Vegan Paradise

I have discovered something amazing check out this menu green New American Vegetarian let me tell you  if I could eat here everyday I would. Sandwiches made with mock meat were you cannot tell the difference, beautiful rolls and buns used. Gluten free options and vegan mayo that tastes divine how can this be? I tell you from the outside this place doesn't look like much because it is in a strip mall but most restaurants are in strip malls here in AZ. On the inside is is like someones house just with many tables, one long communal table in the middle and about 2 sofas and 2 upholstered chairs with a table in the middle. The art on the walls is made from recycled material and there are some painted pictures hanging. I like the vibe folks that are young and old can be seen dining there. And the dessert are incredible, they have a long list of options for their Tsoynami's think vegan McFlury but oh so much better. My favorite to date is "Deez Hazelnuts" made with chocolate hazelnut brittle, chocolate and hazelnut syrups served with a wooden spoon so cute. Since I love to cook the only thing I can do is keep going here until I crack their recipes so that I can make them at home otherwise it is my fix at $13.65 for an entree and Tsoynami but I am glad to pay it.

It's the sugar

OK so today was a work day where I was left to my own devices as to what I would eat, I started the day with my Nature's Path Raisin Bran and coconut milk; not to bad. Once I got to work after about two hours I needed a snack so I went to eat some apples and peanut butter but I chose my old favorite which was Skippy's Natural Honey Roasted. Hold the brakes cause while on the Daniel Fast I was eating Trader Joe's unsweetened crunchy and boy could I taste the difference. My old favorite was way too sweet. I ended up eating the apples just plain. There was only a small amount left in the jar probably about four table spoons; but it was hard for me to throw it away. I don't like wasting food it is something that was instilled in me as a child eat all that is on your plate or don't waste over good food. So while I was at work I did not throw away the jar however when I got home; I remembered how overly sweet the peanut butter was I tossed it. The other thing I did was drink some sweet coffee with cream just the way I like it and while it was really great, while drinking it I knew it was not going to be good for me. I had a training class today and I wanted to be alert so I ate a small avocado and Garden of Eatin Pico de Gallo tortilla chips and drank some tea ,that did the trick for lunch and for diner I ate my homemade spicy lentil soup and a small quesadillia. OK so how did I feel after today....

There was a slight amount of swelling in my feet and some in my ankles and legs so it is the sugar that did it. I ate no meat but I never put the sugar together with the edema and I think that I am finally making the connection.

Live in the Moment

Today was awesome, the sun was shining and the weather was perfect. I went for a walk to show myself some love and enjoyed every minute of it. Moving from Chicago to Phoenix has been a great paradigm shift for me because there is no way I would have walked in 8 degree weather. I also made a great soup for next week Lentils with, onions, spinach, cremini mushrooms, tomatoes with spices and herbs. I don't know why I waited so long but I guess something had to click in my brain. That I have to love me and do right by myself so that I can be the best me ever.

Ok so I have done the Daniel Fast for the last 21 days and tomorrow morning it is over. I want to live a healthier lifestyle and I think that going ovo-lacto vegetarian is the way to go. I hope that adding the dairy and eggs doesn't make my ankles and legs swell up like before the fast it took me 3 weeks to get rid of the swelling. I don't want to go back this is something that means that if the ovo-lacto doesn't work then it will be back to vegan.

I vegan made ice cream today from frozen 6 strawberries & 1 frozen banana, 1/4 c soy milk and 1/4 cup Dole pinapple, mango orange juice.

Monday-whole grain hot cereal w/ pears, golden raisins, almonds and dates - avocado w/ cayene pepper, garlic, salt and lemon. orange; 3 clementines. hummus and triscuts.
banana

Tuesday-whole grain hot cereal w/ pears, golden raisins, almonds and dates - avocado w/ cayene pepper, garlic, salt and lemon. 3 clementines. hummus and triscuts. banana



Wednesday-whole grain hot cereal w/ pears, golden raisins, almonds and dates - avocado w/ cayene pepper, garlic, salt and lemon. orange. black eyed peas and okra. sauted bananas.



Thursday- 3 bananas, spinach salad with, golden raisins, grape tomatoes and sauted baby bellas & onions.Orange peanut butter w/golden raisins on a rice cake. triscuts & hummus

Daniel Fast today I had smothered potatoes w/ yellow & orange peppers and onion. Lunch a small spinach salad with grilled esparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, olives, peas, mushrooms and kidney beans. And dinner roasted egg plant, carrots, mushrooms and onions.

Daniel Fast has started no animal products, sugar, processed foods, only whole foods. Grains, beans, veggies, fruits and water to drink