The Processed Food Blues

Day 6 -- Violently Happy by Bjork

So I am approaching a week without meat, which is exactly when everyone expected me to flake out by. Well, I've gone through the withdrawal stages and honestly don't crave meat as much anymore. For example, when my sister got chicken wings last night. The smell was great, but for the first time my instincts weren't to rip it out of her hands and gobble it down. Giving up meat and limiting processed foods have given me so much energy that I don't even need coffee anymore. It's almost like I'm on Speed all the time.

Did you know that when you Google Processed Foods, the following words come up: to avoid, and health, unhealthy, depression, and obesity. Hmm, maybe a conclusion can be drawn here? Just last week, I never wanted to do anything after work besides plopping on the couch and zoning out to The Real Housewives of the OC. I've pulled an 180, and can actually get things done after work. Just the other night, I started another blog, made a meal from scratch, went food shopping, and read.

Anywho, getting enough protein is one of the biggest challenges so far with this project. So, I decided to make dry beans for the first time. Did you know it takes an hour and half to boil them? (So used to processed foods, where everything takes 20 minutes or less.) I put a twist on the Goya Bean Bag recipe. And it came out pretty good! So, you should make a batch of beans when you have time and you then can use them for other meals during the work week, like burritos, salads, soups, and more. Also, they are insanely cheap!

MMM...MMM... Beans and Rice



Ingredients:
1/2 lb. Goya Dry Black Beans
A Splash of Olive Oil
1/2 Cup of Chopped Onions
1/4 Cup of Chopped Green Peppers
2 Cloves of Garlic
Pinch of Oregano
Pinch of Black Pepper
Pinch of Salt
A couple of Squeezes of Lemon Juice
1 box of Near East Whole Grain Roasted Pecan and Garlic

Preparation:
Soak Beans over night. (Look at the back of the bag for soaking instructions.) Once beans have been soaked, pour them into a medium pot and use the same water that you used for soaking to contain more flavor. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Once at a boil, simmer and cover with lid. (Warning, use a real lid for ventilation or you'll get a nice mess. See pics below). The beans will take about an 1-1/2 hour.

Once the beans are about 3 quarters of a way done, make the Whole Grain Near East Rice. (Follow instructions on box)

Heat pan on medium and pour a splash of Olive Oil. Chop up peppers and onions and pour in a bowl. Mince garlic and combine with peppers and onions. Once pan is hot enough, pour bowl's contents onto pan. Add spices and lemon juice for acidity. Cook until vegetables are lightly browned.

Once beans are tender or to your liking, drain and put back in pot. (The beans may be a little bland, so add some oil, salt, and garlic powder for flavor.) Pour rice and veggies into the bean pot and toss. Take a bite and see if needs anymore spices and add whatever you think is missing.

The Mess and Process:



Day 5 Diet --
Nutrigrain Bar
2 hefty helpings of Beans and Rice Dish
Organic Kettle Salt and Vinegar Chips
(Will start to eat more fruits again)

Day 6 Diet --
Nutrigrain Bar and Coffee
Sebestains Rustico Sandwich without the chicken (Yummy fru-fru sandwich with Roasted Eggplant, artichokes, olive tapanade, Sundried tomato Mayo, lettuce, cheese, etc.)
Organic French Onion Chips
Leftover Bean Tacos (Tune in tomorrow for recipe).