{week 2 recap}

So...I didn't post at all last week. :( The thing is, I was out of town for work {we left Monday evening and came back on Friday evening} so I a.} didn't have much time to blog and b.} didn't have much to blog about.

As far as the 'recap' goes. Well, I ate vegetarian all week...but everything was from restaurants. When we travel {for work - as a nanny}, I am limited in what I can do/where we eat. I enjoyed a vegetarian quesadilla from Moes a couple times {I also learned that their meats are all grass fed/cage free...so guess where I'll be frequenting when I am back to eating meat?!}. One night, we ate at a seafood place {we were in Charleston - on the coast of SC if you don't know...but you probably do...so seafood places are EVERYWHERE}. Anywho, we were at a seafood place and I REALLY {and I mean REALLY} wanted to get the shrimp and grits {thank heavens I didn't give up fish! - shrimp counts haha}...but it had sausage in it...so I refrained. My tastebuds are still saddened that I didn't get to enjoy that deliciousness {yes. I'm southern. I love grits}...but I'll make it back to Charleston at some point and will most definitely get it then! We also ate at Wild Wings one night {a wings/hamburger/steak kinda place} and my boss ordered these potato appetizers. I hadn't had them before {forget the actual name} so I didn't know what to expect. Basically, they cut the potatoes in half and scoop out a teeny bit of the inside and fill that with bacon and then cover it with cheese and cook it. I ALMOST ATE MEAT!!! AHHHH!!! Thank goodness, the first bite I took just had potato and cheese. For the second bit, I happened to look down just before I put it in my mouth and saw the meat! hehe. So I just scraped the meat out and ate the rest. I'm sure the waitress thought I was psychotic. ;)
This weekend - I made Eggplant Parmesan. I am going to blog about that shortly {separate post}. I actually REALLY liked it. {shocking!}. I also made a taco salad version of quinoa that I am now in love with...and will tell you more about that later as well. Blogging about recipes takes time, peeps! :) 
I started a fitness bootcamp today {i'm telling ya, if I haven't lost pounds by the end of this month...well...I don't know what i'll do...but it won't be pretty! ;)}. In preparation for waking up at 4 in the morning {yes. I said 4}, I boiled some eggs yesterday to have those to snack on {before bootcamp and then probably throughout the day}. I also bought two jars of pickles as I remember from Weight Watchers that 1 cup of pickles is worth 1 point...so they're a good snack food. Now, I'll tell you, mine are just the regular Vlassic pickles....I didn't buy the organic/healthy ones. Yes, those exist. :) My sister buys those...and truthfully, I just wasn't a fan of the taste!
So that's my weekly recap. Stay tuned for those recipes. I'll get them, eventually! :)

{weekly recap/diary}

Dishes I've made this week {that I can remember off the top of my head HA!}:

• tuna with avocado
• spaghetti squash 'pasta'
• quinoa porridge
• 'scrambled' spaghetti squash {haven't blogged about this yet}
• Black bean brownies {also, haven't blogged about this yet}
• 'fried' quinoa {think 'fried rice'}

I didn't 'officially' start this meatless thing until 3 days ago...but I technically started on Monday so I can say it's been at least 5 days now and I'm doing well! I've been surprised at how easy it is to prepare the foods I've been having...but not only has it been easy - I've LOVED them as well! I thought it would be hard to give up meat {and maybe it helps that I still have tuna in my diet?}...but I don't miss it like I thought I would. Not yet, anyways. :)  I'm also surprised at how cheap it has been for me. There are some items that I'd like to buy that are way expensive {almond butter - $9 for a small little jar?! crazy talk!}...but for some items, it's not expensive at all...actually, it's way cheap!  Take the quinoa, for example. The bag I bought has approximately 3 cups in it. Each cup {I tend to cook one cup at a time} makes enough for 5 breakfast porridges {depending on portion size, of course}. The bag costs $4. So...$4 for 15 meals? I say you can't beat that! And the same with the spaghetti squash. It was $1.99 a pound and cost around $6 total. I thought that was a ridiculous price until I realized that sucker gave me enough spaghetti squash to last about 6 meals...so that equals out to about $1 per meal {not counting in the additions like tomatoes and such}. So giving up meat might actually be good for my wallet as well! I never considered that to be an option.

My sister stopped at McDonald's while I was in the car and ordered two sandwiches {and yet, she's the skinny one! I hate her! LOL}. I actually have been avoiding McDonald's since watching youtube videos about mechanically separated meats {I'm sure I'll go back to eating McD's eventually...but for now, ugh}. Rabbit trail. Anyways, being in the enclosed car and smelling those burgers...man, they DID smell good! I actually rolled the window down to get rid of some of the smell and that helped me avoid caving. :) {That and picturing the youtube videos!} I also had a hard time not caving and eating an Oatmeal Cream Pie. I was tearing one up for the girl I nanny for and it just felt {tearing with my hands} so gooey and soft and smelled so ridiculously, insanely delicious...I just wanted to take a small bite! ...BUT I RESISTED! GO ME! I googled some recipes for homemade ones and might give that  a try. I don't actually NEED them...but I figure making a batch and having some on hand might help me in times like this when I'm afraid I'm going to cave. {it will be okay to eat one if it's homemade and doesn't have all the preservatives/chemicals in it!}

I have felt GREAT this whole week! I can't say for a fact that it's because of the change in my diet...maybe it's just a coincidental fluke...but I have felt better. And I just feel healthier/lighter as well. A lot of my meals have been more 'light' and with fewer calories. I've noticed that my complexion has been a lot better this week and my nails are growing like weeds. Again, I can't say for a fact that it's related to my diet...but these are changes I've observed.

I used to spend an hour to two hours {sometimes} at the gym. I've actually cut this time in half this week because I'm consuming way fewer calories. Tuna has something like 70 calories in it and the spaghetti squash has something like 40 calories per cup! {something like that...I wrote the number down in my blog about it}. So I figure, since I'm consuming way fewer calories, I don't need to work out as much. It has been nice to get a little bit of extra time in my day!

Tomorrow is family lunch day and I've been pondering how those are going to work {family lunch every Sunday}...since the main course of Sunday meals usually consists of meat. I have the leftover spaghetti squash from tonight so I'll probably end up taking that tomorrow and eating my own food while they eat meatloaf {what my mom said she was planning on fixing].

So that's my diary for the week. this girl is getting in bed now...  

{day 3}

{lunch}

I had someone recommend tuna with guacamole and to be honest...I thought they were smoking something! {my nice way of saying they're crazy :)} however, since I'm being all crazy this month and giving up meats {with the exception of tuna, of course}, I thought I'd give it a shot. I was genuinely surprised at how much I liked it! {Side note - I'm finding myself 'genuinely surprised' at the number of foods I've prepared that I originally thought would be weird/gross...but they turn out to be good!}

My sis makes her own guacamole just by buying the avocados and adding a bit of stuff to them. I tried to go that route {and need to ask if there's some trick to it?!} because I could NOT get my avocado to get all mushy! It was not cooperating. But it worked out well to just cut it up into chunks and add it to my tuna. I put no mayo in the tuna - just added the chunks of avocado, tomato and green onion. Yep, DELISH! Personally, I think the added ingredients were enough to give it flavor without needing the added fat of the mayo {but I've been known to open a can of tuna and just eat it with a fork...so I might be alone on this one!}  I ate it on white bread {would have preferred wheat...but white was all we had.}

Easy. and yet yummy.

{dinner}

Ok. Confession - I had EVERY intention of eating spaghetti squash for dinner; however, my brother in law ordered pizza for dinner and was so proud of himself for ordering one I could eat {meatless - cheese and black olives}...so I didn't want to hurt his feelings and decline. :) The things we do for those we love! {I mean, come on, it was so painful to eat pizza! :)}

{day 1 - dinner}

{dinner}

I am actually more excited about this dinner than I think you can even understand! Why?! Well, it was super yummy, super easy...and super healthy for me! Here's the thing - I'm not really a 'pasta' kind of girl...just ask my sisters. If you give me a choice of pasta {and/or soup and salad, really} or steak...I'm going with the steak. What can I say, I just love my red meat! But with that being said, I decided to give spaghetti squash a try and it is similar to pasta...so I wasn't sure I was going to love it. {Mind you, I don't hate pasta...it's just not my favorite. Really, the only way I like it is in the Americanized spaghetti form - ya know, with the meat added in and the red sauce...MMM! What can I say, I have very "American" tastebuds.}

My first struggle was figuring out how to cook the darn thing. I originally was going to cook it in the oven {I googled 'how to cook spaghetti squash"}. So I started trying to cut it in half and boy, was that complicated! Well, I also read that you could 'cook' it in the microwave {which would help soften it to cut more easily} so I decided to go that route. It worked out well anyways because it takes an hour in the stove and 15 minutes in the microwave and I was HUNGRY! Once you get it softened/cooked, all you have to do is take a fork and start scraping it out. If you don't have it cooked all the way {which originally happened to me}, it's nearly impossible to scrape out {and you'll find yourself wondering if it's worth the time...} but after getting it cooked all the way {microwaving for a few more minutes!}, it was a piece of cake! So definitely, learn from my mistake and if you're having troubles scraping it out, immediately cook it some more...don't keep struggling with it. 

The other 'mistake' I made on this meal was forgetting to stop at the store on the way home. I was chatting on the phone with a friend and had a one-track mind that took me home and by the time I realized what I'd done...I didn't want to drive back into the store...so I just decided to try using what we had around the house. 

I opened the fridge and found a green onion. I cut off a little piece and took a bite with some spaghetti squash - it tasted ok, so green onion went into the pan! {I had a saucepan on the stove with some olive oil and the spaghetti squash}. I found a tomato so I taste-tested again and it 'passed the test.' We had some blue cheese so I gave that one a test...it did NOT pass! :) Then I found some leftover feta cheese and oddly enough....LOVED that with it! I added some basil from our spice cupboard and some garlic powder as well. I wanted to use a garlic clove but we didn't have any...so the powder it was.

So basically, those were my ingredients: spaghetti squash, tomato, green onion, basil, garlic powder and feta cheese. It was SO delicious...I amazed myself! {Please note, I will admit to the world...I am NOT a culinary chef or even CLOSE....I don't like cooking.}

It tasted just like pasta {still surprised I loved it so!} but was SOOOO much more healthy than pasta! According to Livestrong.com, "Spaghetti squash is low in calories, yet high in vitamins and antioxidants. One cup of spaghetti squash has 42 calories and has no saturated fat or cholesterol, according to NutritionData. The vegetable is an excellent source of beta carotene, also is known as vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system and maintain healthy eye function. Spaghetti squash also contains significant amounts of niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, fiber and vitamin C, according to the World's Healthiest Foods." You can read more on it, here.

The spaghetti squash cost $1.99 a pound {from Whole Foods} and my eyes about bulged out of my head when I paid over $6 for it...but seeing as how none of the other members of my household will try it, I'm beginning to think eating healthy won't actually cost me that much. As a matter of fact, it will probably save me money! That $6 has already fed me for two meals {had it for breakfast today...will blog about that later} and there's still enough for 2-3 meals remaining...so $6 for approximately 5 meals? You can't really beat that. :) 

Sorry I've been pretty long-winded on this post...I am just so excited about this amazing vegetable! :)

{day 1 - lunch}

{lunch}

I didn't plan ahead and prepare a lunch...so I had to scrounge up what I could at work {I nanny}. I found a can of tuna {since I'm not giving that up - yay!} in their pantry so I decided to make a tuna sandwich. I opted to not put mayo in {which is not unusual for me, actually}...but wanted to put 'more' in to give it extra flavor. At home, I cut up pickles {I do NOT like relish...don't ask me why} but they didn't have any. They did, however, have an onion...so I decided to give that a shot. I like the 'crunchiness' of the pickles...so I figured the onion would solve that. They also had grape tomatoes in the fridge, so I figured, why not?! :) Also, I found a spring mix salad bag...so I used that as well. It even sounds strange to me...but I think my sandwich turned out well. It could have used some extra flavoring, I think...I was wondering if guacamole would work (sounds strange, but I've heard it's good in tuna} so I will give that a go sometime. I also had a friend suggest mustard.

They had apples - so I ate one of those and I found a thing of Stonyfield yogurt {that was organic}...but then I read the expiration was in October of 2011...so I put it back in the fridge. :) I also had some Sargento string cheese. 

It's about 3 hours after lunch and I'm still not feeling hungry so it has held me over well. Overall, it wasn't the best 'meal' I've made...but it was edible...so that's good. :)

{Day 1 - breakfast}

I assure you, I won't be posting every single day...but I have the time today so I thought I'd give it a go. And rather than having a really long post about both/all my meals...I will be splitting them up into seperate blogs. 

{Breakfast}

When I bought my first bag of quinoa {I'll discuss this in more detail later}, I went ahead and cooked up enough of it as 'porridge' to last a while...so that was my breakfast today. I'm rather loving it...not going to lie.  I added a banana to it this morning to get some fresh fruit in my diet and it tasted well with the other berries! 

{Quinoa Porridge Recipe}

{Ingredients}

• 1 cup of uncooked/rinsed quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup of Almond milk {optional - but I think it helps with flavor}
• Organic Maple syrup {I don't use a specific amount - just pour and taste test. :)}
• Vanilla extract {Again, I don't use a specific amount}
• Cinnamon
• You choice of dried berries/fresh fruit {optional}

{Preparation}

 Bring quinoa, water, and almond milk to a boil. Once it has come to a boil, add the desired cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cover and let simmer for approx. 15 minutes. Then add any berries/fruits.

SUPER easy and super delicious!  I have also prepared a batch in which I've added brown sugar while it's simmering...for some added sweetness. Some think that quinoa (I've read comments online...I'm not an expert haha) have a bitter taste. I don't think it does, but if you do, I would suggest adding the brown sugar. I also think the almond milk helps minimize that bitter taste. 

The beauty of quinoa is its versatility! This recipe comes out like oatmeal/porridge - so you can add whatever flavors your little heart desires. :) I used dried blueberries and cranberries in mine {the batch I was going to freeze} and then once I'm ready to eat it, I add whatever fresh fruits I have around the house {such as apples/bananas}.

I read that this recipe really needs to be eaten within 2-3 days but it works well frozen, so I saved out enough for 2-3 days and have the rest sitting in the freezer for later in the week.

{The interogativity of it all}

{who}

 Just me. :)

{what}

During the month of March, I have decided to not eat meat of any kind {with the exception of tuna}. According to Wikipedia, this is called a "Pescatarian." I could probably use the term "vegetarian" to describe what I'm doing and get away with it {because it seems to be a VERY broad term}; however, it's generally understood to be no meat/dairy and that's not the case for myself. I have no intention of giving up dairy products {can't help myself - I love them}, but I am going to try and *minimize* my consumption of them, at least.

My original plan was to just forego the meat...but after spending a week with my *very* health-conscious sister, I decided to attempt going more 'healthy' as well. What do I mean by this? Well, in short, eating more all-natural and organic products {to minimize the amount of preservatives and chemicals that I ingest} and eat way more items that are good for my health such as fruits/vegetables/salad. 

{why}

I don't think there's a short answer as to why I'm doing it - other than, "because I want to"...but every time I try that one, I get blank stares {or rather, stares that suggest the listener is thinking, "you're an idiot."} 

So to try and easily/quickly explain it: 

• I have heard/read there are health benefits to foregoing meat. According to Mayo Clinic, "A plant-based diet, which emphasizes fruits and vegetables, grains, beans and legumes, and nuts, is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. And people who eat only plant-based foods — aka vegetarians — generally eat fewer calories and less fat, weigh less, and have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do."
• I fully believe that the processing system of/for our food today is ATROCIOUS to our health {all the hormones, chemicals, preservatives added in, etc.} I have had many arguments over this belief and, frankly, don't care what you think. ;) I've done two research papers {specifically on the topic of milk and its negative affect on our bodies}, so I've done my fair share of research. While my papers mainly covered milk {most specifically, the added hormones -rBGH}, these same hormones are found in the meats we eat...hence, I'm giving it up {for a month}. I also believe there are many chemicals and preservatives that will lead to health issues later in life. I'm not a scientist - I have no proof of this whatsoever - but I've read a lot on the subject and believe what I've read to date. So I'm going to try and minimize the amount of those products I put in my body. Does this mean I won't be eating any chemicals/preservatives? Heck no. I'd love to buy cattle fed beef and all organic products...but I'm living on a probably-less-than-yours budget...so I'm just going to work with what I can. :)
• I had a friend that tried going vegan for a month...and I'd have to say she's the original inspiration for this; however, I have no desire to give up tuna {eat about a can a day, true story} and/or dairy products {as mentioned, I love them!}, so I had to tweak the plan to suit me. 
• I started trying to lose weight about 6 months ago and have done GREAT {20 pounds!!}...but recently, I've hit a plateau. I signed up for a fitness boot camp this month and found myself thinking that altering my diet {which is something I haven't really done} would also help me get over this speed bump...so I'm doing both this month. If I haven't lost weight by the end of this month, I might murder someone. {totally just kidding}

  {how}

This is pretty much explained in the "why"...but in short, I'm giving up meat and as many chemicals/preservatives as I can. I will be home-making the things that I can {such as coffee creamer and vanilla extract - and anything else I can make from home rather than buying from the store}.