Random Notes About Eating These Days

1. Every so often I find myself eating something and wondering how it can possibly be so good. This elimination diet has truly taught me the value, and pleasure, of simple food. As I shoveled my lunch in yesterday (I know, I'm supposed to be eating slowly and thoughtfully, but it was very late and I was very hungry), I couldn't believe how delightful it was. You know what it was? Shredded broccoli, carrot, and kale, sauteed in avocado oil and then mixed in with quinoa. A dash of salt and a healthy hit of black pepper...and that was it. It was fantastic. I used about 2/3 vegetables to 1/3 tri color quinoa (I do like the tri color better than the plain...tastes nuttier). I don't begin to understand, but it was good....and that was the leftovers....it was just as good the night before with some salmon. Would it taste as good if I hadn't been eating cleanly for awhile? Would I have been itching for garlic or hot sauce? Maybe, but I'd be missing out.

2. I've been buying turkey backs from Triple S for $1.50 a lb and making the most stunning turkey bone broth imaginable. I roast them, pull some of the meat off and then toss the bones, some apple cider vinegar, and water in the crock pot and let it go 24 hours. Nothing else and it's so good you want to guzzle it. I'm keeping coconut milk on hand as well. Ever since I realized how easy it is to make from unsweetened coconut, I don't bother with the cans anymore.

Emergency lunch in the car when you're driving: sweet potato with a dash of salt. Of course you have to remember to bring it with you. 

3. To the folks that recommended Aldi's for grass fed beef....THANK YOU! I'm on a major Aldi's high these days. I can get wild caught salmon pretty cheap there, as well as a lot of other things I need...like organic avocado oil, MUCH cheaper than elsewhere. I'm in love....

4. So I start adding things back in this week and my first was, well, I couldn't help myself, as I've been craving avocado chocolate pudding, CHOCOLATE. This batch I made was almost too intensely chocolate for me (I know, I know, but at heart I'm a vanilla girl) but the texture was heavenly.

5. I'm finally on the smoothie train. I keep it pretty simple. My favorite is cherries, spinach (or other baby greens other than kale), coconut milk, a dollop of avocado oil, and a dash of salt. Most days I try to have a bit of protein (meat or fish leftover from dinner) with it, but sometimes the smoothie is it.

6. The hardest thing about it all is probably that there is no option to ever lean back, and say, "oh, let's just order in." On those nights I scrounge leftovers or force myself to throw something together, and Ernie reverts to his comfort food (or food of the lesser Gods as he calls it) of ramen.

7. Tomorrow....I will probably add in strawberries and see how that goes. Strawberries!!!

Onward!