Joyous Food

I've been living a healthier lifestyle since September this year.  I am on the verge of becoming 'preachy' about it as I have gained so much by doing so.  However, I am not a counsellor or a nutritionist or physical trainer so my experience is purely 'my experience' and will be different for anyone who wants to change the way they eat, think, move, feel etc.,  For me the practice of changing my diet and physical activity and the way I 'see' the World, so far, has been positive.

I am excited about discovering foods that are new to me such as chickpea flour (which I commented on in my previous post) and the joy of cooking from scratch at every meal, savouring each step of the way.  The taste of toasted pecans in a warm salad is heavenly! 

The photo above is a pumpkin loaf which I made from following a recipe in my Chickpea Flour cookbook.  It is delicious, not too sweet and tastes like a lightly spiced gingerbread.  It is topped with pumpkin seeds or 'pepitas' as they are referred to in the book.  This is definitely a 'treat' cake and not something I would eat every day as I am trying to minimise the amount of sugar I consume.

Today I made a warming split pea soup with leek and sweet potato for lunch and feel truly nurtured as I eat this wholesome and nutritious meal. 

I feel blessed to be able to choose from a wide range of ingredients from the stores and privileged that I can pick and choose what I eat.  I never take this for granted.

Recalibrate

I'm re-calibrating.  I am slowly changing.  It won't be overnight.  It will probably take a couple of years.  I have changed my eating habits and daily routines.  I attended my first VIPR (Vitality Performance Reconditioning) class a few days ago.  It involves high energy movement with weights.  I could hardly walk for two days!  I came out of the class exhausted but energised and looking forward to the next session.

I am eating in a way that suits me and my body and gain inspiration for recipes from watching YouTube videos from sites such as Dani Spies' Clean and Delicious, Deliciously Ella, High Carb Hannah, Plant the Seed and Dr. Eric Berg.  I eat three nutritious meals a day, following mainly a plant based diet but don't rule out any food groups.  I don't eat between meals.  I wouldn't recommend my way of eating to everyone.  You need to find out what works for you.  Since changing my diet I have a new lease of life!  I feel refreshed and almost reborn! 

As I make changes to what I am putting inside of me, I have noticed physical changes on the outside such as more muscle definition, less flabbiness and a clearer complexion.  Next thing on the agenda is to change my hair and revamp my wardrobe of clothes.  I hope to look better by Christmas!

* Today's lunch: two free range organic eggs, plantain chips, avocado with freshly milled black pepper and Kerrygold butter.