Christmas Does Not Have to be a Day of Excess

For those of you celebrating Christmas today, I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas.

 I knew that there were would probably be a number of drop in visitors to my parents’ house today.  I also know that whenever guests arrive, all sorts of food makes its way to the coffee table.  I want to make it clear that I do not want to be a Food Scrooge–but I do want to offer alternatives without coming across as a smug and condescending rehabber. 

I concluded that making breakfast and a few healthy snacks for my family was a good way to go. If they started the day off with a nutritiously balanced meal, the chances of them reaching for shortbread or fudge were reduced.  The picture above is their breakfast: I topped a wheat-free organic flatbread with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and a sprinkling of cheese.  There is also a fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and some raw nuts.  I do not want them to feel deprived, but I do want them to eat real food and to enjoy that food–not grab the first thing they see on the dessert tray. 

I will not preach to my family about food and nutrition. After all, I’m newly converted myself.  But I will act silently by ensuring that there are fresh fruits and veggies on every snack/dessert tray.  

Ps. I did have a bit of the flatbread for breakfast, but my half did not include cheese or tomatoes. I had spinach and pear. 

Both photos are courtesy of me. The pic above is breakfast and the pic below is my brother’s positive reaction to the flatbread.

Home Made Bread for a Home Made Girl

This is my niece, Charlotte. She just found out that the toast she is eating is from a home made loaf of bread by yours truly.

I’m in my hometown for the holidays and while others are baking cookies, pies and squares, I’m making veggie soup and dairy-free, wheat-free bread.  

Most bread is made with enriched flour.   Certain manufacturers argue that enriched bread is better for consumers: they claim that it provides extra vitamins, calcium and essential nutrients.  

But what does this really mean? 

Flour is made from a whole grain. When these grains are processed into white flour, some of the nutrients that occur naturally in the whole grain are destroyed. Enriching flour is the act of replacing these lost nutrients.  Not everyone believes that these additions are harmful. After all, the bread does not contain any new ingredients that were not there before the flour was processed. It is important to note that some flours (and breads) will also contain additives and preservatives to extend shelf life or reduce mix time.

There are some good alternatives available at most grocery stores so when looking at the ingredient list, look to see if the bread has been made from whole grain flour. If you have the time and the inclination, try baking your own with quality, whole and organic ingredients.

Diet Rehab: The Family Meal

I did it readers. I invited my carniverous parents over for a vegan lunch. As soon as they arrived, I could sense their trepidation. Mind you, I was also pretty nervous; I was terribly worried that they would not enjoy what I had prepared.  They smiled at me and said ‘hello’, but they kept looking through to the kitchen. And then there’s my dad.  My dad has a keen sense of smell–so acute that I think it may be abnormal.  I noticed that as he removed his jacket, he put his nose in the air and sniffed–ever so slightly. I knew that he was trying to figure out what I was cooking–sniffing for something familiar.

For an appetizer, I made hummus and served it with fresh vegetables and rye crackers.  Next, there was a choice of two soups–either Red Lentil Lemon or Carrot-Ginger–they brought and organic and locally made loaf of bread made from potato flour.  I’m pleased to say that the lunch was a success. My parents loved the hummus and they were full of compliments for Meghan’s recipes.  I think the meal put them at ease about me eating me during my Christmas holiday.

It means a lot to have the support of family and friends and in hindsight I think I may have been a little hard on them.  I automatically assumed they would be judgmental and difficult about the changes I have made.

As if it couldn’t get any better, my dad gave me an early Xmas present: a food processor so that it’s easier for me to chop all of my vegetables and make more of Meghan’s magnificent meals.