Day 21: Coconut curry rice and roasted brussel sprouts. This rice is so easy and versatile! It's just 1/2 yellow onion diced, one red pepper diced, sauteed in coconut oil. Then dump in a whole can of coconut mil, season with 1/2 tsp curry and s&p, and dump over rice (I usually use brown but ran out). You could add lots of things--peas, broccoli, chicken, pineapple... but I like it simple. the brussel sprouts are my favorite! Quarter then and roast with 2 tbsp coconut oil at 375 for 30-40 minutes. I just have to share my family's reactions. Mike: This is the most brussels I've even eaten. They're kind of bitter. Maddie: I'll have them! I love them! Ella: Awww, no fair! I want more! Ty: They're yummy! They feel good in my tummy! Jake: windshield wiped them all over the floor. Ya win some, ya lose some.
Day 22: Fruit popsicles were a hit! Best ones we've ever made, and way better than an otter pop. It's all about replacements and nobody feels deprived! 1 kiwi diced, 1/3 cup pineapple diced, 1/3 cup watermelon diced. Fill popsicle molds, the fill to top with 100% juice-- we had grape on hand. Freeze till set. (Made 4)
Day 23: Taste the rainbow! I am in love with guacamole salad. We eat it with organic corn chips or quesadillas. 1 can black beans, drained, 1/2 pkg frozen corn, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 clove garlic, handful of cherry tomatoes, handful of cilantro, 1 avocado-- all chopped. Then dump in some olive oil, juice from one lime, and salt to taste.
Day 24: Saturday night movie and popcorn! We love it homemade cuz it tastes so much better! (Not to mention how many ingredients you skip when you do it yourself.) Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup organic kernels and shake as they heat up to keep any from burning. Put lid on when they start to pop. When all are popped remove from heat. Drizzle with another tbsp of melted coconut oil and sea salt to taste. What a treat!
Day 25: I have to say most cravings for sugar are gone. If I ever do need something sweet (or Mike needs more energy to mow the lawn) this is my favorite--a spoonful of heaven! Peanut butter and raw honey are both high in antioxidants. Coconut oil and raw honey are both anti-viral, -bacterial, and -fungal. PB promotes heart health. Coconut oil gives energy, positively affects hormones and blood sugar, and increases metabolism and endurance. Raw honey is full of natural vitamins and enzymes, stabilizes blood pressure and sugar, is anti-inflammatory, and eliminates allergies! I love it when something tastes good AND is good for you!
Day 26: Having leftovers of this for lunch, and it's amazing. Similar to the guacamole salad a few days ago, but with my first lettuce from the garden! Instead of olive oil and garlic, we used home made ranch. We also added 4 grilled chicken tenders and 1/3 cup of cubed cheese. I could eat it all day... But lucky me, we're having even more yummy food for a Memorial Day family party! (I ended up grilling salmon in honey lime marinade, and making the berry salad again, along with watermelon, pineapple, apples, and chips.)
Day 27: Sweet potato boats from
Superhealthykids.com were a hit!
Day 28: We tried a new treat recipe for chocolate chip cookie dough dip with apples. My kids were obsessed with it... I just thought it was ok. Secret ingredient: chickpeas! 1 can chickpeas drained, 1 1/4 cup dates soaked in 1/2 cup water for 2-3 hours, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp vanilla, 1/4 cup nut butter, 2 tbsp oatmeal, squeeze of honey, milk to help texture. Blend all ingredients (including date water) until smooth, then stir in chocolate chips (we used some grain sweetened). I didn't have vanilla and I think that would have been better!
Day 29: Lunch was a delicious pesto pasta salad. I used most of a jar of pesto (Kirtland from Costco) over a package of whole wheat pasta, a big handful of chopped spinach, a cucumber, orange pepper, grape tomatoes, chopped, and a shredded carrot. Good hot or cold! Recipe source, @eating_whole, a favorite food Instagram account!
Day 30: Lentil casserole makes it on the rotation most weeks cuz it's so easy and tasty. We eat it like taco salad and top it with cheese, greens, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, olives... Whatever sounds good! We like to scoop it with chips. Recipe: 3 cups water, 3/4 cup lentils, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 yellow onion chopped, 1/4 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and cover. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until water is absorbed.
Day 31: My attempt at kiwi custard creme was so-so. I substituted the sugar with maple syrup, but the kiwi was still pretty tart. Recipe here:
http://homecooking.about.com/od/dessertrecipes/r/bldes68.htm
Sooooo... Today is the last day of May, and I'm happy to say we all did it!!! I'm proud of my family and their determination and acceptance of our goals. Was it hard? Surprisingly, not really! We had so many good things to eat that we didn't feel too deprived (except maybe when Mike was camping and wanted a s'more). Maddie even turned down cake at a party, and when I asked it it was hard, she said, "No, I'm used to it."
It took more time to find new recipes and a little more work in the kitchen, and it cost more to buy real food (we ate more honey, raisins, nuts, and produce)... But it's so worth feeling good. To answer some common questions, yes we both lost a few pounds, and yes we will continue to avoid sugar. We plan to enjoy a weekly family treat, but to use sugar very sparingly. The bottom line is sugar causes acidity in the body and feeds cancer and degenerative diseases, and I plan to live a long time. :) Thanks for all the enrouragement friends!
Way to go!!
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