fruit

Berries and a Wine Glass

Healthy Living

Happy Friday, lovelies!
I have been away getting some much needed rest and relaxation.  I’ve also been spending time focusing on this new chapter in my life.  I share more with you at a later time.

So, in my journey of being healthy, I am eating quite a bit of fruits and veggies.  I like to have a little fun with eating.  Over the past several months,  I have been eating my fruits and drinking my smoothies from my fashion inspired wine glasses. Why not add a little fabulocity to being healthy?

By the way, I got my wine glass from Dollar Tree. They have really nice decorative glasses for fashionista.  Are there any creative ways you enjoy eating?

Talk to you soon 💋

Brandi 

Fruit and Veggie Smoothie

Healthy Living

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Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since I have done a post about smoothies.  I recently did a hug smoothie using a large blender.  I was able to make about 4-5 smoothies out of that batch.  I froze them until I got ready to drink them.

Here’s what I used:  kale, cantaloupe,  pine apples, and blue berries, and 2-3 tablespoons of flaxseeds.  I froze all of fruit before blending.  I used apple juice to blend everything.  This smoothie had a lighter taste because I didn’t add bananas to them.  I could really taste the cantaloupe and pineapples.   It was very tasty.  I had this smoothie right before bed and when I had to stay up late doing school work for added energy and extra nourishment.

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How Being Vegetarian Changed My Life

Healthy Living

Hey Loves,

Back in 2013, I adopted a vegetarian lifestyle for a about five months. I never intended to become a vegetarian, it sort of happened as a result of fasting for a few weeks of eating only fruits and veggies. I really enjoyed eating fruits and veggies and I liked how my body and spirit responded to the change. Even after I incorporated meat back into my diet last year, my life was changed due to my vegetarian experience. I wanted to share how being vegetarian has changed my life.  Before I begin, I have decided to go back vegetarian because I function best eating that particular way. I will be transitioning to this lifestyle. So here I go.

  • I have learned how to be creative with meals and snacks.  Smoothies have been a go to options for me since my schedule can be full and hectic.  I normally freeze fresh fruits or buy frozen fruits.  I started adding veggies to my smoothies as well.  I purchased a Magic Bullet to make my smoothies.

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I also like mixing fruit.  Strawberries are my favorite.

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I like eating fruits for late night snacks. Here one my favorites-strawberries, kiwis, and bananas.

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Here are some lunch options I used when I first went vegetarian.

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I got different variations of these veggies trays for lunch and snacks from Wal-Mart for $1.97. They also have fruit trays similar to this.

  • I began to be more proactive about researching foods that are not good for my asthma.  I learned a lot through trial and error. I discovered that dairy is not the best for asthma and allergy sufferers.  I started using soy milk because I like milk and it’s diary free.  It’s been almost two years.  I use different vegetable oils instead of butter.  I’m not 100% dairy free because I may use cheese occasionally for salads or when I go out to eat.

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I also found out that gluten sensitivity is common for individuals with asthma.  I realize that I am gluten sensitive.  After I took gluten out of my diet I noticed big change with my digestion.  I buy gluten-free pasta, cereals, and other products.  I found gluten-free cake mix.

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Gluten-free pasta mixed with fresh broccoli and peppers.

  • I found new, healthier ways to cook my favorite dishes without meat.  I like flavorful dishes.  I like cooking spaghetti.  I started adding mushrooms and spinach instead of meat to my spaghetti.  I also use gluten-free noodles.  I’m a southern girl and I like soul food.  I liked greens.  Normally, greens are cooked with pork for seasoning.  I found a recipe that uses fresh garlic, onions, and other spices that taste amazing.  I tested the recipes with my family and they love it.  My mom loves these recipes.  I like making homemade vegetable soups with mushrooms instead of meat.

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  • Going vegetarian opened my eyes to trying out vegetarian/vegan restaurants and new dishes when I go out to eat.  Some dishes are not good and some are not so good.
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    A Vegetarian dish from UNO’s

    I enjoy veggie pizzas.

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    Veggie Pizza

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I was at R. Thomas Deluxe Grill in Atlanta, GA trying an organic smoothie.

  •  I learned that even if you are not vegetarian you can incorporate the diet into your eating routine.  For example, I would eat strictly vegan for a week or two to reset my system.  Also, you can go meatless for a day or for a meal.
  • Being vegetarian helped me to be more discipline this is why I am choosing to eat this way.

I just wanted to share my experience.  I will also be sharing my experiences from here on out as I learn and grown in my nutrition.  Talk to you soon!

Brandi