Day Four

Well here I am on day four and I am feeling good.  Day three was a challenge.  I went to the movies with some friends last night.  Night and movies to me equals sugar and fat.  My friend brought some caramel chocolate popcorn to munch.  It smelled soooo good.  Because my bag was the biggest I was the goody holder.  I ended up sitting in the middle and was again designated as the goody holder.  I have to say the temptation was strong but it felt good just to hold it and know that I have control over my body and what I put into it.

I had spaghetti squash for lunch and it was really yummy.  The recipe is super easy and very flexible.  Here it is for your enjoyment.

1 spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 small green pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
2 T olive or vegetable oil
4 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 4 cups)
1/2 t salt
1/4 t dried basil leaves
1/4 t dried oregano leaves
1/4 t fennel seed
1/8 t pepper
2 T butter or margarine
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

1. Prepare and cook squash whole
2. Cook onion, green pepper and garlic in oil in 3 quart saucepan over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender.  Stir in tomatoes, salt, oregano, basil, fennel and pepper.  Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
3.  Cut squash in half; remove seeds and fibrous strings.  Remove squash with two fork; toss with butter and cheese.  Spoon tomato mixture over squash.

I liked this recipe because you can easily substitute items and cooking method.  It is very flexible to tastes and what you have available in your kitchen.  I was able to make this from the herbs and tomatoes I had dehydrated this summer from my garden.  In an effort to eat what is in season and not having any green pepper available I simply left it out.

My cooking method was a little different because I had cooked the squash two days ago and already eaten half of it with spaghetti sauce.  I put the onion, oil, dehydrated tomatoes and garlic in a pan to gently saute.  While it was cooking I got the squash out of the refrigerator and used a fork to scoop the stands into a bowl.  I added the dried herbs and spices and mixed them so that they were wet from the oil.  Then I added the squash and just cooked it until it was warm.  I did not think it needed any butter and only put a sprinkling of real grated Parmesan cheese over the top.  It was wonderful.  It topped it of with a few pita chips and fresh water to drink.  I only have one more spaghetti squash from the garden and I am already looking forward to the next time I make it for lunch.  (I am going to make it for lunch so that I won't have to share.)

In case you are wondering about the other meals here is what I had for breakfast, snack and dinner.  For breakfast I had a small (about 1 cup) of oatmeal with raisins, apple slices, a drizzle of agave nectar, and a splash of soy milk.  Snack was a handful of Simply Naked pita chips and a cup of carrot juice.  Dinner was homemade three bean chili.  I do admit to putting green peppers in the chili.  (I was in the store and couldn't help myself.  It just doesn't seem like chili without green peppers.)  It was sooo good that no one even noticed that there wasn't any meat in the meal. 

In an effort to cleanse I have been doubling the amount of fresh garlic I put into my food.  It has been wonderful.  None of my friends have said anything amount my breath.  Maybe they are just too nice.  Our family has been gloriously healthy.

It has been easier than I thought to get new ideas for simple, tasty meals.  I am looking forward to this holiday season because I will be healthier than when it started.  That is a gift that keeps giving and a simple one to give to yourself.  Try it! I think you will like it.

Dieuwke's 21 Day Journey

Today I started on my own personal wellness journey.  After many years of candida over growth I have finally decided that I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I have also decided to do a mild parasite cleanse to aid in my body in getting rid of parasites and my overgrowth of wee beasties. 

After a quick body test to check the length of time and make sure this will actually be helpful I started two simple things.  To get rid of the candida I am going to starve them out by denying them sugar.  Right now I am even staying away from fruit, fruit juices, honey, agave nectar, and molasses.  That might change as I body test.  To aid the body in cleansing and get rid of any parasites that I am most likely hiding I am doing a chaparral tea in the morning.

To do a chaparral cleanse put a teaspoon of tea in a cup and pour hot, not boiling, water over the leaves.  You can let them steep overnight but do let them steep at least 15 minutes.  Drink the tea first thing in the morning before you eat.  Use the same teaspoon of herb three days in a row then start over. 

For more information about chaparral check out Ten Essential Herbs by Lalitha Thomas.