Bye Bye Mozzarella

I took me 40 days because I used the HCG diet.

Baked Banana. Yummy dessert! Sliced a banana open, filled it with almond butter and a dash of chocolate and then wrapped it up in foil and baked it at 450 for 10 minutes. yummy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili. This was absolutely amazing. Making it lots in the future. I kind of used what I had on hand so it's missing a couple of things like jalapenos and more bell pepper. Here is the link to the recipe:  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-and-black-bean-chili/

Veggie Sandwich! Simple veggie sandwich made on whole grain ezekiel bread. Yummy and so healthy. Contents include avocado, alfalfa sprouts, spike seasoning, mustard, tomato and onion. I also had some almond butter and apple slices on the side. yum yum.

Spaghetti Squash This is a totally amazing recipe that I will probably use all the time. I do recommend heating the squash in the microwave (there are plenty of tutorials within google :) ). Here is the recipe that I used for this dish: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spaghetti-squash-i/ . Also, I am planning on adding mushroom next time for more of a meaty texture (with no meat of course!)

I'm looking for some new motivation or a goal to reach for my running and such. Anyone have any good suggestions for 5ks in California? I know of Run for Your Lives, but I think it's about sold out. What are some of your favorites?

SQUASH/SPINACH/TOFU LASAGNA  I found this recipe on a forum online and used yellow squash and what we had of zucchini as the noodles. It was amazing! I am so making this 1,000 times over once we get a veggie slicer. Using a potato peeler for the squash was a bit too tedious for me! I also like to use vegan mozzarella cheese instead and don't add any oil to the pan. Here is the recipe, which I will change to reflect my changes later: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yg7ZaXt5FmjG7zqydQQd-71WYwsNzRr82lCpRLHYHJs/edit

Vegetable Plate from The Brewhouse in Santa Barbara, California  This was seriously the most exciting the that I have seen on any menu and it was amazing. I didn't know how much I could like eggplant and artichoke by itself. I first saw the plate and was like... meh... then I ate it and was more than happy with my decision. This is what came with it: 1/2 and artichoke, Grilled Eggpplant, Sugar Snap Peas, Broccoli, Asparagus, Mashed Potatoes served with a Mixed Green Salad. Here's a link to the place if you're interested: http://brewhousesb.com/

CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST  This pizza crust was a bit tedious to make, (because of the grating of the cauliflower) but it's completely worth it! We used vegan mozzarella cheese and some feta instead and it worked out just fine. :) This is amazing and you so don't miss the crust! Here is the recipe that we like: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1606756

ZUCCHINI NOODLES  I made my spaghetti sauce homemade and used zucchini noodles as a substitute. It was pretty amazing. We do have a special slicer that makes making the noodles a lot easier. The sauce was made from blanced and peeled tomatoes, sliced tomato, sauteed onion, garlic, basil leaves, zucchini chunks, diced celery, mushrooms and some ground chicken. Garlic salt, pepper, oregano and rosemary to taste. 

RAW PIZZA AND RAW PUDDING  These were some of the most amazing dishes that I've ever had. I got them in Sacramento from a restaurant called The Green Boheme. I don't personally follow the raw diet, but it really isn't bad. I enjoy the idea behind it, I just like my veggies cooked sometimes. :) Here's a link to their blogspot if you're interested: http://thegreenboheme2.blogspot.com/

Zucchini Pizza Crust  It's so simple and easy to make and gets the pizza craving a bit. I made pizza with someone and they made a homemade crust while I just used squash as my crust (zucchini and yellow squash). It worked out just fine and was really easy to make real quick. I won't lie.. I got the idea from pinterest... :] Here's my healthy-er cooking ideas link on pinterest if anyone is interested: http://pinterest.com/bmahtzuh/heatlhy-er-cooking-ideas/

Veggie Stir Fry  This is definitely a favorite of mine now. I find that I make stir frys in our electric wok (best investment ever!) all the time now. It really helps to get my veggies in! I throw in my favorite veggies and seasonings (tends to be onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic. asparagus and some liquid aminos) and i'm a happy girl. :)

Just so you all know where I'm coming from ...

I think that's about it of my phase 3 gibber jabber. :P Moving this blog over to a diet/fitness direction since I want to get down to my UGW by diet and fitness from here. I don't think HCG is worth it for the last 16 lbs.

I think that I may change this blog over to my fitness and such kind of blog. hmm.. considering starting a new one too.