Thursday, June 28, 2012

Kitchen Overhaul- bringing it all together for my health

As you may remember from my last post, recently my camera took a nose dive in usefulness and was kindly replaced by fellow bicycle blogger Sarah of I Bike U Bike. Sarah and I chatted back and forth a little on Twitter and she jokingly challenged me to watch the movie Forks Over Knives and try out a ten day challenge to eat more veggies, less meat and less refined products. I explained to Sarah, as I will to you now, that I had already seen the movie and actually used to be vegetarian for many years, and then vegan for a few more. I'd even go as far to say that I know more about the vegetarian lifestyle and the benefits of whole foods than some people that make a profession out of teaching the "vegan gospel". Sadly, I strayed away from that way of eating many years ago and have since dabbled here and there in it, but never been fully committed to restoring myself to a healthier lifestyle.

The kitchen ready to get it's veggie on
I agreed to watch the movie again, and so late last week, Kyle and I streamed it from Netflix and got a refresher course in how we should probably be eating. Whilst dietary ideals are different from person to person (please translate this to read I'm not ready to start preaching vegan-ism, quite yet;), I have always known that a well balanced high veggie/fruit diet works well for me, and cutting out sugar, dairy and refined grains makes me feel more energetic too.

Collection of dry goods in glass jars I've been saving
My green shelf- sprouts, cilantro and green onions
Well, despite the fact that Sarah's challenge was meant to be a lighthearted joke of sorts (I'm sure she hoped I'd really watch it) we did decide to take her up on the challenge of eating more whole foods, less meat and dairy, which meant I had some work cut out for me!  First of all the kitchen needed a makeover and so as to get a fresh start, I decided to clean out all the bad stuff and make way for the new healthier foods, that sometimes require more preparation and organization. On Saturday and Sunday I spent my time cleaning out the cupboards, tossing out anything refined and sugary, then I organized my dry goods storage (a collection of glass jars I've been saving from the landfill because our area doesn't recycle glass) and set to work making an extravagant grocery list.  I wish I could say kyle and I spent the weekend hauling groceries from 3 shops on the bikes, but we didn't and took the car instead so we could get it "over with".

I'm pretty impressed with how much we've accomplished so far, including sprouting our own greens, making our own rice milk and huge batches of rice and beans for freezing, but it has been a rather busy week! We've been enjoying vast quantities of Hummus, have re-dedicated ourselves in our love of Bragg Liquid Aminos and discovered that a little applesauce makes a very good sweetener for whole grain cereal.

I think this is the sensible next step for me, I've taken the first six months to get used to regular riding again, now it's time to add some healthy eating into the mix and hopefully take my challenge to the next level. I also feel like I still have a long way to go in regards to cycling- I just don't feel like I get out enough and part of it is that I haven't been feeling very well for a while now, but also part of it is that I need to re-commit myself to blog-accountability...if I state it here, it has to happen, I love how that magically works for me! As the end of the month is just around the corner, and a fresh one is approaching, it seems only fitting that I state my goals here and now for July.

July's goals are going to be pretty simple. I'm going to commit to riding or walking daily, mainly riding, but I do like to add the "walk" option, so Jack can get some exercise in too (always nice to wear the little guy out with a long walk!) Then the other part of my challenge is the lifestyle challenge- I'm going to go 30 days with no meat, no sugar, and no dairy. Instead I'm going to eat lots of unprocessed veggies and fruits, whole grains (rice, lentils and beans), up my water intake and stop eating late night snacks.

Yikes- I'm kinda nervous about July! Especially now I see the words in print and know that the accountability is there.  It's going to be a big challenge for someone who previously chowed down on burgers and fries a few times a week, but I'm positive I can manage it. I will most likely be blogging daily check-ins and progress reports and as always, I will enjoy the support of my community here- thank you, wish me luck!




24 comments:

  1. Go Lindsay go! Love Julie, Robert and Mirabelle

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    1. Thank you friends! Thanks for the link to the recipe blog you showed me on Facebook too!

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  2. Wow! 30 day challenge!!! Go Lindsay Go!!!

    I feel honoured to play a small role in your July of Change! I know that you are going to inspire others with your success!!!

    There is no better more environmentally friendly fuel than plants!!! Can't wait to hear about your journey!
    Best,
    Sarah
    iBikeuBike.com

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    1. Sarah- I'm really thankful for your "shove" in the right direction;) Thanks for joining me here and being a cheerleader! Lindsay

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  3. WOw I envy your drive,my friend!!! I can't fathom no meat or dairy for a month...I'm such a picky eater to begin with (for eg-pizza is only pep n cheese,burgers plain,no sauses or dressings anywhere,plain,plain,plain,LOL!) I would be SEVERELY limited to food choices.

    You GO with it,my friend! Despite that I'm nowhere near a nutricional role model,(I know I mispelt that,didn't I? :p),I know the benefits you will reap from yoru plans,aside from the riding/walking daily. You can do it,my friend,I have great faith in you :)

    The DC

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    1. Hey TDC- everyday this week I've woken up feeling crappy and sick- easy to make changes when you are reminded of how unwell you feel! This last two days I've felt a lot better!

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  4. Hi Lindsay,

    Though you don't know it, you have helped me a lot over the last few weeks: your blog made me decide to get the Yuba Mundo instead of another bike and you gave me the final push to make the leap to buy a vitamix. I am very glad that I did both instead of messing around with half-measure mixers and bikes which can never be as comfy as the Mundo:)

    I like to think I eat healthy, but my weakness is brown sugar - and to go with it - low fat fresh cheese - a sort of thick yoghurt. I also eat fish and eggs.

    As a result I do not feel at all energetic and haven't been to the gym for weeks and haven't even ridden my bike for a few days.

    I missed the 30 day bike challenge - I only discovered your blog a few week ago - so I've decided to join you in the 30 day challenge. The brown sugar goes in the garbage! I'll have to get my sweetness from bananas and other fruits.

    So go for it!

    Michael in Brussels

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    1. Hello Michael-
      How exciting- congratulations on your Yuba and your Vitamix- two of the best products on the market!
      I too love brown sugar, especially Demerara Sugar! I've been using stevia liquid as a replacement, because it's just a leaf and seems pretty natural but I detest the aftertaste. I think I may use a little honey once in a while after this initial month and shall most likely re-introduce yogurt.

      So excited you are joining my challenge, are you on Facebook? If so join us there (link at top) and it will be easy to give us updates! I hope you are enjoying your challenge so far. I have dates and bananas for sweetener- working very well!

      Thank yous for sharing, Lindsay

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  5. Lindsay-
    You continue to amaze me. Congrats on your July goal! As I was reading your blog today I was thinking about all the articles you have shared on facebook and articles I am reading in The Nation about meatless diets and I finally talked Roland into doing a meatless day once a week. You know him, so you know what a big deal that is!
    I wanted to comment how lucky you are to have Kyle- such a supporting husband! When I think about changing my lifestyle one major road block is the lifestyle that Roland and I built together doesn't really fit with the healthy lifestyle I would love to see. It seems incredibly daunting to cut out the foods and drinks and lack of exercise that has built our happy, rotund bottoms! I use Roland as an excuse but it does make it more difficult to change.
    I am starting small: I have a garden and we get organic local produce delivered to our home once every two weeks. We are doing a meatless day once a week (but Roland thinks that means he eats parmesain egg noodles and tomato slices- I would like to eat something more complex- but he is very hard to get to try new things that he assumes is "hipster" or "hippie"- although by some standards he would fit under both catagories!) We end up eating different things and usually then at different times which saddens me because our dinners together on the back porch are some of my favorite parts of the day.
    I am venting here- really what I wanted to say is CONGRATS again and give Kyle a extra smooch for being the kind of man he is and taking the journey with you!

    Tricia Duffin

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    1. Aww Tricia- you are too sweet! I am so excited you guys are doing a meatless day- and agree that is huge knowing Roland! If you need any ideas let me know- I'm coming up with some fun recipes. Do you guys like curry? I find I never miss meat in curry!
      Yes, Kyle is pretty amazing haha (at times;)- he was a true meat and potatoes guy until he met me haha. We were talking with an old friend of his and telling her we are going veggie for a month and she just about fell over, pointed at kyle and said "wow you're going veggie?". Although, when Kyle isn't on board I find myself completely lacking in will power. It's soooo much harder as a couple. So much harder.
      You guys have an amazing relationship, and we both know Roland will do what he can to make you, his everything, happy. I would just try to take the small changes and be really encouraging. Trust me, Kyle and I have battles about food a lot, its just not easy with two minds.
      Much love for you guys- extra smooches for kyle will be given. Lindsay

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  6. Lindsay My Dear, I will happily join you in your 30days of Veggie goodness. I've been wanting to get back off of the dairy and what better time then now! Talk to you soon!!

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    1. Corbi- AWESOME! Lets do it! Hoping we can get a little ball rolling here!

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  7. Good luck! I don't think I would want to go no-meat, even though I am likely to skimp on a meat portion in a meal. Do you get your protein from the beans?

    I am not as driven as you are, but staying here with our friend waiting (extremely impatiently for my part) for apartment paperwork to go through has led to us indulging way too much. His mom makes all kinds of baked goodies, and his dad is addicted to Dairy Queen! So, I WILL commit to shore up my willpower and just say NO to ice-cream, cookies, and all the other things I know I do not need. Hows that? No reason why I should be waiting for an empty apartment kitchen to make better choices now.

    I agree with Tricia!

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    1. Hello RETF!
      Yes, there are tons of protein sources in veggies and legumes, it's pretty amazing how much we've been fibbed to about protein.
      One of the reasons I'm so determined, is I'm really not well- I haven't felt healthy since before Jack was born...it's been a real drain to my immune system to go through the stresses we've faced in the last few years (a whole other story there).
      Also- so HARD to eat different when you are staying with other people. I had that experience and it wasn't good!

      Thanks for always commenting!

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  8. Good luck with the detox L!

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  9. Good luck with your July challenge. Meat and dairy are no problem. My partner and I have been vegetarian since '93 and vegan since 2000. But I don't know how I could ever get rid of sugar. I am a chocoholic (thought I only eat the dark variety) and love, love, love baked sweets! I can hardly go a day wihout some kind of cookie, muffin or cake... I've even gotten pretty good at baking vegan (and now gluten-free) cookies. And in desperation, when I have no access to chocolate or cookies, I've resorted to making what we call pmc--poor man's chocolate--a quick concoction of cocoa, sugar, peanut butter, soy milk and vanilla. So getting rid of sugar would be tough for me, though I know I should cut back. Good luck!

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    1. Hello Abram-

      Hmm you made me want a baked goodie too lol! I don't actually think it's good to be too strict, and I will certainly have a treat and other "bad" foods after this 30 days. I think variety and balance is something that I need, but have a hard time with.
      Thanks for commenting- so good to hear other people's stories.

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  10. Lindsay, I really want to acknowledge you for taking on your wellness with such commitment. I know that my diet is definitely my downfall. Josh and I work so hard to live a life that is not rooted in convenience. Though it has not always been the case, we fail epically in how we eat. I cant go dairy-free. I love cheese and yogurt too much :) But I'm going to look at how I can join you in your July challenge in a way that works for me. Maybe I'll cut out flour. Oof. You've got me thinking... Thank you!!!
    -Meg

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    1. Hey Meg,

      Thank you! We shall have to see how this month goes, I'm wondering how much a lack of dairy will hinder me. I really, really LOVE cheese, but I have no portion control. So many people who are overweight have a hard time with sugary things, whereas I personally don't really crave sugar- savory things like cheese, dairy, bread on the other hand are staples, or have been. I eat far to much bread, even now, but I have switched to the sprouted grain bread and am really enjoying it. Thanks for the support! Lindsay

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  11. We are looking forward to reading your updates. Please let us know if you need any advice, help or tips! Plant-Strong!
    The Engine 2 Team

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    1. Wow! I feel so lucky to have your comment! Thank you for reading, I'm SURE I will call upon you for help soon! Cheers, Lindsay

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  12. Ok, working back through my feed now. Wish I would have seen this from the start, I would have joined you. However, it's been damn difficult to eat whole foods on this trip without a kitchen and doubling our grocery budget, so perhaps if you extend it a bit, I will join you when I return. In the mean time. KUDOS. S

    ounds like it's going well. I will add, I am so surprised by those people just now watching Forks over Knives who never read the China Study or had even heard of it. Surprised because I think it's interesting how some things are marketed in our society, not because books/movies are better/worse. Cheers.

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    1. Stacy- I can't wait to get back to the UK where vegan and vegetarian foods have found their way to a more mainstream market- it will make the options so much better! Sorry Im so late in reply to all my comments, I find myself with about 30 to catch up on haha

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