Quick Tip

If you are looking for inexpensive food storage check out your local thrift store. I adore these flip top glass containers. You would be amazed to know how many of these are just waiting for you to scoop them up! And, at .99 cents a pop, why wouldn’t you?! My favorite in this set is certainly the “tea” container. I have a deep love for typography, so this makes me very happy.

I’ve used these glass containers pictured for my assortment of raw nuts and seeds. The green stuff you see is one of my treats from Hawaii. Crunchy Wasabi Peanuts. They are so yummy. I have no idea if they are healthy or not, but the sweetness of the peanut mixed with the crunchy wasabi shell are super yummy. The uses for these jars are endless! I have some larger ones I use for baking items, such as flour, sugar, etc. Also, our dog has claimed two smaller ones for his treats. Don’t be limited to food storage uses, however, as these containers are great for anything!

*TIP: If you are using for food storage, try to find containers that have a good rubber seal. I’ve come across some that are brittle and not usable. In this case, I simply use it for non-food items.

Get out there and give these unwanted items a second chance!

Quick Snack

Just wanted to share this yummy, quick snack that I threw together last night. It was so satisfying and tasty I made it again today! Three ingredients. Crackers, cheese and bruschetta! Here’s what I used…

Mary’s Gone Crackers – Herb (Gluten-Free)
1 Laughing Cow Wedge Light Swiss Original
Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade

That’s it! Simply assemble and enjoy. You could certainly mix and match different ingredients to satisfy your taste buds. I really enjoyed Trader Joe’s Jarred Tapenade. Their products are surprisingly reasonably priced, and I haven’t been let down yet on flavor. Also, I use 6 – 8 crackers with one Laughing Cow Wedge. This snack easily comes in around 150 calories or less, for those of you counting.

Please share what you come up with!  Also, any ideas on how else to use the tapenade?

Food, Inc.

I would like to see this movie.
Although, I think it’s going to upset me. Have you seen it?

My Favorite Quick Lunch

Please excuse the poor photo. My husband has our camera in the trunk of the car… and the car is not here! Thank the Lord for the Blackberry!

I wanted to share this incredibly simple, fast lunch option that is quite satisfying and healthy! I hope this photo does it some justice. I’m sure I’ll take some better ones to post at a later date.

This meal consists of five ingredients, and virtually no work.

Ingredients:
1 MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger
1/2 ripe avocado, cubed
lemon juice
handful of spinach leaves, torn into pieces
2 romaine lettuce leaves, freshly washed
(choose nice, firm “taco” shaped leaves)

Optional:
sea salt & pepper

Assembly:
Make sure to wash your lettuce leaves, and place on your serving plate. Next, place your torn spinach leaves into the “taco” shell.

On a separate surface, place avocado in a single layer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over your cubed avocado. This really brightens the flavor of the avocado. I also salt and pepper it at this point.

Place your MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger in the microwave for 1 minute. (Or feel free to grill it up.) Once done, cube the burger and place half in each “taco” shell.

Top with the prepared avocado and enjoy!

You could certainly also add other healthy toppings like tomatoes, onion, cilantro, etc. This is just what I typically have on hand and can whip up.

Please try these Spicy Black Bean Burgers! They are so flavorful, and can be used in all sorts of ways! Try other MorningStar Farms products and share your secrets!

This is my journey…

I love food. I love the endless possibilities available. I have found over the years that my body doesn’t like when I eat highly processed, dairy heavy, meat heavy, wheat heavy items. Whether or not I have food allergies or sensitivities is technically unproven, however I know that I feel best when I eat healthy, clean and fresh. This is my journey going from the normal American diet to a more earth-friendly and body-friendly mostly plant-based lifestyle.

My number one reason for trying to make this life change is health. Above all, that is my first priority. Beyond that, I’m still exploring other reasons I feel drawn to this lifestyle. We will see as I research and explore the world of vegetarianism. I’ve already cut out red meat and pork. I’m quickly moving towards cutting out poultry and fish as well. Milk and cheese is going to be the hardest thing for me to give up. I really enjoy a nice cheese. I’m in no rush necessarily to jump into a completely vegan diet, but this is a process that I will work through within myself. Only you can know your own body, right? Right.

And, along the way, my poor husband will be thrown into this world as well. For that, my dear, I apologize ahead of time! (xoxo)

Please feel free to offer advice, suggestions, links to other blogs, etc… I would much appreciate it!

***Edit: I realized labeling myself a Vegetarian just isn’t for me. I enjoy good food too much to limit the possibilities. I do however remain passionate about choosing my animal products from sources that are humane in their treatment and process. I’m not a huge animal eater, but I’m also not opposed to it when the urge comes to my body. It’s a journey… with constant twists and turns.***