We like wandering around and going where the wind takes us. Enjoy these sights from the South Carolina Lowcountry.
healthy eating
What are you reading?
StandardMy name is Sherrie and I have a book problem. Am I the only one? I can’t be.
Worthy Evans is a College of Charleston alum and brilliant writer.
My problem started years ago and only became worse after a few months of library work followed by bookstore work. I loved every second of shelving and discovering new titles and topics. I love it when I get lost in a story or can almost taste the recipe by reading the ingredients. When I drop by the library I can’t seem to help myself. I walk in to return the stack I spent a month pouring through and leave with more.
Taking time for myself is a necessity. Reading for pleasure reduces stress and helps me relax. Even if the story has me wound up and jumping at the slightest sound, I’m more relaxed than if I’m working all day. Do you take time to read? What are you reading now?
Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules!
This is perfect reading when I need a laugh.
I’ll catch you later. It’s time to curl up with a good book.
June already? What’s your plan?
StandardCan you believe 2014 is already six months old? June is already 11 days old? Where did the time go? Are you on track? Anywhere close to where you wanted to be? I’ll admit it, I’m not. And I won’t let it throw me much. I’ll tweak my plans and go month to month.
My plan was in part inspired by a dream. I’ve been back and forth to the doc and specialists (yes, plural) trying to finally figure out what all ails me. It’s exhausting and frustrating and frightening if I K et my mind wander too much. More so if I consult Dr. Google instead of waiting to for a specific diagnosis. According to Google, cold symptoms could be anything from a cold to a rare syndrome that would put someone just outside death’s door. No one needs that kind of stress or fear without knowing what’s going on inside them.
So, back to this dream. Of course I dreamed about a doctor visit. I mean, it’s been at least 33% of my focus for a while now. So, I’m waiting for the doc to walk in, and it’s Kris Carr! You know, the woman behind Crazy, Sexy Cancer. Her.
I was so in awe and blown away. I think seeing her was a sign. Not that a cancer diagnosis is looming, but that I’m doing the right thing by following up with the docs and working on healing. Another round of physical therapy starts next today My diet is cleaning up and even more greens are coming in. My healthier cookbooks are my main kitchen inspiration and I’m eating to live.
There they are, two of my inspirations!
One of my go-to’s for healthy vegan eats. Lindsay Nixon photo.
A fav dish from Crazy Sexy Kitchen. This and the tahini dressing that is.
I’ll hit the library more often than the bookstore for new inspiration.
I don’t want to just survive anymore. I want to thrive, glow, and kick ass.
So, what’s happening with you? Have any good dreams lately?
Vegan Kickstart 2013
Yep, it’s that time again. New year, new start and all the jazz.I’m doing another PCRM Vegan Kickstart this year but this one will be a little different. I’m doing it gluten-free.
The kickstart focuses on a low-fat, high nutrient plant-based plan. It’s easy to go vegan while enjoying snack foods and fattier fare, but it’s not the healthiest way to do it. You can trust me on that. Unlike past years, the kickstart is ongoing, A new group starts on the first of each month. I like this change. If you join late you can always jump in from the start the following month and go from there.
Check out the Vegan Kickstart on Facebook and main site for ideas on making it easier and to see what others are doing. To see what I’m doing, check out my Independent Team Beachbody Facebook page, Vegetarian Examiner page, or Tweet with me. I’ll share recipes, menus, and my exercise plan for the day.
So, are you in? Other plans?
Until next time, peace.
Semi-Wordless Wednesday – Jackfruit!
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| Kai4104 photo. |
I love jackfruit! I wasn’t sure I would, but it is perfect! Soy-free, gluten-free, and budget-friendly goodness just ready to absorb whatever seasonings my heart and tummy crave. Jackfruit carnitas have been the biggest hit overall, but jackfruit and black bean enchiladas work, too.
Get to an Asian market and pick up a can or two of young jackfruit in brine. Drain, rinse, season, and cook. Dump it in a crockpot with onions and your favorite barbecue sauce. Want to cook it on the stove? Saute the jackfruit and onions, then simmer in sauce on low-medium heat. Serve it with slaw, beans, and cornbread or a bun. 35 minutes from can to table if you have sauce on hand.
Have you tried jackfruit yet? What did you think?
Wordless Wednesday: Black Magic Cafe in Folly Beach, SC
Yeah, baby!
Two weeks + into the new year
StandardShort and sweet since the school session started with a vengeance.
The scale is moving down! My pants are falling off. I’m happy, have more energy, and eating better than I have in a long time. Yes, I’m cooking more, but I’m still cooking ahead so it’s easier to grab and go.
**Happy dancing**
Longer posts are coming.
Bye for now.
First week – down 4 pounds!
StandardThat’s right, baby, 4 pounds! I’ve been happy dancing – more calories burned!
I officially went on plan on 4/6. And we hit the road last weekend – every meal was restaurant prepared. Well, except for the lousy selection at the hotel. (They used to be so much better, but that’s another story.) It’s been easier so far than the first time I followed this program. I keep my portions in check (until it comes to the freebies – then I go nuts), eat on a regular schedule, and make better choices by default.
Fruit or veggies are present at every meal and snack. Protein choices are lower fat. I love cheese – always have – and still eat it. I just make sure I’m having lower fat versions or planning the indulgence around the rest of my day. And chocolate is still a part of my plan, just not everyday.
Clean eating, baby! It kicks butt!
Soul Vegetarian South is back!
StandardI am so stoked!
I loved Soul Vegetarian because it was vegan, healthy, and soul food! It was also not too far from home and I could get there by bus without turning it into an all day event. They closed for lunch for a couple of years and I missed them terribly.
Well, this week they reopened and hubster and I grabbed lunch today. He had the protein wrap (TVP with sauteed onions and peppers) and I went for the kalebone wrap (kick-butt seitan roast with sauteed onions and peppers). We both had the mac and cheese for old times sake and hubster rounded off his meal with the split pea soup. We were not disappointed! Yum is all I can say, people. I couldn’t finish my wrap, so half is sitting in the fridge waiting for me.
Swing by, 11 am – 3 pm weekdays. Same place as before, on Rivers Avenue just south of Reynolds. Don’t let the area scare you – go get a great lunch!
Besides a great lunch, we picked up our first fruit tree today and have a Meyer lemon sitting on the counter just waiting to be sliced. Our home is coming together! Our garden is going to rock!
A week after weighing and measuring
StandardI’m still annoyed by those measurements, but still energized by them. I’ve been getting in more protein and less refined carbs. I’m not going back to my ultra low carb days, just getting more balance in my food. And keeping portions under control.
I think I’m annoying hubby a bit. Even my junk food runs have been healthier – veggie sub at Subway, no cheese, vinegar, no oil. Fresco style bean burrito at Taco Bell. It makes him crazy. This afternoon when DD offered her last slice of pizza to us, hubby told her I wanted it. I told her I didn’t and to just put it away from later if hubster wasn’t interested. It’s typical of the routine when I’m eating differently. I’m not thrilled about it, but I’m used to it. He only gets this way when he’s feeling like making a change in his habits. He doesn’t like eating alone and sometimes considers it eating alone of I’m eating something different.
He makes me tired, but I love him.
I have a knot in my shoulder that refuses to quit, so exercise has consisted of the modified yoga and pilates routine and watching the dogs race around the yard. Yep, I let them run instead of walking them; sue me.
So far so good as far as food today. I’m getting in lots of veggies and protein and small amounts of fat (only what was used in cooking and occurs naturally in the ingredients). I’m not sure what we’ll have for dinner tonight, but the rest of the day has gone like this –
B: 1/4 c scrambled tofu, 1/4 cup veggie/nut burger, jalapeno, 2 TBS diced tomato, TBS shredded cheddar; cinnamon flax muffin; decaf, water, supplements
L: Tandoori tofu, sauteed spinach-onion-garlic; cup veggie soup
Hubby’s not thrilled with the low sodium levels, but my heart is thanking me. I’m craving sugar and am not sure what I’m going to do about it. We’re headed grocery shopping in a bit and I’m going to throw Greek yogurt into the cart. I love this stuff! 1/4 to 1/2 cup of it with some fruit, ground flax, and drizzle (or sprinkle) of a sweetener is so very good. It feels decadent and that helps trick these jaded taste buds of mine.
Did I mention that I’m reducing caffeine again? Yep, 1 cup of regular only, and that’s only when we’re out. At home it’s either 3/4 decaf or full decaf. Hubby hasn’t realized it yet. He’s up when he’s up and crashes at the drop of a hat.
Hubster is actually ready to go, so I’m out for now. Here’s to a great week!