The Healthy Habits (Pesc, Meatless, oh my!)

Meatless Nomming Pt. II – Pasta Dish

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For this recipe, I was in the midst of dealing with company (not my doing) and deciding my dinner with other tummies in mind. With a fresh garden at my fingertips and a stock of pasta and tomato sauce, I decided to have at it. And so did everyone else…

Meatless Spaghetti and Sauce

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
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No meat doesn't mean boring. Let's brighten this plate.



Ingredients

  • 1/2 a box of Veggie Pasta
  • 1/2 a box of Whole Wheat Pasta
  • 1 Onion
  • 2-3 fresh tomatoes
  • 1-2 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1-2 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
  • 1 can of Tomato Sauce (I love Heinz!)
  • Minced Garlic (2 cloves)
  • Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • Meatless Features: Olives and Mushrooms (Shiitake or Portobella)

Directions

  1. Prepare your ingredients – Dice your tomatoes and olives, mince your basil and onion, and chop your oregano, garlic and mushrooms. Prepare your sprigs of rosemary, and oregano and set them aside. Separate each into various bowls or holding spaces. Like a cutting board or a clean counter.
  2. Boil fresh water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt.
  3. Prepare a large pan – Add vegetable oil
  4. Heat the pan – Add your garlic and onions and let them cook for a minute or two.
  5. Add your sauce – Stir in all of your veggies and herbs. At low heat, simmer for at least 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  6. Cook pasta in the boiled water. Most pasta is finished between 8 to 10 minutes. The longer boiled, results a softer noodle.
  7. Drain, and toss pasta with olive oil
  8. Check that sauce! Can you smell it yet? Prepare to add it to your pasta.
  9. Throw it all together! – Toss pasta and sauce into a large dish.

And that’s it! If you’re not vegan, add some of your favorite cheese to add to the top of any plate.
Happy Nomming! 

Meatless Nomming Pt. I

~ PB34 ~ 1 Comment

In this edition, I highlight how slight hunger and ingredients around the house, can make way for a simple, yet affordable meal.

Jasmine Rice & Pigeon Peas

servings = 1-2, time = 15-20 minutes, difficulty = easy

A light, savory and simple Asian inspired dish, perfect for lunch or supper.

Meatless feature: Pigeon Peas

By User:C.L. Ramjohn (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
By User:C.L. Ramjohn (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.htm)

Ingredients:

1 Can of Pigeon Peas
1 cup of Jasmine Rice or the microwaveable version
1 tbs of chopped green onions (scallions)
less than 1 tsp of minced hot pepper or a similar powdered variant
less than 1 tsp. Minced ginger
1 tbs of vegetable oil

Choose your rice:

If you are cooking from scratch, you must boil the water first THEN add the rice. The more water, the softer the rice and vice versa. Add any butter or salt for additional taste! Follow the bag’s cooking instructions, but most rice generally cooks between 15 to 25 minutes.

Add everything together:

1. Heat a pan with your vegetable oil
2. Add the minced veggies and spices
3. Add your rice and let it warm up for a minute or two
4. Add your peas (a balanced ratio between rice and peas)
5. Stir the ingredients together

Additional tips: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil and soy sauce during the final mixing for a more authentic taste!

And you’re done! Happy Nomming!

Spicy Sardine Soup (with Ramen!) – Meatless Nomming Pt. III

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For this recipe, I was hungry, moody and desperate. Not an ideal combination when it comes to daily food intake, but with some searching around the kitchen, here is today’s how-to for stretching those noodles. With those forgotten sardines!

Spicy Sardine Ramen

  • Servings: 1-2
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From non-perishable leftovers, to a savory supper.



Credits to my stomach


Ingredients

  • Ramen of your choice
  • Canned Sardines
  • Chopped onions
  • Chopped peppers
  • Minced or powdered garlic
  • A sprig of thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 2 to 4 tsps of Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp of vegetable oil or spraying equivalent


Directions

  1. Boil a small pot of water for your noodles
  2. With a small saute pan, prepare with a cooking oil. Set heat to medium.
  3. Add your onion, peppers and or garlic, and saute for at least one minute
  4. Add the sardines
  5. Add the soy sauce
  6. Saute your ingredients for another minute or two.
    7. Keep stirring!
  7. Add the ramen and thyme to the water, return to boil for the recommended time.
  8. With a large bowl, add the ramen and your sauteed ingredients on top.

And you’re done! Happy Nomming!

Apple Cider Vinegar – Smelly but Four Strong Benefits!

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It’s been a few months since I’ve graduated, but growing one with sleep hasn’t deterred me from keeping up with my tried and true habits! Let’s face it, without any set location to reach or set places to go each day (compared to the college life), post-grad life can get pretty boring.

But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo all your efforts! Those in my boat and those on their own islands…Let’s start with apple cider vinegar, or ACV!

By Phongnguyen1410 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Phongnguyen1410 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
As I stated before in a previous post, ACV is highly beneficial, but there are other things it can be used for.

Four ways ACV can change your body

Hair – I can’t recall the exact source of this tip, but after experiencing some scalp changes since returning to a more natural hair regimen (pH balance most likely), ACV was a life-saver! The itching after using a deep conditioner, or the dull and lifeless look my curls had, vanished! How to? Just take a cap-ful, and drop it into any regular ol’ cup and dilute with cool water. I found that my scalp calmed down if I used it after shampooing, or even during a deep condition. Try to use it in-between rinsing any of the soap out. ACV does NOT smell like rosemary!

Face – You can dilute a bit with water and use it as a nightly toner (watch those hands!), or drink a sweetened/unsweetened diluted mixture first thing in the morning. Simple and easy.

Nails – Simply take a diluted cap-ful, and a small cotton ball or Q-tip, and rub on your nails or pour the mixture into a bowl and let them soak for around five to ten minutes. With all the good bacteria (see probiotics,) the ACV may do your nails some good cleaning, as well as make for a nice healthy shine! Be sure to moisturize after!

Body – Don’t forget your skin is the largest organ and deserves some TLC from time to time. Your pH levels can also reflect on the surface of your skin, and anything that off-sets it, can be reset if it’s a surface issue only. If you are a diligent exerciser, come into contact with a lot of surfaces or just plain sweat tons, try taking a vinegar bath.

The higher salt content in your sweat, the more irritable your skin may be. Clean it inside and out!
The higher salt content in your sweat, the more irritable your skin may be. Clean it inside and out!

Dilute some ACV and rinse it over your body, or fill up a clean bathtub and let your skin feel it! I also find it good for a salad dressing base, just don’t over do it...erosion and all that…

ACV is a new and easy start for anyone new not just to the PescLife but to a healthy one! Just make sure it looks ‘gross’ (it’s the mother dear! ) and drink plenty of water along the way! Your body will begin to glow and your cups of morning coffee may begin to lessen.

Maybe. No guarantees!

Forever Meatless? Questions for the future

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When I first made the choice to go meatless, there was an intent that I wouldn’t do it forever. I do very much want a nice hot dog and grilled burger. Let’s be honest, the alternatives can only do so much if your heart’s not in it…no veggie burgers allowed!

I want to be able to trust the meat suppliers in this country but I simply can’t bring myself to. I applaud those who are able to name Shadow and put him down for their Thanksgiving dinner later in the year.

Whatever you do, don't get attached. Don't even stare at this picture too long.
Whatever you do, don’t get attached. Don’t even stare at this picture too long.

I miss lamb and rice, curry goat…I miss all the good stuff! But until I get to a point where certain health issues or the environment (or spinach, e. coli paranoia) proves too difficult to keep it up – I guess I’ll have that hamburger.

But for now, I have enough faith that my experiences these last few years have given me enough confidence that I can manage it. I do hope to live in an area where meat is available to those like me; wanting to relive the days of old and fry up something good. It is then, I’ll tell the stories of my attempts and experiences of living in an meatless world shrouded by meat-eaters and those without regard for us. 

As the sun sets, maybe one my taste for meat will arise? By http://www.goodfreephotos.com
As the sun sets, maybe one my taste for meat will arise? By http://www.goodfreephotos.com

Have faith in your choices and happy nomming! This blog will be here and a personal document space for any future habits during my journey as a ‘meatless.’

 

Hamburgers & Honesty: It’s okay to want it

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From time to time, I have a few folks ask for recommendations on what to eat or prepare for their dinners or lunch. I give my opinion even if it’s a meat item I’m familiar with. However new things such as capicola ham…

640px-Sweetcapicola
I never had the luxury of this in a sandwich….By Iceman0407 on Wikipedia

I can’t help anyone with. That’s usually when the discussion about why I chose to gave up meat happens. When I think back on it, and I can see them selecting their meal choices, may it be at an amusement park, a movie theater, a carnival…

I can’t help but feel my mouth water. The desire to eat meat isn’t as strong is it was when I first became meatless, however it’s still a hidden want. To have that warm hot dog with relish and the sun beating down on my skin. A nice rib and corn on the cob. 

What I’m telling you, is that it’s okay to be honest of your desires. The more honest you are with your reasoning for quitting meat, and still wanting it, can reveal a multitude of reasons and issues going forward. Perhaps you’re not getting something out of your new diet so your body is telling you the easiest way to help it.

Don't you dare eat my brother. By wattpublishing on Flickr. www.WATTAgNet.com.
Don’t you dare eat my brother. By wattpublishing on Flickr. www.WATTAgNet.com.

Overall, if you’re honest with your choices to still desire meat, you may be able to work something out if the “totally meatless” diet isn’t for you in the end. Perhaps meat twice a week?

Happy Nomming! 

 

 

Summer Smoothies & Juice: Tasty Recipes

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Because I like to be fancy with a tall glass and a nice blender, here are some recipes you should consider for the upcoming breezy porch days ahead:

Pomegranate & Apple Juice – I perfected this using a whole pomegranate and getting all the pods out while watching Master Chef. If this isn’t an ideal activity for you, there are pomegranate seeds that can be purchased on their own. After cutting up your apple of choice (I prefer honey crisp or Granny Smith apples) and any juicer, you’re good to go! Serve chilled with a slice of lemon or orange. For added ‘extra’ taste and even more benefits, throw in a few blueberries. 

Apple, Carrots & Berries (Oh My!) – Thrown in some cut apples, strawberries and raspberries and some carrots for good measure. This can either be a juice (no ice) or a smoothie (some dairy or dairy-free product). Either way it’s refreshing and good. 

Apple, Ginger, Carrot & Mint Juice – My mother used to wake me up with this around 9AM. Something about getting the nutrients better and more energy. It was annoying because I wasn’t actually awake yet…but it did taste good. Use at least two apples, a small bit of ginger, and a whole carrot and a few leaves for at least two servings. 

Banana Mint Smoothie – Some people don’t care for mint, but it’s healthy for you. And during the hot days, you’ll need that little ‘kick’ that makes you feel good in the soul. Mint could be that foot. Cut up some bananas (I actually detest this fruit but I like it mashed and pureed…) and add a few fresh leaves of mint. If you’re blessed with a green thumb, you can use the mint variety such as chocolate, or orange mint. 

This smells like chocolate I swear. By Downtowngal on wikimedia commons.

 

Happy Nomming!

 

Restriction Post Ahead: Other Things I’ve Let Go

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Since I became a meatless eater, there are a few other items I chose to take out of my diet due to reasons I thought would enhance my overall health.

Sugar – White granulated specifically. I decided to get rid of this when I noticed how the taste of my morning teas were beginning to be too much, as was the later energy crash after consuming it. It wasn’t helping my skin issues either. After cutting down my sugar packets from three to two, and ultimately none, I felt better and my teas tasted more authentic. Replacement sweeteners are honey, brown sugar, and blue agave nectar.

This stuff is really sweet, which means less in your cup. By Mike Mozart on Flickr
This stuff is really sweet, which means less in your cup. By Mike Mozart on Flickr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dairy – I mentioned my struggle with hormonal/adult acne in a previous post. With motherly advice, the dermatologist and reading various sources, lessening the amount of dairy I ate or drank was important if I wanted some kind of relief from my break outs…and upset tummy. Yes! I do believe the older I’ve gotten, I’ve gotten a slight lactose intolerance. Since there are other options such as lactose-free milk like Lactaid or even dairy-free yogurt (no personal judgement on its taste yet…), I’ve still been able to enjoy my morning or evening bowls of cereal. Other alternatives such as rice, and almond milk (no additives!) are tasty. Almond milk is also a good and accessible options if you have a lot of almonds and are bored. 

Gelatin – I cut this out because I felt that I’d be cheating if I said I didn’t eat meat, but still turned around and ate S’mores or cornbread…Yes cornbread! Imagine my shock when I saw this:

It made me stop in the middle of the aisle in shock…What WAS in cornbread anyway? Gross!

Overall, this is a personal choice and certainly not indicative of everyone that may choose to go meatless but there are now plenty of options for your taste-buds. Vegan marshmallows, gelatin-free Skittles. Vegetable broth…No word on gelatin-free Starbursts.

 

Trying to be Fit & Lazy: Tips for working out when you don’t feel like it

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When I was a first year, I was really excited about getting to be so close to a gym and actually using it. Then I started using it. I quit my fitness perspective about four weeks after being on campus due to worrying about germs and eyes during my workout. During my sophomore year, my roommate and I experimented with evening jogging. This was okay so long as the weather wasn’t too cold.

Who wants to jog in this? Not I. By Victorgrigas on English Wikipedia
Who wants to jog in this? Not I. By Victorgrigas on English Wikipedia

By junior and senior year I made no effort to work out as much as I used to. So many excuses among us both; we were too cold, too tired or the gym was too crowded.
Overall, being active shouldn’t be because you want to look great for the summer thus attracting a fling of some sort, but because you want to live longer and feel great on the inside!
My roommate and subsequent added figured out a plan – we’d carry on activities that didn’t make it seem like we were doing too much strenuous activity.
One of them was holding a Zumba session two times out of the week for at least thirty minutes. It was an activity that worked into our schedules and actually made it feel like we weren’t doing anything too intense. I also love dancing so with a great beat and enthusiastic participants this was a great start for us.

As the weather grew warmer, we grew interested in using the newly installed track field, as well as walking around our campus after dinner. Our appetites caused dinner to be around 3:30pm, leaving enough sunlight to walk around in peace. 

In my room, I’d stretch after getting dressed walking up and down the stairs for at least twenty minutes even though we chose the first floor to avoid this.

Overall, the access one has to college workout equipment and spacious lawns is something to take advantage of amidst busy schedules. Although I find it easier to use trails and a sturdy bike to get my solitary fix of fitness when I’m off-campus. 

 

Labels Lie: Pay Attention to what you Put In or Put On

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If you continue to go meatless, you’ll start to notice that you’re becoming more aware of the things you eat and use.

Candy isn’t just candy, and body spray isn’t just that. And that tea mix you love? Nope check again.

Labels lie…or have a special way of lying that the average consumer isn’t properly interpreting, because they believe the fancy splash graphics on the front. Or because it’s the latest ‘trend.’

For instance, a brand name smoothie I used to drink constantly, recently got into a lawsuit due to the labeling that was deemed a false claim. Anything that is labeled ‘all-natural’ or ‘100% juice,’ you need to learn to take a second look. In terms of bottled smoothies, there are different ways to process the ingredients and certain brands are ‘better’ due to less pesticides and more nutrients present. 

From a very beneficial post from The Food Babe.com that helped me nix my favorites and experiment with the good stuff (it was very hard as I love the sweet stuff), she touts the smoothie or juice brands that are better and other ways companies attempt to ‘legally lie.’ 

From The Food Babe.com

Bottled juice wasn’t the only thing I learned to be more aware of. The teas I make from store-bought tea bags were also re-examined after reading the above blog and others. Anything with ‘soy lecithin’ or ‘natural flavoring’ I learned to stay away from. Again, pesticides and sometimes bugs…Gross!

Learning what certain ingredients really mean is also important. If I didn’t understand what it meant, I did a trip to the search engine. If I felt icky after reading up, then I ditched it. Numerous body sprays with BHT I’ve stopped using. Water and ingredients I can get myself are important to me. And they smell much nicer too!

Pay attention, and happy nomming & living!