Well all has been peachy keen up until last week: the meal plans were more on the starchy side (still on plan, but dinner had starch every night) and the produce was chemical laden. My energy levels slowly went down. Did I mention I've been skipping breakfast?
Saturday the man's kid came to visit for the weekend and really wanted banana bread. I found a decent recipe online and whipped some up. And I partook. Not a huge deal but the recipe had a half cup of sugar and a cup and a half white flour. After the first piece I didn't care how much more I ate and ended up eating three good size portions.
I came to my senses, I thought, the next day when I turned down fresh chocolate cake when visiting my niece. And I skipped lunch.
The next night I was logy and when the man left to take his kid back to her mother's, something came over me and I attacked the stash of chocolate in the closet I had bought for my nieces birthday party. I felt possessed. The same possession I was familiar with for many years... the same possession I get when I'm craving a cigarette. And I can't just have one.
I ate about ten snack size chocolate bars, even after feeling full and sick halfway through this binge. I was crazed. I felt horrible, physically and mentally. I felt like a failure because I expected to be more immune to this trap after five weeks on Eat To Live.
I have since forgiven myself, but fell into another old trap today - fasting after a binge to make up for it. My intentions were good, in face they were the same intentions I've had most days lately when skipping breakfast - to let my body digest as much as it can before I shove more in there. Give it a change to heal as much as possible. I still have no idea if that is a smart thing to do, but I have a feeling that if I hadn't been skipping breakfast so much, I would have been less vulnerable to temptation.
This experience has taught me at a.)food addiction is no different than addiction to drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes and if I have one, I have to be extra diligent because an addict can't just have one. Once its in my system, I will go through withdrawal and want more. I need to remember this and save my guilty pleasures for when they really count; b.)Even the littlest amount of starch/grains effects me - I tend to feel much better without it, so I need to try to spread dinners with starch in them farther apart; c.)skipping a meal on a regular basis might not be the best idea. I haven't been eating enough and I have to remember that more of the ETL foods is better than less; d.)keeping temptation in the home if it's not absolutely necessary, is just asking for trouble. Don't do this anymore!
So I'm taking my lessons and continuing anew. I'm on the last of week of the six week trial and want to finish it successfully. I don't plan on stopping there, of course, as I can say without a doubt that just the change in my energy levels and sleep, this is worth sticking to.
Oct 16, 2012
Oct 10, 2012
Vegan Cabbage Rolls
I've been experimenting with Beet Meat so I guess this was the next logical step:
Vegan Cabbage Rolls
You need enough tomato liquid to cover the bottom of the casserole dish, to add to the filling, and to cover the rolls - I used a can of tomato sauce but watered it down.
You can substitute this with lentils or store-bought ground "meat" if you like
Vegan Cabbage Rolls
- 1 head of cabbage, leaves carefully peeled off, intact*
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of tomato sauce, tomato juice, or tomato paste - I used sauce*
- 1 cup rice, uncooked (I used brown)
- 1 batch of Beet Meat *
You need enough tomato liquid to cover the bottom of the casserole dish, to add to the filling, and to cover the rolls - I used a can of tomato sauce but watered it down.
You can substitute this with lentils or store-bought ground "meat" if you like
- Prepare your Beet Meat; boil the rice, and chop the onion.
- In a large bowl, blend together the Beet Meat, cooked rice, the chopped onion, and about a half cup of the tomato liquid (more of less if you prefer).
- Cover the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish (9x13?) with some tomato liquid.
- Start filling the cabbage leaves, one at a time, by scooping some filling into the middle of a leaf, then wrapping it as you would a burrito. Or scoop some filling onto the harder end of the leaf and wrap the length of the leaf around, tucking in the sides.
- Place each roll into the casserole dish, seam side down, until you have a layer.
- Pour the remaining tomato liquid over the cabbage rolls, making sure to cover all the rolls (if there's not enough liquid they will dry out and you'll have no sauce left).
- Tightly cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven at 350' for about 2 hours.
Oct 9, 2012
Vegan Shepherd's Pie (with chili & butternut squash)
In this recipe I used leftover Chili with Beet Meat as the bottom layer. I used peas for the second layer to save myself the extra starch, but you could use corn if you prefer.
As far as measurements go, I usually eye everything and use common sense: I used quite a bit of leftover chili (about half the dish was filled with chili, a thin layer of peas, and a decent layer of mash); I used an entire squash and only a few small potatoes; I only needed a little bit of the milk (no more than half a cup); I used a handful of nutritional yeast and just added garlic powder till it tasted right; I used a whole bag of frozen peas, which only just covered the chili. I hope that helps cause this was really tasty - a nice twist on the traditional - and perfect for a cold day.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie (with chili and butternut squash)
As far as measurements go, I usually eye everything and use common sense: I used quite a bit of leftover chili (about half the dish was filled with chili, a thin layer of peas, and a decent layer of mash); I used an entire squash and only a few small potatoes; I only needed a little bit of the milk (no more than half a cup); I used a handful of nutritional yeast and just added garlic powder till it tasted right; I used a whole bag of frozen peas, which only just covered the chili. I hope that helps cause this was really tasty - a nice twist on the traditional - and perfect for a cold day.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie (with chili and butternut squash)
- Potatoes, peeled and quartered
- Butternut Squash
- Non-Dairy Milk (soy, coconut, almond, etc.)
- Nutritional Yeast
- Garlic Powder
- Frozen Peas (or corn)
- Leftover Chili
- Cut the butternut squash in half; peel; cut into chunks; lay them on a pan lined with parchment paper and put them in the oven to roast at 425' making sure to stir them part way through.
- Boil the potatoes, start heating up the chili, and boil the peas.
- When the squash is soft, put it into a mixing bowl along with the cooked potatoes and milk. Using a hand mixer, mix until blended and add garlic powder and nutritional yeast to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- When everything is prepared, pour the chili into a rectangular casserole dish in an even layer. Then carefully pour the peas in an even layer on top of the chili. Finally, dump the mash on top and carefully spread it evenly using a spatula, making sure all sides are covered.
- Place dish in the oven on broil to make sure everything is nice and hot but be careful not to burn the top.
Oct 8, 2012
Organic VS Inorganic
I've been eating 98% organic for the past few months, and especially since I started the six-week plan.
This weekend we had to shop at the cheapest possible location due to money shortages and everything fruit and vegetable we bought is inorganic.
The difference is night and day.
When I first started eating organic, I noticed a difference but only slight, depending on what it was. But the difference now is unbelievable and I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to eat this stuff again on a regular basis because it is nearly inedible.
Usually when I make my daily salad it is delicious. I made salad with this inorganic stuff and had to cover it with spices, vinegar, and salsa just to tolerate it.
We have organic clementines and inorganic clementines. The inorganic ones taste like chemical. The organic ones taste like candy. Everything tastes like chemical even after heavy washing. I can't believe I put those things in my body for most of my life and I fear for everyone else doing the same thing. They can't taste what I'm tasting because their taste buds are trained, they're used to what they've always gotten. I wish everyone could go organic for a month or two and then see the difference.
I'm having some tummy troubles today... I suspect it has to do with the toxic produce. I cannot wait till next week's shopping trip - I will never make this mistake again.
This weekend we had to shop at the cheapest possible location due to money shortages and everything fruit and vegetable we bought is inorganic.
The difference is night and day.
When I first started eating organic, I noticed a difference but only slight, depending on what it was. But the difference now is unbelievable and I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to eat this stuff again on a regular basis because it is nearly inedible.
Usually when I make my daily salad it is delicious. I made salad with this inorganic stuff and had to cover it with spices, vinegar, and salsa just to tolerate it.
We have organic clementines and inorganic clementines. The inorganic ones taste like chemical. The organic ones taste like candy. Everything tastes like chemical even after heavy washing. I can't believe I put those things in my body for most of my life and I fear for everyone else doing the same thing. They can't taste what I'm tasting because their taste buds are trained, they're used to what they've always gotten. I wish everyone could go organic for a month or two and then see the difference.
I'm having some tummy troubles today... I suspect it has to do with the toxic produce. I cannot wait till next week's shopping trip - I will never make this mistake again.
Sep 30, 2012
Day 21 of 42
Week three begins tomorrow - I can't believe how quickly the time has passed and how easy this journey has been so far.
I've definitely started to notice weight loss, especially around the face and waist. My skin is glowing and has color whereas it is usually white and pasty. I hardly ever feel bloated and/or yucky. I'm in the middle of PMSing and I have little to no cravings even though temptation is all around me.
The old me would not be able to keep chocolate in the apartment. I would go buy chocolate for Christmas presents and end up eating it all and having to go out and get more. I bought a bunch of chocolate and treats for my nieces birthday party and it's not even tempting me in the least.
My partner is eating junk in front of me... I'm surviving. My friend dropped by with a box of vegan cupcakes, no problem letting her know I couldn't eat them.
I'm doing so amazing with the plan, I feel so in control of what I eat and don't eat, and I DO NOT SUFFER THE ADDICTION TO FOOD as long as I keep doing what I'm doing.
And I'm having a blast in the kitchen experimenting recipes that fit into the healthy plan. I even made up my own recipe for Vegan Mayonnaise!
Week four is going to be a mainly raw week because my partner wants to detox for a week so I thought I'd join him. I will be eating raw fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, as well as beans and legumes. He will be eating just raw fruits and vegetables. I don't want to stray from the ETL plan so I'm still doing the nuts and beans.
I've also begun to be quite interested in juicing (green) and can't wait to get a juicer. From what I've read and watched it is amazing stuff and really cleans you out. I plan to one day do a juice fast to clean more of the gunk out of me that's been accumulating for the last twenty-something years.
The only downside to things right now is that my mother has decided she doesn't want to try the plan out. She is a very unhealthy woman and needs this more than anyone I know, myself included, but she feels it is too much work and too extreme. I told her that Gastric Bypass is extreme, this is just plain smart. But I can't force her so I just hopes she comes around. She does have an interest in juicing, so it's not all bad.
The only time I've "strayed" from the plan was my anniversary lunch (pizza) and I don't plan on doing so again for as long as I can help it. I'm loving this. I have so much more energy and I'm sleeping so well! My only complaint is that my body is too sore to accomplish very much - it doesn't match my energy level. I know that when I start an exercise program that will get better, so I'm not too worried.
So there's my three week update, so far so good!
I've definitely started to notice weight loss, especially around the face and waist. My skin is glowing and has color whereas it is usually white and pasty. I hardly ever feel bloated and/or yucky. I'm in the middle of PMSing and I have little to no cravings even though temptation is all around me.
The old me would not be able to keep chocolate in the apartment. I would go buy chocolate for Christmas presents and end up eating it all and having to go out and get more. I bought a bunch of chocolate and treats for my nieces birthday party and it's not even tempting me in the least.
My partner is eating junk in front of me... I'm surviving. My friend dropped by with a box of vegan cupcakes, no problem letting her know I couldn't eat them.
I'm doing so amazing with the plan, I feel so in control of what I eat and don't eat, and I DO NOT SUFFER THE ADDICTION TO FOOD as long as I keep doing what I'm doing.
And I'm having a blast in the kitchen experimenting recipes that fit into the healthy plan. I even made up my own recipe for Vegan Mayonnaise!
Week four is going to be a mainly raw week because my partner wants to detox for a week so I thought I'd join him. I will be eating raw fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, as well as beans and legumes. He will be eating just raw fruits and vegetables. I don't want to stray from the ETL plan so I'm still doing the nuts and beans.
I've also begun to be quite interested in juicing (green) and can't wait to get a juicer. From what I've read and watched it is amazing stuff and really cleans you out. I plan to one day do a juice fast to clean more of the gunk out of me that's been accumulating for the last twenty-something years.
The only downside to things right now is that my mother has decided she doesn't want to try the plan out. She is a very unhealthy woman and needs this more than anyone I know, myself included, but she feels it is too much work and too extreme. I told her that Gastric Bypass is extreme, this is just plain smart. But I can't force her so I just hopes she comes around. She does have an interest in juicing, so it's not all bad.
The only time I've "strayed" from the plan was my anniversary lunch (pizza) and I don't plan on doing so again for as long as I can help it. I'm loving this. I have so much more energy and I'm sleeping so well! My only complaint is that my body is too sore to accomplish very much - it doesn't match my energy level. I know that when I start an exercise program that will get better, so I'm not too worried.
So there's my three week update, so far so good!
Vegan Mayo
Part of the fun of being a Vegan Nutritarian is experimenting. The kitchen really does become a science lab.
I tried this recipe out making Chickpea “Tuna” Salad and it was amazing.
Fat-Free Sugar-Free Vegan Mayo
I tried this recipe out making Chickpea “Tuna” Salad and it was amazing.
Fat-Free Sugar-Free Vegan Mayo
- non-dairy milk (soy, coconut - just for colour)
- water
- cornstarch
- lemon juice
- mustard (optional)
- pepper (optional)
- garlic powder (optional)
Depending on how much of this you want to prepare, start with a half cup of water, a tablespoon of non-dairy milk, and a half tablespoon of cornstarch.
If it does not thicken, add in more cornstarch and keep stirring. Adjust till you get the consistency you want.
Finally, use the rest of the ingredients or any selection you like, to adjust the taste to your liking.
- Pour the milk, water, and cornstarch into a small pot and heat on medium, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick - but take it off the heat before it becomes too thick: it should be thinner in consistency than mayonnaise because it gets thicker when it cools.
- Remove it from the heat and let it cool. Add the remaining ingredients, blending them in well. Adjust flavours to your liking.
- Use it immediately, or if you want to put it in the fridge, make sure you whisk it really well to make it smooth again before using.
Sep 23, 2012
TVP Nightmare
Yesterday I went with my partner to a friend's house-warming party (Lord Of The Rings Marathon). All was well until it was time to eat. Since we would be there all day and most of the night, we had to eat there. That's okay, this guy is a Vegan and apparently a good cook! So we sat down to lunch.
He placed a bowl of homemade chili in front of me and I asked what was in it, because I could see what looked like a meat-type substance in abundance in this chili. He listed all the usual chili ingredients and TVP. I guess he saw the look on my face and assumed I had a problem with soy. I have no problem with soy as long as it is a.)organic (because if it's not organic it's most likely genetically modified) and b.)in its natural form or as close as possible to that.
I politely said that it's okay, that I'm just a bit weary of TVP. He laughed condescendingly, as if I was missing some secret knowledge about this product.
I don't claim to know much about TVP, but I do know how it is made and that alone is enough information for me to not want to put it into my body.
I'm gonna try to explain the process in as simple a way as possible, since I'm not any kind of scientist:
They take the soy beans, grind them into mill/flour, and remove the hull and fat. They change the structure of that using acid or base (usually hexane, which is a type of gasoline) which kills the cells of it. They compress it, which changes the structure of the protein. It becomes a form of plastic that can change structure when heat or liquid is applied. Mmmmm. Denatured soy, yum. I think I prefer food that is actually food and not something that has been heavily processed to the point of changing it into something completely different and unrecognizable from its original structure, something that hasn't had its cells killed. If you take that and add the fact that the majority of TVP made uses GMO soy, you're looking at quite an alien substance. I believe it would be far healthier to eat meat than eat this garbage.
I knew TVP was bad news for my body but I didn't actually learn how it was made until today, after the damage was done.
I ate my chili - I was starving, but it was a very small bowl.
Then came dinner.
Vegan wraps made with (you guessed it) TVP.
After that there was no going back: my stomach felt horrible, I got a headache, I felt sick, and gassy! And I felt stupid for not having made the decision to just not eat anything rather than eat that shit. That would have come across as rude, but I think my health is more important.
We left before the third movie started, both of us feeling like hell. I want nothing more than to get the stuff out of my system as soon as possible. And I have learned my lesson - better to fast than to poison myself.
I haven't eaten yet today, just water with lemon, and I don't plan on eating anything more than raw veggies, maybe a bit of fruit. Yesterday made me feel like the progress I've made for the last week and a half has all be ruined by one day. I hope that's not true.
He placed a bowl of homemade chili in front of me and I asked what was in it, because I could see what looked like a meat-type substance in abundance in this chili. He listed all the usual chili ingredients and TVP. I guess he saw the look on my face and assumed I had a problem with soy. I have no problem with soy as long as it is a.)organic (because if it's not organic it's most likely genetically modified) and b.)in its natural form or as close as possible to that.
I politely said that it's okay, that I'm just a bit weary of TVP. He laughed condescendingly, as if I was missing some secret knowledge about this product.
I don't claim to know much about TVP, but I do know how it is made and that alone is enough information for me to not want to put it into my body.
I'm gonna try to explain the process in as simple a way as possible, since I'm not any kind of scientist:
They take the soy beans, grind them into mill/flour, and remove the hull and fat. They change the structure of that using acid or base (usually hexane, which is a type of gasoline) which kills the cells of it. They compress it, which changes the structure of the protein. It becomes a form of plastic that can change structure when heat or liquid is applied. Mmmmm. Denatured soy, yum. I think I prefer food that is actually food and not something that has been heavily processed to the point of changing it into something completely different and unrecognizable from its original structure, something that hasn't had its cells killed. If you take that and add the fact that the majority of TVP made uses GMO soy, you're looking at quite an alien substance. I believe it would be far healthier to eat meat than eat this garbage.
I knew TVP was bad news for my body but I didn't actually learn how it was made until today, after the damage was done.
I ate my chili - I was starving, but it was a very small bowl.
Then came dinner.
Vegan wraps made with (you guessed it) TVP.
After that there was no going back: my stomach felt horrible, I got a headache, I felt sick, and gassy! And I felt stupid for not having made the decision to just not eat anything rather than eat that shit. That would have come across as rude, but I think my health is more important.
We left before the third movie started, both of us feeling like hell. I want nothing more than to get the stuff out of my system as soon as possible. And I have learned my lesson - better to fast than to poison myself.
I haven't eaten yet today, just water with lemon, and I don't plan on eating anything more than raw veggies, maybe a bit of fruit. Yesterday made me feel like the progress I've made for the last week and a half has all be ruined by one day. I hope that's not true.
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