Results!!!

    We began this journey only four months ago and yet so much has changed.  While keeping an active lifestyle and focusing on eating a mostly plant based diet our health has vastly improved.  My husband is down 30 pounds and I have lost 18!  While weight loss isn't the goal with this leap it certainly is a welcome result.

    We were talking the other night and realized that this is the longest I have gone without having some sort of infection needing treated with antibiotics in YEARS!   I feel  better than I have in, I can't remember how long.  I've gotten my spark back, have random dance parties with my kids again, and just feel happier overall.   I still struggle with this auto-immune disorder crap but instead of running an 101 degree temperature every day, I'm down to 99.5.  I also still have days where everything hurts and I don't want to get out of bed, but those are no longer the norm.
 
   My kiddos are growing like weeds.  Sometimes I wish high-wader pants would come into style so it wouldn't be so hard to keep them properly dressed! :)  The have embraced this lifestyle and have a sense of pride in making an effort to be healthy.  I'm super proud of them both.

   Brandon just finished reading The China Study by T. Colin Campbell.  He has read about 1/2 of it to me!  Every time he finished another chapter that floored him, he re-read it to me.  It was completely eye-opening.  While not everyone agrees that completely cutting out animal proteins is the answer, there is undeniable evidence showing that our current "American Diet" is killing us through heart disease, cancer, and so on.  The cancer study in mice ABSOLUTELY BLEW MY MIND!  As did the evidence that the people who tell us what is healthy, plan meals for our kids in school, and make up the material to educate our doctors, have no concern about our actual health.  I could go on and on about this but I won't.  I wholeheartedly recommend everyone read this book.  As B put it best, it should be required reading for every American.

Picky Eaters?

     This is a typical reaction when I tell my kids we are trying something new.  This particular photo was snapped when I told my son we were going to eat oysters.  I have learned very quickly that when they ask what we are having for dinner the best course of action is to be vague or tell them it is a surprise. Then, kick them out of the kitchen.

     I don't know how many times I have slipped pureed cauliflower and such into dishes and the kids nor my husband were ever the wiser.  However, if they even see some sitting on the counter- Mission:Failed.  They won't even touch the stuff.

Some things that help me:

1.  Have the kids help make the meal.  If they feel like they have contributed and had some control over the food they are going to eat, they are so much happier (and willing) to eat it.

2.  Ask the entire family to help create a meal list for the week.  

3.  Try to limit a meal to one item the kids aren't crazy about.  My son is much more willing to eat a few brussels sprouts if he loves the rest of the meal.

4.  If you have a dinner the kids don't really care for, have one of their favorites the next night.  

 

What's for Breakfast?

So being gluten free has hampered many of my breakfast favorites.  Taking it a step further with the whole vegan thing.. my choices get even slimmer.  Here is a new favorite in our household.

Tofu Scramble

1 pkg of extra firm tofu

1/2 cup of red pepper

1/2 cup of onion

1/2 cup of mushrooms

2 cups hashbrowns/home fries

Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to your frying pan and begin browning potatoes.  After they start to get golden add in onion, peppers, and mushrooms.  Saute for about 5 minutes and add in tofu.  I smash my cubes with a fork to make them more "egg-like"  I add 2 dashes of Turmeric and Cayenne powder.  Salt & Pepper to taste.  I also use a little Sriracha sauce on my plate.

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES - 3rd Time's a Charm

   GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN RECIPE

  When I first heard of black bean brownies I was a little skeptical.  Then I made my first batch and they were a little funky.  However, I LOVE chocolate and was determined not to give up.  So after playing around with them I think I've found a winning recipe. They are vegan, gluten-free, and yummy!

1 can of black beans thoroughly rinsed and drained.
3/4 cup of cocoa powder
1/2 cup of sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp Vanilla
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chunks or chips
2 "eggs"  (I use vegan egg substitute powder+water)

*Optional - top with chopped chocolate or pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix egg substitute in blender for a few seconds.  Add all other ingredients and blend for 4-5 minutes until completely smooth.  Spoon mixture into muffin pan and sprinkle on desired toppings- makes 12 brownies.   Bake for 22-26 minutes.

ENJOY!