"I feel awful"; "The kids are sick again"; "I can't shake this cough/cold/sinus infection, etc"
Any of that sound familiar? Said it yourself?
While I am not a doctor in any way shape or form, nor am I an authority of any kind in regard to health care, I can say this - I have not been sick at all in over a year and my 13 year old son has not missed one day of school this year due to illness. "lucky" you say? Well, I have to believe its more than luck. I travel a lot for work, my son is exposed to the same colds and flus that other kids are, and we have experienced the same horrific weather as the rest of the midwest. So, what is the reason we have remained healthy while all others around us have fallen victim to one illness after another?
I believe it is due to our vegetarian diet, diligent attention to disinfecting hard surfaces, hand washing, vitamins, and a good amount of exercise. While Jared does not adhere to a strictly vegetarian diet, I do cook some meat for him and he eats it at his dad's, he probably does eat more vegetables in a week than most other kids his age. Jared gets a multi vitamin every day. We also try to get outside several times a day to walk the dog at the very least. I personally feel that running throughout the winter has helped me ward off any illness to which I may have been exposed. Shortly after the start of the year I shared a hotel room for a week in Vegas and LA. A day or two after our trip, my room mate had a severe case of the flu - I never even had a sniffle. I simply offer this for your consideration. I have had a couple of instances when I got that feeling that something might be coming - in those cases I intensified my ingestion of vitamin c (natural food sources) and drank lots of green tea. Quite frankly, I think I have to give some credit to Sobe Water. I started drinking it last year and now have stopped drinking any soda and just drink Sobe, tea, or coffee (or plain water). I drink at least two bottles a day, and I really think the extra vitamins have helped. I especially like it after a run. I really feel refreshed.
Jared did have a couple of days when he was fighting something off, but it never got bad enough for him to miss school. He did require anti-biotics for an ear infection, which for the first time in a long time did not respond to a homeopathic remedy. He has a history of ear infections when getting teeth and his wisdom teeth are starting their push. So, I am not saying we are some super-humans resistant to anything that might come our way, but I think we have a pretty good run going here, and I intend to remain diligent in my approach to our health. Maybe trying it out will help keep your family healthier too!
Dinner time does not need to be complicated. Tonight we had:
grilled eggplant topped with roasted baby portabello mushrooms (slice eggplant in circular pieces, drizzle with olive oil, season with paprika, garlic, black pepper, and top with mushrooms, then sprinkle with Italian blend cheese - bake at 350 for about 20 min or until tender and cheese is golden)
green peas
mashed potatoes (leave the skins on and add a small skinned sweet potato - boil til tender, hand mash with a little olive oil margarine and non fat plain yogurt. stir in paprika, garlic salt, black pepper)
Very satisfying and quick!
Christine
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Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Soups!
It is still cold and snowy so I am experimenting with soups today! I have a plan for a milk-free cauliflower and a ham free pea soup.
Pea soup was always one of my favorites growing up. As you may know, ham is a base ingredient for split pea soup. I am trying some spices and using the rich broth I made yesterday to create that smoky, full flavor.
I love cauliflower and this is typically an inexpensive veggie, so it should be an easy item to incorporate into my cafe menu.
Jared has been doing a great job as tester and I appreciate that he will try things even if he isn't sure about it. He gives good feedback too, in fact, he is the one who suggested the cinnamon addition to my butternut squash soup because he said it was too bland. He really likes it now.
Please, if you are reading this, pass it along to others and remind them about my crowdfunding site at indiegogo.com (link is below)
Christine
Pea soup was always one of my favorites growing up. As you may know, ham is a base ingredient for split pea soup. I am trying some spices and using the rich broth I made yesterday to create that smoky, full flavor.
I love cauliflower and this is typically an inexpensive veggie, so it should be an easy item to incorporate into my cafe menu.
Jared has been doing a great job as tester and I appreciate that he will try things even if he isn't sure about it. He gives good feedback too, in fact, he is the one who suggested the cinnamon addition to my butternut squash soup because he said it was too bland. He really likes it now.
Please, if you are reading this, pass it along to others and remind them about my crowdfunding site at indiegogo.com (link is below)
Christine
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Spring?
Well, as I mentioned a few days ago, those of us in the Midwest know better than to pack away our sweaters and gloves just because the calendar says its spring. I did get another taste of the season as I traveled through out West Virginia this week and experienced 70 degree days and tons of daffodils along the roads. I felt a little guilty as I spoke with my son and he told me it was snowing at home! He ended up with a snow day from school - that's right - snow day on March 23. He didn't mind a bit.
Today it will be a high of about 20 and the race that was scheduled this morning here in Flushing has been postponed due to the snow and ice on the route. We are re-scheduled for April 2. Good thing it's after April Fools Day or I would have my doubts that it would take place. I heard it will be snowing during the cherry blossom festival in D.C. today, so at least we aren't alone in this.
One good thing about this continuing cold weather is I can keep making hot soups! I had planned to start working on cold soup recipes, but this weekend will be Butternut Squash and No Chicken Noodle.
My last batch of Butternut Squash soup substituted soy for dairy milk and added cinnamon during the final simmer phase; it earned the two bowl approval of my son. I will see if I can mimic that today.
My challenge with the noodle soup is to add some non-traditional flavor and keeping the noodles firm.
Hope there is warmth where you are even if the temperature is chilly!
Christine
Today it will be a high of about 20 and the race that was scheduled this morning here in Flushing has been postponed due to the snow and ice on the route. We are re-scheduled for April 2. Good thing it's after April Fools Day or I would have my doubts that it would take place. I heard it will be snowing during the cherry blossom festival in D.C. today, so at least we aren't alone in this.
One good thing about this continuing cold weather is I can keep making hot soups! I had planned to start working on cold soup recipes, but this weekend will be Butternut Squash and No Chicken Noodle.
My last batch of Butternut Squash soup substituted soy for dairy milk and added cinnamon during the final simmer phase; it earned the two bowl approval of my son. I will see if I can mimic that today.
My challenge with the noodle soup is to add some non-traditional flavor and keeping the noodles firm.
Hope there is warmth where you are even if the temperature is chilly!
Christine
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Opening
Well, spring arrived with a bang, literally, as we had rain and even thunder last night! The forecast calls for snow tonight - typical Michigan spring. Sunday was a quiet day at home watching basketball with Jared and the dogs. Great effort by the Wolverines against Duke - so close! We had left overs for lunch and dinner accompanied by salads
I managed a run before the rain began; it wasn't as long as I'd planned. I've got to start upping the miles, 3 miles a day do not a 1/2 marathon make.
I have been looking for Green product expos and during that search came upon an earth day 5K and expo in Chicago on April 23. Thinking about going and hoping some of my Chicago friends will join in.
Since the weather has remained chilly and overcast, it is a good time for chili! Again, this is an easy recipe to throw together when you are short on time as it uses canned beans and tomatoes. Of course for those days with lots of time, I like to use a crock pot and fresher ingredients.
For canned items look for organic and make sure no sugar or salt has been added.
Canned red and dark red kidney beans, garbonzo beans, and black beans. (at least 1 each)
canned diced tomatoes with chilis (2 small or 1 large)
cn fire roasted tomatoes (1 small)
small to medium onion
a couple cloves of garlic
paprika
chili powder
cinnamon
saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil in large pot
add beans (with the liquid) and tomatoes
sprinkle in paprika and chili powder
stir together and cover
allow to simmer for about 20 min
add cinnamon in last couple of minutes.
serve with salad and cornbread ( we like to make cornbread muffins)
a version of this great meatless chili will be served at the cafe' - the flavor is rich and the heat can be adjusted to taste.
Christine
I managed a run before the rain began; it wasn't as long as I'd planned. I've got to start upping the miles, 3 miles a day do not a 1/2 marathon make.
I have been looking for Green product expos and during that search came upon an earth day 5K and expo in Chicago on April 23. Thinking about going and hoping some of my Chicago friends will join in.
Since the weather has remained chilly and overcast, it is a good time for chili! Again, this is an easy recipe to throw together when you are short on time as it uses canned beans and tomatoes. Of course for those days with lots of time, I like to use a crock pot and fresher ingredients.
For canned items look for organic and make sure no sugar or salt has been added.
Canned red and dark red kidney beans, garbonzo beans, and black beans. (at least 1 each)
canned diced tomatoes with chilis (2 small or 1 large)
cn fire roasted tomatoes (1 small)
small to medium onion
a couple cloves of garlic
paprika
chili powder
cinnamon
saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil in large pot
add beans (with the liquid) and tomatoes
sprinkle in paprika and chili powder
stir together and cover
allow to simmer for about 20 min
add cinnamon in last couple of minutes.
serve with salad and cornbread ( we like to make cornbread muffins)
a version of this great meatless chili will be served at the cafe' - the flavor is rich and the heat can be adjusted to taste.
Christine
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturdays are Awesome!
What a beautiful day - the sun is shining, the air is fresh, albeit a little chilly, and I saw several shoots of green protruding! I slept in a bit later today, as I have been staying up late watching basketball. The games have been very exciting and it is fun to watch school teams you don't usually see on TV. Unhappily, Michigan State is out, but Michigan poured it on strong yesterday, so we still have a "hometown" team to cheer for!
I went for a 3 mile run while Jared played basketball with his dad. Did an easy loop around the block starting from Flushing Central Elementary with a decent time - 30 min. Next Saturday there is a half marathon here in Flushing, but I'm not ready for that yet, so I will be doing a 5K. Hoping to crack the top 10!
I have started receiving contributions on the crowdfunding site! Thank you so much to all who are checking it out and passing the information along - I can't wait to welcome all of you to the cafe' and I know you will enjoy checking out the neat, eco-friendly items I am finding for the store. There are some really innovative, fun, interesting, useful items out there.
Last night we had cheese pizza and salad - sometimes we put veggies on, but last night we just felt like cheese.
Tonight is whole wheat spaghetti with tomatoe sauce and veggies and salad.Who started the meat ball thing? I don't know, but if "plain" sauce is not hearty enough for you, try adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms, as well as onion. Saute' the onion and mushrooms and steam the veggies before adding to the sauce. Sprinkle with cheese - try goat cheese (feta) it adds a lot of flavor - to serve and you will have a hearty, wholesome, filling meal without added fat and cholesterol. Other vegetables that work well are eggplant, asparagus, and peppers.
While hot dishes will not be featured at the cafe' don't be surprised to find occasional pizza or pasta days! These are two of the easiest dishes to turn vegetarian and customize to individual tastes.
Hope everyone gets outside this weekend!
Christine
I went for a 3 mile run while Jared played basketball with his dad. Did an easy loop around the block starting from Flushing Central Elementary with a decent time - 30 min. Next Saturday there is a half marathon here in Flushing, but I'm not ready for that yet, so I will be doing a 5K. Hoping to crack the top 10!
I have started receiving contributions on the crowdfunding site! Thank you so much to all who are checking it out and passing the information along - I can't wait to welcome all of you to the cafe' and I know you will enjoy checking out the neat, eco-friendly items I am finding for the store. There are some really innovative, fun, interesting, useful items out there.
Last night we had cheese pizza and salad - sometimes we put veggies on, but last night we just felt like cheese.
Tonight is whole wheat spaghetti with tomatoe sauce and veggies and salad.Who started the meat ball thing? I don't know, but if "plain" sauce is not hearty enough for you, try adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms, as well as onion. Saute' the onion and mushrooms and steam the veggies before adding to the sauce. Sprinkle with cheese - try goat cheese (feta) it adds a lot of flavor - to serve and you will have a hearty, wholesome, filling meal without added fat and cholesterol. Other vegetables that work well are eggplant, asparagus, and peppers.
While hot dishes will not be featured at the cafe' don't be surprised to find occasional pizza or pasta days! These are two of the easiest dishes to turn vegetarian and customize to individual tastes.
Hope everyone gets outside this weekend!
Christine
Friday, March 18, 2011
New Beginnings
I have added the information for the crowdfunding campaign for the Green Butterfly! Please pass this along and contribute if you can - there are perks! So nice to hear the birds singing and see the temperatures above freezing, but those of us living in the Midwest know this may only be a brief reprieve and not the true end of winter weather. It is a nice preview and reminds us that no matter how cold and dark it may be, there is light and warmth coming.
Tonight we will be making my favorite black bean tacos. These have become a staple meal since I began my vegetarian journey. My son loves them! When time is tight, or its just been a long day, this is a quick easy version which is very satisfying:
1 can organic black beans (or # needed for you family)
1 can organic tomatoes with green chilis (or # needed for your family)
fresh cilantro
fresh garlic
small onion
virgin olive oil
low fat cheese - shredded - we usually use colby - buy in block and shred yourself
shredded romaine lettuce
non fat plain yogurt
whole wheat soft taco shells
chop onion and garlic and saute' in about 2 ts of olive oil. Add the black beans and tomatoes and simmer til heated through, stirring occassionally. Use kitchen shears to snip cilantro into the mixture and stir in and allow to heat through again. Spoon into whole wheat soft shells with lettuce, cheese and plain yogurt. If desired, you can also add some avocado slices (we're allergic to that, unfortunately)
This will be a mildly spicey dish - you can add red pepper flakes to increase the heat if desired.
Trust me, no one will miss the meat or the grease!
Enjoy the day -
Christine
Tonight we will be making my favorite black bean tacos. These have become a staple meal since I began my vegetarian journey. My son loves them! When time is tight, or its just been a long day, this is a quick easy version which is very satisfying:
1 can organic black beans (or # needed for you family)
1 can organic tomatoes with green chilis (or # needed for your family)
fresh cilantro
fresh garlic
small onion
virgin olive oil
low fat cheese - shredded - we usually use colby - buy in block and shred yourself
shredded romaine lettuce
non fat plain yogurt
whole wheat soft taco shells
chop onion and garlic and saute' in about 2 ts of olive oil. Add the black beans and tomatoes and simmer til heated through, stirring occassionally. Use kitchen shears to snip cilantro into the mixture and stir in and allow to heat through again. Spoon into whole wheat soft shells with lettuce, cheese and plain yogurt. If desired, you can also add some avocado slices (we're allergic to that, unfortunately)
This will be a mildly spicey dish - you can add red pepper flakes to increase the heat if desired.
Trust me, no one will miss the meat or the grease!
Enjoy the day -
Christine
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pupa Stage
This has been my life for some time, in the pupa stage, waiting for the right time to break open the chrysalis and emerge as my beautiful butterfly self. The time is now. I have stopped dreaming and started doing. I have found suppliers, I am looking for a space and I have a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com -http://www.indiegogo.com/The-GREEN-Butterfly, and I am attending Tory Johnson's Spark and Hustle conference in Chicago in April!
Please follow along with me on my journey to open a vegetarian cafe and eco-friendly store. Along the way I will also be training for my first half-marathon, testing vegetarian recipes for the cafe, and researching easy, inexpensive eco-friendly solutions for every day use. I am so excited!
Christine
Please follow along with me on my journey to open a vegetarian cafe and eco-friendly store. Along the way I will also be training for my first half-marathon, testing vegetarian recipes for the cafe, and researching easy, inexpensive eco-friendly solutions for every day use. I am so excited!
Christine
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