I've given up sugar for months at a time now in the last couple years and really like how that makes me feel. I feel in control and more conscious of what I'm eating. We're not the healthiest of eaters (despite my vegetarianism which does not mean I'm vegan, btw!) but we're not terrible either. We eat a mix of whole foods and some processed foods as well. I was thinking today that since I finally feel like I have this whole yeast and rising thing down in breadmaking that I would stop buying loaves at the store. I just love homemade bread and the store bought stuff just doesn't really compare. Then it got me thinking about other things I've been eating that I could probably consider modifying or making myself rather than buying ready-made.
Because y'all, I love cheese so. freaking. much. And ice cream. Oh, ice cream. Life is sort of about the indulgences every now and again, I think. And since life's far too short, I don't want to spend my whole life worried about everything I consume either. My kid will be given money to buy from the ice cream truck. And I will not stop eating Magnum ice cream bars or Snickers. But I'd like to make some changes.
What about you all? Ever attempted a plant-based diet yourself or given up certain foods just because you wanted to live healthier? I'm curious.
p.s. From the last post, I just want to add that I am not against attachment parenting and actually follow some of the practices myself. But I just wanted to reiterate that I wish all mothers could encourage one another. Plain and simple. It's a hard enough job as it is without feeling like you're always behind the curve.
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Our whole family is vegetarian (not vegan). I have a post draft about how much I used to cook and than Camille died and cooking has been a big challenge for me since. I think it's the lack of energy and enthusiasm for something I really used to really enjoy. Kai and I would spend hours cooking. It always takes longer with a 3 year old who wants to do everything himself.
I have done a couple of juice fasts and I've used my juicer and vitamix for those. I love bread! Bread bread bread! I would love to make bread but haven't done that. I'm motivated by your bread making.
Have you read Barbara kingsolover's book "Animal, vegetable, miracle" ? I wont be changing and dietary things while pregnant but I am trying to find a way back to all the cooking I used to do. I have some amazing dishes to make and I think about cooking daily. I just have to work through more of this grief stuff cause I know they are entertained.
I feel better when I steer clear of sugar, too, but I just can't find the motivation right now. This grief eating thing, OMG. Carbs are my friend - and worst enemy. I strive to eat more dark leafy greens to start. Hopefully, getting our garden going will help.
We raise and sell grassfed beef, so no way will you find us going vegetarian!
I need to start eating better- carbs got me through both of my pregnancies, and I want to ensure Gracie is exposed to lots of green veggies while we breastfeed (with the hope she acquires a taste). I've talked to Scott about implementing a vegetarian dinner once or twice per week but he's not interested... I suspect I'll have to get creative. :)
I will say, your posts on food are making me think there are lots of delicious options in a vegetarian diet. I always wondered what people ate other than salads and grilled/boiled/steamed veggies.
With Tommy's bread obsession, I've been wanting to learn to make bread. Pillsbury rolls are expensive and unhealthy.
I've tried two recipes without yeast that were crap. My mom has a bread maker she never uses that she said I could have. I may take her up on that!
I was vegetarian for many years, and then omnivorous for many years. We're seriously into food, foodie issues foodie lifestyle - we keep a garden and chickens to try to know as much about our food as possible.
I've been plant-only since Mother's Day and off of sugar for about three weeks. I do feel better - I have more energy, but the grief is still sharp, and in some ways, I think, a bit sharper because I haven't had dark chocolate to comfort me.
Playing with food is fun. Keep blogging about food? :)
I have two book recommendations for you...The first is any of the "Bread in Five Minutes a Day" books by Jeff Hertzberg and co-authors. I've had good luck with their recipes, and their method turns breadmaking into something I'll actually do.
The second is a book I have not yet read, but will soon: Make the Bread, Buy the Butter by Jennifer Reese. The author investigates which things are most worth making from scratch.
My husband and I both used to be vegetarian (I for ethical reasons, he because of a woman, go figure) but now we're happily omnivores. We're lucky to live in a place where we can get almost all of our produce, eggs, and even meat directly from farmers. We do have a problem with cheese, sugar, and alcohol though - especially after Elizabeth died. Lots of baked brie and bottles of wine, followed by cheesecake. Obviously I'm skipping the wine these days. Hopefully we're going to have to clean up our act to set a good example someday soon...
My husband really enjoyed the book "In Defense of Food" - I haven't read it yet, but basically it says eat lots of organic foods, mostly plants, and don't shop in the middle of the grocery store too often. Pretty simple.
We aren't vegetarians, but try to buy grass-feed beef and other healthy meat products and this last fall we belonged to an awesome CSA and got the most delicious veggies - I only hope we find something like that in Texas
Have you tried Vega before? It is completely plant based and is FULL of nutrients and so much more. It's my way of fulfilling my want to be vegan but can't give up cheese either:) Mix with ice cold milk and drink immediately and fast or else it turns to ... mud... it's not the greatest but not the worst either and it fills you up for a long time! Awesome breakfast!
and clearly that's not vegan to mix with milk... so you can do water but you win some you lose some:) the actual product is plant based
We try to eat healthy but there is still room for a few sweets along the way! Thanks to you and your cheezit blurb the other day guess who went and got some, and not just in the grocery store but Costco big! I had some and actually forgot a out them!
Mostly we buy organic, good meat is hard to buy here because it's not just $ it's $$$$! We don't do alot of beef although a good streak in the summer is great!
We do alot of raw foods too also including raw cheese, butter, coconut oils and such! I used white flour for the fist time the other day in months!
There are some amazing breads and tortillas at trader joes that are super healthy!!
It's an ongoing process for us...we like to eat well but at the same time not overdo it and enjoy treats occasionally too!
As a fellow vegetarian who would never want give up cheese, I totally feel ya here. We definitely don't eat entirely healthy--plenty of processed foods here, too. (Um, I love chips. Like, LOVE them.) And Target has this salted caramel gelato that is orgasmically delicious. I'm admiring your bread making and thinking maybe I want to give that a try myself... definitely moving away from the processed foods except as an occasional treat. Because sometimes I just need mesquite bbq kettle chips.
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