Friday, August 5, 2016
It has been a long time since I've posted. I'm rejoining this practice to help me with accountability in my new pursuit. As I near 60 I realize that enjoying the rest of my life will be enhanced if I make a huge push to improve my health. While I'm generally healthy by US standards--no meds, health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol levels well within acceptable parameters--my weight continues to be an issue. Despite a vegan diet I manage to engage in self destructive behaviors--drinking and overeating--that keep my weight above a healthy BMI. So I am committing to work towards a healthy BMI by my 60th birthday.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A Bust
Vegan MoFo was a bust for me. I haven't figured out how to post consistently--especially complete with pictures. I'd really love to get into a rhythm of blogging but there always seems to be too much to do. We'll see...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Cookies!
I like to make the cookies my kids take for lunch. Despite my best efforts I'm usually making them at 6 AM. The best recipe I've found is Dreena Burton's Homestyle Chocolate Chip cookies in her book Vive le Vegan. I vary the "mix ins" from chocolate chips to macademia nut white chocolate chip to M&M's and the kids love them. A big hit. Give them a try: http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results
Monday, November 1, 2010
Vegan MoFo
Well, I was too chicken to sign up for Vegan MoFo however I just made some cupcakes for my kids so why not share? Maybe I'll try to participate in the MoFo without actually committing. It's a busy month here so I'll just see what happens.
Back to the cupcakes. My last attempt at vanilla cupcakes was an epic fail. Into the trash they went. I thought I'd try the vanilla cupcake recipe made famous by Chef Chloe--first vegan chef to win the Cupcake Wars of Food Network. The batter was very tasty. Into the oven it went. The recipe said to cook for 15-20 minutes. Mine seemed to need 25-27 minutes. As they cooled, several of the cupcakes collapsed. The 2 in the middle are a mess. One of the outside cupcakes is also quite sunken. It may be because I left the baking stone in the oven. I'll try to make another batch with the stone removed to see if there is an improvement.
For me, chocolate frosting is always good on vanilla cupcakes. I am not a fan of powdered sugar frostings due to the gritty nature of the frosting. Before becoming vegan, I was a big proponent of French buttercream. Totally NOT vegan. I did, however, find a recipe for a cooked chocolate frosting made with cornstarch: http://www.grouprecipes.com/1834/vegan-chocolate-frosting.html. It got good reviews so I thought I'd give it a go. It does have a smooth texture but I'm already considering some modifications to this.
I'll post some pictures (hopefully) and the kid quality review later.
Back to the cupcakes. My last attempt at vanilla cupcakes was an epic fail. Into the trash they went. I thought I'd try the vanilla cupcake recipe made famous by Chef Chloe--first vegan chef to win the Cupcake Wars of Food Network. The batter was very tasty. Into the oven it went. The recipe said to cook for 15-20 minutes. Mine seemed to need 25-27 minutes. As they cooled, several of the cupcakes collapsed. The 2 in the middle are a mess. One of the outside cupcakes is also quite sunken. It may be because I left the baking stone in the oven. I'll try to make another batch with the stone removed to see if there is an improvement.
For me, chocolate frosting is always good on vanilla cupcakes. I am not a fan of powdered sugar frostings due to the gritty nature of the frosting. Before becoming vegan, I was a big proponent of French buttercream. Totally NOT vegan. I did, however, find a recipe for a cooked chocolate frosting made with cornstarch: http://www.grouprecipes.com/1834/vegan-chocolate-frosting.html. It got good reviews so I thought I'd give it a go. It does have a smooth texture but I'm already considering some modifications to this.
I'll post some pictures (hopefully) and the kid quality review later.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Prophetic
I didn't know when I wrote the last post how prophetic the words would be. I guess I was ready for a change and the world really gave me a jolt. I've come bounding out of my stupor.
A radical change in diet was in order. I quit coffee and alcohol pretty much cold turkey. Somehow, since the time was right, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Going from 6-10 cups of coffee and 1/2 a bottle of wine a day down to zero was something that I was really sure I couldn't do. A kick in the pants from the universe is a motivator. Also I'm following a mostly raw vegan diet. I've been a vegan for several years now but trying to go raw was another thing I just couldn't seem to manage until recently. It's really helped me to lose some weight and to sleep better (well, maybe cutting the caffeine and alcohol helped too).
I'm trying to get more exercise and meditate to work on my energy level and chaotic mind. That hasn't been as successful as the dietary changes but I'm still hopeful.
It feels better to be moving forward.
A radical change in diet was in order. I quit coffee and alcohol pretty much cold turkey. Somehow, since the time was right, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Going from 6-10 cups of coffee and 1/2 a bottle of wine a day down to zero was something that I was really sure I couldn't do. A kick in the pants from the universe is a motivator. Also I'm following a mostly raw vegan diet. I've been a vegan for several years now but trying to go raw was another thing I just couldn't seem to manage until recently. It's really helped me to lose some weight and to sleep better (well, maybe cutting the caffeine and alcohol helped too).
I'm trying to get more exercise and meditate to work on my energy level and chaotic mind. That hasn't been as successful as the dietary changes but I'm still hopeful.
It feels better to be moving forward.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Almost Totally Undone
My son has had serious health problems for the past year. Today he returned to school and seems to really be on the mend. I know that he will always have challenges and being a mom of 2 kids would keep me busy even if there were no other challenges. But I have seriously let things get out of control in my life. My house, my diet and my mind are all chaotic! I really need to establish some sanity. Maybe blogging will help. We'll see.
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