Amazing What Five Weeks Will Do

Yep...it is amazing what five weeks will do - or any length of time for that matter.  Five weeks ago I began a new journey to a meat free lifestyle.  Since then, I have watched several videos, read numerous articles, and have a new stack of books to read about a vegetarian/vegan way of life.  I do not miss meat...and I never thought I would say that, EVER! I am however, enjoying a new way of eating a plant based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes.


This past week I had a regular checkup with my wonderful physician (whom I love dearly).  I shared with her what I have been doing and asked her opinion on it.  She was extremely encouraging and gave me additional tips on what I could do to improve my health faster.  She was also very happy with my blood pressure numbers, which were almost in the perfect range, and said that these were results from the changes I have made - quick changes I might add.  Hopefully soon (I'm hoping by September or sooner) I will be off all my medications and down at least 50lbs. or more.  Miracles do exist!


Two of the videos I have watched (both are available on Netflix) are "Forks Over Knives" and "Tired, Sick, and Nearly Dead".  I strongly encourage you to watch these - no, I'm not trying to make you a vegetarian or vegan - I think they are incredibly informational and encouraging.  I had NO clue what I had been doing to my body over the past 20 years.  You can also get news feeds from these on Facebook and be connected to wonderful web sites and blogs that have great recipes to add to your collection. You can read more about them, HERE and HERE.


Speaking of recipes, I have been pinning away so many wonderful recipes on Pinterst.  Many of them called for  something I had never heard of - Nutritional Yeast.  Nutritional Yeast??? What in the world is that??  So...with the plethora of information that the Internet provides, I researched it.  Wow, I would have never thought this would be so healthy plus tasty.  "Nutritional Yeast is Yellow in color and with a nutty cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is a favorite among many vegans because of its unique flavor and is similar to cheese when added to foods." 


"Sprinkle some on hot popcorn or garlic bread, or add a generous spoonful to a stir fry or pasta sauce. Nutritional yeast is also the only reliable food source of vitamin B12, so if you're vegan, it's a good idea to add some to your food regularly. Nutritional yeast can be found in the bulk foods or supplement section of your health food store (I found mine at Whole Foods in the bulk section). You can look for either nutritional yeast flakes or powder, but be sure you don't get brewer's yeast by mistake, as its quite similar in appearance." 


I purchased a small amount the other day just to try it.  I really does smell like Romano cheese.  I sprinkled some on the top of some baked tomatoes and it was really good.  Sold...now I'm a fan of that!


Today, Rennie and I are off to the Farmers' Market - our favorite place to shop on Saturday.  I will be making a vegetable lasagna this weekend as well as homemade black bean burgers.  I will hopefully be able to get some good photos of the creations and post them later along with the recipes.  


I pray you have a wonderful and safe weekend.  For those still experiencing arctic weather - stay warm.  For those of us in the deep south, get out there and get some sunshine and boost that vitamin D!


Until next time... ~Pamela