In my quest to get my daily calories in and naturally address some issues experienced in my body, I have spent time researching foods that exacerbate those issues and address them. In 3 John verse 2 it reads "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all my go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (NIV). Not only do we have to take care of our minds, will and emotions but also our bodies. I've come across enough information to confirm the dangers of things we consume mindlessly. So I've developed a diet that works for me as well as with me. This meant that I would have to substitute certain things and retrain my buds. I think the general apprehension is that we're so use to eating junk that we won't enjoy eating healthy. Or that a modified diet will cause you to sign your checks over to the grocery store. But I have found some good stuff! I usually cook meals that will last me almost a week. With the help of some websites I've frequented, I've learned a few economy friendly meals to cook that are filling, don't require a shopping cart full of ingredients and won't send me to the grave early.
What's been cooking in my kitchen:
Here's an easy dish I enjoy that will allow you to get your servings of legumes and veggies (fiber/protein/vitamins):
*Southwest Chili - dark kidney beans, black beans, mixed organic veggies, Hunts organic tomato paste, Hunts organic diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 packs of chili powder (no msg)...add a pound of turkey meat if you'd like. Stew and season to taste. I don't add salt because I usually eat my chili with oyster crackers! If you must, try sea salt as an alternative to iodized salt.
Healthy pasta dishes include whole wheat (grain) pasta with all natural tomato sauce (get your lycopene on!)
*Stuffed Pasta Shells - One box of shells, Prego ~all natural~ Tomato Sauce, Boca Meat (substitute), saute` diced white onions-garlic-basil, stuff boiled shells, cover with tomato sauce and place in the oven covered for 15 mins. Enjoy your shells with some Italian bread and a spinach salad for filling.
Get your Omega 3 in with a fish dinner! Skip the fryer and bake that suckah!
*Tilapia (or Salmon) with Wild Rice and Stir Fried Veggies - Two packs of 4 frozen fish fillets, one package of long grain rice, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, lemon juice, a couple of zucchini and squash (two of each), broccoli, and baby corn. Marinate fish for more flavor and stir fry veggies to liking.
I enjoy sandwiches as well so recently I tried:
*Tofu Sandwich - skillet seared strips of tofu sprayed with amino acid, homemade guacamole (foreal!), lettuce and sliced tomatoes on flaxseed bread.
Snack Substitutes:
*Berry Medley - fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. This is for my sweet tooth-ers.
*Soy Ice Cream (Purely Decadent Organic Brand) - for all of my lactose intolerant friends (of which there are some still in the closet), who just want to reminisce on the good ol' days. You can't even tell the difference! My fav flavor is Turtle Trails.
*Pita Chips - whatever brand you buy, whatever! These are good and not bad for you! I get mine from Trader Joe's.
Swigs:
*IZZE Sparkling Drinks (all natural)- Great for pop lovers without the damaging sugars! I got turned on to these and every now and then, I will treat myself (is a little pricey). Sometimes on sale at CVS.
*Bolthouse Farms Smoothies - Also another pricey item that you can catch on sale. All natural, providing full servings of fruits and vegetables (depending on what kind you get). Strawberry Banana and Berry Boost are my choices.
*Juicy Juice - 100% all natural ingredients. Period. No high fructose corn syrup, no coloring, no crazy stuff. Berry and Apple.
* WATER! I know some folks have a hard time with water, but that's what sparkling water is for. It makes for an easier transition.
These were just a few things on my list. I am still trying out new recipes. Next week I will tackle a seafood couscous dish! Since I have to cook, I might as well make it interesting. Hopefully I gave you some brain food.
My go to's:
http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com
http://allrecipes.com
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