EATING FOR MY HEALTH

What's For Dinner? Mushroom Ravioli In Mushroom Truffle Sauce

2012-01-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

So, I know many of you have very busy, and sometimes hectic schedules and may not be able to sit at home and create homemade meals from scratch all the time. I wanted to post some alternatives for those who may have no choice, but to grab prepackaged foods. Even prepackaged foods can be healthy as long as you check the ingredients for sodium content, hidden sugar, and high calories. Other than that I do pick up some great packaged items, that taste good as well

Mushroom Ravioli In Mushroom Truffle Sauce.
Marinated Eggplant & Zucchini
Avocado Salad.

3 Yummms Up!

Avocado Salad
Organic Spring Mix
Organic tomato
Organic cucumbers
Organic Spinach
Organic Avocados
Balsamic vinegar, olive oil pepper.

Healthy Eating: SNACKS!

2012-01-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

Again while shopping at Trader Joe's I was in search of things to snack on, so I grabbed some fruit, veggies, almond butter, blackberry preserve (almond blackberry sandwiches). However I was looking for other snacks, you know the bad kind, but reinvented so that they are healthy, good for you and delish!!!

So I purchased this Roasted Seaweed Snack which is hot, spicy and gets 4 YUMMMS Up!

SNACK TIME!

2012-01-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

Healthy Eating: 2012 Food Resolutions

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was sitting and thinking what food changes I could personally make to help me on my journey to healthy eating. I came up with some some things I will stop and some things i will continue to do.

STOP
1. Stop drinking soda

2. No white products, (potatoes, flour, rice bread etc)
3. No High Fructose Corn Syrup

DO
1. Buy Organic, sustainable or food with little to no pesticides.

2. support farmers markets

3. Read and understand food labeling

4. Have Meatless Monday's

5. Increase fruit & Vegetables

6. Increase Fiber Intake

7. Eat at home (preparing healthy meals)

8. Eat more bean proteins.

9. Incorporate different spices in dishes

***Drink more water!
What changes do you hope to make?

What's For Dinner? Organic Chicken Stir Fry.

2012-01-03T22:20:00.002-05:00

While recently shopping at Trader Joe's I passed by the Poultry section, when I saw Organic Chicken Breast. All I kept thinking was yummmmmm dinner tonight! I started eating chicken again, but not as often as I have in the past. I am still trying to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle, but every now and then I want chicken ( I know, sad right?) Even though it was $10.00 it as well worth it. If I continue to have chicken meals I definitely will only purchase it, if I am able to buy organic.

Chicken Stir Fry & Brown Rice Medley

Organic Chicken Stir Fry

Trader Joe's Organic Chicken Breast
Trader Joe's Asian Mixed Vegetables (with soy sauce packet)
Trader Joe's Organic Corn
Trader Joe's String beans

In one skillet add onion and garlic to Asian mixed vegetable medley
and saute with Virgin Olive Oil

Add onion, salt, pepper to taste to Chicken
and cook in olive oil
When cooked combine with vegetables and add
soy sauce packet from Asian Vegetable medley.

Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley
Contains mix of brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds
Delish! this one of my favorites 4 YUMMMMS UP!

Saying No To Soda!

2012-01-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

Changing My Lifestyle, Since Willpower Clearly Isn't Enough.

I recently realized just how little willpower I had as I was taking a huge hefty size garbage bag of empty soda bottles out to recycle. Yes SODA! I know I can't believe it either. I mean I thought I kicked my caffeine habit a year ago and for the life of me I can't even remember where I picked up the nasty little addiction again after quitting. It got to the point where the headaches were so severe when I didn't have a 20oz bottle of coke for the day. (Note: 1 20oz Coke per day? Ha! try 4) PAAAAATHETIC!

Uggggh! The sugar content is through the roof and does nothing to help me lose weight or keep a trim waistline. I noticed the more I ate carbs and the more I drank soda my stomach fat increased again. The sugar and calories are two things I can do without. I surrender, wave the white flag and call a truce. Get
behind me soda! I rebuke you Coca Cola! Lol.

Step 1. Eliminate, soda from my diet and drink more juiced vegetables, fruits and lots of water. I can do this.

Are you with me?

HAPPY & HEALTHY 2012

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

What will 2012 bring?

I try not to make resolutions per say, but what I do try to make is small attainable goals and one of those goals is to eat for my health in 2012. I do want to lose 50 additional pounds and blogging my meals helps me to stay accountable. I plan to continue to blog about what I eat and share different recipes. I will continue to eat organic as much as I can and promise to stay abreast of what is going on in the news health wise. Stick around, because 2012 is the year of letting go and change. This year I plan to transform into a new curvier me.

I will post weight updates on my other blog www.curvesordie.com. Here is where I will also post outfits of the day as well as any clothing deals or steals for the curvy woman I come across for myself.

NAACP THERE IS A NEW FIGHT!!!!

2010-07-14T14:32:00.003-04:00

Michelle Obama feels the biggest threat to our children is not Slavery or Jim Crow. It is Little Debbie, Hostess, soda, and High Fructose Corn Syrup! And tells the NAACP to step their game up in the fight against obesity! And I agree.

Read the full story below

SOURCE

Day 3 Cairo: Giza: Step Pyramids of Zoser, Great Pyramids & Sphinx

2010-02-06T01:32:00.003-05:00

After breakfast we took a long drive to Zoser where we say the first Step Pyramids. These pyramids were built by Imhotep as a tomb for a member of King Zosers family.

Back From My Journey To The Past

2010-02-05T21:54:00.006-05:00

In Cairo, Giza at the Great Pyramids. (Day 4)

January 4th 2010 a long time dream finally came true. I was able to visit Egypt! YIPEEEEEE! (yelling). I am still on a absolute high just thinking about it. O.k. a little background to explain to you why i believe in the power of "The laws of attraction". So ever since i was a little girl i dreamed and imagined one day i would visit Egypt, but never really thought i would. After ending a 7 year relationship i decided to take my life back. As you all know i embarked on living a healthy and natural lifestyle. After reading the book "The Secret" i began to apply some of the principles and one thing that was suggested was to create a vision board. On this vision board i placed things i wanted to draw into my life by speaking it out to the universe, having faith it would be given to me. So i placed a very large picture of the Pyramids on the vision board and a couple of months later i was told about a upcoming trip to where? EGYPTTTT! Nothing was going to keep me from making this trip, (not even the fact i had the worst time trying to get my passport) . But i finally received my passport literally 3 days before the trip. It was a 12 hour flight and a 7 hour time difference. It was the most incredible, most awe inspiring, most spiritual awaking experience i have ever been blessed to encounter. I am grateful. I hope you enjoy a sample of the photos i took while there in the coming post.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2010-01-01T10:56:00.004-05:00

2010 has ushered in and i have been a little laxed in my blogs. But i am back and recommitted to bring the knowledge, and recipes to this blog on a regular basis. I didn't realize how hard it would be posting 3 different blogs separately. Between my music blog, natural hair blog, food blog, twitter, facebook, myspace (talk about exhausting) not to mention school and work. And i realized at one point if I'm spending a lot of time online and other things start to slip then i needed to take a step back and focus on myself, be silent and come back when i have something more to say and share. But i have been sowing a lot of seeds in 2009 to help reach my full potential like losing a total of 40lbs, going back to school, and re-educating myself about my history, food, finances and love and relationships. Dishes to follow........

New Tool Shows How Much Pesticides Are On Your Food.

2009-06-22T01:35:00.008-04:00

O.k. so remember when i told you about the "Dirty Dozen"? Those were the 12 top fruit, and vegetables that we should buy organic according to the E.W.G. Well now thanks to

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) They have taken it to a step further with a searchable online database What's On My food? In a effort to inform the public about pesticides and the growing health problems associate with the use of them. They hope to engage the public to solve this growing problem.

So how exactly does this tool work? Well they link for the first time pesticide food residue data with the toxicology for each chemical. Making the information easily searchable.

For example, here are few that really made me say wowww!!! with full arching of the eyebrow.

ALMONDS: 11 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program

Human Health Effects:

2—Known or Probable Carcinogens
6—Suspected Hormone Disruptors
3—Neurotoxins

APPLES: 42 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program

Human Health Effect:

5—Known or Probable Carcinogens
19—Suspected Hormone Disruptors

10—Neurotoxins
5—Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

ASPARUGUS :14 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program
Human Health Effect:

2—Known or Probable Carcinogens
11—Suspected Hormone Disruptors
4—Neurotoxins
1—Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

STRAWBERRIES :37 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program

Human Health Effects:

6—Known or Probable Carcinogens
16—Suspected Hormone Disruptors
10—Neurotoxins
4—Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

TOMATOES 34 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program

Human Health Effects:

2—Known or Probable Carcinogens
15—Suspected Hormone Disruptors
7—Neurotoxins
3—Developmental or Reproductive Toxicants

If you do nothing else I really hope you go to this site, as well as research on your own the dangers of pesticides, because it's really troubling.

I support "Buying Organic"

I support "Growing Your Own Food"

'Food, Inc.' Challenges the Industry

2009-06-20T18:46:00.001-04:00

'Food, Inc.' Challenges the Industry

Shared via AddThis

Bar-b-que Salmon, Carrot, Zucchini Couscous & Sugar snap peas

2009-06-19T22:45:00.006-04:00

It's so hard for me to pass up on salmon. Tonight's dinner took all of 30 minutes i would say. I really don't think anything i make takes longer than that. Who said eating healthy had to be labor intensive. LOL! But know matter how long it takes i still do it with love. So once again i didn't run out to get any new ingredients, because I'm trying to use everything i have in my fridge before i refill it. Now the thing i love about couscous is that it is very light, and fluffy. I mixed in carrots, and zucchini for a nice little unexpected twist. And of course can't forget the beautiful and, tasty sugar snap peas. (I can eat snap peas all day long yummmm!) Enjoy

Carrot zucchini Couscous

Ingredients

3/4 cup brown couscous

1 carrot (grated)

1/2 zucchini (grated)

1 bunch of parsley

1 clove garlic (grated)

1 vegetable stock or 1 cup water

sea salt, pepper to taste

Combine water grated carrots, zucchini, and garlic to a boil, add seasonings.

turn off pot and stir in couscous. Cover pot and let stand for 5min until couscous has absorbed all water. and is soft. fluff with fork and enjoy.

Very Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

2009-06-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

I was in the mood for something cold,sweet, and tasted like ice cream. So i grabbed my fruit and started blending.

1 cup frozen pitted sweet black cherries

1/2 cup blackberries

1/4 cup blueberries

1/4 cup mango

2 oz Aloe vera juice

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 cupcoconut milk

1 tbsp virgin coconut oil

Blend and enjoy!

Chili Con Soya

2009-06-17T14:34:00.004-04:00

This was a quick dish i made last night using ingredients I already had in the house so that I'm not wasting any food. I had some can goods, and some veggie protein crumbles so I made some chili. So if you have some veggie crumbles i the fridge, this is a good way to use them.

I served it with the last of some wholewheat pita bread. Yes it was scrummm!

1 15 0z can of kidney beans

1 14 oz can fire roasted tomatoes with garlic

1 pack smart ground original veggie crumbles

2 tbsp parsley

2 tbsp cumin

3tbsp chili powder

1tsp cayenne pepper

1 cup water

Directions

add all ingredients to pot, bring to boiling then simmer for 20 minutes

Enjoy!!!

*My last dish featuring soy.

Tickets on sale June 15, 09 For The New York Wine & Food FESTIVAL!

2009-06-16T00:14:00.004-04:00

The New York City Wine & Food FESTIVAL Tickets went on sale today June 15, 2009 For the festival starting October 8-11, 2009. All of the chefs from the food network will be there doing food demonstrations, there will be wine tastings, i am so excited i can't stand it since i love to cook. The prices are very reasonable ranging from $10.00-upwards of $400.00. I love the fall it's one of my favorite seasons, and i couldn't think of any other way to spend an evening. Maybe I'll get a date who knows LOL! (yeah right). But i am looking forward to attending. A lot of tickets have already sold out. Especially anything with Gialda De Laurentiis i noticed. But there are a lot of days left, and so many things to do. Even things for the children. I'm going to get tickets for my son & maybe a friend to go to one of the workshops.

$35 Culinary Demonstration hosted by Giada De Laurentiis SOLD OUT!

$60 Meatpacking Local: How do you roll? Sushi Rolling Class at Morimoto SOLD OUT!

$30 Times Talks: Anthony Bourdain interviewed by Frank Bruni SOLD OUT!

$325 Food Meets Fashion with Zac Posen, Giada De Laurentiis and Marcus Samuelsson SOLD OUT!

Organic Sprouted Wheat Pappardelle Pasta with Artichokes & Lemon Pesto Sauce.

2009-06-15T21:41:00.009-04:00

Today was pasta day being that I was able to work out, and could afford to eat it. I basically grabbed whatever i had on hand. Which was some organic sprouted wheat pasta which is supposed to be easier to digest because the wheat berries are sprouted. I then made a delicious lemon pesto which shocked me cause it was good. All in all i give it 3 yums! up. LOL I crack myself up. Sorry once again for posting so late. :)

INGREDIENTS

1 package of Organic Sprouted Wheat Pappardelle Pasta (Trader Joe's)
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoon basil
2 small garlic cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup walnuts
2-4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 (8 ounce) package frozen artichokes, thawed and chopped
4 tablespoons grated Romano cheese

1/2 zucchini thinly sliced and cooked or raw

Directions

In a food processor combine parsley,basil,garlic,lemon juice & zest, cayenne pepper, walnuts & two tbsp of cheese.

slowly drizzle in olive oil.

add warmed artichokes to pasta and pour over sauce

plate, add zucchini on top and top with thinly sliced slivers of Romano cheese. & enjoyyyyyyyy!

Did you know? Pappardelle pasta are large, very broad fettuccine. The name derives from the verb “pappare,” to gobble up.

The pasta alone gave 11g of protien WOWW! and 3g of fiber calories 210 not sure how much the calories is in total with the olive oil, cheese, and walnuts but it's good fats.

Quinoa 101

2009-06-14T21:19:00.007-04:00

What is Quinoa? quinoa is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked.
Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.

"Gold of the Incas"

A recently rediscovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas," who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa's amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus.

How To Cook Quinoa?

Before cooking quinoa you should always rinse with water until water runs clear. because quinoa has a coating on it. If not quinoa will taste bitter.

Use 1 part quinoa to two parts water

If doing a salad i use 1-3/4 cup of water so quinoa can stand up to other ingredients.

When is Quinoa Cooked?

when all water has been absorbed, and quinoa turns translucent and the little white tail comes out and looks sort of curled.

Enjoy this wonderful grain.

Quinoa Salad (Mmmmmmm)!

2009-06-14T19:59:00.006-04:00

Today started off a little on the cloudy side in New York, but then the sun came out. As i sat on my front steps I looked around at all the colors i saw, and decided to combine them in this dish for dinner. This salad I kinda went my own way with, I like coming up with different dishes. I wanted something light, and that's what this dish provided. So today the star of this dish is Quinoa pronounced (keen-Wah). I will go into detail about this super grain in my next post. But for now please enjoy! Scrummmmmmmmmmmm!

Ingredients

1 Cup Quinoa (rinsed)

1-3/4 Cup purified water

1/2 tsp Garlic salt

2 cups of grape tomatoes (halved) *organic

1 Cucumber *Organic (cut in small cubes)

3 green onions Organic

1 cup black beans (rinsed & drained)

1 Cup white corn *Organic

Zest of one lemon *Organic

juice of one lemon

1 tbsp parsley

1/2 oz walnuts (Optional)

4 tbsp olive oil *Organic

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp cumin

Directions

1. Rinse quinoa till water runs clear (!UN-rinsed quinoa is bitter!)

2. Combine quinoa & water in pot & add garlic salt, bring to a boil then cover & simmer for 15 min. or untill all water is soaked up. (like rice) when done put aside and let cool.

3.In a large bowl combine tomatoes, green onions,cucumbers, black beans, corn & quinoa

4. Dressing: combine olive oil, seasonings & juice of one lemon & zest of one lemon. Whisk together and pour over quinoa mixture. mix delicately so as not to disturbed the quinoa.

Optional

Garnish with parsley

top with walnuts for added protein

add slices of avacado for added protien

Vegetable Burger & Grilled Zucchini

2009-06-13T21:19:00.005-04:00

Today was kinda of a lazy day, I didn't have any batteries so i couldn't take any pictures of today's meals. But this post was what i had last night. I wasn't really hungry, but i knew i needed to eat something. I had a veggie burger with spinach and tomatoes, and i grilled some zucchini & yellow squash. It was filling.

Food Inc...In Theaters 06/12/09

2009-06-12T18:19:00.008-04:00

How much do we know about the food we get from supermarkets, and feed to our families?

I know what movie I will be seeing this weekend!

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Here's a trailer!

Maple Glazed Salmon

2009-06-11T23:00:00.004-04:00

I was in the mood for salmon tonight. I made my own marinade grabbing a little of this and a little of that and it was delish.

Ingredients

2 pieces of salmon (wild salmon is most nutritious NOT farmed)

3 tbsp soy sauce

3 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp garlic mustard

1 tsp chili powder

2 garlic cloves (grated)

1 tsp grated ginger

1 lime zest

1 lime juiced

Directions

reserve half of marinade and set aside.

place fish i marinade for 15 min

grill fish adding a little marinade while grilling

when done use remaining glaze to pour over top and around plate

Enjoy!

served with

mixed vegetables & edamame beans.

Dinner & A Show

2009-06-11T15:26:00.003-04:00

I went to see Gil Scott-Heron perform last night at SOB's ,and i deviated from my usual homemade meals. Just wanted to show what was for dinner. it was surprisingly Scrummmmm!

Bar-b-que Salmon with orange salsa on a bed of spinach with a corn friepa
Vegetable Quesadilla with salsa, and guacamole

The Wigs "The Colored Museum"

2009-06-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

I was so happy to come across this video. It is a excerpt from a play called The Colored Museum" A years ago I played the role of the Afro wig in this very play. I wish someone had recorded it because i was sooooo good. LOL! So just want to share this funny skit.

And What!!!!!

2009-06-10T11:10:00.000-04:00

I could not have said this better myself. I love this pic. I wish it was on a t-shirt!

Cream Of Wheat..

2009-06-09T15:45:00.004-04:00

Another bowl of Cream of Wheat this morning, with vanilla, raisins, walnuts, Cinnamon and this time a tbsp of Black Strap Molasses swirled on top. Yummy.

Black strap molasses 70% iron 06% calcium 30 calories
Cream of wheat 50% iron 30% calcium 04gm Fiber 04gm protein 100 calories
walnuts 04% iron 02% calcium 02 gm Fiber 04gm protein 7o calories
raisins 06% iron 02% calcium 02 gm Fiber 01gm protein 65 calories

265 calories Who knew all this goodness could come from a bowl of cream of wheat?

Fiesta Lime Fried Tofu & Brown Rice Medley

2009-06-08T15:13:00.004-04:00

I was so anxious to taste fried tofu i could hardly stand it. So i decided to give it a try. It was well worth it.

Ingredients

Fried Tofu

Organic Firm or extra firm Tofu

Whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 lime juiced

Mrs Dash Fiesta lime seasoning blend (o calories, 0 salt, 0 MSG)

Drain water off tofu & press to drain extra water.

Cut in to cubes and sprinkle seasoning liberally the add water to cover and half a lime juice

I sat in fridge over night.

Next day i drained added more seasoning, sprinkled on flour to cover all cubes. the fried i olive oil.

remove from oil and place o a pan bake for 15 min at 300 degrees in convection oven.

Rice

I used a bagged Brown Rice Medley from Trader Joe's

A bled of long grain brown rice, black barley & daikon radish seeds.

Prepare from directions on pack

add a tbsp of olive oil

Mrs. Dash Italian Medley seasoning to taste

garlic salt to taste

Mixed Vegetables

I used a bagged frozen Chinese Stir fry from whole foods

A blend of carrots, shitake mushrooms, onions, red pepper, string beans & zucchini

I steamed this

Blue Corn Chips & Salsa

2009-06-08T15:05:00.000-04:00

Came across these Organic blue corn chips (15 chips 150 calories) & i treated myself to some salsa. (which was 40 calories). It was more than enough.

Cream of Wheat A-la Queen

2009-06-08T14:13:00.002-04:00

Had to start my morning with a healthy breakfast...I was craving cream of wheat for some reason. So i made some whole wheat cream of wheat mixed in vanilla, raisins, walnuts, Cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup. Apples on the side & Yummmmmm!

Veggie Masala Burger With Carrot Fries

2009-06-07T04:35:00.005-04:00

Yummmmmm,Yummmmmmmmmm, and did i say yum!. LOL! last night for dinner i grilled a veggie masala burger (from Whole Foods) on a whole wheat bun, with mixed greens and spinach with carrot fries topped with a maple, garlic, mustard sauce. mmmmmmmmm.

I also made a fruit smoothie
Acai berries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
*didn't really do measurements this time kind of eyeballed

3 Cheese Spinach Pesto Pizza

2009-06-06T11:09:00.016-04:00

I think from now on every Friday or Saturday will be pizza night! Because this pizza was not only fun, fast and easy to make, but it tasted absolutely SCRUMDILIOIOUS!!!!. All the ingredients were fresh, and I'm trying to get in the habit of buying, and eating this way. Now i knew i wanted a pesto pizza, but i had no basil or pine nuts. So i went for the next best thing since i had spinach and walnuts which made a delicious pesto. I paired this dish with a mixed green salad with a balsamic dressing, and had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc wine which worked well with the earthy spinach, and walnuts and pungent cheeses for me. Next time i'll try a red.

Ingredients

Dough

Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Strongly suggest you remove from package and place in a bowl covered with a kitchen towel to allow it to rise, and rest.

Remove from bowl, flour work surface and work dough into desired shape

If using a pan oil bottom and work dough in pan till you achieve the desired shape

Spinach Pesto

2 cups of spinach

2 oz walnuts

2 garlic cloves

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 lemon (juiced)

xtra virgin olive oil

Add walnuts to food processor, and finely ground.

add garlic, spinach, and lemon juice

Slowly drizzle in olive oil till you get the desired consistency

*Note:( i didn't add any salt because the Parmesan cheese is already salty)

Toppings

2 Roma tomatoes

1/2 cup black olives

8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese

3 tbsp Parmesan cheese

3 tbsp Romano cheese

Assemble

and bake for 15-20 checking after 15 min at 400 degrees.

Enjoy!

Taking A Moment To Breathe

2009-06-04T19:23:00.003-04:00

Everyday i will post a picture as a reminder to me to always take a little time to inhale the beauty around me big or small. I am so blessed to be alive, healthy, and of sound mind.

My Jamaican "Beef" Soy Pattie

2009-06-04T18:23:00.008-04:00

Last night my nieceStephy, and I made this fab little dish. My niece made the dough while i made the filling then we bought the two together to make this wonderful gem. ( my niece originally said she would not eat soy or tofu, she wanted no parts of it, but after tasting these little darlings she has now changed her mind Yayyyyyyyy!)

I got this idea, and recipe from Megan Vegan Recipes I only changed a couple of things because the recipe is already good to begin with. I used soy protein, doubled the spices, used pastry flour and a little other minor adjustments. And they were SCRUMMMMMMMMM!!!! Thanks Megan!

Ingredients:

Dough

2 Cups + 2 tsp Whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1 dash salt

1/2 cup margarine

1/3 cup water

Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 12 oz package of soy protein crumbles

2 onion, finely diced

2 teaspoon curry powder

2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 garlic salt

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp. Mrs. Dash Italian seasoning

1/2 Cup water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Dough:

In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, curry powder, and pinch of salt. Mix in 1/2 cup margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.

Filling:

Warm olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in the package of soy protein and season with curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and chili powder, garlic salt, cayenne, stir, add water, then stir again. If it's too liquidity just simmer until enough liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle. Fold over and press edges together, making a half circle. Use a fork to press edges

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tofurky & Cheese Roll Up

2009-06-02T15:55:00.004-04:00

Lunch for today included a tofu turkey, tofu cheese spinach,tomato, pea shoots honey mustard in a spinach roll up. With cucumber chips on the side.

Flax & Blueberry Waffles

2009-06-02T14:48:00.004-04:00

A breakfast fit for a Queen. I had these Kashi Go lean Flax waffles in the freezer and i kinda forgot about them. So i made them and topped them with some wild organic blueberries & B grade maple syrup. I then made some Morningstar farms breakfast links and added a Kiwi. It was so delish!

This meal gave me

calories 275

fiber 8g

protein 17g

Havana Garlic & Lime Grilled Tofu Over Salad

2009-06-01T21:47:00.008-04:00

O.k now this was something truly special, because I'm not used to the whole tofu taste. But it was very good. I used a store bought Lawry's marinade only because it was left in my cabinet from before i changed my eating lifestyle. But I'm sure i can make this same marinade myself without all the extra additives and preservatives. And once again i picked up some firm tofu from Trader Joe's

Directions
Rinse tofu and slice into 10 slices. lay in a shallow dish and pour over marinade. let sit in refrigerator over night. Then heat up grill and grill on both sides serve over salad.

*Note!
Tofu is not a complete protein and should be eaten with another protein source. like rice etc.

Chicken (Tofu) Pad Thai

2009-06-01T19:06:00.008-04:00

Chicken Pad Thai

This is my take on Pad Thai. This is one of the best tasting dinners i have had in a long time. The flavors blended together so well. Thanks to another great find at Trader Joe's . Now the sauce that comes in the box is very sweet so i only used half, and the dish was still delicious.

INGREDIENTS

1 Box of Trader Joe's Pad Thai noodles and sauce

1 pack of Smart strips Chicken style strips

1 sweet Onion

1 Bag Birdseye Farm Fresh Mixture (broccoli,onion,pepper & mushroom)

2 scallions

1 lemon

Virgin coconut oil

DIRECTIONS

Cook noodles as shown on box. and set aside.

Add virgin coconut oil to pan and saute onions till soft, add tofu strips and cook till they brown a little, remove from pan and set aside.

Next in same pan saute vegetables then add onion and chicken strip mixture to the vegetables.

Last add noodles, and half pack of sauce, stir frying all together, squeeze 1 half of lemon over the entire mixture and blend.

Serve warm, Enjoy!!!!

Pad Thai

2009-05-31T17:38:00.004-04:00

O.k. I just could not resist including this dish called Pad Thai. Thanks to my niece Stephy who submitted this delicious Thai dish to me. She has not only gone natural but has also embarked on a journey of eating whole foods as a new vegetarian. She made this dish for dinner and i hear it was Scumdiliocious!!!!!!. From what i know about Traditional Thai dishes they include certain key ingredients like lemongrass, coconut, lime and peanuts to name a few. I cannot wait to try a dish similar to this one maybe tonight. Enjoy! (Yesterday was her Birthday...Happy Birthday Queen, I love you so much!) Still waiting on the recipe hint hint!!!!!!

Semi-Homemade Pizza

2009-05-31T17:05:00.007-04:00

My Semi-homemade pizza started with a nice find. Trader Joe's Garlic & Herb Pizza dough

TOPPINGS

Tomato sauce
Sweet onions
Portabella mushroom
Shitaki mushroom
Tofurky
Black olives
Soy cheese(mozzarella flavor)
Soy cheese (smoked provolone flavor)

SALAD

Mixed Greens
Spinach
Cucumbers
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Mrs. Dash seasoning

Orange Berry Smoothie

2009-05-31T16:55:00.003-04:00

*Organic fruit.

2 Oranges (juiced) (8oz juice)

1/4 cup blueberries

1/4 cup blackberries

1/2 cup papaya

1/2 cup mango

2oz Aloe Vera juice

juice oranges,add juice to blender, blend in the fruit, add aloe, pour & Enjoy!

What are Edamame Beans?

2009-05-30T19:47:00.004-04:00

I found this little treasure at Trader Joe's, and they will be a staple in my fridge. From salads, to dips etc. the possibilities are endless.

My friend asked me, What are edamame beans? So i hope this answers her question.

Edamame is of Chinese origin and was developed in Japan especially for eating out of the pod. Edamame is a variation on the same yellow and black field soybean that is transformed into many popular soy products such as tofu, miso, and soymilk.

Some call edamame the super or wonder vegetable because it is the only vegetable that contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes edamame a complete protein source, similar to meat or eggs. Edamame also contains isoflavonoids. Edamame also contains protein, which further helps stabilize blood sugar, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to combat depression. In some circumstances, this can also result in a laxative effect. Edamame beans contain higher levels of abscisic acid, sucrose, protein than other types of soybean. They also contain a high source of vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium.

Preparation: To eat beans right out of the shell, boil them until they are al dente (still slightly firm). Rinse to cool slightly, and season as desired. You can easily suck the al dente beans out of the shell. Beans may also be shelled and added to other dishes, such as salads. Beans are easy to shell after they are boiled briefly.

Berry, Berry Good Smoothie

2009-05-30T18:34:00.006-04:00

Shake it baby now, twist and shout. O.k. so i was in the mood for something sweet, and cold so of course i just said NO! to ice cream. I opted instead for this nutritious vitamin packed smoothie. A friend of mine bought me a coconut water from a health food store. which surprise! I never tasted it before, and I didn't really like it so i added it to the shake since its low in sugar (15) calories (60) and high in vitamin C (230%)and potassium (680mg). I may buy them from now on just for my smoothies.

(*All fruit was frozen)

1/4 cup blueberries...... (20 cals)

1/4 cup blackberries.....(25 cals)

1/2 cup mango...............(27.5 cals)

1/2 cup papaya..............(18 cals)

8 oz coconut water........(30 cals)

1/2 cup soy milk............(45 cals)

serves 2

Blend, serve, Enjoy!

Tuna Salad Wrap

2009-05-30T18:08:00.008-04:00

Simple yet so delicious. A little Gem I found at Trader Joe's, theses delicious spinach wraps. Let's just say I'm hooked!. I find when you take a wrap, and add a little of the main ingredient, then fill it up with vegetables it leaves you feeling satisfied.

Tuna Salad Wrap

1 Spinach tortilla (130 cal)

1 can solid tuna (60 cal)

8 grape tomatoes chopped

2 scallions

1tbsp relish (7.5 cal)

2 tbsp olive oil mayonnaise (45 cal)

sprig of parsley chopped

hand full of spinach

hand full mixed greens

pea shoots

serves 2

Mix tuna,tomatoes,scallions,relish,add mayo

Spread on spinach tortilla, lay spinach, greens and pea shoots

roll, cut in half, eat, Enjoy!

Portabella Burger & Edamame Salad.

2009-05-30T17:15:00.008-04:00

Uh yummmmmmmmm! Need I say more....o.k., o.k i will. Well, I couldn't get enough of the Portabella Mushroom burgers so I made it again. But the star of this show was my edamame salad. And if you don't know about these little green gems read my next post I will discuss them in detail.

Edamame Salad.

1 cup edamame (cooked)

1/2 cup grape tomatoes (cut in halves)

1/2 cucumber (de-seeded) cut in cubes

1/4 cup scallions

3 sprigs parsley (chopped)

1/2 lemon

3 tbs Balsamic vinegar

2 tbs Olive oil

Combine in a bowl, eat, and make your tummy happy. Enjoy!

Veggie Cakes & Salad

2009-05-28T18:45:00.004-04:00

Tonight's dinner was MorningStar farms veggie cakes which are so very tasty. I was surprised how yummmm! they are. A nice blend of rice, carrots, edamame and vegetables. (I can't wait to try and make them myself) A salad of mixed greens, spinach, cucumbers, grape tomatoes and pea shoots finish the dish. This delicious meal is 250 calories. I'm loving it.

My Spicey Green Juice

2009-05-28T10:39:00.005-04:00

I was in the mood this morning for another green juice, but i wanted to try some other ingredients, and decided to use all vegetables & no fruits. The verdict? Delicious

2 cups of green blend (arugula, spinach,lollo rossa, frisee, red leaf, green romaine and red oak)

1/4 cup pea shoots

1 1/2 Roma tomatoes

1/2 Cucumber

1 Garlic clove (optional) but adds the spice.

1oz Aloe Juice

Juice all vegetables, add aloe juice, stir, drink and enjoy.

It's A Wrap!

2009-05-27T22:57:00.003-04:00

TURKEY & CHEESE SPINACH WRAP

INGREDIENTS

Soy Turkey

Soy Cheese ( smoke provolone flavor)

Mixed Greens

Spinach

Pea shoots

Roma tomato

Red onion

SAUCE

plain yogurt

lemon juice

cayenne pepper

Mrs dash Italian seasoning.

*Layer ingredients, roll, cut in half and enjoy!

My Carrot Juice Blend

2009-05-27T10:48:00.004-04:00

This is a delicious sweet blend thanks to the carrots, tangy from the apples and spice from the ginger. Yumm!

3 Carrots
2 apples
2 1/2 piece of ginger
1oz aloe juice

Juice all, add aloe juice, stir, and drink.

My Breakfast Green Drink

2009-05-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

Delicious and oh so refreshing.

2 cups baby spinach

1/2 cup parsley

1/2 cucumber

2 Green Apples

2 in piece Ginger root

1 oz Aloe Juice

Juice all vegetables and fruit add aloe stir ad drink.

I drink 8oz water before i drink all of my vegetable and fruit juices.

Mushroom Burger....YUMMM!

2009-05-26T21:54:00.000-04:00

Ingredients

Portabella Mushroom Caps

Red onion slice

Soy Cheese (smoked provolone Flavor

Balsamic Vinegar

Whole Wheat Bun

Organic mixed baby greens

Organic tomato slice

Olive oil

Cracked pepper

Mrs. Dash (Italian Season)

Combine

balsamic vinegar, olive oil and seasonings

brush on underside of mushroom cap and top of cap

brush onion slice also

grill onion slice until soft

Grill mushroom cap

place on bun layer and serve. (best when eaten right off the grill)

Master Cleanse Complete!/ May Weigh In

2009-05-23T20:18:00.005-04:00

After 13 days on the Master Cleanse diet. I officially ended it today. It was the hardest thing i had to do in my life. One reason is I was still cooking for my son although i wasn't eating, and it took a enormous amount of will power not to just sit down and have dinner with him. But it was worth it. Would i do it again? Hell to the Nah!!!!!!. LOL! Just kidding, I think i would but i would do it differently. One i would not cook big meals i would just make nutritious quick meals so i can be in and out of the kitchen. Two i will drink my lemonade while cooking. And three I will prepare myself mentally first and ease in to it. but i will do it again. And this time i hope to get my friends to join me Hint, Hint!

Now i'm easing out which takes 3 days.

Day 1
Fresh squezzed orange juice

Day 2
Fresh squeezed orange juice and vegetable broth

Day 3
Fresh squezzed orange juice, vegetable broth, fruits & salad

Day 4 Foooooooood Yesssssssss!

I will no longer be eating chicken, and turkey at this time. From now on it will be fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nut, seeds and water. The way it was intended.

May Weigh in.
Starting weight 212lbs
13 days later 198.4 lbs

Not bad, I went down 1 size. (secret, i'll tell you later)

New Goals
Short term goal Medium term goal Long term
190lbs 175lbs 150lbs

It's hard going on this journey alone, so if you need support come join me on The Daily Plate.I found this to be the most important tool that helped me stay accountable for my actions.

Day 1 & 2 of Master Cleanse

2009-05-12T10:06:00.008-04:00

Tools i used

juicer for lemons

glass jar

knife

measuring spoon 1/10 & 1 tablespoon

Lemonade

1 liter purified water

7 tbsFresh squeezed lemon juice ( preferably organic) *

7 tbs Pure organic Grade B or C Maple Syrup (organic)**

1/10 tsp Cayenne Pepper (organic)

Mix in jar, shake & drink.

Herbal Tea

8 0z of Smooth move laxative tea

1 smooth move tea bag

1 peppermint tea bag

fresh ginger

Consumed today:
I drank 2 liters of the lemonade
1 liter of water

Day 1

Feeling good and ready to take this journey. Have a headache scale from 1-10 about a 10

Day 2

Feeling tired & a little hungry only because i see food, and want it. Have a headache on a scale from 1-10 about a 8

*Must be fresh squeezed lemons (if possible organic) Not from concentrate.

**Must be pure grade "B" maple syrup not the regular syrup sold in most grocery store which contain corn syrup, sugar, and flavoring.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T04:46:00.000-04:00

Every day is a mother's day. So to all the Strong, superwoman, who put that S on their chest and struggle, sacrifice, love nurture, and teach the children of this earth. Enjoy this special that like you would any other.

Happy mother's Day!

Key-Key

Happy Mother's Day.

2009-05-10T04:28:00.002-04:00

Every day is a mother's day. To all the mother's who are sacrificing, teaching, loving, and caring for the children of our world. Have a very Happy Mother's Day.

From Key-Key

Master Cleanse

2009-05-10T04:15:00.004-04:00

I decided to take the time out to cleanse my system by doing the Master Cleanse by Stanley Burroughs. I'm not really doing it for weight loss though that is a benefit. I am doing to allow my body to do what it needs to do in the abscence of food. I hoping not only cleanse my body but to also clear my mind.

It consist of drinking a lemonade made from water, lemons, grade b maple syrup, and cayenne pepper

Also a salt water flush & laxative tea.( i will included peppermint tea to help with cramping) As well as herbal teas,( i will include red clover,cranberry, and burdock root.) and adequate amounts of water.

I am doing it for 10 days, after that I do not plan on consuming chicken, and turkey anymore or lessening them even more to 1 day a week. But most likely I will give it up completely as i have beef, pork. I will give my progress for the next 10 days.

Master Cleanse

2009-05-10T03:49:00.000-04:00

Today I am starting the master cleanse by Stanley Burroughs. I wanted to start it at the beginning of spring but, i decided to do it now.

It consist of a lemonade using lemons, water, and grade b maple syrup as well as cayenne pepper.

A laxitive tea

A salt water flush

I will be doing it for 10 days, and i'm excited (locked in and ready to go)

will let you know how its going.

Beauty In The Strangest Places

2009-04-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

I came across this photo, and it is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen. I have always had a fascination with lighthouses ever since I was younger.

Free Prevention Magazine Subscription

2009-04-03T06:00:00.003-04:00

I came across a promotion from Stonyfield Farms Organic, and thought I would share it. They are offering a free subscription to Prevention Magazine. See here for details.You do have to send in labels so if you already buy the products then this would be good. if not you may be better off just getting a subscription.

Organic Milk

2009-04-03T05:55:00.002-04:00

I know organic milk is very expensive anywhere from $4-5 but the benefit is priceless for us and our children. Organic milk contains 75% more beta carotene, 50% more vitamin E, 2-3 times more antioxidents. And I wanted you to know the two brands I use most often both offer printable coupons to set the cost off.
Organic Valley farms offers $1 off of milk,cheese, soy milk, lactose free milk and butter
& Stonyfield Farms offer's .50 off their milks, and yogurts.

"The Dirty Dozen" When Choosing Organic Foods

2009-04-02T15:52:00.001-04:00

Why I Eat Organically?

Since I have changed the way I view food, I started to include organic foods into my diet. I first started with milk, and i noticed my stomach no longer cramped after drinking it like the regular milk did. I then moved up to fruit, and vegetables. Now they say anything you eat the most should be organic. I learned that eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables exposes me to about 14 different pesticides per day. Wowwww!

Is It Worth It?

Nutrients are believed to be 25% higher in organic produce.
A study done by the E.P.A. showed the levels in children's urine decreased to undetectable levels after 5 days of switching to an organic diet.

Which one's to Buy organic?

The "dirty dozen" coined by the E.W.G. (Environmental Working Group) says
1. Avoid ones with the greatest residue
2. The ones you eat most often

peaches
apples
bell peppers
celery
nectarines
strawberries
cherries
pears
grapes
spinach
lettuce
potatoes

If your budget allows these should be organic

blueberry cantaloupe carrots cauliflower cucumber grapefruit
green beans honey dew melon grapes hot pepper lemons mushrooms
oranges raspberries plums sweet potato tangerine tomatoes
watermelon winter squash

Least contaminated

asparagus avocado bananas broccoli cabbage corn eggplant kiwi
mango onions papaya peas pineapple

So if you cant buy all organic do what i do and at least buy the ones you eat all the time.

*hint* The frozen food section has organic fruit & vegetables also. They may not be fresh but they are picked at their peak and frozen immediately leaving most of the nutrients intact

April Weigh-In

2009-04-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

I finally fit into the jeans I purchased in August of 2008. The ones that wouldn't come past my knees. Well I tried them on and they went up. YAYYYYYYYYYYYY! I'm so happy I could bust. I'm still bottom heavy especially the hip and thigh area. Not too much going on in the behind area if you know what i mean. But below is my new weigh-in info. with my new goals.

I think whenever I reach a new goal I'm going to reward myself with something. not sure yet what though. just something to keep me motivated.

Current weight 214. lbs

New Goals

Short term goal Medium term goal Long term

204lbs 199lbs 150lbs

It's hard going on this journey alone, so if you need support come join me on The Daily Plate.I found this to be the most important tool that helped me stay accountable for my actions.

Increasing Fiber For Weightloss

2009-03-29T05:49:00.001-04:00

I mentioned before in one of my earlier post how increasing my fiber intake helped me to not only loose weight, but I had a dramatic increase in my general health. The new recommendations from the Institute of Medicine state that women age 50 and younger eat at least 25 grams of total fiber per day, and men in the same age group at least 38 grams of total fiber per day. Women over age 50 should eat at least 21 grams per day, and men over 50 at least 30 grams per day. At least half should come from whole grains and the other from fruit and vegetables.

Health benefits of fiber

Intestinal Health, Cardiovascular health, Blood sugar control

Weight control. High-fiber foods help you feel fuller longer but without providing any calories. Since weight loss ultimately boils down to reducing calories (and hopefully burning more with exercise, too), eating lots of fiber helps you do it in a way that’s still satisfying.

Insoluble fiber
The insoluble type of fiber, which does not dissolve readily in water, includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignins and is found mostly in the bran portion of whole grains such as brown rice and wheat.

Soluble fiber
The soluble type of fiber tends to swell and form a gel when mixed with water (such as in your intestine) and includes pectin's, gums, and mucilage's. Bacteria in the large intestine also easily metabolize soluble fiber. Oats, apples, bananas, barley, and many beans are great sources of soluble fiber

10 ways I added fiber to my diet

1. Eat a high fiber breakfast (oatmeal, double fiber whole wheat bread, whole wheat waffles, cream of wheat, etc)

2. Add fruit and, buy organic fruit so the peel can be eaten also. This adds to the fiber in fruit ( berries, bananas, apple, pear, etc)

3. Add dried fruit (dates,raisins, apricots or dates etc)

4. Add nuts (almonds, walnuts etc)

5.Increased vegetables (adding whole leafy greens which are high in vitamin A)

6. Eating half a grapefruit with my breakfast

7. Increased lentils and beans

8. Add wheat germ or ground flax seeds to cereal, yogurt, fruit or salad

9. Eat whole wheat pasta

10. Introduced myself to other grains, (barley,brown rice, bulgur,couscous, etc).

What are somethings you can do to add fiber to your diet?

Blackstrap Molasses

2009-03-29T04:20:00.000-04:00

I bought some blackstrap molasses today. I remember my mother would give it to us when we were younger, after she gave us cod liver oil. Blackstrap molasses is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is the concentrated by product left over after the sugar's sucrose has been crystallized. It is also a excellent source of manganese and copper, and is a very good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, blackstrap molasses is a good source of vitamin B6 and selenium. and most importantly iron. The label says it contains 70% of iron. I think i'm going to take a tbsp everyday during that time of the month.

Portion Distortion

2009-03-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

How easy is to sit and eat a whole bag of something and then realize you ate the entire bag in one sitting? Sound familiar? I did it all the time from Hagen daz to chips i ate it all in one sitting.

I thought about how when I was younger my mother would open say a box of cereal measure a serving Ziploc bag, label, and put them on a shelf. Now part of the reason was to make sure everyone would get a equal share, but the other part was she knew the portion size on the side label was there for a reason. It is there to help keep you from eating the whole thing in one sitting. It's interesting when i was younger, i was never overweight until i started cooking and shopping for myself. Sometimes mother does know best.

Now not only do I count calories, but i use portion control. I know portion control is what is helping me among other things to lose the weight.

Tips for Controlling Portion Sizes

1. Read the side label they tell you how much is a serving, and how much it would be in calories.

2. Don't eat on a standard plate. Opt for a smaller size plate and make sure half the plate consist of vegetables.

3.Eating breakfast every morning prevents you from over eating at lunch. I find eating a lowfat high fiber breakfast holds me until lunch.

4. Remove your serving size from the box or package, close it back up and put it away. This will prevent you from eating it all in one sitting.

Other things that helped me

1.Drinking water before I eat.

2 Eat half of my serving for dinner and save the other half for lunch the next day and eat it with a salad.

What are some ways you use portion control to prevent over eating?

Grow Your Soup

2009-03-26T19:15:00.000-04:00

I have always dreamed of having my own garden where I can grow my own vegetables and know they are fresh and organic. So I'm gonna start small with a herb garden, then eventually vegetables. I know i'm gonna start with tomatoes. Tomatoes are part of the dirty dozen of fruit and vegetables with the greatest pesticide residue and should be organic according to the E.W.G (Environment Working Group).

I was so excited when I came across Campbell Soup's program Help Grow Your Soup. Campbell Soup will donate 50 Tomato seeds to F.F.A (Future Farmers of America) Chapters across America. You can help by clicking on the button marked "Grow". As a thank you Campbell's Soup will send you tomatoes seeds also. Click here for your free seeds. They also have a area on the site that gives information on how to grow your tomatoes. I can't wait to get mine.

Lentils A True Super Food

2009-03-25T04:38:00.000-04:00

I find the more bean/pulse protein, and the more fiber i eat the better I feel. Not to mention that I'm regulated (lol). But the added benefit is that the weight seems to drop off. It's amazing what changing the way I look at food can do. One of the ones I'm most impressed with are lentils.

Lentils are seeds, and are shaped like little lenses. In fact, their genus is lens. Lens culinaris. Lentils are one of the earliest plants actually to be planted for cultivation purposes. Lentils make a huge contribution to the human diet with their 26% protein content (bested only by soybeans for sheer plant-protein-fortitude). Lentils come in an array of colors: green, orange, yellow, black, brown, red, white. And sizes—from teeny to pea-sized.

According to self magazine:
Lentils are belly flatteners. "They're high in protein and soluble fiber, two nutrients that stabilize blood sugar levels," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, R.D., author of The F-Factor Diet (Putnam Adult). "Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area."
Eat more: There are many varieties of lentils, but red and yellow cook fastest (in about 15 to 20 minutes). Add cooked lentils to pasta sauce for a heartier dish, Zuckerbrot suggests. "Their mild flavor blends right in, and because they're high in protein, you can skip meat altogether."

When eating a bean protein it should always be paired with a grain or cheese so to this lentil soup I added barley as my grain. you can also omit the barley and add brown rice, or have the lentil soup over whole wheat pasta, or maybe a grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread.I tried it so many ways, and each way = delicious! Now know there are plenty of lentil recipes but this is pretty much my own version.

Lentil & Barley Soup (YUMMMMM!)
1 red onion, chopped
2 tbsp canola oil or olive

2 tsp cumin
2 tsp Italian seasoning

parsley
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups dry lentils
8 cups water
1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
Sea salt to taste or 4 bouillon cubes
ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup barley
1/4 cup chopped spinach to garnish the top of soup.

DIRECTIONS
In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions,leeks,shallots. carrots, celery; cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Next add carrots and celery. Stir in garlic, and seasonings ( if your seasoning has salt it's best to add after cooking is finished. cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Remove at least 2 cups and place in smaller pot and add 1/4 cup barley Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and let both pots simmer for at least 1hour 30minutes. When ready to serve stir in spinach

Ways To Drink More Water

2009-03-16T08:39:00.008-04:00

Lets face it we know water is not only needed to lose weight, but to live there's just no wayaround it. But if your like me you just don't drink enough of it. It was hard for me, because my tap water tasted so bad. Each day it would taste horribly different, but nasty none the less. It smelled like chlorine it tasted like bleach ,and left a awful after taste. My stomach would cramp so bad.

So one of the things I started doing was buying water, now I know it's not good to drink bottled water because of the plastic container. but it's the lesser of two evils for me. In order to drink water it must at least smell, and taste clean.

Some people find that boiling it makes it takes better. I find I would drink more bottled water when I added lemon or lime. I would consume about 2 lemons a day by splitting each in four parts and squeezing it into each 8oz glass of water. I guess the extra vitamin C is good for me because I haven't had cold the entire winter.

How do drink more water?

Key-Key

Oatmeal for $1

2009-03-16T00:11:00.000-04:00

Jamba Juice Economic boost they are offering a cup of organic steel cut oatmeal topped with fruit and brown sugar crumble and get this for $1.00. I kid you not. It's on for the month of march so there is time to print your coupon here. YUMMMMM! I want to eat the picture. I know what i'm having for breakfast in the morning.

How I Lost The First 20lbs

2009-03-02T12:49:00.000-05:00

Some of the things I did to lose the weight was. removing the toxic things from my life style.

There are certain foods I ELIMINATED, because they offer little to know nutritional value.
1.anything WHITE & REFINED (flour, sugar, rice etc)
I replaced them with whole wheat flour, organic turbinado sugar, brown rice etc
2. NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
3. NO BUTTER
4. NO DEEP FRYING
5. NO SODA

These are things I added or increased.
1. increased fruit (especially high fiber ex. berries, apples, pears)
2. increased vegetables (especially whole green leafy)
3. increased fiber (25 grams or more per day)
4. increased bean protein
5. increased seed/nut intake (almonds, walnuts)
6. increased fish (ones high in Omegas)
7. increased good fats (olive oil, coconut oil)
8. increased herbs & spices
most importantly.
9.Increase my water intake
8 glasses a day was good, and anything past that was great

10.I also kept a food journal
keeping track of what you eat will keep you more in check.

March Weigh-In

2009-03-01T15:06:00.000-05:00

Current weight 220lbs

Goals

Short term medium goal long term

215 205 200

Why I decided to change the way I eat.

2009-03-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Well i have never been one for fad diets I admit I haven't really tried any. I have always been scared to take the over the counter weight loss pills because i wasn't sure if they would work, or i wasn't sure what the side effects would be. But what i tried many, many times was to change the way i atethinking If i could just do that I would be on my way to healthier state.

I really never considered myself to be overweight, I didn't give it much thought, because I always felt I wore my clothes nicely. My mate accepted and loved me regardless, and I never went over a size 18 until that dreaded day in August of 08, I bought a new pair of jeans to wear to my family reunion size 18. The day of the reunion I put the jeans on but they would not come past my knee (OMG!!!!!) they would not go any further, I kept thinking they made a mistake obviously during production of the jeans someone put the wrong label in the jeans because these jeans are a size 16! Denial, Denial, Denial. I was actually a size 20, and weighed 238lbs.

So when I made the decision not to add any more chemicals to my hair i went full steam ahead reading ingredients, books, and doing a lot of research because I wanted a healthy full head of hair. So I thought if I'm putting this much into my hair I can take that same energy, and change the way I eat. So one day I can fit into those jeans.

I realize now it didn't work before, because I would omit certain foods from my diet, and would crave them more. So now I add more healthy foods in my diet, and let those foods push out the bad stuff and the bad food choices tend to fall off on their own. So instead of eating the entire container of Hagen Daz or eating the entire pack of Oreos I just eat the recommended serving (and I remove the cream from the Oreo and just eat the cookie.)

*So that would be my first tip*
Do not subtract treats instead add healthier choices.