This morning I made my breakfast drink, and guess what?! Domenick actually liked the taste. Granted, he said I would need to leave out a few ingredients if he were to drink it with me, but it's a start!
1 to 2 cups of water
2 bananas
pear
1 1/2 cups of blueberries
2 cups of spinach
2 dates
tablespoon of sunflower seeds
tablespoon of flax seed (ground)
cup of ice (optional)
Blend real good and .... yummy.
Domenick's version:
Cranberry juice w/lime (instead of water)
1 banana
1 cup of frozen strawbrerries
1 cup of frozen blueberries
1 pear
Sounds delish too!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Some spots never change
So, it's 2.5 years later and I'm hitting 55 years old soon. My hair is all white, I've been off my "good" eating habits for awhile now, not getting any exercise and I am still battling the bulge. Duh.
Forget the village, it takes a person
My Niece just reminded me about my blog ... the fact that she wants to read it to get some inspiration has just inspired me to start blogging again. Thanks Christie.
Good luck with the Master Cleanse. I may do it too.
Keep me posted.
XXOO Auntie V
Good luck with the Master Cleanse. I may do it too.
Keep me posted.
XXOO Auntie V
Friday, June 10, 2011
I've Got a Pep in my Step
I've made the perfect morning drink that gives me energy and keeps me going throughout the day.
2cups of water
handful spinach
handful kale
handful collard greens
1 banana or 1 apple
1 date
1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
6 frozen strawberries
2 handfuls of ice
blend real good
bing. bing. bing! who needs caffeine when you can have this!
2cups of water
handful spinach
handful kale
handful collard greens
1 banana or 1 apple
1 date
1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
6 frozen strawberries
2 handfuls of ice
blend real good
bing. bing. bing! who needs caffeine when you can have this!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wrapping up Week 5
I feel good.
Week 4 went smoothly, Week 5 I did a 5 day juice fast, drinking 16 ounces of juice at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. and this coming week I am back to my usual raw food and some cooked food.
Week 4 went smoothly, Week 5 I did a 5 day juice fast, drinking 16 ounces of juice at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. and this coming week I am back to my usual raw food and some cooked food.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
10 Super Foods
Should try and incorporate these foods in your daily diet as often as possible
1) Sea vegetables
* Dulce
* Kelp
* Nori
2) Broccoli
3) Kale
4) Collard Greens
5) Hempseeds
6) Sprouts
7) Garlic
8) Onions
9) Berries
10) Barley max
1) Sea vegetables
* Dulce
* Kelp
* Nori
2) Broccoli
3) Kale
4) Collard Greens
5) Hempseeds
6) Sprouts
7) Garlic
8) Onions
9) Berries
10) Barley max
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Vision Board
CYCLE ACROSS COUNTRY FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Goal: When I turn 56. which is 2.5 years to save and train.
What I need to do:
** keep eating right
** shed 20 to 30 lbs.
** goal weight 130lbs
** keep walking 1 hour each morning to build endurance
** add weights later to build muscle
** once ready ... replace walks with bike for 20 mile rides each morning
** Build up to 50 miles ... then buy best bike possible
** Regular routine should be 20 miles week days, 50 miles weekends
start the hype
** Find the cause
** Find people who want to cycle with me
** Get sponsors
** Get a van
** Schedule time off for both of us
** get media involved
** track the route
** schedule the time off
** research the roads, hotels, weather
... and live the dream!
Goal: When I turn 56. which is 2.5 years to save and train.
What I need to do:
** keep eating right
** shed 20 to 30 lbs.
** goal weight 130lbs
** keep walking 1 hour each morning to build endurance
** add weights later to build muscle
** once ready ... replace walks with bike for 20 mile rides each morning
** Build up to 50 miles ... then buy best bike possible
** Regular routine should be 20 miles week days, 50 miles weekends
start the hype
** Find the cause
** Find people who want to cycle with me
** Get sponsors
** Get a van
** Schedule time off for both of us
** get media involved
** track the route
** schedule the time off
** research the roads, hotels, weather
... and live the dream!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Mama where'd you go?
Sunday was a sweet day mixed with much sadness ... Domenick and I went to pick up my Mom to take her to visit her 7th great, great grandchild. Visiting Jamie, Pablo, Hayden and his new baby sister Keeley. She's beautiful!
Mom and I went for a walk thru the neighborhood, admiring the houses along the way and laughing at the silly things we talked about ... it was a much needed bonding moment. I loved it.
Later we said our goodbyes to Jamie and the family and headed North to drop my Mom off at her place. While driving Mom talked about the same things we talked about when we were heading South, and then the dreaded words came from her mouth ... "Vivian didn't come with us?" I said, you mean Tracey? She said, "No. Vivian, she didn't come with us?" Mom, I'm Vivian! "you don't look like Vivian (and shook her head, no)" She said this two separate times thru the drive home. Domenick was heart sick. I knew this day was coming, but I was hoping it was far, far into the future.
My siblings and I have a lot to think about ... I don't even know where to begin.
Mom and I went for a walk thru the neighborhood, admiring the houses along the way and laughing at the silly things we talked about ... it was a much needed bonding moment. I loved it.
Later we said our goodbyes to Jamie and the family and headed North to drop my Mom off at her place. While driving Mom talked about the same things we talked about when we were heading South, and then the dreaded words came from her mouth ... "Vivian didn't come with us?" I said, you mean Tracey? She said, "No. Vivian, she didn't come with us?" Mom, I'm Vivian! "you don't look like Vivian (and shook her head, no)" She said this two separate times thru the drive home. Domenick was heart sick. I knew this day was coming, but I was hoping it was far, far into the future.
My siblings and I have a lot to think about ... I don't even know where to begin.
Wrapping up week 3
Do I feel any different:
I do feel more energy ...
Saturday morning I woke up at 5:40 and started cleaning the house and doing laundry ... I even wiped down the insides of all my screens. now that's crazy!
I didn't crash until 9pm that night.
So overall I feel good. Sticking with it and not feeling a need to stray which is a good thing.
As far as weight, I swear I don't think I lost a pound even tho I bought a size 8 jeans last week.
just sayin.
I do feel more energy ...
Saturday morning I woke up at 5:40 and started cleaning the house and doing laundry ... I even wiped down the insides of all my screens. now that's crazy!
I didn't crash until 9pm that night.
So overall I feel good. Sticking with it and not feeling a need to stray which is a good thing.
As far as weight, I swear I don't think I lost a pound even tho I bought a size 8 jeans last week.
just sayin.
Day 21: Healthy Snacking
Maple Nuts
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups nuts (your favorites)
1/3 cup maple syrup
Directions
1. Coat nuts with syrup.
2. Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake on low heat for approximately 45 minutes,
stirring frequently.
3. Cool and serve.
POPCORN “CHICKEN”
Ingredients
3/4 cup unpopped popcorn 1/3 cup coconut oil heated until transparent
Nutritional yeast Unrefined sea salt
Black pepper 2 large bowls
Directions
1. Pop corn in an air popper and place in a large bowl.
2. Transfer 1/2 of the popcorn into second bowl and disperse about 1/2 of the coconut oil
over popcorn in second bowl. Sprinkle liberally with nutritional yeast followed
by black pepper and salt.
3. Transfer the second half of the popcorn into the second bowl and repeat step 2 to create
layers of flavor. Tastes like fried chicken!
One of the most surprising facts about The Hallelujah Diet is that you can still have snacks!
Here are some wholesome alternatives to movie night treats.
Day 20: Strength Training
Resistance Training is key ... Just keep moving those muscles.
Today's Recipe:
Luscious Fruit Salad
From
Simple Weekly Meal Plans, Volume 1Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
A little orange zest and lemon zest
Directions
1. Bring the above to a boil, and then simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat. Cool.
Meanwhile cut up the following in a bowl:
2 cups pineapple chunks
2 bananas
2 cups strawberries
1 cup red grapes (seeds removed)
2 oranges
2 kiwi, sliced
Pour cooled dressing over fruit and mix well.
After a workout, nothing is more refreshing than a juicy fruit salad. Use this basic recipe and
add your own flair!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 19: Kids Recipes
Hallelujah Hummus
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) 1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lemon 3 Tbsp of olive oil
Unrefined sea salt to taste 5-10 sundried tomatoes
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor until a smooth, paste-like consistency is achieved.
Add more oil if needed while mixing.
2. Stop, then add sun-dried tomatoes and mix again until tomatoes are pea-sized bits.
3. Serve with cut veggies such as carrots, broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, celery, etc.
Jodi’s Guacamole
Ingredients
1 avocado 1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp favorite salsa 1 juice from lime
Unrefined sea salt to taste
Directions
1. Crush garlic, then mash all ingredients with a potato masher.
BarleyMax Berry Post-Workout Smoothie
Ingredients
1 banana 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 tsp BarleyMax Berry 3 Tbsp hemp seed (1 Tbsp for non-athletes)
Directions
1. Blend all in a blender and enjoy!
Guaca-mater Sandwich
Ingredients
2 slices Ezekiel bread Jodi’s Guacamole on each side
Tomatoes, sliced Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Toast bread.
2. Spread Jodi’s Guacamole on each side.
3. Add tomatoes on each side and season with salt and pepper.
Ingredients
Day 18: Herb Garden
Easy to grow garden with these basic herbs:
Greek Oregano
Chives
Sage
Rosemary
Basil
Todays' Recipe
Chunky Raw Marinara Sauce
By Chef Kirk
Ingredients
4 medium vine ripened tomatoes, cut in fine dice
1/2 red onion, minced
1 Tbsp roasted garlic, minced (can be store-bought in a jar, pre-roasted)
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Tbsp unrefined sea salt
1/4 Tbsp coarse grind black pepper
Fresh Oregano leaves, torn or cut in rough chop, to taste
Fresh Basil, cut in chiffonade, to taste
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the onions and tomatoes with the salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Add the roasted garlic and the olive oil.
3. Tear the leaves of oregano or chop them and add them to the bowl.
4. Roll up the leaves of basil and thinly slice them in chiffonade*.
5. Add the basil and combine all of the ingredients well.
6. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Chiffonade is a special way of cutting herbs or leafy green vegetables into thin strips. (The term means “rags” in French.) To chiffonade the basil, stack all of the leaves on top of each other in a neat pile. Roll the pile of leaves lengthwise together to form a fairly tight cigar shape. Then take a knife and cut across the narrow width of the rolled leaves to create thin ribbons of basil.
Greek Oregano
Chives
Sage
Rosemary
Basil
Todays' Recipe
Chunky Raw Marinara Sauce
By Chef Kirk
Ingredients
4 medium vine ripened tomatoes, cut in fine dice
1/2 red onion, minced
1 Tbsp roasted garlic, minced (can be store-bought in a jar, pre-roasted)
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Tbsp unrefined sea salt
1/4 Tbsp coarse grind black pepper
Fresh Oregano leaves, torn or cut in rough chop, to taste
Fresh Basil, cut in chiffonade, to taste
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the onions and tomatoes with the salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Add the roasted garlic and the olive oil.
3. Tear the leaves of oregano or chop them and add them to the bowl.
4. Roll up the leaves of basil and thinly slice them in chiffonade*.
5. Add the basil and combine all of the ingredients well.
6. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Chiffonade is a special way of cutting herbs or leafy green vegetables into thin strips. (The term means “rags” in French.) To chiffonade the basil, stack all of the leaves on top of each other in a neat pile. Roll the pile of leaves lengthwise together to form a fairly tight cigar shape. Then take a knife and cut across the narrow width of the rolled leaves to create thin ribbons of basil.
Day 17: Oils
Look for "cold pressed" oils.
Grapeseed oil tends to be best when cooking over high heat.
Today's Recipe
Spinach-Berry Salad
Serves 4
As featured in Hallelujah Acres Health News magazine (May/June 2010) Taken from Simple Weekly Meal Plans, Vol 1
Ingredients
1 pound baby spinach
2 cups sliced organic strawberries (or raspberries)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 Tbsp thinly-sliced green onions
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Honey Mustard Dressing:
1/4 cup Westbrae Natural Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp flaxseed oil or Udo’s Oil
1/3 cup raw honey
Mix dressing well and pour on salad just before serving.
Grapeseed oil tends to be best when cooking over high heat.
Today's Recipe
Spinach-Berry Salad
Serves 4
As featured in Hallelujah Acres Health News magazine (May/June 2010) Taken from Simple Weekly Meal Plans, Vol 1
Ingredients
1 pound baby spinach
2 cups sliced organic strawberries (or raspberries)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 Tbsp thinly-sliced green onions
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Honey Mustard Dressing:
1/4 cup Westbrae Natural Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp flaxseed oil or Udo’s Oil
1/3 cup raw honey
Mix dressing well and pour on salad just before serving.
Day 16: Cooked Foods
The recommended breakdown is 85% Raw and 15% Cooked.
Today's Recipe
Veggie Soup Stock Yields 8 cups
Ingredients
2 organic onions with skins, quartered
2 leeks, cut into 2” pieces
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2” pieces
4 celery ribs (stalks), cut into 2” pieces
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup parsley leaves or 1-1/2 tsp dried Sprig of thyme dried
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
4 whole allspice
1 tsp unrefined sea salt
8–10 cups distilled water
Directions
1. Place water in large stock pot, add veggies. (Try tying herbs and spices into a piece of cheese cloth or other clean cloth tied with string, strong thread or nylon fish line.)
2. Bring to a rapid boil, skim off foam if not using distilled water*, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Turn off heat and allow to cool on the stove to allow all flavors to mingle.
4. Strain and store soup stock in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
5. Discard or compost vegetables; the nutrients are in the stock.
*If not using distilled water, remove “foam” (minerals) that comes to the top before storing.
Kitchen Tip: Vary the veggies and spices according to availability. Fresh herbs are highly recommended, if available.
Split Pea Soup Serves 8-10
Ingredients
8-10 cups soup stock or distilled water
3 carrots, diced
2 cups dry split peas, soaked overnight and drained
1 medium onion, diced
3 celery ribs (stalks), sliced thin, across the rib
3 potatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tsp unrefined sea salt
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Pinch cinnamon
Directions
1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker (crockpot) or stock pot and cook on high until soup reaches a boil.
2. Turn to low or simmer and allow to cook until peas and all vegetables become soft and tender.
This recipe take a couple of hours on the stove top and can take over 8 hours in a slow cooker.
Today's Recipe
Veggie Soup Stock Yields 8 cups
Ingredients
2 organic onions with skins, quartered
2 leeks, cut into 2” pieces
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2” pieces
4 celery ribs (stalks), cut into 2” pieces
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup parsley leaves or 1-1/2 tsp dried Sprig of thyme dried
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
4 whole allspice
1 tsp unrefined sea salt
8–10 cups distilled water
Directions
1. Place water in large stock pot, add veggies. (Try tying herbs and spices into a piece of cheese cloth or other clean cloth tied with string, strong thread or nylon fish line.)
2. Bring to a rapid boil, skim off foam if not using distilled water*, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Turn off heat and allow to cool on the stove to allow all flavors to mingle.
4. Strain and store soup stock in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
5. Discard or compost vegetables; the nutrients are in the stock.
*If not using distilled water, remove “foam” (minerals) that comes to the top before storing.
Kitchen Tip: Vary the veggies and spices according to availability. Fresh herbs are highly recommended, if available.
Split Pea Soup Serves 8-10
Ingredients
8-10 cups soup stock or distilled water
3 carrots, diced
2 cups dry split peas, soaked overnight and drained
1 medium onion, diced
3 celery ribs (stalks), sliced thin, across the rib
3 potatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tsp unrefined sea salt
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Pinch cinnamon
Directions
1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker (crockpot) or stock pot and cook on high until soup reaches a boil.
2. Turn to low or simmer and allow to cook until peas and all vegetables become soft and tender.
This recipe take a couple of hours on the stove top and can take over 8 hours in a slow cooker.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Blended Salads
WARNING: There's definitely a gag factor here ...
Today's Recipe is a blended salad. I love the concept, but the texture got to me.
All you do is throw all your left over veggies from your veggie box or fridge into a blender. Add whatever you would typically add as a dressing, and blend. It can be crunchy or smooth.
It gives you more nutrients than a regular salad. After showing Domenick the green mushy muck I created and watching his face as I spooned each bite into my mouth, it became too much for my stomach (the texture was already getting to me).
All I could eat was half a cup. Maybe I put too much garlic in or something, but this was not my fave.
Side note: the flavor was really good, it was the texture that got to me and sitting next to someone who looks like their going to gag doesn't help.
Blended Salad (or Soup) with a hint of Cilantro
Ingredients
1 large tomato or 2 roma tomatoes
1/4 to 1/2 cucumber (with peeling if organic)
1/2 red bell pepper (keep other 1/2 for chopping)
2 large handfuls leafy greens of any kind
Small handful (1/2 cup cilantro, packed in) stems and leaves
1/2 small avocado
Directions
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender (remember to keep other 1/2 of pepper for chopping).
2. Pour ingredients in a container and chop remaining 1/2 red pepper and stir in.
You can drink this nibbling on the red pepper or you can eat with a spoon.
Today's Recipe is a blended salad. I love the concept, but the texture got to me.
All you do is throw all your left over veggies from your veggie box or fridge into a blender. Add whatever you would typically add as a dressing, and blend. It can be crunchy or smooth.
It gives you more nutrients than a regular salad. After showing Domenick the green mushy muck I created and watching his face as I spooned each bite into my mouth, it became too much for my stomach (the texture was already getting to me).
All I could eat was half a cup. Maybe I put too much garlic in or something, but this was not my fave.
Side note: the flavor was really good, it was the texture that got to me and sitting next to someone who looks like their going to gag doesn't help.
Blended Salad (or Soup) with a hint of Cilantro
Ingredients
1 large tomato or 2 roma tomatoes
1/4 to 1/2 cucumber (with peeling if organic)
1/2 red bell pepper (keep other 1/2 for chopping)
2 large handfuls leafy greens of any kind
Small handful (1/2 cup cilantro, packed in) stems and leaves
1/2 small avocado
Directions
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender (remember to keep other 1/2 of pepper for chopping).
2. Pour ingredients in a container and chop remaining 1/2 red pepper and stir in.
You can drink this nibbling on the red pepper or you can eat with a spoon.
Day 15: Coffee Subsitutes
Of course we all know caffeine is not the best for us ... just try going off coffee and see what happens. I stopped drinking caffeine coffee 6 years ago and for 2 weeks straight my body hurt from my head to my toes. Pretty wild.
Anyway, look for grain based coffee if you need to have coffee in the morning. Add plant based sugar and almond or rice milk.
Herbal Teas are a good alternative too.
Anyway, look for grain based coffee if you need to have coffee in the morning. Add plant based sugar and almond or rice milk.
Herbal Teas are a good alternative too.
Just Sayin'
So last night I went to Macy's to pick up a pair of jeans ...
I grab the usual sizes 10 and 12 to try on.
I always try on the smallest size first, just in case ...
So, I slipped on the size 10s and ... loved the way they felt, but they were a little loose! I was shocked, since all my old clothes still feel way too snug.
So I called out to Domenick from the dressing room to grab a size ... wait for it ... wait for it ... 8!. haha. I haven't been a size 8 in years. ... anyway, wanted to make sure before I took the size 10s home. Slipped them on and omg they fit perfectly. Yippee! A size 8! (I'm not foolin' myself, I know every brand has different sizing)
I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but thrilled with my experience last night.
Just sayin'
I grab the usual sizes 10 and 12 to try on.
I always try on the smallest size first, just in case ...
So, I slipped on the size 10s and ... loved the way they felt, but they were a little loose! I was shocked, since all my old clothes still feel way too snug.
So I called out to Domenick from the dressing room to grab a size ... wait for it ... wait for it ... 8!. haha. I haven't been a size 8 in years. ... anyway, wanted to make sure before I took the size 10s home. Slipped them on and omg they fit perfectly. Yippee! A size 8! (I'm not foolin' myself, I know every brand has different sizing)
I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but thrilled with my experience last night.
Just sayin'
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Eating Out
Last night Domenick, my brother Stevie and I went out to have a bite and a drink after work ... it was a much needed celebration over the good news our cousin Melanie shared with us on Friday. "... she's outta my life ..." isn't that a song by Michael Jackson? ;)
Eating out can be risky if you want to stay true to your diet ...
I knew I had to think fast as to what restaurant would keep me on track, and know the guys would like too ... so I picked Hurricane Wings. Yup! They have the best California Veggie Burgers ... and they're big!
My order:
Veggie Burger with all the rabbit food (removed the bread) and ate it like a salad.
Water with Lemon
I was one happy camper.
The guys:
chicken wings
french fries
pitcher of beer
... and they were happy too.
It was a great night.
Eating out can be risky if you want to stay true to your diet ...
I knew I had to think fast as to what restaurant would keep me on track, and know the guys would like too ... so I picked Hurricane Wings. Yup! They have the best California Veggie Burgers ... and they're big!
My order:
Veggie Burger with all the rabbit food (removed the bread) and ate it like a salad.
Water with Lemon
I was one happy camper.
The guys:
chicken wings
french fries
pitcher of beer
... and they were happy too.
It was a great night.
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