DoyCave.com

…where Doy occasionally writes.

Tag: Vegetables

  • What do the Amish have that I DON’T?!

    Amish Farmer
    Photo by Beechwood Photography

    Unsurprisingly (for those of you who know my story), I’ve been thinking about the link between nutrition and disease for awhile now.

    My change in nutrition has not only allowed me to lose 100 lbs., but it has also reduced my blood pressure (which has gone from an average 140/90 to 120/80, and often lower), it had reduced my cholesterol (with medication, it was around 220 and is now 85 TOTAL) and has reduced much of my anxiety, which I’ve previously managed on and off with medication as well.

    And though I won’t see the results for at least another year or so, I’m believing that this way of eating is repairing the damage caused by Coronary Artery Disease, a result of my previously unhealthy diet.

    So, you can imagine I was excited (and ultimately unsurprised) to find this article in the WV Oupost about the Amish, of all people.

    According to the article (and to the medical findings contained within), the Amish don’t get autism or the learning disabilities that continue to plague the rest of the U.S. Both are on the rise in America (1 case for every 100 children now), and scientists have speculated several causes, while in Amish communities, there have been three confirmed cases of autism. EVER.

    In addition, and what really excited me, is that these same Amish communities very rarely get any of the other diseases that are literally ripping through America’s population: diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

    Why?

    The article suggests it’s their diet and lifestyle that shields them from our maladies. Namely, that they aren’t exposed to ours.

    “Their diet consists of eating organic, fresh, locally-grown produce, and of course, they do not follow the established vaccination routines.”

    In addition, they don’t eat genetically modified foods (GMO’s), they don’t use our chemically-engineered medicines or our chemically-altered foods. And they’re healthier for it!

    Dr. T. Colin Campbell found the same types of results in his massive “China Study,” which studied an unprecedented number of villages and people, detailing their nutrition and disease. In those villages where residents ate more meat, fish, dairy and processed foods as part of their diet, the more cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The less meat, fish, dairy and processed foods, the less disease.

    I know this particular article is a bit preachy and gets downright “conspiracy theory” at times. I can’t really fault them for their frustrations. However, in spite of the slant, you should be asking yourself, “What do the Amish have that I don’t?”

    They have less hospital visits, for one thing.

  • Snacks That Won’t Derail You

    You really shouldn’t eat while watching TV. This website says so.

    Even in the face of evidence, however profound, I’m an unabashed couch-snacker. This is not to say that I snack on couches (which are difficult to digest), but I snack when I’m on the couch, which is different. I eat in front of the TV OFTEN…and with lackadaisical intent.

    Unfortunately, snacking is one of those dangerous areas that can completely wreck your healthy lifestyle. If you aren’t prepared (which I’m sure I’ve mentioned before), you can end up on the wrong end of 10 pounds and progress.

    However, because of your faithfulness and loyalty, my four faithful readers, I will share with you some of my snack Kung Fu: snacks that take 10 minutes or less (hopefully less) to make, but stave off the need for something more destructive to my diet. I will leave it to you to determine the worthiness of my skills, grasshopper.

    Fruit. Duh.

    We keep fruit in the house as often as possible. Not only do I eat fruit as my breakfast when I’m in a rush, but it’s also great for a satisfying treat in-between meals.

    Dr. Esselstyn limits you to three pieces of fruit per day on his diet, and I find that’s plenty.

    I stick to apples, oranges, grapes and bananas for the most part, but I’ve been working on expanding my fruit horizons…which, of course, makes me a better person.

    Fruit Sandwich. Huh?

    One of my favorite snacks is also one of the simplest. It’s a simple fruit sandwich…but so much more.

    I toast two pieces of Ezekiel Bread and slice a banana into a couple of thick slices, laying them lengthwise on the bread…you know…for more coverage.

    Then, I take just a tablespoon (or two?) of pure maple syrup and pour it over the bananas.

    Finally, I sprinkle on a teaspoon or two of cinnamon.

    Close sandwich. Eat. It’s so delicious. I have it for breakfast sometimes, too.

    You don’t want to eat it everyday, mind you. Maple syrup isn’t exactly topping the great foods list, but it’s great to widen your snack choices during the week.

    Veggies and Dip. Also, kind of duh.

    Fruits and veggies make great snacks not only because they taste great, but the fiber and water content make them satisfying snacks, too. The dip is just bonus, really.

    I’ve shared my Black Bean “Hummus” recipe with all of you previously, but there are plenty of places to find great hummus or dip recipes.

    Engine 2 Diet, the diet created by Dr. Esselstyn’s son, Rip, has a recipe for a more traditional hummus, which could be a great dip for a range of veggies. And for those vegans who can have tahini and oil, you’ll find a lot of great hummus recipes on Chow, Food.com and more. Always check out Happy Herbivore’s recipes, too. Her food is so good!

    Dry Cereal

    If you’re a long-time vegan, you may have become accustomed to the taste of Almond Milk or one of the handful of other dairy substitutes. I have not warmed to Almond Milk as of yet, but have occasionally dabbled in Coconut Milk, which I’m slowly beginning to enjoy.

    Before I dabbled in non-dairy milk, however, I would find different cereals that were okay to eat (see Jane Esselstyn’s “Safe Food List” on the “My Journey” page), and just snack on it dry. It was definitely satisfying, and with the right cereal, strangely addictive. I had to restrain myself on occasion.

    Kashi has some great tasting cereals that are free from any Esselstyn Violations. Just make sure the cereal is free of oil, is made from whole wheat and grains, and doesn’t have many more than five or six ingredients all told (much more and you start getting into the highly processed foods, which are generally a no-no).

    Popcorn with Caveats.

    Air-popped popcorn (which I’ve mentioned before) can be a great snack for movie nights, when you’re craving the oil-popped, butter-laden original. Spray (read “mist”) your popcorn with water, lime juice or other fruit juice and sprinkle on your favorite complementary toppings.

    It’s a great way to take a normally bland snack and jazz it up.

    Were you four faithful readers patrons of a better site, you would presently find yourself heaving breathlessly from the awesomeness of what I just shared. As it is…you have me.

    I know these are not earth-shattering snacks, but I will say that it’s good to have a toolbox stocked with things that will serve you in the tough times. I can’t guarantee you’ll like all these snacks, but I can guarantee that the tough times are coming…and finding those tools is essential to stay on course.

    Please share your favorite snacks in the comments below. I’m always on the lookout for more ways to keep my couch-snacking at bay!

  • Foundational Foods

    One of the most important lessons of eating a strict plant-based whole foods diet is being prepared.

    Preparation is what gets you through the trap of, “Oh, man…I don’t have anything here at the HOUSE to eat, and I don’t want to go to the store NOW and so I guess I just have to eat PIZZA, HAMBURGERS and DONUTS with you guys. Oh? We don’t have that here? I’ll have them DELIVERED! I gotta eat, right? RIGHT?!”

    Yeah, that trap is actually a doozy, into which I have fallen a time or thirty. Our brains can be the most divisive opponent in the fight for health.

    So to combat our superior reasoning powers and the temptations they bring, I make sure I have my “foundational food” in my pantry at all times…or most of the time. It’s like Batman’s Utility Belt…if he were vegan…and…you know…carried FOOD around instead of…smoke bombs and Batarangs.

    Black Bean Hummus (Recipe Coming Soon!)
    I use this for EVERYTHING. I can use it as a vegetable dip. I can use it as a coating for amazing veggie sandwiches. I can use it with tortillas to make a more mexican-flavored veggie or bean taco or burrito. It’s something I eat A LOT.

    Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow and Orange)
    The green bell pepper is great for Hopping John (black eyed peas and rice), as well as flavoring a host of other dishes. The brighter colored peppers have a sweeter flavor and are great for adding to beans and rice, serving as a homemade pizza topping, or just going on a sandwich in slices.

    Garlic, Onions and Spices
    These items will vary based on preference, but I always want to make sure I can season my food. This is kind of a no-brainer, but I make sure I have it all on hand. I like Mrs. Dash spices, Paprika, Onion Powder (not too much because of the sodium), Cumin, Crushed Chiles, Red Pepper and fresh Cilantro. Just make sure you have what you need to create the flavor profiles you like.

    Canned, Reduced Sodium or No Salt Added Beans
    These are so foundational if you get in a bind. They’re a quick fix, which is a MUST, and can be used in SO many ways. Use them for beans and rice. Use them in black bean burgers. Use them in stews. Use them in dips. Keep them in the pantry. You will use them.

    Dried beans
    I like to have dried beans in the house, too. Ideally, you want to use the dry more than the canned because they have so much less sodium. You can soak the beans during the day, drain them in the evening and then either use them or refrigerate them to use during the week. It’s just great to have them on hand.

    Whole Wheat Tortillas
    Tacos and burritos and wraps are fantastic quick fixes. It’s always a good idea to keep these in the pantry. A word of warning, however. The sodium content in ALL brands is fairly high, usually about 250mg to 300mg PER TORTILLA. Once or twice a week at most with these, if you can.

    Brown Rice, Quinoa or Whole Wheat Pasta
    Make sure your pasta uses WHOLE wheat flour and not just wheat flour. You can get regular brown rice or Minute Brown Rice. Studies have shown them to be about the same nutritionally, so it’s really up to you. Quinoa has a great earthy flavor that you’ll love with beans or veggies. It’s great to have these on hand. They usually don’t take long to prepare and are very filling.

    Baby Spinach, Kale or Other Greens
    I use Baby Spinach on SO many things, whether on sandwiches, in beans and rice or in a stew. It’s a great vegetable to add to just about anything, and boosts the nutrition immediately.

    Food for Life Ezekiel Bread
    I love sandwiches and burgers, and with this bread, I can have both. There are several different types of this bread. You’ll find some of their varieties in health food stores or larger supermarket chains in the frozen section. Lightly toast it and enjoy!

    This is, again, just my foundational food list. I’d love to see yours! Anything you’d add? Take away?