Nutritious November

Mihani

Happy November! Hard to believe the year is winding down. It has been unreal, and I won't miss 2020 a bit.

Looking back at end of October posts...

Magic, love that Lulu shares your veggies! My pup is always front and center when I'm putting together my salads. He especially likes carrots, green beans and summer squash.

Austin, you reminded me I want to get more jicama. Crunchy and delightful. Still haven't tried goji berries.

I enjoyed my taco salad yesterday and looking forward to those all week. I used black beans yesterday and will use the rest today, but may make refried pinto beans tomorrow for the rest of the week. I like the mixture of warm and cold in taco salads.

I'm going to dig out my panda planner today and start using that again. Goals for November are to continue the good habits of the past week (no snacking, more fruit), try to keep limits on work demands at least on the weekends, and daily treadmill and yoga plus weights 3 times a week.

Today's plan...
B - ezekiel toast, apple, smidge of PB
L - taco salad
D - leftover cooked veggies, cheezy chickpeas, a pear

magic71755

Morning lady, super plants! LOVE the name for November, Mihani...perrrrrrrrfecto!

Just having coffee...and then off the races. Managed a good night's sleep...don't cha just love that. Always grateful.

Mihani, your menu sounds delish...and I will say, I love the refried beans in the salad...makes it more substantial...and I love the crunchy salad with the soft, warm beans.

Today's menu is a repeat of yesterdays. Not too happy...but I will be back on the salad trail for dinner tomorrow night.

My juice load I made over my weekend is staying fresh, thanks to vacuum sealing. BIO CHEF gizmo from this juice guy on YOUTUBE. He sells juicers and knows more about juicing that anyone. Here's the link if anyone is interested... https://www.youtube.com/user/rawfoods

Wishing all of your a splendid day...

AustinRuadhain

Happy November, friends!

Magic, I hope you are having a great day at work.

I am running today's menu as pretty much a repeat of yesterday, with some changes as I am running low on produce. Lots of extra beets today, as I am low on several other things! I love root vegetables. I keep waiting to see parsnips at the store, but no joy on that yet.

magic71755

AUSTIN...so happy to see you...love the graphic...work is going fine...finished two juices and lunch...at about 3:30 will have my second carrot/apple/ginger/lemon

After work, baked potato, steamed carrot/broccoli and cauliflower.

I am learning to live without eating so much all day long. The juicing helps for me to get over the hump.

The pain from two nights ago...nothing like that since. I had some salad bean and veggies ... made by someone at work...wondering if there was something in that that totally set off the inflammation in my knees...actually both.

Oh well, better today.

Later, dollies.

magic71755

Late afternoon check in...having a 16 oz carrot/apple/ginger/lemon juice

I think, once home, just baked potato with Lulu...I am so tired.

I squeezed into my pants today...they are 8s...and I am not THAT small...they are killing my waist. Need to put back in closet and take out in when 10 pounds go missing.

Later, kiddos!

AustinRuadhain

Quick evening check in: my big salad tonight was a TACO salad of sorts. Thanks for the inspiration, @Mihani and @Magic71755 !

B-green smoothie (broccoli, blueberries, spinach, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, flax meal, hemp hearts), mango and apple slices
L-spinach, navy beans, tomatoes & green chiles plus diced raw onion; steamed carrots, beets & mushrooms; steamed butternut, cranberries & jicama plus diced fresh apple
S-almond butter, goji berries & cashews
D-chopped salad (romaine, green bell pepper, radish, celery, roma tomato, celery, cucumber, onion, avocado), apple cider vinegar, spicy navy beans; steamed pumpkin, jicama & butternut with diced apple; goji berries & smidge of almond butter

magic71755

November 2 Monday's PLAN

black coffee
16 oz homemade celery juice
16 oz homemade carrot/apple/ginger/lemon juice
Gardein Frozen Italian Sausage and Pasta Bowl - 8.5oz
16 oz homemade carrot/apple/ginger/lemon juice
Taco Salad... romaine, LTO, corn salsa, heated refried beans, two corn tortillas baked and broken into salad, pico de gallo

Ginger Lemon Tea

ShredWeek1

Morning, Plant Family!

I'm working on pushing my top priorities to the a.m., so planning my menu on MFP, getting my piano practice in (I have a zoom recital in January), working out and working on my website for my new business.

Hard to believe that we are heading towards the end of the year.

Despite all, I think this has been a good year...I have a Plant Family, our son passed his first college class, and everyone in our household is healthy.

Hope everyone is well. You each inspire me every day!

Mihani

Hi all... crazy day! Sooo busy at work still. I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. Just trying to stay calm, remember to breathe, and remember I'm doing the best I can.

Austin, I too love root veggies, especially roasted. Brings out so much flavor.

Magic, I'm all about comfort these days. I get putting those pants away until they fit well! I enjoyed my taco salad last night so much and looking forward to another one tonight. Glad you reminded me of them.

Shred, that's so cool you are doing your piano recital. Have you been playing long?

Did okay today...
B - ezekiel toast with a smidge of PB
L - Dr. McDougall soup and an apple, a few pretzels
D - taco salad!

bisky

Hello!

It has been a long time but I am back for a while. So much has happened with everyone. I have been reading posts to catch up. You all are so inspiring.

I was in the hospital last month for severe anemia. Thank you to Mihani for suggesting I take B12 when I went towards a more vegetarian diet because my B12 and Folate normals were normal so my anemia was not diet related. It is due to either blood loss somewhere or not absorbing iron. I have had a million tests. Good news LDL, HDL and total cholesterol were all good and I attribute that to not eating meat. I do have eggs or fish in my diet but not everyday. Plus my A1C was 5.0 which is great.
I do have a large hiatal hernia that needs surgery so I am going to try to lose 20 more lbs prior to surgery (maybe in January).
Anyways today: B- bran cereal, blueberries, walnuts and almond milk. Coffee & almond creamer L - Salade lettuce, quinoa, avocado and turmeric dressing. Snack Norwegian see bread with all nut butter Dinner - black bean and lentil soup, dirty rice with vegan chorizo.

Mihani

Hi Bisky!!! Welcome back. Glad to see you. Sorry to hear of your health issues. Surgery sure doesn't sound fun, but I'm happy to hear your labs were all good.

Today's plan...
B - oats with blueberries and chia seeds
L - taco salad, almond milk yogurt
D - cooked veggies and brown rice

magic71755

November 3 Tuesday
Vote 6AM in person!
Coffee
Carrot/Ginger/Lemon/Apple juice
Birthday Brunch* at sister's...

HOME with My Best Girl...
Taco Salad for Dinner
Enjoy Life Cookies for dessert with Ginger/Lemon tea

*So, I had emailed my sister, asking what she was serving...never got an answer. Decided to just ask if it was all right for me to bring my own food today...(I mean, that is so weird, right? ) You would think, she would have said something nicer or more caring that YES.

We do not pick our families...but man, how rude of my sister. Apparently she thinks my plant based life is a joke. She could have said something like, of course...or I will have veggies there for you to snack on...but NO. I guarantee it there will be nothing JUST PLANT BASED.

I am just going to make it easy on myself. Making a sandwich...and a good one. Had stopped with the bread for awhile...but just so I do not have to use her stove or oven...I am bringing something easy. I picked up sour dough from trader joe's yesterday...wheat but no dairy. And I will be using plant based meat and cheese. It is an emergency kind of thing...so I think this one time will be ok.

I already feel isolated when I go to her house for gatherings...when eating different than everyone else...so I was thinking a sandwich would be simple. I hate that gatherings make me crazy nervous. She only having 13 people...and I will stay AWAY from everyone.

Will stay just a short time...and back with Lulu. This is my first time being near this many people other than work.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Welcome back Bisky. So sorry about your health problems.

Just finishing my black coffee and then off to vote. Love you guys. HUGS all around.

magic71755

Enjoy life cookies...vegan...totally processed obviously...but you know what...I am still looking for something sweet and yummy after all this time. This brand is wheat free and everything else free...and they come in single mini packages...so portioned out for me. Making excuses, I know...but it seems to be working to satisfy my sweet tooth.

The end. https://enjoylifefoods.com/collections/cookies?gclid=CjwKCAiAnIT9BRAmEiwANaoE1VI2KSWN7RfcKpeQ2t00upsB5stQHMNirshpeZPfDkW-gfQat6sjNxoCv1kQAvD_BwE

bisky

Magic, I understand about sisters. Two years ago I spent most of the fall living with my older sister to help her with her husband who was sick. She is an unhealthy thin person…her diet would be coffee for breakfast, chocolate for lunch with more coffee and then steak, salad, cooked vegetable (with cheese & butter) and a salad and wine. I was so hungry all the time l stayed with her I turned to carbs (chips, cookies, etc) to fill me up and then cheese. I had such a hard time sticking up for myself other than refusing to eat meat. I felt as if my diet was stressing her out even more. I learned a very hard lesson because it set me back for a year with all the cravings for sugar. Meat is not a problem but processed carbs? Yep.

Anyways, recently found out about chickpea pasta, Banza…OMG a whole new world has opened up in my kitchen!!!! My husband can’t tell the difference with some of my favorite pasta dishes I learned in Italy.

B- coffee, bran flakes, blueberries, walnuts, sunflower seeds and almond milk
L - black bean & lentil vegetable soup with green salad and almond dressing
D - salad with quinoa, roasted vegetables and almond curry dressing

E - long walk with friend & dogs

magic71755

Not exactly sure what you mean...but I don’t eat any animal products...at all. So yeah, meat is a problem.

Today’s plant based 🥪 is just for convenience in a sticky situation.

Every once in awhile this type of compromise is necessary. But I absolutely will never go back to meat, dairy or eggs.

AustinRuadhain

Good morning!
Things are hopping here today --woohoo!

@magic71755 Hurray for getting up early to cast your ballot!
And also hurray for taking care of yourself at your sister's brunch. I am sorry that is not an easier relationship, and I sympathize. I have a sister I don't talk to much. And come to think of it, the last time I was at her house, she served a lunch my son could not eat (food allergy, which she knew about, and those can be a no-joke thing). We just didn't eat. So, people can be... oblivious. All I can do in that situation is assume that whatever I am doing doesn't much matter to others, really. Breathe. Smile. Keep moving.

Anyway, sending you a hug.

Oooh, and in case it helps, BJ Fogg (author of Tiny Habits) included these great suggestion for a tiny habit relating to anxiety in this week's newsletter. I have been using #3 since I read the suggestion!
“After I realize I’m rushing, I will slow down 20%.”
“After I feel anxious, I will slow my movements until I feel calmer.”
“After I recognize tension inside myself, I will deliberately move more slowly.”

@bisky
So glad to see you here! And I am so sorry to hear about your health problems, and so glad to hear you are feeling better.
Your story of living with your sister -- oh, ouch. That would have been disastrous for me, too. I don't tell most people that I don't eat added sugar because it seems so crazy to most. And it's not a change I made because I didn't love the taste. It was just that the health cost for me was awful.

@Mihani
What a great food plan!

My treat today has been pepitas. I am roasting a pumpkin and made sure to toast the seeds as well. I never quite remember how good fresh roasted pumpkin seeds are. I had them instead of flax meal at breakfast. Yum!

Mihani

Hope you can relax and enjoy your visit, Magic. Covid makes gatherings so complicated and tense.

Austin, I've never roasted my own pumpkin seeds. Will have to try that! I love pumpkin seeds. So good sprinkled on salads or over pasta dishes.

Off for dinner and settling in to watch election returns. Doubt I can stay awake long enough to see the west coast.

bisky

Magic, what I meant was saying no to meat was not a problem with me. What I struggle with is unhealthy carbs (pasta, cookies, chips and bread).

ShredWeek1

Hello, Bisky! Glad to meet you.

We mailed in our ballots so no standing in line for us, but the tension is definitely there.

I'm "bingeing" on potatoes..which is far better than what I used to binge on.

I'm back to doing an hour at the gym each day. Like most states, ours has terrible Covid numbers so I don't know how long my gym will stay open ..but I'm going to persist.

I'm trying to reduce my on-line time (the election, et al)...but thankful for all of you, and a returning member of the Plant Family.

(Oh, and family: My SIL, whom I call Fang...never to her face, but a woman who can't seem to check the mail without getting into an argument has mocked my diet for decades. She and I are a year apart in age...she's had a hip replacement, she's 60 lbs overweight, high blood pressure, sleep apnea..and my BIL is in a similar boat in terms of health.

I don't wish anyone ill, but I'm glad my husband, I and our son (he's been a vegetarian since the womb!) focus on plant foods. We could all stand to lose a few lbs (we do love eating...) but I don't see us ever ending up spending 98% of our days sitting cause we are too obese to stand for any length of time.

I wouldn't mind the occasional complaint..but I must admit the outright mockery does not bring out my more noble side!

magic71755

November 4 Wednesday

black coffee
celery juice
avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion sandwich on sourdough
big ol' Asian pear
carrot apple ginger lemon juice
more taco salad
lemon ginger tea, Enjoy Life cookies




Thanks so much for all the support, lovelies! Yesterday, get this...my sister served up Belgian waffles with syrup, whip cream...and butter...this egg dish she makes...granted it is good, if you are not plant based...but not good for you...egg, tons of cheese, green chilies ... I think cottage cheese...oh I don't even know since I don't eat it...all baked and served up hot...what else? Cheese and crackers and grapes to snack on before brunch; ...oh, and there was a fruit salad...which I had...nothing added. Cake pretty decadent coffee cake.

I sat at one of the tables with my sandwich and fruit salad...later, I had one of my carrot/apple juices. NO ONE said a word. My sister did not ask if I needed anything or if I was ok...nothing. WE ARE NOT CLOSE...we never have been...it really is sad. My mom said, years ago...that's your sister...you either accept her the way she is, or NOT.

I mean, she was talking on the cell phone to one of the group from Colorado who could not make it...she came over to the table I was at and told the gal on the phone...here is and named off all the couples at the table, and left ME OFF. One of the husbands said AND NANC! Oh well.

Oh well, I came home, hugged Lulu and settled in for the results. What a mess it all is. I just pray our police do not get injured or God Forbid, killed, trying to stop the idiots rioting all ready.

I have booked my organizer for four days in December. In the meantime, I have to declutter all the rooms in the house, so she can then organize what I am keeping...that is MY CHRISTMAS/HANNUKAH present for LULU AND ME!

Later dollies...I am going to finish my coffee and then get ready to go get gas, and head to Costco. I want those yummy Asian Pears.

LOVE YOU!

magic71755

What do you all wash your veggies with?

I use a salt and vinegar solution...or baking soda.

Good ?
Bad?
Your ideas?

ShredWeek1

Happy Wed. Last night I ate more than I did in the preceding two days, and then I finally decided that no amount of eating would make my election anxiety go away!

So, today, back to habits which support my well-being!

Magic: My older brother and I could not have been more different, and there was a fair amount of sibling rivalry, so I feel for you. I just tried to remember that no one had lived that childhood with me other than he, and tried to focus our relationship on that commonality...though no easy, since he could be pretty dismissive.

bisky

Magic - I am sorry about the experience with your sister. My favorite quote: “Acquiring a dog may be the only time a person gets to choose a relative.” – Mordecai Siegal

Shred - thank you for the welcome. I decided to reduce my Facebook time and Next door neighbor time and all news for a while and just concentrate on getting my strength back and positive attitude. I really went down a rabbit hole with 2020. I think being sick it was easy to just surf the internet and social media too much.

Austin - I agree with about sugar. Some people say it is not a true addiction. I was listening to Dr. Furman talk about what sugar does to the brain last night and it seems like a drug that makes you crave more. I fell off the wagon big time being around my older sister. I never had a problem with alcohol or drugs but I understand the cravings. Once I go down that road of chips, cookies and bread...I want more and am never satisfied.

Mihani - again TY for the advice about folate and B vitamins. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that advice. Of course my family and meat eating friends point to the mostly vegetarian diet saying that caused anemia when it didn't. With B12 being normal it pointed to blood loss. I hope the Drs figure it out. I don't want a bone marrow biopsy.

Beautiful day here in San Antonio. Took the 3 terrors for a 40 minute walk in the park. Did a 60 minute walk yesterday. Towards the end of the walk, I didn't realize my oversized yorkie had slipped his halter but stayed beside my schnauzer & the westie. He was a rescue who had no leash training 4 years ago and now heals like a champ.

B- coffee, spinach, blood orange, banana, ginger, flax seed and almond milk smoothie
L - Roasted vegetables on spinach, walnuts,beans and 2 oz salmon
D - Black bean & lentil soup
snack - Norwegian seed bread with all nut butter

Mihani

I have some catching up to do!

Bisky, the starchy carbs are my big temptation as you know. I am not sure I will ever have it fully under control, but it's certainly a lot better than it used to be. That's too cute the yorkie hung out even off the leash. The roasted veggies on spinach sounds heavenly. Keeping you in my thoughts that the docs can figure out what's going on with you.

Shred, yay for keeping up the gym routine! I hope you can keep going but better safe than sorry when it comes to covid exposure. I meant to ask, what are you planning to play at your piano recital?

Wow, Magic. Your sister does sound rather vindictive, not naming you with the other folks at her gathering. Glad you will be able to finish the decluttering and organizing soon. Oh, and I just wash my veggies in plain old water.

Austin, I actually filled out my panda planner today! I felt guilty that I recommended it and here you are running with it and mine was still collecting dust! How is your husband's recovery going?

I had a pretty good day at the office. It was a little quieter than usual and I managed to get a few files off my desk. That felt good.

B - oats with blueberries and chia seeds and vanilla almond milk yogurt mixed in... oh yum!
L - Dr. McD soup, raw carrot and radish, lara bar
D - taco salad (I am soooo enjoying these this week)

I'm off to check emails, have dinner, then read and relax for the evening. Didn't get to bed until late last night and planning an early bedtime.

ShredWeek1

Thank you for asking. Scriabin Prelude No. 6, which is a big lush lavish piece of only one page, but very Russian..depth of soul, etc., and the 1st Goldberg Variation. I think the other participants are going to do Chopin, some heavy Beethoven, but I want a contrast...something lushly Romantic and something briskly baroque.

As per my gym: I don't know how they have come up with the funds to create "pods" around the cardio equipment, and remove about 3/4s of the other equipment. There are inevitably the people who have to take off their masks to make calls, but I've learned that between 1 and 3 pm the gym has all of 5 people in 6,000 square feet, so I can avoid everyone.

I miss the dynamic of others, but until we are fully safe again...

I'm hoping tonight will be a more peaceful night (we went to bed around 1 a.m. and my family was rustling around throughout the night). I've been in a holding plateau for a few weeks now, and once the election tension is over, I can concentrate on my weight/health goals again.

Take care, Plant Family!

AustinRuadhain

Good evening, plant-based friends!

@magic71755 , I am so sorry about your experience with your sister. If you want some kind of social connection with her, it sounds like you just breathe and let her be as she is, and remember that how she is has nothing to do with you. And then take or leave what those interactions offer. I do get the no-fun-ness. Being left off a list of who was at the table would have punched *my* "being left out" buttons!

Washing produce varies a bit -- water and a brush and a bit of soap (things with rough skins I am not going to eat), water and a sponge (thin skinned things), rinsing (thin skinned things like berries).

@ShredWeek1
Hurray for being back to those fitness habits!
Your piano recital sounds wonderful! I love the Goldberg variations, and am going to look that Scriabin piece up!

@Mihani
Hurray for the Panda Planner! I am liking the "3 things" for the day part the best.
My husband is continuing to recover. Thanks for asking! He is doing physical therapy sessions twice a week. We checked in with his ortho today, and he is happy with the progress. It will be months before he is back to full functionality, but he is getting better week by week!

@bisky
"Once I go down that road of chips, cookies and bread...I want more and am never satisfied." <= Me, too, to every word of this.

Also, thanks for sharing your comments about the importance of B vitamin supplementation. I get lazy some days, and it's a great reminder to stay at it on those!

B - green smoothie; apple & peach slices; pumpkin seeds
L-turnip greens, garbanzos, tomatoes & green chiles; steamed zucchini with fresh onion & tomato; steamed parsnip, carrot & mushroom; steamed butternut & pumpkin with diced fresh apple
S- apple slices & cashews, part of a Garden of Life bar
D-big salad; steamed butternut & jicama

magic71755

My dearest plant people, I am on my way to Sprouts...here's my menu...back later to chat.

November 5 Thursday

Black Coffee
celery juice
sourdough bread sandwich with avocado, LTO, mint, basil, leafy greens
carrot/apple/lemon ginger juice
soup made with Better Than Bouillon, vegan chicken* ...gluten free noodles, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tofu
Lemon/Ginger tea ... Asian Pear

*https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RXAK1PE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

bisky

Good Morning!

Mihani - what is a Panda planner? I have been reading more at night and turning off the computer. Sleeping better.

Magic - I had a Sprouts very close by and they moved. Loved their organic frozen berries. My BIL died of Covid this summer. My SIL is having his memorial funeral at the end of the month in another state and did not invite me. Yes, the same sister who asked me to drop everything and come help her take care of her husband. Did that for 4 months. Same sister who when she got Covid and was very sick..her Internal Dr. did nothing, she went to the ER and they diagnosed her with pneumonia and did nothing...I found her a concierge internal med. Dr. who that day ordered her steroids, O2, home pulse ox, antibiotics for the pneumonia and a few other meds. Same sister. Oddly enough it does not hurt. It says more about her than me.

Shred - we stopped our gym membership and I miss swimming. With Covid on the rise in Texas I am still not willing to go. My husband bought us a Peleton bike this summer before we knew I was sick. Riding it was fun but it made my symptoms worse...now I am ready to start back. I think the last Iron infusion has kicked in! Wish this made me an Iron woman!

Austin - yes, don't neglect those B vitamins! This recent hospitalization was a big wake up call.

Yesterday in cleaning the kitchen pantry I came across a package of frosted Oreo cookies. My first reaction was to devour...then I got mad at hubby. Saboteur! Wait until he comes home. After work he stopped at BB &B and came home with a brand new All Clad soup/pasta pot (he used a coupon). I had this old thin bottom steel pot I make soup and pasta with and easily burns on the bottom. Have had it for 40 years. Complain about it because I have to be so careful even at low temps not to burn food. The difference between him and I: he forgot he bought the cookies several months ago. I have never forgotten or misplaced a package of cookies. They are going to a food bank with all the flour based pasta today.

B - spinach smoothie, bran flakes with blueberries and walnuts
L- black bean & lentil veggie soup
D - Banza pasta with spinach, onion, mushrooms and pine nuts...maybe sun dried tomatos
snack - seed cracker with avocado and black sesame seeds.

E- short walk with dogs, 15 minutes on bike

AustinRuadhain

Good morning!
I am reminding myself to be calm today, and to stick to my food plan. That half of a Garden of Life bar yesterday was me stress eating a bit. I stopped after half and tossed it. I am going to make myself some extra tea today, and be sure to get in exercise.

I hope you are all doing well today!

Mihani

Shred, I've made a note to listen to your selections. Thanks for sharing!

Austin, yes the 3 things is very good. I am a weird juxtaposition of optimism and negativity so the 3 things helps me a lot! Glad your husband is recovering well.

Magic, veggie sammiches are my favorite thing!

Bisky, I laughed at "I have never forgotten or misplaced a package of cookies"

I had a rather difficult day. Found out a friend, not a close friend but someone I have known for years and like immensely, attempted suicide. He is doing okay and recovering, but I'm just devastated. Extremely successful and well respected person in his 60's so it's just confounding everyone what is going on.

Other than that, it was an okay day diet-wise. Usual breakfast of oats with berries and chia seeds, lunch of soup and an apple (plus a few pretzels), and dinner will be taco salad. Work didn't suck today and I moved a few files off my desk so that was nice.

ShredWeek1

Good evening, Plant Family.

My apologies for not being a better poster, I usually log in after dinner, and then I'm just wiped out!

I've got 4 election lbs to lose (the same 4 I lost when I started WW in September), but now that we are in the final phase, I'm sleeping far better. This morning, I got up at 4:20 a.m. to get an update, realized how counterproductive it was, and went back to bed...sleeping till 11!

Good night, friends!