Please check out this very interesting article in Time magazine about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

One great fact from Time’s Bryan Walsh:

“A meal at McDonald’s produces more carbon than your trip to the drive-through.” 

An interesting point: “The most efficient way to shrink the carbon footprint of your menu is to eat less meat, especially beef. Raising cattle takes a lot more energy than growing the equivalent amount of grains, fruits or vegetables: most produce requires about 2 calories of fossil-fuel energy to cultivate per 1 calorie of food energy; with beef, the ratio can be as high as 80 to 1. What’s more, the majority of cattle in the U.S. are reared on grain and loads of it–670 million tons in 2002–and the fertilizer used to grow that feed creates separate environmental problems.”

After reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma, my eyes were opened to the sorry diet that most cattle are receiving. But I wonder if a vegetarian world is the answer?  After all, if none of our land animals were eating, would this not produce problems?  What would happen to our wonderful Canadian beef farmers?  Our dairy farmers?  I think that people should eat less meat–it should be a side dish, perhaps, rather than a main–but I’m not convinced that meat should be removed from our diets altogether.

If you’re not sure what to make for dinner, try this easy recipe. I grew up with this dish and it has become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a dinner party because it can be left as a vegetarian main or have meat/fish added for extra protein.

Yields two servings.

Boil enough brown rice for two people (approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked rice per person).

1 tsp each of  cumin, chili powder and black pepper.

On a separate plate, arrange sides such as raw, cut-up vegetables like peas, red and yellow pepper, carrots etc.

On another plate, serve protein such as chicken, shrimp and/or sliced hard-boiled egg.  For vegetarians, raw nuts like almonds are a great alternative. Serve with a generous slice of lemon to squeeze over rice.

The picture below was taken at my mum’s place where I had spiced rice for dinner!  (We had hard-boiled egg and almonds for protein and sliced, raw peppers, orange, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots and celery).

Whether you’re diet rehab-bing, vegan, vegetarian or maybe just have severe allergies, you spend a lot of time thinking about food. As I have noted in previous entries, going out for the day is difficult if you have any dietary concerns and there are times when brown-bagging is the only way to go.  

I have also mentioned how difficult eating out can be–it’s difficult to find appropriate items on the menu.  But it’s also hard to wave goodbye to your social life just because you’re choosing to eat differently.  What’s the happy medium?

After trying a few vegan/vegetarians restaurants myself, I understand why carnivores prefer not to dine at them (apart from the odd self-righteous vegan and canvas shoe–wink). Since the majority of my friends and family are meat-eaters I feel that if I’m invited to someone’s place, it’s my duty to mention if I’m not eating meat or if I have an allergy to something and I would follow up that up with an offer to bring something to the dinner party.  

Going to a restaurant is different–or so I thought. The other evening–at a high-end Toronto restaurant known for steak and seafood–I noticed a woman pull out a tupperware container and start to eat her dinner. I was appalled and thought that it was the height of rudeness.  

Why would she agree to come to that particular restaurant if she’s vegan/vegetarian? If her friends really wanted to eat with her (but also have meat) wouldn’t it have been better for her (the veggie) to eat at home and maybe just order a salad and a drink while her friends ate dinner? Or, remind her friends that she doesn’t eat meat and suggest they dine somewhere else? 

I would love to know your opinions on this issue–am I totally wrong?

I saw a great video that Meghan did and I wanted to share it with you guys:  

Did you guys ever do science experiments in grade school? You know, the kind where you have to enlist your parents to help you out? Well it seems I’ll be doing another one this year. In an effort to get some great local food, I’m going to make like Meghan and try to grow some of my own veggies in my apartment…and I’ll be asking my dad to help. 

Wish me luck!

If you read last week’s comments, you might have noticed this one from Steph:

“I’d be interested to know what changes you noticed physically from your detox? You mention your psychological relationship with food and your will power, but enquiring minds (well, mine) want to know: did you lose a significant amount of weight? Did your skin improve? Were you, er, “regular”? Are you smarter? Stronger? Faster?”

I guess it’s time for the dirty truth.

Body:  Did I lose a significant amount of weight? The answer is, unfortunately, no. I would have been thrilled if I dropped pounds, but since I did not go to Meghan to lose weight–I went to her for health–my diet rehab plan did not involve any sort of calorie counting; it was all about making sure I had a vegetable-based protein at every meal. I think I may have lost a pound or two, but I would say that has more to do with preparing my own food and less eating out. The diet was strict and so that prevented me from eating some of my favorite foods (some of which are quite fattening, i.e. cheese).  

Skin:  I was so nervous about my skin.  I have fairly sensitive skin as it is and since I went through some brutal acne during my teenage years, I was petrified that it would come back.  Meghan had warned me that I  may experience a break-out during the diet change, but believed it would go away. She was right. I did experience a break out initially, but it came and went within a week.  Plus, the breakout wasn’t all that bad–I had a bunch of small pimples, but they didn’t turn into big sores and never got infected–no scars!  

After my skin cleared up, things were good for about 6 weeks, but then I started to get really dry skin. Meghan suggested that the dryness might be from artificial heating, etc., and while I think that the weather contributed, I do think my diet influenced it as well. The reason I think it was more than artificial heating because of the lines that appeared on my toenails and how brittle my fingernails became.  I’ve never experienced anything like that and this lasted until I started getting some dairy back into my diet.  

Bowels: Oh the bowels! I have always had issues with regularity and while it certainly improved with the cleanse, I was ultimately disappointed. I’m not sure if my expectations were unrealistic, but I thought that all of my “issues” would be solved and they were not.  Granted, I found it really hard to adjust to drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day and while the water helps, it doesn’t always work the way I wish it did. In spite of this set back, I did find that while on the cleanse, I never experienced a feeling of being uncomfortably full, I did not experience any cramping or bloating which was a huge bonus! 

As for being smarter, stronger, faster–I do believe I am smarter about food and about health. I am a more mindful eater and a conscious shopper.  At one point during the cleanse I joked that the more I knew about food the less I ate–some of the reading I did really opened my eyes to the food  industry and there are some things that I cannot get past i.e. margarine–I will NEVER eat it again. 

I thought that I was stronger about food, but alas, I do not think I resolved my issues with food.  Since I was eating great food everyday during rehab, I did not worry about over eating, calories or fat because I knew that everything I consumed was heart and body healthy.  As soon as the cleanse was over and I had more freedom, the same feelings about food–fear and anxiety–came back; I still have a lot to work on in this area and I will be talking to Meghan about this issue.

Overall, the cleanse was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I feel good about having done it and–for the most part–I felt good doing it. But I still have so much work to do. I need to learn how to negotiate aspects of the cleanse with my ‘regular’ diet.  

This week, I’ll be writing about aspects of the cleanse that I hope to maintain and what I will reject.

p.s. The photo above is a picture of the fruit bowl at my sister’s place–I’m trying to eat locally.

I enjoy chocolate.  Whether it’s milk, dark, plain, bubbled or filled with dried fruit and nuts–I like it all.  As much as I like it, I’m not crazy about it.  I’m not one of those women who, if I’ve had a bad day, crave chocolate. If I’m PMS-ing, I would rather have a savoury, salty something rather than a chocolate bar. But every so often, I enjoy a high-quality piece of European chocolate.

Much like “cheese”, “chocolate” is something that I would rather not eat.  ”Chocolate” is nothing like chocolate. It’s kind of dry, powdery and it does not melt on the tongue like regular chocolate.  It doesn’t smell like chocolate and it certainly does not taste like chocolate.

But people argue that carob is a healthier substitute.  Carob-chocolate contains no caffeine,  does not contain large amounts of sugar, butter and/or cream, and since there are no fermented cocoa beans used, there is less likelihood of additives or  contaminants in the product. 

Obviously, no one should be eating heaps of chocolate, but on average there are only about 30 grams of caffeine in a chocolate bar–the same amount of caffeine contained in two cups of green tea. 

The verdict is two big thumbs down for “chocolate”. I would rather never eat chocolate again than munch on this sorry substitute. With all of the variety available to us these days–organic, free trade–am I really hurting anyone (myself included) by indulging in this decadent treat every few weeks?

Plus, there are some organic chocolates that are made with raw cane sugar, butter and other whole, organic ingredients. With these options available, I think I will keep chocolate in my diet, but as an occasional treat.

The Telegraph UK had a really interesting article on Detoxing last week. It begins with a question: 

“Everyone around me seems to be on some sort of fashionable new-year detox. I don’t need to lose weight, but I do feel a bit sluggish and my skin’s not great, so I was thinking of giving it a go. Is a detox really necessary and, if so, what’s a user-friendly approach?” 

The above question is then answered by a registered Dietician, a General Practitioner (M.D.), and a Facialist.  

I found the Dietician’s and the GP’s response the most compelling.  The dietician begins by saying that: “the body detoxes naturally via the liver and through the respiratory tract and urinary system, but after a period of indulgence it doesn’t do any harm to be kind and nurturing to your body for a few days.”  

The GP agrees and remarks that: “Detox is not a medical treatment, but a lot of patients enjoy the pampering aspect or even the harshness of the ‘treatment’, as it empowers them, making them feel they are doing something positive to look after themselves. If you think you might enjoy a day drinking tisanes and having mud baths, why not?”

I always find it refreshing when professionals agree on something.   A cleanse/detox) will not ‘fix’ health problems, nor should they be used solely as weight loss tools, but if they help kick start healthy change or even assist with motivation, then so much the better.

I found the GP’s observation that some patients enjoy the ‘harshness’ of the treatment interesting.  When I was cleansing, I noticed the same thing.  I sensed that for some people, pleading ‘cleanse’ was the easiest way to maintain a very strict diet while masquerading as something healthy.  Cleanses are great for people who appreciate the power and control experienced with exercising will power and deprivation.  Note that I am not suggesting that everyone on cleanses has disordered eating or is even dieting, but I do think that cleansing can provide a sense of accomplishment.  I noticed it within myself.  My relationship with food was dramatically different when I was cleansing–I didn’t worry too much about calories or fat because I knew that everything I was eating was quite healthy.  Now, without the confines of my cleanse, I’m already starting to feel a loss of control.  Without the rules, I feel like I’m on the brink of over eating.  On the one hand, I don’t want to “cleanse” forever, but I think I will have to retain some of Meghan’s guidelines because I feel safer being bound by them–I feel like I have more will power.  

So, yes, cleanses are a bit trendy right now and while they’re not strictly necessary, in moderation they won’t do any harm and may just be an impetus for change in your life.  I have an amazing friend who is trying to make some changes in her life in terms of food and exercise.  She knows that she can’t ‘cleanse’ forever, but she thinks that starting one might just be what she needs to get going. I can’t agree more. And it doesn’t have to be eight weeks long–even a weekend of vegan meals and no caffeine/alcohol might be enough.

Again–I love hearing what you think.  Please share in the comments section.

The good news is that with the cleanse complete (yes, complete!), I feel a genuine sense of accomplishment. I also feel like I’ve learned a great deal about myself, my relationship with food, nutrition and   discovered a bunch of new foods and recipes.

The worst part is that last night–with the cleanse finished–I went to a local pub with friends after work.  I was not really in the mood for drinks so I stuck to my usual–soda water and lemon.  A couple of hours later, though, I started to feel hungry…and the pub menu was sooooo tempting.

I ended up having a vegetarian pizza. It was really, really good.  Hot, melty cheese, spices and a crispy, thin crust.  I didn’t suffer any physical side effects from eating the pizza, but I felt so guilty–pizza is NOT a whole food and my resolution is to eat, whole food–organic and local where possible. Having eaten some pizza, I started to panic that now the cleanse is over I’m going to go mad with food and put on weight.  

I know that the cleanse is about health–not weight loss–but I guess I just wasn’t prepared for the worry, the guilt and the remorse that comes with eating “bad” foods. Clearly, my relationship with food is not as amicable as I thought.  I do not want to have to maintain all of my prescribed eliminations–but I also do not want to feel guilty about eating foods I enjoy.  I am going to have to speak with Meghan about this once she returns from holiday. 

In the meantime, do you have any advice?

It’s fairly easy to stick to the guidelines of a cleanse when you’re in the safety of your own home.  Things get complicated if you’re leaving for a mini-vacation and even a day-trip.

If you can find a vegetarian/vegan spot then you’ll have no problem, but other options include Asian and Indian restaurants because they tend to offer a lot of veggie options.

If it’s only a day trip, the best option is to pack your own food.  Here’s a list of what I tend to bring with me if I’m out for the day:

 Raw (unsalted) nuts like almonds or cashews.  I do not recommend pistachios or peanuts since they tend to absorb a lot of toxins in the soil and so do not offer the same nutritional punch as other varieties.

Hard fruit: Apples are a safe bet.  They may get a bit bruised after bouncing around in your bag for a few hours, but will still be edible–unlike a banana.  If you’re careful, tangerines are also a good option.  I tend not to bring veggies with me because I don’t like them at room temperature. If it doesn’t bother you, carrots, celery and radishes are great on-the-road options.

Dried fruit offers contrast in texture and flavour to trail mix, but beware that it is very high in sugar and harmful for your teeth.  The other problem is that it’s harder to gauge how much fruit you are eating when it’s dried–this can leave you feeling bloated and constipated.  Remember to drink extra water if you indulge in dehydrated fruits and veggies.

Granola: Nature Valley bars are a great treat. Since they’re individually packed, they are not messy.  While they are processed, the ingredient list is bearable and they do come in a variety of flavours. The best bet is to make your own granola, but if you don’t have the time and are willing to shell out a bit of cash, then opt for the bar. 

If you can eat bread, try to find one made from whole grains. If you’re off wheat, try a gluten free version, rye or substitute a rice cracker.  Bring some organic peanut butter along and you have yourself a tasty lunch.

Water, water, water:  Pack more than you think you’ll need–even if it’s heavy.  If you’re sitting in a car, bus or plane for any length of time, you will get dehydrated–especially due to air filtering, cooling and heating systems.  It’s great to have extra water on hand in case you have some sort of spill or want a bit of freshening up before you arrive at your destination; a splash of water to the face can make a huge difference.  Another bonus of drinking water is that keeps breath fresh—you never know who you might meet!

If you have any suggestions, please pass them on!

Last week I had two friends over for lunch–Sonya and Melina.  They both brought food for me to try: Sonya brought spiced cashews, which were amazing. Melina brought Kamut mini-pretzels.  Kamut contains no wheat and it is slightly sweeter and higher in protein than modern wheat–and can be used as a wheat substitute. 

I’m not a huge fan of regular pretzels: I find the massive salt crystals a bit intimidating and I hate that they leave my mouth so dry, but after weeks of not having any real snack food, I thought the kamut alternative was great.  

In terms of fat, sodium, carbohydrates and sugars, there’s not much between them.  In 28 grams of kamut pretzels there are 110 calories, 1 g fat, no cholesterol, 320 mg of sodium, only 2 g of fiber and 1 g of sugar.  In 45 grams of the President’s Choice Blue Menu multigrain pretzel alternative has 170 calories, 0.5 g of fat, no cholesterol, 390 g sodium, 2 g fiber and 1 g sugar.  The major difference is the ingredient list.  The kamut pretzels have a much shorter ingredient list and all of the ingredients are whole foods like unbleached kamut flour and organic barley.

Obviously, pretzels are a treat–and while the kamut pretzels are not nearly as pleasing in colour, texture or saltiness, they are the “healthier” choice.

The final verdict is that kamut pretzels get one thumb up–they’re not great, but as an alternative they’re great.