My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

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Give a Gift, Change a Life

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Gift Guides

Today kick’s off My Plant-Based Family’s week of  Holiday Gift Guides. I’m so excited because I’ve been planning this for months. I wanted to share my top gift picks well before the holidays to give you time to plan.

I’m extra excited about today’s pick because today I’m featuring World Vision! Later in the week I’ll suggest some great books, body products, snacks and of course stuff for your kitchen.

World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization that helps children, families, and communities worldwide. They provide emergency assistance to children and families affected by natural disasters  and are working diligently in the Philippines right now to help with the aftermath of the storm. World Vision also strives to help victims of civil conflict, work with communities to develop long-term solutions to alleviate poverty, and advocate for justice on behalf of the poor. They are busy at work in nearly 100 countries, serving all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
 
Share of deep Well

Each year we pick an organization like World Vision and buy gifts for families we will never meet. World Vision has a Gift Catalog were you will find things like buying a share to dig a well, provide clothing for children and provide hope for exploited girls. Each year we would ask our kids (now teenagers) to look through the catalog and decide how to bless others. We would explain how we have so much it’s our responsibility to help others and sometimes that means we need to sacrifice what we want to make sure other people can get what they need.

World Vision Red Bracelet

You can also purchased handcrafted gifts from all over the world. If you really want to impact a family, fund a micro loan, World Vision allows you to choose an entrepreneur and follow their progress.

I just picked out several opportunities that caught my eye but their are many others to choose from.

There are many ways to help. Visit World Vision to find out more or Follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Do you have any traditions to give back during the holidays? We enjoy filling Christmas stockings for needy kids in our area, but love contributing to organizations like World Vision that can make a difference in place we will never get the opportunity to visit.

The Daniel Cure Review and Giveaway

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The Daniel Cure

The Daniel Cure

It isn’t often that I find a book that pairs my passion for healthy eating with my faith. The Daniel Cure is the most remarkable book I’ve read this year, filled with the science behind healthy eating, truth from scripture, over 75 recipes and a 21 day devotional. It is written by Susan Gregory author of the book The Daniel Fast and Rick J. Bloomer PhD, who is also the Department Chair of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Memphis, and Professor and Director of the Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory.

Background

The Daniel Fast is derived from the book of Daniel and is usually practiced as a 21 day partial fast.

When Daniel and the other Hebrews were taken into Babylonian captivity they were supposed to accept all of the Babylonian ways. Daniel and his friends refused, asking not to eat the King’s food because it violated Mosaic Law. They asked for a test, “Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”

At the end of the test Daniel and the others were fit and strong and allowed to continue their way of eating.

Later in Daniel 10, Daniel does a partial fast for 21 days and prays.

Today’s Daniel Fast

Today the Daniel Fast consists of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds; basically anything grown from a seed but avoids sweeteners, meat and wine among other things.

People all over the world have seen radical changes in their health after doing a Daniel Fast. Since a fast is a Spiritual experience many have also found answer to prayer, supernatural healing and other amazing things happen during the fast.

The Daniel Cure

The Daniel Cure takes the 21 day fast a step further and clearly shows you everything you need to know to adapt the Daniel Fast into a sustainable lifestyle. The authors encourage you to complete the Daniel Fast first but to continue this variation in the diet that will make it much easier to continue. I feel like my style of eating is very much in line with the Daniel Cure. I don’t make anything “off limits” but strive to eat healthy, whole foods most of the time.

In the chapter, Making the Daniel Cure a Way of Life the authors say, “Keep in mind that your new way of healthy living doesn’t mean you can never have a piece of cake or a Coke. We know that you will not eat clean food for every meal from this day forward for the rest of your life. Such a goal is an invitation to failure.”

I couldn’t agree more and I’ve been pretty vocal about making the diet change work in the real world.

Helpful Chapters

The Daniel Cure also includes many chapters about fighting diseases like Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and fighting inflammation. Those are preceded by a chapter that discusses the way we view ourselves and the way our Creator views us.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

Press on Toward the Goal

I sought out a Plant-Based Diet because I was sick, but I adopted it to honor God by treating my body like His temple.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lied ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

The Daniel Cure is a great resource to help you on this journey. This book will give you guidelines about what to eat, how often and how much along with tips to help you navigate grocery shopping, sample menus and meal planning tips.

Recipes

If you’ve read My Plant-Based Family for long you know I like delicious meals but they also need to be pretty simple. I’m completely won over by the recipes in this book, they use familiar ingredients that I normally buy. I really want to try the Stuffed Potato Cups with Sautéed Kale, Spicy Tomato Sauce and the Berry Crumble.

However…

There are a few things in the Daniel Cure that aren’t quite in line with my eating philosophy. I feel I should mention them even though I highly recommend this book. I am not a big fan of protein powders or supplements. While the authors say, “You don’t need animal products to obtain protein and calcium in adequate amounts. With proper planning, you can get all of the protein, carbohydrates, fat and micronutrients you need from a 100 percent plant-based diet” they highly recommend you use protein powders and calcium supplements. They also feel that “the addition of small amounts of animal products (lean meats and dairy) might make your diet even better.” This might be because many people who claim to eat a plant-based or vegan diet do not really eat a healthy diet.

The Giveaway

I enjoyed reading The Daniel Cure so much that I’m really excited that you have the chance to win a copy! The giveaway is open to those in the US and Canada and ends on November 12 at 12:00 am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the Daniel Cure, I was not obligated to provide a positive review. All opinions are mine.

Meal Plan Monday: Cold Weather Recipes to Keep Warm

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Plant-Based Meal Plan for NovemberThis Plant-Based Meal Plan is full of warm recipes that are perfect for cold weather. Of course I still add a few salads in here an there.

Recently my boys (age 2 and 4) wanted a snack. I excitedly asked, “want some lettuce” and to my surprise they said yes. Ever since I’ve been offering them lettuce for snack. The 4 year old prefers “crunchy” lettuce.  It just goes to show that if you keep offering your family healthy choices eventually they will eat them.

Plant-Based Meal Plan

Breakfast

Lunch

  • Black Bean and Roasted Corn Salsa with Baked Potato and Salad
  • Gluten-Free Veggie Wraps with warm Roasted Veggies
  • Sunbutter Sandwiches with sliced fruit
  • Black Bean Quesadillas and Mexican Rice
  • Leftover soup or noodles

Snacks

Dinner

This weekend I’ll have a booth at the FITT for Life Expo in Florence, Arizona. It’s a free event for the whole family.

North Coast Organics Lotion Bar Giveaway

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North Coast Organics Lotion Bars

Have you tried using a lotion bar? Yes, you read that right a lotion bar. Well if you haven’t tried North Coast Organics new Certified Organic, Vegan and Handmade Lotion Bars you don’t know what you are missing.

You all know I’m a HUGE FAN of North Coast Organics line of deodorants that include Death By Lavender, Revolver and Naked. I’ve never used a deodorant that stopped the stink, especially through an Arizona summer like North Coast Organics deodorants.

They sent me their new lotion bars to try out and once more I’m in love. I’ve used a different brand of lotion bar but it left something to be desired. North Coast Organics Lotion Bars are easy to rub in and leave my hands feeling soft and protected for hours. There is no weird film that some heavy-duty creams leave behind.

These handmade lotion bars come in Lemon, Floral and Untitled. I’ve always loved anything lemon scented and tried the Lemon Lotion Bar first. I love it. I usually put it on first thing in the morning and I love it’s clean, fresh scent. I was originally skeptical of the Floral bar but this is a nice, pleasant scent that is not perfume-y or overwhelming. Untitled may be my favorite though. It’s great for men or women. I use it every night. They are made from food grade products so you don’t have to worry if you  2 year old tries to eat one.

I’m the kind of person who uses lotion daily. When the cooler weather sets in my skin gets drier but these lotion bars will help keep my skin smooth and soft.

If you want to stock up North Coast Organics has generously offered a 30% off coupon to My Plant-Based Family readers and one lucky reader will win a set of three Lotion Bars. The coupon code is 30LBAR and is good throughout the giveaway.

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway! There are several ways to enter but hurry because the giveaway will end on November 2nd. This giveaway is open to those in the US and Canada.

FTC Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. I was given free product to review but the opinions are 100% honest and my own. I was not under any obligation to write a positive review.

The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan Ever

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The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan Ever

Is it too expensive to eat a Plant-Based Diet? This Meal Plan will show you exactly how cheap a Plant-Based Diet can be.

This isn’t the healthiest Meal Plan I’ve ever created; but it is a nutritious Meal Plan for those lean times when you really have to watch your budget.

I’ll assume you have some spices and other pantry staples. This Meal Plan will feed a family of 4 for less than $55 a week. Food prices vary by area but these meals use ingredients that are generally inexpensive, seasonal (for Fall) and available in most places. If someone in your family has food allergies you may need to make a few substitutions. For example, if you can’t tolerate gluten I recommend you skip the bread, pancakes and oats since the specialty (gluten-free) versions will cost more.  I have had good experiences with a gluten-free pancake mix from Walmart called Maple Grove Farms Pancake and Waffle Mix.

The Cheapest Plant-Based Meal Plan

Breakfast

If you have a wheat allergy I recommend you remove the oatmeal and pancakes from the Meal Plan and replace them with Baked Potatoes and Veggie Breakfast Stir-Frys.

  • Oatmeal with Apples
  • Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Sliced Bananas
  • Overnight Oats
  • Breakfast Rice with Diced Apples
  • Pancakes
  • Pancakes with Peanut Butter and Bananas
  • Pancakes with Baked Apples

Lunch

Cook extra for dinner each evening so you have enough leftovers for lunch. Eating out for lunch is a big budget buster.

  • Bean and Grain Bowl
  • Baked Potatoes with Leftover Chili
  • Potato Soup with a side salad
  • Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
  • Taco Salad
  • Bean and Rice Burritos or Bowls

Snacks

Stick with fresh fruit and veggies, processed foods are expensive. If you need a snack that is a little more filling try leftover soup or baked potato.

  • Carrot Sticks
  • Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
  • Orange Slices
  • Bake Potatoes

Dinner

These dinners are perfect for cool Fall weather. If you are missing an ingredient just substitute something else.

Here is the Free Printable Shopping List for The Cheapest Plant-Base Meal Plan Ever (Fall Edition). You may spend less than $55 if you already have some items available. I even included what I consider to be luxury items like tortillas and bread, if you omit them you could spend less than $50. I looked at store advertisements and asked around to determine prices. If something on the list is expensive fresh consider buying the frozen version. I also have some duplicate items like “frozen veggies” just to make sure you have enough available. If your family dislikes something on the list just omit it and work around it. We don’t eat a lot of oranges at our house but they are fairly inexpensive in our area now so I included them.

 

My Taste of Pritikin Experience

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Have you ever been to a health resort or spa? Last month I had the opportunity to visit Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa.

Everyone keeps asking about my trip but I’ve held off on talking about it partly because I needed time to reflect on it, partly because I was busy but also because I wanted to see how the trip would impact me in the long run.

Pritikin1

The Cook-Off

If you remember I won the trip after entering a recipe contest and creating a recipe for Cilantro-Lime Infused Quinoa with Black Beans. You can watch a short video about the contest HERE, mostly I’m just nodding in the video. 🙂 The cook-off was really a lot of fun. I was completely comfortable since I regularly cook for a crowd and regularly speak in public. Also, my dish, like most of my recipes was simple and easy to prepare. Although I didn’t win the grand prize I was happy to get the audience’s vote. Chef Anthony and the Nutritionist Kimberly Gomer voted for Toni’s Chicken Fajita dish but both said they loved mine and that it was the healthiest choice. The recipes were very similar and both used quinoa and black beans.

Chef Anthony gave me a schmancy Chef Knife too! It is shown in the video, it is much bigger than the mini-chef knife I’m used to so I was being very careful not to cut off my fingers. 🙂

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The Grounds

The Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa is part of the Trump Hotel Collection. It is currently under renovation and will be even more fabulous soon. It is right on the Blue Monster at the Doral for all of you golf enthusiasts. Our rooms were nice and very comfortable. They have a spacious gym full of workout equipment and weights. My favorite part of the property was the SPA! Oh yes, they have an incredible sauna, jacuzzi, a steam room that smelled of eucalyptus and a sensory shower. There were many more features but we were short on time. We didn’t even get to spend time in the pools or check out the hot and cold massaging hydrofalls. Pritikin also threw in a free massage which was heavenly.

pritikin5

The Classes

There are classes scheduled all day. I had hurt my back a few days before the trip so I didn’t participate in many of the exercise classes. They also had plenty of nutrition and cooking classes. I wish I would have had more time to attend all of these. We attended a Conscience Eating Luncheon with the nutritionist and realized a lot of mistakes I make while eating like multitasking, watching television and eating too quickly.

pritikin6

The Food

One of my favorite things about this trip is that I didn’t have to prepare all the food. HA! I only cooked once for the Cook-Off and I loved it but since I normally cook all of our meals I was delighted to take a few days off. While Pritikin promotes a mostly plant-based diet they also incorporate small amounts of animal protein and dairy. These were easy to avoid but I ran into a little more trouble avoiding gluten. Even when they serve meat, although only at dinner, they always have a veggie burger or veggie loaf option but they contain gluten. They would offer me something else or sometimes just ask what I would like. The service was wonderful. Breakfasts where a choice of cooked whole grains, breads, cereals and lots of beautiful fruit. The offered mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Lunch always has assorted soups, a salad bar and delicious fruit.  My favorite meal of the day was always Happy Hour. Fresh juices and some incredible food including the best asparagus I’ve ever had. If you get a chance to visit Pritikin, prioritize the Happy Hour and go or the alcohol-free mojito.

pritikin2

The People

We met some wonderful people. The other people staying at the resort were open and friendly, the staff was eager to help, Toni (the other blogger in the cook-off from Food. Just Saying’) and her husband were a lot of fun. I brought my friend Mandy who was the perfect traveling partner. We stayed up late for girl-talk and enjoyed taking in the whole experience.

The Difference

The biggest difference for my was salt. Pritikin preaches a salt-free diet. I had already been cutting back on salt but this trip acted as a salt cleanse for me. While I use small amounts of salt at home I don’t cook with it or add it to every meal. I also realized that I need to adopt a consistent workout regimen.

The Badge

Best Meatless Dish Badge

If you ever have a chance to stay at the Pritikin Longevity Center you should definitely do it. I have no doubt you will experience renewed healthy.