One of my goals lately has been to come up with ways to enjoy some of the comfort foods I grew up with whiel avoiding all the stuff added to ingredients. One of the items I found over and over again was dry onion soup mix. Whether in a dip, in casserole, soup, or on meat it seemed to be the hurdle i could not get around. Until now, I found a recipe, tweeked it around to make it my own and have now been able to make those yummy foods I have avoided for so long. i bought all these ingredients at PCC natural food markets in the bulk spices.
4 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
8 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The right choice
I have written of how it is frustrating to change my families diet and lifestyle. I today just want to say that the venting of frustrations, the sharing of trials, and general annoyance of walking the path less traveled does not compare with the reward of feeling healthy. The rewards of honoring our bodies makes me so grateful to be in a position to have the choice! Short and sweet yes, but I had to get it off my chest!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween horror or natural happiness?
Now that the obsession of a holiday filled with tooth decaying candy has passed I feel safe to admit my true feelings on the day.
Let's face it, this whole eating healthy all natural, no processed diet thing was NOT my choice! Sure, I like the idea of being healthy, and want to do what is best for my family but seriously? no frozen pizza? no bag of honey bbq corn twists? NO THANKS!!!!!and how exactly do I celebrate a beloved holiday of candy, costumes and mischief? Don't get me wrong, I am embracing the new lifestyle with open arms and have felt better about myself and better about the health of my child since this started then ever before.
I love halloween, as a kid my sisters and I would completely transfrom the front room of our parents house on that special day, moving furniture out of the room, bringing special items to allow our "guests" dressed in costume and smaller than each of us the ultimate scary moment of knocking on our door that was clearly "haunted" if only they glanced in the window to see the glases of "blood" on the table and the bride of frankenstein floating in the dim light of the corner. Yes, I LOVE halloween.
The challenge this year was how to celebrate the day, give K the expereince of the holiday (especially since this was the first year we were not in the hospital of just released) without the candy that has obviously been rejected by her body. My solution, celebrate at a friends party Friday night in costume. Then on the actual day, invite a couple special friends over to party with her at home. Again in costume, but with activities that are VERY Hallowen centered but not candy focused. By the time her "party" was over she was exhausted and felt satisfied with her Halloween and not aware of the tradition of trick or treating she missed.
I hope this is the last year of avoiding it. I believe by next year she will be old enough to partake in the tradition knowing that any candy she gets will most likely be traded in for something safe for her to eat or a special toy. That is my hope.
There is a strange confliction of spirit doing what is best for your child while also feeling that by keeping them safe you are with holding important traditions from them. I am sure this will be it's own entry so I will not elaborate ont his one. Flexibility and creativity, that is the new motto of Holidays and all the forbidden foods that tag along side them. We have entered the fall/winter holiday season and this will be an often revisited theme.
Let's face it, this whole eating healthy all natural, no processed diet thing was NOT my choice! Sure, I like the idea of being healthy, and want to do what is best for my family but seriously? no frozen pizza? no bag of honey bbq corn twists? NO THANKS!!!!!and how exactly do I celebrate a beloved holiday of candy, costumes and mischief? Don't get me wrong, I am embracing the new lifestyle with open arms and have felt better about myself and better about the health of my child since this started then ever before.
I love halloween, as a kid my sisters and I would completely transfrom the front room of our parents house on that special day, moving furniture out of the room, bringing special items to allow our "guests" dressed in costume and smaller than each of us the ultimate scary moment of knocking on our door that was clearly "haunted" if only they glanced in the window to see the glases of "blood" on the table and the bride of frankenstein floating in the dim light of the corner. Yes, I LOVE halloween.
The challenge this year was how to celebrate the day, give K the expereince of the holiday (especially since this was the first year we were not in the hospital of just released) without the candy that has obviously been rejected by her body. My solution, celebrate at a friends party Friday night in costume. Then on the actual day, invite a couple special friends over to party with her at home. Again in costume, but with activities that are VERY Hallowen centered but not candy focused. By the time her "party" was over she was exhausted and felt satisfied with her Halloween and not aware of the tradition of trick or treating she missed.
I hope this is the last year of avoiding it. I believe by next year she will be old enough to partake in the tradition knowing that any candy she gets will most likely be traded in for something safe for her to eat or a special toy. That is my hope.
There is a strange confliction of spirit doing what is best for your child while also feeling that by keeping them safe you are with holding important traditions from them. I am sure this will be it's own entry so I will not elaborate ont his one. Flexibility and creativity, that is the new motto of Holidays and all the forbidden foods that tag along side them. We have entered the fall/winter holiday season and this will be an often revisited theme.
Friday, September 17, 2010
frustration and triumph
As I have mentioned previously I have not noticed much difference in my grocery budget by using fresh, natural ingredients exclusively. What I have noticed is the complete dedication it takes to stick with this in time constraints. Last week K and i decided to make pizza for dinner. We got off work late and I realized after making a couple other stops that geographically made sense to do first that there was one major error in my plan. The 2 local grocery stores that make shopping this way easiest are NOT 24 hours. in fact they would both be closed by the time i could get to them. With a determined 3 yr old adamant that I "promised" we would make our own pizza I went to the closest "regular" grocery store to buy sauce, and toppings. I left the store infuriated! Most of the items I needed were available only in brands that I had been avoiding. I read labels and tried to find alternatives. Eventually we left with "toppings" of sauce and cheese because the selection of meats, cheese, pineapple, ham etc. were all off limits for varying reasons. I was frustrated for my time but ultimately what made me the most angry was thinking of the families that want to avoid the items and have NO alternatives to the typical american grocery stores. The fact that many people can not avoid some of this boggles my mind!
The next day I drove to my local PCC natural market and they happened to be hosting a fair to encourage healothy living. I changed my plans for the day and spent a couple hours walking around and talking to the many vendors that were there. I asked my questions, found some great leads on premade food that was still free from the growing lists of foods I am avoiding and sampled some great stuff. It was such a nice change from the night before and made me realize that perhaps my solution is to be better prepared and plan to do ALL my shopping at the stores that focus on and support healthy options.
The next day I drove to my local PCC natural market and they happened to be hosting a fair to encourage healothy living. I changed my plans for the day and spent a couple hours walking around and talking to the many vendors that were there. I asked my questions, found some great leads on premade food that was still free from the growing lists of foods I am avoiding and sampled some great stuff. It was such a nice change from the night before and made me realize that perhaps my solution is to be better prepared and plan to do ALL my shopping at the stores that focus on and support healthy options.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Book reccomendations
Recently I have really enjoyed 3 books that have helped inspire and encourage me on this path. The first, although specifically related to asthma I think is worth reading for ALL!!! The information about the stuff being put in our food and the results it has on our bodies is fabulous without being scary.
Fed up w/ asthma by Sue Dengate
The next book is basically a cookbook with some amazing recipes one of my favorites from it is the wheat berry salad.
Super natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson
The final book I am loving is more centered on how to apply these ideas I am testing into practical family living.
Simple Food for busy families by Jeannette Bessinger and Trace Yablon-Brenner
I found all 3 books on amazon but you could probably also find them at a decent sized library. Enjoy!
Fed up w/ asthma by Sue Dengate
The next book is basically a cookbook with some amazing recipes one of my favorites from it is the wheat berry salad.
Super natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson
The final book I am loving is more centered on how to apply these ideas I am testing into practical family living.
Simple Food for busy families by Jeannette Bessinger and Trace Yablon-Brenner
I found all 3 books on amazon but you could probably also find them at a decent sized library. Enjoy!
Asian inspired "grilled" halibut
This is a new favorite recipe! I found it on allrecipes.com and love it!!! I will copy the recipe into the post but first here are a few notes
* I make the sauce and use it as a marinade for about 30 minutes before cooking and skip the basting step.
* I tend to cook the meat/fish in a "foil pack" on the grill but have also done so in the oven since I prefer my fish to be moist and not have the crispy edges.
*I have used halibut, cod, tilapia, chicken and even a pork chop in this same recipe all turned out fabulous!!!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (1 pound) halibut steak
Directions
1.Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
2.Place butter, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved.
3.Lightly oil grill grate. Brush fish with brown sugar sauce, and place on grill. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until fish can be easily flaked with a fork, basting with sauce. Discard remaining basting sauce.
* I make the sauce and use it as a marinade for about 30 minutes before cooking and skip the basting step.
* I tend to cook the meat/fish in a "foil pack" on the grill but have also done so in the oven since I prefer my fish to be moist and not have the crispy edges.
*I have used halibut, cod, tilapia, chicken and even a pork chop in this same recipe all turned out fabulous!!!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (1 pound) halibut steak
Directions
1.Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
2.Place butter, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved.
3.Lightly oil grill grate. Brush fish with brown sugar sauce, and place on grill. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until fish can be easily flaked with a fork, basting with sauce. Discard remaining basting sauce.
Time to celebrate!!!
This change in diet has taken on an entirely new meaning to me. What started out as a challenge to see if it was possible to avoid all processed foods has turned into a mission to eliminate asthma in my home. As I have mentioned before my little angel suffers from what has been severe asthma. Since starting this lifestyle change we have not encountered a single trip to the ER, or a serious flare up! To top all that off, our pediatrician agrees that we are onto something and it is likely a food additive or preservative intolerance that has left K in a constant state of bronchial inflamation allowing other asthma triggers to become serious threats! This past week I was told I could stop giving her 6 medications that she had been needing on a daily basis!!!! Praise God I believe we have found our answer!
I have so many new recipes to post and ideas to share now that I am nearly finished with the craziness of summer that this past Month has been! So, let's get/keep cooking!!!!
I have so many new recipes to post and ideas to share now that I am nearly finished with the craziness of summer that this past Month has been! So, let's get/keep cooking!!!!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Somethings are just NOT the same
In the 3 weeks since I officaily completed this challenge I have tasted many foods that just can't compare to what they once were.My much desired carmel macchiato, yeah, not so good anymore! Even ordering it with 3 "pumps" less syrup then the recipe suggests I am having a hard time enjoying it's sweetness. Funny thing is I have ordered it that way for quite awhile and am just now realizing it is still too sweet. I shutter to think of what it would be with all the syrup.
I have also noticed that greasy foods are not appealing, and my body totally rejects them. I think it is odd that with just 1 month of clearing out the garbage my body is still making it well known what it wants, despite what my tastebuds may say.
I have also noticed that greasy foods are not appealing, and my body totally rejects them. I think it is odd that with just 1 month of clearing out the garbage my body is still making it well known what it wants, despite what my tastebuds may say.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The cost of good health
The most common questions I was asked during this experiment were about the cost of this type of diet. Beyond my own experience I did a little research to help answer this and here is what I have found.....
For starters, My grocery bill went down in the month I bought nothing processed. The week prior to starting I spent a bit more on groceries then typical to stock my pantry with ingredients new to my kitchen (agave nectar, masa harina, brown rice flour, rolled oats etc.) Some of these ingredients were a bit pricey but, as I have come to include them in my list of pantry staples I am finding them to be easy to incorporate into my regular budget.
I also noticed that a diet built completely upon processed foods, especially if you shop at a discount grocery store, was much cheaper. When you can buy 4 cans of veggies for $1 or sugar laden boxes of cereal for #1.99 and hot dogs or chicken nuggets in bulk for under $10 it is easy to see how some families keep a monthly grocery bill extremely low. There is no was financially to compete with that.
HOWEVER, my most shocking discovery was that the highest budget was a combination of the 2 extremes. In my findings it seems that if you buy half your food processed and half fresh your bill will be highest. I am assuming that is because most of us don't have time to shop 2 or more stores. We simply find a store that offers the fresh produce and meat we like and pick up "a few" processed things while we are there. In doing so we pay more for the box of rice mix, or canned soup then the discount grocery stores.
Every grocery budget is different just like every families list of groceries is different. I would challenge you to look at your groceries or family staples and pick 1 item a week to convert from processed to "homemade". This could mean making a loaf a bread, or your own rice mix, or even buying fresh ground peanut butter (many stores offer this now and the kids LOVE watching the peanuts turn into PB).
I believe subtle changes happening at a consistent rate will change the typical American family diet. Few of us are ready or able to convert from 1 extreme to the other but if we change out 1 item at a time before you know we will have a new generation of people cooking at home and avoiding the dangers of additives and preservatives in our food.
This is such a huge topic that I will revisit it often with more ideas and facts I find to help answer the questions I get on how expensive it is convert from a processed foods diet to a fresh "natural" foods diet.
here are just a few of my price findings at a local grocery store over the past few weeks....
Black Beans name brand 15oz can $1.59
organic brand 15 0z can $2.79
store brand dry beans 4 lb bag $6.39 (cooked makes appx. 16 cans)
Corn name brand 11oz can $1.09
organic brand 15 oz can $2.39
frozen 16 oz $2.50
frozen organic $3.69
fresh $0.20 per ear (appx. 4 ears = 1 can of corn)
Peanut Butter name brand $3.89 for 17.3oz
organic brand 2.99 18oz
natural brand (just ground peanuts) $3.69 16oz
Basil dry name brand $7.09 for 1.25oz
fresh 3.99 16 oz (appx. 3 cups of fresh basil equals 1c.(about 4 bottles)dried
Just a little food for thought!!!
For starters, My grocery bill went down in the month I bought nothing processed. The week prior to starting I spent a bit more on groceries then typical to stock my pantry with ingredients new to my kitchen (agave nectar, masa harina, brown rice flour, rolled oats etc.) Some of these ingredients were a bit pricey but, as I have come to include them in my list of pantry staples I am finding them to be easy to incorporate into my regular budget.
I also noticed that a diet built completely upon processed foods, especially if you shop at a discount grocery store, was much cheaper. When you can buy 4 cans of veggies for $1 or sugar laden boxes of cereal for #1.99 and hot dogs or chicken nuggets in bulk for under $10 it is easy to see how some families keep a monthly grocery bill extremely low. There is no was financially to compete with that.
HOWEVER, my most shocking discovery was that the highest budget was a combination of the 2 extremes. In my findings it seems that if you buy half your food processed and half fresh your bill will be highest. I am assuming that is because most of us don't have time to shop 2 or more stores. We simply find a store that offers the fresh produce and meat we like and pick up "a few" processed things while we are there. In doing so we pay more for the box of rice mix, or canned soup then the discount grocery stores.
Every grocery budget is different just like every families list of groceries is different. I would challenge you to look at your groceries or family staples and pick 1 item a week to convert from processed to "homemade". This could mean making a loaf a bread, or your own rice mix, or even buying fresh ground peanut butter (many stores offer this now and the kids LOVE watching the peanuts turn into PB).
I believe subtle changes happening at a consistent rate will change the typical American family diet. Few of us are ready or able to convert from 1 extreme to the other but if we change out 1 item at a time before you know we will have a new generation of people cooking at home and avoiding the dangers of additives and preservatives in our food.
This is such a huge topic that I will revisit it often with more ideas and facts I find to help answer the questions I get on how expensive it is convert from a processed foods diet to a fresh "natural" foods diet.
here are just a few of my price findings at a local grocery store over the past few weeks....
Black Beans name brand 15oz can $1.59
organic brand 15 0z can $2.79
store brand dry beans 4 lb bag $6.39 (cooked makes appx. 16 cans)
Corn name brand 11oz can $1.09
organic brand 15 oz can $2.39
frozen 16 oz $2.50
frozen organic $3.69
fresh $0.20 per ear (appx. 4 ears = 1 can of corn)
Peanut Butter name brand $3.89 for 17.3oz
organic brand 2.99 18oz
natural brand (just ground peanuts) $3.69 16oz
Basil dry name brand $7.09 for 1.25oz
fresh 3.99 16 oz (appx. 3 cups of fresh basil equals 1c.(about 4 bottles)dried
Just a little food for thought!!!
Recent discoveries
In the past 10 days since my child has started to eat "normal" foods again I have seen a 2 asthma flare ups. During the 1 month when no processed foods were allowed into our diet despite allergies and a cold (both proven in past to send K to hospital with severe asthma attacks) no asthma flare ups occured. It is a bit disturbing to me that within 3 days of stopping the strict regimen of all homemade foods K had breathing issues unaccompanied by any other known trigger.
I am not a doctor, but, it is seeming to me that this needs to be considered by our team of doctors. Although food allergy testing was done and no conclusive allergies found I am beginning to believe that K may have an allergy or at least a sensitivity to a food additive ro preservative.
So, with this new information I am determined to dig deeper and see what this may turn up! For now, although I am accepting some help from store bought items I am paying close attention to what ingredients are listed and if it is not something I could make in my kitchen I am not buying it. Hopefully this alone will prove beneficial to K and if not, we will cut back totally again and see if we can pin point a precise trigger. Wish us luck!!!
I am not a doctor, but, it is seeming to me that this needs to be considered by our team of doctors. Although food allergy testing was done and no conclusive allergies found I am beginning to believe that K may have an allergy or at least a sensitivity to a food additive ro preservative.
So, with this new information I am determined to dig deeper and see what this may turn up! For now, although I am accepting some help from store bought items I am paying close attention to what ingredients are listed and if it is not something I could make in my kitchen I am not buying it. Hopefully this alone will prove beneficial to K and if not, we will cut back totally again and see if we can pin point a precise trigger. Wish us luck!!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The challenge is over but the journey is just beginning!
I am officially 2 hours away from accomplishing my goal!!!! IT CAN BE DONE!
I am sure in the next few days/weeks I will have deeper thoughts on the entire month long challenge but tonight, looking at this experience makes me realize how easy it will be to continue on this alternative diet. I can see now how intimidating it can be for many people to attempt this. If your diet consists of boxed meals, canned food and frozen prepared dishes it is a hard transition. All I can say is don't let an all on nothing mentality keep you from a healthier you, a healthier family!
I am looking forward to reintroducing some of my favorites. I am getting up early tomorrow to drive to the local Starbucks and get a caramel macchiato! later I will be seeking a croissant, preferably one with almonds! I am happy to say I have found replacements for many of my meal helpers that I feel are good choices. Organic, natural chicken broth, Muir Glen tomato products in cans, and La Fresca pasta's. Items that in the past I would have skipped for a cheaper version. Sadly, a version that would include high levels of sodium, preservatives, and who knows what else. I will continue to seek good quality food that is affordable and take the time to make the snacks I want K to eat.
Keep checking back, I have an entry on cost/budgeting for a healthier diet in the works as well as some more research stuff I have been doing on the topic. But first, I need set my alarm to order a pizza at midnight! J/K (or maybe not)
I am sure in the next few days/weeks I will have deeper thoughts on the entire month long challenge but tonight, looking at this experience makes me realize how easy it will be to continue on this alternative diet. I can see now how intimidating it can be for many people to attempt this. If your diet consists of boxed meals, canned food and frozen prepared dishes it is a hard transition. All I can say is don't let an all on nothing mentality keep you from a healthier you, a healthier family!
I am looking forward to reintroducing some of my favorites. I am getting up early tomorrow to drive to the local Starbucks and get a caramel macchiato! later I will be seeking a croissant, preferably one with almonds! I am happy to say I have found replacements for many of my meal helpers that I feel are good choices. Organic, natural chicken broth, Muir Glen tomato products in cans, and La Fresca pasta's. Items that in the past I would have skipped for a cheaper version. Sadly, a version that would include high levels of sodium, preservatives, and who knows what else. I will continue to seek good quality food that is affordable and take the time to make the snacks I want K to eat.
Keep checking back, I have an entry on cost/budgeting for a healthier diet in the works as well as some more research stuff I have been doing on the topic. But first, I need set my alarm to order a pizza at midnight! J/K (or maybe not)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
1 week remains
I am down to my final week on this amazing journey to natural foods and a healthier lifestyle! I expected to do my month and go back to normal. Now, 23 days in I am dreading having the challenge end. I know nothing has to change but I also know myself and am afraid when I have nothing to "prove" to myself it will be easy to let thngs slide back. I do know that whatever I do from July 1st on will be drastically different then what I had known. I have enjoyed the whole grains, and love the snacks i am making K. Stay tuned I feel a day of self discovery and redefinition coming my way!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Company for dinner????
I love to entertain! I mean I really LOVE entertaining people! I have catered weddings, parties, church events (all volunteer, I am NO professional)and get a special thrill when being allowed to serve others through being a hostess. I get excited to set the table, choose the menu, do the grocery shopping and put all the pieces together. I am not always serving gourmet foods, although I do have a passion for that type of cooking, but I feel confident in saying that those who eat in my house are rarely disappointed. All of that to say....OH MY GOODNESS, how do I have company over for dinner on this new diet!?!?!?
Last night I had company (okay it was "only" my sister and her boyfriend) coming over for dinner. I totally panicked! I thought I knew exactly what i was going to make (chicken makhani, http://chicchefs.blogspot.com/) I looked over the recipe everything met my current diet guidlines. I did have to make some tomatoe sauce for the recipe but it was all looking like a go. THEN, I realized we would be on huge time constraints because we were meeting up at church first and then coming back to my place for dinner they had something to do later that evening. There was NO way I wanted to try a new recipe and risk them being late. I started to consider my alternatives to have dinner ready before I left but not be a mess when we got back. It was then that I realized all my old stand by recipes were out, crock pot meals all tended to have canned something or other in them, casseroles were laden with pasta or white starches or cream soups. I decided to go on a limb and try something new.
I threw some peppers, chicken, black beans, and spices in the crock pot in hopes of it turning into some kind of delicious taco filling. I made corn tortillas, and cantaloupe salsa and called it good. The dinner turned out to be pretty tasty. I will definitley work to refine that idea to come up with a recipe to share.
I now have a great challenge ahead of me to create these type of fast meals that can be done in the crock pot or made and saved. I tried to look online and am sure I will find some but, most I saw did not meet me requirements. If you happen to have ideas please share!
Last night I had company (okay it was "only" my sister and her boyfriend) coming over for dinner. I totally panicked! I thought I knew exactly what i was going to make (chicken makhani, http://chicchefs.blogspot.com/) I looked over the recipe everything met my current diet guidlines. I did have to make some tomatoe sauce for the recipe but it was all looking like a go. THEN, I realized we would be on huge time constraints because we were meeting up at church first and then coming back to my place for dinner they had something to do later that evening. There was NO way I wanted to try a new recipe and risk them being late. I started to consider my alternatives to have dinner ready before I left but not be a mess when we got back. It was then that I realized all my old stand by recipes were out, crock pot meals all tended to have canned something or other in them, casseroles were laden with pasta or white starches or cream soups. I decided to go on a limb and try something new.
I threw some peppers, chicken, black beans, and spices in the crock pot in hopes of it turning into some kind of delicious taco filling. I made corn tortillas, and cantaloupe salsa and called it good. The dinner turned out to be pretty tasty. I will definitley work to refine that idea to come up with a recipe to share.
I now have a great challenge ahead of me to create these type of fast meals that can be done in the crock pot or made and saved. I tried to look online and am sure I will find some but, most I saw did not meet me requirements. If you happen to have ideas please share!
Whole wheat blueberry pancakes
We have had these for breakfast twice this week. The first time I followed a recipe, the 2nd I altered it and found it to be much tastier. So here is my revised version of a recipe....
in small bowl combine
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
In medium bowl whisk
1 c. buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp agave nectar
stir flour into liquids and whisk until lumps are gone. let rest 5 minutes and adjust milk to desired consistency (whole wheat flour can vary greatly depending on how fine it is ground and how old or dry it is)
pour/ladle batter onto a hot griddle and sprinkle a 3-5 blueberries on top. when bubbles form and start to pop flip pancake over until cooked through.
Enjoy!
in small bowl combine
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
In medium bowl whisk
1 c. buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp agave nectar
stir flour into liquids and whisk until lumps are gone. let rest 5 minutes and adjust milk to desired consistency (whole wheat flour can vary greatly depending on how fine it is ground and how old or dry it is)
pour/ladle batter onto a hot griddle and sprinkle a 3-5 blueberries on top. when bubbles form and start to pop flip pancake over until cooked through.
Enjoy!
I must apologize
I do apologize for a rather boring week on the blog! I was feeling a bit ill and just didn't have the energy to post! I do have a few new recipes to post from the past week and will work ongetting those out to you in the next few days.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Hello
hey you readers....just wanted to say thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog! If you have any advice, comments, or recipes to shar please feel free to leave me a note! I would love to have an open format to allow others that have done similar things or would like to but not sure where to start offer opinions on my ramblings!
Thank you so much for taking the time to take a peek! I hope you found something amusing, insightful, or delicious to try in your home!
Staci
Thank you so much for taking the time to take a peek! I hope you found something amusing, insightful, or delicious to try in your home!
Staci
Seek and you shall find
While at the grocery store lately I have been paying more attention to labels. I know at this point if a food has to come with a label then it is most likely not allowed on my diet. I have looked at a few things to start doing research for my life after this strict month is over. I want to establish what is acceptable and what my "rule" is for buying or consuming processed foods.
As of now I have heard of a few different ideas on how to live with a diet of natural foods. Each of these varying ideas seem to have their own guidelines such as only 3 ingredients are able to be listed on processed food to consider it "whole", or only foods with ingredients I can read, or (possible my favorite) the only processed foods allowed are those that are made in such a way that I could explain to an 8 yr old how to make it. I don't know yet where my final line will be drawn in the sand but it is of interest to me to start trying to define it.
Any way, back to the grocery store....I have discovered that some "processed" foods actually are very pure and will totally be allowed on my diet. Here are a few I have found that makes me excited to eat them again....
Simply Orange juice (or grapefruit)
Cucina Fresca refridgerated pastas
Challenge butter (as well as many other brands)
chicken of the sea tuna packets
Muir Glen canned tomato products (most maybe not all)
Peanut butter - a few different brands
coconut milk
chicken broth (mostly the organic ones)
I think knowing I can add some of these items back into my diet and still be able to avoid the chemicals and additives found in most processed foods is a huge relief! I am dying to make Thai red curry with tofu but, it does not meet my current rules so I will wait another 15 days!
As of now I have heard of a few different ideas on how to live with a diet of natural foods. Each of these varying ideas seem to have their own guidelines such as only 3 ingredients are able to be listed on processed food to consider it "whole", or only foods with ingredients I can read, or (possible my favorite) the only processed foods allowed are those that are made in such a way that I could explain to an 8 yr old how to make it. I don't know yet where my final line will be drawn in the sand but it is of interest to me to start trying to define it.
Any way, back to the grocery store....I have discovered that some "processed" foods actually are very pure and will totally be allowed on my diet. Here are a few I have found that makes me excited to eat them again....
Simply Orange juice (or grapefruit)
Cucina Fresca refridgerated pastas
Challenge butter (as well as many other brands)
chicken of the sea tuna packets
Muir Glen canned tomato products (most maybe not all)
Peanut butter - a few different brands
coconut milk
chicken broth (mostly the organic ones)
I think knowing I can add some of these items back into my diet and still be able to avoid the chemicals and additives found in most processed foods is a huge relief! I am dying to make Thai red curry with tofu but, it does not meet my current rules so I will wait another 15 days!
Almost made it......
Well, I am pleased to report that although my weekend away did not fit perfectly with my goal it was not an utter failure! I packed a fresh loaf of bread, some of the yogurt I have mixed up with fruit and honey for K, muffins, chicken (intended for the bbq) and some fruit.
As it turned out Friday night we went to a very small restaurant off the beaten trail that literally had 5 options for dinner. I chose eggplant parmesan because it was the only thing on the menu that I thought would be made from fresh ingredients. Sat. we had a totally acceptable breakfast and then we got to the bbq. Before I had even set my stuff down k was running out to meet her grandparents and see other family members. She was offered food before I knew what to say and I quietly decided to concede our bbq plans. It wasn't as awful as it could have been and for the most part I think we both stuck pretty closly to our plan minus perhaps the mayo in potato salad. By the end of the night I felt comfortable with being a little relaxed on the plan, fed K a totally acceptable dinner and indulged in a carry out bake at home pizza with my family.
Although, I did let some of this go over the weekend it really made me more committed to a lifestyle change and not just a monthly change. Even when faced with foods I knew were processed and not good for my body I was able to walk away. I enjoyed enough to not feel like an outsider, or deprived but not so much that I had to start from square one detoxing my body again.
As it turned out Friday night we went to a very small restaurant off the beaten trail that literally had 5 options for dinner. I chose eggplant parmesan because it was the only thing on the menu that I thought would be made from fresh ingredients. Sat. we had a totally acceptable breakfast and then we got to the bbq. Before I had even set my stuff down k was running out to meet her grandparents and see other family members. She was offered food before I knew what to say and I quietly decided to concede our bbq plans. It wasn't as awful as it could have been and for the most part I think we both stuck pretty closly to our plan minus perhaps the mayo in potato salad. By the end of the night I felt comfortable with being a little relaxed on the plan, fed K a totally acceptable dinner and indulged in a carry out bake at home pizza with my family.
Although, I did let some of this go over the weekend it really made me more committed to a lifestyle change and not just a monthly change. Even when faced with foods I knew were processed and not good for my body I was able to walk away. I enjoyed enough to not feel like an outsider, or deprived but not so much that I had to start from square one detoxing my body again.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Honey whole wheat pizza crust
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
3.In a large bowl combine flour, wheat germ and salt. Make a well in the middle and add honey and yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for a few minutes.
4.Roll dough on a floured pizza pan and poke a few holes in it with a fork.
5.Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved.
Recipe from allrecipes.com
I topped our dough with some garlic infused olive oil, sliced fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and a little fresh grated parmesan. Then when it came out of oven I added fresh chopped basil on top. IT was DE LISH!!!!!
2 1/4 tsp dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
3.In a large bowl combine flour, wheat germ and salt. Make a well in the middle and add honey and yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for a few minutes.
4.Roll dough on a floured pizza pan and poke a few holes in it with a fork.
5.Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved.
Recipe from allrecipes.com
I topped our dough with some garlic infused olive oil, sliced fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and a little fresh grated parmesan. Then when it came out of oven I added fresh chopped basil on top. IT was DE LISH!!!!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Oat applesauce muffins
Here is another of my new favorite recipes....
Combine 1 cup rolled oats with 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) and let sit at room temp for 2 hours
In larger bowl mix 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 c. brown sugar, 1/4 c. flax seed and 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Add oat/milk mixture 1/2 c. applesauce, 1 egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla.
lightly grease muffin pan and fill with batter. (I also have added a few blueberries at this point to each muffin cup)
Bake at 375degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
FYI ~ I have substituted brown rice flour for the wheat flour and had it turn out great as well!
ENJOY!
This recipe adapted from allrecipes.com
Combine 1 cup rolled oats with 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) and let sit at room temp for 2 hours
In larger bowl mix 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 c. brown sugar, 1/4 c. flax seed and 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Add oat/milk mixture 1/2 c. applesauce, 1 egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla.
lightly grease muffin pan and fill with batter. (I also have added a few blueberries at this point to each muffin cup)
Bake at 375degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
FYI ~ I have substituted brown rice flour for the wheat flour and had it turn out great as well!
ENJOY!
This recipe adapted from allrecipes.com
A weekend dilema
I am going out of town for the weekend and starting to feel the pressure. How do I maintain my commitment to this journey and be a polite guest? I am trying to be prepared by packing snacks that I have made for K and intend to bring some fruit and veggies as well. The obstacles I am not sure how to avoid are the meals that are planned for restaurants and the unexpected snacks/treats that will be offered to K.
I am struggling with the balance of how to instill this experiement in K while at the same time not forcing her to be an outsider among her peers. I am really loving the change and believe it will relax a bit after my month long experiement but not be over. If I didn't intend to keep going I would probably not worry so much about keeping k away from the temptations and just let her enjoy. This is certainly a battle I will have to choose how to fight.
I am struggling with the balance of how to instill this experiement in K while at the same time not forcing her to be an outsider among her peers. I am really loving the change and believe it will relax a bit after my month long experiement but not be over. If I didn't intend to keep going I would probably not worry so much about keeping k away from the temptations and just let her enjoy. This is certainly a battle I will have to choose how to fight.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
so, what is the point????
Since I have started ont his little journey of changing our diet to include no processed foods (as defined by earlier post) I have gotten many questions. Some of the questions have come in the honest how and why are you doing this form while others in the you are absolutely nuts and ridiculous form. So, here you have it....
My ultimate goal is to provide a healthier lifestyle to my daughter. She deserves to know what good food is and how to not only make it but choose it out of a line up of options. She has a few health issues that I believe could be helped by eliminating crap from her diet and I want to give her EVERY advantage I can. The more research I do on diet and nutrition and the affect it has on our overall health the more I am committed to making changes.
I attended an end of year party for a kindegarten class today. At this picnic/party I saw a class of 5/6 year olds gorging themselves on the "best" the parents could offer. Hotdogs on white buns, chicken salad sandwiches (which I never actually saw a kid take a bite of) doritos, sun chips, pirates booty, pretzels, fruit snacks, and sugary drink boxes in a variety of brands and flavors. Oh, and of course there was dessert, cake with more icing on top then I believe cake on bottom, oreos, choc chip cookies, and lollipops. Now, to be fair there was also a table that had strawberries, watermelon, and grapes.The fruit however, was set an a different table and I only saw 2 kids eat ANY of it.
What bothers me most is that our children are growing up with the notion that this is normal and good for them. We are giving them the message that vegetables (which there were none of) and fruit are secondary to the highly processed chips and hot dogs. I am not saying that all of it is bad. I am not even saying I will never eat these things or feed them to K. What I am saying though is that meals like this are the norm and then we wonder why our kids health is getting worse and childhood obesity is on the rise. I don't want to get on a soapbox (at least not tonight) but it is realziations like this that are driving me to make drastic changes.
The other question I keep getting is why I am making things from scratch that I can easily buy such as chicken broth, granola bars, and fruit leather. This is really just a personal choice. I know the way I work and that for me to be successful at change it needs to be drastic. Again here, my goal is not to boycott all processed foods forever. I will be the first to admit that once my initial 30 days of strict change is over I will gladly go back to buying items that allow me more time with K. But, if I want to make permanent change in my household I need to strip down to the basics and thoughtfully add back the foods I want in our diet as oppossed to cutting out a few things here or there and never fully getting it out of my system.
As for the sarcastic lot of you, my friends, harassing me about grinding my own flour, or making butter, or making my own yogurt.... I am not super woman!!!! I know I could make it all and go even further down this road of nothing processed but, I do have a life and some things just aren't happening for me, yet. I realize that although I am attempting no processed foods for a month I certainly can not avoid it all. But, trust me, if I had the equipment, and time to do it myself I would be doing so.
I am not against packaged food! I think we as a society are starting to demand more options and love that I can walk into Starbucks now and get dried fruit for K that only has 1 ingredient 9the fruit! My problem with processed foods come with all the additives in so much of it. The preservatives, the added sodium, dyes, and nitrates. Things that quite frankly I don't want in my body. I know I will eat hot dogs again. I look forward to a cheetoh, and an ice cream sandwich. Most of all I look forward to gaining the experience and wisdom to hopefully keep these things in check and continue to have them as well thought out and intended parts of my diet and NOT the filler I grab because I didn't think enough ahead to have soemthing healthier offered to K.
I also want to say that I am not here to judge anyone's diet! I am blessed to know so many people that share my commitment to healthy food for their familes and i thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for showing me that this type of change is possible and that not all kids are being raised on junk food!
My ultimate goal is to provide a healthier lifestyle to my daughter. She deserves to know what good food is and how to not only make it but choose it out of a line up of options. She has a few health issues that I believe could be helped by eliminating crap from her diet and I want to give her EVERY advantage I can. The more research I do on diet and nutrition and the affect it has on our overall health the more I am committed to making changes.
I attended an end of year party for a kindegarten class today. At this picnic/party I saw a class of 5/6 year olds gorging themselves on the "best" the parents could offer. Hotdogs on white buns, chicken salad sandwiches (which I never actually saw a kid take a bite of) doritos, sun chips, pirates booty, pretzels, fruit snacks, and sugary drink boxes in a variety of brands and flavors. Oh, and of course there was dessert, cake with more icing on top then I believe cake on bottom, oreos, choc chip cookies, and lollipops. Now, to be fair there was also a table that had strawberries, watermelon, and grapes.The fruit however, was set an a different table and I only saw 2 kids eat ANY of it.
What bothers me most is that our children are growing up with the notion that this is normal and good for them. We are giving them the message that vegetables (which there were none of) and fruit are secondary to the highly processed chips and hot dogs. I am not saying that all of it is bad. I am not even saying I will never eat these things or feed them to K. What I am saying though is that meals like this are the norm and then we wonder why our kids health is getting worse and childhood obesity is on the rise. I don't want to get on a soapbox (at least not tonight) but it is realziations like this that are driving me to make drastic changes.
The other question I keep getting is why I am making things from scratch that I can easily buy such as chicken broth, granola bars, and fruit leather. This is really just a personal choice. I know the way I work and that for me to be successful at change it needs to be drastic. Again here, my goal is not to boycott all processed foods forever. I will be the first to admit that once my initial 30 days of strict change is over I will gladly go back to buying items that allow me more time with K. But, if I want to make permanent change in my household I need to strip down to the basics and thoughtfully add back the foods I want in our diet as oppossed to cutting out a few things here or there and never fully getting it out of my system.
As for the sarcastic lot of you, my friends, harassing me about grinding my own flour, or making butter, or making my own yogurt.... I am not super woman!!!! I know I could make it all and go even further down this road of nothing processed but, I do have a life and some things just aren't happening for me, yet. I realize that although I am attempting no processed foods for a month I certainly can not avoid it all. But, trust me, if I had the equipment, and time to do it myself I would be doing so.
I am not against packaged food! I think we as a society are starting to demand more options and love that I can walk into Starbucks now and get dried fruit for K that only has 1 ingredient 9the fruit! My problem with processed foods come with all the additives in so much of it. The preservatives, the added sodium, dyes, and nitrates. Things that quite frankly I don't want in my body. I know I will eat hot dogs again. I look forward to a cheetoh, and an ice cream sandwich. Most of all I look forward to gaining the experience and wisdom to hopefully keep these things in check and continue to have them as well thought out and intended parts of my diet and NOT the filler I grab because I didn't think enough ahead to have soemthing healthier offered to K.
I also want to say that I am not here to judge anyone's diet! I am blessed to know so many people that share my commitment to healthy food for their familes and i thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for showing me that this type of change is possible and that not all kids are being raised on junk food!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Fruit Leather - strawberry-rhubarb
So here is another recipe we are enjoying! It is called fruit leather but seems more like fruit roll ups to me!
2 stalks rhubarb (appx. 1 1/2 c)
3 c. strawberries - tops removed cut in quarters
2 Tb agave nectar (more or less depending on taste)
lemon juice
in medium saucepan combine fruit and add 1/2 c. water. simmer 10-15min or until fruit is soft. mash by hand or puree in blender/processor/immersion blender and add sweetner and lemon juice a little at a time to get desired balance of sweet/tangy for your family.
Line a bar pan with plastic wrap and pour fruit puree on top.
Bake at 150 degrees (or as low as your oven goes) until fruit is no longer tacky (6-12 hrs depending on humity in your house) Rotating pan occasionally if you think of it.
When fruit is not sticky/tacky take out of oven and let cool, then roll the entire sheet up with the plastic. Cut strips as needed and peel off plastic. Enjoy!!1
I will also note that if it gets overcooked the fruit is more of a crackle candy and not pliable to roll, but still tasty. and of course....I DID learn that the hard way!
2 stalks rhubarb (appx. 1 1/2 c)
3 c. strawberries - tops removed cut in quarters
2 Tb agave nectar (more or less depending on taste)
lemon juice
in medium saucepan combine fruit and add 1/2 c. water. simmer 10-15min or until fruit is soft. mash by hand or puree in blender/processor/immersion blender and add sweetner and lemon juice a little at a time to get desired balance of sweet/tangy for your family.
Line a bar pan with plastic wrap and pour fruit puree on top.
Bake at 150 degrees (or as low as your oven goes) until fruit is no longer tacky (6-12 hrs depending on humity in your house) Rotating pan occasionally if you think of it.
When fruit is not sticky/tacky take out of oven and let cool, then roll the entire sheet up with the plastic. Cut strips as needed and peel off plastic. Enjoy!!1
I will also note that if it gets overcooked the fruit is more of a crackle candy and not pliable to roll, but still tasty. and of course....I DID learn that the hard way!
Weekend success! Days 5 & 6
This weekend had the potential to throw us off track! We left the house Sat. morning with the intention of heading to our local Farmers market and back home. What happened was an adventure of garage saling, time with friends and night away from home. We never made it to the market, and spent a good chunk of time running around thinking of how to get lunch/dinner into K and myself without going against my goal.
Turns out I managed to do just fine! Our biggest cheat was a bag of dried mangos for K while enjoying a late afternoon coffee stop (and yes, I would have REALLY liked to have a carmel macchiato). Well, that and the hard candy the gal at the nail salon kept offering to K! I could only tell her no so many times while it was literally placed under her nose. Then K went to play at my sisters house through dinner while I headed out to a pro soccer game (my first). Although I didn't expect anyone else caring for K to adhere to my new crazy diet restictions I feel confident that her dinner was still of a much higher nutritional content then most! I myself stopped by home for dinner and kept to my plan while at the game!
Sunday was a lot easier! I am finding the biggest challenge to a diet such as this is not the times at home, and prepared meals or snacks but the spontaneous outings! Even going out can be done under the "plan" if thought is put into it. For example, at church today walking in K wanted her cookie or doughnut but knowing that would be available to her I planned ahead to bring her a fresh hot muffin. Not quite the same, but, her body will thank me for it right!?! maybe???
Turns out I managed to do just fine! Our biggest cheat was a bag of dried mangos for K while enjoying a late afternoon coffee stop (and yes, I would have REALLY liked to have a carmel macchiato). Well, that and the hard candy the gal at the nail salon kept offering to K! I could only tell her no so many times while it was literally placed under her nose. Then K went to play at my sisters house through dinner while I headed out to a pro soccer game (my first). Although I didn't expect anyone else caring for K to adhere to my new crazy diet restictions I feel confident that her dinner was still of a much higher nutritional content then most! I myself stopped by home for dinner and kept to my plan while at the game!
Sunday was a lot easier! I am finding the biggest challenge to a diet such as this is not the times at home, and prepared meals or snacks but the spontaneous outings! Even going out can be done under the "plan" if thought is put into it. For example, at church today walking in K wanted her cookie or doughnut but knowing that would be available to her I planned ahead to bring her a fresh hot muffin. Not quite the same, but, her body will thank me for it right!?! maybe???
Friday, June 4, 2010
Phew we made it! Day 4
This was a hard day! We went out for coffee with a friend, had to run errands at work including 3 grocery stores, a fast food restaurant and all the while I was hungry! I planned ahead and bought K and I muffins to the coffee shop, ordered her milk (as opposed to her regular order of Hot choclate) and myself a drip coffee with a touch of cream. I felt pretty good about the start of the day and was proud that I didn't fall into old habits and grab a pastry.
Then, it was off to work and grocery shopping. The first 2 stores were not too bad, I had known I would be looking at food I didn't want to touch and gave myself a prep talk (dorky I know) about why I was avoiding it and the health benefits of sticking to my goal. My down fall game when I had to go to the Whole Foods. K and I typically get lunch there and it was certainly lunch time. Although we ate some granola bars and fruit before going in the smell of the delicious food almost got to me. I think the hardest part was knowing that if I was going to cheat this was the safest place to do so. The food is generally quite healthy, and they cook it fresh in the store (or at least make it seem as they do). Instead, I bought more rolled oats, some brown rice flour and agave syrup. I figure what the heck, let's see how far I can take this and try some of the "NEW" healthy options out there.
Finally, I picked up my charge at school and on her way to her ballet class she wanted Wendy's. YIKES!!! hungry, tired, blah kinda day and a french fry or burger sounded fabulous! K chimes in from back seat asking for some chicken nuggets too. For a moment I thought i was doomed. I took a deep breath (of oil induced air) and ordered the requested snack for the charge and drove up to the window. When the food was handed to me, I grabbed the container of grapes still in my purse and handed them back to K! She sqealed with delight and said, "ahhhh mom thanks! You are the best! i love grapes" then, handed the other lady her fried snack, and smiled knowing I was helping my daughter learn he value of wholesome food.
Now, I am not perfect, we all know that right! So, I will admit, I got home from work and promptly pulled out some ground turkey ( and yes, if I had ground beef in the freezer it would have come out instead) to make burgers tomorrow. The buns will be baked fresh in the morning and the "fries" will also be baked.
Then, it was off to work and grocery shopping. The first 2 stores were not too bad, I had known I would be looking at food I didn't want to touch and gave myself a prep talk (dorky I know) about why I was avoiding it and the health benefits of sticking to my goal. My down fall game when I had to go to the Whole Foods. K and I typically get lunch there and it was certainly lunch time. Although we ate some granola bars and fruit before going in the smell of the delicious food almost got to me. I think the hardest part was knowing that if I was going to cheat this was the safest place to do so. The food is generally quite healthy, and they cook it fresh in the store (or at least make it seem as they do). Instead, I bought more rolled oats, some brown rice flour and agave syrup. I figure what the heck, let's see how far I can take this and try some of the "NEW" healthy options out there.
Finally, I picked up my charge at school and on her way to her ballet class she wanted Wendy's. YIKES!!! hungry, tired, blah kinda day and a french fry or burger sounded fabulous! K chimes in from back seat asking for some chicken nuggets too. For a moment I thought i was doomed. I took a deep breath (of oil induced air) and ordered the requested snack for the charge and drove up to the window. When the food was handed to me, I grabbed the container of grapes still in my purse and handed them back to K! She sqealed with delight and said, "ahhhh mom thanks! You are the best! i love grapes" then, handed the other lady her fried snack, and smiled knowing I was helping my daughter learn he value of wholesome food.
Now, I am not perfect, we all know that right! So, I will admit, I got home from work and promptly pulled out some ground turkey ( and yes, if I had ground beef in the freezer it would have come out instead) to make burgers tomorrow. The buns will be baked fresh in the morning and the "fries" will also be baked.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Granola Bar recipe
I won't bore you all with recipes that I don't find great but this one I think is pretty darn good! It is certainly nothing like the store bought granola in terms of sweetness and additives but I love the versatility it offers!
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In large mixing bowl combine
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c. softened butter
1/2 c. honey
1/3 c brown sugar -packed
1/2 c applesauce
1/4 c flax seed
for variety add your own favorites
optional... coconut, choc chips, nuts, dried fruit, marshmellow pieces, seeds or whatever you desire.
Press mixture into a lightly buttered jelly roll pan and bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. I reccomend pressing mixture down at least one time during baking to keep it from crumbling.
Cool on wire rack in pan 10 min. then cut into bars. cool completely in pan before removing.
I got the original recipe off of www.allrecipes.com but then changed a it to meet my NO processed food criteria.
I would love to hear suggestions from anyone that tries this recipe or has another.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In large mixing bowl combine
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c. softened butter
1/2 c. honey
1/3 c brown sugar -packed
1/2 c applesauce
1/4 c flax seed
for variety add your own favorites
optional... coconut, choc chips, nuts, dried fruit, marshmellow pieces, seeds or whatever you desire.
Press mixture into a lightly buttered jelly roll pan and bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. I reccomend pressing mixture down at least one time during baking to keep it from crumbling.
Cool on wire rack in pan 10 min. then cut into bars. cool completely in pan before removing.
I got the original recipe off of www.allrecipes.com but then changed a it to meet my NO processed food criteria.
I would love to hear suggestions from anyone that tries this recipe or has another.
10 worst foods in your fridge....
I thought this was an interesting list and thought I would share. According to webmd the worst 10 things for you in the fridge are....
1. mayo
2.soda/ sweet drinks
3. alcohol
4. processed lunch meant
5. hot dogs and sausages
6. whole milk products
7. gourmet ice cream
8. creamy salad dressings
9. stick butter or margarine
10. frozen french fries
How many do you have???? currently I can say I only have butter! Now, 7 days ago, I would have added hot dogs, fries and 2 beers to the list, but all in all not too bad!
for more info check the article out at
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/worst-foods-in-your-fridge
1. mayo
2.soda/ sweet drinks
3. alcohol
4. processed lunch meant
5. hot dogs and sausages
6. whole milk products
7. gourmet ice cream
8. creamy salad dressings
9. stick butter or margarine
10. frozen french fries
How many do you have???? currently I can say I only have butter! Now, 7 days ago, I would have added hot dogs, fries and 2 beers to the list, but all in all not too bad!
for more info check the article out at
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/worst-foods-in-your-fridge
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 2
Today was so much better than yesterday! We managed to make it through the day with only 1 cheat! about a tablespoon of ranch dressing to go with K's carrots since all the other kids were dipping it right beside her. All in all I don't feel too badly about it!
I finally got prepared tonight as well. My house smells so good and hearty right now! I (with the help of little munchkin) made granola bars, chicken and brown rice soup, whole wheat bread, and oat applesauce muffins all from scratch using ingredients in the purest fom i could get. Yes, that means I made my own applesauce, chicken broth and No, I didn't grind my own wheat flour.
So far so good! Now that I don't have to try to cut out foods without being prepped to replace them I think success will come fairly easily!
I finally got prepared tonight as well. My house smells so good and hearty right now! I (with the help of little munchkin) made granola bars, chicken and brown rice soup, whole wheat bread, and oat applesauce muffins all from scratch using ingredients in the purest fom i could get. Yes, that means I made my own applesauce, chicken broth and No, I didn't grind my own wheat flour.
So far so good! Now that I don't have to try to cut out foods without being prepped to replace them I think success will come fairly easily!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day 1
The great journey begins! Today I awoke to start my new healthier diet sans processed foods. Although the day was not as free of processed foods as i had hoped it was not a total bust. I managed to live a day without any type of flavored coffee. I enjoyed (to my pleasant surprise) a delicious cup (or 3) of plain black coffee. I feel proud of the snacks I fed the kids and myself that strictly adhered to my new goals.
The downside was my frugal self. I planned meals today that could be made from fresh ingredients only to open the fridge this morning and see 2 containers of leftovers. LEFTOVERS! ME! My fate was sealed! I love leftovers! the sad part was that the contents of the containers both contained some kind of processed side dish. Having either in my house is rare on normal days but, this weekend, I admit I was trying to indulge in the foods I would not be consuming and didn't want to waste. They turned into lunch rather than going in the trash.
Although, the night ended on a good note. K ate her dinner and was begging for dessert. I asked what it is she wanted so badly only to hear " ummmmmm, watermelon, and blueberries, and grapes, maybe a cucumber and a peach." LOVE THAT! of course i crushed her little toddler spirit by only allowing her to eat a few pieces of watermelon.
I am armed with great ingredients and many recipes to try! First up, muffins and chewy granola bars!
The downside was my frugal self. I planned meals today that could be made from fresh ingredients only to open the fridge this morning and see 2 containers of leftovers. LEFTOVERS! ME! My fate was sealed! I love leftovers! the sad part was that the contents of the containers both contained some kind of processed side dish. Having either in my house is rare on normal days but, this weekend, I admit I was trying to indulge in the foods I would not be consuming and didn't want to waste. They turned into lunch rather than going in the trash.
Although, the night ended on a good note. K ate her dinner and was begging for dessert. I asked what it is she wanted so badly only to hear " ummmmmm, watermelon, and blueberries, and grapes, maybe a cucumber and a peach." LOVE THAT! of course i crushed her little toddler spirit by only allowing her to eat a few pieces of watermelon.
I am armed with great ingredients and many recipes to try! First up, muffins and chewy granola bars!
Revelations at the grocery store!!
Great news! BUTTER is officially back on my diet!!!!!!! Did you know, that most (not all) good quality butter has exactly 2 ingredients! Milk and salt, that is it, no preservatives, no enhancers nothing!!!! HOWEVER, the whipping cream i was prepared to buy in order to make my own "fresh un-processed" butter has things in it I can not even pronounce!?!?!
I also discovered that there are many other flour and grain options that are as pure as whole wheat flour. Unlike all purpose flour that has a few additives it seems that brown rice flour, has only 1 ingredient just 1!!! AMAZING! This is so exciting to me and unleashes my passion to create divine food from new ingredients! This challenge may turn out to be more fun then work!
I also discovered that there are many other flour and grain options that are as pure as whole wheat flour. Unlike all purpose flour that has a few additives it seems that brown rice flour, has only 1 ingredient just 1!!! AMAZING! This is so exciting to me and unleashes my passion to create divine food from new ingredients! This challenge may turn out to be more fun then work!
Monday, May 31, 2010
1 hr and counting
I am down to my final hour! I have packed up all the snacky processed foods and sent them to live in the storage unit for awhile. I left the can goods because, well frankly I don't feel stron enough to lug them out and let's face it, a can of black beans or carrots is not exactly going to be as hard to resist on a binge craving as say the dried mangos, or cookies.
I have to admit, I am cramming in all the delicious food I will miss today, garlic fries, fresh (from frozen) baked croissants, carmel macchiatos and of course a beer at the baseball game! I am ready!
I have to admit, I am cramming in all the delicious food I will miss today, garlic fries, fresh (from frozen) baked croissants, carmel macchiatos and of course a beer at the baseball game! I am ready!
The countodown begins
I woke up today with a feeling of excitement and dread. Excited to know that a healthy change is on the horizon and dread of the same. All in all I feel that K and I have avoided most of the processed junk the world keeps throwing at us but, we have our downfalls and certainly enjoy some of the ease of the processed world we are part of.
On my list of top 5 things I will miss....
5. propel water
4. girl scout cookies
3. croissants
2. butter ( I will learn to make this)
1. Carmel machiatos!
and so, on that note I am enjoying a machiatto and croissant this morning! HEAVEN!
Poor K will miss MANY things i fear, her list
5. go gurt
4. granola bars
3. mac and cheese
2. crackers
1. fruit snacks
Lucky for me with a little effort I can replace most of those things with a little time and research.
A wise woman would take advantage of this day off to bake some of the needed supplies, but I have too much to do today and will have to bake later.
THINGS TO MAKE (from scartch asap)
chicken broth
butter
granola/ granola bars
muffins or breakfast snack
applesauce
On my list of top 5 things I will miss....
5. propel water
4. girl scout cookies
3. croissants
2. butter ( I will learn to make this)
1. Carmel machiatos!
and so, on that note I am enjoying a machiatto and croissant this morning! HEAVEN!
Poor K will miss MANY things i fear, her list
5. go gurt
4. granola bars
3. mac and cheese
2. crackers
1. fruit snacks
Lucky for me with a little effort I can replace most of those things with a little time and research.
A wise woman would take advantage of this day off to bake some of the needed supplies, but I have too much to do today and will have to bake later.
THINGS TO MAKE (from scartch asap)
chicken broth
butter
granola/ granola bars
muffins or breakfast snack
applesauce
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The challenge is on
I did it I opened my mouth and got stuck with a challenge! One simple question has turned into 30 days of change to answer it. It isn't that I wanted an easy way out or someone else to do it to answer my question BUT, it was a somewhat rhetorical question. What you ask did I ask?
I wonder ........
Is it possible for someone to go an entire month without eating ANY processed foods?
We shall soon see! I know I am not the first or only person to do this. I realize there are the brave souls that have rejected all the modern world has to offer or simply don't have access to the yummy goodness of a somewhat chemically enhanced diet. To those of you that live this, i tip my hat to you. For the rest of us, you know the ones, the fast food generation, crackers as a meal, fruit snacks equivalent to fresh fruit type of people, I ask that you wish me luck!
On this journey I will be taking my daughter. She has no idea of the upcoming change that is to become her life but, I think she will adjust just fine. I hope!
The ground rules........
I realized that although I originated this challenge with the idea that absolutely ALL processed foods were out I need to be realistic. Some things just will have to be made exceptions. For me this is what I have deemed my boundries.
1. Dairy is exempt, cheese, yogurt, milk be allowed but, only to the most basic organic form.
Milk will only be bought/consumed without flavoring.
Yogurt will be bought in the large tubs of plain.
Cheese will be allowed in block form but string cheese, american cheese, etc. are out.
Butter is out unless I make it! :( this will be the hardest part!
2. All grains may be used if starting in the purest form.
Whole wheat flour is ok, white bleached flour not ok.
Oatmeal YES! instant or quick oats NO!
Bread/pastries made from scratch at home
rice- brown only
pasta- made from scratch absolutely, packaged-NO
3. No food out of a box, can, bottle or frozen already cooked. I will make an exception for frozen veggies if the ingredients on the bag lists NOTHING other than the veggie inside.
4. Condiments- dried spices ok if nothing else is added, sauces that I can not reproduce (soy, worchestershire, vinegar etc.) are okay but anything that can be made at home (salad dressing, steak sauce, bbq sauce, teriyaki sauce etc.) will not be allowed.
5. Desserts are totally fine, if made from scratch without using processed ingredients as defined above.
6. No alcohol
Basically, I realize I can not do EVERYTHING since I do not live on a farm or have access to some of these things. I intend to use the questionable things as little as possible and perhaps not at all but, want to allow myself a little freedom now to optimize my success! Wish me luck!!!
As for now, I have 25 1/2 hrs to go before I start this so i am going to have some cold pizza and glass of wine!
I wonder ........
Is it possible for someone to go an entire month without eating ANY processed foods?
We shall soon see! I know I am not the first or only person to do this. I realize there are the brave souls that have rejected all the modern world has to offer or simply don't have access to the yummy goodness of a somewhat chemically enhanced diet. To those of you that live this, i tip my hat to you. For the rest of us, you know the ones, the fast food generation, crackers as a meal, fruit snacks equivalent to fresh fruit type of people, I ask that you wish me luck!
On this journey I will be taking my daughter. She has no idea of the upcoming change that is to become her life but, I think she will adjust just fine. I hope!
The ground rules........
I realized that although I originated this challenge with the idea that absolutely ALL processed foods were out I need to be realistic. Some things just will have to be made exceptions. For me this is what I have deemed my boundries.
1. Dairy is exempt, cheese, yogurt, milk be allowed but, only to the most basic organic form.
Milk will only be bought/consumed without flavoring.
Yogurt will be bought in the large tubs of plain.
Cheese will be allowed in block form but string cheese, american cheese, etc. are out.
Butter is out unless I make it! :( this will be the hardest part!
2. All grains may be used if starting in the purest form.
Whole wheat flour is ok, white bleached flour not ok.
Oatmeal YES! instant or quick oats NO!
Bread/pastries made from scratch at home
rice- brown only
pasta- made from scratch absolutely, packaged-NO
3. No food out of a box, can, bottle or frozen already cooked. I will make an exception for frozen veggies if the ingredients on the bag lists NOTHING other than the veggie inside.
4. Condiments- dried spices ok if nothing else is added, sauces that I can not reproduce (soy, worchestershire, vinegar etc.) are okay but anything that can be made at home (salad dressing, steak sauce, bbq sauce, teriyaki sauce etc.) will not be allowed.
5. Desserts are totally fine, if made from scratch without using processed ingredients as defined above.
6. No alcohol
Basically, I realize I can not do EVERYTHING since I do not live on a farm or have access to some of these things. I intend to use the questionable things as little as possible and perhaps not at all but, want to allow myself a little freedom now to optimize my success! Wish me luck!!!
As for now, I have 25 1/2 hrs to go before I start this so i am going to have some cold pizza and glass of wine!
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