Wow...just wow. A three day fruit fast really can knock you all over the place, but I feel incredible today. I lost 5 pounds over the three days which is mostly water I know...but it's a time of the month where I hold onto lots of water, so there might actually be more to come off. My skin looks amazing, I feel very clear headed, aware, strong, light, happy, carefree. I am a bit tired still, but I think tomorrow that tiredness will go away. It doesn't help that the puppy likes to wake me up at 3:30am this week.
I did "cheat" slightly last night. The tomato and eggplant dinner I made myself needed some spice. I added crushed red pepper, fresh basil, garlic, salt & pepper (not much salt). That was delicious. I'm excited to eat it tomorrow over some vegetable pasta..and maybe add more basil and a touch of mozzarella :) Who knows though, I might stay vegan for a bit longer. Today is an all vegan day to transition from only fruit to more foods. Of course I have a ton of food that I'm going to eat, or so it seems.
How did I transition this morning? A vega energy bar, chocolate flavor, that tasted delicious. I had another flavor during my vegan month that I did not like very much, but this chocolate one gets a win from me. I also had some vega whole food replacement shake (chocolate as well) this morning. The two together gave me 350 calories so a good breakfast and snack, though I had them a bit close to each other for breakfast and snack, but that's ok. Lunch will be roasted vegetables...I have been looking forward to these since Monday when I started (since I thought initially this was a fruit & vegetable fast, but no, just fruit). My roasted veggies: carrot, parsnips, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tomato, garlic...in a word, YUMMY! In honor of Cinco de Mayo, for dinner the bf is making taco rice, and I will be having rice n beans with red pepper and some roasted or sauteed kale on the side. So yes, vegan for today and maybe tomorrow, but we'll see.
I can't believe how great I feel though, it's really amazing. No bloating at all right now, skin is shining and just overall I feel light.
In my morning practice, I was concerned because my knee was bothering me on my walk with the pup...once I was on my mat I was fine and I paid close attention to my alignment. All of the sudden I realized how strong I was with my high to low plank, my side plank, and holding my positions. Holding low plank was really exciting since I felt as though I was in perfect alignment and holding it just fine. I've finally arrived to that level in my practice...whatever that level is.
My meditations are not going as well as everything else, but I am trying!
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
I make a mean soba noodle salad (cold with cucumber)
I am in LOVE with the soba noodle salad I made for lunch today. I will try to remember everything that I did so that you all may share the love with me. All ingredients are approximate.
1 serving soba noodles
3 garlic cloves
3 green onions
1/2 red pepper (small)
2 handfuls baby spinach
handful of mushrooms
1/2 english cucumber
rice vinegar
braggs amino liquid
lime
sesame oil
salt & pepper
Start boiling water for the soba noodles and cook as directed.
In a hot pan, add a bit of sesame oil and add onions, garlic, red pepper...saute for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms, saute a few minutes more, add the spinach and cook down (salt & pepper to taste).
In a seperate bowl, combine a tbsp or 2 of rice vinegar and braggs amino (or soy sauce) and juice a small lime. Mix together.
Cut up half of the cucumber (I quartered then into thirds or so, kind of julienne style I suppose)
Drain the soba noodles and rinse in cold water.
Put the noodles in the pan with the veggies and mix around. Add the liquid and mix. Add the cucumbers and mix. Put into a container and drizzle a bit more sesame oil on top (shake the container to mix!)
Refrigerate for a while (I let it sit over night and had it for lunch today).
I am so loving this recipe!
1 serving soba noodles
3 garlic cloves
3 green onions
1/2 red pepper (small)
2 handfuls baby spinach
handful of mushrooms
1/2 english cucumber
rice vinegar
braggs amino liquid
lime
sesame oil
salt & pepper
Start boiling water for the soba noodles and cook as directed.
In a hot pan, add a bit of sesame oil and add onions, garlic, red pepper...saute for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms, saute a few minutes more, add the spinach and cook down (salt & pepper to taste).
In a seperate bowl, combine a tbsp or 2 of rice vinegar and braggs amino (or soy sauce) and juice a small lime. Mix together.
Cut up half of the cucumber (I quartered then into thirds or so, kind of julienne style I suppose)
Drain the soba noodles and rinse in cold water.
Put the noodles in the pan with the veggies and mix around. Add the liquid and mix. Add the cucumbers and mix. Put into a container and drizzle a bit more sesame oil on top (shake the container to mix!)
Refrigerate for a while (I let it sit over night and had it for lunch today).
I am so loving this recipe!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Spring cleanse, day 4
The most challenging part is over! Two more days of a cleanse but food is involved now.
I want to try to express how I felt during the past few days of this cleanse.
Day 1 - lots of energy, excited about trying new green smoothies and an all vegetable smoothie/soup. Yoga bootcamp to cleanse the body (sweat) and spirit.
Day 2 - energy starting to fall, lots of emotions coming up, lots of thoughts creeping up, made a dinner of all vegetable smoothie/soup and could not eat much of it. Took a bath to cleanse the body, read a book instead of watching TV. Ran in the morning with the pup to cleanse the body and spirit.
Day 3 - emotionally drained, energy dropping, decided it was time to cleanse other areas of my life. Deleted old emails, removed the past that I was holding onto (the negative stuff) and began to shift my focus to the present and positiveness. Hot vinyasa yoga to cleanse the body and spirit from the inside out. Water and tea for dinner (no appetite) though I had to fight that.
I luckily had a friend to text because I was wanting to make a salad for dinner, but the cleanse was all about smoothies and water...I did not give into the urge, I managed to make it through the 3 days of intense cleansing.
This morning eating a bagel thin with almond butter was one of the most delicious things ever. Even though this was 3 days of intense cleanse, and I will do 2 days of vegan food (to transition back), I feel it is important to challenge our bodies and our minds like this. We can do so much if we just believe in ourselves. I wanted to give in, but a friend reminded me to stay strong.
We put so much emphasis on food, it ties in with our emotions, we celebrate with special food, we are concerned about what we are going to eat and when. Our bodies are made to go 40 days without any food, yet we are always so concerned with it.
Take a step back...yes, food is fuel that we need, but how many of us need that much fuel every single day of the year? Allowing myself to step away from that provided insight into me. It allowed me to let go of so much, so many things I didn't even know I was holding onto.
I feel lighter, more free, happier, ready to take on the next challenge.
We'll see how I feel after I get to clean the apartment :)
I want to try to express how I felt during the past few days of this cleanse.
Day 1 - lots of energy, excited about trying new green smoothies and an all vegetable smoothie/soup. Yoga bootcamp to cleanse the body (sweat) and spirit.
Day 2 - energy starting to fall, lots of emotions coming up, lots of thoughts creeping up, made a dinner of all vegetable smoothie/soup and could not eat much of it. Took a bath to cleanse the body, read a book instead of watching TV. Ran in the morning with the pup to cleanse the body and spirit.
Day 3 - emotionally drained, energy dropping, decided it was time to cleanse other areas of my life. Deleted old emails, removed the past that I was holding onto (the negative stuff) and began to shift my focus to the present and positiveness. Hot vinyasa yoga to cleanse the body and spirit from the inside out. Water and tea for dinner (no appetite) though I had to fight that.
I luckily had a friend to text because I was wanting to make a salad for dinner, but the cleanse was all about smoothies and water...I did not give into the urge, I managed to make it through the 3 days of intense cleansing.
This morning eating a bagel thin with almond butter was one of the most delicious things ever. Even though this was 3 days of intense cleanse, and I will do 2 days of vegan food (to transition back), I feel it is important to challenge our bodies and our minds like this. We can do so much if we just believe in ourselves. I wanted to give in, but a friend reminded me to stay strong.
We put so much emphasis on food, it ties in with our emotions, we celebrate with special food, we are concerned about what we are going to eat and when. Our bodies are made to go 40 days without any food, yet we are always so concerned with it.
Take a step back...yes, food is fuel that we need, but how many of us need that much fuel every single day of the year? Allowing myself to step away from that provided insight into me. It allowed me to let go of so much, so many things I didn't even know I was holding onto.
I feel lighter, more free, happier, ready to take on the next challenge.
We'll see how I feel after I get to clean the apartment :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Vegan experiment conclusion
I made it all 30 days of my vegan experiment/challenge. How do I feel? What did I learn?
I feel great. I find I have been sleeping more soundly and a bit longer, but that could also be due to working out 5-7 days a week.
I ended up losing about 6 pounds during this month with only calorie counting during the last week of the experiment to see what I was at.
I learned that going vegan is not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I also found that roasting vegetables is easy and delicious. Making seitan is easy and tastes good and is much less expensive them buying it at the store! I found that some recipes are awesome and some not so much. I learned how not all sugar is vegan, not all wine is vegan, most beer is vegan, most bagels are vegan, clif builder bars are amazing energy food for a run, kale is tasty, vegan peanut butter cookies rock. That's just some of the great things that I learned.
I have made the decision to stay vegetarian and continue experimenting with vegan recipes for a while. I may go back to eating other things, but I feel really good right now and I'd like to stick with being vegetarian for a bit longer. I'm excited about experimenting with different foods more and continuing to enjoy many of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, but by being a vegetarian, I'm thinking I'll have an easier time getting protein than I have been...plus the bf said he has no problem cooking vegetarian for me, but he has worries about vegan cooking...so I wouldn't mind him cooking for me again :)
I'm very glad I did this experiment, and I'll post any new finds in the future, but thank you for reading!
I feel great. I find I have been sleeping more soundly and a bit longer, but that could also be due to working out 5-7 days a week.
I ended up losing about 6 pounds during this month with only calorie counting during the last week of the experiment to see what I was at.
I learned that going vegan is not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I also found that roasting vegetables is easy and delicious. Making seitan is easy and tastes good and is much less expensive them buying it at the store! I found that some recipes are awesome and some not so much. I learned how not all sugar is vegan, not all wine is vegan, most beer is vegan, most bagels are vegan, clif builder bars are amazing energy food for a run, kale is tasty, vegan peanut butter cookies rock. That's just some of the great things that I learned.
I have made the decision to stay vegetarian and continue experimenting with vegan recipes for a while. I may go back to eating other things, but I feel really good right now and I'd like to stick with being vegetarian for a bit longer. I'm excited about experimenting with different foods more and continuing to enjoy many of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, but by being a vegetarian, I'm thinking I'll have an easier time getting protein than I have been...plus the bf said he has no problem cooking vegetarian for me, but he has worries about vegan cooking...so I wouldn't mind him cooking for me again :)
I'm very glad I did this experiment, and I'll post any new finds in the future, but thank you for reading!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Vegan day 30
Wow, day 30...it's amazing to me since on day 1 I was hoping to make it one week and here it is, a month later. I've learned how to make a number of different delicious foods and I have a new appreciation for numerous vegetables.
I have decided that I will remain a vegetarian and keep eating and cooking vegan dishes, but I think staying a vegetarian is going to be better for my lifestyle for the time being.
For my final day of the experiment my plan is:
Breakfast - wheat bagel with peanut butter & banana
Snack - orange
Lunch - last piece of pizza & salad
Snack - apple
Dinner - roasted veggies (brussel sprouts and the potato, parsnip, carrot, onion, olive mixture)
Of course going vegetarian starting tomorrow means going out for some cheese enchiladas :) A full report tomorrow on weight loss and how I feeling, etc.
I have decided that I will remain a vegetarian and keep eating and cooking vegan dishes, but I think staying a vegetarian is going to be better for my lifestyle for the time being.
For my final day of the experiment my plan is:
Breakfast - wheat bagel with peanut butter & banana
Snack - orange
Lunch - last piece of pizza & salad
Snack - apple
Dinner - roasted veggies (brussel sprouts and the potato, parsnip, carrot, onion, olive mixture)
Of course going vegetarian starting tomorrow means going out for some cheese enchiladas :) A full report tomorrow on weight loss and how I feeling, etc.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Vegan day 29
Holy cow, tomorrow is it! While we were out doing errands today I made the decision that I will stay a vegetarian for a while, but not vegan fulltime. I kept thinking about cheese today...and a bagel with cream cheese (from Bagel Art cafe in Evanston).
Regardless, I've made a lot of changes this past month and I feel incredible because of them. I did have my first beer last night, and some vegan wine tonight. Delicious!
So breakfast was a tofu scramble with vegan sausage and some veggies...lunch was an apple before errands were, half a bagel during errands, some veggie chips and peanuts. Dinner was yum. I finally made the roasted brussel sprouts (picture below), vegan boca burger, and some tater tots (and wine).
I'm happy with these choices, I'm excited that I was able to do this! After day 30 I'll give a full report of course, but right now, feeling great :)
And now...roasted brussel sprouts!
Regardless, I've made a lot of changes this past month and I feel incredible because of them. I did have my first beer last night, and some vegan wine tonight. Delicious!
So breakfast was a tofu scramble with vegan sausage and some veggies...lunch was an apple before errands were, half a bagel during errands, some veggie chips and peanuts. Dinner was yum. I finally made the roasted brussel sprouts (picture below), vegan boca burger, and some tater tots (and wine).
I'm happy with these choices, I'm excited that I was able to do this! After day 30 I'll give a full report of course, but right now, feeling great :)
And now...roasted brussel sprouts!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Vegan day 28
28 days...I've made it through rehab *lol*...of course I'm thinking of having a pint today if we go ice skating, I think I'm supposed to wait until day 29 for that, but oh well.
Day 28 of being a vegan, I feel great.
Last night I made vegan deep dish pizza. I made the dough (same recipe as before, only seasoned this time and a mix of white and wheat flour). I made my own sauce. I had daiya mozzarella cheese (OMG yum) and some veggie sausage. I also added some grape tomatoes and lots of spinach.
The final product?
I ate half of that last night (it was created in an 8 inch pie pan). That is about 650 calories or so for half of the pizza (being aware that vegan pizza is still pizza, thus deep dish is still deep dish) but it was well worth it. I had run last night so I enjoyed my reward.
Other than that, I've been enjoying my roasted veggies and green smoothies. The strawberry-kiwi with banana, kale, spinach and mint yesterday was great, but I liked replacing the banana with mango today better. I may have to pick up some more kiwi's since they are delicious in a green smoothie.
I'm looking forward to making roasted brussel sprouts for dinner tonight, since I opted for the pizza yesterday...I hope that those turn out great.
Other than that, it's off to yoga and then potentially a run...and hopefully ice skating.
Day 28 of being a vegan, I feel great.
Last night I made vegan deep dish pizza. I made the dough (same recipe as before, only seasoned this time and a mix of white and wheat flour). I made my own sauce. I had daiya mozzarella cheese (OMG yum) and some veggie sausage. I also added some grape tomatoes and lots of spinach.
The final product?
I ate half of that last night (it was created in an 8 inch pie pan). That is about 650 calories or so for half of the pizza (being aware that vegan pizza is still pizza, thus deep dish is still deep dish) but it was well worth it. I had run last night so I enjoyed my reward.
Other than that, I've been enjoying my roasted veggies and green smoothies. The strawberry-kiwi with banana, kale, spinach and mint yesterday was great, but I liked replacing the banana with mango today better. I may have to pick up some more kiwi's since they are delicious in a green smoothie.
I'm looking forward to making roasted brussel sprouts for dinner tonight, since I opted for the pizza yesterday...I hope that those turn out great.
Other than that, it's off to yoga and then potentially a run...and hopefully ice skating.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Vegan day 27
What a wonderful morning! I started off with some coffee adding a bit of soy french vanilla creamer (yum) and then I had a wonderful green smoothie made with fresh strawberries, kiwi, a frozen banana, some kale, baby spinach and mint. Delicious!
Last weekend a friend had asked me if I was going to Stanley's to get my fruit and veggies. For those who do not live in Chicago, Stanley's is a fantastic market where you get inexpensive fruits and veggies...but don't go overboard because they do not last too long. I was good yesterday and bought some strawberries, kiwi (10 for $1, only bought 4), cucumber (to make cucumber water again), lemon, asparagus (on sale!) and brussel sprouts...so I'm eating up the fruit already and tonight I'll need to make something with the brussel sprouts or asparagus.
Anyway, I hadn't even thought about going there, so I'm glad my friend mentioned it. It's just down the street from me.
I feel so fantastic...between yoga last night and almost a month of being vegan, I just feel so alive and full of energy. I was curious if I was going to get to this point of feeling fantastic, and it's just taken over me completely today. I feel kind of like I'm floating.
I wonder if that means I've detoxed everything (almost) out? Of course, I am thinking of having a pint this weekend after we go ice skating...but 28 days of alcohol free for a detox is good enough for me :)
I can't believe how alive I feel. Yay for being vegan!
Last weekend a friend had asked me if I was going to Stanley's to get my fruit and veggies. For those who do not live in Chicago, Stanley's is a fantastic market where you get inexpensive fruits and veggies...but don't go overboard because they do not last too long. I was good yesterday and bought some strawberries, kiwi (10 for $1, only bought 4), cucumber (to make cucumber water again), lemon, asparagus (on sale!) and brussel sprouts...so I'm eating up the fruit already and tonight I'll need to make something with the brussel sprouts or asparagus.
Anyway, I hadn't even thought about going there, so I'm glad my friend mentioned it. It's just down the street from me.
I feel so fantastic...between yoga last night and almost a month of being vegan, I just feel so alive and full of energy. I was curious if I was going to get to this point of feeling fantastic, and it's just taken over me completely today. I feel kind of like I'm floating.
I wonder if that means I've detoxed everything (almost) out? Of course, I am thinking of having a pint this weekend after we go ice skating...but 28 days of alcohol free for a detox is good enough for me :)
I can't believe how alive I feel. Yay for being vegan!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
I love kale
I just wanted to discuss how much I love kale. Not just regular kale, but multiple types of kale. I haven't had it raw in a salad yet, but I've been roasting it, putting it in soups, putting it in green smoothies...so yummy.
Today was roasted kale with some sesame oil and roasted garlic...along with more of that bean soup and some pretzels (so wonderful).
Oh and I started tracking calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc...I'm surprised at how little I'm at but how full I am, and that I have enough energy to do all the things I want to do. Of course, coffee is my friend, I love coffee so much, more than kale I'm thinking, but kale is a very good love of mine now...who knew?
Today was roasted kale with some sesame oil and roasted garlic...along with more of that bean soup and some pretzels (so wonderful).
Oh and I started tracking calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc...I'm surprised at how little I'm at but how full I am, and that I have enough energy to do all the things I want to do. Of course, coffee is my friend, I love coffee so much, more than kale I'm thinking, but kale is a very good love of mine now...who knew?
Vegan day 26
I'm feeling much better so I'm back to making more food. So roasted vegetables were made for lunch today along with a salad. I haven't made green smoothies in a while so I'm increasing my amount of salads this week. I had one for dinner last night with some bean soup...so lunch today is a salad and some roasted veggies. I'm also increasing my fruit to at least two pieces a day.
When I went to my doctor on Monday she had said to be careful I don't eat too many carbs while being a vegan (she told me she was vegan for 3 years). I've taken that to heart and I'm trying to increase my protein and decrease my grains, also increase my fruits and veggies.
Since I wasn't feeling well earlier this week I haven't been getting enough nutrients, so a vega shake will be consumed at work as my snack since I had some low sugar oatmeal this morning (I really love oatmeal in the winter so I needed that back in my diet).
Back to yoga tonight (yay) and back to running tomorrow (yay) since I am feeling back to 100% again...I hate getting sick, but I should just admit it rather than prolong it.
Anyway...day 26, coffee this morning with soy creamer (french vanilla yum) and it's great...I may start up with alcohol at day 28 but vegan will be at least 30 days, if not more...vegetarian will stay for sure...that was an easy decision to make.
When I went to my doctor on Monday she had said to be careful I don't eat too many carbs while being a vegan (she told me she was vegan for 3 years). I've taken that to heart and I'm trying to increase my protein and decrease my grains, also increase my fruits and veggies.
Since I wasn't feeling well earlier this week I haven't been getting enough nutrients, so a vega shake will be consumed at work as my snack since I had some low sugar oatmeal this morning (I really love oatmeal in the winter so I needed that back in my diet).
Back to yoga tonight (yay) and back to running tomorrow (yay) since I am feeling back to 100% again...I hate getting sick, but I should just admit it rather than prolong it.
Anyway...day 26, coffee this morning with soy creamer (french vanilla yum) and it's great...I may start up with alcohol at day 28 but vegan will be at least 30 days, if not more...vegetarian will stay for sure...that was an easy decision to make.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Vegan day 24 - sick
Ugh, I have finally surrendered and admitted that I'm sick. I've been fighting something for about a week and this morning I just gave up and gave in.
I've slept most of the day, and when I haven't been sleeping I'm lying on the couch. I wasn't really hungry until a few minutes ago...but what does a vegan eat when they are sick? I usually eat toast with butter and chicken noodle soup and some ritz crackers...none of those are options today. I ended up having a pear, then realized I had some brown rice and quinoa that I could heat up with some vegetable broth. That worked out well. I'm also making some bean soup for dinner if I get hungry again.
I'm not sure what started this...but it's all stomach and body aches...I'm hoping I can make it 6 more days as a vegan, but I may have to switch to vegetarian after day 30 after realizing there are certain foods I like when I'm sick, and I can't figure out the right alternative. I also could be sick since I've been going and going and going...vegan, no coffee, no alcohol, working out 6-7 days a week sometimes multiple times a day...and to think, I was planning on going for a run this morning. Maybe I'll take tomorrow off too from working out and then start back up on Thursday...I just love running and yoga so much, but I need my strength and to go back to work!
Being sick stinks...and being sick while being vegan isn't as easy as not being vegan, but it'll be ok.
I've slept most of the day, and when I haven't been sleeping I'm lying on the couch. I wasn't really hungry until a few minutes ago...but what does a vegan eat when they are sick? I usually eat toast with butter and chicken noodle soup and some ritz crackers...none of those are options today. I ended up having a pear, then realized I had some brown rice and quinoa that I could heat up with some vegetable broth. That worked out well. I'm also making some bean soup for dinner if I get hungry again.
I'm not sure what started this...but it's all stomach and body aches...I'm hoping I can make it 6 more days as a vegan, but I may have to switch to vegetarian after day 30 after realizing there are certain foods I like when I'm sick, and I can't figure out the right alternative. I also could be sick since I've been going and going and going...vegan, no coffee, no alcohol, working out 6-7 days a week sometimes multiple times a day...and to think, I was planning on going for a run this morning. Maybe I'll take tomorrow off too from working out and then start back up on Thursday...I just love running and yoga so much, but I need my strength and to go back to work!
Being sick stinks...and being sick while being vegan isn't as easy as not being vegan, but it'll be ok.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Vegan day 23 - and coffee
I went to my doctor this morning for a check up. We talked about me going vegan, coffee free, alcohol free, etc. She was vegan for 3 years so we chatted a bit about that. She suggested I go vegetarian and not stay 100% vegan since it's hard to keep the protein up and it's easy to eat too many carbs. She said to keep it up for now though.
When we started talking about cravings, I brought up coffee. My doctor asked why I cut it out with all the other changes...she asked why not drink decaf...she mentioned a number of things. Finally she just said, drink the coffee, it's not bad for you.
So I came home and I made coffee. I feel so much better than I did when I woke up this morning. I think drinking coffee is going to give me that extra boost to keep the vegan lifestyle going a bit longer. If not vegan, vegetarian for sure.
For today, I wasn't really hungry so I had an orange and some pistachios...now I'm munching on a few pretzels as well. Lunch later will be some leftover roasted vegetables and maybe a cup of black bean soup I have at work...dinner leftover tomato soup and a boca chicken patty I think. Tomorrow I'll get back to cooking things from scratch again, but today I'm taking the day off :)
Things are looking good with energy and my skin is pretty bright and clear, I like it.
OK, relaxing a bit more before work...
When we started talking about cravings, I brought up coffee. My doctor asked why I cut it out with all the other changes...she asked why not drink decaf...she mentioned a number of things. Finally she just said, drink the coffee, it's not bad for you.
So I came home and I made coffee. I feel so much better than I did when I woke up this morning. I think drinking coffee is going to give me that extra boost to keep the vegan lifestyle going a bit longer. If not vegan, vegetarian for sure.
For today, I wasn't really hungry so I had an orange and some pistachios...now I'm munching on a few pretzels as well. Lunch later will be some leftover roasted vegetables and maybe a cup of black bean soup I have at work...dinner leftover tomato soup and a boca chicken patty I think. Tomorrow I'll get back to cooking things from scratch again, but today I'm taking the day off :)
Things are looking good with energy and my skin is pretty bright and clear, I like it.
OK, relaxing a bit more before work...
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Vegan day 22
Well this morning I weighed myself and I'm up 0.8 pounds. That is not a large weight gain and it might not be a gain at all...the reason I say that is that I held onto so much water during my colonic that it could be related to that.
I do feel pretty amazing still...starting the final week of this and the only cravings I have are for coffee, I want coffee so badly! I'm wondering how long I can go on this with coffee...I think we'll find out after this week :)
I do feel pretty amazing still...starting the final week of this and the only cravings I have are for coffee, I want coffee so badly! I'm wondering how long I can go on this with coffee...I think we'll find out after this week :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Vegan day 21
3 weeks? 3 freaking weeks already? That is awesome! I'm so excited that I'm 3 weeks in. I'm looking forward to one more week and then I get a cup of coffee...but I may stay vegan a bit longer...we'll see.
I found today that the vegan Boca burger does not have as much flavor as the other Boca burgers..so next time, add more seasoning...like the BBQ sauce I made yesterday.
Oh tomorrow is the big Bears-Packers playoff game for which I will be making avocado hummus (exciting isn't it?) Oh and I found some vegan sausage so I can make some more breakfast sammiches with that...or use that and TVP to make a spaghetti sauce (maybe tomorrow as well).
Short post today, more to come in the morning.
I found today that the vegan Boca burger does not have as much flavor as the other Boca burgers..so next time, add more seasoning...like the BBQ sauce I made yesterday.
Oh tomorrow is the big Bears-Packers playoff game for which I will be making avocado hummus (exciting isn't it?) Oh and I found some vegan sausage so I can make some more breakfast sammiches with that...or use that and TVP to make a spaghetti sauce (maybe tomorrow as well).
Short post today, more to come in the morning.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Vegan night 20 with Colonics!
That's right kids...colonics...I had one!
The experience was different and I do feel better after having one done. Lots of gas some "old" poop...lots of cleaning out of the system. I could see myself doing it again in a few months to clean things out a bit more...we'll see though.
I will say it's not that bad...and since I'm doing all sorts of cleansing and greening of my body, I might as well do a new age hippie stuff to my colon. The belly massage was kind of awesome, and the foot pressure was great too.
Now, vegan stuff...I made BBQ sauce and tempeh BBQ and it was delicious! I found out some sad stuff though...Morning Star & Boca are not vegan! The boca vegan burger is and the chicken patties are, but that's it! Nothing that I looked at today at least.
So that was the big news...the colonics.
The experience was different and I do feel better after having one done. Lots of gas some "old" poop...lots of cleaning out of the system. I could see myself doing it again in a few months to clean things out a bit more...we'll see though.
I will say it's not that bad...and since I'm doing all sorts of cleansing and greening of my body, I might as well do a new age hippie stuff to my colon. The belly massage was kind of awesome, and the foot pressure was great too.
Now, vegan stuff...I made BBQ sauce and tempeh BBQ and it was delicious! I found out some sad stuff though...Morning Star & Boca are not vegan! The boca vegan burger is and the chicken patties are, but that's it! Nothing that I looked at today at least.
So that was the big news...the colonics.
Vegan day 20
Yummy!
So last night was a delicious dinner of a baked potato (with TVP, black beans, salsa, avocado, "cheez") and broccoli with "cheez sauce". So for lunch today I opted to make a "burrito"with the leftovers. Spinach tortilla, lettuce, black beans, "cheez" sauce, salsa, TVP, avocado.
YUMMY!
The cheez sauce is really close to cheese in texture and flavor...but it needs to be mixed with something, not just on it's own. I made a bunch of it though so I'm thinking of getting tater tots and dipping them tonight with either a veggie burger or a tempeh bbq sandwich.
I will post my recipes later on when I'm home, but I had to post about the deliciousness of last nights dinner and the lunch I just had...much better than my post about things that do not reheat well!
Also...there will be a surprise posting either this evening or tomorrow that is related to my cleanse...I know that you are all waiting on pins and needles for this exciting reveal!
So last night was a delicious dinner of a baked potato (with TVP, black beans, salsa, avocado, "cheez") and broccoli with "cheez sauce". So for lunch today I opted to make a "burrito"with the leftovers. Spinach tortilla, lettuce, black beans, "cheez" sauce, salsa, TVP, avocado.
YUMMY!
The cheez sauce is really close to cheese in texture and flavor...but it needs to be mixed with something, not just on it's own. I made a bunch of it though so I'm thinking of getting tater tots and dipping them tonight with either a veggie burger or a tempeh bbq sandwich.
I will post my recipes later on when I'm home, but I had to post about the deliciousness of last nights dinner and the lunch I just had...much better than my post about things that do not reheat well!
Also...there will be a surprise posting either this evening or tomorrow that is related to my cleanse...I know that you are all waiting on pins and needles for this exciting reveal!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Vegan day 19
I learned some new things yesterday! Some of the vegan foods that I've made reheat well, others do not. Examples that reheat well:
Soup
Beans
Chili
Things that do not heat well:
Pasta that is made with a lentil sauce
Unfortunately my delicious pasta dish from Monday, did not reheat well at all. I ate it, but the texture was totally off as were the flavors. So the next time I make it, I will be sure to cut the recipe in half so there are no leftovers.
This morning I noticed we have very little that I could bring for lunch. So I'm going to have to make due with a banana and almond butter, a piece of bread with peanut butter, and hopefully some rice that I have at work. Tomorrow is going to be similar, but I'll go shopping this weekend.
I've used up most of the greens in the house too...so this morning I had some dandelion greens to make a green smoothie with...and no other greens. It's all working out though. I find it interesting that I was so worried about what would happen if nothing is prepared...it's not easy, but you can totally do it...just not for long.
So day 19, tonight is a baked potato and some tempeh...and then tomorrow is another do what we can for lunch...but I'll be better prepared next week :) I am going to make sure that I don't become "lazy" and just eat prepared/processed foods...that is not detoxing!
Soup
Beans
Chili
Things that do not heat well:
Pasta that is made with a lentil sauce
Unfortunately my delicious pasta dish from Monday, did not reheat well at all. I ate it, but the texture was totally off as were the flavors. So the next time I make it, I will be sure to cut the recipe in half so there are no leftovers.
This morning I noticed we have very little that I could bring for lunch. So I'm going to have to make due with a banana and almond butter, a piece of bread with peanut butter, and hopefully some rice that I have at work. Tomorrow is going to be similar, but I'll go shopping this weekend.
I've used up most of the greens in the house too...so this morning I had some dandelion greens to make a green smoothie with...and no other greens. It's all working out though. I find it interesting that I was so worried about what would happen if nothing is prepared...it's not easy, but you can totally do it...just not for long.
So day 19, tonight is a baked potato and some tempeh...and then tomorrow is another do what we can for lunch...but I'll be better prepared next week :) I am going to make sure that I don't become "lazy" and just eat prepared/processed foods...that is not detoxing!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Vegan day 18
Sorry for not posting a day 17 update, but yesterday I just felt off and exhausted...plus I had to take my kitty to the vet after work so that was my focus.
I'm really tired and I don't know if I'm fighting off getting sick or if it has to do with the detoxing of everything all at once. I may cave on the coffee after 21 days since that is a really bad craving I am having...but I'm going to keep trying to make it 30 days with no coffee.
I'ver also been being a bit lazy in terms of food this week. Yesterday my lunch was hummus, pretzels and snap peas (plus a yummy cup of instant vegan tortilla soup). Dinner was the left over curry cauliflower soup (which I improved by adding some ingredients) and an open face avocado, tomato & "mozzarella cheese" sandwich. Lunch today is again hummus, pretzels, snap peas and a vega shake, and dinner will be the leftover pasta from Monday night.
I've been cooking so much which is great, but I just need a few easy nights not to worry about it. Tomorrow night is easy too...baked potato and some tempeh is the plan. Friday night my plan is boca burgers...so I think one week of "easier" dinners gives me a good idea of how this will be if/when I lose the desire to cook something every night of the week (if I stay on this vegan journey beyond 30 days).
Overall though things are good, just tired and a bit "blue", but I'm thinking that's more due to it being January and a high of 8 degrees scheduled for Friday rather than the vegan experiment.
I'm really tired and I don't know if I'm fighting off getting sick or if it has to do with the detoxing of everything all at once. I may cave on the coffee after 21 days since that is a really bad craving I am having...but I'm going to keep trying to make it 30 days with no coffee.
I'ver also been being a bit lazy in terms of food this week. Yesterday my lunch was hummus, pretzels and snap peas (plus a yummy cup of instant vegan tortilla soup). Dinner was the left over curry cauliflower soup (which I improved by adding some ingredients) and an open face avocado, tomato & "mozzarella cheese" sandwich. Lunch today is again hummus, pretzels, snap peas and a vega shake, and dinner will be the leftover pasta from Monday night.
I've been cooking so much which is great, but I just need a few easy nights not to worry about it. Tomorrow night is easy too...baked potato and some tempeh is the plan. Friday night my plan is boca burgers...so I think one week of "easier" dinners gives me a good idea of how this will be if/when I lose the desire to cook something every night of the week (if I stay on this vegan journey beyond 30 days).
Overall though things are good, just tired and a bit "blue", but I'm thinking that's more due to it being January and a high of 8 degrees scheduled for Friday rather than the vegan experiment.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Vegan day 16
Today was quite a different day, and I'm not afraid to ask if something is vegan anymore.
I had to go get my blood work done today (will find out next Monday what it all says). I fasted since last night until my 8am blood draw...but I made a green smoothie and brought it with me. I made the "Morning Zing Smoothie" which was not cold enough, a bit too thick, but easily fixed (and will be fixed tomorrow morning). I downed that after I gave blood, which of course was not good on my tummy...at least I made it through 75 minutes of yoga :)
Then I dashed over to Whole Foods to pick up some red lentils for the dinner I had planned. Home and out again to meet a friend for lunch. We went to Roti for lunch, a chain (imagine Chipotle but for Mediterranean food). I asked a lot of "is that vegan" questions. You would think after I ask it once, I wouldn't need to keep asking it. Like I said, "is the pita vegan?" "I don't think so" ok easy, no pita then. Then I was asked what sauce I wanted, to which I responded, "which is vegan?" and the guy looked at me like I had 6 heads. I rephrased, "do any have eggs or milk in them?" light bulb moment...I could have the tahini sauce. Then the last guy skipped over all of the veggies and I was like, um, I want some olives man..."you'll have to pay extra" really? I can't have half of the stuff I'm paying for, which you have no problem with, but you're going to give me sh*t about some olives? (They didn't charge me extra for them).
My falafels were delicious and I was happy that we went there...but really man, that was a little frustrating.
More chilling after a lovey lunch, then a hair appointment (with products not tested on animals)...then home to make dinner. Tonight, very successful dinner...linguine with spinach & artichoke in a red lentil sauce. A bit lemony which is easily fixed, but very tasty and high in fiber and protein (lentils + whole grain pasta +). Yay! Plus a piece of the wheat bread I made yesterday.
Overall a successful vegan day...still not craving any foods, but I am starting to crave coffee but I can make it a bit longer.
Yay for day 16!
I had to go get my blood work done today (will find out next Monday what it all says). I fasted since last night until my 8am blood draw...but I made a green smoothie and brought it with me. I made the "Morning Zing Smoothie" which was not cold enough, a bit too thick, but easily fixed (and will be fixed tomorrow morning). I downed that after I gave blood, which of course was not good on my tummy...at least I made it through 75 minutes of yoga :)
Then I dashed over to Whole Foods to pick up some red lentils for the dinner I had planned. Home and out again to meet a friend for lunch. We went to Roti for lunch, a chain (imagine Chipotle but for Mediterranean food). I asked a lot of "is that vegan" questions. You would think after I ask it once, I wouldn't need to keep asking it. Like I said, "is the pita vegan?" "I don't think so" ok easy, no pita then. Then I was asked what sauce I wanted, to which I responded, "which is vegan?" and the guy looked at me like I had 6 heads. I rephrased, "do any have eggs or milk in them?" light bulb moment...I could have the tahini sauce. Then the last guy skipped over all of the veggies and I was like, um, I want some olives man..."you'll have to pay extra" really? I can't have half of the stuff I'm paying for, which you have no problem with, but you're going to give me sh*t about some olives? (They didn't charge me extra for them).
My falafels were delicious and I was happy that we went there...but really man, that was a little frustrating.
More chilling after a lovey lunch, then a hair appointment (with products not tested on animals)...then home to make dinner. Tonight, very successful dinner...linguine with spinach & artichoke in a red lentil sauce. A bit lemony which is easily fixed, but very tasty and high in fiber and protein (lentils + whole grain pasta +). Yay! Plus a piece of the wheat bread I made yesterday.
Overall a successful vegan day...still not craving any foods, but I am starting to crave coffee but I can make it a bit longer.
Yay for day 16!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Vegan day 15 - pictures of some of the food
Since I've been talking about the Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread, I figured I'd take a picture. I also decided to bake more of the delicious peanut butter cookies that I made last weekend...so there are pictures here too.
Today has turned into a cooking day for sure. My 90 minute yoga class was canceled so I did about an hour on my own. It's nice to know that I understand the flow enough to just do it on my own, I felt strong and proud!
Back on topic, the reason why I opted to start baking and cooking away was because I have the time to do it. The Bears game is on and I'm watching while I bake. I'm just not sure what's on the menu for dinner tonight, but I'm not too worried about that.
Picture time!
Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread
It has good flavor, you can tell it's a wheat bread and is fresh. I'm please with it and think some toast or making a panini will be great...ahh dinner...panini and the curry cauliflower soup!
Peanut butter cookies
I love these cookies...I will leave it at that.
Luscious Coconut bread
As you can see, a good portion of this is already gone :) It kind of looks like rice krispie treats from this picture, but it's bread and it's delicious.
OK enough posting for the day...GO BEARS!
Today has turned into a cooking day for sure. My 90 minute yoga class was canceled so I did about an hour on my own. It's nice to know that I understand the flow enough to just do it on my own, I felt strong and proud!
Back on topic, the reason why I opted to start baking and cooking away was because I have the time to do it. The Bears game is on and I'm watching while I bake. I'm just not sure what's on the menu for dinner tonight, but I'm not too worried about that.
Picture time!
Rustic Multiseed Wheat bread
It has good flavor, you can tell it's a wheat bread and is fresh. I'm please with it and think some toast or making a panini will be great...ahh dinner...panini and the curry cauliflower soup!
Peanut butter cookies
I love these cookies...I will leave it at that.
Luscious Coconut bread
As you can see, a good portion of this is already gone :) It kind of looks like rice krispie treats from this picture, but it's bread and it's delicious.
OK enough posting for the day...GO BEARS!
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