Vegan Challenge Complete..

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I have completed my Vegan Challenge... and I am excited to say that health wise I feel great. No longer do I have the afternoon slump happening, I have more energy and I am more alert than I have ever been. So, throughout this whole challenge, I have continued to cook grass fed beef and free range chickens to my family... I have heard to Mmmmms and Yummys since we switched to the more healthier animals. I have not eaten any throughout my challenge; however, I did a couple of days ago since my challenge finished. 

I cooked Adobo seasoned Chicken cutlets with lemon juice and pepper with a side of mashed potatoes and spinach salad with feta.... When I tasted a piece of that chicken, I enjoyed the flavor of it but not the chicken piece. It was then I realized that I no longer can enjoy meat or chicken as I once did. Maybe, one day I will... Thanksgiving is coming up....unsure if I will try it. I am okay with it.....being a big chicken lover....Im okay with it!! I guess. 

Oh well, this transition in my life was truly an adventure... I did not think I could do it, but I did. I have made new recipes, learned how to deal with self control and patience... Definitely patience... I am excited to continue this walk as being a Vegetarian. Although, I am a full fledged Vegan now, I still cook for my family the healthy meats and chicken. I am not anti meat or chicken.... For my health, i chose veggies and fruits.... However, I might just enjoy a piece a time or two. I never know when I will be in the mood for some. Lets hope..

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As we approach Thanksgiving... I want to remind myself and others to truly count the blessings in your life. Step back and think of the times, you should of been in a different place, but You have been carried through the situation. Remember, your health, your children, your love for life, and Remember that God is the reason you are alive on this day. It is Him that is the giver of Life and He wants you to know that He loves you. Continue your walk with Jesus and you will know the truth of your purpose.

Thanks for reading, and may God bless your family this Thanksgiving and days to come..

Your Organic Girly, 

Dina 

Ezekiel Bread with Organic Strawberry Spread

Ezekiel bread with Organic Strawberry Spread


Recipe for a Balanced Breakfast:
God
Ezekiel Bread
Organic Strawberry Spread

Sounds good doesn't it.


 Ezekiel bread is one of the most favored breads of mine. I try to limit my bread consumption to just this brand. My reasoning is they way this particular bread is made. Sprouted grains are optimum in getting the full benefits of the whole grains.

*Sprouted grain breads are significantly higher in protein, vitamins and enzymes, and the complex starches are converted into natural sugars.  They are also low GI (Glycemic index:is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels) so they are digested more slowly by the body, keeping the blood sugar levels stable for longer, making people feel more satisfied.  This leads to snacking less.  It is interesting to note that the more highly processed a food is, the higher GI it is.  A loaf of white bread is significantly higher GI than a loaf of sprouted grain bread.

Now you  know why it sounded so good.. Have a blessed day

*Reference

Day 18 Vegan Experience...

Vegan challenge #18:

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                   As my challenge has been going on, I have become more stricter with the food I consume. The first week, I ate whole wheat bread throughout the week and other fruits and veggies (of course oats etc..). However, now I have been trying to limit my whole wheat consumption and switch over to a non gluten menu. Just to check it out and see... I have still had whole wheat on occasion, just not daily. I have been consuming Quinoa, Spelt, Brown rice, and Oat based breads.... Yummy, it has not been too difficult. I eat every couple of hours some sort of fruit or veggie or Green tea. I have made this a habit now...If I eat and I am still hungry for more, drink Tea! and it helps subside the desire for more....you know, overeating. Healthy portions is key to gain health and weight control. Also, I have been eating this particular salad all week, it is the best. I just can't stop eating it. I don't know why! The combination of flavors compliment each other: Organic Baby Spinach salad with sliced purple onions, feta sprinkle on top with dried basil and a top of Apple Cider vinegar... So So So Good!! It just tickles my palate whenever I eat it. Anyway, now my mouth is watering.. Okay so, where was I?

             So, Yes,  I am very proud of myself, I have not consumed any meat products for 18 days; this is an accomplishment for me. I feel more confident in myself; I have exercised self control, and "You know what?"  It has helped me in others areas of my life too. I believe that this challenge was not only for my health benefit, but for my spiritual benefit as well. 

I encourage you to give it a try and be creative about your new adventure. Don't focus on what you cannot have, but all the things you can have. A variety of Fruits, Veggies, and Whole grains await you. I challenge you to do this with your walk with Christ, and He will show you spiritual things that need to be  tweaked and fixed in your life to be proactive in all aspects of health including spiritual. I leave you with a scripture, one of my favs:

".....Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Hands on Teaching of Gravity

The Perfect Way to teach Gravity


So, Today for our family time... We chose the Fair.... Yay, we are all excited. Of course my brain begins to  go into,  "How can I take this opportunity to teach them something related to homeschool?" So I thought really really hard... Yeah , did not come up with anything. Until, my sons went on the Gravitron. It was like a light bulb, (You know like from Despicable Me, hehe) I was trying to make a visualization for them of the importance of gravity on our planet and why God created gravity in the first place. Both of my boys are visual hands on learners; they retain the information better with some sort of media or direct interaction. I tried to so hard to explain the concept of gravity and I thought that they grabbed a hold of it, but it did not click in their brains till tonight when they rode the Gravitron..... God is so good! He used this opportunity to reinforce the teaching on gravity. 
As the boys were riding, they were unable to have full mobility of their limbs (arms and legs).. They were stuck to the wall... hahahaha.. ( I can think of times where I could use this machine, but I won't go there...lol). Then, they continued to try to move their heads as well, no success. I explained to them the concept once again, and they understood it so well.  Of course, after that we had so much fun.... the teaching part of my brain shut off, well sort of.

Even though I may think my children are not able to grasp a concept as soon as I explain it......it does not mean that God will not step in and do it for you! God is so good.. Let us not worry for our children are in good hands and as long as we allow God to be involved in our lives , He will make things happen. Here are a few photos of our adventure today..




Family time is the best tool in teaching your children the way of life. This teaching surpasses all homeschooling.. Learning the values of family togetherness and the reason God created a family is the key to relationships. Remember, you are always being watched by your children.. show them the best choices and they will reflect it. 

Organic Zucchini Quiche

Organic Zucchini Quiche

Ingredients:
(all items Organic)

1 cup of  Quick Oats
1 tsp of Oregano
1 tsp of Garlic salt
pinch of sea salt
1 tsp of dried Basil
1/4 cup of Feta
1/4 cup of Mild Cheddar
1/4 cup of Shredded Mozzarella
1/4 cup of Onions, minced
1/2 Zucchini, sliced
1/4 cup of baby Spinach, sliced
3 Whole Eggs, 2 Egg Whites


Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease the 9x9 Casserole pan . Spread Oats on the pan creating a 1st layer of the quiche. Place sliced Zucchini on top of the Oats, creating a second layer, sprinkle the feta, mozz, onions. In a bowl, place eggs and egg whites with salts, basil, oregano, whisk away!! until fully mixed. Then gently pour mixture over your layered construction.  Grab your sliced spinach and sprinkle over pan. Then sprinkle mild cheddar over the pan and pop in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, keeping watch throughout the allotted time.

All done... then let cool for about 5 minutes and Enjoy, Buen Provecho!

*Great for Breakfast, lunch or dinner... so yummy and it will fill you up.

Organic Girly's Juicing Favs!

                  As I mention in previous posts, I love juicing, and I juice almost everyday.

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        Fresh Juice, not only aids in health but weight loss as well. Juicing allows the individual consuming the juice to reap all the fresh enzymes in the fruit and veggies. These enzymes aid the body in healing process from everyday free radicals and other health problems. Some may argue otherwise; however, I tend to believe that if it is Fresh it is Best. .... Regardless of what others believe, I choose to juice for myself and my family. We have seen correction in various health issues we had in the past; therefore, I am going by my experiences. That being said, Lets start with some of Organic Girly's  favorite Juicing recipes:

(Of course all produce is Organic to receive the full benefits of the juice)
My daughter's Fav: 2 Apples and 1 Orange

My sons fav: 1 Apple, 1 Orange, and 2 Carrots

My Hubby's fav: 2 Oranges, 1 Apple, 1/2 cup of Cranberries, and handful of Red Grapes

My fav: 2 Kale leaves rolled with Spinach, 2-3 Leaves of Red and Green Cabbage, 1 cup of Cranberries,1 Apple and 2 Carrots.

The great thing about juicing is the variety of juices you can create... Think of juices you love over the counter( kind of sounds like a prescription) and try to recreate them; in addition, add some greens to it and you wont even taste them.

Enjoy..

Mmmm Good Organic Waffles

Whole Wheat Flax Waffles

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of Organic Whole Wheat flour
2 tsp organic baking powder
1/2 tsp of sea salt
1/4 cup of Organic Apple Juice
1 Large Organic Egg
1 1/2 cups of Organic Whole Milk
 1/3 cup of Organic Coconut Oil
1/4 cup of Organic Flaxseed Meal
2 tsp of Organic Vanilla Extract
3 tbsp of Organic Ground Cinnamon


Mix together dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, sea salt, flaxseed meal, cinnamon. Then in a separate container, mix wet ingredients: coco oil, milk, egg, juice, and vanilla. Mix together dry and wet ingredients until throughly mixed.
Get your Waffle Iron out , Hot and Prep ready for waffles... Spray your waffle iron with oil spray.. Follow the instructions for your particular waffle iron. Usually when the Waffle iron starts steaming from the sides.... almost done.
  
Then top it off with one of the best syrups I have found without yucky stuff.... Cracker Barrels Syrup ..(Side note: I have tried all kinds of Organic maple syrups and other brands... I still not have not found a syrup that compliments my waffles like Cracker Barrel's brand; it is the healthiest non organic kind I could find.)



Enjoy your Healthy Organic Waffles... Tastes better than anywhere else... Why you ask? Because I made it with Love. Buen Provecho!!

Operation Christmas Child.... Participate!

                            

Operation Christmas Child has begun..... Woo Hoo... For those of you who are unaware of Operation Christmas Child, it is an organization under Samaritan's Purse. Operation Christmas Child send shoe boxes filled with items like small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and a personal note from yourself or your child to other countries in need. Check out the website for more information www.samaritanspurse.org 

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne is a drop of location for the shoe boxes. You can use your own shoes boxes wrapped in christmas paper or a tupperware box the same size. Check out the website for more FAQ's . This is a great cause.... Get your Kids involved and help them learn to make an impact in the world. Participation in this, not only allows your children to feel empathy for others like Jesus does, but helps them to be proactive in the activities that do matter. Make a change and participate. 

I showed my children this video clip about Operation Christmas Child and they immediately said, "Let's Do it."  Do it as a family activity..and show your children through action that showing God's love is a priority.

Organic Girly's Vegan Menu

My Menu , Veggies on my mind 

              I was inspired to write a daily menu for my Vegan Challenge by a good friend. This menu consists of meals I eat frequently since I have been on the Vegan Challenge and at other times before. My most frequent meal is made through Juicing. Juicing is key to getting the most nutrients right away to clean and enhance your health. I juice almost everyday. Sometimes, this is my breakfast with a side of Ezekiel raisin bread... Sorry getting ahead of myself. Let starts with snacks.. those are always the best.

I purchased this Juicer... Really good and does the job needed for the price. You only get fresh juice and the pulp remains in a separate container for further use in other baking recipes.

( All Fruits and Veggies are Organic that I list in this menu).
My Favorite Appliance: Jack Lalenne Pro Juicer

Sample Snack: Juice recipes

: 2 leaves of Kale, A handful of Green and Red Cabbage, 1 cup Spinach,1 cup Cranberries, 1 Apple, 2-3 large Carrots. 

:3 Carrots and 1 apple.

:1 orange peeled, 1 apple, 3 carrots

Breakfast:

Organic Cinnamony Apples with Almonds (in recipes) or
Oatmeal at its Best(in recipes)
Organic Expresso 1/4 cup with Stevia or Xylitol

Lunch:   Couscous Black Bean Salad or
              Margherita Pizza(made from scratch)

Dinner: Brown Rice and beans with steamed Broccoli or Asparagus or, baked potato with steamed carrots and spinach salad
  
Desserts: 1 cup of Raw Pomegranates, Grapes, Apple Slices

Although, I listed these meals... I currently just pick from my collection of recipes on this site. Sometimes, I just throw random stuff together and make my own enjoyable entree. On this Vegan Challenge, I am consuming products that come from animals such as Organic Cow's milk and cheese, just in low moderation.

I hope this helps other aspiring vegans... Let me know what you think

Thanks
Dina
9th day being a Vegan

The Thankful Tree

             So I have been looking for traditions to do with  my family that teach biblical principles especially around the various holidays. I want my children to appreciate their lives and the things they have. Gratefulness as the Bible states. I searched various places for ideas and I came across one that is quite popular but still brings thankfulness and meaning to the heart. It is called a Thankful Tree ( No not a christmas tree).

The Thankful Tree is created by either construction paper and place on a bulletin board. Another way to do it is by collecting old branches from outside that could fit into a vase. (We used an old mason jar and some marbles I had lying around)Decorate the vase with crafty ideas and make paper cutouts of leaves from different color construction paper. Fill your vase or container with either marbles or Styrofoam  to hold branches. Done... very quick activity.

The Thankful Tree teaches your child to count their blessings. Everyday or every other day, each child can write on a leaf of what they are thankful for. Then take sometime to ask them, "Why are they thankful for that particular thing?" This allows the child to verbally express his/her feelings, and it opens the lines of communication. Thus, teaching communication within the parental-child relationship..

God calls us to teach the children His ways.By using this activity, it causes interaction and teaching to happen. A parent can incorporate a memory verse too.

This is our Thankful Tree.

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving," Psalm 69:30

Thanks,
Dina

Organic Pears in Season

Ahhhh, Wonderful Organic Pears in Season... Great on Costs and Sale too. Visit your local Farmer's Market or Organic Health Store. 


         Organic Pears are an excellent source of fiber. It is one of leading fruit sources of fiber. It is jammed packed with Vitamin C, Phytonutrients and Antioxidants OH MY!.. In addition to all these great nutrients, Organic Pears provide a great source of Copper ( a needed mineral for the human body). *


           Organic Pears promote Cardiovascular  and Colon Health.. (You know I like keeping the Colon nice and Clean). It helps in lowering cholesterol and prevents constipation.*


Okay , So you go and pick your Organic Pears from the market, How should they look? Typically Organic Pears are picked prior to ripeness; Therefore, some will take a few days to ripen. Leave Organic Pears at room temperature to increase in ripeness.*


Enjoy your Organic Pear Picking, 
Dina 




*www.usapears.com
  www.whfoods.com

Day 7 Experience... Doing Good as a Vegan

Day 7..... of my challenge. It has not been so bad. I have been enjoying different recipes from couscous to lentil soup and some cinnamony apples. I have not been hungry at all. I have kept myself full with periodic meals every 3-4 hours. I feel good and light. I have lost about 3 lbs so far. I thought I was going to miss meat or chicken.... not really. I believe I can live without eating meat or poultry on a weekly basis.

I did do a lot of thinking before I grabbed something to eat. I had to ask myself, "Am I really hungry or am I just eating out of boredom or because of socialization." With this particular question, I was able to target my motive for eating. There were a few occasions I  had to put stuff back. It was an eye opener and I feel like I have gained more self control in this area. After all, God does call us to exercise the "Fruit of the Spirit," Galatians 5:22-23....One of which is Self control. I wonder how many times we give in to this area of our lives. Instead of exercising the authority God has given us, we fall slave to the habitual choices made daily. I encourage you to become aware of your decisions not only in regards to the food choices, but spiritual choices in your walk with Christ. Take sometime for prayer and see the areas God is speaking to you about.

I realize that as I am ministering to my body with healthy foods; at the same time, God is ministering to me, teaching me his ways and the goodness I deserve.

Thanks for reading.... Feel welcome to post comments on your challenge

Dina "Organic Girly"

Organic Baby Spinach, Cucumber & Couscous Salad

Organic Baby Spinach & Couscous Cucumber Salad



Ingredients:
Handful of Organic Baby Spinach
1 Freshly Shredded Organic Carrot
1/2 Organic Cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup of Organic Couscous
1 tbsp of Newman's Own Light Balsamic Vinaigrette






Place baby spinach, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers in a bowl. Then top off with couscous and vinaigrette.
Enjoy, Buen Provecho!