My Ever Changing Grocery Cart

When I first moved to California, shortly after college, I believe my diet primarily consisted of Gatorade, Hostess Ding Dongs, Taco Bell and any fried or battered bar food.  This made grocery shopping pretty uninteresting - throwing boxes of processed and prepackaged foods into the cart, nary a piece of lettuce in sight.

Within the first few weeks of my time here, I began to witness a phenomenon at the grocery.  People put fruits and vegetables in their carts.  They also walked around in workout clothes.  They appeared to be at the grocery after having gone to something called "a gym."  And, they all seemed pretty chipper.  Young or old, I noticed fit, healthy looking people, walking around the grocery putting food from the produce section into their carts.  This was also the time when fresh, bottled smoothies, Robek's and Jamba Juice were all the rage.  People would discuss the best, most power packed combinations of fruits, veggies and powders for their drinks. I wondered, "what's so wrong with this simple, delicious Gatorade? Afterall, it's thirst aid for that deep down body thirst."

The other day, I was at the check out counter and a woman commented that my cart was so healthy.  It was healthy for the health food store?  What had I put in there? In previous years, I had not been associated with health.  Food, yes.  Health, not so much.  Who am I now?  I realized that my cart has changed so much over the years that it really demarcates significant time periods in my life.

My cart - take a peak!

1993: Entered College - Gatorade, Pepsi Free, Little Debbie Snack Cakes, Hostess Anything (you name it!), TV Dinners, Mac N' Cheese, Sugar Cereals, Milk, Microwavable Pizza Pockets, etc, etc, etc.  Plus, dinners out - Mad Mushroom Cheese Sticks, Pizza, Taco Bell & KFC


1998: Moved to California - Gatorade, Smoothies, Hostess Anything, Mac N' Cheese, Meat, Eggs, Potatoes, Candy Bars, Sugar Cereal, Oven Baked Pizzas, Blueberries, Bread, Sandwich Supplies, Occassional Vegetable or Fruit.  Still eating lots of Taco Bell & KFC. Definitely not going to win any awards here.

2000: I discover Trader Joes - "Healthy" versions of sugar cereals, crackers, snacks, frozen dinners, Spinach, Bananas, Blueberries, other fruits and vegetables (some are even designated organic), smoothies, "Natural" eggs and meat, power bars, red wine (hey! they say it's healthy!), cheese - oh the cheese, more crackers....

2003: We moved to Italy - Prosciutto, Cheese, Bread, Yogurt, Eggs, Wine, Coffee, Olives, Artichokes, Eggplant & Fruit, Kinder Chocolate, Gelato.  We shopped daily and could only buy what we could carry up 104 stairs.  Hey - what more do you need when you're in Italy?

2004: Joined Slow Food Movement in Indy - Natural and Organic versions of Prosciutto, Cheese, Bread, Yogurt, Eggs, Wine, Coffee, Olives, Artichokes, Eggplant & Fruit, TJs snacks, crackers, sugar cereal. Back then, it was harder to find natural or organic food in Indy but it was there (mostly at Trader Joes.)  Through Slow Food, I learned about raw milk, pasture fed food and CSAs.  Farmer's Markets were scarce but coming on the scene.

2006: Moved back to California - Joined a CSA, started shopping at different Farmer's Markets around town for fresh produce, began eating more and more real food and mostly natural and organic but still eating lots of Trader Joe's delicious processed snacks, sugary goodies, crackers, ice creams, etc.

2007: Discover Whole Foods - Organic everything! Organic meat, eggs, cheese - you name it.  Even wine! Still with the CSA and shopping the Farmer's Markets for produce but getting all organic processed snacks, sugary goodies, crackers, ice creams, etc.

And now, 2012 - getting caught off guard from a compliment by the woman at the check out counter. A cart full of vibrant, organic fruits and vegetables, pasture raised eggs and meat and that's about it.  No processed food.  No Fast Food. No sugar.  Only real, whole food.  Getting complimented that my cart is healthy for the health food store!  How did this happen?

My cart doesn't always look like this but it just goes to show how small, incremental changes can make long-term improvements for your health and lifestyle.  Sometimes, you don't even know it is happening. 

Who am I?  Apparently, I am healthy.

Small Pleasures

Creamy Coconut Coffee

In 2001, my husband and I took an amazing two week vacation to Belize.  Not only was I taken with the kind people, the lyrical sounds of the jungle and the crystal blue waters of the islands, I was also taken by the most amazing cup of coffee I've ever had. That includes the coffee I used to drink daily when we lived in Italy.  Yes, I said it.  I had the best cup of coffee of my life in Belize, not Italy. (I am sure to get some flack for that statement)

We were staying at this lodge in the jungle and the matriarch of the family brought out the richest and creamiest coffee I have ever had. HEAVENLY!  It had the right depth and punch of coffee essence but it was also delicate and flavorful.  I always thought the secret to that delicious coffee was the coffee itself but recently, through a little research, I discovered it was made with condensed milk and a dash of cinnamon.  Aaah!  Writing those words takes me back to the dining hall of the lodge that first morning of our Belizian adventure.  The aroma of that coffee is wafting through and we're just about to go white water rafting down a gorgeous jungle river. What memories!

Want to enjoy this coffee for yourself?  It's simple.  Coffee + condensed milk + cinnamon to taste

*Notice, there is NO SUGAR in this recipe.  None.  Best cup of coffee ever!

For me though, adjustments had to be made.  I can't have caffeine right now.  I have become sensitive to dairy so condensed milk is also out of the question.  So, when I want this rare treat, I make it with decaf coffee or do a blend of 1/4 regular to 3/4 decaf.  For my dairy-free friends, I was able to recreate this delightful cup of coffee by adding full fat coconut milk + cinnamon.  To make it extra healthy, I added 1 tbsp. of coconut oil. Check out my previous post on the virtues of coconut oil.   Enjoy!

Where have you had your favorite cup of coffee?  Share your story below.

Sarafina's Story

Over the next few months, I'll be sharing client stories from time to time about their health challenges and experiences working with The Healthy Plate.  My first featured client is actress, model and owner of Art of Pilates, Sarafina King.  Here's her story....

A little about me and WHY in the world I’d want to give up Sugar!!! The reaction from most is: You’re in great shape, you work out, and you eat healthy (really for the average American I do eat SUPER healthy), Why would I want to do this….

Reason number 1 - I do eat healthy, and workout… A LOT.  But I find myself with a little gut. Great arms, great legs, and a little belly. I have no excuses or answers  for my belly, I don’t drink, I’m gluten free, I’ve never had a baby… there’s no reason for the fat around the middle.  I was stumped. 

Reason number 2 – I am an actress and fitness model. Being under the scrutiny of people on a daily basis is all par for the course in what I’m trying to do. I was fine with the rejection and brutal honesty up until a few days ago when someone told me, “You’re face is horrible (acne), if you think you’re going to work in this town what THAT skin, you’ve got another thing coming” And to be honest my skin is not really that bad. I have flare ups like everyone else, but it is something that I have struggled with as an adult.

Reason number 3 – I’ve tried EVERYTHING else, I was Vegan, Vegetarian, I AM gluten free.  I had always been a sweets after I eat person, but it wasn’t until I went gluten free that my addiction to sugar grew. Most gluten free foods are pumped with sugar to make them taste better.  Little did I know that although my stomach felt better without the gluten it grew with the added sugar.

Alas – I was venting one day to a client, (insert Jen), who is an amazing Organic Chef, Holistic Health Coach and most importantly a great friend.  Over the years she’s listened to my ups and downs, my woes, and knew what I ate, where my struggles were etc.  I asked her if she could help me fine tune what is going on with my diet. And that’s where the Sugar Detox began.   

Jen has been amazing from the meal plan she’s given me, the knowledge, the patience (I’m not a great cook) and I don’t efficiently know my way around a grocery store either.  I’m on day 2, technically 1.5. I’ve already sent numerous emails with questions, cravings, overall support and she promptly responds and has the BEST suggestions for ME. Not some generic “eat these snacks” kind of response.   Something that I realistically LIKE to eat.  I feel fantastic, the food tastes AMAZING, so far so good… yes I know it’s day 2… Let’s see how I like it day 5 :)

 

Keep you posted,

Sarafina 

***As Sarafina mentioned, I have actually been a client of hers for years.  She helped me get in shape for my wedding, during my pregnancy and now post-baby.  If you're in the Los Angeles area and are looking for a Pilates trainer who customizes workouts to your needs, send her an email.  For more information on her services, check out the links below.

www.sarafinaking.com

www.artofpilatesinc.com

What are your reasons for quitting sugar?  Did you kick the habit or are you still facing challenges?  Share with us!

Yogurt: Rich, Creamy Goodness With A Probiotic Kick

A few weeks ago, I purchased a yogurt maker.  Ever since I read, "French Women Don't Get Fat," I've wanted to make my own yogurt.  The author describes a method for making yogurt in a warm oven all night but I liked the idea of getting a yogurt maker that holds the temperature consistently.  So, I purchased the Euro Cuisine Yogurt Maker, 42 oz. of Raw Milk and a packet of yogurt starter.  You can also make homemade yogurt with organic, pasteurized milk.  All I had to do was heat the milk up to the correct temperature, add the packet of yogurt starter, pour the warm milk into the jars and let the yogurt maker do its job for the next few hours.  It only took 15 minutes to make the milk mixture. Easy peasy!

Fresh, homemade yogurt is unparalleled in taste and health benefits.  This rich, creamy concoction is a probiotic powerhouse to soothe your gut.  Many commercial yogurts have loads of sugar and additives to extend shelf life.  Yogurt made at home, where you control the ingredients is delicious and pure and it doesn't take much work at all.  Why don't you give it a try? 

*A note on raw milk - I never imagined I'd ever drink raw milk.  Many years ago, for a short period of time, I moved to an area surrounded by farms and became active in the Slow Food movement.  At one of our meetings at a dairy farm, the farmer brought out raw milk for us to try.  I was hesitant but to be polite, I tried it.  Wow!  It blew me away.  It was like no milk I had ever tasted.  As I drank it, I felt my body being nourished and I didn't have any of the tummy troubles I've often had with commercial dairy.  For that reason, when I do have dairy, I try to get raw milk cheeses and yogurts.  In California, we are lucky to be able to purchase raw milk at several groceries.  I prefer Claravale Farms Raw Milk but there are many other delicious brands.  There is even a Raw Milk Challenge going on at The Healthy Home Economist.  Give raw milk a try....you might be surprised. 

Who out there has made homemade yogurt?  Which type of milk do you prefer?  Join the discussion!

Welcome to The Healthy Plate!

It's nice to have you here.  The Healthy Plate brings energy, balance and joy into your life by sharing my experiences and what I've learned through my own quest for health and balance. In our busy world, our plates tend to be too full.  Too much work, not enough time for play and rest, and poor eating habits lead us feeling unbalanced and unfulfilled. The Healthy Plate is about adding nourishment to your plate whether it be with food, fun or fitness.

I believe deeply in the body's ability to heal itself given the right combination of food, exercise and personal nourishment.  As a mom and a trained chef, I enjoy creating healthy, fast and easy menu plans to keep your family going throughout the week.  I also love to share quick recipes and fitness plans for on-the-go people and families.

I also have experienced physical and health challenges.  After a traumatic auto accident, I had to learn how to use and strengthen my body again as well as how to manage pain effectively.  In addition, I have been healing myself of an autoimmune thyroid disease for the past few years.  Because of these experiences, I have learned wonderful healing techniques to address physical pain, weight management, stress, thyroid challenges and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, IBS, and obesity.

As a busy parent, I am always trying to find ways to find balance and stay healthy.  We all know what a feat that can be to accomplish when so many "to-dos" are on the list that it is difficult to actually do it all - prepare healthy meals, sit down to eat, make time for friends, family, fun, and ourselves and find time to exercise.  This blog will provide ideas, tricks and tips for putting balance back into your.  I will share information from my own experiences with health issues and from my training as a health counselor and chef.  I will also share blog posts and articles from other websites that are valuable to us all.

I hope you enjoy and please feel free to post comments and questions.  We're all in this together!  Now, what's on your plate?