Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Becoming Betty - Italian Red Wine Roast Beef

So I knew I wanted to make pot roast for dinner.  The plan was the "regular" pot roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dumplings.  Well, so much for that plan when you don't have beef broth!

Then, I thought - there was a recipe that wanted to try that was a "three packet" recipes.  Once again, didn't have everything. 😡 Now I could have gone out and got what I needed, but I figured, "Let's check Pinterest first. Maybe there will be a recipe that I have all of the ingredients for on there."


had to check if the wine we had was red wine.  We end up getting wine as gifts and neither one of us drink wine.  Luckily, it was! 

First step - opening the wine.  I've NEVER opened a wine bottle before.  Yes, we have a wine opening that we also got as a gift.



SUCCESS!

The recipe was really easy.  I did have to look up Majoran - why didn't you just say Oregano!

Ready to cook!

This roast smelled so good all day long!

And the done meal!


This was SSSOOO GOOD!

Now, what do I do with the rest of the wine?


Sunday, September 13, 2015

Book Review - Renewal "Anytime" 10 Day Detox by Lisa Consiglio Ryan



About two years ago, I did Lisa's 3 day detox that was all juicing.  After that, I decided that juicing wasn't for me.

Anyway - then I got asked to do a review of Lisa's book, Renewal "Anytime" 10 Day Detox.  I will say this - I am not a good diet follower.  I have read the book and decided - I can at least try some of these recipes!  I am a terrible eater.  I know I need to eat better, but ...  So I figure I can at least do the day stuff Monday through Friday, when it’s just me.

Lisa makes following this cleanse so easy - right down to the shopping list.  Recipes are easy, items can be found in your local grocery store, and she gives you options if you don't like the recipes that are in the basic 10 day cleanse.  The only improvement might have been to break down the shopping list by week, but if you just cut the amounts in half, you have the amounts for the week. 

The recipes I did do were easy and were good.  I will be trying some of these recipes again.  The biggest obstacle is getting my taste buds used to the new items that I am trying.   It is a great kick start for a healthy eating program.  The foods are filling and do not take long to make.


I also know that Lisa is available if there are ever any questions.  She wants you to be successful and is very supportive.  

******

Lose weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan. This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal "Anytime" also includes pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ's, and post-detox next steps.

Available to buy from....

Welcome!   Are you ready to get your detox on? 

I have so many exciting things in store for you.

If you need a quick pick-me-up after vacation or a binge weekend, Renewal “Anytime” is a perfect body reboot. You can also use this detox if you need to look amazing fast for a wedding, reunion, or big event.

Before you embark on your detox journey, I want to talk about the word BALANCE.

Ahhhh, balance. 

You are told to strive for balance in your life. In my opinion, that’s pretty difficult to accomplish. There are so many outside sources that can get you out of whack with life: new job, moving, marriage, trips, environmental toxins…the list is endless.

You can’t control every single thing in your life. You can, however, control what you put into your body and how you deal with stress. 

That’s why I developed the Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox. Think of this plan as a clean living jumpstart. You will start with eating clean, whole foods. You will also incorporate exercise, breathing and even dry brushing and massage.

Let’s call it a RE-BALANCE. 

Your body is always striving for balance to keep you in optimum health, physically, mentally and emotionally. Even things like the changing seasons, nature and being around other people can move you away from the balance your body craves.

Physically, your blood needs to be at a pH level of 7.365. Have you ever heard of acidity and alkalinity? Maybe in a biology class way back? I don’t want to go into a big science lesson. What I first want you to know is something extremely important—your body loves you. Your body works hard to keep you alive.

With that love in mind, it is valuable to know that your body becomes more acidic over time due to consuming a lot of caffeine, sugar and processed foods, as well as exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, and most of all stress. The acidity leads to inflammation.

Inflammation leads to chronic disease. 

Not good. We don’t want any of that. Doing a gentle cleanse is a great way to re-balance your body by pumping in alkaline foods such as dark leafy greens, veggies and fruits and taking some “me” time.

Managing stress is also a way to help your body re-balance. Try yoga, meditation or breathing exercises over the next 10 days. Or, even easier, while eating your lunch, try sitting still for 5 minutes without the TV on, texting or reading a magazine. Your body is striving for balance so make sure to participate in activities that are relaxing and soulful; alkaline activities.

While your body is working to keep you healthy make sure to get a re-balance once in awhile to help her out. You can reuse this plan after your cleanse. Use the recipes and tips to give your body a reboot each season or when you feel out of whack. Remember that having perfect balance isn’t really doable, but you can get pretty darn close by following the steps in this plan.

I’m so excited to be on this wellness journey with you. Have an amazing detox experience and keep in mind this is not about perfection but about getting a chance to RE-BALANCE.

With love,
Lisa x

Renewal “Anytime” Detox…How It Works Renewal “Anytime” Detox is for 10 days…10 days of discovering new things about your body. How glorious!

Here’s how it works: 
  • Read this entire book, cover to cover, before you head to the grocery store. 
  • Check your pantry. Do you have leftover quinoa or a spices that can be used for the cleanse? 
  • Don’t go and buy extra items. Stick to the list, especially if you have a budget. You might have some of the ingredients hanging out in your cupboard or fridge. *Most items can be found at a natural food store. Just ask anyone in the produce section or bulk section for items you are looking for. Don’t take a lot of time searching for items. Ask for help. *I like to buy my grains like quinoa in the bulk section of the grocery store; saves me a little cash plus I can get the right amount I need for a recipe. 
  • Make sure to follow the Daily Practices such as breathing and dry brushing so you have an overall holistic experience with your detox. 
  • Journal during your cleanse to jot down feelings, observations, etc… This is a nice way to get to know your body better and make that body-mind connection even stronger. 
  • Use the “Return to Life” section of this book to ease back after detox. Make sure to focus on what foods you don’t need or just want to introduce slowly. This packet can guide you towards a plan afterwards. As you know, each person is uniquely different, so customize your next steps per your body, schedule, and lifestyle. 
  • Use the BONUS recipes after your detox to keep the glow going. These recipes will also help you ease back into “regular life” without shocking your system.
About the Author
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and founder of Whole Health Designs.  She is also a mom, triathlete, yoga lover and green juice drinker.

After spending years struggling with a growing arsenal of health-destroying conditions that ranged from fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, candida and rosacea to cystitis and tons of allergies, she decided to turn to nutrition and lifestyle to reclaim her health. Then pursuing her education with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she turned her personal quest into her vocation with the launch of Whole Health Designs. Lisa provides seasonal detox programs, meal planning and private coaching for those who desire to embrace “clean living. “ She also provides juice cleanses to local clients and leads wellness retreats in Costa Rica.

As a nationally acclaimed wellness expert, Lisa has worked with thousands in her Renewal 10 Day Detox programs. Her work has been featured in Fox45 News, Fitness Magazine, TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Life , Good Life Project, The Daily Meal, and Mind Body Green. She is also the author of her new book, Go Clean, Sexy You: Your Seasonal Detox and Clean Eating Guide will be available late 2015.

"My personal mission is to spread the word~ FOOD IS LOVE. The more whole, REAL foods we eat, the more REAL we become. Imagine how we can change the world by transitioning to the clean life together. I would love you to join me!"

Find the author on the following sites...

Join Lisa's Newsletter & Grab your FREE 12 Step Reboot Your Body Guide 
complete with menu plan, recipes and shopping list! HERE

Recipes to try!

Bean, Pea, and Leek Soup

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 large leek (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
1 tsp. chopped mint
1 cup frozen peas
1 15 oz. can navy beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth

Directions:
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté leek and mint in oil for 5 minutes. 
Add peas, beans, and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 
uncovered for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve.

Serves 2


Sweet Potato Salad

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 apple, cored and sliced
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds

Directions:

Place chopped sweet potato in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring 
to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under 
cold water. Drain well and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine oil, lime juice, apple, onion, and cilantro. Add 
avocado and cooked sweet potatoes. Toss, top with seeds, and serve.

Serves 1-2
Follow the book tour

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

Lisa's new book available to pre-order now from Amazon

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My experience with the "10 Day Detox"

About two years ago, I did Lisa's 3 day detox that was all juicing.  After that, I decided that juicing wasn't for me.

Anyway - then I got asked to do a review of Lisa's book, 10 day detox.  I will say this - I am not a good diet follower.  I have read the book and decided - I can at least try some of these recipes!  I am a terrible eater.  I know I need to eat better, but ...

So I figure I can at least do the day stuff Monday through Friday.  I'm not sure hubby would even try any of the recipes.

Here's what happened -

Monday breakfast - I had to skip this because I didn't go grocery shopping yet since getting back from vacation.

Monday lunch - watercress salad


This was good and easy to make.  It was a little messy because I had never cut a grapefruit (I've always cut in half and spooned out) or an avocado.  The greens didn't seem to be equal to the avocado and grapefruit, so if I do this one again, I might add more greens.

I didn't do either snack.

Day 2
Breakfast - Great Start Cereal

I have never had quinoa, but have heard a lot of recipes with it.

Unfortunately, I didn't do the "make ahead" part, so it took some time to prepare.  I already had flax seed, but it was with chia seeds. So, my recipe is a little different. I also only did 1 serving compared to the 4 servings in the directions.  



Not bad! Easy to make.  There is an option to add coconut milk. I thought it was fine without it.

I ate about half of it. It was kind of greasy with the coconut oil and the cinnamon made it a little spicy.  I know part of the reason for only eating about half is because of my taste buds are not used to the foods.


Lunch - spinach salad 


Luckily, I love fresh spinach.  This salad looks good and it is!  

Day 3 

We went out with friends last night for dinner and I ate way too much, so I didn't eat breakfast and figured I'd try the Glorious Green smoothie for lunch.


I have no idea if I'm going to like this or if I "peeled" the orange correctly. That's how I eat them so, why not put them membrane in it.


So, I drank maybe 5 sips of this.  Too chunky with the orange membrane.  I think it would otherwise be easier to go down.  I mixed this in my 1950's blender on low and it did well.

That was the end of the recipes I tried.  My stomach started feeling funky again.  However, Lisa makes following this cleanse so easy.  Recipes are easy, items can be found in your local grocery store, and she gives you options if you don't like the recipes that are in the basic 10 day cleanse.

I may try this again.  The recipes were good, just need to get the taste buds used to them.