Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 2 of Meatless & Still Married



Now when I proposed that I would be going meat free for a week and trying a vegetarian diet yesterday I hadn't yet sprung the news on my husband. I spent my lunch hour busy planning my menu and shopping list so when he got home from work I could say surprise!!! Guess what, not exactly the kind of surprise your husband expects or enjoys.

The good news is, he's a supportive and loving guy, so he traipsed to the grocery store with me to buy a cart full of fresh fruits and veggies and other necessities for the week. I don't worry too much about my grocery bill, I buy what I like. I'm pleased to report that all the fresh vegetables, and few new items like veggie burgers, some new spices and some veggie boullion only added another $20 to my normal grocery bill.

So home I went with all my purchases and whipped up my first dish. Lemon Pepper Pasta and Asparagus. It was easy to prepare and it tasted delicious. My husband was impressed and called the recipe a keeper. Try it yourself and check back tomorrow to hear about my Veggie Chili.

LEMON PEPPER PASTA & ASPARAGUS
2 cups uncooked botwie pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 lb asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
grated lemon peel from one lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
juice from one lemon
1 can cannellini beans

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. While pasta cooks, heat oil in saute pan on medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, asparagus, salt, pepper and lemon peel to oil and cook until vegetables are crisp tender. When vegetables are ready add lemon juide and beans to veggie mixture and cook until hot. Add drained pasta and toss.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Gonna Try Being A Vegetarian - One Week Limited Engagement

OK - Didn't know its was National Vegetarian Week until I saw a post on twitter today. As a born and raised daughter of a cattle rancher, you can imagine that my carnivore instinct is high and my passion for red meat is off the charts. But I, like many others, understand that all things in moderation is a good thing (except of course the ocassional chocolate binge). I also know about limiting my carbon footprint, etc. So in the spirit of healthy living and trying something new, I'm going to go vegetarian for the week. (My husband doesn't know this yet - won't dinner be a surprise). I'll spend my lunch break planning the menu, shop after work and jump into the big world of all things vegetarian. I'll share my menu, maybe a good recipe or two, some photos and even some success if I feel, better, worse, lose weight, or experience all the joys of a high fiber diet - if you get my drift. I'm excited and slightly apprehensive. Must mean its a good idea and just the thing I need to kick off my "New Day - New Me" personal wellness campaign. Watch for updates.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Re-inspired

It's been what feels like a long winter/spring. Dog bites, squirrel burglars, pesky buffet seeking raccon, more travel than I have time for, not enough time to ride Blue Bonnett my glorious Trek Madone, not enough time to work out, etc. etc. excuses, excuses. It should all stop now. This is about undoing the ordinary and its time to reclaim my life.

It started with an archery class a few weeks ago. Alot of fun. But I need a challenge, one that pushes my mental and physical limits and gives me a passion and reason to get out of bed other than my job and my paycheck.

What will it be. Tough Mudder maybe? Any other ideas.