As you may or may not know, I have been living a Vegetarian lifestyle over the past 5+ years. The realm of "why" often transcends far beyond the term vegetarian in and of itself. What we digest is a small segment of the pie chart of wellness. Being healthy is not limited solely to what we eat, yet a reflection of our emotional and mental health, fitness level as well as our overall lifestyle.
I have become extremely passionate and dedicated over the years as to learning as much as possible about nutrition and wellness. Did you know the number of overweight people in the US is projected to hit 2.3 billion by the year 2015? Yes, BILLION! When I hear shocking calculations such as this, I often wonder - well, whose fault is this? Fast food corporations? Ourselves?
There is an obvious problem plaguing Americans as this was never an issue looking back at our lineage. Our selfish, overindulgent nation has now made obesity the fastest killer of our children, parents and grandparents. We have replaced children playing outside in the fresh air with video games and television shows. Am I being hypocritical sitting here in front of this computer screen? Possibly. How many of you eat dinner with your family? Does anyone do this anymore? I cannot help but wonder why Americans have slowly transitioned from home cooked family meals to balancing takeout burgers and fries in our laps while watching ESPN and American Idol.
We can blatantly criticize smokers, yet speaking up to someone shoveling down a big mac, fries and a sugary beverage large enough to serve four people is unacceptable. What am I missing here? A friend of mine from work, Leah has helped me to realize that even I can do better. Cutting out meat is not enough. I need to take it to another level, maybe this blog will help me be accountable to my own goals.
The time has come to transition into a vegan lifestyle. The changes do not stop there; limiting high-glycemic fruits and veggies, eliminating processed foods and refined sugar is a necessity. Making a conscious effort to incorporate juicing into my lifestyle and eating as cleanly as possible is my goal. I want to know exactly what and where the food and drinks I am putting into my body come from.
Some fantastic top alkaline food choices:
Almonds
Avacado
Brazil Nuts
Flaxseeds
Quinoia
Millet
Wheatgrass
Kale
Spinach
Cabbage
Lemons
Limes
Grapefruits
Lentils (a personal fave)
Legumes
Raw tomatoes (cooked are acidic)
Sweet potatoes
Jicama
Sprouts
Stevia (sugar substitute)
Acidid Offenders, these should be avoided or used in moderation
Alcohol
Animal protein (red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and cheese)
Chemicals
Drugs
Cigarettes
Coffee (even decaf)
Honey
Corn syrup
Brown sugar
Fructose
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Mustard
MSG
Margarine
Fake fats
Trans fats
Refined vegetable oil
White bread
Pasta
Rice
Soda
Energy / Sports drinks
Table salt (use sea salt and kosher salt when possible)
Salted / Roasted nuts
White sugar
Yeast
Vinegar
Soy sauce
After naming all of these foods you should avoid altogether or use in moderation (coffee has been the most difficult for me) I do not want you to feel defeated. One of the common problems people have is thinking a salad is automatically healthy. Sometimes after piling on cheese, eggs, bacon, croutons and dreaded creamy dressings, you may as well ask for a supersized number seven on the menu at Mcdonalds.
Here is a roasted tomato vinaigrette I recently tried from Kris Carr's book "Crazy Sexy Diet" that can be used on roasted vegetables as well as over grains and salads. It is DELICIOUS!
4 Roma tomatoes (halved)
1 1/4 cupts plus 1 tablespoon olive oil (I prefer extra virgin)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I add a pinch of cayenne pepper as well)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Preheat the over to 400 degrees.
Toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), along with the salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut-side down, and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the skin blisters. Set aside to cool.
Transfer the tomatoes, remaining 1 1/4 cups olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic, cilantro, and salt and pepper to a blender (I use my magic bullet) and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings. The vinaigrette will keep, covered, in the refridgerator for about a week.
Variation: For a Spicy Southwestern-Style Roasted vinaigrette, add 4 rehydrated chipotles to the tomatoes before blending.
Being knowledgeable and conscious of the foods you are eating is not only empowering, but healing. The next time you are sick, try making a homemade soup full of grains, vegetables and beans. Oftentimes you do not need medicine, you can heal through food. Ever get that lethargic feeling after lunch? Try chewing slower and actually digesting your next meal, I promise incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables will not only give you a boost of energy, you undoubtedly will lose weight and feel amazing. Imagine that!
Be well & eat well
