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Thursday, June 28, 2012

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia



Gulp.  That is all I can say.  In less than 72 hours, I will leave a job that I have loved for more than eight years.  I loved it so much, that I only called out sick once during that time, and I wasn't even sick...my sister was visiting me, and I wanted to spend time with her.  I am looking forward to a new adventure, but I am not going to lie, I feel just plain sad.  So much so, that I can easily cry about the heaviness in my heart.  My tenure at Whole Foods Market is the longest time I have ever spent at one job in my entire life.  Turns out to be an eighth of my life...wow.

So, as I pack boxes, unload piles of paper, the one thing I have been doing is "counting my blessings."  Of the myriad of experiences and benefits, the best, hands down, was the gift of attending an Engine 2 Immersion.  I got to spend a week in Austin, Texas, immersed in the practices of Engine 2, and learning to become plant-strong. It might sound cliche, but my Immersion changed my life, forever.

My autographed, dog-earred copy of Engine 2 is starting to get a bit weathered, because I refer to it all the time.  I am an inventive cook, so while the recipes are very good, I prefer to experiment and tweek as I go.  Being plant strong, for me, is a cleaner way of being vegan.  Nothing processed.  No oil.  No salt.  No sugar. All clean and pure food.  And, it is delicious!  I spend loads of time prepping food for my plant-strong life.  And, I guess that I will now have more time on my hands, I will be cooking up a storm in my plant-strong kitchen.

It's all good, but I am feeling a little sad today.  Time to go and steam some kale and make some oatmeal.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Pucker Up

With the bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables, dinner, every night is a huge salad.  It is big, and all mine, made from a variety of leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, kale, and more!  I haven't bought bottled dressings in more than three years.  You can save a bundle of money (and calories, fat, and salt) by making your own, especially when a fat-free dressing is your choice.

You may have a traditional citrus fruit "juicer," but these metal squeezers pictured are the B-E-S-T!  The juice comes out in mini-torrents!  Make sure the one you buy is metal, as I recently used a plastic one, and it snapped in mid-use.  These cost about $8.00.

Limes are my go-to dressing.  Great source of vitamin C, and packed with loads of properties (check out this website for more details [http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lime.html)].  I prefer them more than lemons.  And, everynight, here's the dressing I make for my nice, big salad.

-Juice of two limes
-One half cubed avocado
-Garlic powder, to taste
-One half finely minced shallot

Put it in a jar, and shake until the avocado looks like it is mashed.  Pour over salad.

Traveling?  Going out for lunch?  Just throw a lime in your purse, and you are good to go.

Happy Tuesday!  And, don't be a sour puss!

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