Saturday is typically our pancakes morning so adapting our traditional recipe would have been a little challenging (though not impossible). So I returned to a whole wheat recipe I have used over the past year.
PANCAKES
Here is the original. My adaptations are below:
Combine:
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. oats
1/4 c. corn meal
1/4 c. flax seed meal
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
Add:
2 c. milk alternative (I used Almond)
1 mashed banana
Stir and let sit while you heat the griddle
Cook as you normally would pancakes.
SYRUP
For the syrup I combined the following in a blender
1 banana
1/4 c orange juice
2 T dates
Blend well
Add
1/2 c.-1 c. Milk Alternative (I used Almond)
1 T Chia Seeds
Combine
Let sit while the pancakes cook. Serve generously over top (or drink :-))
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I've Been Vegucated
Netflix so kindly recommended other documentaries that would enjoy since I just watched, "Forks Over Knives". From the list I chose, "Vegucated." I made the mistake of watching it over dinner. Although I knew most of the information regarding factory farming and I am learning about the health benefits of a plant based diet, to see the reality of those types of farms was sickening. I am thankful that it's been years since we stepped off of that terrible machine to only eat locally sourced, humanely treated animals. The documentary questions whether it is humane to kill any animal when we do not need it eat that kind of food to survive.
If you are still purchasing any type, organic & free range included, of grocery store meats, eggs or dairy, I would recommend you watch this movie. You need to know and see where you food is coming from.
Four days into this project I am feeling pretty good about this choice. Jason and I have already noticed certain changes such as: we are not tired after eating, we are less tired in general (and it's not because we got more sleep!), he has lost a pound and feels less bloated, we are less hungry in between meals, the food is delicious.
On a TMI note, I thought we would all be more gassy because of all the fruits, vegetables, beans, etc but I haven't noticed it to be any different that usual.
We had 'Blueberry Dumpster Cake' last night for dessert and it was again motivating enough for the kids to devour their food. I am making veggie sushi on Friday and can't wait! It's probably going to be a mess but is should be fun!
If you are still purchasing any type, organic & free range included, of grocery store meats, eggs or dairy, I would recommend you watch this movie. You need to know and see where you food is coming from.
Four days into this project I am feeling pretty good about this choice. Jason and I have already noticed certain changes such as: we are not tired after eating, we are less tired in general (and it's not because we got more sleep!), he has lost a pound and feels less bloated, we are less hungry in between meals, the food is delicious.
On a TMI note, I thought we would all be more gassy because of all the fruits, vegetables, beans, etc but I haven't noticed it to be any different that usual.
We had 'Blueberry Dumpster Cake' last night for dessert and it was again motivating enough for the kids to devour their food. I am making veggie sushi on Friday and can't wait! It's probably going to be a mess but is should be fun!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Three days in
We are 3 days in to our 'plant based, whole foods' lifestyle change. I have been surprised by several things. First, the children are actually receptive to the change. We have told them nothing at all about it. But, they have been eating and enjoying the meals I have prepared and snacks. They were especially excited today when I made tortilla chips and the desserts have been a huge hit. None of these items contained any added sugars, fats or dairy.
Second, I have noticed fewer of my own cravings. The breakfast I crafted this morning, "Rip's Big Bowl", was a devoured by everyone and there were no requests for the cereal we typically have. I wasn't even hungry until lunch time. I usually need several snacks between breakfast and lunch to get me there. I love that you can eat as much as fills you up. My sweet husband commented that he is going to need to learn to listen to his body telling him when he is full and hungry as it feels different and the portions are larger. The kids, too, are asking for less food in between meals and amazingly enough Little E hasn't gone diving for the cheese in the fridge yet. That is usually a daily occurrence.
Third, the food I have made so far has been absolutely delicious. The Lentil Coconut Soup from last night was so good we all remarked on it's tastiness :-) The post just prior to this has the meal plan that I came up with for the whole week. I linked most of the recipes to it so you could follow along, too.
I was worried we'd never get through the next eight weeks but I don't think it is going to be a problem now. We watched the extended interviews on Forks Over Knives today. The documentary clarified a few questions that I had. I have also been reading extensively. Trying to wrap my head around a new way of eating, cooking and planning for meal. We have eaten A LOT of bananas recently but that may change as I figure out recipes and plan differently.
I hope you will join me and post your comments, too!
Second, I have noticed fewer of my own cravings. The breakfast I crafted this morning, "Rip's Big Bowl", was a devoured by everyone and there were no requests for the cereal we typically have. I wasn't even hungry until lunch time. I usually need several snacks between breakfast and lunch to get me there. I love that you can eat as much as fills you up. My sweet husband commented that he is going to need to learn to listen to his body telling him when he is full and hungry as it feels different and the portions are larger. The kids, too, are asking for less food in between meals and amazingly enough Little E hasn't gone diving for the cheese in the fridge yet. That is usually a daily occurrence.
Third, the food I have made so far has been absolutely delicious. The Lentil Coconut Soup from last night was so good we all remarked on it's tastiness :-) The post just prior to this has the meal plan that I came up with for the whole week. I linked most of the recipes to it so you could follow along, too.
I was worried we'd never get through the next eight weeks but I don't think it is going to be a problem now. We watched the extended interviews on Forks Over Knives today. The documentary clarified a few questions that I had. I have also been reading extensively. Trying to wrap my head around a new way of eating, cooking and planning for meal. We have eaten A LOT of bananas recently but that may change as I figure out recipes and plan differently.
I hope you will join me and post your comments, too!
Weekly Menu for Plant Based Whole Foods Diet
Here is the manu plan that I have come up with. Click the links to see the recipes:
I am not quite finished with this but you can see where I have started to get an idea. We had the Lentil Coconut soup last night with RAVE reviews from the kids, same with the Rip's Bowl for breakfast. Looking forward to these meals!
I am not quite finished with this but you can see where I have started to get an idea. We had the Lentil Coconut soup last night with RAVE reviews from the kids, same with the Rip's Bowl for breakfast. Looking forward to these meals!
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
| Breakfast | Pumpkin Quinoa | Oatmeal | Breakfast Bars | Musli | Rip's Bowl | Friday | Saturday |
| Mid Morning Snack | Apples and PB | Enfrijoladas | Power Balls | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Lunch | Leftovers | Leftovers | Bean Burritos | Hummus Sandwich with Veggies | Leftovers | Friday | Leftovers |
| Afternoon Snack | Hummus and pita | Chips and Salsa | Popcorn | Rice Cakes & Dip | Nut Chips | Friday | Saturday |
| Dinner | Lentil and Coconut Soup | Rice Corn & Avocado Salad | Very Veggie Chili | Rice Salad with Fennel, Oranges & Chickpeas | Cuban Black Bean Soup & Cous Cous | Sushi, SpinachSalad, Noodles | Potato Enchiladas |
| Dessert | Banana Ice Cream | Pumpkin Pudding | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
Saturday, February 2, 2013
We Watched Forks Over Knives
Today, my family and I watched Forks Over Knives. The movie had been recommended to us by several friends and I finally had the chance to sit down and watch it. I have watched many food movies at this point and read many food books. Mostly, my perspective on food issues has been to answer the following questions: What is the impact of food production on the environment? Is the food safe for our bodies? To date, I have been able to sustain my beliefs as a locavore but watching the Forks Over Knives documentary has changed my perspective yet again.
I would highly recommend you watch it. The movie promotes a plant based whole foods diet. They provide research which supports the belief that this type of diet provides for a healthy, well balanced life-style and lowers an individuals risk of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. If you have Netflix, you can check the movie out there or your local library.
With strong evidence of the veracity of this life-style change from a close friend, we decided to try it out. Our goal is to eat a plant-based whole foods diet for the next eight weeks and then have a physical exam to see if there are any changes. My husband is on the verge of high cholesterol and is not at his personal ideal weight. I had had high blood pressure at my last appointment, my bad cholesterol is high and I often feel tired. I hope that the changes we are about to make will help.
I still have a fridge full of food that I am not going to let go to waste so I will incorporate those items in small amounts as we make the transition. But, tonight we had Enfrijoladas and a big green salad with avacados, tomatoes and sunflower seeds. We decided that the only way this would work would be if the whole family were doing it so the kids ate the food, too. Little E (3.5) devoured the two bowls of salad and almost her entire entree. Little M (5) had three bowls of salad and half of her entree and Little J(7) ate only half of his entree but I feel like we are off to a great start.
I am making a meal plan for the week with breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks identified throughout the day since this will be a new way of cooking and eating. I will have to ditch my 'go-to' recipes and foods. I am excited though as I do enjoy trying new things. Looking forward to how this adventure unfolds. I'll do my best to bring you along with it!
I would highly recommend you watch it. The movie promotes a plant based whole foods diet. They provide research which supports the belief that this type of diet provides for a healthy, well balanced life-style and lowers an individuals risk of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. If you have Netflix, you can check the movie out there or your local library.
With strong evidence of the veracity of this life-style change from a close friend, we decided to try it out. Our goal is to eat a plant-based whole foods diet for the next eight weeks and then have a physical exam to see if there are any changes. My husband is on the verge of high cholesterol and is not at his personal ideal weight. I had had high blood pressure at my last appointment, my bad cholesterol is high and I often feel tired. I hope that the changes we are about to make will help.
I still have a fridge full of food that I am not going to let go to waste so I will incorporate those items in small amounts as we make the transition. But, tonight we had Enfrijoladas and a big green salad with avacados, tomatoes and sunflower seeds. We decided that the only way this would work would be if the whole family were doing it so the kids ate the food, too. Little E (3.5) devoured the two bowls of salad and almost her entire entree. Little M (5) had three bowls of salad and half of her entree and Little J(7) ate only half of his entree but I feel like we are off to a great start.
I am making a meal plan for the week with breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks identified throughout the day since this will be a new way of cooking and eating. I will have to ditch my 'go-to' recipes and foods. I am excited though as I do enjoy trying new things. Looking forward to how this adventure unfolds. I'll do my best to bring you along with it!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Ban On Soda
This article is thought provoking http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-ban.html. New York city health department has banned the sale of soda and sugary drinks larger than 16 oz. I ignored the comment about us being able to make our own choices and this being a restriction on our own abilities to make good choices. Why? Because as a society we are largely not making good food choices.
I think there is a growing population of people who are interested in food, it's affect on our bodies and where it comes from. But, many, many people are still in the dark. Because the options are big, bigger and biggest for soda they forget that there ever was a small size and it is not even an option to order it. I find it impossible to get my children a reasonably sized drink while out to eat because even milk is served in 16 oz cups at some restaurants! We usually go for splitting this between all three kids or opting for water instead. 2 c. of milk is a lot of milk for one child at a meal. Imagine if that were completely empty calories.
I am not morally in favor of more laws but it seems we as a society need a jump start on making better decisions and railing against the marketing industry that is hell bent on selling more of what is bad for us.
I think there is a growing population of people who are interested in food, it's affect on our bodies and where it comes from. But, many, many people are still in the dark. Because the options are big, bigger and biggest for soda they forget that there ever was a small size and it is not even an option to order it. I find it impossible to get my children a reasonably sized drink while out to eat because even milk is served in 16 oz cups at some restaurants! We usually go for splitting this between all three kids or opting for water instead. 2 c. of milk is a lot of milk for one child at a meal. Imagine if that were completely empty calories.
I am not morally in favor of more laws but it seems we as a society need a jump start on making better decisions and railing against the marketing industry that is hell bent on selling more of what is bad for us.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
To the Test
Today was the first real opportunity for the decision my family has made to change our food choices to be put to the test. For several weeks now my husband and I have been discussing the decision to put into action throughout our lives the choices we have made about the food we eat at home.
At home we eat only meats that were grass fed, pastured and raised locally and ethically. We do our best to choose meats that were not fed corn unless that is their preferred diet. That means our chickens forage, our cows eat grass and our pigs do not live in a building with hundreds of other pigs suffering. At home, our fruit, veggies and honey comes from the farms in our local area. We eat very little processed food and our milk comes in glass bottles only 15 miles from our home. It is a great way to eat.
But prior to a few weeks ago, we still ate meat while we were out. Meat that did not follow our food rules and relied on the corn industry that we are opposed to. So, while field corn is withering across the mid west we have made the decision to align our true selves with our eating out selves. We are going vegetarian unless we know our meat.
So, today was the first time we ate out that didn't involve a cheese pizza :-) I love Panera and when my favorite local places are not available, I often choose it next. I understand that I could ask for most items without the meat but I was surprised to find very few vegetarian options. I had the tomato soup and mac & cheese. My husband, eating out at a separate restaurant 60 miles away, also chose vegetarian. It was hard. But I am so proud of the choices we have made.
I know that over the next twelve months it will be difficult to explain these choices to friends and family. Especially, those who know us as carnivores. And certainly meat is not off the table at home. Additionally, we are not looking to offend anyone with our choice. But, I think once we bridge that 1 year mark we will know how to do it.
Until then, many of my tried and true 'go to' fast dinner options - like keilbasa, lunch meats or Chik-Fil-A are no longer options and meals will involve more planning to get used to these new rules, but I think we can get the hang of it. I know we are in good company with other Locavores out there.
Until next time, eat well!
At home we eat only meats that were grass fed, pastured and raised locally and ethically. We do our best to choose meats that were not fed corn unless that is their preferred diet. That means our chickens forage, our cows eat grass and our pigs do not live in a building with hundreds of other pigs suffering. At home, our fruit, veggies and honey comes from the farms in our local area. We eat very little processed food and our milk comes in glass bottles only 15 miles from our home. It is a great way to eat.
But prior to a few weeks ago, we still ate meat while we were out. Meat that did not follow our food rules and relied on the corn industry that we are opposed to. So, while field corn is withering across the mid west we have made the decision to align our true selves with our eating out selves. We are going vegetarian unless we know our meat.
So, today was the first time we ate out that didn't involve a cheese pizza :-) I love Panera and when my favorite local places are not available, I often choose it next. I understand that I could ask for most items without the meat but I was surprised to find very few vegetarian options. I had the tomato soup and mac & cheese. My husband, eating out at a separate restaurant 60 miles away, also chose vegetarian. It was hard. But I am so proud of the choices we have made.
I know that over the next twelve months it will be difficult to explain these choices to friends and family. Especially, those who know us as carnivores. And certainly meat is not off the table at home. Additionally, we are not looking to offend anyone with our choice. But, I think once we bridge that 1 year mark we will know how to do it.
Until then, many of my tried and true 'go to' fast dinner options - like keilbasa, lunch meats or Chik-Fil-A are no longer options and meals will involve more planning to get used to these new rules, but I think we can get the hang of it. I know we are in good company with other Locavores out there.
Until next time, eat well!
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