Friday, February 10, 2012

Sugar free? Is it even possible? And some contest news!

I'm trying to make some serious lifestyle changes, primarily giving up refined sugar and switching to a diet that focuses on natural, whole foods. The difficulty on this is fairly high because you all know that I am hopelessly addicted to Pepsi, mainly fountain Pepsi. So I have given up on my beloved fountain drinks and have been successful for about 3 weeks now, but it's a struggle every time I am out and about, because I want to swing in to my favorite QT and grab a cold drink. I literally have to talk myself down each and every time, but it is getting easier. At home, I just try to stick with my unsweetened iced tea (the only right way to drink it, despite what you crazy southerners might think) and lots of boring water.


The next phase means that I need to eliminate refined sugar in the food I eat, and at the moment I am confounded by veggies. I love to snack on raw veggies but I certainly can't serve my kids like that all the time. I'd be facing full scale rebellion! My monsters aren't picky eaters by any stretch, but we are all getting bored with steamed vegetables. Any ideas? Know of any good cookbooks that focus on healthy and tasty cooking? Hook me up!
 
How is this paranormal, you ask? Remember Bunnicula? The cute little rabbit that sucked her veggies dry? Not good enough for you? How about I sweeten the pot with a couple of books to giveaway?

Leave me a comment giving me a recipe idea or tell me about a cookbook you love, and I will pick one lucky reader to get a grab bag of books, including but not necessarily limited to, Angel of Darkness by Cynthia Eden, and The Hunter by Theresa Meyers. Due to postage concerns this has to be limited to my U.S. readers only.

You can also post recipe ideas on the FB wall...I've been trying to check at least once a week:)





7 comments:

LadyVampire2u said...

My father is diabetic which helps keep me on track when it comes to healthier foods. And diabetic foods are all about keeping sugar at bay so maybe you can look up some of the countless recipes on the internet. I dont have a specific book to tell you about. I just collect recipes I find online and print out or copy down. But one of favorites is a Stir-fry Ginger beef. I found a similar recipe to the one I make here...
http://www.typefreediabetes.com/Gingered-Beef-with-Broccoli-and-Stir-Fry-Sauce-p/gingeredbeefbroccoli.htm
I definitely wish you so much luck with this new diet plan of yours. I know how hard it is to cut off the things you love to indulge in. But I know you can do and you and your family will feel so much better for it. :)
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

SandyG265 said...

I like to steam veggies and then toss them with a little bit of olive oil and garlic or parmesan and herbs.

sgiden at verizon.net

Lil said...

We have been trying to eat fairly healthily, too. I notice that the kids like better to snack on raw veggies if it is served with a carbohydrate component and dip, like hummus or salsa and bread/crackers. Hard boiled eggs as part of the offering and fruit (fresh and dried) can round out the "snack" to even be served as a lazy day meal.

Other than that, one can make a rustic strata with left over bread, eggs lightened with milk and seasoned with your choice of herbs, salt and pepper, and then chucked full of leftover steamed veggies. We use a strongly flavored cheese so that we don't have to use much in order to put plenty of zing into it without adding much in calories. Again, filling, economical and great snack reheated or meal component if you wish.

Hope this helps.

little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

Jessi said...

I don't know if it will help you cut out all refined sugars, but you may want to check out "Now Eat this!" by Rocco DiSpirito - he looks at how to cut out fats, bad sugars, etc from "comfort foods" and some of the recipes are fantastic. Even the fried chicken is amazing. May give you some ideas....

Michele Hauf said...

Good luck on going sugar free! I did it a year ago, and am still doing it. Did you know Hersheys makes amazing sugar free candy bars?
As for veggies and kids, get some celery and almond butter and let them go to town. Only 1 gm of sugar in almond butter, and so good for you. Makes celery taste like a dream. Lots of snacks without sugar, including chili cheese Fritos! My favs (I know, not very healthy still. Sigh...)
Email me for tips. We must discuss! :-)

Barb P said...

Hi Anna! One of the cookbooks that I love, is one from around the Kansas City area called A Taste of Kansas City Then & Now. It has recipes from restaurants in the area and there is a recipe for Steak Soup that is to die for. I would love to win the goodie bag, but I have to admit that I already have Angel of Darkness (AWESOME!!) I would love to win a copy of The Hunter though. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!! bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

ML said...

I try to eat a lot of veggies so I understand your difficulties. I find that if I google whatever I have on hand I can usually find a good recipe like ratatouille.

One of my favorite go to recipes - saute diced peppers and onions until tender in a pan on medium heat. Add a teaspoon or tablespoon of garlic (depending on how much you enjoy garlic) and saute for minute or two. Add a can of diced tomatoes (I enjoy the ones with added chiles but it's up to you on how much heat you like). Let that cook in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes and ad a teaspoon of dried parsley and a can of drained chickpeas. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is warmed through. Prepare some couscous according to the box instructions in as many servings as necessary. Plate the couscous, top with the chickpea mixture and enjoy!

mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com