3 Steps to Start a Detox

It is really is important to prepare both physically (food shopping) and mentally (motivation) if you want to successfully complete a detox. These are my top 3 steps that will help you get started on your preparation!

1. Decide what kind of detox you want to do and make a time commitment. If this is your first detox I would recommend doing the unlimited fruit and veg fast. It just gives you more flexibility with foods that you probably aren't used to eating all the time. Plus you can eat them raw or cooked and don't need any kind of special equipment like a juicer. Raw juice is definitely optimal to include if you can! But not totally necessary.

As far as time, commit to what you know you can accomplish. I think 3 days is a good starting point for a first detox. Try to start the detox on a weekend or when you won't be too busy. That way if you do encounter headaches or "loose bowels" you will be able to put yourself first while your cells release toxins for that time period.

2. Plan your menu, shop, and prepare.  Come up with a list of all the fruits and vegetables you love, maybe research some recipes, or keep it simple and just have lots of fruit salad and chopped veggies ready to eat. Either way, buying enough fruit and veg and preparing it ahead of time is the most essential step! This way when you are hungry (which might be constantly all day) you will have an abundance/variety of food to choose from and be less tempted to grab something else. If you love bananas, don't buy just one bunch, buy 3 or 4 bunches! If you like apples, but prefer them sliced, slice them ahead of time! I know it sounds like such a simple thing but it can make all the difference. You want to avoid not having enough to eat and will be more successful if you are able to grab food easily and effortlessly and not think about what your next meal will be.

3. Stay motivated! This may be something you've never done before, but there are plenty of people who have! Research those people and see how they live healthy. I follow quite a few motivational/health pages on instagram and Facebook. They have a ton of good advice and experience and I love seeing those bits of motivation throughout the day when I scroll through social media. A couple of my my favorite websites (who also have Facebook pages) is Rebel Dietitian and Scooby's Workshop. Also on Facebook that I like is Engine2Diet, Hungry for Change, Forks Over Knives, Chris Beat Cancer, and Dr Bill Davison. On Instagram @eat_to_thrive, @ohsheglows, @thrivingonplants, @domthompson, @earthlingnutrition, @freeleethebananagirl, and @cfvgn_yolanda.

If you have kids like me it can be tricky (and tempting) to keep them fed. I usually prepare different food for them throughout the day but then have them eat whatever dinner I make (which is a cooked vegetable dish). Just make sure you eat enough food. This will help keep your cravings down, especially when preparing food for others. Here are some simple meal ideas of things I usually eat on a detox to get your imagination flowing. I haven't listed them as breakfast lunch or dinner because they are interchangeable and it just depends what you feel like at that time of day. You might want set meals or graze all day long, its totally up to you. Just make sure to eat eat eat!

4-6 bananas
Half a Watermelon
Raw or frozen berries

Fruit or vegetable juice (even store bought like Naked Juice or Just Juice, just make sure the label has no added sugar/colors/preservatives in the ingredients)

Smoothies

Fruit salad

Carrot/celery/cucumber sticks dipped in mashed avocado

Big SALAD
Sautéed snap peas, zucchini, and mushroom

Oil free baked potato wedges

Homemade Vegetable Soup
Homemade Vegetable Chili (no beans)

Remember to try and stay away from all grains, legumes, and nuts. Yes these are plants and are very good for you, but on a detox you are trying to flood your body with potent nutrients that are the most easy to digest. Having said that, when I've been on detox I have eaten peas (which are technically a bean) and corn (which is a grain). I would say those two are probably the only exceptions and should still be eaten moderately. For more detox inspo click on the 'detox' label to the right!

Breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas for Summer!

Green Smoothie

Apple, banana, spinach, coconut water, blended in a high powered blender.

(never mind the dirty table cloth and creepy little face in the background lol)

Stack of pancakes layered with banana, peanut butter and pure maple syrup

Fruit bowl

Orange, banana, pomegranate 

Mono Meal

11 White Peaches

Yes I ate them all! Don't let anyone tell you that this much 'sugar' is bad for you. Sugar in the form of whole fruit is good for you and is one of the most perfect foods for the body. It has glucose for easily absorbed energy, fiber for gut and digestive balance, and PACKED with essential nutrients for a strong immune system.

Apples dipped in Date Caramel Sauce

Veggies dipped in Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 

Avocado Roll

Simply steamed rice and avocado, rolled in seaweed with a side of low sodium soy sauce.

Super Food Salad!

Spinach, romaine lettuce, snap peas, cucumber, carrot, chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, quinoa, dressed with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. 

The Sausage Principle....

"If you love something, never find out how it was made" -John Oliver

This quote is from a segment on the John Oliver Show in reference to the FIFA soccer organization. A sport that John Oliver loves but upon further investigation, realized that FIFA is nothing more than a money hungry corporation, willing to take advantage of the fanaticism of the spectators while abusing the weakness and desperation of small countries and third world populations. This principle eludes that sometimes, things are too good to be true. That ignorance truly is bliss. That if you love something, that love might actually blind you from seeing what it really is or to even question it. This phrase has become significant to me over the last year. There are many things I once thought (or didn't think about at all), but new information and a new perspective has changed my mind. Even though I feel like some of my world has been completely turned around (as change so often does), the world is actually making sense and I have a deeper realization of my life and purpose. I have more compassion for human beings and all creatures. I have found a greater hope in mankind as I see so much good being done, and believe anyone can make a change from within.

Which is why I will not stop speaking up for the things I believe in. If you know me, you can imagine I take the sausage principle quite literally, in that you seriously do not want to know how they make sausage lol. I do not want to ignore facts just because it is easier, or because it is what the majority is doing, and especially when it causes suffering. I have not eaten animal flesh for over a year for this very reason. I believe most humans have compassion and empathy for animals. Why else would veterinarian doctors exist or laws be created that make cruelty for domestic pets illegal?

In addition to compassion and empathy, there are many health reasons why factory farms are simply no good. (click the news headline for a great comprehensive article on these reasons!)

Avian Flu Outbreak Among Chickens—What This Disaster Can Tell Us About Our Food Production

Food really is a personal choice and I am accepting of whatever choices people want to make. But it is different when that choice contributes to the suffering of another creature. The key is education, awareness and small changes. First world citizens do not need to eat meat at every single meal of the day, or even every day, or even at all, because we have access to any kind of food we want. Yet we are meant to believe that eating meat so frequently is normal. It is natural to have that desire and even necessary for good health. Given all these justifications and the fact that people just plain LIKE the taste, makes it easier to ignore the repercussions of supporting an industry that takes devastating shortcuts in order to meet demand and increase profit. Shortcuts like the overuse of antibiotics, steroids, and the deliberate pain and suffering of innocent animals who happen to be as clever, loving, and loyal as the family pet. The laws can and certainly should change so that they no longer protect the corporations. But before that happens I believe in changing the hearts of the people, after all, that is where the profit comes from. First step is to reject the sausage principle!

Fruit/Veg Detox

Hubby and I did a three day fruit and veg detox last week. Its been a while! But even just three days is a good way to reboot the old system. I was really good day 1 and took pictures of almost everything I ate. I made a goal this time to eat only raw foods until dinner time. 

Day 1

1. Raw Carrot Apple Orange Kale juice

2. Two bananas with 1 cup frozen raspberries

3. Carrots, cucumber, and grape tomatoes dipped in avocado

4. 6 raw dates

5. Bowl of watermelon

6. Dinner was spaghetti squash and a good quality organic pasta sauce w/sautéed veggies in it, and a side of lettuce. I had a second large plate of the spaghetti squash and sauce (not pictured)

7. Night time snack (not pictured): 3-4 cups Homemade Popcorn (kernels popped in coconut oil and sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt)

 Day 2

Headache day lol. Both me and the hubs had headaches all day, which is common when your body is trying to flush out those stubborn toxins. I didn't keep track of every single thing, but did manage to take a picture of dinner which was oil free fries seasoned with herbs, salt, and pepper and a big salad on the side. I had a big second plate of the fries too.

 Night time snack we opted for these smoothies. Banana, frozen strawberry, frozen raspberry, a little coconut water and thats it!

 Day 3

Headaches were gone and we were feeling great! Didn't document everything but got a few photos from that day. Made another juice that morning... I think this one was celery, carrot, kale, cucumber, apple, and orange.

 Three bananas with frozen raspberries. I actually eat this a lot, even when I'm not detoxing. 

 Didn't eat raw till dinner time that day as I decided to have these leftover fries for lunch. 

Dinner I made a huge pot of vegetable soup with a side salad which really hit the spot! I had two huge bowls. And that was the last day! A detox is so much easier than you might think. For one, you get to eat unlimited. Whatever you like just eat that! I think on day two I had 6 bananas for a meal. It was filling and totally acceptable for this kind of detox! Just make sure you plan ahead and buy enough volume and variety of fruit/veg so when you are hungry there is plenty to eat. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this or is maybe planning on doing one soon!

Hearty Vegetable Chili

I whipped this up a couple nights ago because I didn't have ingredients for one of my usual go-to dinners. It was so good I had to make a recipe and share. The best part is you can add any vegetables you have on hand! I think sweet potato or squash would go really nice in it. Perfect for those days you need to get rid of what's left in the veggie drawer.

Hearty Vegetable Chili

1 Tbs Coconut oil (or oil of choice)
1 red onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup green beans, diced
4 slices vegan bacon (I used Lightlife Smart Bacon)
2 tsp home made taco seasoning (I really like THIS one)
1 can tomatoes, (blend slightly in food processor)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced green chilies
Juice from 1 lime
1 1/2 cups water (can add more if there is not enough liquid)
1-2 Tbs homemade "chicken" broth seasoning (start with one Tbs and add more to taste)
1 cup frozen corn
1 can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and Pepper
Fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped) and extra lime wedges for serving

Heat oil on medium/high heat in a large pot and sauté onions until soft. Add carrots and celery and sauté another 5 minutes. Then add bell pepper, garlic and green beans, sprinkle with the homemade taco seasoning and sauté an additional 5 minutes. It is always a good idea to toast your seasonings a little to bring out their aroma and flavor before deglazing the pan with liquid ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients (except cilantro/additional lime) and stir to combine. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice!

"Chicken" Broth Powder

My sister Lucy shared this recipe with me a couple months ago and it is my new favorite seasoning. I use it in everything from soups to seasoned veggies. It is SO GOOD and really does taste like chicken! But unlike the store bought powder this is vegan and doesn't have any nasty additives like MSG and GMO corn syrup. If you make nothing else that I post on this blog please do yourself a favor and make this one!

"Chicken" Broth Powder

2 cups nutritional yeast 

1/2 cup real salt

2 Tablespoons onion powder

1 Tablespoon turmeric

2 teaspoons dried dill weed

2 teaspoons marjoram

2 teaspoons dried powdered lemon peel

1 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tsp powdered thyme

1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley 

Blend all ingredients except parsley in a food processor until powdered and mix together. Add 1 tablespoon parsley and pulse to chop. I used all dried herbs since I already had them on hand but if you use fresh (for the basil and parsley) it would be even more amazing! Store in an airtight glass jar. Original recipe can be found HERE.

Easy Lunches

I tend to eat more simply now. I'll put a little more effort into the dinner since I want my husband to enjoy it, but during the day I keep my meals easy and fast. Of course I still love to indulge (and do so quite often) but for the most part I stick to simple meals made from whole foods from the earth. Here are some really easy and delicious lunches I've had over the last few months.

A huge salad is always a winner! 

 Big bowl of grapes

 Went a little fancy one day with some leftover pasta. Sautéed zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, snap peas, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a little coconut oil then tossed with leftover whole grain pasta. SO SO GOOD!

 Smoothie bowl with granola on top...really easy and so filling.

 Another easy salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet potato, and pepitas)

Lunch on the go. I remember I was in a big rush that day but still managed to throw together something tasty and fulfilling to take to work. 

(2 gala apples, snap peas, fresh dates, and walnuts)

Happy New Year!

Ugh. Its pathetic that I haven't posted on here in MONTHS! Sorry to the 3 people that read this! I've actually taken tons of pictures of stuff I want to post but just haven't got around to putting it on here. I caught up with a really good friend of mine a few weeks ago and I told her how I didn't eat meat anymore. She was astounded (in the funniest way possible) and she just kept asking "HOW? But seriously how do you do that?" It is so much easier than you think! People always ask if I miss eating meat and I really don't. Socially I felt a little weird around the holidays skipping the tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving or ham on Christmas, but I don't actually crave or desire the taste of it. I also really enjoy going to the grocery store and not having to venture down the meat isle surrounded by all that blood and dead animal flesh (saves my wallet a whole bunch too). Even going out to eat there are so many options these days. At my 30th birthday sisters breakfast I had a huge vegan breakfast burrito that was amazing! Before you turn your nose up at the word tofu, you just have to try it before you judge. Over the last 6 months I've learned I'm not a huge fan of tofu, but as a scrambled egg substitute in this burrito it was so good!

Last week I was in Cancun at an all inclusive resort with the hubby. All inclusive means UNLIMITED food. Which might sound like a waste that I didn't take advantage of all that meat around but I really didn't mind since they had lots of vegetarian options. Like this veggie wrap...

 Every morning for breakfast I would raid the buffet of their fresh fruit including berries, papaya, and a type of guava found in Mexico. Plus lots of other plant based options like french toast, pastries and cereal. 

This year I'm hoping I can use this blog to show how easy it is to eat plant based and maybe even bust some of the myths that surround a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Stay tuned!

Banana Blueberry 'Nice'cream with Rawnola

This is my FAVORITE food lately. Loni Jane's banana nice-cream with rawnola. I don't have a link for her recipe but you can find her on instagram. So simple and yet so delicious, filling, and loaded with nutrients. 

All you need is...

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup coconut flakes

10-12 raw dates (I used dried ones for the above photos and it was still really good)

1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries

Pulse oats, coconut and dates in a food processor until mixed well. I recommend using raw dates because the mixture will be more pasted together and have a chewier texture/richer flavor. 

Next pulse bananas and blueberries in a blender or food processor until creamy (add a little water as you go if needed). Short on berries? I frequently eat this with bananas only and it is still to die for! Top nice-cream with rawnola and enjoy!

Corn Potato Chowder

Here's a dinner I thought wouldn't stand a chance without a couple key meat ingredients I usually make it with...milk and bacon. But guess what, it turned out so good that no one missed the meat products and it passed my toughest critics with flying colors! Straight from the hubby's mouth "This is better without bacon." Sweet music to my ears! This is also a great last minute recipe since it is made out of staple ingredients I usually have in my house. Perfect for the cool fall weather we've been enjoying too!

Vegan Corn Potato Chowder

1-2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Large Yellow onion (or 1 whole small one), finely diced
1 Large Carrot, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2-3 Cups Vegetable Stock
6-7 medium sized potatoes, diced
1 can creamed corn
1 Cup frozen corn kernals
1 tsp Nutritional Yeast
1-2 tsp onion powder
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large pot sauté onions in the EVOO until they start to turn translucent and caramelize (about 5-6 min). Then add carrot, celery and garlic and sauté a few minutes longer. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Once it is boiling reduce to medium low and simmer for 30 min. You want this soup to be thick so don't add too much vegetable stock. If you add to much though you can always simmer it for longer so the liquid reduces more. Likewise if it is too thick you can always add more stock or keep a lid on the pot to trap in the moisture. Also note that I think the nutritional yeast is a key ingredient that made the soup extra yummy because it replaces the savory bacon flavor. Serves 4-6.

I Love Fruit

It's not unusual for me to come home from the groceries store with a huge load of fruit like this (actually banana wise this is a small load).

Since becoming vegetarian 3 months ago I've developed a slight irrational fear of running out of fruit. That's because we eat so much of it! To my amusement I always get comments from the cashier about my 10-15 bunches of bananas. Last week the lady said lightheartedly "so you have all the monkeys fed now?" The week before that a different lady curiously asked "what do you do with all the fruit?" Well, we eat it! I freeze most of the bananas once they are ripe and use them for smoothies but whether they are fresh or frozen we eat several bananas a day in this house.

Fruit gets a pretty bad reputation and I think most people are scared to eat too much of it because of the sugar. I've read several articles about how overconsumption of any sugar (including fruit) is detrimental to health and prevention of disease. However the more I've researched a plant based lifestyle, I've seen the opposite to be true as long as the sugar is whole raw fruit. Based on everything I've read it is clear that sugar in a whole piece of fruit is not the same as other sugars and it is different because of the the way the body processes it. Refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup, white table sugar, or basically anything that is not in the form of whole fruit, is rapidly digested, which spikes blood sugar levels giving the body a quick surge of energy. If that energy is not used right away, the body stores it (potentially as fat). Once that burst of energy is gone you are also left feeling unsatisfied because there was no fiber to slow down the digestion process and sustain the energy. On the other hand, raw whole fruit contains vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and FIBER which slows the digestion process down. Fruit is also rich in carbohydrates made up of glucose, whose digestion depends on having the plant cell wall intact. In other words it does not digest the same as refined sugars nor are its nutrients absorbed by the body in the same way and the body actually uses real fruit efficiently, even for diabetics! Here is an excellent article that covers more about this topic by one of my new favorite health experts Dr McDougall.

Back in June 2013 I did a post all about sugar and how bad it was. I still agree that too much refined sugar is bad but I don't think sugar is the enemy anymore. Sugar/carbs only become the enemy when combined with FAT. Separately carbs and fat do ok, hence why opposite diets like Atkins (high fat low carb) and plant based (highcarb low fat) both still achieve weight loss results. However weight loss is not the perfect indicator of health, and I think the plant based diet higher in nutrients (among other reasons) is the better choice long term. Additionally I've seen a huge amount of research about how much more satisfying a high carb diet is. The human body runs on glucose and the more carbs (aka glucose) you give to your cells, the less cravings you have and the more satisfied you feel. Moral of the story... whole unprocessed foods are best, fruit is your friend, and carbs from plants make me happy! Eating plant based is really easier than you think and I can't wait to share some of the best recipes I have found so far!

First Chiropractor Visit...EVER

Wow it has been over a month since my last post! I actually have a few recipes I've been wanting to share but life just gets so busy. However today I couldn't wait to jump on here and record my amazing experience of a visit I had with a chiropractor/naturopath. I went in for a pinch in my back that I've had for a week and got the recommendation for this particular guy from my trusty Dr. Lucy. Aside from getting help with my back I couldn't wait to talk with a health professional who has been helping people for over 30 years. A little bit daunting considering I have some very strong views that don't exactly match up with what the majority population thinks but I knew if Lucy recommended him we would probably see eye to eye. I couldn't have imagined how well I would connect with this wise, lively, 60 year old fit triathlete. Talk about practice what you preach. How refreshing it was to speak to someone with his knowledge and experience and be validated in every single one of my opinions. How comforting to be given a high five when I told him I stopped vaccinating my kids. We even talked on a very deep personal/religious level (not on purpose but somehow the conversation went there, holistically its all connected right) and agree 100%. The one thing I thought we would disagree on is being vegetarian. I thought for sure he would advocate eating meat everyday and I was ready with my defense. Not even close! As he confirmed to me that animal protein is an inferior protein source, it is a very small percentage of nutrients that need to be met on a daily basis and can easily be reached through eating plants only. Even taking it a step further acknowledging I should stay away from dairy (which is my one weakness that basically holds me back from being vegan). Our enthusiasm was mutual as I'm sure he wasn't expecting to meet someone like me today. In his own words, "You are the perfect patient, it's rare I get to just fine tune someone." I know how self absorbed this post must sound and I'm really not trying to toot my own horn. It just feels good to connect with an experienced health expert who totally understands me and basically validates all these "crazy" ideas I have, including everything I have shared on this blog thus far. I certainly don't need his validation, I know how good I feel with my lifestyle choices and I am confident in the knowledge I have gained about how the body functions and how to best maintain it, but it still feels nice.

He also practices Iridology which I have been so interested in since I heard about it several months ago. So I had my eyes read and he pinpointed a few areas that can be the most problematic for me. It was really interesting to learn how the eyes tell all.

Oh AND he fixed my back haha! I've never been to a chiropractor in my life! I was a tiny bit scared getting cracked in all these places I didn't know could crack, but boy did I feel good walking out of there. The pinch is all but gone and I just need to follow a few recommendations to keep improving it. I really can't say enough good things about this guy and it is such a relief to know that there are other people like me that exist but with 30+ years of experience and perspective. You can tell he really does this job to help people. If the old run down office they operate from, or the additional half hour he spent with me while other patients waited didn't give that away, his kind and loving spirit certainly did. Thank you Dr. Johnston!

Favorite Snack - Kale Chips

These are really popular at our house. Even Thurston who is my picky eater LOVES them. One huge tray is never enough either!

Healthy, easy and so YUMMY! Here's proof...

Kale Chips

1 bunch kale - torn into chip size pieces

1Tbs Olive oil or other plant oil of choice

Salt

Nutritional yeast

Preheat oven to 350 F. Drizzle olive oil over kale leaves and toss so that they are evenly coated. Spread out evenly over a baking tray making sure that none of the leave overlap. Sprinkle salt and nutritional yeast or any other seasoning and spices you like over the top. I've also used garlic powder and pepper in the past which was really good. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. 

Best Granola Bars

My sister Lucy brought these to a family reunion we had a few weeks ago. I could not stop eating them! Best part is they are healthy and even the kids go crazy over them! Get the recipe HERE. This website has turned into one of my favorites for healthy meal ideas.

I'm coming out...

One month ago I became a vegetarian. More specifically a lacto-ovo-vegetarian since I have decided to continue to eat eggs and dairy products. I decided to write this post not only for my own journal sake but to also explain why I've gone down this path. I don't think I need to justify this lifestyle to anyone, but I think it is useful information for family and friends who wonder how or why I decided this. If you read this blog you may remember I set a goal at the beginning of this year to only buy meat that was grass-fed, free-range, organic etc. I think pursuing that goal has really opened my eyes and pushed me in this direction. So far it hasn't been a difficult transition as I haven't been eating very much meat anyway. I am not writing this post to change anyone's mind about eating animals! I simply want others to see the perspective I have gained that caused me to make a lifestyle change.

I do believe animals, just like anything created on the earth, was created for our use. However I also believe in only using what you NEED. The definition of need is to "require (something) because it is essential or very important." Is eating animal flesh essential or important to me or to my health? No. Are there times in history and even in other cultures today that need to use animals for food and other resources? Absolutely. I would kill and eat an animal if I needed to. However in the society I live in, it is completely unnecessary as there is an abundance of food available at every grocery store.

In addition to it being an unnecessary food source, I also believe meat to be an inferior source of nutrition compared to plants. Animal meat is thought to be the best source for protein (which is simply chains of amino acids). While meat does contain all 20 of the different amino acids, human genetics do not require us to eat all 20 at one single meal nor does it require an over abundance of this nutrient. Eating a variety of fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes will give the body all the protein (aka amino acids) it needs. It makes sense when you look at other species of mammals, such as the elephant or rhinoceros, who do not require animal protein to sustain cell growth either. Meat is also not digested as easily as plants and in the long run can have severe consequences on the liver and digestive system.

All animals have a purpose on this earth. If you study an ecosystem you can see how each species keeps the other species of plants and animals in balance. The sole purpose of animals on this earth is not to be a food source for humans. Especially if keeping them as a food source means these animals are required to suffer their entire life before sending them to a violent death. Also known as factory farming, this method of raising animals for food has grown into a multibillion dollar industry where the animals have no rights and brutally suffer and die on a very large scale. The secrecy of this industry is proof that they do not want the public to know how these animals are dealt with. That secrecy is also protected by laws so that to even set foot on one of these remote properties without authorization can be prosecuted like an act of terrorism. As a consumer I should have every right to look into any factory and see how a product is being made. It's not just the animals that suffer from this practice but also the quality of meat as a result of poor unnatural diet, routine antibiotics, steroids, and cramped unsanitary living conditions, all of which ends up in the meat for human consumption. Even companies label grass-fed, organic, and free range, have loop holes protected by law.  Mass production of animals is also an inefficient use of resources. For example it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat, compared to growing 1 pound of wheat which only takes 25 gallons. That means a person could save more water by not eating a pound of meat than they could by not showering for 6 months! The amount of water and feed it takes to grow the animals could be used to feed the entire world twice over. The abuse to the animals and to our planet is across the board, and for what? Not because it is the only way to raise animals for food or because it produces the best quality food, but so the large corporations can maximize profits.

After knowing what I know, I simply could not continue to support this industry for the sake of social acceptance. Humans are not the only species who feel love, compassion, pain, pleasure, fear, and happiness. I choose to no longer discriminate between species who I would love and protect (like a family pet) and those who I eat. They are the same to me and both deserve to live a life free from unnecessary suffering and pain.

As you can imagine, this all came as a HUGE shock to my husband who is an avid meat enthusiast. Definitely in his top 3 favorite things to eat (it may even be #1). When I came out to him, I asked him to watch one video about the subject because I thought it would make it easier for him to accept these changes if he could really understand my perspective, even if he didn't want to change or stop eating meat. I had to ask him three different nights and he finally agreed just so I would stop asking him! The video did change his perspective. Not enough to stop eating meat, but enough to fully support me in my decision. For those interested you can watch that same video HERE.

DIY Deodorant

I came across a really easy and cheap recipe for deodorant a couple months ago and have been using it ever since! If you are fussy about how smoothly your deodorant goes on, this might not be for you. However if you are more concerned with the chemicals and/or metals that might be lurking in your traditional store bought deodorant then this is the prefect homemade solution for you! My sister and I have a running theme lately when we talk about new makeup or products that we find and we always ask "could you eat it"? Basically if you wouldn't eat it, you probably shouldn't put it on your skin. Skin is the barrier protecting the rest of our organs but it also happens to be pretty absorbent and while our skin does its best to keep the majority of substances and microscopic particles out of the body, it is impossible to keep all toxins out. Over time a build-up of toxins can cause other health problems, including cancer which in recent studies has shown a correlation between deodorant and breast cancer. This easy to make alternative has 3 ingredients that you probably have in your house right now....cornstarch, coconut oil and baking soda. I also added a couple drops of lemon essential oil for fragrance. Like I said it doesn't roll on like normal deodorant, you have to rub it in with your fingers but so far it has worked fantastic for me and I won't be going back to the store-bought stuff anytime soon!

To get the recipe click HERE

(BONUS! This is one of my favorite blogs. It's basically a family blog written about their everyday life,  but the author has the most hilarious wit and is able to see the humor in everyday situations)

Summer Salad

Prepping a few lunches the other day and decided I better blog this yummy salad. Its kind of a rip off of a Paradise Bakery salad and is one of my favorites this summer!

Summer Salad

Spring Mix Lettuce

Alfalfa Sprouts

Avocado

Apple

Blueberries

Feta

Walnuts

Poppy Seed Dressing

1/4 Cup Extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tsp Poppy Seeds

Pour dressing ingredients into a jar and shake until combined. You can play around with the ratio of ingredients if you like it sweeter etc. I put the measurements here as a reference but rarely do I measure out ingredients for a dressing. I rather use the taste and adjust method! Also this recipe only makes enough for about 3 or 4 salads so you might want to increase the ratios to make more and then store it. I am always changing my dressing and I really like it best when its fresh so I only make a little at a time. Drizzle over Summer Salad and enjoy!

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

1 small to medium spaghetti squash

Dried Italian Herbs

extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 zucchini, diced

1 Cup Kale (torn into bite size pieces)

1 can artichokes in water, cut into quarters
1/2 Cup marinated sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped

Pepitas

Feta cheese

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut Squash in half length ways and remove seeds. Place on a baking tray cut side up, spray with non-stick cooking spray and then sprinkle with italian herbs, salt and pepper. Bake 45 min-1 hour until soft. While the squash cools down prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a large pan sauté onions, garlic and zucchini in olive oil on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes. Turn heat down to low and add kale, artichokes and sundries tomatoes. Now shred the spaghetti squash by combing through it with a fork and add to the pan with the other ingredients. Stir another 4-5 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through. To serve top with feta cheese and pepitas. Delish!!

First Detox of the Year

Last week I finished my first detox as I have a goal to do at least 3 over the entire year. Since coming home from our Australia vacation in January, I haven't been eating the best or exercising! Its been hard trying to motivate myself and get back into that whole routine. I did find a workout routine that I've been pretty consisted with for about a month, now I just need to get my diet back on track. So for this detox I decided to do 2 days juice detox and 2 days fruit and veg fast. In the past I have been really good about being strict while on a detox, however this time I was a little more relaxed. So the first 2 days I actually drank raw fresh juice the entire day and then at night allowed myself to have dinner with the family which was still a really healthy dinner of chicken and vegetables. Same thing on the second day as well. Then the third and fourth day during the fruit and veg fast I also ate a healthy dinner those nights (with meat) and on one of the days even had a peanut butter sandwich at lunch time. So like I said, it wasn't the most super strict detox but was still above and beyond how I had been eating before! It really helped me to refocus my eating pattern and reprogram my impulse to grab fruit and vegetables before other unhealthy snacks. Detoxing doesn't have to be a strict vegetable juice only diet for 7 days straight! Even incorporating vegetables into one meal a day can start a good habit that will build over time. I highly recommend a fruit and vegetable fast for anyone thinking about doing a detox because you can have unlimited amounts and can prepare it anyway you want so you end up feeling pretty satisfied throughout the day. Any of the 5 people who read this blog interested in doing a detox? I'm thinking about starting up a support group for the next one I do so we can all do it together!

Kale Salad

Kale is my new leaf of choice for salads. I love the taste, I love the texture and I love the nutrition! Kale works especially well for making meals ahead of time because you can dress the leaves and let it sit in the fridge for a day or two and it won't go completely soggy.  I am obsessing over this salad I made the other day and had to share.

Kale and Butternut Squash salad with Feta and Caramelized Onions

1 Bunch Kale - washed and torn into bite size pieces

1 Butternut Squash - peeled, seeds removed, and cut into large chunks

1 Yellow Onion, sliced

Feta Cheese

Sliced Almonds

Dressing:

1/2 lemon

1TBS Honey

Drizzle Olive Oil (maybe 1-2 TBS)

Preheat oven to 400F and place the onions and squash in a large baking pan. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper then place in the oven for 45min-1hour (or until the onions are nice and caramelized and the squash is soft). Meanwhile place the Kale in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing ingredients, and massage together until evenly coated. Don't just toss it but really work those leaves with your hands! Kale is very sturdy so this trick helps it to relax a bit and makes it taste amazing! Once the squash and onions are done, cool slightly before plating - Kale, squash/onions, then sprinkled with feta cheese and sliced almonds. Serves 4.