CAULIFLOWER MINCE

1. Cut cauliflower up in tiny pieces

2. Add yellow and purple raisins

3. Fresh chopped parsley

4. Thinly chopped yellow pepper

Splash balsamic vinaigrette on top or simply add a sprinkle of sesame oil.  

LIVING VEGA-TARIAN::: STEAMED KALE

LIVING VEGA-TARIAN::: STEAMED KALE

Not complicated, but is simply delicious, steamed kale is packed full of nutrition. An excellent, potent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids, and that's just to start. Research has also shown that kale contains 45 — can you believe it?! 45 — different flavonoids with a variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Easy to prepare:

1. Slice the kale

2. Steam

3. Top with thinly sliced onions and spices

That's it! Dig in and enjoy! 

Love Cerise

LIVING VEGA-TARIAN::: ROASTED EGGPLANT

Many of the nutritional benefits gained from consuming eggplants are obtained from the skin of the vegetable. Eggplant skin is full of fiber, potassium and magnesium and antioxidants. In fact, its phenolic content makes it such a potent free radical scavenger that the eggplant is ranked among the top 10 vegetables in terms of oxygen radical absorbency capacity.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like the eggplant decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

How is the this delicious VEGA-TARIAN meal made? Very easily. 

1. Slice slits in your eggplant and push pieces of garlic inside. I used the gigantic type. They burst with flavour and are large enough to push in the slit. 

2. Once your eggplant is stuffed with garlic then you simply put it in the roaster with your desired veggies. I used remnants I found in my fridge:: Portobello mushrooms, grape tomatoes, yellow pepper, carrots and seasonings (black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, sesame oil, olive oil, parsley)

Throw them all in the roaster and cook for until the eggplant's skin is ready to peel off easily.

This is what you will get at the end. Dig in and enjoy. You can serve the veggies on a bed of Quinoa or enjoy alone! 

LOVE CERISE

FRUIT SALAD

Mmm fruit salad is yummy anytime during the year. It's easy to make, delicious to enjoy and of course it's great for the body.
In this particular salad I added::: 1. Apples (Red Delicious and Empire brand). 
2. Blackberries
3 Kiwi
4. For the dressing I added a cranberry vinaigrette.

Apples have pectin in the walls of the apple between the flesh and the skin. Pectin helps to suppress your appetite and scrub your cells.

Blackberries are great antioxidants.

Kiwi is packed with vitamin A. If you're worried about wrinkles then indulge in this fruit, it's known to help hydrate the skin and enhance a more youthful look.
Mix together and enjoy!
Love Cerise

PORTOBELLO WRAPS

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM WRAPS

Not a lot is needed for this awesome recipe. It's tasty, fast to make, very low in calories and is great for the body. 

Let's take a closer look at the Portobello mushroom itself. What is it? Why is it so large? Well the difference between a small cremini mushroom and the portobello is size. A cremini is harvested when it's young, and a portobello is a full grown mushroom.

Here are some of God's great ingredients in the portobello mushroom. 

Fiber

Portobello mushrooms have a moderately high amount of fiber. A 100-gram serving contains just over 2 grams. Fiber is a key substance for controlling cholesterol and blood-sugar levels. It also has a filling effect on the body, which is beneficial for weight maintenance. 

Potassium

Potassium is an important electrolyte mineral needed for muscle contractions, protein synthesis, nerve function and acid-alkaline balance.

Phosphorus

The body relies on phosphorus for bone strength. It also contributes to the reduction of muscle soreness during workouts and filtration of waste from the kidneys. 

B Vitamins

The B vitamins help with red blood cell formation, energy production and nervous system function. 

Okay so let's see what we're doing with these large meaty mushrooms. 

1. Take a portobello                                

 

2. Slice the portobello and add desired spices (I added masala powder, garlic glove, onion, black pepper, sesame oil and molasses)

*Mix all in a bowl. 

***NOTE::: Portobello mushrooms contain natural sodium. If you have high blood pressure do not add soya sauce or salt. 

 

3. Place in a cookware and cook in the oven on 350 degrees until desired tenderness.

You can pour tomato sauce on top as shown in the picture. Alternatively you may want to Alfredo sauce as well, also shown in picture.  

4. Prepare Romaine lettuce leaves 

5. Place the portobello in the wrap and enjoy. 

If you prefer to eat the portobello cold, as opposed to warm, then let cool in the fridge for 1hr, and then wrap.
You may want to use a sprig of dill to add a little zing. 

There are a variety of dips and sauces you could use. One that I really like is my homemade vegan pesto, which I'll be posting in a few days. 

Please feel free to let me know how you enjoyed the portobello wraps. 

CHICK PEA SALAD

Another simple salad that can be made in minutes. 

Health Benefits of Chickpeas

• Fiber Advantage and Weight Loss: Like other beans, Chickpeas, are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that snares bile (which contains cholesterol) and ferries it out of the body. Research studies have shown that insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders.
• Protein for Vegetarians: Chickpeas are a good source of protein. Combined with a whole grain such as whole-wheat protein, they provide amount of protein comparable to that of meat or dairy foods without the high calories or saturated fats.
• Manganese for Energy Production: Garbanzos are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Just one cup of garbanzo beans supplies 84.5% of the daily value for this mineral.
• Iron Boost: Garbanzos can boost your energy because of their high iron content. This is particularly important for menstruating women, pregnant or lactating women and growing children. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism.
• Stabilizing Blood Sugar and Low Glycaemic Index (GI): Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, beans like garbanzos can help you balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy. They have low GI value of 28 – 32 means the carbohydrate in them is broken down and digested slowly. This is helpful for weight loss as it controls appetite.
• Heart Healthy: Regular intake of Chickpeas can lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol. Garbanzos contain the significant amounts of folate and magnesium. Folate lowers the levels of the amino acid, homocysteine and strengthens the blood vessels. Studies have found chickpeas lower the risk of heart attack
• For Women: Garbanzo contain phytochemicals called saponins, which can act as antioxidants. It could lower the risk of breast cancer, protect against osteoporosis and minimizes hot flushes in post-menopausal women.
• Weight Loss: Due to high fiber content and low GI, chickpeas are excellent for weight loss diets. Salad with chickpeas are tasty and can keep you full longer, controlling the appetite.

1. One can of Chick peas or also known as Garbonzo beans

2. Half an onion

3. Thinly sliced/chopped cucumbers 

4. Plum tomatoes

5. Clove of garlic

6 Preferred spices (I added Garlic powder/touch of salt/black pepper/cumin)

Mix all together and enjoy! 

BEET VEGGIE SOUP

Beets are an awesome veggie. Here are some interesting facts that may even surprise you. 

Beets are high in many vitamins and minerals. Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid. 

Beets cleanse the body. 

Beets help your mental health. 

Beets are a high source of energy.

Okay, so here's how you make this delicious soup.

1. Buy the beets on the stem from the grocery store... as shown in the picture.

2. Cut the beet off the stem and peel it.

3. Cut it into small chunks.

4. Take the stem and the leaves and slice them up as well.

5. Throw everything in the pot of water with other veggies if you like. I added celery, onions, garlic and tomatoes, but you can add what you like best. Just keep in mind that everything will turn red.

6. As your soup base you can be flexible. For example, you may want to use a package of onion soup mix. For my base I used spices.
Cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and a dash of ginger powder.

7. Bring to a boil and let simmer to desired tenderness.

ENJOY!
Love Cerise.

BATTERED EGGPLANT

So the weight loss process has been going okay. I've lost 12 pounds. Well if you remember, I gained 10 more pounds in the beginning, but lost it again and now I have been successfully keeping it off and feeling lighter. I haven't been exercising, but I do plan to... haha isn't that always the hitch?! 

I gotta get into the swing of exercising. I used to be so into it. 

Anyway folks, try this recipe. it is vegetarian and good! 

Do not eat too many. It's a vegetarian plate, but it's high in fat due to the batter and the oil!

1- Slice the eggplant

2- Make the batter: flour/cumin/black pepper/salt/ginger/water

3- Dip the eggplant in batter and fry

4. When medium brown remove from the pan and place on plate

Serve with your fav dip!

HUMMUS

Mmmm Hummus is so delicious. Eat this instead of meat and eliminate calories!

Make your own hummus:
Hummus is one of the more popular Middle Eastern dips. Served with fresh or toasted pita bread, hummus makes for a great snack or appetizer. Tahini is an important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. However, it can be omitted.

Appetizers Made with Hummus
INGREDIENTS
1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
PREPARATION

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread, or cover and refrigerate.
Variations

For a spicier hummus, add a sliced red chile or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storing Hummus

Hummus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. Add a little olive oil if it appears to be too dry.

SIMPLY CARROTS MMM

SLICE, BOIL AND PEEL. ADD SOME OLIVE OIL, PEPPER, GARLIC POWDER AND BAM! YUMMINESS IS DONE!  

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sooo the weight loss process is going okay. Seriously, I gained weight last month before I lost. I actually went up to 180, but now I'm back down to 169 where I started. So what does that mean, well one of two of things:

1. I boogie my butt and lose the 25 lbs  within 36 days.
2. Accept that I have not lost the weight and be rested in whatever weight I do lose by the deadline, Dec 20th. 

Knowing me, I will choose option 1 and will boogie my butt to get on top of things. The iron is hot and it's time to strike. In other words, it's crunch time!!! eek!!! Hey, even though I had gained an additional 10 lbs in my first three weeks, from eating late at night, I have now nipped that in the bud and lost the 10 lbs, so why shouldn't I try to kick the rest of the chubb to the curb?!

Okay, sunflower seeds! I love these little guys. I prefer to snack on them with the shell. biting off the shell is part of the fun of eating sunflower seeds. 

They're rich in Vitamin B-1, copper and Vitamin E, antioxidants, protein and fiber. They help curb a person's appetite and also keep diabetes at bay.

3 INGREDIENT EASY VEGAN MEAL

EASY TO MAKE AND FAST TO COOK

*Put peanut oil in pan. 

*Put the carrots in first, then the mushrooms and lastly the bean sprouts.

*Stir fry to desired tenderness. 

*Top with oyster sauce

So far I've lost 5 pounds and have 20 more to go. 

BEAN SPROUTS

Mungbean sprouts are low in calories, have fiber and B vitamins, and deliver a boost 

of vitamins C and K.

CARROTS 

Carrots, sliced, raw
1.00 cup
(122.00 grams)

Calories: 50
GI: low

NutrientDRI/DV

 vitamin A113.2%

 biotin20.3%

 vitamin K17.8%

 fiber13.6%

 molybdenum13.5%

 potassium11.1%

 vitamin B610%

 vitamin C9.6%

 manganese8.5%

 vitamin B37.5%

 vitamin B16.6%

 pantothenic acid6.6%

 phosphorus6.1%

 folate5.7%

 copper5.5%

 vitamin E5.4%

 vitamin B25.3%

MUSHROOMS

People do not usually consider mushrooms, including crimini mushrooms, as a part of their meals that can offer great nutritional value. However, the nutritional value of crimini mushrooms may surprise you. One cup of crimini mushrooms provides a good, very good, or excellent source of 15 different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients. To maximize their flavor and the retention of their nutrients it is important to not to overcook them. That's why we recommend healthy sautéeing crimini mushrooms for just 7 minutes to bring out their best flavor while maximizing their nutrient retention. For more on our Healthiest Way of Cooking crimini mushrooms see the How to Enjoy section. 

Mushrooms, Crimini, raw
1.00 cup
(72.00 grams)

Calories: 16
GI: very low

NutrientDRI/DV

 copper40%

 selenium34%

 vitamin B226.9%

 pantothenic acid21.6%

 vitamin B317.1%

 phosphorus12.3%

 potassium9.2%

 zinc7.1%

 vitamin B15.8%

 manganese5%

 vitamin B64.7%

 folate4.5%

 choline3.7%

 protein3.6%

 vitamin B122.9%

SIMPLE SALAD

TODAY'S TOPIC 

7

Romaine Lettuce...Mmmmm, the greener the better. Not just because I like it like that, but for real, The greener the lettuce the more chlorophyll it has in it which means it has more power to oxygenate your cells.
It is believed that the more oxygenating foods you eat the more you can prevent health illnesses, namely cancer.

SIMPLE SALAD RECIPE:
1/2 Head of lettuce
1/4-1/2 of English cucumber
Small handful of onions
Small handful of tomatoes
Few green/purple olives
Splash of olive oil.

Let me know how you like it!

RICE NOODLES AND CAVIAR

RICE NOODLES.... MMMMMMM

So today I didn't have time to cook so I purchased these already made rice noodles. They were inexpensive, just $3.99 yet very filling. All you have to do is mix the caviar with the noodles and you're good to go... oh yeah, there's also a little container of sauce that it comes with which adds that extra little zing and makes a huge difference.

   "Noodle Basics
Before Asian noodles became popular in the United States, “noodles” referred to a product made from flour, water and eggs. Asian noodles are different because they don’t use eggs. In addition to rice, you'll find a variety of Asian noodles made from wheat, buckwheat and mung beans. Rice noodles are made from rice flour and water, or rice that’s soaked, ground into paste, rolled and cut into noodles. One cup of cooked rice noodles has 192 calories, 0.4 grams of total fat and 44 grams of carbohydrates.
Gluten-free
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye that works with yeast to make bread dough rise. It’s also a health problem for people who are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease. Celiac disease, or sprue, is a genetic disorder in which the immune system reacts to gluten, damages the intestine and causes inflammation that can spread throughout the body. The only way to prevent this damage is to permanently remove gluten-containing products from your diet. Rice is naturally gluten-free, so rice noodles make a good replacement for noodles made from wheat flour.
Fiber and Protein
One cup of cooked rice noodles has 1.6 grams of protein and 1.8 grams of fiber. For men those values represent 3 percent of their daily protein needs and 5 percent of total daily fiber. Women gain 4 percent of their recommended daily intake of protein and 7 percent of fiber from 1 cup of cooked rice noodles..
Zinc
One sure sign that zinc is essential is that it’s present in all the tissues and fluids in your body. Without sufficient zinc, your immune system can’t work to its maximum ability. It's also a component of enzymes that metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Zinc helps regulate genes and it’s vital for the production and growth of new cells. Men should consume 11 milligrams and women need 8 milligrams of zinc daily. You’ll get 0.44 milligrams in 1 cup of cooked rice noodles, which is 4 percent of the daily intake for men and 5 percent for women.
Iron
In addition to its essential role in delivering oxygen to cells, iron helps your body produce red blood cells. An iron deficiency impacts your immune system because it’s needed for the development of white blood cells, called T cells, that attack infected and cancerous cells. On the other hand, too much iron is toxic. That’s a special concern for children. Accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in young children, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One cup of cooked rice noodles contains 0.25 milligrams of iron, which is 2 percent of the daily intake for women and 3 percent for men.

VEGGIE CHILLI

So yesterday was interesting. I felt majorly bloated, perhaps because my womanly visitor is on her way, which will also make me crave chocolate- but that's for another convo- So I was not feeling much happen in terms of weight loss. I didn't feel deflated, defeated or frustrated, I know how weight loss goes. After all, if you have been following my blog you would have read, I battled the bulge many years ago.

I'll keep it real with you, it's not like I started the gym or have been doing any activity out of my comfort zone to the lose the weight. My comfort zone is dancing in front of the mirror at home to my tunes that I LOVE, and I do my own thing, in my own space, in my own head, with not distractions. 

Sometimes I may break out the cardio videos and have them play on mute in the background just for some workout material ideas, but most times I just dance for 40-45 minutes, just medium speed. 

Okay, so back to yesterday. Due to the fact that I was feeling 'thick' for the lack of a better word, I made some homemade veggie chili and I'm telling you I felt the effects right away. The plum tomatoes are such an awesome source of fat shrinking goodness, it's amazing. Okay, so here are the ingredients so you can try it. 

VEGGIE CHILI

1 can of plum tomatoes

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of red kidney beans

1 can of black beans

2 small cans of corn , or 1 large can

1 large onion

half of Garlic (three six cloves)

1 can of small tomato paste

1 or 1/2 cup of water

1 generous handful of spring mix

1/4 cup of brown sugar

ADD THE INGREDIENTS INTO THE POT ALL AT ONCE. 

BRING TO A BOIL AND THEN LET SIMMER UNTIL DESIRED LIKENESS. 

YOU MAY WANT TO ADD YOUR OWN TOUCH OF HERBS AND ADD MORE VEGGIES LIKE CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI, CELERY... IT'S ALL UP TO YOUR TASTE BUDS.

BEANS HEALTH BENEFITS

"Chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease all have something in common. Being overweight increases your chances of developing them and makes your prognosis worse if you do, says Mark Brick, PhD -- which means that trimming your waistline does more for you than make your pants look better. Brick, a professor in the department of soil and crop sciences at Colorado State University, is investigating the ability of different bean varieties to prevent cancer and diabetes.

Beans are comparable to meat when it comes to calories, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a registered dietitian at Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Wellness Institute in Chicago and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. But they really shine in terms of fiber and water content, two ingredients that make you feel fuller, faster. Adding beans to your diet helps cut calories without feeling deprived."

CORN HEALTH BENEFITS

TOMATO HEALTH BENEFIT

Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In addition, tomato extracts have been shown to help prevent unwanted clumping together (aggregation) of platelet cells in the blood - a factor that is especially important in lowering risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis. (In a recent South American study of 26 vegetables, tomatoes and green beans came out best in their anti-aggregation properties.) But only recently are researchers beginning to identify some of the more unusual phytonutrients in tomatoes that help provide us with these heart-protective benefits. 

FAT FIGHTING SMOOTHIE

SCRUB YOUR FAT CELLS & SUPPRESS YOUR APPETITE!

Good morning Miss Smoothie!
Mmm I love this chic, she is packed with chlorophyll, iron, fiber and pectin.

Okay so this is what I put in this awesome smoothie to make it this morning, and I made it as simple as possible for you folks who don't want a lot of ingredients, but do want a lot of bang for their buck.
I added:
1 Apple,
A handful of Chard
A handful of Kale
Blended it all together and BAM! Yumminess!

This will help you to suppress your appetite, scrub fat cells inside out, and also increase your fiber.
ENJOY FOLKS.

DELICIOUS DULSE

Here was my delicious vegetarian lunch

-Fry it all in a pan with a little splash of olive oil. 

*Put the kale in first if you prefer it to be softer, maybe even add a splash of water*

-Do not over cook the chard or seaweed, so be sure to add them last

-This is where you want to add your seasonings if you haven't already.

ENJOY!!!!

AVOCADO SALAD

TRY THIS SALAD

OLIVES

TOMATO

AVOCADO

Hey everyone, Cerise here. Let's get right to it, I am overweight and it does not feel good. I'm not drastically overweight, trust me, I know what that's like. I was overweight before by 100 lbs. Yes you read right, one hundred pounds overweight. During both of my pregnancies I overate, didn't exercise and gained weight rapidly in just nine months each time. The first time I gained 100 lbs, the second time 80 lbs.
I gained the weight during my first pregnancy in 1989, lost mostly all except 20 lbs and gained again during my second pregnancy in 1995. In 1997 I lost the weight and pretty much kept it off until 2013. I gained a few pounds here and there throughout the 16 years, but nothing to worry about. I was able to quickly get back on track and whatever little pounds I gained, usually five or ten, I'd lose quit easily and quickly.
Last year I started to notice that pounds were packing on easily, like now I'm 30 pounds heavier than I would want to be. My height is 5'9 and my weight is 170 lbs. When I first gained the extra poundage I didn't mind so much. At ten pounds really didn't make much of a different, but then the next ten packed on so quickly that couldn't even catch my breath before the last ten just seamlessly laid on.
Nevertheless, I do feel healthy and fit, however, with this extra weight I am not feeling as sexy as I once did. I went to Cuba recently and didn't even take one bikini shot, well I did, but wasn't going to dare post it on any of my social networks, I mean the pics were not all that bad, but they were not all that great either.
So here I am now, 30 lbs overweight and wanting to badly get back down to my original size of 140. I don't look fat at all, and in fact if I didn't lose a pound again I'd be okay and look fine. It's just that, due to future health, I want to ensure that I am in tip top shape. I don't want to worry about doctor appointments, prescription meds and an unhealthy lifestyle stealing the quality of my life.

I will post pics next week and show you my weekly progress and weight loss. From time to time until Dec 20th 2014, I will post pics to show you what I'm eating and how I cooked it. WARNING I am a vegetarian so most of dishes will be mainly vegetables, but I will throw the odd fish, shrimp and seafood on the menu.
If are interested in joining me on this weight loss change, not challenge, then please feel free! The more the merrier.