Important Changes

Over the last while I've learned some things that NEED to be shared because these foods were thought to be healthy and have either been proven not to be, or are suspected of being. I no longer use:
Truvia
Agave Nectar
Soy Milk

I may come back and add to this list, but for now, I just needed to put this out there. I'm using Stevia, Honey, pure Maple Syrup, and Coconut Milk.

The Biggest Loser

Ever been addicted to something? Years ago I had to break myself of sugar. And I used to be addicted to watching Matlock. I think now, though, I must be addicted to The Biggest Loser on Netflix after not subscribing to commercial or cable tv for decades. There are over 180 episodes (and I'm only to 66)! But the reason for loving it so much is that it's giving me the drive to lose weight and exercise the way I should and I'm very grateful. I love the success stories and I also love seeing people care about and help each other. It's so refreshing to see some of them more concerned with becoming healthy and promoting it among teammates, than the quest for winning a cash prize. There's also a website - www.biggestloserclub.com - that I've joined to help me track progress while being able to glean from them information, recipes and support while on this road to better health.

It's true that while I try to use real foods in their whole and natural state, eggs for example, I can adapt recipes and get ideas from what they have to offer and I'm having some fun besides!

It's Not Just Physical

How we see ourselves plays a huge role in what we become. It's important to rationally understand that while we are a work in progress, our worth is beyond measure.

If we truly value ourselves as we should, we must seek for the very best for ourselves and loved ones, so with no regret whatsoever, I have ditched the fat lifestyle for a happier, more fit and healthier one.

little girls photo / fat vs muscle photo

Fourth Cup Vegetable Soup

This recipe takes vegetables from the list of the ones that take more calories to digest than they contain. Be sure to use a frying pan with straight sides because the whole soup will be cooked in it.

1/4 C. chopped Onions
1/4 C. chopped Celery
1/4 C. sliced Carrots
1/4 C. cut Green Beans
1/4 C. Broccoli Florets
1/4 C. chopped Green Cabbage
1/4 C. chopped Bell Pepper
A handful Baby Spinach Leaves
3 C. Vegetable Broth

Spray a frying pan with non-stick spray and saute fresh vegetables except Spinach and Broth. When just fork tender, add Broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for just a few minutes and remove from heat. Add the handful of Spinach and stir in while soup is hot, just before serving. Serves 2

Kettle Popcorn

I love this recipe!
Kettle Popcorn

3 T. Coconut Oil, melted in the bottom of a large saucepan
2 pkgs, or 1t. Truvia, sprinkled over the melted oil.
3 T. Unpopped Corn, sprinkled over oil and Truvia

Allow oil to get hot enough to sizzle corn, cover pan with lid and when the corn begins to pop turn down the heat to med-low. Shake the pan every few seconds to keep the popping going. When the corn stops popping, it's done!

This makes about 6 Cups of Kettle Corn.

Probiotic Smoothie

I like this one because it gives a bit of help keeping intestinal balance, plus, it tastes good!

6 oz. or 3/4 C. Plain or Vanilla Soy Yogurt with cultures
1 Orange
6 Frozen Strawberries
1/2 C. Frozen Blueberries
Truvia if desired

Blend and, Voila!!

Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Nutritarian Food Pyramid

Let's compare food pyramids for just a few minutes.
The University of Michigan was on the right track with their Healing Foods Pyramid, and I do like that they include water, but I think this new one by Dr. Fuhrman is better.
What do you think?
For more information on The Nutritarian Food Pyramid,
click here.

Cream of Potato Soup

When I come off a fast of more than 3-4 days I like to ease my body into it. (I've tried eating heavier foods and meat right after a fast and it's not worth the belly ache!) So, for breakfast I have a smoothie to reintroduce fiber. For lunch I like to have a nice cream soup, bringing back cooked foods and some soy protein. Then for dinner I'll have a big green salad. I use a little apple cider vinegar as a dressing usually, because avocado or olives serve as the oil.
This is today's cream soup.
1 sm. Red Onion
1 Stalk Celery
1 Carrot
1 chunk Sweet Potato
2 sm. White Potatoes
Opt. A couple of Mushrooms
Bouillon Cubes enough to flavor 2C. liquid
Water
2 C. Soymilk

Spray a frying pan with Olive Oil nonstick spray. Add Veggies (about 2 C. total) and about 1/2 C. Water. Cook til veggies are barely soft, adding enough water to the pan to keep the juices liquid. This will save both flavor and nutrients for the soup instead of leaving them stuck on the bottom of the pan.

Pour 2 C. Unsweetened Soymilk into a blender. Add the veggies and juices. Blend til smooth and serve in a nice big mug. Makes about 4 C., enough for 2, 2 C. servings. Garnish with Parsley and Black Pepper.

5 + 8 = -18.5

Well, after 5 days at the beginning of October and now 8 days more of juicing only, I have lost 18 and a half pounds. David and I are enjoying trips to local farmer's markets for fresh organic produce. This last Saturday after shopping for fruits and veggies we found ourselves in a department store buying David some smaller clothes! This combined with what he was doing before has added up to some great changes for him, too! Good things are happening here at our house. Hope they are at yours, too.
Have a happy, healthy day!!
Food photo

I Coulda Had A V-8 ...wait a minute, I DID Have A V-8!

Here is my recipe for fresh V-8 Juice:

3 Tomatoes
2 Celery Stalks
1-2 Carrots
1-2 Kale Leaves
1 sm. Green Onion
1 handfull of Spinach
1/2 sm. Beet
1/3-1/2 lg. Cucumber
1/4 Red or Yellow Bell Pepper

Actually, I guess it's V-9 Juice. I added a green onion.
Sooo good!! Ya gotta try it!

(This great photo came from... www.v8vegetablejuice.blogspot.com )