Did someone say Portobello Mushroom Pizza???

Former Miss USA, Susie Castillo did.  This recipe looks fantastic.  To make it vegan, I would substitute Daiya cheese for the goat.  It also would be delicious with no cheese at all.  Awesome video, Susie!!  You rock!!

-♥ J :)

P.S. A little weekend reading…

• Ellen Degeneres on being vegan.
• Bottled water guilt.
• Oh, geez.  Didn't know about this.
• An apple a day melts the pounds away.
• Ah...Europe.
• 30 by 30.
• Are humans natural vegetarians?
• The secret is Umami.
• If you need a jumpstart...

Goop for Breakfast

I've never been a big breakfast person.  A cup of black coffee and I'm good to go.  However, these breakfast ideas from GOOP look so delicious they could entice even the staunchest of breakfast avoiders.  Check out the smoothie recipes below.  Yum, yum and yum!!!

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Sorry about the interruption, but detox talk is on hold until next week.  Next Wednesday I'll pick up where we left off with Natalia Rose and Kris Carr.  I have a busy few days coming up, so I really can't give the ladies my full attention until then.  Meanwhile, I'm still happily following the Clean elimination diet we talked about last week.

photo via Goop

Chocolate Love Smoothie
Makes 1

• 1 Sustain packet, or about 3 tbsp non-dairy protein powder made with pea or hemp (preferably) or with flax or rice protein (or a blend)
• 4 - 6 oz water
• 4 - 6 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 frozen banana cut into chunks
• small piece of avocado – about 1/5 of a large avocado or 1/4 of a small one
• 1 tbsp raw cacao
• 1 tsp raw honey or stevia or xylitol to taste
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 - 4 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.

photo via Goop

Piña Colada Smoothie
Makes 1

• 1 Sustain packet, or about 3 tbsp non-dairy protein powder made with pea or hemp (preferably) or with flax or rice protein (or a blend)
• 4 - 6 oz water
• 4 - 6 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 cup frozen pineapple pieces
• small piece of avocado – about 1/5 of a large avocado or 1⁄4 of a small one
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 - 4 cubes ice

Add all ingredients to blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.

photo via Goop

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
Makes 1

• 1 Sustain packet, or about 3 tbsp non-dairy protein powder made with pea or hemp (preferably) or with flax or rice protein (or a blend)
• 1 Greens packet or about 1 tbsp of a greens powder mix made with organic fruits and vegetables and alkalizing grass juices
• 4 - 6 oz water
• 4 - 6 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• small piece of avocado – about 1/5 of a large avocado or 1/4 of a small one
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves or 1/8 tsp organic peppermint extract
• sweeten to taste with either raw honey, xylitol or stevia
• 1 tbsp raw cacao nibs
• 2 - 4 ice cubes

Add all ingredients except the cacao nibs to a blender and pulse until smooth and creamy. Then, add the cacao nibs and blend for another 5 – 10 seconds to break up the nibs into little bits.

Every day is Earth Day

“Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?” 

― Thornton Wilder, Our Town

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Earth Day tips HERE and HERE. 
P.P.S. Earth Day video courtesy of John Highsmith Photography.

Farmageddon Trailer

Yeah, THIS MOVIE is going on my must watch list.

-♥ J :)

The Clean Up

I could look at the Clean portion of this month's cleanse in one of two ways: 

1. An epic failure in that I did not quit coffee, I barely followed the rules, I missed that gum(!) was on the avoid list and accidentally ended the week in a feast of cake pops and wine.

OR

2.  A really good try.

I am going to go with option number 2, because that is just the barrel of sunshine and pixie dust that I am.  Also, I really did give it the old college try.  And by "college try" I mean the way that I tried in college…half-assed and full of caffeine...  

Clean Lasagna

Wow.  How amazing does THIS RECIPE for Vegetable Lasagna with Cashew Cheese look???  Cleanse or no cleanse these are some seriously drool worthy photos.  It doesn't seem like the lasagna is that difficult to make, either.  I mean it's definitely more of a challenge than millet and broccoli, but I think I can branch out. ;)

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Today is Day 1 of the Natalia Rose Detox for Women portion of the cleanse.  More info on that, as well as a Clean recap, coming up.

Recipe by Frank Giglio

Photos by Jenny Nelson

Happy Healthy Belly TV: How to Make Broccoli

I made this video for my mom.  She insists on microwaving her broccoli even though I've told her (and told her) that there is an easy, delicious way to make frozen broccoli in just 5 minutes without using the microwave.  So, I decided to make this video to prove exactly how easy it is.  In fact, it is SO easy that you may find yourself thinking, "Really??  You made a video about that???"  Yes.  Yes, I did.  Warning:  In the video I talk with my mouth full and do The Robot.  I'm not sure which is more offensive…

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Love you, Mom!!!

Five Minute Broccoli
Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen organic broccoli
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 lemon
• olive oil 
• lemon pepper

Directions:

1. Pour frozen broccoli in a skillet with lid (like THIS ONE) and cover with1/4 cup water.
2. Cover with lid and set stovetop to med/high heat.
3. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. When time is up, turn off the stove.
5. Add olive oil, lemon and lemon pepper to taste.
6. Eat and enjoy!

Millet, Millet and More Millet

When some people detox, they use that time to expand their cooking repertoire.  They'll try new foods, test new recipes.  They will use that time to hike well beyond the outermost limit of their comfort zone, eager on a quest to chart new territory.  I am not those people. When I detox, it takes all my brain space to remember that tortilla chips are not on the approved list.  Therefore, I like to pick a cheap and easy base dish that I can incorporate into many dishes throughout the week.  

This week I was all about millet (as evidenced by my food logs below).  Millet is a super filling grain that is really nutritious and easy to digest.  It has a mild nutty flavor, so it works with almost any seasoning.  One night I had it with lemon and olive oil; another with dijon vinaigrette.  Last night, I ate it as a snack with some hummus.  It also works hot or cold.  I made a huge vat of it on Monday that fed John and I for many meals over the last three days.  And I'm still not sick of it!  (Although, John might be…)

-♥ J :)

Basic Millet Recipe
via Arrowhead Mills
Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole millet
• 2 cups boiling water (or low sodium vegetable broth)
• 2 tsp oil (I use olive oil.)

Directions:

1. In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tsp of oil.  Add the millet and toast gently until the grain is tan.  
2. Bring the water (or vegetable stock) to a boil.  Add grain to water.
3. Stir; cover and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes to desired texture or until all of the water is absorbed.

Clean Food Log: Day 2
-12 oz. coffee (I know...I know.)
-17 oz. coconut water
-4 oz. coffee
-Carrot Pineapple Smoothie

• 16oz. carrot juice
• 1 cup frozen pineapple

-Vanilla Almond Smoothie

• 2 tablespoons Vega Shake and Go Vanilla Almond Smoothie powder
• 1/2 tablespoon Navitas Naturals Maca Powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk

-2 cups romaine with broccoli, brussels sprouts, avocado in dijon vinaigrette
-1 cup millet
-1/2 cup lentils, 1/2 cup sauteed spinach, 1/2 cup yams

Clean Food Log: Day 3
-12 oz. coffee (Yep.  Still drinking coffee.)
-Vanilla Almond Smoothie

• 2 tablespoons Vega Shake and Go Vanilla Almond Smoothie powder
• 1/2 tablespoon Navitas Naturals Maca Powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk

-4oz. coffee
-lentils, spinach, broccoli with millet. Side of yams with avocado.
-16oz. Green Juice

• romaine
• kale
• spinach
• celery
• parsley
• cucumber

-millet with broccoli and hummus

Coming Clean

I might suck at this cleanse.  It is only Day 2, so the jury is still out, but MAN ALIVE I feel like I am pushing a boulder uphill.  And not because the program is particularly difficult.  In fact, it is fairly easy and pretty much in line with the way I usually eat.  I think the trouble is I really don't like following plans.  I like gathering information.  I like learning new things.  But then I like to be left alone to implement them into my life at my leisure.  I don't like things that are too strict or bossy.  This may be why I've never gravitated to boot camp style workouts.  At a certain point, I don't like people telling me what to do. 

That being said, here's the deal with Clean.  To put it simply, in a day you are supposed to have two liquid meals, one solid meal and a snack.  (Now you see why I felt like I was describing the Slim Fast Plan…)  Two of your meals being in liquid form is supposed to help the stomach heal itself by alleviating the constant busy work that is digestion.  However, unlike other plans, the liquid meals are supposed to be nutrient dense ensuring that you are getting everything the body needs without taxing it or causing it stress.  Dr. Junger gives this as an example of a typical day on Clean...

Spring Detox Day 1: Expectation vs. Reality

Expectation:  Today is the day I quit coffee.  How exciting it will be to finally get all my energy from the Sun's universal life giving power.  I will drink in the day with new eyes, finally clear headed and pure of heart.  I will have hot water with lemon.
Reality:  Not a chance.  It's 8:30am.  I've woken up late and I'm still exhausted.  I compromise and decide to not have my coffee right away.  I last four minutes.

Expectation: Exercise is my friend.  It will get my chi flowing in such a way that brilliant ideas will bubble forth like a well timed geyser.  I will greet the day with my cup full of creative possibility.
Reality:  The couch is my friend.  I sit there beyond the point of reason.  I finally change into my workout clothes, pop in a Tracy Anderson DVD and lace up my sneakers.  Being so close to actually working out sends me back to the couch…where I call Erin.  I beg her to stay on the phone with me until I feel like working out.  We're on the phone for an hour and a half.

Expectation: Time to post about Clean.  I will explain all of the programs virtues in an artful yet comprehensive manner.  People will finally understand the merits of giving their digestion a break and ridding their body of potentially harmful allergens.
Reality:  I got nothin'.  Every thing I write sounds like I'm describing the Slim Fast Diet.  I heat up more of the coffee I'm not supposed to be drinking.

Expectation:  My To Do list is my bitch.  I am a moving, shaking warrior princess of accomplishment.  I contemplate running for congress.
Reality:  My To Do list is laughing at me.  It's shouting, "Hey, 'warrior princess'….why don't you spend some more time checking Facebook.  Maybe someone posted a dancing cat video on your wall."

Expectation:  Day 1 of the detox is a huge success.  I already feel my soul a buzz with the interconnected light of all being.  I am one day closer to peace and total balance.
Reality:  Hmmm…coffee good.

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Rough start notwithstanding, I will have my food log up later today.  (She says optimistically...)

Tracy Anderson Webisodes

I'm a little late to this party (each of these videos has well over 100,000 views…), but how great are these Tracy Anderson Webisodes?? If you do all three videos at one time, you get a terrific 25 minute workout.  I've always said, Tracy Anderson is the only workout where I've actually seen the shape of my body change.  These videos are a great way to try it out for yourself.  If you stick with it, you'll be hooked!  Then you, too, will be gobbling up every DVD she puts out.  I currently have…um…nine Tracy DVD's and still want to order her new Mini Trampoline Workout and her upcoming workout series for Pregnancy.  It should be noted that I don't own a mini trampoline…and am not pregnant.  Hmmm…maybe I am a tad obsessed.

-♥ J

P.S.  You can start your very own Tracy obsession right HERE.

Happy Healthy Birthday Belly!!!

Happy Birthday, little blog!!  I can't believe you are a year old already!!  Time sure does fly when you are making vegetables.  Thank you, sweet readers, for all of your warm, encouraging comments over the past year.  My birthday wish for all of you is good health, good luck and much happiness!!! Oh, and green juice...buckets of green juice.

-♥ J :)

And the detox winner is...

"Mellow-do-what-you-can-plant-the-seeds-of-change" detox!! Woo-hoo!!  Let's give both our contestants a hand!!  "All-out-take-no-prisoners-balls-to-the-wall-crazy" detox put up a good fight, but ultimately the thought of an obsessively strict detox made me want to crawl back under the covers.  Besides it's spring!!  This a time of exploration and growth.  It is a time to plant new ideas and see which ones bear fruit.  I've always said that detoxes aren't about chaste perfection, but rather they are about challenging habits and exploring a new way of living.  Let's approach this detox from a place of curiosity and adventure; a place of infinite possibility for unlimited growth. 

I have three favorite detoxes.  I couldn't decide which one to base this month's plan on..so I decided not to decide.  Instead, I will feature a different detox every week.  They have a lot of main principles in common, so switching it up shouldn't be too jarring.  Here's the plan:

Week 1: Wean Week
Ummm...When I say "Week 1", I mean right now.  So, put down that donut and let's get started!  This is the time to cut back on or eliminate the foods that can be major allergens.  Giving yourself a week to ease into things can prevent such annoying detox symptoms as headaches, skin irritations, fatigue, etc.  This week say your goodbyes to:

• Gluten
• Soy
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Meat
• Eggs
• Caffeine

Week 2:  The Clean Program
For Week 2, I will follow a plan based on Dr. Alejandro Junger's book Clean.  I've talked about this plan on the blog before.  For this week, I will see if all the great things I've heard about Clean are true.

Week 3:  Detox for Women
I've done Natalia Rose's plan before with great results.  Based mostly on juicing, this week will be a terrific follow up to Dr. Junger's elimination diet in Week 2.

Week 4:  Crazy Sexy Diet
Kris Carr's program is more like a permanent way of eating than a detox.  Her book will be the perfect transition back to "real life."

Also as part of the detox, I will aim to (gulp) meditate 20 minutes a day and do some form of exercise 30 minutes a day.  So, there you have it.  Spring 2012 Detox is underway!! Be sure to like the Happy Healthy Belly Facebook page to stay up to date with all the latest detox info.

-♥ J :)

P.S.  We all know that I am a blogger not a doctor, so ALWAYS check with a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any new nutrition program.

Spring Detox 2012 Shopping List

I'm heading over to Whole Foods in a bit to get a jump on my detox shopping for the week ahead.  I still haven't decided what kind of detox it's going to be.  I'm wavering between an "all-out-take-no-prisoners-balls-to-the-wall-crazy" detox or a "mellow-do-what-you-can-plant-the-seeds-of-change" detox.  Hmmmm…what do you think, Veggies??  Any preferences??  Regardless, the shopping list is the same either way.  Until tomorrow…

-♥ J :)

Spring Detox 2012 Shopping List
Fresh Fruits: 
Apples
Pears
Bananas

Frozen Fruits:
Blueberries
Raspberries
Pineapple
Mango

Fresh Veggies:
Avocado
Cucumber
Beets
Lemons
Celery
Baby carrots
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Mixed greens
Romaine
Kale
Tomatoes
Scallions

Frozen Veggies:
Broccoli
Spinach
Artichoke hearts
Brussels sprouts

To Drink:
Organic Orange Juice
Unsweetened Almond Milk 
Yogi Green Tea Super Antioxidant

To Spice:
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dijon Mustard
Garlic 
Seeds of Change Marinara Sauce (dairy-free)
Nama Shoyu 

Nuts:
Almonds
Walnuts
Sesame seeds
Unsweetened Almond Butter

Beans:
Lentils
Garbanzo Beans

Grains:
Buckwheat Soba Noodles
Quinoa
Millet

Earthy-crunchy Extras:
Choc-a-lot Vega Shake and Go Smoothie
Raw Maca Powder
Chia seeds
Raw Chlorella Powder
NuNaturals Stevia