Enjoying the Eat

I Believe I have Kicked it

tabitha5477 — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:56:55 +0000

I have fallen, landed with a thud and now must put the pieces back together…

A few nights ago I was enjoying a dinner with a good friend. I made an awesome entrée and perfect dessert. We went for a walk after dinner, discussing religion and life along the way. When we returned to the house we laid about talking about the past and the future and everything in between. It was going along well, when out of nowhere, BAM! I am blasted with a rush of fear. I suddenly got so panicked about the amount of change I saw. Not just within myself but with everyone and everything around me. I don’t know if I had been avoiding it or numbing myself to it but here it was, a huge bite of reality. I literally could not draw one comparison to my life a few months ago and my life at that moment. I started doubting my choices and changes. Somehow I convinced myself that I had lost so much and I wanted the “old me” back. I tried to think of what would make me feel like “me”, in that moment. The inhale of a camel was all that came to mind. I rushed to the closest Wawa and wouldn’t you know, they were a dollar off..I actually took that as a sign that I was supposed to buy them. I felt awkward holding it and quickly lit it, hoping I would feel more comfortable smoking it. It was a long, slow burn and the exhale stung my mouth. I waited..nothing.. took another drag… still nothing.. WHY WAS THIS NOT FUlFILLING ME!

*PAUSE*

Looking back on this night, the blurriness I was feeling is washed away and I am left with a somewhat clearer picture of the situation. I was talking with an old friend, retelling past adventures and was swept away with the moment. Somehow I allowed the fun to turn into fear. I was unable to look at the past and enjoy it without feeling like I had lost or was loosing out on something. Even with the rational insight on the situation I still do feel the lingering question, “Am I missing out?”, i’m not sure exactly what I think im missing out on. I do however know, smoking that cigarette did not fulfill me nor did I feel “me” at any point during it. I might not know the exact answer on why I chose to light up one last time but I am certain that it will not happen again. There is nothing left in that habit for me, I believe I have kicked it.

Now onto tapping into whats going on inside of me and where these feelings are coming from.

Mistakes, Co-op and Bean Burritos!

tabitha5477 — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:44:17 +0000

I have to admit a mistake. I was extremely mortified about this when it happened but since sleeping on it, have realized that in my journey mistakes are okay. In my last post I raved about the Super Giant having alternative options, which is true but with conditions. Two nights ago Stephen and I found are stomachs and refrigerator on empty. Unfortunately, Whole Foods was already closed, so we decided to venture off to the Super Giant. Last time I had a wonderful experience and was able to find what was needed for the baby shower. However, we stood there astounded at how little we could eat in this entire “food” store. There was little to no organic fruit and what they did have looked like it fell off the back of the truck. If I did not know better I would have definitely opted for the red waxed apples shinning to the right of the rotting organic fruit. As we turned the corner into the aisle of alternative options we found the same dead-end. Picking up boxes of granola that read, “100% organic” on the front only to turn it over and find in small print, “this product is only 72% organic” and not to mention jammed full with 25 to 50 grams of sugar! The “WHOLE AISLE” of alternative options felt more like “THIS IS ONLY AISLE?! .” How is it possible that an entire establishment which sole purpose is to sell food, really does not sell any food??

Now to something extremely exciting, The Bryn Athyn Co-op! Stephen and I made our first trip yesterday after work. We were instantly blown away, not only by the selection of fruits and veggies but also the help and kindness we received from the members. We were able to buy organic peaches, pineapple, mangos, bananas, kale, brocoli, asparagus, spring mix and more. When we were checking out we realized they also had a freezer and refrigerator packed full of products, including our favorite kombucha drink at a reduced price. Though they had sold out of the drinks the operator asked us what our favorite flavors were and said she would order them for us for next week! They also had price lists at hand which allowed us to see what we were buying at a reduced price.We joined and paid the low fee to become members which gives us 10% off every time we shop. The experience not only perked me back up from the Super Giant let down but it overwhelmed me with joy to be apart of such an awesome organization of people.

And now for something out of this world delicious!

Bean Burittos

(serves two)

1 can of black beans

1 cup of lentils

Half red pepper

Half onion

Avocado

Sprouts

4 Romaine lettuce leaves

Get your lentils going with 2 part water to one part lentils, bring to a boil than cover and let simmer

Use your veggie toppings raw or saute them slightly

Once lentils are done run them through the food processor until it comes out as a thick paste

We use the ready to serve organic beans from whole foods so no cooking involved, just run through the food processor until it comes out as a thick paste

Apply layer of bean paste followed by a layer of lentil paste to romaine leaves

Next apply your veggie mixture of onion and red pepper

Followed by fresh avocado and sprouts

Spice withe pepper, red pepper, and I used a dash of curry seasoning.

Wrap up and enjoy a sensation of mouth-watering flavor!

Eating for Two

tabitha5477 — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:48:19 +0000

On sunday I hosted a baby shower for one of my dearest friends. I had a blast planning it with my fellow hostess and the preparations went along smoothly. When the topic of what to serve came up we bounced around different ideas. Should we serve a lunch meal or appetizing finger food? We came up with a delicious buffet of goodies:

- Mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (whole wheat bread and Earth Balance peanut butter)

- quinoa apple and raisin salad

- fruit trays

- fresh veggies and pita with homemade humus

-2 raw cheese cakes (raspberry and banana almond butter)

- chips with guacamole and salsa

and set off for the grocery store. We decided to go to the Super Giant because they offered an organic selection and alternatives at a slightly reduced price, in comparison to Whole Foods. I had no idea about their organic options and it was refreshing to find a super market taking a leap with alternative food. We stayed on budget and left with an incredible amount! The night before the baby shower I prepared both cheese cakes, humus, and quinoa salad and with a little time management it was not to difficult. The morning of the shower I sliced veggies and began the presentation of the food. Everything was not only delicious it was beautifully displayed. The buffet was a hit and we had the perfect amount of food!

Hosting this event offered up a wide variety of lessons. Time management and keeping my cool were big ones. I did find myself panicked or rushed at times, but the fun and excitement far outweighed the stress. It sounds corny but I was filled with joy to not only serve healthy alternatives but have them be enjoyed. It left me with this overwhelming want to feed the world. I am so extremely happy that the event went well and such an awesome group of women got to share the excitement of the baby. I am looking forward for the next event to present itself and another food spread to be dreamt up.

Running under the moon light

tabitha5477 — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:33:09 +0000

Yesterday was hectic, to say the least. I awoke bright and early and rushed out for my first day of training at a new job. After work I raced home to whip up a dinner with an almost empty pantry. Following dinner I zipped around to get last-minute errands done and by the time I sat down I felt drained and sluggish. Luckily Stephen came home from a long days work and suggested a night run to bring us up a bit. I was intrigued by the idea and ran upstairs to grab my sneakers. I decided to run without my cd player, (a first for me) so I could be fully alert of my surroundings. I was slightly apprehensive at first without the security of music or sunlight. But as we rounded the bend at the bottom of the grand cathedral hill, the moon appeared and bounced of the meadow to aluminate the path. I was in awe of my surroundings and had to remind myself to breathe. As We trudged up the hill we came to a dark round about, which made me nervous and excited me all at the same time. I increased my speed and felt a surge run through my body, as if I was tapping into a survival method. As the run came to a complete, I inhaled a cool breeze and took one last look at the moon. I suggest treating yourself to a night run sometime, let the moon lead the way instead of the sun for a change.

and now for something yummy!

Lentil Taco Stir Fry

As I said earlier, tonight’s dinner was a challenge with an almost empty pantry. I had two lentil burgers in the freezer, half an onion and an avocado. This is what I created and it was delicious!

- Defrost and crumble the lentil burgers into small bite size pieces ( refer to burger bliss for lentil burger recipe)

-Cook on low to medium heat with a little coconut oil (about 10 min)

- Chop onion and add to lentil burger stir fry for last 5 minutes of cooking

- Serve stir fry hot with fresh avocado over it

This was absolutely mouth-watering and quite surprising for such little resources. The fresh avocado was a huge contributor to the flavor and really topped the stir fry off. It reminded me of taco makings and I cant wait to try the mixture stuffed into pita bread. Unfortunately in the rush of the night I forgot to take a picture but this meal will be repeated for a fun taco nite, where many pictures will be produced!

To heat or not to heat- that is the question

tabitha5477 — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:37 +0000

This morning during a chance encounter with my aunt, I was told that heating olive oil to its smoking point is potentially dangerous to my health. Alarmed and curious I set off to gather information on this statement. I found opposing ideas around every corner and have been unable to find a solid source for either side. I have decided to post both in hopes that I will gain reader feedback and discussion.

Side A: No threat (though does state not heat to smoking point)

- Virgin olive oil and olive-pomace oils are highly monounsaturated oils much more resistant to oxidation and hydrogenation

- all oils however will hydrogenate to a certain degree but only when repeatedly heated as in commercial frying operations

- olive oil is the most stable fat when heated, this means it stands up well to high frying temperatures

http://www.oliveoilsource.com/page/heating-olive-oil#Heating

Side B: Danger

- oil when overheated, literally deteriorates chemically

- decomposition results in the creation of hydroperoxids and then increasing levels of aldehydes

- forming of free radicals

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/oil-fat-overheat-smoking-point/

I am at odds with the information and find myself drowning in confusion. Do I swear off heating olive oil or just take precaution? I have no confusion on the importance of oils and omega. Omega-3 is one of the essential fatty acids and our body uses it to build other fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9 (both found in olive oil). It aids in producing healthy cells and repairing damaged cells. Not to mention it supports healthy skin, hair and nails. Flax seed oil is a great source of omega-3 and a great way to add flavor to a salad (refer to “Thats how you let the beat build” for a salad recipe with flaxseed oil).

I am at a lost here people. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

and now for something yummy!

Veggie and salad dressing

- 3 Tbsp olive oil

- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (promotes healthy digestion and balances the acid-alkaline enviroment of the stomach and digestive tract)

- black pepper

Shake and enjoy!

* I take all photos found on the blog.

Soup de jour for the Soul

tabitha5477 — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:10:56 +0000

I am currently reading Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston. As I continue to read, the message of not only eating healthy but thinking healthy is becoming much more apparent. It is not enough to nourish your body with the right foods when your feeding your mind and emotions with toxic energy and thoughts. I have noticed a significant change in my emotions since switching to an all organic diet. On top of having more energy, I have also noticed a relief in the “swinging” my emotions once had. I still do cry and get angry but I have the ability to know why im upset and manage what I do in that state much better. I sometimes recall past actions or outbursts and I literally feel my face flush and the embarrassment rush in. I think about people I have hurt and offended in those states. For a very long time I was unable to set up boundaries with people. Without the boundaries came bottling up my emotions and thus came the outbursts. While reading I came across this passage:

“So, practice being responsible with your words and actions; learn to be more intimate and authentic;

observe healthy boundaries; and finally make amends where necessary and do better the next time around”.

This resides so deeply within me. I want to practice all of those things when dealing within myself and with others. I suggest reading Quantum Wellness, it offers a soothing voice that teaches you to take it easy on yourself and find peace within the life you live. There are amazing meditation guidelines and ways of channeling your thoughts. Today I am choosing to be responsible for the emotions and thoughts that not only the world sees but also the ones that reside deep within me.

and now for something yummy!

Stephen has become an organic soup master! Sometimes the soup resembles a hardy chili while other times it is a savory minestrone. Whatever the genre may be, it always offers up a delicious eat. I love watching the process of the soup come together almost as much as I love eating it. The veggies laid out on the cutting boards, piles forming to be thrown into the boiling pot. It all just seems so strategic. However Stephen has stressed that he never quite knows how it will come out. He relies heavily on his pallet to lead the way especially when spicing the soups. This method not only gets the job done but it produces five-star soups every time.

Organic Vegetable Soup

-1 can black beans

-1 can kidney beans

- 1 small can of tomato paste

- 2 cups of vegetable broth

- Slice of tomato

- 3 carrots chopped

- 1/2 chopped red pepper

- a few slices of chopped onion

- 2 stock of celery

- 2 cloves of garlic

- Pinch of chopped parsley

-chili powder

-pepper

* Taken directly from his recipe (with permission of course)

Start by adding the broth and paste into a large pot (medium to low heat)

Add in your chopped carrot, onion and garlic cloves (allow this mixture to sit for about 7 minutes)

Add in celery and red pepper (allow this mixture to sit for about 7 minutes)

Finally add in beans,parsley and tomato

Spice with chili powder and pepper for a kick

Soup needs about 20 to 25 minutes on low heat

Enjoy with a pile of steamed kale and brocoli!

Order up some Enzymes

tabitha5477 — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:40:04 +0000

I recently read The Hippocrates Diet and Health Program by Ann Wigmore. The book begins and ends with the idea of bringing enzymes back into our diet. Something that should be an easy concept, is a near impossible task with the foods offered in American diets. As the book states, ”More than the 20,000 processed food items offered in the super market must be eliminated”. I find it so interesting that an establishment that sells “food” has over 20,000 processed, box or canned items. Where is this “food” that they are selling? The text also puts strong emphasis on alive foods. This is an important topic considering cooking or otherwise processing foods destroys or leaches all of the enzymes and damages vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This leaves some foods with no nutritional value except empty calories. We are in a state of crisis people! We must bring the power and value back into our food.

The Hippocrates diet suggests this list to ensure a proper amount of essential vitamins, enzymes, fibers and calories as well as amino acids:

2-5 pieces of fresh fruit or soaked dry fruit daily

2 large salads per day including a variety of vegetables and sprouts

6 cups of fresh alfalfa, sunflower, buckwheat, mung lentil or other sprouts used in recipes or juiced

3-8 ounces of seed cheese, seed sauce or seed yogurt made from sprouted or soaked nuts and seeds (protein)

At least 1 cup of sprouted grain

1 to 2 green drink and 8-16 ounces of Rejuvelac ( A green drink offered at the program)

Sea vegetables 1 to 2 times a day

1-3 ounces of wheatgrass daily

3-4 times per week use avocado, sprouted or soaked nuts, dried fruit and honey

I am not suggesting that everyone stop what their eating and begin this diet daily BUT it does offer up some ideas when choosing the most nutritional meals possible. It also dedicates an entire chapter to indoor gardening and the benefits of growing you own sprouts. Learn extensively about your digestive tract and how certain foods affect the process. Finish up with pages of wonderful recipes to ease you into “alive” food.

The Hippocrates Diet and Health Program starts with a dedication that reads, “This book is dedicated to you, in hope that you will find greater health, peace and happiness by its use.” It works with you by listing transitional foods and offering up the idea that, it’s not what you eat everyone once in a while that determines your health but what you eat mostly. It had some opposing methods and ideas than what I had originally came to it with. But I find it fascinating that almost every health book is different form each other. It is about finding your balance with it all. Finding a program and way of eating that nourishes your mind, body and soul. I do suggest the book and if you take nothing more than the recipes you have gained something!

An Organic-Vegan “Cheat” Day

tabitha5477 — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:50:13 +0000

Tonight Stephen and I feasted like kings! Both of us returning from long days decided a “cheat” dinner was in order. We did not stray from organic ingredients or use any animal products. We did however fry up some eggplant and make vegan ice cream.

Fried Eggplant

-1/2 eggplant

-almond milk

-wheat germ

-olive oil

Start by slicing the eggplant into thin wheels

Dip each piece into the almond milk and then into the wheat germ

The almond milk and wheat germ are substitutes for eggs and bread crumbs

Make sure your olive oil is hot before adding each slice to your pan (you should hear the sizzle)

Cook eggplant, flipping the pieces when needed, until each side is a golden brown

We decided to steam asparagus to go with it and they complimented each other well.

Sprinkle pepper and enjoy!

It was suggested by my older sister to use wheat germ as a substitute for bread crumbs. Someone who also is on a journey with food and fitness. She has become a constant source for recipes, fitness tips and encouragement. This was absolutely delicious and I cant wait to use the wheat germ in other recipes!

Banna Almond Butter Delight

-Serves 2

-2 frozen bananas

-2 tablespoons of raw organic almond butter

-Agave nectar

Cut the banana into small pieces, add almond butter and 2 decent squirts of agave nectar

Let this mixture run in the food processor until creamy

Serve and enjoy a sweet ice cream treat!

Tonight was far from our normal dinner habits. Fried food and ice cream seem like a meal from my past. But It is far from the chicken and Ben and Jerry’s that once took it place. I took in every bite guilt free and with a smile! At least it wasnt McDonald’s right?

Move over Tucan Sam

tabitha5477 — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:43:38 +0000

We have been told for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I ignored the warnings and skipped it most of my highschool days. As I look back I can clearly see I was hungry, tired and unfocused most mornings. Breakfast is essential for young working minds in the classroom. However a recent study by Yale University shows a shocking truth about what most children are eating for breakfast. I suggest reading this before you purchase your next box of cereal:

http://opa.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=7013

-Cereals marketed directly to children have 85% more sugar, 65% less fiber, and 60% more sodium than cereals marketed to adults for adult consumption.

What a great way to send out the minds of tomorrow! Adults and children alike require a healthy, balanced breakfast for functioning minds and body. Instead of quick, liquid, coffee breakfast or your childs usual bowl of sugar, try a breakfast that will kick-start your day and body. I start my days with fruit and organic steel-cut oats. Its delicious, sodium free and has only one gram of sugar!

-Bring 2 cups of water to boil

-Stir in 1/4 cups of oats

-Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 min

I enjoy it with a ripe banana cut up over it or a bit of organic grade b maple syrup. You can also try it with almond milk or honey!

Burger Bliss

tabitha5477 — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:57:56 +0000

I have had a craving for a veggie burger for weeks now. But with a no soy or processd food policy, I have been unable to get my hands on one. So I decided to make my own, can’t be that hard right? I have met my match in the kitchen; Lentil burgers! As I sit here with a full belly and satisfied taste buds, I can say it was worth it. Numerous failed burgers and countless spills later, I think I have it down. Here is the process and ingredients needed. I am going to be extremely specific, just in case anyone out there finds this confusing like myself.

-1 cup of lentils

-5 pieces of whole grain sprouted bread

-1 cup steel-cut oats

-celery

-1 onion

-1 zucchini

- 1 sweet potato

- 2 carrots

-olive oil

How to prepare:

Bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of lentils to a boil, lower heat and cover for about 45 minutes or until water is soaked up

Cut thin round slices of sweet potato and lay in casserole dish with a tsp. of olive oil. Pre-heat oven to 350 will need 30-40 min to cook

Saute your onions, carrots, and zucchini in a pan with about a tsp. of olive oil (5 mins)

Transfer sautéed veggies to food processor and add in raw chopped celery and baked sweet potato. After putting it through set aside in a separate bowl

For the bread crumbs: send your bread through the food processor with the oats. Set aside in a seperate bowl

When the lentils are cooked allow time for them to cool then transfer to food processor. After putting them through set aside in a separate bowl.

You now have the assembly line of ingredients. I started by trying to hand mix. WARNING: this does not work.

Take equal amounts of the three and together put them through the food processor. Take the mixture out and form burger patties. I was able to make 2 burgers each time I ran the mixture through.

Once your patties are made cook them on low heat in a pan with a little olive oil. I cooked on a very low heat for about 10 min. The burger had a slight charred outside when done. I then topped it off with black pepper, a few sautéed onions, raw baby spinach and slices of the baked sweet potato. For a bun I used 2 pieces of toasted sprouted bread. Every last bite was perfection! My craving for a veggie burger has been filled.

It took a lot for me to get this meal going but once I found my rhythm it got easier. I was able to freeze 6 burgers! I have wonderful toppings in store for those, including: sprouts, avocados, tomatoes and pita bread. There are so many variations of this burger you can try. Switch up the veggies you use in the burger mixture or make it a classic with ketchup and burger buns. Mix it up and eat it up!

*I take all photos found on the blog.