 I hear often that "giving up meat would me easy for me. Cheese is hard!" Many times I give those people perspective when I point out that almost every meal they eat contains meat. When I went vegetarian in December 2015, my boys declared “We will never give up meat! We love meat!” I prepared the same meal for all three of us, just adding in a little chicken, beef, or fish for them. When I decided to go vegetarian, it was plain and simple; “I don't like meat, why am I eating it?” So, I stopped. I ate eggs everyday, mostly, because we had chickens and we had a lot of eggs to use. I also LOVED cheese. Once I started studying holistic nutrition and learned about the plant-based lifestyle and it's ability to reverse disease, I was SOLD! I'm a type A personality. You've heard me say this before, I'm an all or nothing kind of gal. My poor husband, he loves me anyway! I started sharing all the information with my boys, educating them on the amazing health benefits of a plant-based life...they were not as excited as me, but I'm happy to say they were a little frightened by what they learned about animal products. *cue evil laugh. I told them that if they wanted meat, they had to cook it themselves. Well, that was easy because no one cooks around here but me. I win, again!! So, that was it, no more meat. That's where we started and then, eventually, weened off of the cheese and eggs. Well, eggs were not difficult for us to cut out of our diets after an eye-opening article that described the chicken's egg as part of their menstrual cycle!! REALITY CHECK! GROSS!! Our transition consisted of some “fake” meats...meats made with soy protein, vegetable protein, and/or vital wheat gluten. These are not health foods and I would never want to advocate for that as they are highly processed foods. However, they made our transition A LOT easier. These “fake” meats have helped us get on track and stay the course. Vital wheat gluten, when used to make vegan meat, is referred to as Seitan. I have practiced with this numerous times coming up with some pretty delicious and fun recipes like “chicken” and bbq “ribs”. It's actually really easy to work with, but takes a while to cook. Confused as to what vital wheat gluten is?
My son has always loved pepperoni. After eliminating meat from our diets, he would say “I'm craving pepperoni”...he's a weirdo. Well, being that I love him so much, I went in search of a plant-based pepperoni and came upon the Fat Free Vegan Blog. I haven't adapted her recipe at all, other than subbing what ever nut butter I have on hand when she calls for cashew butter (I have never had cashew butter so I have used peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter on separate occasions.) This recipe is spot on for the “taste” of pepperoni!! The texture is a off...I would describe it as soft and maybe a little doughy. My son likes the softness, but I have tried adding more time to the baking time and have had success with a firmer and drier pepperoni; play around with the baking time and see what works best for your taste buds. I shared this with our nutrition workshop participants and everyone seemed to really like the flavor! Even some of their kids gave it a thumbs up. So, if you are already plant-based give this one a try for some new meatiness, but even if you're not plant-based, yet, give this a try and maybe we can convert you!! Here are a few tips: -Get your hands in there and work the dough! It will be too tough to use a spoon. -The recipe calls for a 7 inch log, this will give you about a 1.5 inch in diameter slice of pepperoni. If you want smaller slices (like you'd find in regular pepperoni), you can create (2)-7 inch logs with the logs being narrower in circumference. Just wrap them separately in foil and decrease baking time by 10 minutes. -You may prefer a drier pepperoni...just add a little time to the recommended baking time -I always double the recipe...it lasts for about 2 weeks when sealed in the refrigerator. -Eastyn's favorite is a pepperoni and mustard sandwich! Veggeroni (Seitan Pepperoni) |
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Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
Dry ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use more for spicier pepperoni)
- 3/4 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons cashew butter (may substitute peanut butter or tahini or any unsweetened nut butter)
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 tablespoons ketchup or tomato sauce (I prefer ketchup)
- 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1/4 teaspoon agave nectar (optional, but definitely use if you use tomato sauce) (I never use this)
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Put the cashew butter in a smaller bowl, and slowly mix in the water. Add the remaining wet ingredients to the small bowl and blend well.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring well (use your hands if necessary). Remove from the bowl and knead for a few minutes, making sure ingredients are distributed well.
- Roll into a log shape, about 7 inches long. Place the log on foil and roll it up in the foil, twisting the ends to seal. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, turning over after 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and unwrap to cool. Slice as needed and store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge.
Peace, Love, Plants,
Cristy
Cristy
0 Comments
Jeanmare
Well here we are less than a week away. Chances are, if you’re like me, you haven’t gotten it all quite done yet. Or you’ve just remembered your husband's boss or your child’s daycare provider, or the mailman or the person who randomly, out of nowhere, just handed you a present.
Crap.
In a perfect world, we would all have a few extra gifts on hand, just right for these situations where you could make like a magician and pull some beautifully wrapped well-thought gift out of your sleeve.
This is actually a brilliant idea, but whether you’ve planned for this or not, for me, last minute gift -giving must fall under certain criteria.
Having spent the first half of 2017 seriously purging my house of literally half my stuff- so glad that’s over- I now think twice about gift-giving in a way that doesn’t cause clutter for someone else; and, unless I know exactly what that person wants, these gifts usually fall in one of two categories:
Minimalist Gift-Giving
Consumables: I love consumable gifts because when they’re gone, they’re gone, not taking up space somewhere in your home until the end of time. A great bag of coffee or herbal tea, a nice bottle of wine or craft brew, handcrafted lotions, soaps or shower scrubs, artfully decorated canned goods from the garden, candles, incense or essential oils. Local products always make great gifts, adding that special touch to an otherwise, ordinary or impersonal gift. I usually stock up on local products from our friends at Rich Valley Apiary and Bearded Brewing. These local businesses are family owned, super great people with tons of community spirit and they ship!
Black Beard Columbian Supreme, Bearded Brewling, LLC
Not sure what that person’s tastes are? Feel free to ignite your inner Oprah Winfrey and gift them YOUR favorite things. This is like taking a next step and giving someone the experience of trying something new that they otherwise wouldn’t.
Plus, if you've stocked up and don't end up giving away, you know you'll at least be able to use it up yourself.
And speaking of experiences...
Plus, if you've stocked up and don't end up giving away, you know you'll at least be able to use it up yourself.
And speaking of experiences...
Experientials: The gift of an experience. This sort of gift-giving would be for those you know more personally or at least know what their interests might be. I have to say, I’ve always been in the practice of doing this for my kids, hoping to give them memories to last a lifetime and a taste for something that’s outside their day-to-day.
I've given concert or musical tickets, yoga class passes, massage and manicures. I used to think gift certificates were so impersonal, but many people reach a point in their lives when they no longer need “things”, but “things-to-do”. Trips, subscriptions to membership sites such as Audible or Netflix, movie passes, cooking classes or even an ancestry/DNA discovery service, or sponsoring a rescue animal in that person's name all make fun and interesting presents that live well beyond the limits of a shelf or cabinet..
I've given concert or musical tickets, yoga class passes, massage and manicures. I used to think gift certificates were so impersonal, but many people reach a point in their lives when they no longer need “things”, but “things-to-do”. Trips, subscriptions to membership sites such as Audible or Netflix, movie passes, cooking classes or even an ancestry/DNA discovery service, or sponsoring a rescue animal in that person's name all make fun and interesting presents that live well beyond the limits of a shelf or cabinet..
At any rate, it really is the thought that counts. And well-wishes, showing kindness and thinking of others during the busyness and hustle of the season is the Christmas spirit after all.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, prosperous New Year!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, prosperous New Year!
Theatre tickets make wonderful Christmas gifts; scene from The Nutcracker ballet.
Give the Gift of Health!
We have a cultural obsession with weight loss and rightly so. Currently 2 in 3 Americans are overweight or obese.
1 in 3 Americans is OBESE.
That's over 33% of Americans or 110 MILLION PEOPLE!
And if that isn't cringe-worthy enough:
20% of our children are MORBIDLY OBESE!!
Obesity puts children at a detrimental risk for debilitating diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
With skyrocketing numbers in increases of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers our healthcare costs are rising and 75% of those costs are attributable to the aforementioned diseases. AND ALL of those diseases can be avoided or possibly reversed with some fairly simple diet and lifestyle changes. Being overweight is the number one cause of most diseases...here is how to make some changes:
1 in 3 Americans is OBESE.
That's over 33% of Americans or 110 MILLION PEOPLE!
And if that isn't cringe-worthy enough:
20% of our children are MORBIDLY OBESE!!
Obesity puts children at a detrimental risk for debilitating diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
With skyrocketing numbers in increases of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers our healthcare costs are rising and 75% of those costs are attributable to the aforementioned diseases. AND ALL of those diseases can be avoided or possibly reversed with some fairly simple diet and lifestyle changes. Being overweight is the number one cause of most diseases...here is how to make some changes:
1. Eat Real FOOD- The average American is eating "food-like" products. In grocery stores, today, 90% of the food you find is heavily processed and laden with chemicals; a far cry from how it came from the earth. One of the most important steps you can take in creating better health is to cut back (waaaay back) on processed foods. I'm talking about things like candy, soda, chips, doughnuts, cookies, frozen dinners, boxed/bagged foods, etc, etc. This list could go on and on. Make whole foods the majority of your diet with things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. You may be surprised how quickly a delicious dinner filled with veggies and whole grains can come together.
2. Eat MORE Fruits and Vegetables - Eating more vegetables is the single most important thing you can do to achieve better health. Vegetables tend to be lower in calories than most other foods; especially, processed and refined foods. Their caloric density-calorie content relative to weight or volume-is one of the lowest. Which means you can eat MORE food and consume LESS calories. Also, fruits and vegetables contain the most fiber. 97% of Americans are not getting enough fiber each day, not even close! Not only does fiber leave us feeling full and satisfied, it helps our bodies eliminate the bad stuff. Yeah, I'm talking about poop! Fiber is so important for speeding up digestion and ridding out bodies of those things that we don't need. Fiber, also, takes more energy to burn, which means you will burn more calories just by eating these foods. Choosing more fruits and vegetables means you will eat less processed food which are very calorie dense and unhealthy. Aim to add fruits and vegetables to every meal.
4. Eat Less Fat – Eat fat? Don't eat fat? Which is it? It's been a controversy in the media for decades. Let's look at the facts:
NO oil is healthy. None.
They are all stripped down and processed, and contain no nutritional value. More importantly, oil has a calorie density of 4,000 calories per pound!! So, are there good fats and bad fats? Yes and no. Dietary fat is very easily converted into body fat; whereas, carbohydrates are more easily burned as fuel. So, if you are consuming any kind of fat, it can easily be converted to body fat instead of being used for energy. Choose your fats wisely, choose ones that are nutrient dense from plant sources like avocados, seeds, and nuts. Animal-fat sources are the worst, which contain mostly saturated fats. They also contain cholesterol, hormones, carcinogens, dioxins, antibiotics, and bacteria, while also devoid of fiber and antioxidants. Steer clear of animal products as they have been found to be detrimental to human health and, independent of other factors, cause weight gain.
NO oil is healthy. None.
They are all stripped down and processed, and contain no nutritional value. More importantly, oil has a calorie density of 4,000 calories per pound!! So, are there good fats and bad fats? Yes and no. Dietary fat is very easily converted into body fat; whereas, carbohydrates are more easily burned as fuel. So, if you are consuming any kind of fat, it can easily be converted to body fat instead of being used for energy. Choose your fats wisely, choose ones that are nutrient dense from plant sources like avocados, seeds, and nuts. Animal-fat sources are the worst, which contain mostly saturated fats. They also contain cholesterol, hormones, carcinogens, dioxins, antibiotics, and bacteria, while also devoid of fiber and antioxidants. Steer clear of animal products as they have been found to be detrimental to human health and, independent of other factors, cause weight gain.
5. Stress Less! - RELAX! Easier said than done, I know! I struggle with this one myself. I like to be in control, so the food aspect of this, I got! But, the stress, OH THE STRESS!! The facts: Levels of "the stress hormone," cortisol, rise during tension-filled times. This can turn overeating into a habit. Who doesn't find some comfort in chocolate cake, candy or chips? Increased levels of the cortisol hormone cause higher insulin levels, your blood sugar drops and you crave sugary, fatty foods. Exercise can help us reduce stress as it triggers the release of the “feel good” hormones and can be a great stress-reliever. Want some zen? Meditation has been scientifically proven to significantly decrease stress levels with just 10 minutes of daily mediation. Love yourself—do the things you enjoy and forget about the rest. It is OK to say no!
Get Moving
6. Get Moving! -
Nutrition is the MOST important factor in health.
But exercise is important too! Just an hour long walk each day can extend your life expectancy by 24%!
Our bodies do a great job at burning energy in the form of calories, but if we want to lose weight we need to eat less than we burn. But we can also burn off some of those calories in the form of exercise and while we are at it, reduce stress, too...WIN! WIN! Calories in vs. calories out. You must burn more calories than you consume. Exercise isn’t just about that 30 minutes on the treadmill, though; it’s about creating a lifestyle that isn’t sedentary. But, the great thing about eating healthfully and exercising is that all that good stuff makes you have more energy!! Then, you want to move! Find an activity that you really like/love and that is the one that you can form a habit around. It can be anything that keeps you moving for at least 30-40 minutes; walking, running, hiking, yoga, biking, etc. Consider weight training: more muscle = more calories burned. While a pound of fat burns only two calories per day, a pound of muscle burns six—and takes up a lot less room.
Nutrition is the MOST important factor in health.
But exercise is important too! Just an hour long walk each day can extend your life expectancy by 24%!
Our bodies do a great job at burning energy in the form of calories, but if we want to lose weight we need to eat less than we burn. But we can also burn off some of those calories in the form of exercise and while we are at it, reduce stress, too...WIN! WIN! Calories in vs. calories out. You must burn more calories than you consume. Exercise isn’t just about that 30 minutes on the treadmill, though; it’s about creating a lifestyle that isn’t sedentary. But, the great thing about eating healthfully and exercising is that all that good stuff makes you have more energy!! Then, you want to move! Find an activity that you really like/love and that is the one that you can form a habit around. It can be anything that keeps you moving for at least 30-40 minutes; walking, running, hiking, yoga, biking, etc. Consider weight training: more muscle = more calories burned. While a pound of fat burns only two calories per day, a pound of muscle burns six—and takes up a lot less room.
Would you like a little help implementing these ideas into your life? Join us on January 6, 2018 for our Wellness Workshop. We will be sharing tons of great science/evidence based information, demonstrating how to create delicious plant-based meals, and serving you a spectacular dinner filled with amazing plant based dishes! You can find more information HERE.
Peace, Love, Plants,
Cristy
Peace, Love, Plants,
Cristy
Jeanmare
Photo credit by herriottgrace.com
I had quite a different blog post prepared for today. The truth is, my grandmother passed away last week and we celebrated her life over the weekend. I have been in the mode of reflection, spending a lot of time contemplating what she meant to me and the impact she had on her family and friends.
It got me thinking about grandparents, how, for many of us, our relationships with them build such a strong foundation of character and of who we will become. My grandmother taught me many things (I desperately wish that making her apple pie would have been one of them), but I think the most telling is, as a woman, a wife and mother, she modeled the importance of "self" and putting oneself on the priority list. She always made time for her friends, to travel and explore and she gave herself the freedom to play.
It got me thinking about grandparents, how, for many of us, our relationships with them build such a strong foundation of character and of who we will become. My grandmother taught me many things (I desperately wish that making her apple pie would have been one of them), but I think the most telling is, as a woman, a wife and mother, she modeled the importance of "self" and putting oneself on the priority list. She always made time for her friends, to travel and explore and she gave herself the freedom to play.
My grandmother and I shared the same name , different spelling; we were known as
Big Genemare and Little Jeanmare. I had the honor of giving the eulogy her at the funeral service this past Saturday. I'm publishing it here, word for word, grammatical errors and all, not only for family and friends that were unable to attend, but so you might get to know her for who she was to us.
I would love for you to share any stories or memories of you may have of Genemare or of your own grandparents down below. Through stories, we can still learn and enjoy so much from this generation.
Big Genemare and Little Jeanmare. I had the honor of giving the eulogy her at the funeral service this past Saturday. I'm publishing it here, word for word, grammatical errors and all, not only for family and friends that were unable to attend, but so you might get to know her for who she was to us.
I would love for you to share any stories or memories of you may have of Genemare or of your own grandparents down below. Through stories, we can still learn and enjoy so much from this generation.
My grandmother, Genemare, center
A Tribute to My Grandmother
Genemare Bateman Mitchell was born in Salamanca, NY on February 7, 1920. She celebrated her 97th birthday this year; a strong woman, having outlived her 3 siblings, her husband, her grandson and nearly every one of her friends. She might say her secret to longevity was a daily ritual of morning headstands and drinking some weird-awful yeast concoction from the old country.
I grew up living just across the street from my grandparents for the better part of my life. Their home was the hub of family and friend gatherings, most often taking place on their side porch during the warmer months or around the kitchen table, where you were guaranteed a good political debate, a stiff Manhattan and a slice of the best apple pie you’ve ever tasted.
Grandma loved being social. She had wonderful friends and enjoyed playing cards and going to picnics and parties. She loved wearing high heels, she loved her church and church family and she loved Bill Clinton.
She rolled her eyes at helicopter parenting or going to the doctor, never fussing too much over fevers, cuts or broken bones. In times of trouble, she comforted us the best she could. A good foot rub was the cure for most anything. I’m not sure she ever knew how truly healing and restorative that simple, intimate offering was.
A child of the Depression era, I once interviewed her on the subject for a school project. I have to say she wasn’t very helpful. Not ever having had much, she didn’t seem to notice any lack or feel she missed out on anything growing up.
She lived her life this way. My grandmother was very frugal. We all remember her making bread pudding or her famous pies seemingly out of nothing. In her refrigerator would be, maybe a jar of Miracle Whip, some celery, a few saltines and somehow she would manage to make a dinner out of that. She most certainly believed “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
I would give anything to go back. Back to those holiday dinners of my youth at my grandparents’ house, when we were ALL there. Where the wood burner kept the house so hot you could barely breathe and you could smell the varnish melting from the furniture; and my grandfather would be swearing at one of the kids to get out from in front of the television so he could see the game.
In my mind’s eye, I can still feel the motion and gentle sway of the glider on the side porch; and there was a perfect view of the courthouse clock, which served us all well because the porch was often a stop in between errands or running from place to place. And Grandma would stop whatever it was she was doing to sit, talk, visit and offer you a drink.
Unless she had Bridge.
Unless she had Bridge.
My grandmother enjoyed over 30 years wintering in Florida with my grandfather and in later years with her sister June. Some of us had the great pleasure of driving the Misses Daisies on their annual pilgrimage to Cape Canaveral. Highlights include: teaching them to pump gas, working the air conditioner or settling on a radio station, exploring the art of tipping at a restaurant and frequent, emergent restroom stops.
Most of us remember Grandma always having her purse. It was almost like her shadow. Even when she was just coming across the street for a stick of butter, she’d bring her purse and she was FOREVER rummaging through it.
We have her purse displayed over in the parish hall, along with some of our family photos. Maybe you could take a turn rummaging through it and figure out what it was she was always looking for.
We have her purse displayed over in the parish hall, along with some of our family photos. Maybe you could take a turn rummaging through it and figure out what it was she was always looking for.
My cousin Heather was unable to be here today, but was hoping to convey something about Grandma, which you probably already know, which is what a spectacularly unique and fundamentally cool woman she was.
Grandma was once the person who hoped her plane would be hijacked in the 1980’s so she would then be able to visit Cuba during the embargo. She was also the person who hid in the bathroom after getting a terrible case of the giggles while trying to place an ad on the local radio program, Potpourri.
Grandma was once the person who hoped her plane would be hijacked in the 1980’s so she would then be able to visit Cuba during the embargo. She was also the person who hid in the bathroom after getting a terrible case of the giggles while trying to place an ad on the local radio program, Potpourri.
She was a glamourous lady, yet whose frugality knew no bounds; she thought clothespins could functions as braces on Jim’s teeth and Molly’s crib could be converted into “studio” bed by taking off one of the sides.
However, we think the most lasting and telling legacy is that Grandma, along with her beloved sister June, did an outstanding job at cultivating a family who were and are the best of friends and who genuinely love to spend time together, and when they do, they know untold amounts of fun, love, laughter and sometimes fighting will be had in equal measure. We would like to leave you with Grandma’s favorite saying:
It’ll all work out.
And given that she lived to be 97, we certainly would like to think she was right.
My grandmother, Genemare, far right
Authors
Jeanmare and Cristy are creators and contributors of the Living Simply Nourished Blog. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee!), find a cozy spot, scroll around, read some stories, find some inspiration, and enjoy!
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