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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Favorite Veggie Sandwich EVER

I LOVE comfort foods! They're warm, flavorful, and comfort way down deep. Ahhhhhh. Well, eating healthy and comfort foods are rarely in the same sentence, let alone the same recipe, until today! I stole most of this recipe from two of my pre-vegan era favorite sandwiches I would buy down at the Safeway deli where they make fresh sandwiches.


Recipe
2 slices bread
2 slices tomatoes
1/2 Cup Artichoke Hearts in Oil (enough to cover one side of bread) They carry this at Costco!
2 tsp Pesto Sauce (Vegan recipe here)
1/4 to 1/2 Avocado, sliced and mashed
Stack of napkins

Lay out bread on foil-covered baking sheet. Spread avocado on one slice and pesto sauce on the other. Layer one slice with tomato slices, the other with the artichoke hearts. Broil @ 500 degrees on top oven rack for 2-4 minutes (don't let it burn!).


Stack the bread into a sandwich, cut in half and enjoy! This sandwich is SO JUICY you'll definitely need napkins!
Sometimes I add vegan rice cheese, a veggie patty or some BBQ sauce. Add chicken or a hamburger patty for a meat option meal. This is SO GOOD my mouth is watering...Mmmmmm.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Make Juice, Not War

I'm no hippie, but I do love the name of this Green Goddess Juice: Make Juice, Not War. It's from Kris Carr's Crazy, Sexy Diet book (see post here). I've told you before that I'm not too hip on eating plain veggies and I didn't used to be too adventurous with food in general, but I do love this juice!

We found this UH-MAZING juicer on Craigslist a few weeks ago (in brand-new condition!) for 1/2 the retail price. Score! It's a Green Star Gold 3000 and not only does it juice the heck out of any fruit or veggie, but it also makes pasta, nut butters (love me some almond butter!) and can even make breadsticks or bagels! If it did the laundry it might be a better wife than I am! :)


Being an amateur wanna-be science geek, I wanted to see just how much juice one could really get out of say...an apple, a pear or veggies like broccoli, spinach and cucumbers (all ingredients in the Goddess Juice!)...

So, here are my juicing ingredients before...

And here are their respective juices after 
(all the veggies are mixed together)...


One byproduct of juicing is the pulp. 
Yes, it looks delightful, but I generously donate this to 
my friend's rabbits, ducks and chickens. They love it!


And we love the juice!
You can see the basic recipe for Make Juice, Not War from the photos above. The pears get a little pulp-y so I've eliminated them and added another apple. I also add a tiny amount of ginger root for a little kick. Any veggies will do, but I haven't experimented too much with those just yet. But I will soon!

This recipe makes about 32 oz. of juice and the enzymes stay alive and active for up to 24 hours. I make this at night, let it chill overnight, then drink it in the morning and throughout the day. It feels like drinking pure energy or life!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Mixed Veggie + Rice Quick Meal

I'm still getting the hang of preparing Vegan meals, especially since I also need to make something that JP will like and find satisfying (he's not Vegan), and by the time dinner rolls around I'm exhausted from taking care of babies all day so I want some yummy and fast!

A couple of times I've turned to boxed solutions, like Rice-A-Roni or Pasta-Roni for a quick meal, then just throw in some veggies. I swap out the 2 tbsp of butter the mix calls for and replace it with 1 tbsp (or less) of Olive Oil. This makes the meal vegan and much healthier for you anyway! (Note: I don't know what is in the "seasoning mix" that comes in the box so it may not be vegan...? but I'm doing my best here.)


Recipe
1 box Rice-A-Roni or Pasta-Roni
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 to 1 Cup of mixed veggies (In the photo, I used a frozen mixed veggie blend + 1 cup of soybeans for my protein. Sometimes I'll add fresh broccoli or bell peppers instead of frozen veggies.)

Prepare the Rice-A-Roni or Pasta-Roni according to the box instructions, but swap out butter for the Olive Oil. Add the veggies towards the end. If they are frozen veggies, mix them in about 5 minutes before the rice or pasta will be done. If fresh veggies, mix in during the last 2 or 3 minutes or just at the very end, then cover the pan with a lid and let them warm up with the rice or pasta for a few minutes. It really depends on how al-dente you like your veggies. (I like them crisp!) Enjoy!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Walnut Apple Salad

I must admit, I usually don't care for salads. Every time I hear the words "diet" I immediately conjure up images of me starving while staring at a bowl of bland vegetables. Whenever I'm eating dinner in a restaurant and someone orders a salad I think, What a waste! Why waste your taste buds and calories on plain old salad?! Ok, maybe that's why I'm having a health crisis....hmmm, nah!

Well, I whipped up a little number last week that I just love. And guess what - no lettuce! I definitely don't feel like a rabbit while eating this yummy and simple apple salad:


Recipe
1/4 to 1/2 Cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
1 Apple, any variety
1 tbsp Italian Dressing, light, fat-free or regular

Microwave walnuts for 30-45 seconds (or warm in oven or over stove) just until you can start to smell their flavor. Thinly slice the apple, then chop slices. Toss walnuts and apple bits with Italian dressing in a large bowl. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Adventures in Couponing

Some of you might not know my dirty, little secret: I seriously LOVE couponing! I was hooked after two of my sisters kept telling me all about their amazing deals and finally showed me how to create them myself. My first couponing trip took over 6 hours of prep work + driving around; I bought over $300 in products and paid less than $30 after coupons!! I was blown away! 

Yesterday's trip wasn't as flashy. It took about 4 hours and I spent $60, but I saved over 70% off store prices. Whoo-hoo! A lot of this is going to be donated to some needy families in the area (and who isn't needy these days?) which makes me feel like I'm getting my shopping fix AND doing charity work at the same time! And I owe it all to Steph, Heidi and Hip2Save. :)

Here's my haul from yesterday:




Here's the price breakdown of each item (so you'll believe me!):


Product  Orig Price   Coupons   Paid  Saved Store
John Frieda Full Repair Mousse  $         5.00  $           5.00  $          -   100% Rite Aid
John Frieda Full Repair Mousse  $         5.00  $           5.00  $          -   100% Rite Aid
John Frieda Full Repair Mousse  $         5.00  $           5.00  $          -   100% Rite Aid
John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo  $         5.00  $           4.00  $     1.00 80% Rite Aid
L'Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo  $         2.50  $           2.00  $     0.50 80% Rite Aid
L'Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo  $         2.50  $           2.00  $     0.50 80% Rite Aid
L'Oreal Vive Pro Conditioner  $         2.50  $           2.00  $     0.50 80% Rite Aid
L'Oreal Vive Pro Conditioner  $         2.50  $           2.00  $     0.50 80% Rite Aid
Duracell AA Batteries 8 pack  $         5.77  $           1.50  $     4.27 26% Rite Aid
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Betty Crocker Cornbread Mix  $         0.69  $           0.40  $     0.29 58% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Cinnamon Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.49  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Bilberry Vitamins  $         9.79  $           6.90  $     2.90 70% Walgreens
Bilberry Vitamins  $         8.99  $           6.50  $     2.50 72% Walgreens
Biotin Vitamins  $      12.99  $           8.50  $     4.50 65% Walgreens
Biotin Vitamins  $      12.99  $           8.50  $     4.50 65% Walgreens
Alpha Lipoic Acid Vitamins  $      10.99  $           7.50  $     3.50 68% Walgreens
Alpha Lipoic Acid Vitamins  $      10.99  $           7.50  $     3.50 68% Walgreens
Similac Infant Formula 1 qt.  $         5.47  $           5.00  $     0.47 91% Walmart
Similac Infant Formula 1 qt.  $         5.47  $           5.00  $     0.47 91% Walmart
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           2.00  $     0.99 67% Target
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           2.00  $     0.99 67% Target
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           2.00  $     0.99 67% Target
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           2.00  $     0.99 67% Target
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           1.00  $     1.99 33% Target
Silk Almond Milk  $         2.99  $           1.00  $     1.99 33% Target
Aveeno Lotion 2.5 oz  $         2.99  $           3.00  $   (0.01) 100% Target
Wishbone Salad Spritzer 7 oz  $         1.43  $           0.95  $     0.48 66% Target
Wishbone Salad Spritzer 7 oz  $         1.43  $           0.95  $     0.48 66% Target
Wishbone Salad Spritzer 7 oz  $         1.43  $           0.95  $     0.48 66% Target
Wishbone Salad Spritzer 7 oz  $         1.43  $           0.95  $     0.48 66% Target

 $    209.91  $      148.81  $   61.10 71%

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Favorite Fruit Smoothie Indulgence

Since making my decision to go Vegan (see post here) I've been rediscovering some delicious foods and would like to share my new favorite recipes with you over the next few months and years.


Here is my quick & easy, LACTOSE-FREE and smoothie recipe:

What you'll need:

Blender
1 to 2 Cups Almond Vanilla Milk (can also use Soy or Rice milk)
4 Strawberries, frozen
1/2 Cup Blueberries, frozen + a handful to sprinkle on top

Blend together and, Voila! The Vanilla Almond milk is already sweet enough that, when blended with the fruit, this smoothie doesn't need a drop of sugar added. And, of course, feel free to try different fruit combos!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Vegetarians Are Sexy!

At least that's what I hear! I have made the very serious decision to become a vegetarian and work my way to becoming a Vegan. I can hear your eyes rolling all the way from here, but hear me out! This decision was not entered into lightly! And after all I've read and all I've seen, I can't stomach the idea of eating meat again. This is coming from a girl whose favorite food a week ago was BBQ ribs! I'll list all the links to the books, movies and articles that changed my mind at the end of this post because I first want to explain my journey...

I recently came across a cookbook/diet book/spiritual guide/nutritional resource/fun-weekend-read type of book that a friend recommended (Thanks, Jamie!!). I know that's a lot to ask of a book, but it delivered all that and so much more! It's called Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr.

This book has literally been a life-changer. I checked it out initially to get some healthy recipe ideas. What I found was a whole new way of looking at my food, my health and my life. And it has healthy recipes, too! Bonus! The author, Kris Carr, was diagnosed with an inoperable, untreatable type of cancer several years ago and was basically told she was just waiting to die. She decided to take her life back into her hands and hunt for an alternative. She's tried everything from heavy meds to acupuncture to all kinds of funky alternative treatments. Along the way she learned a lot about foods and how they affect our bodies. She ended up changing what she ate and that made a huge difference in how her body felt and helped with the cancer.

Basically, she became a gluten-free, sugar-free Vegan. No meat, dairy, wheat or sugar. Of course she advocates for others to follow in her footsteps and provides chapters of compelling evidence and research. But, she also offers just great advice for those that still choose to eat all of those things, but a better way to go about it that still makes healthier choices for your body and health. She doesn't look down her nose at those that choose to eat meat or still sneak cookies from the cookie jar. She writes like she's just a close friend that's laying the facts out on the table, but is there to support you no matter what you choose. Very compassionate and fun! You can learn more about Kris Carr at her website Crazy Sexy Life.
About halfway through her book, I decided I'd read enough to start doing some research of my own. JP had told me about a 12-min documentary he'd watched in one of classes about how the animals we eat are raised and treated from birth to slaughtering house. It's called Meet Your Meat.

WARNING! THIS VIDEO IS GRAPHIC! 
I don't mean rated "R" or anything, but animals are severely abused and you do see them being butchered. Now, I grew up in the sticks of rural Oregon forests and farms. I know about the food chain and have actually butchered chickens myself. Even still, JP wouldn't let me watch this film at first. But I just had to know. I had to know if all the rumors about how all the cows and chickens and pigs we eat are tortured their entire lives before we eat them were really true. JP finally gave me the link and we watched it together. I thought I was going to vomit about four times during this short film and I had to close my eyes for most of the other parts. But I'm glad I watched it. It changed something inside of me. I don't think I can ever eat meat again, and not just because I know now how much fecal matter (poop!) is allowed in all the meats at the grocery store! If I do eat meat again, it will have to be from a local farmer that raises and butchers animals humanely. Here is the link if you choose to watch this film (which I highly recommend!!) from freedocumentaries.org.

FOOD, INC.
The next film I watched was Food, Inc. It can be rented from any major video place or found online at Netflix.com. This documentary continued to confirm all I had read and seen regarding the foods we eat, without all the graphic video footage. It is also HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for you to watch. It shows how like 80-90% of the food brands we see at the store are basically from 5-10 major corporations, but under subsidiary names with different packaging. These top corporations pretty much have the government hostage with our foods and can control all legislature regarding the USDA. Pretty scary stuff.

New Chapter of Life
After reading Crazy Sexy Diet, watching Meet Your Meat and Food, Inc. I was pretty upset (and so was my stomach)! I'm setting out on a new journey to change my food and my life. The first step is no more meat or dairy products. This includes milk, yogurt and cheese. I hope you'll be supportive and not be offended if I don't eat your yummy chicken enchiladas or turn down the dessert you slaved over (no more dairy or sugar!). And who knows, maybe you'll join me and we can make these changes together! I hope so.

Resources:
Crazy Sexy Diet
Meet Your Meat
Food, Inc.
Alkalize or Die - amazing book on your body's PH and how to keep it in balance
The China Study - milk and if it really does the body good

Let me know if you have any more recommended resources, ideas or thoughts!