I’m currently taking another staycation week, which means I have plenty of time to … be lazy. And eat all my meals on my cosy couch. Ha!
For breakfast I enjoyed a very colorful plate of whole grain bread and toast with various toppings and some fresh vegetables. I’ve found a new favorite jam, it’s made of mixed berries and concentrated fruit juice, and contains no added sugar! It’s so good, I could eat it straight from the jar.
A huge salad has been my go-to lunch option lately. This beautiful bowl contained chopped romaine lettuce, quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, sautéed mushrooms, and half a green onion. And I drizzled my favorite creamy tahini dressing on top. (Recipe coming soon, I hope!)
A little later I was craving something sweet, so I made another batch of banana oatmeal cookies (recipe from blogilates.com). I added a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a few dried cranberries. Those cookies are amazing! Vegan, gluten-free (if you use gf oats), sugar-free, and so delicious! If you haven’t tried them, do it now!
A few days ago I found a recipe for a lentil and zucchini soup on Nada’s blog One Arab Vegan. I already had all the ingredients at home, and the soup was ready in a flash. And it was delicious! I added a little leftover quinoa to make my dinner even more filling. This recipe is a keeper, definitely!
I’ve been using my extra time this week to clean up my diet. Lately I’ve been making too many exceptions, eating not-so-healthy things like cake, ice cream, and my husband’s cheese pancakes. Don’t get me wrong, a few indulgent treats here and there are totally okay, but I’ve noticed that my stomach feels off whenever I eat dairy or too much fat in general. So I’m assuming that plant-based, moderately low-fat, unprocessed diet works best for me.
The only processed food that I absolutely cannot live without is bread. The debate about the health risks of gluten and grains in general is still going strong, and while I’m still not entirely convinced that we all need to give up all grains to be truly healthy, it has made me think. I’ve tried every healthy breakfast alternative I can think of, like oatmeal, muesli, smoothies, and fresh fruit, but they all fail to keep me full for more than two hours. So I’ve decided to stick with my usual breakfast for now, until I find a healthier but equally filling option.
Should I try baking my own bread, using spelt instead of wheat? Honestly, I’m confused.
What’s your opinion on bread? Do you think it is healthy or not?
See you!
I had to give up grains for my health, but I think you are right. Not everyone has to give up grains to be healthy. So… Go enjoy a piece of bread for me
Or a bowl of white rice… 
Haha.
I think a lot of people have problems with dairy though. Is it okay for you in moderation?
I can handle dairy in small amounts, like a pat of butter or a sprinkle of parmesan, but a whole plate of mac and cheese or a big ice cream sundae leaves me feeling not so well. My next door neighbor is also lactose intolerant and frequently takes enzyme pills.
Hmm, rice …
Even if you don’t do too much while your on vacation, at least your eating some awesome meals
Thanks, Jessie, I’m doing my best!
Those banana oatmeal cookies look amazing! I need to make them asap!