Nutritarians in November!

AustinRuadhain

Welcome to November! Here's a new thread, if we want to keep up the monthly themes! (Also, I like this picture. I hung a copy on my fridge.)

Mihani

Thanks Austin! I'm so bad about remembering to start a new thread the 1st of the month, glad you're staying on it!

I have had a rough week struggling with emotional eating (pasta and bread are my comfort foods) and indulging in wine. I'm meeting some friends tonight and will have a couple of glasses of wine then back to strict ETL tomorrow. I still need to work on regular exercise.

AustinRuadhain

Hi @Mihani - I am so sorry you are having a rough week. I hope this is a restful evening.

By the way, I had those mushrooms this evening (the ones roasted with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder; parsley added). They are great!


As far as exercise -- maybe just start by squeezing in a little more walking? I am up to long walks now, but started by doing little walks around the block.

Mihani

Austin, I'm all over the balsamic mushrooms. The Hello Nutritarian recipe calls simply for balsamic and no-salt seasoning, but instead of the no-salt seasoning I used paprika, garlic powder and something else can't remember now. I love the flavor of rosemary with mushrooms but I couldn't find it. I might have run out better add that to my grocery list. I got two 16 oz packages of mushrooms yesterday will make another batch tonight. I know I just have to make the time and effort to get in some exercise. I honestly think I'm just unmotivated, but once I get into the habit I enjoy it.

Did some prep yesterday and will finish today. I'm going to make Dr. F's kale and cabbage casserole. I love that stuff. And a salad dressing or two. Tons of work to do too, but working from home at least.

AustinRuadhain

Hey, @Mihani !

I will try spicing up the balsamic mushrooms! I made them as per the recipe this time, and thought I would add more spice the next time. I grow rosemary, so that's definitely an option!

Cabbage and Kale Casserole sounds good. I'll see if that one is in my Dr F cookbook.

On my meal prep plans for tonight -- zucchini noodles with sweet onions and baby peppers, the OhSheGlows spiced lentil soup, and maybe also a pumpkin soup. I have a lot of weight to lose and am going lightly on pumpkin, but I just love it!

Mihani

Austin, the kale and cabbage casserole is in the quick & easy cookbook. I add a lot of cracked black pepper to the blender when making the sauce as I think it's a little bland as written, but it's really good like an old fashioned noodle casserole, only cabbage for noodles. How did your soups turn out?

My internet went down yesterday and I didn't get as much work done as hoped. I'm going to have to put in some long days this week to make up for my lazy weekend, but I also feel like after the past week it didn't hurt to have a little time detached from the stress of work.

AustinRuadhain

Hi Mihani! I made the OhSheGlows spiced lentil soup yesterday. It's very nice. I like the spices!

Pumpkin soup had to wait, as thing got busy.

I found the Cabbage and Kale recipe. Thank you!

Monday unplugged sounds like it was nice! I hope things stay relatively calm despite the makeup work.

Mihani

I love that red lentil kale soup from OSG, Austin! Glad you enjoyed it. I forgot to mention I also throw a pinch of cayenne in the sauce for the kale and cabbage casserole.

Gotta 'fess up y'all. I am totally off the rails the past couple weeks. Emotional/distracted eating is my enemy. I am committing myself to 100% 6 week plan strict starting with dinner tonight... not tomorrow... NOW.

bisky

Hi all. I am back home for 8 days. It was a stressful trip. I got on the scales last night (don't know why after traveling) and I was up 7 lbs....and then this morning I weighed in and was only 2 lbs up.

Mihani - I understand the stress eating. Hugs. I will commit too for next 7 days except for my coffee. I did find a delicious almond vanilla creamer. Hocus Pocus I need coffee to focus. hahahaha.

Lots of stress eating of carbs (crackers, chips and pretzels), ice cream and wine. My oldest sister has horrible unhealthy eating habits mixed with anorexia. She has always controlled her weight this way. Yep, she stopped eating during all this. Skipping breakfast, eating nuts for lunch, chocolate and crackers for snacks and then small boring salad at dinner with lots of wine. The only thing that saved me was this small hospital had the most beautiful clean salad bar with beans, beets, spinach, fresh cut veggies, etc etc and a wonderful balsamic vinegar I could put on. Then the hot foods always included unbuttered roasted vegetable mix of red peppers, mushrooms, onion, broccoli and cauliflower.Added balsamic vinegar to that too. I actually would get two servings and take one home. Hahaha, I will miss the hospital cafeteria food! It looked better than a Whole Foods salad bar and much cheaper.

Meanwhile Mr. Brooks has been vegetarian while I was gone (I am sure it has nothing to do with his upcoming Pt test hahaha but he looked great).

Yesterday we had to take little Charlie Bear up to Texas A&M for tests and CXR. It was an amazing place...kinda like the Mayo Clinic for animals. So far everything came up normal including the CXR which was a relief. He is only 2 and has severe exercise intolerance here in Texas compared to my older dogs. European West Highland Terriers have a genetic disease called Westie Lung disease and it usually starts at an older age but now we have a baseline CXR to compare as he gets older.

Going to store to get mushrooms for balsamic roasted mushrooms. Do you slice mushrooms or roast them whole? Plus going to make a black bean soup this afternoon with added vegetables. Going to thinly chop up kale, spinach, cilantro and green onions to sprinkle on top....know it sounds weird but I enjoy the cilantro and it kinda takes over the taste of the greens.

I love the food chart pictured for this month! Going to do what I can until after xmas and then start training for next years Triathlons.

Cheers!

Mihani

Hi Donna! Good to see you back. Sorry to hear so much stress for you and your sister. How is your BIL doing? The very basic recipe from Hello Nutritarian just calls for balsamic and no-salt seasoning, bake at 375 for 20 minutes, stir then bake another 20 minutes or until moisture is gone, remove from oven and toss with a little more balsamic. I didn't measure the balsamic and didn't use no-salt seasoning (used paprika and garlic powder, but I love rosemary with mushrooms and need to get more). They were seriously tasty that way. I never used balsamic when roasting mushrooms before, not sure why I never thought of it! I cut mine in half or quarters depending on size and the flavor permeates every bit of them.

I picked up my kitty's cremated remains tonight (waahhh) ... but he was so sick I really feel comfortable that I did right by him and he had a great long life.

Left work a little early today and going to get some cooking done. I never got around to the cabbage and kale casserole so I will get that made tonight, along with roasted asparagus. I use soy sauce, ginger, garlic and sesame seeds. Sooooo good. I will eat them leftover cold out of the fridge like pretzel sticks LOL

bisky

Mihani - I am so sorry about your kitty. They are so sweet.
Well, too much cleaning and dog walking...did not get to the store but will tomorrow. Made veggie black bean burgers with brussel sprouts and green beans. They found the damm peppermint chocolate trader joes cookies Brooks bought. sigh.

mizmichele

Hi everyone. I've got a lot of kale in my garden so will have to find the kale and cabbage recipe. Sounds delish as does those mushrooms.

I've been doing better at exercise and getting back to logging finally. Had some blood work done and that was the final straw to start tracking. I started the premium trial to see what if any additional info that gives me. Is anyone else here on premium?

Mihani

Hiya mizmichele, what all do you have in your veggie garden? I've never tried the premium version of MFP but I pretty much quit using anything about it other than this group. I don't track or check my newsfeed. Let us know what you think of it.

I think I mentioned a while back I ordered a bunch of PlantPure entrees which were developed by Dr. Caldwell's son so are ETL compliant although a little heavier on starches. Most of the vegan doctors encourage a lot more starches than Dr. F though. I got a good deal on them, and most of them have been pretty tasty. I still have quite a few left, but I don't think I will order again. For the money I'd be so much better off cooking and freezing my own entrees. I'll admit it has been convenient having them with being so busy the past few weeks.

I'm going to the store today to restock my salad and roasting veggies and will get them prepped this weekend. Meeting family for dinner but the place is vegan friendly and I'll limit myself to one glass of wine. I'm thinking of doing bowls the coming week for dinners. I enjoy them and they are so easy to throw together. I just need to figure out a couple sauces. Probably make one BBQ and one tahini based.

Mihani

Have had a busy and stressful few days. Managed to get groceries to make salads but not my cooked veggies. After struggling quite a bit the past couple weeks I had a 100% ETL day yesterday. I'm going to stay 6 week plan strict until Thanksgiving Day then back at it after that until Christmas other than a couple parties. I don't really go overboard at parties on food because there usually aren't a ton of vegan options so no temptation there. I do like my wine though!

AustinRuadhain

Hi @Mihani! I got a bunch of shopping done last night, but managed to forget a key item (frozen greens for morning smoothies), so I will be stopping by again today. I picked up a couple of pounds of turnips to try roasting. I was planning to just sprinkle them with herbs, but a sauce could be a thing to try too!

I am also planning to make a harvest bean soup out of Dr Fuhrman's original cookbook. It's cold, so soup sounds especially appealing!

I have started working on my Thanksgiving meal plan as well. We will be eating with family, and they will be fine if I bring some vegan things as long as I also bring sweet potato souffle. That could be made vegan, but they want the old standard with butter, eggs and sugar!

I have been making my salad dressing with nonfat refried beans, and my husband likes it, too. So there's an idea for anyone looking for a new thing to try.

Mihani

What kind of salad dressing are you making Austin? I haven't really thought yet about what I will take. Maybe a basic veggie/quinoa salad and the chocolate pumpkin loaf from FOK cookbook. That's always a big hit.

Another 100% ETL day here. The day is not over, but if I make it through work without snacking I'm fine in the evenings.

AustinRuadhain

Hey, @Mihani ! Congratulations on your great ETL day!

A couple of my favorite salad dressings:
- 1/3 cup mashed beans (I use canned no fat 'refried' when in a hurry), plus enough water to thin to a nice consistency (I start with 1/6 cup and then add). Mix until smooth and a good consistency and then add spices to taste. I pick out a Mrs Dash flavor and add a couple of teaspoons.
- 1/2 a cucumber, peeled and cut in chunks, plus one kiwi, peeled and cut in chunks. I mix until smooth using an immersion blender.

I am going to try making a dressing out of some red lentil soup today. I will just whip it with the immersion blender and see how that goes. I think it will be nice.

I bought some arrowroot powder, and am going to try a very simple salad dressing recipe from the Quick and Easy ETL cookbook -- vinegar (1/2 c, flavored suggested, I'll be using apple cider vinegar), water (1 c), arrowroot powder (2 t).

Ooh, and one more thing -- I saw a Nutritarian-friendly, tasty-looking recipe on the MFP blog today: https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/slow-cooker-turmeric-lentil-stew/

AustinRuadhain

@mizmichele - I am on premium because I was paying a lot of attention to macros for many months, aiming for the Zone Diet 40-40-20 distribution. I eventually decided to quit worrying about the macros and focus more on eating nutrient-dense foods, so I am not using that now. I have not figured out if there is anything else I need. The lack of ads is nice, and I am glad to chip in a little to have this be here.

Mihani

I like the idea of the cucumber/kiwi dressing, Austin. Sounds nice and light with some sweetness. I'm finding most of the dressings I try out kind of meh... I don't know if it is the recipes or just me. I really like a mix of a little braggs or balsamic and some dijon or spicy brown mustard on salads lately. Or some homemade hummus and a little balsamic. I was out to dinner this past weekend and got a double order of the plain steamed veggies from the sides, everyone was laughing when I asked for dijon to put on my veggies, but I love it lol. The lentil stew looks really good. I am planning on making some soups this weekend. With the cold weather I'm craving things that are hearty and warm.

I am not totally grooving on salads this week with it getting so cold. I think I'm going to get some steamer bags of broccoli and dump them on my salads for lunches so I get the warm/cold thing, or take some beans separately to heat up and throw in there warm.

AustinRuadhain

Hi @Mihani ! I am definitely going to try this: "a mix of a little braggs or balsamic and some dijon or spicy brown mustard."

I get the wanting salad to have a warm element in the winter!. I have been cooking mushrooms in the microwave oven and tossing them on top. 4 oz mushrooms and a splash of Bragg's, zap for a minute or so, add spice if desired (like a heavy dash of Mrs Dash Southwest Chipotle), and put on the top of the salad.

Mihani

I never thought of cooking mushrooms in the microwave Austin... thanks for that!

Was out again tonight and had 2 drinks and some appetizers. Hummus and veggies so not too bad but the hummus would obviously have oil at a restaurant, and a couple spring rolls. I really need to get back on track here. I do fine mostly but I am not in loss mode the past few weeks, just maintaining a weight I'm not happy with.

whats_her_name

Just popping in for a quick hello. I've had a really good week. Down 10.2 lbs in just 10 days. Woo hoo! But it's basically cutting out every other thing in my life right now. No time for extra-curriculars when you're on the treadmill for 3 hours per day!! (I've got so many blisters...)

My fitbit is finally celebrating my successes every day with nearly 23,000 steps each day. I'm usually hitting between 9.5 - 10.5 miles every day.

For food, I'm doing a handful of nuts and a green smoothie for bfast, a sensible lunch as my main meal, and then another green smoothie for my supper.

I have 5 weeks before I go to Orlando and I'm determined to at the very least fit back into my old summer clothes!!

Mihani

Hi Karrie! Have missed you. How goes the cabin rebuild? When you get on track you are totally glued to the tracks so I have no doubt you'll make your goal, but be careful eating so light. Make sure you are getting enough healthy fats and food. Yay for Orlando!

Doing better the past few days here. I'm sure Thanksgiving will involve some indulgences (wine and vegan stuffing and such) but it won't be so bad. I will get totally back to 6 week plan starting Friday and keep that up until Christmas Eve other than two parties coming up in December where I'm sure I will indulge in wine.

whats_her_name

Yes, my main meal is full all that good stuff; it's a pretty big meal!!

I killed my treadmill today. It's good and dead. So now I have to come up with a back-up plan while we either get this one repaired or buy a new one. Sheesh. There's always something.

The cabin fix is still underway. Painting and new flooring happening this week. They've also put on the new doors and windows, and the new siding is almost completed. It might not be painted outside until spring since it's already winter here, but at least it's installed.

So in another week or two, they should be putting all the furniture back. I hope. It's been a bit of a slower process than I had hoped, and I REALLY want my OSG Cookbook back!!!!

Mihani

At least there's some progress Karrie. I couldn't survive without my OSG cookbook! I'm actually thinking of buying a new one because some of the pages are falling out of it now and it is splattered and stained LOL. So sorry about the treadmill. Hope it's an easy repair.

I have decided to make a big batch of balsamic mushrooms for my Thanksgiving dinner contribution. I am hooked on them and I know my family will like them.

I know several people in this group are Canadian so you already had your Thanksgiving, but interested in what everyone finds most tempting or worth blowing it for a day. I admit the starchy carb festival is kind of heavenly. I love the potatoes and dressing. My family is kind enough to do separate batches vegan for me. Back when I ate meat the turkey was never the star of the show to me.

mizmichele

For me blowing it would be vegan ice cream, chips, vegan chocolate and going out to a vegan restaurant as most everything there is full of fat.

Well time for bed although I don't know why I bother. I've been up the last few nights..just can't sleep. Not sure if it's an age thing or too much on my mind.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Mihani

We have some really good vegan restaurants around here Michele, and I'm glad to see even regular restaurants are offering more items that are vegan other than salad. I don't go out to eat often (every 2 to 3 months maybe) so it's a treat night for me when I do. Hope you were able to get some sleep last night.

I am so ready to get back on track today. I feel sluggish from wine and bread and potatoes, but it was all good and a fun time with family. We aren't technically open today but I'm going to the office for a few hours to work on some things, then I'll stop at the store to get lettuce since I had to throw out the two packages of romaine I just bought. Why are these warnings always the romaine???

My plan for the next couple weeks is to really get down to basics again. Breakfasts will be fruit with chia seeds, a couple walnuts and a sprinkle of oats, or a green smoothie with chia seeds. My usual big ol' salad at lunch. Dinners will be soup or a simple beans/greens/veggies plate. I plan to spend the rest of the day after I get home from the office prepping and cooking. I've been really lazy about these things lately. I just lost my enthusiasm for cooking and prepping, but it's the single most important thing if I want to stay on track.

AustinRuadhain

Hello!

I had to throw away a bunch of yummy-looking romaine, too, and hated doing it. I love romaine!

Are you getting make into the meal prep rhythm? I sympathize with getting tired of cooking and prepping. It sounds like life is being really busy right now. Your strategy of doing some simpler meals sounds like a smart one.

My meal prep strategy of late has been making sure to listen to a good movie or podcast. That can really help make the time a treat for me.

For Thanksgiving, I whipped up several nutritarian recipes and had a great meal, yummy enough to pass on all the sweets that usually call me name. I will make all of these again:
Truly delicious pumpkin-almond dressing (ate it atop a spinach salad)
Cauliflower and brussels sprouts mash with roasted garlic
Apple cranberry relish

Okay, I promised myself a little extra exercise today, since I spent 6 hours driving yesterday. Off for a little movement!

Mihani

The cauli/brussels mash sounds yummy Austin! Can you share the recipe? Ugh lots of driving yesterday for you! Sorry you lost your romaine too. It is my easy go-to lettuce and I hate being afraid of the stuff now.

Made a big haul at the grocery. Two heads each of green and red leaf which I will get all cleaned and prepped. I really want to try to get in a small salad at dinner in addition to my big salad lunch. When I added salads to dinner for a while I lost more weight. Have carrots, radishes and beets to run through the food processor and grape tomatoes for my raw veggie additions. Also got broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and mushrooms to cook that I can have with greens or add to salads. Going to make a pot of red lentil kale soup and the cabbage and kale casserole. Also the eat your greens detox soup from OSG cookbook. I haven't tried that one yet, but the OSG soup recipes are always winners (just leave out the oil and added salt) and it sounds great for ETL with kale, mushrooms and broccoli included in it. Doesn't look like it's on the OSG website but found it here: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/eat-your-greens-detox-soup-52697481 I might add a can of kidney beans.

I would say all that should get me well into next week!

AustinRuadhain

Hi @Mihani !

The cauli/brussels mash was a riff on a Dr Fuhrman recipe: I used:
1 head cauliflower (about 24 oz)
1 lb sweet white onions (about 16 oz)
1 lb Brussels sprouts
Several cloves roasted garlic (start with just a little and add to your taste)

I steamed the onions, cauli & sprouts. I put the veggies and garlic in a large bowl, and mixed with an immersion mixer until I got to a texture I liked (fairly smooth, but I made sure there were still chunks of the Brussels sprouts).

Dr Fuhrman has a recipe in one of his cookbooks that adds cashews and does not include roasted garlic.

Your food prepping plans sound fabulous! I am gong to steal a few ideas, including that green detox soup, which looks super yummy!

Mihani

That sounds really good Austin, I'll give that a try soon. I didn't get the soups and casserole made last night as I was at the office later than anticipated.

Today's plan, brought work home so no office. Finish prepping and do laundry. Visit a friend for a little bit this afternoon, then back home to work some more. Suppose I better get busy since I want to be done cooking and at my desk by noon.

Oh, I made the Clean Food Dirty Girl T-Crack Dressing that Carla recommended. The first time I made it I thought it was too sweet, but I cut the dates back to 3 and added more lemon and now I'm totally hooked! I ate a veggie sandwich last night (lettuce, cucumber, tomato piled high on sprouted grain toast) and used the dressing like mayo and it was awesome. https://cleanfooddirtygirl.com/lifes-guarantees-plant-based-lemon-tahini-dressing/#wprm-recipe-container-38009