ECLECTIC EATING

^ Walking J Farm ^

For the last two or so years my diet has mostly consisted of whole foods and has been plant based.  Recently, my family and I have been doing some research and have been experimenting with dietary changes and I am excited to share!

It is so important to listen to and know your body.  I have been feeling tired for some time now and have been feeling consistently sick - occasional and increasing dull stomach aches and feeling sluggish.  It's never been so severe to have me worried about a serious health issue or even to ruin a day and I suppose I thought it was normal to feel this way - I had grown used to it.  Finally, after doing a bit of research, I decided to do some experimenting - I could always go back to the way I was eating if it didn't help.  It's only been a few weeks but I already feel an increase in energy and no stomach aches or bloating.  I'm thrilled.

So, what did I start (and more importantly, stop) eating?  

After reading Salt, Sugar, Fat...

I completely removed any processed foods.  This means no tortilla chips, no crackers, no packaged cakes (even if they're labeled 'vegan'), no cookies etc etc etc. Well, this wasn't really a new change but it helped me to finally eliminate these things completely.  This book is important and I wish everyone would read it.

After reading Wheat Belly...

I reduced (practically cut out) wheat from my normal diet.  This means no more toast in the mornings, no more buns, no more croutons, no more pie, no more whole wheat pancakes for breakfast, no more beer.  After eating these things during open meals (ie. Thanksgiving), I can feel my body yelling at me.

After researching the Paleo diet (mostly in Practical Paleo)...

I reintroduced eggs (free range, organic).  Just one or two in the mornings and my energy has heightened.

I reintroduced seafood (wild or wild caught).

I reintroduced meat (very occasionally) from a local farm.  I drive to the farm to purchase the meat from the farmer himself.  It is all grass fed, sustainable, and farm raised (obviously).  I have never really enjoyed most meats (beef, bacon, chicken etc) but there are some (ie brats, I am from Wisconsin....) that I enjoy.

I still eat no dairy.

I really want to stress that I don't label how I eat.  I have never considered myself a pescetarian, vegetarian, vegan, or Paleo and I probably never will.  I have been experimenting with how I eat for the last five years and am planning on continuing to discover new ways of eating that will most benefit me.  I have found that it is important to eat natural, local if possible, 'organic' or pesticide free, non-gmo etc etc foods.  In other words, eat real food.  It is also important to listen to your body.  What is right for me may not be right for you.

And the best part and the reason I truly believe that this way of living works: open meals.  On Thanksgiving I ate all of the (probably gmo stuffed) turkey, (gluten filled) stuffing and pumpkin pie, (pesticide and buttery) corn and mashed potatoes that I wanted.  And on Christmas you bet I'll be stuffing my face with brie cheese (and probably a million other kinds of cheese - we are going back to Wisconsin for Christmas after all....)

^ leftover pumpkin pie ^

SMOOTH MORNINGS

I've been searching for an energizing and healthy smoothie to start my mornings with and a slightly modified version of  this one from Annaliisa's Organic Kitchen is even more than I could have asked for.  Just mix the ingredients in a blender and serve over ice.  It is filled with natural vitamins and tastes amazing--the perfect way to begin a new day!

SNACK TIME

I am obsessed with guacamole and last summer I became an expert at making it.  Guac is so much better when it's fresh and once you're good, it takes no time at all.  I've read a thousand recipes and all of them tend to be practically identical but lately I've been seeing recipes scattered around the web that use pomegranate seeds so I decided to go for it and it was totally worth it.  They are such fun blast of flavor and perfectly complement the avocado.  So, after much searching and experimenting, I have finally compiled the perfect guac recipe.

2 Avocados

Squeeze of lemon (or any citrus)

Sprinkle of salt

Clove of garlic, minced

Seeds from half a pomegranate

Mash avocados

Mix with the squeeze of lemon, sprinkle of salt, and minced garlic

Sprinkle seeds on top

COMET

Kurt knows my favorite meal is brunch so when he was in town last weekend we spent my last Sunday in Milwaukee exploring the brunch scene.  My mom had recommended The Comet Cafe with a post card she bought from the cafe and sent to me back in April when I was living in Dayton.  I have wanted to try it ever since and neither Kurt or I were disappointed!  The menu was vast (and vegan friendly!).  I really enjoyed Kelly's Vegan Scramble and Kurt was adventurous and got the special--a breakfast sandwich made of sausage and eggs with pancakes as the bread!  We got to sit at the bar and the staff was great--it felt like we were hanging out with friends!  With such a fun atmosphere, great bar, and amazing food I'll make sure I make this a stop when I come back to visit my hometown.

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

Love & Lemons has done it again.  I spent the morning making their delicious vegan french toast.  The best part?  I had everything I needed right at home.  Paired with a mountain of fruit and a mug of daybreak, it was a perfect morning.

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

This is my all time favorite breakfast.  Over the last year I have developed an avocado obsession and I like fitting it into my diet in different ways.  This morning, I layered slices onto a whole wheat english muffin and sprinkled salt and garlic powder on top.  I'm sure you'll be seeing this one again (and again, and again) in different forms (think: honey).  Enjoy and be healthy.  Happy Monday!

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

Breakfast is such an important (and healthy, and critical) part of the day.  I used to never eat breakfast due to lack of ideas and time but I have recently started to change my mindset and take control of mornings.  By waking up a bit earlier and having a long list of easy and delicious meals on hand, I have been able to start my days on the right note.  I am excited to share some of my favorite breakfasts with you through my 'breakfast chronicles' series!

QUICK OATS

prep time: 10 minutes

Follow instructions on how to make Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats on the stove.

While the oats are cooking, cut up your favorite fruits.  This morning I used bananas, strawberries, and blackberries.

Sprinkle fruit on top of the cooked oats and drizzle honey to taste.

PLANT DRIVEN

^^homemade sushi! a birthday exception.^^

Healthy living is an important part of my life.  This is most prominent in the kitchen where, on a regular basis, I eat a whole foods plant based diet.  Put more simply, I rarely eat animal products or animals themselves.  My Wisconsin-born family gave up all things animal (including cheese!) over a year ago (beginning with this amazing documentary) and we are so happy with the results.  I feel better, have healthier skin, and am overall happier.  Contrary to what many believe, my diet does not consist of lettuce and cardboard.  In fact, I have more fun cooking on a whole foods plant based diet!  I get to use my creativity and scour the internet and cookbooks for fun new recipes and I even make up my own.

That being said, I eat this way for health reasons only, which means that I get to make exceptions when the time is right.  Having me over for dinner?  Make me a steak!  What did I order for Easter brunch at Lillie’s?  Eggs benedict with salmon! Balance is essential to a healthy life and everyone needs to indulge once and a while :)

^^juicing with fresh fruit and vegetables from the farmers market has become a new favorite^^

^^a cheese-less pizza picnic at Columbia last Spring when Kurt and I visited my brother Charlie in NYC^^

PIZZA PIZZA

I made the most amazing pizza for my family last night.  I found the recipe on one of my (new) favorite food blogs The First Mess.  I was a bit wary about adding the mint at first but it was the perfect addition and the extra touch that made the pizza as delectable as it was.  I used my own sauce recipe and paired it with a delicious (and cheap!) bottle of red table wine from Trader Joe's.  Try it out and enjoy!

Sauce:

one can of tomato paste

three spoonfuls of Trader Joe's Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic

two garlic cloves, minced

a squeeze of lemon

salt and pepper to taste