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My Plant-Based Family

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

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Uncategorized

Resources

May 9, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

Do you eat a plant-based or vegan diet? Most of the people I’ve met only considered it because they were sick. That was me, sick and desperate for help. Thankful a friend introduced me to Eileen, a Whole Food Educator who taught me about how food is directly related to our health. To learn more about my story click here.

When I first started looking for resources I really didn’t know enough to tell the difference in the good verses the bad information. I got frustrated looking for recipes that were full of processed, food like substances. I don’t know how many recipes I saw that had white flour, white sugar and oil but the cup full. Eeewww! That was not for me.

The Wellness Forum

Thankfully Eileen introduced me to the Wellness Forum. The Wellness Forum is headed by Dr. Pam Popper and has been providing health-giving education and resources for 15 years. When I became a member I was sent a book and dvd’s that taught me almost everything you need to know about making the switch to a plant-based diet, including all of the reasons to make the switch. I also get newsletters, weekly conference calls and many other opportunities to ask questions. It was definitely worth the price. I just called the Wellness Forum and the member ship price is now $77 for a 1 year membership. So if you are just getting started this is perfect for you.

Other Docs

There is a growing number of doctor’s who now prescribe a Plant-Based diet. Here is a list of a few of them. Feel free to list others in the comments.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Dr. John A McDougall

Blogs

Who doesn’t love reading blogs? I am a fan of so many.

You simply must check out An Unrefined Vegan. She uses the same type of ingredients that I do but her food looks so much better and more creative. When I refer to her blog I say, “my friends blog” even though we have never met because she feels like a friend. She has a wonderful writing style too.

Fat Free Vegan has ton’s of healthy vegan recipes. Another favorite is the Happy Herbivore, if you’ve read my blog you know I cook a lot from her cookbooks and recommend them wholeheartedly. I also love her Herbie of the Week segment. Each week she recognizes someone who has made the switch to a plant-based diet and drastically improved their health.

There are others but these are my go-to blogs when I need an meal idea and are most closely in line with my dietary guidelines. What are your favorite whole food, plant-based blogs or websites. Feel free to list your own. 

A last list of a few more favorites are In Pursuit of More, Veggie Grettie, and Kid Tested Firefighter Approved. Also check out the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine headed by Dr. Neal D. Barnard.

Who am I missing?

Filed Under: How to, Uncategorized Tagged With: How To, nutrition, Plant Based Diet, resources, Vegan

Gratituesday: Testimony

May 8, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

This morning I got to listen to a good friend share her testimony. There were about a dozen of us listening and I can assure you we were all riveted with her life story. She shared about loss, love, and ultimately God’s faithfulness through her life, even when she was unaware of his presence.

I’m so thankful for stories like that. Stories that remind me I am not alone. Most, if not all of us have been through difficult experiences. Some of us lean on friends or family to be our anchor, while others rely on our faith.

My friend shared this verse with our group.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

I like the thought of that. I live in Arizona, it is dry and hot; the idea of a “sun-scorched land” is not hard to imagine. I also know the feeling of being spiritually dry, the longing for something cool and refreshing that will satisfy my soul. Do you know that feeling?

Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:37b-38

Ahhh, now that sounds refreshing.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Gratituesday

Basic Supplies

May 3, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo 20 Comments

The top shelf has seeds, chickpea’s, cocoa, almonds, and barley.
The bottom shelf has noodles, pinto beans (back), quinoa (back), brown rice (back), brown and red lentils (front), white and black beans.

Before we began our plant-based eating there were certain ingredients I always had in my pantry, freezer, or fridge. Some of those ingredients have changed but not all of them. I like to be able to go into the kitchen and make something without having to run to the store. When I run to the store for one thing I usually make it home with at least five, the trip that would have cost me a few bucks now cost $20! That is not frugal!

I stock up on some things when they are on sale and buy in bulk when it makes sense. Below you will find a list of ingredients I try to keep on hand at all times.

Spices

  • black pepper
  • chili powder
  • cinnamon
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • sea salt
  • vanilla
Various canned foods, Juice Plus+, gluten free bread, craisins, and peach cups (we don’t eat peach cups at home but take for occasional treats on the go).

Pantry

  • agave
  • applesauce
  • baking soda & baking powder
  • brown rice
  • canned beans
  • cereal
  • chocolate chips (non-dairy)
  • cocoa
  • coffee
  • dried beans (pinto, black, chickpea’s, lentils, etc.)
  • dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
  • grains
  • non-dairy milks
  • nuts
  • old fashioned oats
  • pasta
  • pasta sauce
  • quinoa (I buy a 4 lb bag at Costco for $9.99)
  • raw sugar
  • tomato sauce
  • tortillas
  • tortilla chips

Freezer

  • bananas
  • blueberries
  • breads
  • cherries
  • corn (my husband can’t have it so I scoop out what I need)
  • other veggies
  • strawberries
  • whole wheat pastry flour

Refrigerator

  • almond milk
  • apple butter (L&A Unsweetened is delish!)
  • applesauce
  • Bragg Liquid Aminos
  • creamer (soy or coconut milk creamer)
  • Earth Balance
  • fat-free balsamic vinaigrette
  • jelly (with no added sugar, I like Crofter’s)
  • lime juice
  • mustard
  • natural peanut and almond butter (I buy both at Costco)
  • nutritional yeast
  • salsa
  • veggie base ( I use Better than Bouillon)

Fresh Plant Foods

  • apples
  • bananas
  • broccoli
  • carrots (I buy 5 lbs at a time for $2.49)
  • garlic
  • onions
  • potatoes
  • sweet potatoes
  • spinach

I can make almost anything I could want with these ingredients. I did not buy them all at once and I don’t use them all the time but these are my essentials. When I have people over they are usually overwhelmed by how full my pantry is. Right now it is extremely disorganized but it is normally just semi-disorganized.

Depending on your tastes and cooking style you may have a different list of essentials. Your list could change over time too. Now that I’m discovering my son has an issue with gluten I’m sitting on quite a bit of gluten filled grains and trying to transition to others.

Did I forget anything? What is in your must have list that differs from mine? If you’re new to plant-based is there anything that stands out as weird to you?

Filed Under: How to, Planning, Uncategorized Tagged With: How To, pantry staples, Planning, Plant Based Diet, Vegan

Gratituesday: Being Home

May 1, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

After traveling for ten days I am thankful to be home. I thoroughly loved the time away and visiting my family but I’m glad to be back home and starting to get back in a normal routine. I am also so happy to live where I live. As we drove through several states my heart was longing for the Valley of the Sun! I was never so happy to see My Mountains! I am grateful that God chose this place for us, I grow to love it more each year.

For more stories of Gratitude visit Heavenly Homemakers!

While we traveled we were not able to eat the optimal plant based diet. If you are just beginning a Plant-Based diet I feel I must warn you. If you eat the Standard American Diet (SAD) your body is addicted to all manor junk; fast food, butter, cheese, sugar, oil, caffeine, etc. If you are serious about getting this stuff out of your system it will take time and you may not feel great for a while. 

The last two days of our trip we were on the road and having to eat fast food a lot, not to mention the road trip snacks to keep us alert. After we got home we were ILL from all of the junk we ate. Our body knew it didn’t belong. 

Now that I’ve warned you I will also encourage you that giving up the junk

IS WORTH IT!

Soon you will feel so much better. You will have more energy and clarity. People will pay big money for a pill that promises that, but I assure you no pill is necessary. 

Have you experienced the withdrawal that comes from giving up the Standard American Diet? Thankfully it didn’t last long for me but I’ve heard it takes longer for some. What is your story?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Getting Started With a Plant-Based Diet, Gratituesday, Plant Based Diet

Are You Ready for a Change?

April 26, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

Are you ready to change your life? If not what will it take; sky high cholesterol or blood pressure, too much weight that won’t go anywhere, or a dire diagnosis?

I’ve been speaking to a lot of people lately who are interested in making the switch to a plant-based diet and I can assure you it is not as difficult as you may think. For the next few weeks I’ll focus on the “how to’s” of making a change to a plant-based diet. Topics will include Tossing the Junk, How to Shop, Eating Out, What to Eat, plus the usual Meal Plans and recipes.

So what are you waiting for?

On a side note I’ve been traveling since the middle of last week so my blogging has been a bit irregular. Next week I’ll be back in a in a routine and return to the regularly scheduled program. 😉

Filed Under: How to, Planning, Uncategorized Tagged With: How-to's, Planning, Plant Based Diet

Tomatoes

April 25, 2012 by Holly Yzquierdo Leave a Comment

It is happening, first with mushrooms and now with tomatoes.

My whole life I have loathed the taste of tomatoes. I liked tomato products like ketchup, salsa, and marinara. I did not like raw tomatoes at all or huge chunks of cooked tomatoes. Blech!

A few weeks ago I went to favorite pizza place of ours and ordered the vegetarian pizza without cheese. It came out with LARGE AND IN CHARGE pieces of tomatoes on top. I psyched myself up and took a bite of this tomato laden pizza and enjoyed it.

That was the first time I enjoyed tomatoes. Ever! I have since made french bread pizza’s with tomatoes, Italian Bake, “taco” salad, and a host of other tomato-full foods. I’m not planning on snacking on whole tomatoes anytime soon but who knows!

Do you have a surprise food you like after years of revulsion?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dairy Free, Frugal, Plant Based Diet, Vegan

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