Always exploring

  So I have been busy trying new recipes and I thought I would share some of my new favorites.The picture from the top is Chickpea burgers with Tahini sauce and are from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau new book "The 30 day Vegan Challenge" on page 164.The recipe is posted on Fat Free Vegan Kitchen if you want to check it out. I really enjoyed reading her new book and I am still in training and exploring new things to cook with.I would highly recommend this new book. It's easy to read, amazing recipes and Colleen  helps explain all the myths of being vegan. Back to these little Burger delights. They are fabulous the next day broken in half and put in a greek style wrap. For a burger no sauce 3 points.No cholesterol and 1/2 tsp of salt in the recipe.It's full of fiber and protein.Super yummy!!! Check these guys out.

  Picture two is the recipe I did last night.OMG so awesome!!!! Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas from Decembers Vegetarian Times.Sweet mother... these were so good.I changed the cheese it called for queso fresco ( I had to google that one).I wanted John to try so I just added some Mexican Cheese instead.I could have tried it with Daiya brand cheese but I'm still "leaning" .They are fabulous the next day.I had them with Tofutti Sour Cream, it was my first time trying it and I will most definitely switch my sour cream(no cholesterol) .John had it too and he really liked this recipe!! One big serving was 5 points.I will make these again and I will not be shy about sharing these with company.

 Picture 3 is a " I would highly recommend". The two new Vegetarian Times I have picked up recently have been outstanding.If you want some new veggie ideas, Holiday ideas for easy cookies or perhaps one veggie dish to try this season- buy the new December issue!!!! It is worth every penny.The healthy soup and stews is another.It is earmarked for some recipes this week.I have so many recipes I want to try I am a little overwhelmed.

  The last mouth watering find.Fatburgers..veggie burger.Who knew that these were so amazing.Clearly this will be my new burger place.This burger was just amazing!!  Go try one.

 To end on a update note I am finding Weight Watchers and being veggie no problem. ( hopefully they fix the tracker on the ipad soon) I am learning a ton and I have lost 4 pounds so far.That is with very limited physical activity.I'd say that is pretty fabulous. I did buy myself a pre Christmas gift..The new Sporks Sisters cookbook.I will have to do ALOT of cooking with all my books and magazines.I will continue to share my advegture with you and take pictures of some of the outcomes. Happy holidays everyone.Take time to slow down and enjoy friends, family and the warmth of Christmas!!

Travel Time

 

     So we are going on an a real adventure.My first journey travelling since going Veg.It's a little scary. I have had to do some investigating and come up with a plan. Without a plan I could end up hungry and make a mistake I would rather not make.( The other night I was hungry and I ordered a veggie pizza with no cheese and the boys their regulars.I was so hungry the smell hit me and all I wanted was the pizza they were having.I made myself go eat mine. I felt great not giving in but, it was hard.Because I was hungry!!!) I'm glad this happened before we are going away because it taught me I CANNOT have nothing on hand.And vacation is the one time you're hungry, not home and mistakes are easier to brush off " Oh I'm on vacation". I have come too far and I feel so good not eating meat that I will not make that mistake!! So I've been researching and I will be doing some vacation shopping.
  Vegan backpacker has some great travel ideas on her blog. She talks about iPhone apps Happy Cow and Veg Out. I will add these apps to our iPhone.She talks about the importance of having snacks on hand. Since we are at hotels all week this will be very important.I also am putting a link to hol-fit she has a great video on travelling and she has a small child.She shows what she travels with and provides some great tips.
  So I am going to bring my new backpack cooler that I scored at a garage sale.It will be easy to take and I can use it on some of our outings that we have planned.Maybe a small blanket, travel wipes,plastic spoons and forks.One of my biggest hurdles is bringing snacks I like and will eat.I have really great intentions sometimes:) So I'm off to make a list and some purchases in the next couple of days...apples,bananas,Starbucks instant coffee, hummus, veggies, crackers, nut and dried fruit bags.Some suggestions are energy bars but, I haven't tried any yet and don't want to waste my money.I am also going to our health food store where I've seen individual Vega protein powder mixes, I figure that would be a great idea.I am looking forward to the challenge of this trip.I will share ideas and challenges and a few things I've learned along the way when I get back.I am looking forward to enjoying this summer and Happy July everyone!!

update

  So maybe your wondering how is this advegture going? I have made some great progress and I am stumbling in others. This is a huge learning curve for me and a big lifestyle change.In one week I have been at this for 5 months.I am VERY proud of myself and I know this is the right fit for me.

    So what is working:

  Not one piece of chicken, red meat or fish in 5 months.I can honestly say I still don't miss it.I was wondering if it might happen but, nope there is no desire.I have had moments where the smell of certain things makes me pause but, I keep on going.It really helps that veggie food is wonderfully fast.Thank goodness!

  I NEVER in a million years thought I would look forward to a salad.I can EAT THEM AS MEALS.Who would have thought of it??? Eat a salad as your main meal..before I would have thought LOCO.

  Frozen Gardein meals...I Love these new Chipotle Lime Crispy Fingers.They are so easy when I get home late.

  My new treadmill~ It lets me run a bit and I am smitten.It  is so nice to be able to do something consistently.

  Yoga~ what am amazing difference.I am craving the flexibility it is giving me but it also is teaching me to calm down and breathe.I need to do that alot.I use the time after to sit and meditate for 5 minutes. I will be increasing the time slowly.

  Learning to go without and make changes.I CAN have pizza but, it has veggies and no dairy.It is really good.No I can't have food at ALMOST ALL fast food places.(Which is not a bad thing) I can find places where I can get some things.If I can't I go home.

 My skin looks way better,my digestion system is in heaven I NEVER have stomach problems anymore.My energy is the most consistent it has been in 6 years.My blood pressure has not gone above normal.I tend to react with less intensity than I would have in the past...I don't get as wound up. These are some of the big things for me and they are why I continue on this journey.

  Some of my challenges:

  Motivation~ Right now it is motivation to make some new and exciting recipes.(hence no pictures lately)My food has been processed and fast way too much. This I have to get back on track.

   Vacation~ it's going to be hard.I HAVE to plan snacks and come up with some great road trip solutions.Then maybe research some restaurant ideas for myself.At least some vegetarian ideas.Then feel as confident about my choices away from home.Yikes!! I will share some of my thoughts and ideas in a travel post before I go.

  I have been indulging in dairy, bits and pieces here and there.I know that to keep my veins and heart healthy this has to go.This is my next step.I will tackle that one when we come home.It will be the second half of my year goal.

  This one most people will relate too.Stop doing the things that drive me crazy.Those habits that we beat ourselves up for and can't conquer.I CAN CONQUER ANYTHING!!!! I have left the meat in the dust now it's time to be brave and get rid on some of the things that control my world.Sugar and coffee.That's right it is time to say bye bye and hello new world.There are SO MANY different food and drinks that are way better for me.Hello herb teas,H2O and fruit.So starting tomorrow I will be blogging and crying about my brave new world.

  Well I'm off to the Blog world to do some catching up.So I hope everyone is well and trying one meat free meal a week!! Chow for now!!

nights and days

  So I haven't posted in a couple of days. I was working and cleaning my house (I would much rather be blogging).BUT, I did take some pictures of my "advegtures" the past couple of days so I thought I would share.
  I have been making some quick meals.I just want to show everyone how easy vegan cooking is.

  So stuffed peppers are my go to meal.They are easy and I can make extra for lunches.For this one I did basmati rice,kale,chick peas,green onions,kalamta olives,and some lemon juice.I just mix,stuff the peppers and they go in the oven at 350 for about half hour.I do cover them in tin foil so the rice doesn't get hard.(This was one of my learning curves:) I just check to see if the pepper is slightly tender to the touch if not pop it in for a bit longer.

  Stir Fried rice-I keep a big batch of rice on hand in the fridge for those " I need something fast" moments.So this one I just looked in the fridge and asked which veggies did I want.So in went mushrooms,snow peas,green onions,and I had left over tofu from the night before.Then I just toss in the rice to warm it up and put a little Bragg's on top.It was so yummy!!

  The last picture is from the day that my sister came over with her girls and Japanese exchange student Misaki, we did our Easter eggs together.I had taken a Vegetarian Canadian Living cookbook out of the library.This was super great and I got to use some of my fresh Rosemary.Yippee!! This one had tomatoes,rosemary and balsamic roasted in the oven.Then you add kalamata olives and fresh basil.It was wonderful and fresh. The best thing was I was spending time with my sister and picking her culinary brain.She went to culinary school so I thought who better to teach me some knife skills.She also showed me how to depit those olives WAY faster.So there in the afternoon I was learning,laughing and spending time with someone I love.It can't get any better than that.

   My next post is going to be about a wonderful women who teaches raw food courses in town.I had her come to my house and teach my family about smoothies and juicing.So stay tuned.I am going to leave with a  YouTube video.It's two sister that are vegan and they are so bloody cute.They talk about what you should have in your pantry.I really enjoyed it and they were so excited to share.So enjoy and Happy Easter!!

3 month results!!

  And here it is the post we all have been waiting for (okay me).My 3 month results.I was REALLY nervous.I kept thinking what if the results are going to be depressing!!Scales can control my entire day..if I feel good or bad. I had to think that weight loss was NEVER the reason I wanted to do this( I was hoping though).So this post is going to be about numbers, how I feel and where I am going.

So first the numbers:
    My weight is down 11 pounds.It has been this for about 4 weeks.I have plateaued so I did make the decision that I HAVE to be more consistent in my workouts.

   I ALWAYS measure in inches because the scale may not move but,your body mass still will.I am a firm believer in this. So I really struggled what to share-but you all have been there for the journey so far.So what the heck. .I think waist measurements were my biggest mover.Okay I measured my waist in three different spots...smallest part of the waist was 35 now 31.5  ( -3.5)at my belly button was  39 and now 34.5 (-4.5) at my c-section scar was 40.5 now 39 (-1.5) hips was 45  now 43.75  (-1.25)

I was really happy with my numbers I do have some work to do but, the focus was changing the food the past three months.

So blood pressure.This is the one that made me wake up.I had high blood pressure in my pregnancy so the odds were very high that it would always haunt me.Add the genes into that equation and I couldn't bury my head in the sand any longer.I have heard this saying alot recently "Genes are the gun but, food is the trigger". I knew from my research that I could make the blood pressure go down with food alone.My blood pressure in January when I knew that it wouldn't get better without changing something was  132/87 -not super high but it had stayed consistently there for a while.And this was a worry.This morning I did it and it was......................115/78 how crazy is that??? Frigin awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping for the normal 120/80.Never thinking that it would be below 120.Fantastic!!!This has made me one happy lady.( and just to note when I was at my healthiest is was always 120/80..never this awesome)

  So how do I feel....
AWAKE...I can't even tell everyone how tired and blah I felt before doing this.I feel energetic and I want to do things.Not lay on the couch or feel like I am pulling a freight train at three o'clock in the afternoon.I knew a plant based diet would suit me.I just never thought that I would feel so good.I WANT to get up in the morning I don't feel like crying when Josh gets up at 6.Seriously~ I would read that people would feel better and I would think how can that be?Now I know!!
    I have less highs and lows.There have been times of stress or anger.But to be honest I don't feel as weepy and angry. I feel stronger!!
    One thing I DON"T feel..deprived.I honestly thought this would be WAY harder. Giving up what has been on my plate at EVERY meal !! I thought that giving it up would be so difficult.On any diet in the past I have always missed something.Like it was a sacrifice and I would want it for my cheat meal.Then I would just end up eating it again.It totally blows me away that "I DON"T MISS ANIMAL PROTEINS!"


So where do I go from here.... I am a big believer in goals.I think the mind can accomplish so much.And I can be honest and feel confident when I say " I know this is only going to get better!!"

  I found this cute little summer L.L Bean dress for 10.00 at the Hospice House resale store last week.It's an eight.That is my next 3 month goal.For those that know me I carry my weight in the hips and thighs.I need to lose 4 inches off my hips.That is going to require consistency and some hard work on my part.Lots of walking and considering my hip flexor injury last year where I couldn't even walk a block last spring.I am going to enjoy being outside and not take for granted that I am so blessed I can get outside.Lots of walking lunges-yikes- and legs workouts.
   Continue trying new recipes and different cultural foods.I am loving trying new things and for the first time I want to try even if it doesn't turn out.I want to do some baking.I have some recipes lined up.
   Get even better with fruits and veggies.Right now I am consuming at least a minimum of eight a day.Now considering a few months ago I would have thought "Did I consume any today at all?" That is spectacular!!
    The next 3 months I will go to the doctors and have my B12 and iron levels checked.I also will share my cholesterol levels. I don't have one now but I want to know where they are.
  Get my grocery bills down.Continue to plan and get better at not storing so much.Buy more frequently.This is going to be hard for me as I shop for 2 weeks.But, I need more fresh items.So this will be an experiment.



 So this has been remarkable for me and I will continue on this path.I hope to get my guys eating more plant based foods.Honestly though I had to get me on board first and this will trickle down to them.I hope you will be inspired to try something new or check out a blog.Before I started this I was not willing to change.I am feeling like a new person and for the first time in a long time I feel like I can make changes and not falter.I think anyone can make these changes and I NEVER would have thought it was possible.Now I KNOW it is!!!

Some of my favorite things

  Look out Oprah here I come!!!( If you could hear right now~ their would be evil laughter).So I promised in my previous post to share some fun and interesting finds from the past few weeks.

                         It was fast (but cooked a bit slower so the whole thing heats right through...see I'm learning) I liked the taste and I just had it with some rice.These meals are great in a pinch.

  Now these are dangerous.My sister said to try them.These are super delicious!!! I have to portion them or I could get carried away...okay I did get carried away.So next time I won't bring the whole bag with me.

  This was such a great pizza.The caramelized onion.Super good!!

  Basil..oh how I love thee!!! This little beauty has been in alot of recipes lately and I am in love!!!

 This was worth the $7.00 I paid.I would never have known that this was not dairy.It's tiny and mighty!!!

 Cinnamon-I have just added this to my shakes.I learned from hol-fit blog that 1 tsp of this beauty adds 1.4 grams of fibre and iron and calcium.(I KNOW-CRAZY!!) It's an amazing antioxidant and keeps the blood sugars under control.On hol-fit blog she also taught me the fire hydrant push up.Wow- it's effective.She has a great blog and lots of information.

I am going to end with -hopefully-attaching a YouTube presentation of Colleen Patrick-Goudrue making bacon tempeh.I thought it was great and I will be making that soon.

  So these are just a few things that I have recently added to my life.I have enjoyed them! I was really glad to find a ice cream replacement it was one of the few dairy product I was really missing.I am learning with so many blogs out there that people really want to share.So seek out the information and someone will let you know what they think or what their experience has been.
  
  In one week I have been eating darn close to Vegan for 3 months.So next week I am going to post my "How it's going so far".I am so excited!!

Eating veg is so beautiful and full of life!

  So what do I eat?

  Well I can show you today...I took some pictures.

   
So this is breakfast...does it look weird?That's because it's the ingredients for my morning shake, I put them on a plate for a picture this morning.Starting at the bottom- 1Tbsp of gorgeous ground flax seeds( I grind them in the coffee grinder every couple of days and store them in the freezer) 1 scoop of protein powder( Last payday I replaced my Whey Protein with Genuine Health Vegan proteins,pricey but I like it.I think it will last me a month.I have a shake every morning and John and Josh have them with me sometimes.)1/2 a banana(I am always able to freeze some as they start to turn.I like them a little sweeter when they go brown)1/2 a cup of spinach( I just started adding this and you don't even notice it-seriously!)the best fruit ever...frozen blueberries usually I do about 3/4 of a cup.All these ingredients go for a spin in the blender with water(the water goes over the ingredients).Super yummy and it keeps me filled up to lunch.

 And my leftover Red Lentil Stew for lunch from the other night.

   Then this was dinner...it was FANTASTIC!!! This was ANOTHER successful recipe from The Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.( I am SO getting her baking book )Her dish is the one on the right...Sauteed Broccoli Rabe with olives and toasted pine nuts-pg 135.This was excellent! The only thing I have to do differently is steam the broccoli rabe for less time.Prepping and cutting still takes me a bit longer.So it steamed a bit to long...but it was SO flavourful.
  My mushrooms were crying to be eating so I did 1 tsp of olive oil,chopped 1 shallot(I sauteed for about 3 minutes until they went clear..I have learned that this is a good saute look for them),about 10 mushrooms(sauteed with shallots for a further 5 minutes).I then added....2 tbsp of red wine(I was thinking of my friend Erin when I made these) and 1 clove of minced garlic and let that simmer until wine was reduced. I added a glass of wine to my dinner and oh my...so very delicious!!!

   My glasses and plates were filled with colour and life today.They were all filling and helped with cravings.So a 85% Vegan day.I had wine which I learned has animal by products in the finishing stages (thank you JL goes Vegan!!a red wine lover herself).So I will be searching for some great Vegan wines in our town.I am sure they are out there. I will share my wine findings when I am able to do some foot work.Without Josh- who thinks Liquor stores are Wine stores thanks to me and his Aunty Maura.That's my boy:)

My greatest struggle so far....Timmy's large dble dble's.I have them at work and they have cream.This is my main battle and I figure that is not to shabby.

So off to Morocco tonight..just a short trip!

  Well I experienced my first Moroccan "advegture" tonight.And darn it .....it was TASTY! So this recipe was from The Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick Goudreau.It is called Red Lentil Artichoke Stew on page 70.It was very flavourful,it had a hit of heat(crushed red pepper flakes) and the spices made it so exotic.I thought I would like this recipe because of the artichokes and it didn't disappoint.I put it over basmati rice and a glass of red wine.It will be lunch for a couple of days and I am looking forward to it tomorrow.

blog I have to share

  I found a blog this morning that I loved.JL goes Vegan(I can't seem to link properly..I'm still learning) she is a wonderful inspiration,athlete and of course Vegan.I liked the way she writes and she has some great bean recipes,loves wine and changed her life all after forty.I like stories like hers.Just thought I would put it out there and if your interested check her out.She is on Facebook too! let me know what you think?

I went to Thailand last night!

 So last night I tried a new recipe.The boys wanted pizza (It smelled good but,I didn't miss it)So I ventured into unknown territory..Thai cooking.

   The recipe is from The Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.It's Pad Thai on page 26.It was easy to make.It did require a bit of prep work..like getting the sauce done,tofu fried,noodles softened,veggies cut and steamed.But, it was worth all the dishes I had to wash after.I have enough leftovers for lunch today and John took some to work.In all I would make this recipe again in a heartbeat.I even took a picture.
  

Vegan check in!

  So it's been a little over two months since I started my journey into a plant based diet.I thought I would share some of my thoughts on my adventure so far.

  1  I don't miss animal products..at all! This has shocked me.I keep waiting for some craving to hit.NONE.That is "Sweet"!!
  2  There is a whole world of foods I have never tried.It's been quite an eye opener and I have been enjoying alot of new foods.(Kale,tofu,beans,legumes,soybeans) I just was uneducated about what to do with these foods.I am trying to think of a plant based  foods as my "new hobby".
 3  I have more energy.I wake up ready for the day.Usually I wake up thinking I can't wait to go to sleep again or do I have to get up.John has asked me how I feel and honestly "I feel amazing."I feel awake and like my body is working better.It sounds weird but,that's how I feel.
4  There is alot of information out there on how great a plant based diet is and the control to make sure we DON"T get this information.There is alot of money to be made from us consuming animals products.Get the information for yourself.Then we all need to work on our kids.They are the ones that are going to pay for our diets in the long run. 1 of EVERY 3 children born after the year 2000 will get diabetes.How shocking is that!
5  The China Study is a pretty amazing book.T. Colin Campbell is honest and refreshing.His issues with failing health in America and the base of it being nutrition.I hope some of you will read it.I got it from the library.It was worth every minute of my time.( I was not paided any money for this review.lol)
6  There are some awesome blogs out there!!!I am going to start my own blog roll. They are amazing and must be shared.
7  You can find any recipe you want on the web...today I made Ooey Gooey apple crisp from a blog called -Yeah,that "Vegan" Shit- I had to check it out for the name alone. .It was very good and gooey!!http://yeahthatveganshit.blogspot.com/2006/10/ooey-gooey-apple-crisp.html
8  Groceries are expensive...fruit and veggies are astronomical.This I have got to work on.
9  Friends and family will support you.They may not want to do what you are doing but, they are curious.All in all I have found everyone very interested and asking questions."Why are you doing this" is the most popular.lol.But, I'm okay with that. It is something I feel great doing and I don't mind answering questions and trying to find some answers.
10  That I am willing to try some new things..some Raw courses from stronghealth.ca and baking some bread this summer at Red Rooster Artisan's Bread.How fun!!

   Overall I am really happy with the place I am in right now and I am looking forward to learning more.

PS I watched a documentary I found at the library this weekend.It's called Chow Down.The cartoons are a little annoying.But it's from Caldwell B. Esselstyn and it had T Colin Campbell in it. Two of my favorite doctors in America for changing and reversing diseases in America.It was really good to watch the two men and 1 women in it and see them talk about how they changed there heart diseases with nutrition(She was doing the nutrition to change her diabetes).I liked that they included their families and talked about the realities of making such a HUGE change.It's a really easy and nice show to watch.I can't wait to watch my Kickstart program on PVR tonight.

Kickstart program on PBS

   Today on Facebook I found out Neal Baynard "Kickstart-21 day vegan program" is going to be on PBS.How cool is that! I will post the time and date.For us BC people it is next week.So I set up my PVR.(love that thing)If anyone one else wants to watch it would could post our comments on here after.Who's in?? Come on!!
  So I have been doing no meat,chicken,eggs,cheese for a month now.I still am working on the cream in my coffee and have had some baked items that I know have dairy.But,in all I am very proud of my progress.
     There have been a few "human moments"(that is what I am going to call them) First the cheese.Last week I was grating cheese for the boys.And I totally from habit stuck some in my mouth.I proceeded to spit it out.(Thank goodness John wasn't home he would have been baffled.)The dog on the other hand was very thankful.I had worked so hard up to that point and I didn't want to spoil it. It was so funny.One second in and the next second out.Nice picture I painted for everyone.
   My other human moment was quite literally standing in my kitchen not having a clue what to make for myself.I had a wonderful positive talk and decided I had to try the tofu.It was scaring me all week,I did not know what to do with it.lol. So I jumped in.I drained out the water like some of the other blogs have said, and squished it with paper towels.I stir fried it with shallots(I love shallots..I always forget to buy them,they are so cute)broccoli and mushrooms.Yummy! And so simple.
   Last night I made pasta with a tomato sauce.In the tomato sauce I put olives,garlic,sundried tomatoes and RED LENTILS.Yes.. I did it with red lentils.John looked at it and asked me if it was "special recipe" and I said "yes,you said you would try".He didn't complain and he took some for lunch.I am guessing it was okay.I really liked it.
   Everything is going great and it's just about time to GROCERY shop again.Yikes!So I have started my shopping list and I am going to need a menu plan.I love reading other blogs about being vegan and I came across Stephanie's it's http://www.newly-vegan.com/.She talks alot about her new adventure but,I really like that she talks about her food budget.

  I am getting tired of winter and I am looking forward to spring.I have been walking alot more again.I just can't wait for green I miss it and flowers.Sigh!!

Concerns and solutions

With me reading and digesting so much information over the past few weeks I have some growing concerns.

Being to pushy?
I have so much fun,interesting and ugly information right now.How much do I share?What do I share?Will it make people uncomfortable?Reading "The China Study" has made me want to share more information and plant based foods with my husband and son.I did bring this up and John has been open and supportive.But when does it become annoying?(I am SURE he will share that with me.lol) Last night he wanted to know where he could find the veg foods in the store-it surprised and delighted me.The more I read the more I want us to be strong and healthy in our later years together and this made me happy.So I will share and I guess if YOU want to know more YOU will go there yourself.

Will I get dinner invites?
  This is a big freaky situation...Seriously,I get some amazing dinners from friends and family.But, will this freak them out? Will it challenge people? Will it push me to do better at finding something I can bring to dinners,lunches and breakfasts.I 'll keep you posted.

Can I communicate my goals without getting flustered?
  When I get challenged I can't think of all the great things I am learning.I know alot but, can I speak it intelligently without drawing a blank.Like the questions I get...will I get enough protein?What kinds of food am I eating?Why..vegan?Good questions and I have great answers.But, when someone is challenging me can I articulate that?I guess I will find out.

Can I make a difference?
 I sure hope so.I have a five year old.I want him to be healthy and have a great environment,the way we are eating now is not sustainable.I do think as a mom I have to make some choices now to make him strong and so he can make great choices for himself.I want to make conscious choices about where and how his food is produced and where it comes from.I don't think factory farming and filling our meats with hormones is a good decision on ANY level.I think we have to demand changes.Processed foods are so far removed from any real foods-I want better foods!I talk to friends and family and we want changes to our food industry-so lets start voting with our wallets and demanding some changes.I know I am!

Real foods are going to get more expensive!
  Really!! "What the What"as Tina Fey's character from 30 Rock would say.I have been complaining and talking and most of us are saying the same things.Groceries are expensive.And now it's going to get worse?Oh boy! So maybe coming up with ideas and sharing with each other what is working.Menu planning,cooking ahead,seasonally cooking and leftovers.I think this something we are all concerned about.Cost of living is going up but not our wages.I know I need to look at making changes. I can share what I am learning too!!

I am learning that I WANT to share and this is why I started this blog.So happy reading and I hope I haven't scared you away!!

April 4th deadline..go vegan!

  So on April 4th I am joining a 21 day vegan kickstart program.It is free and is put on by The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.You can check out the website  www.21DayKickstart.org if you are interested.I figure that gives me a month to start prepping the pantry and getting to know some of the different ingredients I will need.The website is really interesting and they have over 1,000 vegan recipes.And they have advice from some of my favorite people..Alicia Silverstone,Bob Harper(love him!!!!),Kris Carr(Crazy Sexy Cancer series of books...fabulous woman),Dr Barnard,Dr Campbell,Dr Ornish,Kathy Freston(her book is fantastic..The Veganist)and many others.I'm pretty excited!!

Bakes Apples..yummy!!

So Josh and I baked apples.(pictured above) I seen a picture a week ago and have wanted one ever since.Do you think I could find the recipe?I have been reading so much lately.lol.So we winged it.

So we washed and cored 3 apples.
We did 1/4 cup of chopped Pecans(my favorite)
1 tbsp craisins
1/4 tsp apple pie spice
1 tbsp of Earth balance butter.Broken into small bits.
Mix and stuff the apples.You could add some brown sugar.We didn't they were sweet enough.
We cooked them at 350 for 35 minutes.I would go a little longer next time..40 minutes.
Josh said they were his favorites but, I had to take the stuffing out.Too funny!!

They made the house smell amazing and they were delicious.

A few of my favorite new things!

These are out of this world!

yummy kale!

this is such a fantastic butter replacement

Delicious

eye opening

 So I have been trying some new things since I started eating more veggie.I thought I would tell you about a few:
    Gardein Marinara meat free chicken- sounds weird but,these are so good.They are super fast to make.They have worked in a pinch because John has been having separate meat meals.I think they would be pricey for a family,you get two in a bag for around $5.So $2.50 a piece.It was very filling for one.I would buy these again in a heartbeat.They have so many other products and I am looking forward to trying them all.They have a fabulous website http://gardein.com if you want to check it out.

    Kale-I never had this vegetable before and it is easily going to become a staple.("Kale,it's the new spinach" that's from my favorite show Modern family.lol)It's gone into my stuffed peppers and my spaghetti a couple of times and I want to make Kale chips.Vegetarian times has a recipe I want to try.I will try it this week and let you know how it goes.Josh and I can make it together.

  Earth Balance butter-you would never know that this is not butter.Its soy oil and canola oil.It tastes just like the real thing.It supports healthy cholesterol levels,it's rich in Omega 3's,free of GMO's,hydrogenated oils and no artificial ingredients.It spreads really well,you can bake,cook,fry and saute with it.Seriously it's so good.

  David's Tea toasted Almond-I did discover this in the winter but, I had to put it in.As far as green tea goes it's the bomb!! I am TRYING to get rid of coffee and this has been a great substitute.

  Food Inc- I just watched it last week.It just made what I am trying more solid.Now it is American but,our Canadian meat is 95% factory farmed.Chemically what we are consuming is scary.Just putting it in here if you want to check it out for yourself.

   So these are a few of my favorite things I am really happy with right now.Hopefully you see them and want to try.Anyone out there doing something fun with kale? I am getting my book that I have been waiting for from the library today.The China Study it is highly recommended on alot of the sites.Former President Bill Clinton talks about the author when he was interviewed for his plant based diet.I am so excited.

What is my advegture?

  Well this January one resolution I had- to eat more veggies.I decided that would be healthier and smarter.For me this kinda thing always leads me to the library.So I took out some fabulous books.I wanted to research the best diet for your heart.As heart attacks run in my family, my Grandpa at 50 and my mom at 49.This is always a worry in my head and now it's time to do something.So vegetarian/vegan was what all the books told me.I did know this but,was never ready to give up meat and cheese.No way!But, a funny thing happened along with my research..I got educated.

   I just happened upon Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet.Which I read in one day.I found the information informative and very well researched.The thing is I knew the information before but,I never really thought about it.I think you can push anything aside if you don't really want to look at something.This book just clicked for me and sent me looking for more information.

   A plant based diet can do so much for us reverse heart disease(Dr Dean Ornish),gentle and continuing weight loss,helps people with diabetes lower their blood sugars,helps re balance hormones,helps with headaches and joint pain.I think it is a wise way to look at food. It makes you think about foods that will nourish your body

  So I have had no red meat and very limited dairy since January 12th.Then February 14th I've had no red meat,chicken,turkey,3 eggs and very limited dairy(no cheese,no milk and no ice cream).I have lost 7 pounds and 10 inches so far.I feel fantastic and have not missed a thing.

   What I plan on sharing in this blog is books I've read,shows I have watched,something new I've tried and information from blogs and other sites.I will have challenges my son and husband still want there meat and dairy.I hope to make some great veggie meals they will enjoy as well.Some information you may not be interested in but, something I feel compelled to share.This is my adventure and you may get nothing from it or maybe you want to participate in... Meatless Mondays perhaps?One step at a time.Be kind to yourself.