Today I find myself in the midst of several circumstances that are influencing my food choices. One, I have a 6 week old baby and a closet full of size 2 clothing. These two things are not compatible at the moment, so I've got some body change that needs to happen. Since I'm breastfeeding and sleep- eprived, i still have to consume a sufficient amount of calories...they just need to be clean!

Two, I'm feeling called to do a 21 day Daniel Fast. Don't know what that is? I'll post about it tomorrow...come back then.

The Daniel Fast isn't a super far reach for me, already being vegan. But the elimination of refined carbohydrates, increase in water consumption (because you can't drink anything else) and elimination of sugars (don't freak out...I can still eat fruit...just nothing else that contains sugar), helps give me energy AND supports my goal of losing a few lbs. Win, win.

I posted this picture of my lunch today on Facebook and people responded quickly wanting the recipe. So here it is:

Salad:

2 cups rainbow quinoa

4 cups water

3 fresh ears corn-on-the-cob

2 cans black beans

1 green bell pepper, diced

5 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 small yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

Place quinoa and water in sauce pan. Bring water to a boil. Lower heat, cover and let cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook corn in large pot of boiling water. Everyone seems to have their super special way to cook the perfect eat of corn. I put mine in the cold water, once it starts to boil, I boil it about 12 minutes. Works for me. After corn is cooked and cooled down to be able to touch, cut off of the cob.

Combine all remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl. When quinoa and corn are cooked and cooled slightly, combine with the veggies.

Whisk up dressing ingredients and stir into salad.

I like serving over a bed of fresh greens, like spinach, baby kale or mixed greens.

Vegan. Gluten-Free. Daniel Fast Approved. Naturally low in fat. Pure Goodness.

Give thanks to God for the provision of these foods...and ENJOY!

In good health and God's grace,

MamaSherf

As summer approaches, I feel compelled to talk about fruit!!! As many fruits are now in season, they taste better, are chock full of nutrients and are being grown much closer to home! It isn't uncommon for those on a weight loss mission to think that fruit is off limits, but I'm here to tell you that is not true! Fruits, especially berries and apples, are so nutrient dense they should be a part of any person's diet.
The most important thing about fruit is to eat the real version--exactly as it comes off the plant! Skip applesauce in favor of an apple. Eat a real peach instead of ones in a can in sugary syrup.
While it is true that fruits are higher in sugar content than the other food groups, this naturally occurring sugar does not have to sabotage your weight loss goals. Choose fruits that are lower in natural sugar: raspberries, cranberries (but not dried ones), blackberries, strawberries, papaya, watermelon, peaches, blueberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, apples, guavas, and grapefruits!
Some fruits that are higher in sugar include: plums, oranges, kiwi, pears, pineapple, cherries, grapes, pomegranate, mangos, figs, bananas, dried fruit. Don't feel like you need to avoid these fruits, just be mindful of their higher sugar/carbohydrate content and select smaller portion sizes! Have you ever noticed the apples the size of your head at the grocery store!? Yeah...avoid those :)
If you want to go the distance on making your fruit intake the healthiest, check out The Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen shopping guides:
www.ewg.org/foodnews

So, this week's challenge: try a new fruit. Ever had a guava? They are the most nutrient dense fruit of them all. How about a star fruit? Or rhubarb?

Maybe I'll see you at the Bloomington Farmers Market on Saturday buying some local, yummy fruit (and vegetables)!!!

Blessing on your health!