Here it is VFT again. They sure do roll around quickly and I am working hard on keeping them inexpensive and somewhat healthy! Last night I made a pot of yellow split pea soup and a bean salad that I saw on the food network this week. I put some vinegar and oil into a bowl and threw in some chopped red onion, scallions, hot peppers, chick peas, black beans, and cannellini beans (canned beans, rinsed well and drained) spiced it up a bit with ground pepper and garlic powder and it’s been sitting in the fridge overnight, but first Mitch and I had some with dinner and it was very good. Adding a diced up ripe, red, tomato from the garden will add that fresh garden feeling and some nice color, before serving it tonight, along side a regular garden salad. I am going to try a garlic mashed cauliflower (instead of potato) casserole and roast up whatever other veggies are in the fridge and “must-go” as well as use up the overly ripe bananas, in a freshly baked banana bread. It feels really good to make an entire meal from food that already exists in the pantry, fridge, freezer, and fruit bowl and the VFT guests definitely appreciate not only being fed, but knowing they are helping using up food that might have otherwise ended up discarded! We all hate throwing out food, and since getting involved with the soup kitchen, we are even more “aware” than ever.
Major drama in the world of Biggest Loser. Apparently the remaining 11 contestants boycotted when they learned that eliminated contestants may be returning. Either the contestants need to learn what it took me years to…it’s a TV show about weight loss…not a weight loss journey, televised. OR…the drama is a ploy to appeal to the many who are missing daytime soap operas, hoping to boost the now low ratings. Apparently, since Jillian left the show, it’s been a downhill slide. My guess is it’s all about the ratings, but that is just a guess. Erica…any insight?
Much of the country is experiencing temperatures WAY above what’s normal for this time of year. My naturally redheaded buddy and I are out to get in our morning walk while it’s still cool enough. Hoping wherever you are, you, too, can take advantage of some fresh air and vitamin D, something too many of us seem to be lacking. As you travel through this VFT, perhaps you can consider a plant-based meal (which I promise you will feel good about) and taking 5 minutes out for some peaceful meditation, such as Shivo Hum. Bringing attention to what makes us well, will definitely help keep us from the alternative!