Saturday, April 28, 2012

No meat for me... And did I mention I'm not pregnant?

Today was my daughter's first communion. Following mass we headed to my mum's for lunch and cake. I made it through without totally indulging!
I started with a two minute muffin and a cuppa tea, which held me over until about one.
Although my mum put on a delicious spread, I stuck to what I knew was vegetarian and had pronounceable ingredients. I ate hummus, crackers, olives and fruit. I skipped the sandwich wraps and cheese and ate ONE, that's right 1, chip.
I skipped the cake too. Oh, and the wine. Shocker!
I indulged only slightly. My inlaws sent over a heavenly looking tiramisu square. I cut the end off and ate, literally, two bites. What I had was delicious, but totally enough.
I drank water and lots of it.
I came home starving. I ate some wholewhear crackers, salsa and olives while my incredible handsome, wonderfully creative and awesomely talented (no he did not tell me to write that) honey, made me a scrumptious veggie stir fry wrap with homemade guacamole dressing. So yummy.
For dessert I had a banana a cuppa tea with honey and some soy nuts.

By the way, did I mention that I am not pregnant?
While setting up an exhibit yesterday I ran into my old karate instructor. After telling me how busy he was and how incredible his life was he asked if I was still doing the "photo-graphy" (yes, he said it just like that after I just finished telling him I was setting up my photography exhibit).
I explained to him that yes, I was and that I was off on maternity leave. What does he do? He gestures towards and looks at my belly and says "yeah I see that". What the hell was that supposed to mean?! Was that a "yeah I can tell since you still look like the Goodyear blimp" or "yeah, when are you due?"
I was in such a state of shock at his incredible insensitivity that I could barely speak. I simply went on to tell him that my son was six months old and that I was hoping to spend my life doing what I love. In his usual cocky manner he went on to say that he "wanted to do the same", but "wait. Oh yeah, (he) already (was)". I told him he was a dick and walked away.
As I left the sports complex we were bth setting up at, I ran into a cluster of MMA girls... tits up, ass out. Perfect bodies that only adde fuel to my emotional fire. I sat in the car and cried.
Today, I thought of all the things I should have said, all the ways I could have hurt him. There are only two words that come to mind, neither of which combine to make an appropriate blog worthy statement. ;)
Here's to another great day tomorrow!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Have you tried something new lately?

Today is a day for new recipes. This morning I had a two minute muffin. This whole grain hearty bread like breakfast consists of agave nectar, flax, wheat germ, (a few other grains that I can't remember the names of), baking soda and one egg. I tried to find an egg substitute at our local grocer, but had no luck. (anyone know if there is such a thing?). All ingredients go into a mug and into the microwave for two mins. I wish I had of taken s photo, it puffed right up over the top of the mug! I popped it onto a plate and put some natural jam on it.
Delicious!
Lunch was a whole grain and veggie sandwich (fried mushrooms, cucumber and tomato) with some kale chips.
The sandwich was good. Used a tiny bit of mayo and a bit of good earth spread (not-margarine margarine). The kale chips were ok for what they are. Basically you take some kale and break off bite size leafy great pieces. Place pieces on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil and some seasoned salt. It gave me the crunch that I love with my sandwich.
As for dinner, our good friends are making something yummy for us. I've been told portabello mushrooms are on the menu so I'm sure it will be awesome!

Veggies!!!! (yesterday's post)

Total meatless day today!
Whole grain bread, good earth spread and natural jam for breakie.
Veggie fajitas and some sweet potato fries for lunch and took the other half home for dinner.
Delish meat free day!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Forks. Definitely forks.

Yesterday I watched a documentary called Forks Over Knives. If you've seen it, you'll understand why a low carb diet is no longer an option for me.

The documentary talks about the roll animal protein plays in the progression of cancer and heart disease. Scientific research has proven that a diet high in animal protein increases cancer mortality rates as well as heart disease. According to these studies, a whole food plant based diet cannot only decrease a person's chances of getting these diseases, but also sometimes reverse the effects of these diseases.

Tests showed that a diet of 20% animal protein exponentially increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. A diet consisting of 5% animal protein on the other hand exponentially DECREASED the risk of cancer and heart disease.

With all this said (and a ton of other information from the documentary), I have decided to try and adopt a much more plant based diet. In the past (my teen years), I have attempted to become a vegan. With a lack of understanding and knowledge I was unsuccessful. Today, I feel more informed and much more capable of changing my lifestyle and eating habits.

Now, I know you are probably thinking, but what about protein. A plant based diet does contain protein and there are there are other was to get the protein that you need; and our protein requirements are not as high as we have been lead to believe.

Yesterday's grocery purchases included only fruits and vegetables, lentils, whole grains an fish. I figure I can't go vegan in a day, and fish is the best option at this point.

So last night it was a delicious veggie stir fry and cantaloupe for dessert. This morning, once I can get into my kitchen again, I will be having one piece of while grain bread with natural peanut butter and an all fruit (and a little pectin) jam.

I know this option may not be for everyone, but I am hoping that it will work for me. I want to grow old, watch my children grow and keep my family healthy. If this goes as planned I truly believe that this will give me the best chance of doing just that.

For those of you who want to check it out, I believe the website is www.forksoverknives.com.