Moong Ke Cheelay, Linda Style!

I will not pretend that I know a thing about Indian cuisine. Other than the fact that the mere aroma of Indian spices sends my mouth a waterin'! And while I do love the exotic flavors, I do not love the heaviness of many of the saucy dishes. And admittedly, I have not had Indian food in probably a year. Mainly due to my weight-loss diet. However, since starting my Valeodida Diet a couple months ago, I have been on the look-out for interesting recipes that don't incorporate meat, grains, dairy or sugars. I have also been doing a lot of sprouting, which helps make a lot of things easier on my tummy. In a casual conversation with the Indian woman I sit next to at work, she asked if I ever "mash" my sprouted mung beans to make "pancakes".

What??! I had to learn more! She gave me this recipe for Moong Ke Cheelay. It fit all the criteria of my Valeodida way of eating, so I immediately set some beans to sprout in preparation for trying out this new recipe.

In true Linda fashion, I made some modifications. First off, I did not have Mung Beans on hand, and so my pancakes are made from French Green Lentils. The recipe I was given only instructed that the beans be soaked for 4 hours, whereas mine were fully sprouted. I also did not have asafoetida , which is some sort of a root herb that helps with digestion, and lends a leek-like flavor. So I substituted with some other spices. I also took my own avenue on the filling as well . .. seeing that I had only edamames on hand, along with an over abundance of cauliflower. And so my final version very loosely resembles the recipe that was given to me (in more ways than one, I'm sure). But it really was quite delicious! The filling had a bit of kick to it, which was balanced nicely by a lil' sweet. The pancakes were mild in flavor, and may have been a bit thick. I think next time, I might water down the batter a bit. And I love the fact that I can take the basic pancake idea, and make it more sweet than savory. I would like to try a version with cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, etc.. . for breakfast!!

And now, without further ado, my take on the traditional Indian dish, Moong Ke Cheelay:  (I don't really measure -- so ingredients are to be eye-balled and incorporated using best judgement!)

pancakes
approx 1 cup sprouted French Green Lentils
freshly grated ginger
fenugreek (freshly ground)
ground cumin
garam masala
coconut milk (canned, unsweetened) and water
salt

- - mix very well in blender. keep adding liquid (I used a combination of coconut milk and water) until the proper consistency is achieved. fry the pancakes with a lil' olive oil or in a sprayed pan. my pancakes were 1/4 cup of the batter, spread thin, and cooked until golden brown on each side.

filling
fresh chopped cauliflower
fresh chopped onion
chopped edamame beans
coconut milk (canned, unsweetened)
garlic
ground cumin
dal makhani (or whatever indian spices on hand)
cayenne pepper (to taste)
something sweet (probably should have used raisins, but I can't have them so I used dash of Stevia)

-- cook this up in a saucepan. let it simmer for quite a while. it should be a very soft filling.

It all starts with sprouted French Green Lentils.
A very tasty treat.. . all on their own!

The blended batter! The green specks
are the skins of the lentils.

The filling, cooking down nicely!

A stuffed pancake. In all honestly, not much
to look at. But the combo of flavors is fantastic!

Otto enjoying a Moong Ke Cheelay pancake!
(and a few sprouted lentils on the side)

Valeodida, it is!

I am still cleansing. Candida cleansing. It has been eights weeks since I have eaten grains, dairy, carbohydrates, sugar (including honey, agave, etc.) and fruit*. While I have reason to believe my body is on the mend and has, for the most part, eradicated itself of the candida overgrowth, I am continuing (and adapting) this way of eating for the long term.

My way of eating doesn't have a name, which makes things kind of difficult. I've adopted pieces from various diet philosophies to create an amalgam that works for me. I have dubbed this eating style. . Valeodida!

V (for Vegetarian) - I've always been vegetarian. Historically, I have eaten lacto-ovo (consuming dairy products and eggs, but no meat or fish). I have now dropped the dairy, but eat eggs as a primary source for protein. (Almost a vegan -- except for the pretty boots, and buttery soft car seats.)

ALEO (for Paleo) - More and more people are eating a Paleolithic diet, which consists mainly of fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots and nuts. If you haven't heard about this eating philosophy, it is based around eating as our Paleolithic ancestors would have, a million years ago (this is a.k.a. the Caveman diet). Assuming our bodies were designed to eat in such a manner, it is seen as a more natural way to go. Paleos exclude grains, legumes, dairy, potatoes, salt, sugar and processed oils. I am very close to this, except I am a bit more stringent in that I don't partake in fish, meat, fruit or fungi (due to the candida link).

DIDA (for Candida) - Don't feed the yeast!!! As I've written about before -- Candida Cleanse diet removes carbs and sugars from the system, so excess yeast don't have anything to feed on. It is in this third prong, that I lose my fruit, due to the sugar content. Candida cleanse also allows for meat/fish, as does Paleo. But of course, the vegetarian in me won't have any of this, so again, my way of eating ends up being a bit more restrictive.

I am meeting with my naturopath next week, to fine-tune a healthy eating plan that will support this framework I've established. I am pretty certain I will stick to my guns on much of this. Especially after trying to reintroduce ancient grains around week four (I felt very sick and started the detox process all over again). I'll be keeping the grains and grain-like seeds (like quinoa, millet) out. As for sugars. . who needs those??? I have adapted quite nicely to my new philosophies on food. It was not at all as difficult of a change as one might imagine, once I committed to doing what's right for my body. Based on all the research I've done, I have outlined for myself the healthiest and most natural diet I could possibly fathom. And for the record, you heard it here first. . . VALEODIDA!

*Note: there are several exceptions to these rules. For example. . .I am allowed the high-fiber fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries. I am allowed goat cheese and plain yogurt. Stevia is the only allowed sweetener. These exceptions are taken from the Candida Cleanse rule book, based on how the body processes sugar, the carb conversion, glycemic index, and a bunch of other stuff that is rather complicated. Oh, and over the past two months there have been a couple cheats: approx. 4 TBS of raw honey, 6 dried cranberries and half of a dried pineapple ring have been consumed. There. Confessions do feel good.

The Candida Cleanse Diary

I am nearing the end of Week 3 of a Candida Cleanse. Day 20, to be exact.

What is Candida, anyway? Candida is basically a yeast that lives naturally in your body. On occasion, the balance of your system can get out of whack and the Candida can become overgrown, causing mild to severe symptoms. Often, this will happen after use of antibiotics, as was the case for me. Many people have an overgrowth, and don't even realize it.. . or they simply live with symptoms day after day, not knowing the cause behind them.

My first experience with a known Candida overgrowth was two years ago, after Otto was born via C-Section. I was given heavy duty antibiotics after surgery, and about a week later my skin (mainly on my torso) became covered in an itchy rash! Thanks to my mother-in-law, who suspected a Candida infection and had me take a saliva test, which proved positive for an overgrowth. She advised Acidophilus (a probiotic) and a very loose version of the Candida Cleanse diet I am currently following.

After battling some ongoing issues with my body since Thanksgiving, I realized I needed to put my system back in balance. My Naturopath and I decided a strict Candida Cleanse might be just what the doctor ordered! There are a million and one versions of a Candida Cleanse out there. After doing research on the internet, I became so overwhelmed by the contradictions in theories of acceptable/prohibited foods, that I ultimately decided to follow my Naturopath's recommendations and look no further!

You see, a Candida Cleanse is designed to basically starve the yeast. By cutting out the yeast's food source (um. . evil sugar), you will ultimately kill off the yeast. Easier said than done. "Sugar" includes all carbohydrates, including the complex variety (whole grains), dairy (due to the lactose, with the exception of plain yogurt and fresh goat cheese).Many other things are prohibited too, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, certain nuts (peanuts, pistachios, cashews -- due to high mold content), mushrooms, vinegar (except apple cider vinegar), etc. And of course, the foods we would conventionally think of as "sugar" (cane sugar, fruit, honey, agave, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc..) are all prohibited. Being a vegetarian (and a vegetarian that is still calorie counting toward a weight loss goal!), this leaves me little to work with.

I originally set out to do this cleanse for two weeks (typically, people with a systematic Candida overgrowth, are on the cleanse for a minimum of three months!). After week one, my saliva test reported negative overgrowth. Great news! But still, I decide to carry through with my original plan and also figured I'd tack on a third week. Why not?! And to be perfectly honest, now that I'm closing out my third week, I am planning to keep with the diet even longer. As you can imagine, with all of these food restrictions, the consumption of anything that resembles a processed food has screeched to a halt. It just feels so great (mentally and physically) to be eating in such a clean manner. It's more work than I had imagined, since all my food needs to be prepared from scratch, by me. There are few shortcuts, but I have figured out a trick or two along the way. Cooking and eating within the parameters of this diet is as a challenge. It has almost become a game for me. Those who know me, know how much I do love a challenge.

I thought I would share a few of the dishes I've truly enjoyed while on this cleanse. Some of these have become a staple go-to food item that I always have on hand. Some of these recipes I obtained from the small collection of Candida Cleanse dishes my Naturopath set me up with from the beginning. Some I learned in just talking with people with similar diets. And some I thought of, completely on my own!

Chilled Tomato-Vegetable Soup
This was a staple in my fridge from Day 1! Very easy to make, and I tried
several variations. The key ingredients are: organic vegetable juice,
seeded cuke, celery stalk, green bell pepper, fresh cilantro lots of garlic
a gread Candida killer)!  Blend up veggies until mostly smooth, then whisk in 1 cup
plain yogurt. I also like to add a squeeze or two of  fresh lemon juice and
a good crack of black pepper. 

Cauliflower-Crust Pizza
This recipe was modified from a version I found on the internet.
The crust is made with grated and cooked fresh cauliflower, an egg, garlic,
herbs and a bit of vegan parmesan cheese. It is baked at 400* for about
 30 min, and then toppings are added, and then it's put under
the broiler. The top pizza is a simple homemade tomato sauce with oil
cured black olives and vegan parmesan cheese. The pizza below it is topped
with sauteed spinach, goat cheese, oil cured black olives and pine nuts.
It's really delish. Pizza, it is certainly not.
But if you can't have the real thing. . this is a great alternative!

CCCC (Candida Cleanse Chocolate Cake)
And then I discovered coconut flour (thanks to one Miss L.A.!!), and a
whole new door opened for me! And behind that door, was a myriad of
pseudo-baked goods. Certainly not what we might think of, when we think of
 traditional baked items. But they are a welcome bite of something sweet.
This basic batter consists of: 2 TBS of coconut flour, with equal part egg white
(or egg beaters), stevia (as desired), 1/2 TBS flaxseed, a dash of baking soda
(thanks to one Miss D.T.!!), a dash of salt, a dash of cinnamon, a bit of good
vanilla extract and unsweetened almond milk added until batter consistency
 is achieved. That is a great basic cake batter. To make chocolate, simply
add a heaping TBS of unsweetened baking cocoa. I also like to mix in unsweetened
 raw coconut flakes. (Note: These cakes can be microwaved for about 2 minutes,
or spread thin in a loaf pan and baked at 350* for about 20 minutes.)

CCBC (Candida Cleanse Blueberry Cobbler)
Blueberries and raspberries are about the only fruits allowed on the cleanse
(within moderation). For this variation on the CCCC, I took the basic
batter recipe (above) and simply swirled in a handful of blueberries in lieu of
the cocoa powder. I then topped with plain yogurt.

CCCM (Candida Cleanse Chocolate Mousse)
This is my personal concoction!! Start with a couple TBS of almond butter,
add in at least a TBS of unsweetened baking cocoa, a bit of vanilla extract, some
stevia to taste. Start adding unsweetened almond milk, whisking, until it looks
 fluffy and light! (another variation is to add less almond milk,
more cocoa, and you will get what tastes like a dark-chocolate
 brownie batter. . or a truffle center!)

Veggie-Rich Omelette
Eggs have been my ally on this cleanse. Omelettes filled with any
variation of sauteed fresh veggies (here: garlic, onion, spinach)
and a sprinkle of vegan cheese, were a weekend breakfast favourite!
Quick and easy for dinner too.

No-'Tater 'Tater Tots
These tots, are made with pureed frozen cauliflower. mixed with a bit
of vegan cheese and spices (garlic powder, dried minced onion, S&P).
A small bit of the mixture is formed into a small ball,
dropped into a bowl of vegan parmesan
cheese, and then flattened, pressing cheese into the tot.
They are then baked at 400* until
they are browned on both sides
(flipping if needed -- about 25 min in my oven).

[Cauliflower] Chips + Dip!
A variation on the No-'Tater 'Tater Tots, per my Mother's
suggestion, I used the same pureed cauliflower mixture,
added a few extra spices (like dried chives & paprika)
and vegan cheddar cheese, then spread the batter in chip
sizes, super thin on a well-sprayed cookie sheet.
 I pressed as flat as I could, then dowsed with vegan
 parmesan cheese. These should bake 350*
for however long it takes! And it will take awhile.
Flip as you go, and you just want them as brown
as can be on both sides. They crisp up very nicely
and will even retain crispiness the next day!

For the dip: plain yogurt, finely minced onion,
finely minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, S&P

[Cauliflower] Chips + Dip were a huge hit in my house.
Out of all my Candida Cleanse dishes, they were probably
the most loved by everyone. . .especially lil' Otto!

33 for '13! (my project 333: phase 3)

Size 14 to Size 4...in 4 months!!

Since I have been somewhat remiss in my postings, I have a bit of catching up to do, for the record. In my last diet-related post, I had reported a weight loss of 19.6 pounds. (Boy, how out-dated that number is!) It's about five months later, and to date I have lost a total of 42.6 pounds! WOW! And while I am super pleased with my progress, I have 11 pounds to go to meet my initial weight loss goal.

(Incidentally, my goal weight was a somewhat arbitrary number that fell within my normal BMI range. Although, I have to admit that I have my doubts that I will be happy at that goal weight. I've never seen my body at this weight before, and I fear that much lighter will just be too skinny for me. But I'm not sure I want to give up before reaching the goal I set either. So, my plan is to hold steady my course, and just keep at it until my goal is reached. If I need to gain back any pounds, I'm sure that won't be a problem!)

During this period of weight loss, my Project 333 has been put completely on hold. With a steady drop in sizes, selecting a core 33 proved to be a nearly impossible challenge for me. I was trying to keep track of my wardrobe in my mind, and stick to a minimalist approach, but I'm afraid I did not do a very good job. You see, in all honesty it's pretty fun to buy clothes in the smallest size you've ever worn, and then dress up a body that is brand new to you. Initially, I was trying to thrift new pieces as my sizes were diminishing, since the clothing inside my armoire was nothing short of transient. But it hasn't always worked out that way. I'm afraid my emotions got the best of me, and I might have strayed from some of the P333 philosophies I truly endorse.

And so with a New Year right around the corner (and along with it, a spending moratorium in our house!)...the party's over and it's time to get my minimalist wardrobe back on track. Not to mention that my size fluctuation has just about tapered off. So it's the right time to crack down on my 33 for '13!

I have my preliminary list of those 33 items that will carry me through the first three months of 2013. Unfortunately, it is coming in at about 39 items, which means I need to shave off 6 things! Ugh! This is the truly difficult part. I'll be ironing that out over the next few days and will post my Project 333, Phase 3 list soon. I also have to reiterate what a lovely surprise it has been, having so many people check-in with me on my P333 status over the past few months. I'm always surprised at how genuinely interested people seem to be with this endeavor. This is a great project, with a strong message, and I appreciate the interest and support it generates.

. . . until 2013, everyone!

Weight Loss, Safety Pins & Thrift Shops

I am writing this blog post, wearing jeans secured with a safety pin.

Left unbuttoned, I can wrap the fabric over on itself and secure tightly with a pin. Throw a longer shirt or a dress on top, and nobody will even know. These used to be my skinny jeans, but now they fall off me. Very good news for a dieter, indeed.

I have lost precisely 19.6 lbs to date since I started my calorie-counting diet back in May (see my post, "Confessions of a Dieter", for more information on my weight loss agenda). Within the past couple of weeks, many of my clothes have become ridiculously big, to the point of looking silly. I've already had to retire a few items. It is a bitter-sweet feeling, and kind of a weird predicament. You see, I have about 30 lbs to go (almost four months) before I reach my weight loss goal, assuming I continue on the current trajectory. But no matter how you look at it, it's quite a long ways to go.

So what to do about my clothes in the meantime? Trust me, I want the weight to keep rolling off. I hate to put any negative energy out into the universe that might prevent that from happening. I don't want clothes to be a stumbling block (mentally or otherwise), which is why this dilemma needs resolution now.

I have participated in the Project 333 (see my post, "Project 333...Perhaps?", for more information on Project 333) for two phases. I love this Project and what it does for my life. I had planned on starting my next phase on July 1, which did not happen. I mean, how can I formulate a proper list when I have an armoire full of ill-fitting clothes? Safety pins can only take me so far....right?

About three weeks ago, the family and I headed over to the Goodwill. I actually snagged up two pairs of great summer pants that juuuuuust fit. Believe it or not, they are already getting loose on me. Not such a huge deal, since I think I paid less than $5.00 for the lot. I am typically a person who will save up for several weeks to afford a special piece of clothing. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for, especially with clothing. So lately, especially as Fall lines are coming out, I'm having to curb myself from scouring websites and catalogs, planning what will be added to my wardrobe this coming season. But alas, I am coming to accept that this just isn't realistic and won't be happening.

My friend Beverly has gone through a similar weight loss in her life. When I asked her how she handled it, she mentioned having clothing tailored. Of course!! Why didn't I think of this before? I mean, one of the best seamstresses I know actually lives with me....my mother! There are some things (like my skinny jeans) that just won't be ideal candidates to be "taken in". But dresses and skirts are simple to alter; darts can even be added if the alteration is drastic. I've already asked for my mother's help. When I first started shedding pounds, I purchased an adorable navy dress from Free People. (Linda, really dumb move!) I almost instantly "under-grew" the thing to the point where it looked like a tent on me. But I love that dress, with it's bias seams and black ribbon cross straps! Mom just finished the alteration, and it's 100x better. She really is the best.

And so I believe I have my plan. I will continue this course of making-do with what I have, altering those items that make sense, and even safety pinning here and there, as required. I will supplement other items as needed from the Goodwill or my local thrift shop, with minimal investment. As I get closer to my goal, probably in early fall, I will reassess how well this is still working for me, and go from there. I will also participate in Project 333. I will make my list based on the current state of my wardrobe, and allow for switches as clothing needs to be swapped out for smaller thrift shop finds (similar items swapped for similar items, of course). And I think that going the thrift shop route also preserves the integrity of Project 333, since I am simply recycling goods and not over-consuming, putting more "stuff" out into the world.

Although I must confess. Emma and I just got back from a trip to New York City. We visited several lovely clothing shops, but I held steady my course and refrained from buying. However, Urban Outfitters was having a sale on their Cigarette Fit skinny jeans. I tried on a pair in my appropriate size, and fell in love with them! With an extra discount on sale items, how could I resist? The deal was sealed!

Finally, I can retire my old skinny jeans, and say goodbye to one safety pin!