We are away this afternoon, and into the evening. No idea what time we’ll be back, could be late, so I’m quickly jumping in here before we go meet J.D. (Safer than being out and realizing that nothing posted at five to eleven and then crying all over the children. Or, Dan’s dinner. Whichever.)
One of the things we’ve been discussing, what with all this Change Your Brain and Move Your Body project-ing lately, is food. Where have I landed in the Clean, Raw, Vegan, Allen, Joel, and Judith eating spectrum? Depends. Am I home here in The Burrow? At Mom’s? Out to dinner with the kids? Wandering the town?
If we stay here, it’s gonna be pretty damn Clean. Not too many processed foods left in the cupboards or freezer. Organic (raw) veggies are most of what’s in the fridge, and (raw) fruit is the main course, along with salad, for most meals. There’s some meat around, but only on Daniel’s plate. All dairy has been replaced with almond, coconut, and soy options. There are, however, still eggs in sight. The best farmed ones we can find (and afford).
Traveling over the hill to visit my parents we go with what’s easiest for them. And we bring our own contributions, which will invariably be fresh fruits and vegetables with not-overly-chemical-laden dressings and dips. Raw versions of things she’d like to try, or just a few “better” options for everyone to enjoy. But, I do want you to know that when I’m there I ALWAYS eat her cookies. And she has cookies on hand ALWAYS. I’ve gotten better about limiting how many I eat though, so I count that as a plus.
Going to a restaurant is basically my Get Out Of Dieting Free card. I haven’t ordered beef or chicken in years, so that hasn’t changed. Salmon is top of my list, then shrimp. After that, I let my son figure out what I’d like. Several times Emmy and I have split an entrée and had extra salads. (Restaurant salads are outstandingly fun and creative.) And we stop half way through the meal. Have to. Desserts are mandatory.
Bottom line for me is that I learned so much about food and marketing (beef and dairy industries, you should be ashamed of yourselves!) and what it really means to be GOOD food. I’m never going to be completely one thing or another, but I’ve found a perfectly nice in-between that suits me. And that nice guy who cooks my meals.
(Ask anything about this topic, I know I’m forgetting some category or a bit of information that might be helpful for someone who is looking to eat better or lose weight or just get healthier.)
Speaking of great things assembled in our kitchen by my Beloved, the recipe that I could find for our salad dressing is as follows, it was labeled “vegan” because they recommended cold-pressed oil. Just thought I’d mention it, in case that’s important to you.
1/4 cup raw tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon agave nectar
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Combine all ingredients, except parsley, in blender or food processor (remember, we used our wand mixer), adding more or less liquid as needed. Add parsley and pulse until finely minced and well combined. Dressing will thicken in refrigerator so add a bit more liquid as needed.
For some reason ours has coconut milk in it, could be just because it tasted slightly bitter and we had a can on hand from some other thing we were making that night (or this is the wrong recipe entirely). Don’t remember. But there ya have it.
Our card today is such a nice change from yesterday (more on that tomorrow, I guess it’s not REALLY as “let go” as I thought).
“Chrysoprase ~ fertility, love, compassion, truth uplifting.
Chrysoprase helps open the heart centre and allows you to feel the presence of divine unconditional love. You are entering a fertile period that will enable you to creatively express your true nature in a loving and compassionate way. Through this you will give birth to new ideas that reflect and align with your true essence.
All you would love to create, manifest, and achieve is now possible, provided you remain true to yourself. Listen to what your heart is saying; be guided by your intuition and you will create the success and fulfillment you so rightly deserve.
Many wondrous experiences are in store for you.”
Nice, huh? Yeah, we need to be on the look-out for more cards by this guy. I am definitely a fan of his work.
Today’s Deck:
Crystal Oracle Cards by Toni Carmine Salerno
On Our Way Out The Door:
look what Dan just brought me!
Lilacs!
And my bike is fixed!
