Day 20/ Phase 3/ Week 3

Time Well Spent

Hello All,

I'm getting soooooo many questions about how much time this diet requires and how much time I am spending in the kitchen. Since I am doing all 130 recipes in only 28 days--I am spending a boat load of time in the kitchen right now! So it's hard for me to answer. I asked some of my friends on the Dr. Fuhrman website to chime in here--so I will tell you what they have to say!

I can however tell you all that this is time well spent!! I listened to one of Dr. Fuhrman's teleconferences yesterday (they are on his website and you can download to iPod--you can also find some on iTunes) and this one was called Planning for Success. Dr. Fuhrman says you have to have a business plan. Yes, this takes more time than eating fast-food. But time well spent on shopping and cooking your own healthy food will save you time (and money) down the road. You will spend less time at the doctor's office, less time being sick, less money on expensive medications, and it can add years to your life! You will feel better, look better (and sexier!), and you will have more energy! Plus, I promise--this food tastes really really good!! Dr. Fuhrman suggests that we cook a big pot of soup or stew, and make a couple of salad dressings two times per week. The rest of the time, you are eating leftovers--and adding a quick side dish or two to your meal. The salad part is easy if you plan in advance. There are bags of pre-washed lettuce that you can just toss into a bowl and, if you want, add some chopped up carrots, cherry tomatoes etc--whatever you like. Always keep a supply of dried fruit and raw nuts that you can throw on top too. And once you start--it can be really fun and rewarding! For me, this is the year of action vs. just reading about it. The year of doing! Just remember to plan plan plan! Use a shopping list and plan your meals in advance. Once you get going it gets easier and easier--just like anything! And you are worth it!

Hooray!! This was one of the BEST food days all the way around!! And can you believe it--at the end of Phase 3!! We ate like kings yesterday. And here was the menu:

Breakfast:

Lisa's Favorite Green Smoothie

Ok, this was NOT what I was expecting at all! (I was expecting a total "health food" taste). First of all, it is really pretty, it's very creamy, and it's sweet! It almost could be a dessert! I ate it with a spoon. I am very used to the frozen smoothies--so that was something that was an issue for me. Next time I may try frozen bananas in place of the room temp banana. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this--I think you should. I don't have kids, but I think a child would really like this! It's bright green and sweet! Isn't that what kids like!!? Haze's comment was, "It's really good but I hope we don't have it again real soon!" :O) I would say B+, but I also think this could grow on me.

Lunch:

Southern-Style Mixed Greens

Brussels Sprouts Polonaise

I totally screwed up the recipe for the Southern Style Greens--but it turned out to be a happy accident! When I read the recipe--I thought it was a totally cooked dish--didn't realize the "greens" meant it was a salad. So I bought Swiss Chard for this. And it turned out awesome! I went ahead and just put everything into the sauté pan (less water) and it was fantastic! We put a little salsa on top and it was soooooooo yummyl!! We gave it an A.

Both Haze and I have spent 44 long years hating brussels sprouts--until yesterday. These are out of this world tasty--and you must try them--even if you think you hate brussels sprouts. I just couldn't believe how good they were! The dressing is creamy and perfect on top. I admit I added a small spoonful of vegan mayo into the dressing--and they just could not have been better. We gave them an A! Can you believe that?

Dinner:

Tossed salad with choice of dressing

Black Forest Cream of Mushroom Soup

I know, I know--this soup looks suspiciously like the Anti-Cancer soup. But it tastes totally different and oh my gosh good. I gave it an A+/ Haze said A. It was that good. I cannot wait to make this again--I will make an extra huge batch! It's creamy (from the small amount of pureed nuts), mushroomy, and completely satisfying. Wow--nice job Dr. Fuhrman!

Dessert:

Banana Fig Ice Cream

Once you master this EASY art of making frozen-fruit "ice creams" there is just an endless way to be creative! I can't believe that gourmet restaurants have not scooped up this amazing idea--because they are absolutely mouth-watering good. And this one is no exception--I said A+/ Haze said A. What a perfect end to a perfectly wonderful food day!!