Feeling very full today. I'm not even sure why I bothered with dinner except out of habit and/or wanting a treat after working both my regular and freelance jobs in one day. Live and learn, I suppose.
Recipes noted below can be found in "The Raw 50" by Carol Alt. I'm really pleased with what she's gathered together in this book.
Breakfast: Shake with one banana, handful of blueberries, 1/2 avocado, skim milk (finishing that up now). Raw oatmeal with almond milk, a few dried cherries, sprinkles of wheat germ and ground flaxseed. Yummy, but I made WAY too much. Iced coffee with milk.
Lunch: Avo-Corn Stuffed Tomato (except I just chopped the tomato into the salad instead of trying to transport a stuffed anything to work -- either way, it's great). Piece of bread with one wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese. One can Diet Coke.
Snack: Granny Smith apple. One wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese. Tastes of hummus I made for tomorrow.
Dinner: Red Beet Ravioli with Tarragon "Goat Cheese" (except my mandoline is on it's way, so I had it open-faced on beet rounds as a starter -- good but not sure if it's worth all the work that went into it). Three hours later...two-thirds of a small Garden Fresh Papa John's pizza. Urp. One glass Vinho Verde.
Notes: Moving forward, I think I'm going to make a concerted effort to reasonably cut down on my fat intake. Granted, what I'm eating is fairly healthy, but I think one avocado OR some coconut OR some nuts -- scattered throughout the day -- is enough. I can understand why I've been overloading a bit here in the initial stages, but I find myself not craving fats as much as freshness. Maybe it's the weather? Regardless, I'm going with it.
Showing posts with label daily diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily diet. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
What I Ate Today -- June 9, 2008
I'm surviving the first heat wave of the NYC Summer of 2008 relatively well, which I fully attribute to being smart enough to wear light, loose clothing (work dress code be damned) and drinking plenty of water. That said, ingesting so many more fruits and vegetables must also be helping. Not thinking about it too much more than that -- I think this city overall can only handle one more day of the heat. Thankfully, I have a functioning a/c window unit. I worry about those who do not.
Breakfast: Shake with one banana, ten-ish strawberries, almond milk. One piece toast with Laughing Cow Light cheese. Iced coffee with fat-free half-and-half (the last of the half-and-half...woo!).
Lunch: Mixed baby greens salad with strawberries, almonds, sunflower seeds, a few dried cherries and balsamic vinaigrette. A few spoonfuls of my first raw food culinary disaster -- creamy cauliflower soup. Why was it a flop? Because I auto-added two cloves of garlic without thinking (duh!) that raw garlic -- especially after it sits overnight in a cold soup -- will be SUPER STRONG. Couple that with probably a touch too much cumin and curry and...well. The idea is good, though, so it the soup will probably return, much adjusted. Luckily, I thought to have a backup plan, so I snarfed down a small can of tuna to compensate.
Snack: Handful of cashews. Hummus with a quarter of a red bell pepper. Leftover pad see ew. Green smoothie with one banana, five strawberries, spinach, squirt of agave nectar. One wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese.
Dinner: Spicy (raw) tuna and avocado salad with carrot/ginger dressing. Half an order cold soba noodles with dipping sauce. One glass vinho verde. One sugar-free Fudgesicle (it did top 100 degrees today, after all!).
Notes: Things are a bit wonky this week as I'm in training at work, the husband is at an out-of-town conference, and my normal schedule/food availability is therefore thrown off every which way. I need to plan better for the inevitable need (not just want) of a 4pm snack so I'm not ravenous when I get home. I've figured out that nuts, though filling, just aren't what I generally desire at that point in the day.
I ordered takeout for the third time in 48 hours tonight...mostly to indulge in being alone and eating on the sofa. At least I'm ordering healthy, despite pizza briefly crossing my mind. Happily, saying no was surprisingly easy.
Breakfast: Shake with one banana, ten-ish strawberries, almond milk. One piece toast with Laughing Cow Light cheese. Iced coffee with fat-free half-and-half (the last of the half-and-half...woo!).
Lunch: Mixed baby greens salad with strawberries, almonds, sunflower seeds, a few dried cherries and balsamic vinaigrette. A few spoonfuls of my first raw food culinary disaster -- creamy cauliflower soup. Why was it a flop? Because I auto-added two cloves of garlic without thinking (duh!) that raw garlic -- especially after it sits overnight in a cold soup -- will be SUPER STRONG. Couple that with probably a touch too much cumin and curry and...well. The idea is good, though, so it the soup will probably return, much adjusted. Luckily, I thought to have a backup plan, so I snarfed down a small can of tuna to compensate.
Snack: Handful of cashews. Hummus with a quarter of a red bell pepper. Leftover pad see ew. Green smoothie with one banana, five strawberries, spinach, squirt of agave nectar. One wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese.
Dinner: Spicy (raw) tuna and avocado salad with carrot/ginger dressing. Half an order cold soba noodles with dipping sauce. One glass vinho verde. One sugar-free Fudgesicle (it did top 100 degrees today, after all!).
Notes: Things are a bit wonky this week as I'm in training at work, the husband is at an out-of-town conference, and my normal schedule/food availability is therefore thrown off every which way. I need to plan better for the inevitable need (not just want) of a 4pm snack so I'm not ravenous when I get home. I've figured out that nuts, though filling, just aren't what I generally desire at that point in the day.
I ordered takeout for the third time in 48 hours tonight...mostly to indulge in being alone and eating on the sofa. At least I'm ordering healthy, despite pizza briefly crossing my mind. Happily, saying no was surprisingly easy.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
What I Ate Today -- June 8, 2008
As I've been searching the raw food blogs and websites these past couple of weeks, I find I'm more interested in what people eat day-to-day rather than a lot of philosophy or deep thoughts. That's the culinary obsessive in me that I suspect is present in others, so I figured others may want to see my daily diet. I also figure it will be interesting to look back over time and see how things evolve, so this is also -- selfishly -- for me.
I'm only giving approximate quantities as one of the appeals, for me, of this lifestyle is the non-necessity of counting calories, grams, points, cups, whatever. My shake/smoothie recipes are fairly accurate, though, because I like to keep track of what's tasty, as well as my fruit/veg intake.
I should also note that my beverage of choice throughout the day is water (I drink at least 1.5 liters daily), so that's a given most days.
Enjoy!
Breakfast: Emergen-C. Shake with one banana, two handfuls frozen grapes, 1/2 avocado, juice/pulp from one orange, splashes of almond milk. Piece of toast with one Laughing Cow Light wedge. Raw oatmeal (organic rolled oats and almond milk) with sprinkle of sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Iced coffee with splash of fat-free half-and-half.
Lunch: Cup of miso soup. Small romaine salad with carrot/ginger dressing. Sushi rolls: spicy tuna, yellowtail/scallion, salmon/avocado with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Snacks: Green smoothie with one banana, juice/pulp of one orange, spinach, ice. One portobello mushroom with one wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese. A few strawberries (neighborly gift!).
Dinner: Raw Thai mango/carrot salad with avocado, cashews and lime juice dressing. Half an order chicken pad see ew. One glass Vinho Verde.
Notes: Despite my intentions to be "raw until dinner," a few things are obviously slipping through. In the case of a few items in my fridge/pantry (half-and-half, non-raw cheese, etc.), I don't want to waste what's already there, so I'm enjoying them while they last (and until I have time to purchase a raw replacement). In the case of the sushi rice, I did have pause before ordering but decided that small amounts of cooked grain at this point is not a bad thing mid or late day.
The remarkable thing is that I'm only one week into this new eating pattern and I'm voluntarily eating only half of my dinner entree. This has never happened in the history of ever -- I am the Queen of the Clean Plate Club. I hope tonight wasn't a one-off experience.
I'm only giving approximate quantities as one of the appeals, for me, of this lifestyle is the non-necessity of counting calories, grams, points, cups, whatever. My shake/smoothie recipes are fairly accurate, though, because I like to keep track of what's tasty, as well as my fruit/veg intake.
I should also note that my beverage of choice throughout the day is water (I drink at least 1.5 liters daily), so that's a given most days.
Enjoy!
Breakfast: Emergen-C. Shake with one banana, two handfuls frozen grapes, 1/2 avocado, juice/pulp from one orange, splashes of almond milk. Piece of toast with one Laughing Cow Light wedge. Raw oatmeal (organic rolled oats and almond milk) with sprinkle of sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Iced coffee with splash of fat-free half-and-half.
Lunch: Cup of miso soup. Small romaine salad with carrot/ginger dressing. Sushi rolls: spicy tuna, yellowtail/scallion, salmon/avocado with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Snacks: Green smoothie with one banana, juice/pulp of one orange, spinach, ice. One portobello mushroom with one wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese. A few strawberries (neighborly gift!).
Dinner: Raw Thai mango/carrot salad with avocado, cashews and lime juice dressing. Half an order chicken pad see ew. One glass Vinho Verde.
Notes: Despite my intentions to be "raw until dinner," a few things are obviously slipping through. In the case of a few items in my fridge/pantry (half-and-half, non-raw cheese, etc.), I don't want to waste what's already there, so I'm enjoying them while they last (and until I have time to purchase a raw replacement). In the case of the sushi rice, I did have pause before ordering but decided that small amounts of cooked grain at this point is not a bad thing mid or late day.
The remarkable thing is that I'm only one week into this new eating pattern and I'm voluntarily eating only half of my dinner entree. This has never happened in the history of ever -- I am the Queen of the Clean Plate Club. I hope tonight wasn't a one-off experience.
So what on God's green earth do you eat?!
Green earth, indeed! I think I just made my first raw foodie joke. Yuk yuk yuk...
Raw foodies seem to talk in percentages, so for those of you looking for a number: I'm guessing I'm eating about 65-75 percent raw at the moment. Sometimes more, sometimes less. What works better for me is a plan rather than a percentage. My loose daily plan runs as follows:
* Breakfast: Emergen-C powder in water followed by fruit shake. After about 20-30 minutes (or more if it's a workday and I have to commute), a slice of sprouted bread with avocado, butter or a piece of cheese.
* Mid-morning Snack: Handful of raw nuts and/or fruit or sliced veggies.
* Lunch: Big salad with raw dressing and protein source (fish, cheese or nuts) or a raw soup. Or both! Something along side (slice of sprouted bread, dried fruit or yogurt). Perhaps a raw sweet treat for dessert.
* Mid-afternoon Snack: Green smoothie or soup or nuts or fruit or veggies -- this varies depending on daily need.
* Cocktail Hour! Inevitably, I have a glass of wine or small drinkie because life is more civilized when it involves a daily cocktail hour with someone you love. If I feel the need, I'll have a little snack as well -- often a bit of cheese or gravlax on a cracker or some hummus and veggies. Half the fun is making a pretty hors d'oeurve plate and treating myself well in this manner.
* Dinner: Whatever I want, so long as it includes some raw vegetables or soup that I try to eat first. This meal tends to include most of my cooked food, though I try to sub in raw/lightly cooked where it makes sense (e.g., lightly seared salmon with salad). Dinner is also a good indicator of whether or not I've fed myself well during the day -- if I eat small and slow, I know I'm happy.
Regarding meat and dairy: No, I do not plan to become a raw vegan. As noted above, I was a strict vegan for almost two years and found that it's not a diet that works well with my chemistry. I have much respect for those who are vegetarian and vegan and completely understand the dietary and ethical reasons for doing so. That said, I know I feel healthier and more vibrant when I thoughtfully incorporate some animal protein in my diet.
I make every attempt to eat organic, free-range, sustainable, tucked-into-bed-at-night-with-a-story meat, dairy and eggs and fully support those farmers/fishermen who take the risk to treat their animals with dignity. In keeping with the principles of my new diet, I also try to eat raw where I can -- e.g., raw cheese, raw milk/yogurt (when I can find them -- that's a search yet to commence), lightly seared fish and steak, etc. Obviously, this causes a problem when it comes to poultry which, don't worry, I do not eat raw or undercooked.
While I'm coming clean, I will also admit that there are certain vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes) that I will only eat after a light steaming. That's what floats my boat and makes my tummy happy. When it comes to grains, it's more important to me that they are organic rather than raw, though I can see that evolving over the next few months, especially after I run out of the quite sizable stash I have in the kitchen at the moment -- I hate wasting food. I have no problem eating sprouted bread, eating "raw" oatmeal made with Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats and almond milk, etc. In fact, I quite love it.
My equipment for now is minimal: The usual compliment of knives, cutting board, bowls, etc. in the standard kitchen, including a standard Oster blender which now has a permanent place on my limited countertop. I'm planning on purchasing a mandoline this week, more because I now have an excuse to get one and I've wanted one for years. I also have regular and mini food processors, though I have yet to use either in my preparations (it takes a lot to convince me to pull out the big Cuisinart as we have to hand wash our dishes...no dishwashers here in Brooklyn), it's nice to know I have them if I need them.
I have yet to play around with dehydrating and can't see myself purchasing a dehydrator anytime soon (see above regarding limited counter space). I've read that a low oven cracked open can work well, so I'll experiment with that first.
Bottom line, I'm trying to find a way to eat and cook as normally as possible, without a bunch of fancy add-ons. Part of the fun challenge of eating raw is being creative in the kitchen, working with what you've got. So far, I'd say the only indispensable piece of equipment for this lifestyle that people may not own is a good blender. I dream of the day I'll purchase a Vita-Mix, but the expense prohibits at the moment. Hell, it was the one thing I didn't get off our wedding registry because who in their right mind spends $450 on a blender?! But I do have a birthday approaching, so hope springs eternal...
Raw foodies seem to talk in percentages, so for those of you looking for a number: I'm guessing I'm eating about 65-75 percent raw at the moment. Sometimes more, sometimes less. What works better for me is a plan rather than a percentage. My loose daily plan runs as follows:
* Breakfast: Emergen-C powder in water followed by fruit shake. After about 20-30 minutes (or more if it's a workday and I have to commute), a slice of sprouted bread with avocado, butter or a piece of cheese.
* Mid-morning Snack: Handful of raw nuts and/or fruit or sliced veggies.
* Lunch: Big salad with raw dressing and protein source (fish, cheese or nuts) or a raw soup. Or both! Something along side (slice of sprouted bread, dried fruit or yogurt). Perhaps a raw sweet treat for dessert.
* Mid-afternoon Snack: Green smoothie or soup or nuts or fruit or veggies -- this varies depending on daily need.
* Cocktail Hour! Inevitably, I have a glass of wine or small drinkie because life is more civilized when it involves a daily cocktail hour with someone you love. If I feel the need, I'll have a little snack as well -- often a bit of cheese or gravlax on a cracker or some hummus and veggies. Half the fun is making a pretty hors d'oeurve plate and treating myself well in this manner.
* Dinner: Whatever I want, so long as it includes some raw vegetables or soup that I try to eat first. This meal tends to include most of my cooked food, though I try to sub in raw/lightly cooked where it makes sense (e.g., lightly seared salmon with salad). Dinner is also a good indicator of whether or not I've fed myself well during the day -- if I eat small and slow, I know I'm happy.
Regarding meat and dairy: No, I do not plan to become a raw vegan. As noted above, I was a strict vegan for almost two years and found that it's not a diet that works well with my chemistry. I have much respect for those who are vegetarian and vegan and completely understand the dietary and ethical reasons for doing so. That said, I know I feel healthier and more vibrant when I thoughtfully incorporate some animal protein in my diet.
I make every attempt to eat organic, free-range, sustainable, tucked-into-bed-at-night-with-a-story meat, dairy and eggs and fully support those farmers/fishermen who take the risk to treat their animals with dignity. In keeping with the principles of my new diet, I also try to eat raw where I can -- e.g., raw cheese, raw milk/yogurt (when I can find them -- that's a search yet to commence), lightly seared fish and steak, etc. Obviously, this causes a problem when it comes to poultry which, don't worry, I do not eat raw or undercooked.
While I'm coming clean, I will also admit that there are certain vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes) that I will only eat after a light steaming. That's what floats my boat and makes my tummy happy. When it comes to grains, it's more important to me that they are organic rather than raw, though I can see that evolving over the next few months, especially after I run out of the quite sizable stash I have in the kitchen at the moment -- I hate wasting food. I have no problem eating sprouted bread, eating "raw" oatmeal made with Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats and almond milk, etc. In fact, I quite love it.
My equipment for now is minimal: The usual compliment of knives, cutting board, bowls, etc. in the standard kitchen, including a standard Oster blender which now has a permanent place on my limited countertop. I'm planning on purchasing a mandoline this week, more because I now have an excuse to get one and I've wanted one for years. I also have regular and mini food processors, though I have yet to use either in my preparations (it takes a lot to convince me to pull out the big Cuisinart as we have to hand wash our dishes...no dishwashers here in Brooklyn), it's nice to know I have them if I need them.
I have yet to play around with dehydrating and can't see myself purchasing a dehydrator anytime soon (see above regarding limited counter space). I've read that a low oven cracked open can work well, so I'll experiment with that first.
Bottom line, I'm trying to find a way to eat and cook as normally as possible, without a bunch of fancy add-ons. Part of the fun challenge of eating raw is being creative in the kitchen, working with what you've got. So far, I'd say the only indispensable piece of equipment for this lifestyle that people may not own is a good blender. I dream of the day I'll purchase a Vita-Mix, but the expense prohibits at the moment. Hell, it was the one thing I didn't get off our wedding registry because who in their right mind spends $450 on a blender?! But I do have a birthday approaching, so hope springs eternal...
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