Have you seen the movie Julie and Julia? Or read the book? Julie Powell became an internet celebrity with her 2004 blog recording her yearlong adventure cooking every recipe in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I am taking on a similar challenge, only I am blogging my way through a very healthy cookbook! And I will learn to master the art of healthy cooking! The book is called Eat For Health by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. I will cook every recipe start to finish in four weeks just as they are laid out in the book. I will write about the recipes, show you pictures, and tell you how my SAD (Standard American Diet) eating, carnivorous husband likes them too. (See archives below.) He is behind me 100%!!


Monday, January 4, 2010

Day 18/ Phase 3/ Week 3

I was kind of joking on Day 0 when I said: "Risking her marriage (no Julia Child cuisine for him)" but we had a "food fight" last night (and not the fun kind). Acutally, looking back, maybe I should have flung some food at Haze!! Ok, it was not actually a fight--Haze was just a little bit bummed that we were not going out for dinner on our anniversary--ok alot bummed. His colitis is no better--and that was making him very sad too. But I think we finally worked it out and have some new house rules: No one is allowed to say anything negative about the food. We can only say positive things, plus a grade. Even when we like the food, it seems that the critiques come first--how it could have been better. And it sort of secretly crushes me because I have worked so hard. This should be a house rule for everyone! Rack your brain if you have to--but only come up with the positive comments. Even if they are: I feel so good because I have completley nourished my body! Always try to come up with what you do like rather than don't like. It makes for a more peaceful life in everything you do! That is my thought for the day! Also--I contacted Dr. Fuhrman and he gave us some advice on Haze's colitis, so we will be following his instructions! Hooray! So all is well in our happy house again, and here was the menu for yesterday:


Breakfast:
Special Oatmeal
This recipe called for Coriander--which I could not find in my spice cupboard (it's a complete disorganized mess right now). So I just used Cinnamon and Vanilla. But it turned out to be one of the best oatmeal dishes I have ever had!! I loooooved the addition of bananas and dates--it was fabulous! I will definitely make this again with the Coriander and let you know how it goes. We gave it an "A"
Lunch:
Whole wheat pita with lettuce, tomato, avacado
Tomato Almond Dressing/ Dip
Healthy Slaw
I used a whole grain wrap instead of pita, and this was ooooooooh soooo weird, but oooooooh sooooooooo good!! The dressing has pasta sauce as the main ingredient--and so I was not quite sure how it would taste. But it was really yummy!! The Healthy Slaw dressing (I thought) was not as good as the Carrot Slaw's dressing from back in Phase 1. (of course it had no veggie mayo!!) But I did love the combo of veggies in the Healthy Slaw. I admit I went back and added a small scoop of the vegan mayo and liked it much better. And again--loved the combination of the Wrap/ plus the side dish. I gave this meal an A-.
Dinner:
Citrus Salad with Orange Peanut Dressing
Dr. Fuhrman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup
I have made both of these recipes in the past when I first got the EFH books. The first time I made the salad I accidently added only half the OJ, and now I can't go back! I just like it better that way--it's thicker. I absolutely loooove this salad and gave it an "A." And now, a drum roll please...we have finally made it to the Holy Grail of soups!! Dr. Fuhrman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup!! I have made this before and so I made a few changes this time. As is, the recipe for me tasted too sweet. So this time I added half carrot juice and half celery juice. I also added almonds instead of cashews. And last (for Haze) I added an amount of salty Spike comparable to a Phase 1 sodium level. And I thought it was fabulous! I gave it an A-/ Haze gave it a "B"

8 comments:

Eugene said...

I love reading your blog - it's an inspiration to get out there and cook those healthy recipes, also to try some new ones that don't look so good from reading them at first. Keep it up please!

Also it's a fine line indeed when it comes to receiving criticism about the dish you just prepared. I don't know who likes hearing anything but positive about something you've just tried so hard to make. I certainly don't...

Kris said...

I'm loving this. Thank you so much for doing it! I've been slowly wrapping my brain around ETL since last march. This is helping me!

I was so relieved when I liked the anti-cancer soup. I thought I would hate it, but it's good. Also, the orange peanut dressing is the only one I've made so far. I'm addicted to it! I feel like I never enjoyed salad before. BTW, I threw in two whole oranges instead of the oj, and let my power blender tear it up. It does come out thicker but it's great.

Anonymous said...

All the food is so pretty. I'd love to be there and help sample all the goodies!!!! Are you and Haze OK? I mean do you still like each other? I sure hope so.
Love,
Mom

Taradactyl in a Modern World said...

I'm loving your blog. You have inspired me. I just also wanted to tell you that you are spelling avocado wrong.

Heidi said...

Love the blog. Have to wonder though how we can get an honest assessment of the food from both of you if no negative comments are allowed?

Dana Nesen said...

Just went through all 18 days to catch up and think you're doing a wonderful job! And thanks for showing us pictures of the recipes and reviewing them.

Anonymous said...

You have inspired me immensely. I find myself making the same etl foods over and over again (I'm thankful my husband and daughter don't mind) and feel like I'm stuck in a rut.
I LOVE the pictures you include. Thank you for reminding me that there are more yummy choices out there than just bean soup, smoothies and salad.
I might steal this idea from you on my blog ... giving you the credit, of course. :)

(I'm rubyday on Dr. Fuhrman)

Jana Diedrich said...

Thank you all for your comments! I will start spelling avocado properly!! ha ha!! Guess I should have used the spell checker :O) Thank you for reading...