Sunday, February 21, 2010

Stick it to the Can


Where have I been? School, at home studying, or doing yoga, of course. Let me just say, this week has been crazy. Although I had Monday off, I had 4 tests on one day, then 3 the next. Luckily, Friday was a lots of fun since it was "World Affairs Seminar". Basically, all classes were canceled and we enjoyed seminars held by experts and even fellow classmates instead.

This year's topic was food: an edible economy. Now that's something we can all relate to. The day kicked off with a screening of Food Inc. I think it really opened everyone's eyes on the food industry. I know some people ignored it or treated it as a joke, but hey, at least some people got something out of it. Not to mention it's a plus my choice to be vegan might make more sense to my classmates. A lot of them actually asked me questions about it afterwards and started to consider vegetarianism. I hope I can be a helpful source of information and support to them.

Anyway, sticking with the theme of food, here were some of my eats from this week. With my busy schedule, my food was mostly favorites you've seen before. Below are some new recipes (and a new product) I've been trying. Enjoy :)!


Chai Tea Oatmeal with Golden Flax Seeds and Strawberries



Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza...


With No Salt Added Tomato Sauce, Gobs of Garlic and Spices, and Nooch



+ Tomatoes, Steamed Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Brussel Sprouts (please excuse the odd pictures but I had a pizza stone incident)






of the Gingerbread Variety



Sarah's Chili Con Bulgar



From La Dolce Vegan



Evol Vegan Veggie Fajita


Have any of you seen Food Inc.? This was my second time seeing it, and honestly I'm happy it was. I was able to absorb more and started to consider a few things more deeply. First, processed foods.

I've decided to start a grocery store challenge. The challenge is to buy only produce and things from the bulk bins (with the exclusion of canned beans and tomato products, almond butter, or certain products I can't get elsewhere, such as flax seed, vital wheat gluten, soy yogurt, etc.). I'm thinking of calling it the Stick it to the Can challenge, or SIC. I like that it sounds like "sick" if you try to say it because I'm sick of being a victim of the system, not to mention a few other corny (ha! corny! like all the corn in our foods. ah, jokes, jokes ;) ) reasons that I'll let you use your imagination on. How does the SIC challenge sound to you?

Although I've mostly moved towards this kind of shopping anyway, I've noticed myself eating a lot of cereals and such to satisfy calorie needs. Unfortunately, I have also noticed a difference in the way I feel. Seeing Food Inc. again reminded me of the ingredients in processed foods (organics and naturals are not always excluded, though they are usually better) and the control the food industry has over us. Now, instead of panicking and turing to processed foods (even if it's just cereals), I've decided to make more snacks from my cookbooks, such as dips with veggies or pita and others so I can snack on whole foods.

Are you ready to take a stand against the controlling food industry? Are you ready to say no to High Fructose Corn Syrup, corn and soy in everything, and needless GMOs? Do you want to eat better and feel amazing because of it? If so, join me in this challenge. Maybe it seems a little hard at first, but starting small never hurt. Simply cutting down on processed foods is a huge improvement.

So, who's with me?

Have a lovely day!

xox,
Mandiee

9 comments:

  1. I would love to join in on the challenge, but I love my cereal bowls, soygurt, and such too too much. Plus, my life is very stressful as is and I don't have much time to prep meals. But, I am glad that you are doing this! I will try to eat more whole foods, though, as much as possible. :)

    I love those EVOL burritos! Best packaged burrito that I have ever had.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a great challenge, I already do something similar. I agree with Katie though I do love my soy yogurt.

    Your whole wheat pizza looks tasty too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have never seen Food Inc but I definately must see it!! I think thats great you are doing that challenge, kudos to you girl!!!! I will have to come to your blog daily for updates!!

    U would love humnut sauce, def try it!!!

    Your homemade pizza and homemade larabars look amazing!!!!!!!

    Love Nooch!!!!!!!!!

    Raw revolution bars are good, well at least the one I tried, I want to try the peanutbutter flavor one now!!

    Have a great night love!! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. i have never seen food inc but you just really interested me in it! lol ive alraedy started eating a lottt of organic/natural foods and i feel much better. but since im recovering from an eating disorder i dont think im ready to exclude anything yet. ill def come back and reconsider when im healthy girl. it sounds like a great plan!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I cant believe you're 15. Holy crap girl, you're amazing. When you're 30, you're gonna be president. Of a food coop. Or something fabulous! Wow.

    Ok this:
    With No Salt Added Tomato Sauce, Gobs of Garlic and Spices, and Nooch

    PERFECT as i hate salt and love nooch. i would skip the garlic tho b/c in not a fan.

    The Food Inc info..love it. I havent seen it but it's on my agenda.

    And the SIC challenge. I never buy canned anything. There's BPA in most cans plus I am high raw and canned food isnt LOL

    And the g'bread heart homemade Laras. GENIUS!!!! What recipe did you use? I have these raw g'bread balls but would love yours
    http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2009/12/raw-vegan-gingerbread-cookies-cookie.html

    i just blog rolled you too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. OMG I Just typed you an epic comment and I dont think it went thru....

    ReplyDelete
  7. it didnt I dont think...I think my word verif failed and then I closed the window without realizing it failed..girl. You rock. I dont have time to retype it :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. great challenge! I already do try to buy as much as I can from the bulk bins, but maybe with a little more planning I could do better :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. i love your grocery challenge, the majority of my food $s are spent shopping in that manner! and i'm lucky, we can get nut butters, flax seed, and vital wheat gluten in bulk too :) you made your own pizza from scratch? awesome! i'm glad you guys watched food inc and that some people got into it, even ONE person learning something and changing their lifestyles a little can make a huge difference added up!

    ReplyDelete