Please Don't Pass the Sugar!

It's been about 2 months since I stopped eating sugar among other things that aren't good for you. I thought it'd be a lot harder then it is. I was hooked on the stuff and ate a lot more then I would ever admit to. I didn't really have any set goals on my diet other then it being healthy and meat-free. I never imagined it would be this drastic of change nor did I realize how much work it'd be. Don't get me wrong, I love this new diet and lifestyle and I feel great but I have to admit it is a lot of work. I was always one of those people that thought/said "I could never do that" meaning that I could not stop eating sugar. On one hand, it's true I couldn't stop eating sugar, I really loved it, dessert has always been my favourite meal! On the other hand I now know it is a mind set and I just needed to make the choice not to eat it and stick with it. It's been 8 weeks and I have done a great job of not eating sugar, even if it means passing up things that I really love like Starbucks Soy Chai Latte, honey in my (herbal) tea, (homemade) muffins, bread and especially birthday cake and desserts. In the process of this lifestyle change I have lost about 10lbs and my skin looks much healthier, although I still sometimes get my "bindi zits".

Fun with a Blender

I borrowed Maris' (my step-mil) blender a couple weeks ago and I have been using and abusing it. I hope I don't wear out the motor before I return it to her. I've been making smoothies with it mostly. Here's my favourite combo:

Green Smoothie

handful of spinach
few leaves of kale
1/2 Cup water
(I like to puree it at this point)
1 banana
1/2-1 cup fresh pineapple
1/2 cup frozen berries (optional)

blend all ingredients together and enjoy.

Fun with Coconut Milk

When you open a can of coconut milk you have to use up all of in within a couple of days before it spoils. So here are some fun ways to use it other then in curries or soup.

Banana Pina Colada Smoothie

1 small banana
1/2-1 C fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
1/2 C almond milk (or non-dairy bev of your choice or reg milk)
1/2 C coconut milk

Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth or use immersion blender.
You could also add 1 cup of ice cubes.

I'll be posting more here so check back or add your own ideas in the comment box, thanks.

New Favourite Soup

I had some leftover roasted butternut squash from dinner and decided to make soup with it. I looked online for a recipe to use but ended up creating my own and it's delicious! Soup is probably the easiest thing you can experiment with in the kitchen, just remember to keep it simple.

Curry Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

2 medium sized butternut squash, roasted, spooned out & skins discarded
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp curry powder
2-3 C vegetable stock
1/2 C coconut milk

Garnishes (optional):
fresh lime juice
fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat oil in large pot, add onions and cook until soft. Add curry powder and heat spices then add squash. Stirring into onions and spices, add enough veg stock to cover squash by about an inch. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes.

If you like your soup smooth then puree with an immersion blender or in batches in food processor or blender until desired consistency is reached. Add the coconut milk when ready to serve. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

The Untraditional Thanksgiving

I'm on a Thanksgiving role with yesterday's thankful post and today I'm thinking about the Traditional Thanksgiving Meal. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner have always been 2 of my favourite meals as far as food goes. I love the roasted turkey and all the trimmings -stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberry sauce. This year I'll be having none of that! This year is the first holiday season that I'm a vegetarian since 1998. Not only am I not eating meat but I have also been sticking with my choice of not eating sugar and wheat. This will be the most interesting and challenging meal I've ever been to since I made the change. I am confident that I will get through the meal without faltering because of the clever plan I've come up with. I am planning on bringing a couple of dishes: Baked Beans and Roasted Root Vegetables. This way I will be ensured of a delicious meal too.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Festive eating for all -veggie or omni!!
And I say we can all just get along, be sure to bring your own food ;)