'll get the measurements from her tomorrow and post it on here.
I have been told by several people they can't drink coconut water. I understand it is a bit strong so I cut it. 1/2 water, 1/4 coconut water, 1/4 ginger ale(I use Reids or Blue Sky).
My amazing friend and fellow detoxer made a healthy alternative on ranch style dressing by using greek yogurt. She also uses fresh limes and cilantro. I'll get the measurements from her tomorrow and post it on here.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Updates and my granola recipe
Life has been busy with my very active boys. We had a busy busy weekend with cross country races, wake boarding and archery competitions. I plan on putting up a new recipe daily for the next week. The detox is over and now I am falling into a healthy eating lifestyle. So far the only problems is eating on the go. Most days end around 7pm and that is just too late to cook a good dinner. Having the soups ready to heat up is great but still I would much rather eat earlier in the night.
Another major frustration is wanting to weigh myself every day. Of course not much change a healthy weight loss is 1-2lbs a week. I need to start weighing myself every week or every 3 days at the most. I need to focus more on how much energy I have now and how much lighter I feel and how my clothes are fitting. Granola is a good food to eat on the go for my active family. Like nuts and seeds make sure not to over eat.
Granola
3cups rolled oats
3 cups of chopped nuts and seeds(I like almonds, walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup grape seed oil or coconut oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 ts vanilla extract
2 ts cinnamon
dash of almond extract
dash sea salt
dried fruit(I love dates, blueberries and dried mango but you can use raisins, pineapple, apricots, currants) watch the sugar content of the dried fruit some have a lot more than others
mix oats, nuts and seed into a large bowl.
heat oil, syrup, extracts, salt and cinnamon in a saucepan.
Pour onto the oat mixture when hot.
Spread it out on a cookie sheet
bake at 350 for 20 mins stirring every 5 mins.
after it is cooled down add the dried fruit
this can be eaten for breakfast or a snack with Greek yogurt, with milk or on it's own.
Enjoy what you eat!! Enjoy your life!
Another major frustration is wanting to weigh myself every day. Of course not much change a healthy weight loss is 1-2lbs a week. I need to start weighing myself every week or every 3 days at the most. I need to focus more on how much energy I have now and how much lighter I feel and how my clothes are fitting. Granola is a good food to eat on the go for my active family. Like nuts and seeds make sure not to over eat.
Granola
3cups rolled oats
3 cups of chopped nuts and seeds(I like almonds, walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup grape seed oil or coconut oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 ts vanilla extract
2 ts cinnamon
dash of almond extract
dash sea salt
dried fruit(I love dates, blueberries and dried mango but you can use raisins, pineapple, apricots, currants) watch the sugar content of the dried fruit some have a lot more than others
mix oats, nuts and seed into a large bowl.
heat oil, syrup, extracts, salt and cinnamon in a saucepan.
Pour onto the oat mixture when hot.
Spread it out on a cookie sheet
bake at 350 for 20 mins stirring every 5 mins.
after it is cooled down add the dried fruit
this can be eaten for breakfast or a snack with Greek yogurt, with milk or on it's own.
Enjoy what you eat!! Enjoy your life!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Healthy lifestyle
No more word diet, no more detox now just into a healthy eating lifestyle that includes coffee, alcohol and red meat in moderation. I am eating a lot more fresh fruit, veggies and whole grains. I have not missed processed foods at all in the past 2 weeks. I haven't missed coffee half as much as I thought I would. Replacing it with green tea really helped. Yogi has the best quotes and taste good.
I had to write something today since I promised myself I would write every day for one month. Tomorrow will probably be short since too since I will be running a mommy taxi service until 10pm.
I will make up for it with lots of good recipes Saturday and Sunday.
I had to write something today since I promised myself I would write every day for one month. Tomorrow will probably be short since too since I will be running a mommy taxi service until 10pm.
I will make up for it with lots of good recipes Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Ancient Grains
Many people ask what the heck is quinoa, amaranth, and isn't millet what we put out for the doves and barley for beer and whiskey.
Amaranth has been around for centuries. It was a staple in the Aztec and Mayan Indians. It has high protein, calcium iron and B vitamins. It can be used as you would rice with steamed or stir fried veggies or as a flour for baking.
Barley comes in two different kinds, pearled and whole. Pearled is a refining process used to remove the bran covering. It cooks faster. I love to put it in soups.
Millet is the most alkaline of all the grains. It is also very high in protein and iron. It is also a good source of niacin thiamine, and riboflavin, magnesium and potassium. It as a good nutty taste. Make sure to toast it a little before cooking. I like to cook it along with fish.
Quinoa is is great on it's on or in soups. High in protein, iron and calcium. Make sure you rinse it well before cooking it has a soapy taste if you don't. I have learned that the hard way. I like it stuffed in a eggplant or in a tomato dish.
Experiment and see how you like it.
Think outside the box
Amaranth has been around for centuries. It was a staple in the Aztec and Mayan Indians. It has high protein, calcium iron and B vitamins. It can be used as you would rice with steamed or stir fried veggies or as a flour for baking.
Barley comes in two different kinds, pearled and whole. Pearled is a refining process used to remove the bran covering. It cooks faster. I love to put it in soups.
Millet is the most alkaline of all the grains. It is also very high in protein and iron. It is also a good source of niacin thiamine, and riboflavin, magnesium and potassium. It as a good nutty taste. Make sure to toast it a little before cooking. I like to cook it along with fish.
Quinoa is is great on it's on or in soups. High in protein, iron and calcium. Make sure you rinse it well before cooking it has a soapy taste if you don't. I have learned that the hard way. I like it stuffed in a eggplant or in a tomato dish.
Experiment and see how you like it.
Think outside the box
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
1st day of Detox #2
Today is the first day of the new detox I am glad I changed it up some. Added more protein and few more healthy snacks. I was getting so stuck in eating the same veggies I made my mom promise she would tell me if I started turning orange from all the beta carotene I've been eating and juicing. I made several different options for the detox but I seemed to keep eating the same for lunch and dinner. So I had to change that up today. As soon as you get stuck in "ohhh please not another salad or bowl of soup" the diet is all off for me so I am shaking it up a little bit and adding more color. Pears and walnuts in my salad at lunch. Steamed turnip greens and asparagus with some summer squash and red bells with a lot of blood cleansing garlic. A beautiful colorful plate of food makes this not feel at all like a diet. I will tell you the truth I am glad we changed it to only 2 days of smoothie, soup and salad and adding some eggs, chicken, turkey and my favorite fish in the other days! Protein powder is gross and nuts and seeds are so easy to over eat on for me at least. My kids are in no way picky eaters and love their fruits and like all veggies except uncooked tomatoes(they will come around) so not only am I eating healthier but they are too. Can't ask for anything better than that. Ethan is going to be on and win Master Chef when he is 18 so let the training begin.
Live your dream!!
Live your dream!!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Soups
More soup recipes.
This 2 recipes came from the "Food Doctor Diet" a book I've had for years and love. Of course I've changed up some of the ingredients to more my liking you can do the same. I use recipes as a guide or for ideas.
Tomato and Rosemary Soup-3 servings
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 carrot-diced
2 cloves of garlic
1 14oz can plum tomatoes, chopped
1 sprig of rosemary
juice of 1/2 lemon
4 cups water (if not using the seaweed add fresh chicken or vegetable stock or 1 TB yeast-free bouillon
1/2 slice of seaweed(kombu, kelp or dulce)
large handful shredded spinach or kale
1 medium head bok choy, shredded
Heat 2 TB olive oil or coconut oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic and cook until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomatoes and add the rosemary and lemon. SImmer for 5 mins then add water or if not using seaweed add stock. SImmer for 10 mins.
Stir in the greens and cook for 5 more mins. Remove the rosemary and season with pepper.
Chunky vegetable soup-3 servings
1 medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ts of cumin
1/2 lb of winter squash or pumpkin
head of broccoli or cauliflower
2 stalks celery
1/2 medium leek
2 carrots
6 cups of water or stock
Heat 2 Tb coconut oil or olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and garlic cook until soft. Add squash, broccoli, celery, leek and carrots simmer for about 5 mins. Add the cumin stir for about a minute. Add the water or stock simmer for about 15 mins. add pepper to taste.
Add the protein of your choice when serving these. Ideas are-baked chicken, tofu, or mixed beans
This 2 recipes came from the "Food Doctor Diet" a book I've had for years and love. Of course I've changed up some of the ingredients to more my liking you can do the same. I use recipes as a guide or for ideas.
Tomato and Rosemary Soup-3 servings
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 carrot-diced
2 cloves of garlic
1 14oz can plum tomatoes, chopped
1 sprig of rosemary
juice of 1/2 lemon
4 cups water (if not using the seaweed add fresh chicken or vegetable stock or 1 TB yeast-free bouillon
1/2 slice of seaweed(kombu, kelp or dulce)
large handful shredded spinach or kale
1 medium head bok choy, shredded
Heat 2 TB olive oil or coconut oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic and cook until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomatoes and add the rosemary and lemon. SImmer for 5 mins then add water or if not using seaweed add stock. SImmer for 10 mins.
Stir in the greens and cook for 5 more mins. Remove the rosemary and season with pepper.
Chunky vegetable soup-3 servings
1 medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ts of cumin
1/2 lb of winter squash or pumpkin
head of broccoli or cauliflower
2 stalks celery
1/2 medium leek
2 carrots
6 cups of water or stock
Heat 2 Tb coconut oil or olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and garlic cook until soft. Add squash, broccoli, celery, leek and carrots simmer for about 5 mins. Add the cumin stir for about a minute. Add the water or stock simmer for about 15 mins. add pepper to taste.
Add the protein of your choice when serving these. Ideas are-baked chicken, tofu, or mixed beans
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Revised Detox for Tuesday-next sunday
Last week was the detox for the most part it went great. Both Ambra and I lost weight, have more energy and feel so much better. So much better in fact we decided we wanted to do it again but change it a little so it's easier to follow and we aren't starving at 2pm. I am adding in some more snacks and protein.
Start every day with a hot glass of water with the juice of 1 lemon
Day 1&2
Breakfast-fruit smoothie or vegetable juice w/ 1/2 scoop of protein powder or 1 TB natural peanut butter
mid morning snack-carrots & celery with 1 TB hummus
Lunch-veggie juice or salad rich with lots of green leafy veggies and added protein*
snack-apple w/ almond butter or natural peanut butter
Dinner-soup or whole grain with steamed veggies with added protein*
*these 2 days will be vegetarian...add beans(garbanzo, black beans, black eyed peas, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to your soups, steamed veggies and salads
Day 3-5
Breakfast-1 piece of fruit within 30 mins of waking-apple, pear, 1/2 grapefruit, cantaloupe
-2 eggs cooked any way, steamed spinach
or 1 bowl of oatmeal with walnuts or sunflower seeds and 1 TB Greek yogurt
or 1 slice sprouted bread like Ezekiel or rye bread with 1 TB flax oil
or mixed berries with plain Greek yogurt topped with sunflower seeds
mid morning snack-pop corn or 6 crackers 1 oz low fat cheese
Lunch-Salad with protein(fish, chicken, turkey, shrimp, garbanzo beans & quinoa, edamame or 1/4 cup mixed nuts or seeds
snack-17 grapes and 1 oz low fat cheese, 1/2 oz almonds, OR 4-6oz Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup fruit
Dinner-whole grain(brown rice, quinoa, amaranth) with steamed veggies and 3 oz serving of meat, fish, or beans
or soup
or 1 sweet potato or butternut squash with steamed veggies
drink lots of water throughout the day
unlimited green tea and herbal teas
spices-Cayenne, ginger, turmeric, and garlic are great additions to any detox!
Everyone is different if you are not hungry for the snacks then wait until your next meal. I find I need my afternoon snack but everyone is different. You have to do what feels good for you. You shouldn't get hungry during this time. If you have any questions on substituting just let me know and I will try my best to find something that works for your individual needs.
I have tried to have many different meal and snack options days 3-5 which will be what your lifestyle diet should look like.
Ideas for Salad-
dark leafy greens-kale, cabbage, romaine, or spinach
grated carrot, beets, bell peppers, green onions, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds(be mindful of how much seeds you eat, it is the hardest thing for me I always want 4 servings)
beans-garbanzo, black beans, kidney beans,
lemon or lime juice, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, flax oil and olive oil mixed for the dressing
or miso dressing-3 cloves garlic, 3/4 balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup filtered water, 6 oz miso, 2 ts prepared mustard, 1/8 cup olive oil(makes 2 cups will last in the fridge for 2 weeks)
Start every day with a hot glass of water with the juice of 1 lemon
Day 1&2
Breakfast-fruit smoothie or vegetable juice w/ 1/2 scoop of protein powder or 1 TB natural peanut butter
mid morning snack-carrots & celery with 1 TB hummus
Lunch-veggie juice or salad rich with lots of green leafy veggies and added protein*
snack-apple w/ almond butter or natural peanut butter
Dinner-soup or whole grain with steamed veggies with added protein*
*these 2 days will be vegetarian...add beans(garbanzo, black beans, black eyed peas, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to your soups, steamed veggies and salads
Day 3-5
Breakfast-1 piece of fruit within 30 mins of waking-apple, pear, 1/2 grapefruit, cantaloupe
-2 eggs cooked any way, steamed spinach
or 1 bowl of oatmeal with walnuts or sunflower seeds and 1 TB Greek yogurt
or 1 slice sprouted bread like Ezekiel or rye bread with 1 TB flax oil
or mixed berries with plain Greek yogurt topped with sunflower seeds
mid morning snack-pop corn or 6 crackers 1 oz low fat cheese
Lunch-Salad with protein(fish, chicken, turkey, shrimp, garbanzo beans & quinoa, edamame or 1/4 cup mixed nuts or seeds
snack-17 grapes and 1 oz low fat cheese, 1/2 oz almonds, OR 4-6oz Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup fruit
Dinner-whole grain(brown rice, quinoa, amaranth) with steamed veggies and 3 oz serving of meat, fish, or beans
or soup
or 1 sweet potato or butternut squash with steamed veggies
drink lots of water throughout the day
unlimited green tea and herbal teas
spices-Cayenne, ginger, turmeric, and garlic are great additions to any detox!
Everyone is different if you are not hungry for the snacks then wait until your next meal. I find I need my afternoon snack but everyone is different. You have to do what feels good for you. You shouldn't get hungry during this time. If you have any questions on substituting just let me know and I will try my best to find something that works for your individual needs.
I have tried to have many different meal and snack options days 3-5 which will be what your lifestyle diet should look like.
Ideas for Salad-
dark leafy greens-kale, cabbage, romaine, or spinach
grated carrot, beets, bell peppers, green onions, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds(be mindful of how much seeds you eat, it is the hardest thing for me I always want 4 servings)
beans-garbanzo, black beans, kidney beans,
lemon or lime juice, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, flax oil and olive oil mixed for the dressing
or miso dressing-3 cloves garlic, 3/4 balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup filtered water, 6 oz miso, 2 ts prepared mustard, 1/8 cup olive oil(makes 2 cups will last in the fridge for 2 weeks)
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Buy Locally
The kids and I headed over to the Farmer's Market this morning. They had some great stuff! Cantaloupes, pears, peaches, , sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, local honey, plants and lots more. If you haven't already go down and check out Earth's Bounty and support small farmers! We didn't find any organic fruits or veggies but a small farmer uses much fewer chemicals than a big farmer you may get from the grocery. So it's a win win for everyone!
They also had a lot of great canned foods. The awesome ladies at Far Out Foods have made up some amazing food combinations that I sure wouldn't have ever thought about like Tomato & Pineapple & kiwi and lime just to name a few. They sell out fast so get there early! We stocked up today can't wait until the first of next month to see what more goodies they have in store for us.
We are heading home to see what all we can imagine up with our basket full of peaches.
Get out, breath in the fresh air and enjoy your weekend!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Smoky Black Bean Layer dip
I have followed the detox mostly today except I got coffee this morning :)))) The detox worked very well for Ambra and I! She went down a whole pant size and I lost 4 lbs. We were both starving around 2pm each day so I am going to do another detox menu mostly the same as the one this week but with more protein and afternoon snacks. We are starting back Tuesday so I will have the new menu & grocery list up by Sunday. Thank you everyone for all the support and interest!!
In the spirit of the weekend I am going to give the recipe for Layer dip I made at Nic's bday party.
Smoky Black Bean Layer Dip
Hummus-bottom layer
2 cans black beans, 3 cloves garlic, juice of 2 limes, 1/2 bunch cilantro, 3 TB sesame tahini, 4 TB olive oil, 2 TB flax oil
put all in a food processor and blend until smooth
guacamole-2nd layer
3 avocados, juice of 2 limes, 3 cloves garlic
layer 3
shredded low fat cheddar and aged cheddar
layer 4
romaine lettuce
Layer 5
tomatoes, 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro(chopped)
put in a clear 9x12 dish so everyone can see the layers
enjoy with chips or fresh veggies
In the spirit of the weekend I am going to give the recipe for Layer dip I made at Nic's bday party.
Smoky Black Bean Layer Dip
Hummus-bottom layer
2 cans black beans, 3 cloves garlic, juice of 2 limes, 1/2 bunch cilantro, 3 TB sesame tahini, 4 TB olive oil, 2 TB flax oil
put all in a food processor and blend until smooth
guacamole-2nd layer
3 avocados, juice of 2 limes, 3 cloves garlic
layer 3
shredded low fat cheddar and aged cheddar
layer 4
romaine lettuce
Layer 5
tomatoes, 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro(chopped)
put in a clear 9x12 dish so everyone can see the layers
enjoy with chips or fresh veggies
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Day 5-Final day of detox
Today is the final day of the detox. I am not going back to empty calories and packaged foods. When I started the week I felt a cold coming on but with all the hot lemon water, herbal teas, soups and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I feel great!
Issac had brought rainy, windy weather good day for herbal tea with lemon
Issac had brought rainy, windy weather good day for herbal tea with lemon
Also, a great day for a good hearty quinoa and kale soup. The kids being out of school due to the hurricane can be a good thing.
Quinoa, Kale and Leek Soup
1 TB olive oil or grapeseed oil
4 garlic cloves
1/2 onion
4 stalks of celery chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1 ts chopped ginger
handful baby carrots
1 leek chopped
cayenne pepper
water
1/2 strip kelp or kombu
2 sweet potatoes pealed and diced
2 potatoes pealed and diced
1 cup uncooked quinoa
package of frozen corn or fresh
big handful of kale
salt and pepper to taste
Saute onion until clear. About 5 mins on medium heat. Add the garlic, celery and bell pepper cook for 2 minutes. Add the ginger, carrots, leeks and cayenne pepper. Saute for about 2 mins so the spice absorbs into the vegetables.
Add the remainder of the ingredients except the kale and corn. Cook on low heat for 20 mins
Add corn and kale cook for another 10 mins.
Make sure to wash the quinoa or it will have a soapy taste. Soak the leeks and kale so there is no dirt.
You can also add other root veggies, parsnips, turnip root or fennel(this is a strong liquorice taste which I LOVE, it also helps lose fat cells
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Day 4-Addition of proteins & starches back into the diet
Today we are adding more lean proteins such as eggs, baked chicken or turkey & FISH! No fried foods, no packaged foods and no red meat. Other than that your options are endless. Well don't eat endless amounts. Keep your servings minimal about 3 oz of chicken, turkey OR fish twice a day. If you decide you are enjoying going meat free there are lots of other options such as beans, hummus, quinoa, almond butter or natural peanut butter.
We are also adding more starches, whole grain bread and sweet potatoes. Remember to check the ingredients to be sure it says "whole" wheat as the first ingredient
You can now add my favorite avocado to your salads. They are rich in fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.
As your are getting back into a world out of the detox be aware of what you eat. I use a calorie counting app on my phone it helps me not to eat another handful of nuts or a bite of my kids sandwich. If I have to write it down I am much less likely to eat something that isn't nutritious.
Keep up with your hot lemon tea in the mornings, green tea all day and lots of water
We are also adding more starches, whole grain bread and sweet potatoes. Remember to check the ingredients to be sure it says "whole" wheat as the first ingredient
You can now add my favorite avocado to your salads. They are rich in fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.
As your are getting back into a world out of the detox be aware of what you eat. I use a calorie counting app on my phone it helps me not to eat another handful of nuts or a bite of my kids sandwich. If I have to write it down I am much less likely to eat something that isn't nutritious.
Keep up with your hot lemon tea in the mornings, green tea all day and lots of water
Ambra's Quinoa Salad
Ambra's Super Quinoa Salad
Mix organic greens
kale
chopped tomato
cucumbers
fresh corn
fresh corn
shredded carrots
sesame seeds
cilantro
all topped with the super gain QUINOA!
topped with fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
topped with fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Day 3 of Detox-missing my coffee
I love my coffee all morning long. It does have some beneficial properties. But with this detox I have eliminated all caffeine and replaced it with green tea. The water needs to be hot not boiling. If the water is too hot not only does it make your tea bitter it kills some of the good stuff. Green tea speeds up your metabolism which will help you lose weight I don't know many people that wouldn't love that. It also has antioxidant properties that will help protect you against disease. It taste great with 1/2 lemon which aids in the detoxification. If you need a little sweetener I suggest honey, molasses or pure maple syrup. I love yogi tea, not only does it taste the best to me but it has nice sayings in it. Mine this morning says-"Live in your strength"
I hope everyone is enjoying the detox! I sure am I feel lighter, more energy and sleeping better.
Tomorrow if you want to take a break from breakfast fruit smoothie good alternatives are grapefruit, kiwi, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, an apple or a pear. 30 mins to an hour later you can eat a boiled egg for protein, a bowl of oatmeal(watch the sugars that are added to instant) I like steel cut oats with a little pure maple syrup, whole wheat toast with 1 TB of peanut butter.
When buying bread make sure to look on the ingredients list. The first ingredient should "whole" grain such as whole wheat, white whole wheat or whole oats.
I was thinking my salad for lunch was looking pretty good then I spotted Ambra's colorful mix of veggies and got inspired.
Ambra's Super Salad
Mix organic greens
kale
chopped tomato
cucumbers
carrots
sesame seeds
cilantro
all topped with the super gain QUINOA!
Believe in yourself!!!
I hope everyone is enjoying the detox! I sure am I feel lighter, more energy and sleeping better.
Tomorrow if you want to take a break from breakfast fruit smoothie good alternatives are grapefruit, kiwi, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, an apple or a pear. 30 mins to an hour later you can eat a boiled egg for protein, a bowl of oatmeal(watch the sugars that are added to instant) I like steel cut oats with a little pure maple syrup, whole wheat toast with 1 TB of peanut butter.
When buying bread make sure to look on the ingredients list. The first ingredient should "whole" grain such as whole wheat, white whole wheat or whole oats.
I was thinking my salad for lunch was looking pretty good then I spotted Ambra's colorful mix of veggies and got inspired.
Ambra's Super Salad
Mix organic greens
kale
chopped tomato
cucumbers
carrots
sesame seeds
cilantro
all topped with the super gain QUINOA!
Believe in yourself!!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Day 2 of Detox
It is so important to have a good support system while making any big change. I am very lucky to have great friends that want to see me be successful in this goal I have set. I am very proud of my friends that have joined me in this journey.
I have 2 suggestions to do this week. Get outside breath in the fresh air. The boys and I walked the dogs around our neighborhood lake today and yesterday. It is a good 45 min walk I feel so much better after getting out and enjoying life with the people I love most of all.
Suggestion number 2 start a compost if you don't already have one. All the fruit and veggie scraps used this week will make some mighty fine dirt in time for your spring garden. Every summer our vegetables are bigger and tastier I owe a lot of that to all the nutrients our dirt has from years of composting. You can compost almost all fruit and veggie scraps but don't put potato peals or onion in there unless you want to have plants in your dirt.
I added hummus to a snack yesterday. I was feeling like some people might need more and it's a good vegetarian source of protein.
Original Hummus
1 can garbanzo beans
1 handful parsley
2 garlic cloves
2 TB olive oil
1 TB flax oil
3 TB fresh lemon juice
2 TB sesame tahini
blend all in a food processor.
a serving is 2 TB are about 60 calories
enjoy with fresh carrots, celery, whole grain crackers, oat cakes...
Black Bean Hummus
use original ingredients but replace garbanzo beans with black beans
parsley with cilantro
lemon juice with lime juice
for the smoky black bean hummus add 1-2 chipotle peppers
Live your dreams today!!
200 views!! WOW thank you for taking the time to read and take interested in my passion!!
I have 2 suggestions to do this week. Get outside breath in the fresh air. The boys and I walked the dogs around our neighborhood lake today and yesterday. It is a good 45 min walk I feel so much better after getting out and enjoying life with the people I love most of all.
Suggestion number 2 start a compost if you don't already have one. All the fruit and veggie scraps used this week will make some mighty fine dirt in time for your spring garden. Every summer our vegetables are bigger and tastier I owe a lot of that to all the nutrients our dirt has from years of composting. You can compost almost all fruit and veggie scraps but don't put potato peals or onion in there unless you want to have plants in your dirt.
I added hummus to a snack yesterday. I was feeling like some people might need more and it's a good vegetarian source of protein.
Original Hummus
1 can garbanzo beans
1 handful parsley
2 garlic cloves
2 TB olive oil
1 TB flax oil
3 TB fresh lemon juice
2 TB sesame tahini
blend all in a food processor.
a serving is 2 TB are about 60 calories
enjoy with fresh carrots, celery, whole grain crackers, oat cakes...
Black Bean Hummus
use original ingredients but replace garbanzo beans with black beans
parsley with cilantro
lemon juice with lime juice
for the smoky black bean hummus add 1-2 chipotle peppers
Live your dreams today!!
200 views!! WOW thank you for taking the time to read and take interested in my passion!!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Day 1 of Detox :)
I woke up so excited to start the detox and have 2 of my favorite people following along with me. Thank you Summer and Ambra! Good luck this week!!
Apparently I have forgotten how overwhelming protein powder taste. I thought 1/2 scoop would be ok but not with just pineapple and mango, hard for me to stomach. If you like the taste of it rock on, but I decided to add some stronger tasting fruits. Bananas have a strong taste so I added 1/2 a banana and a handful of blueberries and strawberries frozen. Now I am enjoying it. I don't want anyone, including myself, to put anything into their bodies they don't love. If you don't like chai seeds in your drink you can get almost the same benefits with flax oil with your salad dressing. If you need any help figuring out how to replace something or want to leave the protein powder out all together I will help you find good alternatives. Such as a boiled egg or peanut butteror almond butter in your smoothie.
A really good smoothie I love is
handful parsley, 1 apple, 1/4 scoop protein powder, 2 bananas and 1 TB natural peanut butter or almond butter
after dinner edit
Today went great. I rarely make time or even think of making quinoa in the several years since the buying club ended. Well we had it for dinner tonight and might have it for dinner almost every night this week. We had quinoa, steamed carrots and cauliflower, garbanzo beans, sauted onions, shitake mushrooms and spinach in coconut oil. Sorry I had those in the fridge and I know I didn't include it in the detox. You can on the other 4 days if you like:) Shitake mushrooms contain all the 8 essential amino acids so it's a complete protein and very tasty.
Lunch was a romaine lettuce salad with carrots and toasted sunflower seeds
snacked on celery and carrots through out the day
Apparently I have forgotten how overwhelming protein powder taste. I thought 1/2 scoop would be ok but not with just pineapple and mango, hard for me to stomach. If you like the taste of it rock on, but I decided to add some stronger tasting fruits. Bananas have a strong taste so I added 1/2 a banana and a handful of blueberries and strawberries frozen. Now I am enjoying it. I don't want anyone, including myself, to put anything into their bodies they don't love. If you don't like chai seeds in your drink you can get almost the same benefits with flax oil with your salad dressing. If you need any help figuring out how to replace something or want to leave the protein powder out all together I will help you find good alternatives. Such as a boiled egg or peanut butteror almond butter in your smoothie.
A really good smoothie I love is
handful parsley, 1 apple, 1/4 scoop protein powder, 2 bananas and 1 TB natural peanut butter or almond butter
after dinner edit
Today went great. I rarely make time or even think of making quinoa in the several years since the buying club ended. Well we had it for dinner tonight and might have it for dinner almost every night this week. We had quinoa, steamed carrots and cauliflower, garbanzo beans, sauted onions, shitake mushrooms and spinach in coconut oil. Sorry I had those in the fridge and I know I didn't include it in the detox. You can on the other 4 days if you like:) Shitake mushrooms contain all the 8 essential amino acids so it's a complete protein and very tasty.
Lunch was a romaine lettuce salad with carrots and toasted sunflower seeds
snacked on celery and carrots through out the day
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Detox Menu
I have struggled in making this as simple to follow as possible with multiple options for different tastes. If this is hard to follow or understand please let me know. I am shocked how many followers we have. I am loving all the feedback! This is what I have down so far. This is my first trial in making my personal detox so trial and error. We may have to add a few things or take away as we see what works best for us. Lunch and dinner can be switched if you like your heaviest meal for lunch rather than dinner.
Good snacks are celery, carrots, green veggies you can add hummus or natural peanut butter but only 1-2 TB(servings are very important with nuts and seeds and so easy to eat more than one serving),
apples or oat cakes with natural peanut butter, smartpop popcorn, grapes or 1/2 grapefruit
Breakfast-
drink a hot glass of water with a lemon upon rising
fresh fruit smoothie with 1/2 scoop protein powder
mid-morning snack
Lunch-
Green salad or vegetable juice
Afternoon snack
Dinner-
soup or brown rice, quinoa or millet with steamed veggies
Ideas for fruit drinks
plain greek yogurt
milk(rice, soy or coconut)
fresh pineapple or strawberries
frozen mangos, berries 7/OR banana
1/2 scoop protein powder(we use Spiru-Tein or Jillian Michael's)
clear skin
Juice-
2 slices Pineapple, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 apple, 1/4 inch slice Ginger root
congestion apple cleanse
juice 2 large apples, 1/2 ts grated horseradish
Ideas for vegetable juice
(from Linda Page)
Personal Best V-8
makes 6 glasses
Juice 6-8 tomatoes(or 4 cups tomato juice) 3-4 green onions with tops, 1/2 green pepper, 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery, 1/2 bunch spinach, 1/2 bunch parsley, 2 lemons, 1 TB snipped sea greens(any kind)
add 2 ts Bragg's Liquid Aminos and 1/2 ts celery seed
Overweight Detox
juice 1 large handful dark greens like spinach, kale or parsley, 1 stalk celery with leaves, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper 1 tomato, and 1 broccoli floweret , 1 ts dry sea greens( any kind)
Skin Cleanser
Juice 1 cucumber with skin, 1/2 bunch parsley or 1 ts snipped dry sea greens(any kind) one 4 oz tub alfalfa sprouts, 3-4 springs mint
Ideas for Salad-
dark leafy greens-kale, cabbage, romaine, or spinach
grated carrot, beets, bell peppers, green onions, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds(be mindful of how much seeds you eat, it is the hardest thing for me I always want 4 servings)
beans-garbanzo, black beans, kidney beans,
lemon juice, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, flax oil and olive oil mixed for the dressing
or miso dressing-3 cloves garlic, 3/4 balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup filtered water, 6 oz miso, 2 ts prepared mustard, 1/8 cup olive oil(makes 2 cups will last in the fridge for 2 weeks)
Ideas for Soup
Hearty Soup(barley and kale)
Garlic soup
1 1/2 qt water
4 sweet potatoes
2 stalks celery
2 large bulbs garlic
1/2 ts thyme
dash oregano, cayenne, and salt to taste
Millet, squash and bean soup
1 cup aduki or black beans
1 1/2 cups millet(roast in skillet first)
4 cups water
1 piece kombu seaweed
place beans, millet, water and seaweed in a pot bring to a boil simmer covered for 30 mins
you can drink green or herbal tea, cucumber water, coconut water anytime throughout the day
good spices to add are ginger, cayenne, garlic
Good snacks are celery, carrots, green veggies you can add hummus or natural peanut butter but only 1-2 TB(servings are very important with nuts and seeds and so easy to eat more than one serving),
apples or oat cakes with natural peanut butter, smartpop popcorn, grapes or 1/2 grapefruit
Breakfast-
drink a hot glass of water with a lemon upon rising
fresh fruit smoothie with 1/2 scoop protein powder
mid-morning snack
Lunch-
Green salad or vegetable juice
Afternoon snack
Dinner-
soup or brown rice, quinoa or millet with steamed veggies
Ideas for fruit drinks
plain greek yogurt
milk(rice, soy or coconut)
fresh pineapple or strawberries
frozen mangos, berries 7/OR banana
1/2 scoop protein powder(we use Spiru-Tein or Jillian Michael's)
clear skin
Juice-
2 slices Pineapple, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 apple, 1/4 inch slice Ginger root
congestion apple cleanse
juice 2 large apples, 1/2 ts grated horseradish
Ideas for vegetable juice
(from Linda Page)
Personal Best V-8
makes 6 glasses
Juice 6-8 tomatoes(or 4 cups tomato juice) 3-4 green onions with tops, 1/2 green pepper, 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery, 1/2 bunch spinach, 1/2 bunch parsley, 2 lemons, 1 TB snipped sea greens(any kind)
add 2 ts Bragg's Liquid Aminos and 1/2 ts celery seed
Overweight Detox
juice 1 large handful dark greens like spinach, kale or parsley, 1 stalk celery with leaves, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper 1 tomato, and 1 broccoli floweret , 1 ts dry sea greens( any kind)
Skin Cleanser
Juice 1 cucumber with skin, 1/2 bunch parsley or 1 ts snipped dry sea greens(any kind) one 4 oz tub alfalfa sprouts, 3-4 springs mint
Ideas for Salad-
dark leafy greens-kale, cabbage, romaine, or spinach
grated carrot, beets, bell peppers, green onions, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds(be mindful of how much seeds you eat, it is the hardest thing for me I always want 4 servings)
beans-garbanzo, black beans, kidney beans,
lemon juice, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, flax oil and olive oil mixed for the dressing
or miso dressing-3 cloves garlic, 3/4 balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup filtered water, 6 oz miso, 2 ts prepared mustard, 1/8 cup olive oil(makes 2 cups will last in the fridge for 2 weeks)
Ideas for Soup
Hearty Soup(barley and kale)
Garlic soup
1 1/2 qt water
4 sweet potatoes
2 stalks celery
2 large bulbs garlic
1/2 ts thyme
dash oregano, cayenne, and salt to taste
Millet, squash and bean soup
1 cup aduki or black beans
1 1/2 cups millet(roast in skillet first)
4 cups water
1 piece kombu seaweed
place beans, millet, water and seaweed in a pot bring to a boil simmer covered for 30 mins
you can drink green or herbal tea, cucumber water, coconut water anytime throughout the day
good spices to add are ginger, cayenne, garlic
Day 6-Day Before the detox
Tomorrow starts the 5 day detox plan. It couldn't be coming at a better time because I feel a cold coming on as the weather is changing. The great thing about the detox is there are very few congesting/acid forming foods.
Today I started with a hot glass of lemon water, an apple and bowl of oatmeal about an hour later. I already started feeling better. Ethan(my master chef 12 yr old) and I made a good healthy soup for lunch.
Recipe for Hearty Soup:
saute 1/2 onion in 2 TB of coconut oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil
add 4 cloves minced garlic
5 chopped stalks of celery
4 chopped carrots
1 TB cayenne pepper(add more or less depending on how hot you like it)
add water
1/2 cup uncooked barley or quinoa
1 chopped sweet potato
handful chopped kale, cabbage or another green
bring to a boil
simmer for about 30-45 mins
makes 6-8 servings
All my boys loved all of it but one didn't want kale in his after he tried it he said it was good but still didn't want it in his soup so I got his. Reminded me of when I was a kid my sister hated raisins so I got all her raisins out of the Raisin Bran, the best part to me.
We made it up off the top of our heads adding stuff. I am not sure how much water we added at least 3 cups. We might have to buy some measuring cups and spoons if we continue blogging.
I have almost completed the menu plan for the detox that will begin for Ambra and myself tomorrow. Wish us luck!!! The menu will be posted later on this afternoon if you want to join us in our Fall Detox. We have a couple beginning next week. When you begin isn't important Sunday was good for us.
The shopping list was posted yesterday if you missed it.
Today I started with a hot glass of lemon water, an apple and bowl of oatmeal about an hour later. I already started feeling better. Ethan(my master chef 12 yr old) and I made a good healthy soup for lunch.
Recipe for Hearty Soup:
saute 1/2 onion in 2 TB of coconut oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil
add 4 cloves minced garlic
5 chopped stalks of celery
4 chopped carrots
1 TB cayenne pepper(add more or less depending on how hot you like it)
add water
1/2 cup uncooked barley or quinoa
1 chopped sweet potato
handful chopped kale, cabbage or another green
bring to a boil
simmer for about 30-45 mins
makes 6-8 servings
All my boys loved all of it but one didn't want kale in his after he tried it he said it was good but still didn't want it in his soup so I got his. Reminded me of when I was a kid my sister hated raisins so I got all her raisins out of the Raisin Bran, the best part to me.
We made it up off the top of our heads adding stuff. I am not sure how much water we added at least 3 cups. We might have to buy some measuring cups and spoons if we continue blogging.
I have almost completed the menu plan for the detox that will begin for Ambra and myself tomorrow. Wish us luck!!! The menu will be posted later on this afternoon if you want to join us in our Fall Detox. We have a couple beginning next week. When you begin isn't important Sunday was good for us.
The shopping list was posted yesterday if you missed it.
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