Day Three Eating Plants
Image via Wikipedia
My taste buds may not be delighted, but the rest of me was thrilled this morning when I stepped on the scales and read, “134.5#.” Our almost peach ice cream was delicious. Though not like ice cream at all, it was still cold and slightly sweet and full of peach flavor. Thanks Mary for the tips, by the way. Our evening pot of beans was filling and had plenty of flavor. A late night snack of black grapes topped off the day.
This morning, I’m cooking more beans. I have on the stove a pot of pinto, white northern and lentils. The key so far seems to be to eat often and crazy big portions. I’m shocked by how much we are eating and how quickly we get hungry again. I ordered three books to better educate us and provide me with ideas and recipes for cooking. This could get boring in a hurry is I don’t get some culinary input. My creative juices seems to be all dried up and every possible combination I think of involves oil, butter or cheese. Mary, you do give me hope.
1. The Spectrum: A Scientifically Proven Program to feel Better, Live Longer, Lose weight, and Gain Health, by Dr. Dean Ornish
2. Prevent and reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure, by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr.
3. Everyday Cooking with Dean Ornish: 150 Easy, Low-Fat, High Fiber Recipes, by Dr. Dean Ornish
Another adjustment is the time needed to prepare. it only took about 15 minutes to cook a vegetable or two and a couple of fish fillets. I could have a meal on the table in less than thirty minutes. Now, cooking all these grains and beans, it seems like it takes me hours. By the time we complete one meal, it’s time to start another. This truly is a lifestyle change. I just thought we ate healthy before. I’m so glad Lee is doing this with me. I don’t know if I would stick to it alone.
I haven’t slept well in days, but no late night Nitro for a few. It might have helped me sleep, though. I think I’m still feeling the effects of the trip. My energy level seems to be stuck in low. the claims that this diet can reverse heart disease are made for those who follow the program to the letter. That letter includes exercise which I cannot do. I’m hoping I’ll get better without the exercise so I can exercise. Oh, how wonderful it would be to take a walk.
Newallie's Blog 
Beans, soup, etc…password: Crockpot
One of the best ones rated is a cheap one. Search reviews online.
Book at the Library: The Bean Bible.
Worth buying, I’ve checked it out 3x so far…
Also, The Anti-Inflammation Diet (Perricone). Allows more “good” fats than Ornish. I think Ornish goes too far. You need a TBSP or two good fat per day. Olive oil, 1/8 Avocado, Salmon, etc. A little fat carries flavor.
BTW – You’ve re-inspired me. I made an improvised soup last night: I make standard stock pot of veg broth with the trifecta: Sauteed in a little Olive Oil – A lot: Onion, Carrot, Celery, sometimes Red Pepper and other vegs. Bay Leaf or two, a little S/P. Cool and portion to large zip locks. Lie flat in freezer on cookie sheets & freeze.
Then last night: One frozen portion defrosted. Added chopped Carrot, Celery, Broccoli, a couple of small red potatoes chopped, seasonings, fresh dill, some chopped chard at the end. Simmer till done – less than 10 minutes. Blend about 2/3 of it, add back to pot. Garnish with dill, grated parm, some whole grain croutons. Heathy in a bowl. Might not hold you for hours if you like rib sticking food.
Some would say don’t eat the red potato as it’s high glycemic, but it’s so small in relationship, I’m not a stickler. Some barley could do well instead. Sometimes I keep brown rice cooked in freezer or barley cooked, frozen in flat portions in zip lock for quickie add ins, if I want it speedy. A good rice cooker is also a great item if you have one.
Optional: I sliced up one low fat chicken mango sausage into thin discs, sauteed with a little evoo, deglaze with some red wine, put a few in the serving..
I love reading about your efforts! Mary