The end of rehab

I think that Diet Rehab is officially drawing to a close!  I consider myself rehabbed!   No, I will not adopt a full vegan lifestyle, but I have made significant changes in my life.

I have added so many whole grains and  vegetable-based proteins to my diet. I drink more water than I ever have before, I drink less booze and I have limited my caffeine intake!  I have also cut down on take-out, restaurant dining and processed food.

I will still be posting things from time to time, but I will no longer be posting everyday–Thanks to all of you have been along for the ride–BIG BIG thanks to Meghan Telpner without whom Diet Rehab would not have been possible!

Microwaved Cake in a Mug

I received an email from someone about chocolate mug cake and it struck me as something interesting to share.  Following Meghan’s advice, I no longer use my microwave–it is still in my kitchen, but is unplugged. I have read a bit on microwaving and since it does not make my food any better, I decided it is not worth it–especially since it sometimes makes food worse. Apart from taste, etc., the worse thing about microwaving (for me) is how quickly food heats up, only to cool down so quickly. When I heat things in the oven, they seem to retain their heat for longer periods of time. Additionally, it bothers me when microwaved food changes as it cools. Sometimes starchy foods like pasta either get super-floppy or unusually crisp. Either way, I don’t like it.

I would never indulge in the following recipe because it seems quite disgusting:

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar 
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

“Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at anytime of the day or night!”

I have problem with this recipe for a few reasons (besides the fact that it’s microwaved). 
(1) I am trying to get away from foods being ‘bad’, ‘forbidden’, ‘dangerous’ and ’sinful.’  Food cannot be any of these things and it is a bad habit to get into relating eating–even unhealthy or unwise eating–with morality.
(2) No one needs chocolate cake at any time of day or night. To think in these terms is, again, dangerous and also gluttonous. As Meghan has helped me to see, there is nothing wrong with wanting to have cake (within reason), but go about it in a healthy way. Take time to prepare a great cake with good quality ingredients and invite friends and family over to share–don’t make sad and personal cake in a coffee mug.

Growing food in Toronto

Big thanks to Breanna for passing along this article from The Toronto Star. 

Writer Vanessa Lu reports on the idea of growing organic food in public spaces like on the side of the Gardiner or on grassy medians like those on University Avenue. 

It’s a great idea, but I’m not sure I would be so enthusiastic about eating a salad that had been washed in commuter traffic pollution.  The idea of growing locally is great, but it has to be practical and I just don’t see how this would work.  

In addition to the problem with pollution, who would do the weeding and other necessary care for the plants? How would the food be sold? How would theft be prevented? Would it cause yet more rodent infestations in our city?  

Details aside, I love the idea of garden sharing. I do not have any green space and it’s something I dearly miss once summer hits the city.  Does anyone in the Annex need help in their garden?  I would be interested in an exchange of labour for food!