LIVING AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE #87

By Rhonda Jones

Sometimes, eating a healthy, plant-exclusive regimen can seem daunting and isolating. I totally get that, as I only know a couple of people who are doing this. I hope that I have reached others in the community who are eating a plant-exclusive diet and are succeeding with weight loss and regaining health. After doing this for almost 17 years, I do know that the road can seem lonely sometimes, and it is hard not to eat or to eat a celery stick when you are with others who are eating meat and potatoes. What keeps me on track is knowing how much better I feel when I eat this way. And I do enjoy the food.

It can get a little daunting when a busy schedule limits the amount of time that you can spend in the kitchen, and some people just don’t like to cook or really have fewer skills in the kitchen. I have written before about some of the hacks I use in the kitchen, but I want to elaborate a little more. And I want to invite you to call me with your questions, as I am always happy to talk with someone who is making this transition.

I do try to batch cook when I can, as it makes it easier to put meals together, and I also use as many convenience items as possible. I bake potatoes and sweet potatoes so that I always have them ready to go. I love sweet potatoes and broccoli for breakfast, so that is easy with baked potatoes on hand. I chop veggies for salads and bake tofu. I sometimes buy the Taylor bagged salad and just throw out the salad dressing. It seems wasteful, I know, but I prefer my own salad dressing or the Braggs oil-free dressing that I love.

I buy frozen vegetables so that I have them on hand. Wellyourworld.com has some really great convenience foods. Their spices are amazing and have no salt, so that I can use them liberally. I can make a big batch of guacamole with their Galaxy seasoning or chili-lime seasoning. They also have a salsa packet that can just be mixed with some chopped tomatoes for a zesty salsa. My favorite item is the cheese sauce mix. It makes an amazing cheese sauce quickly and easily. It does call for cashews, so if you want to eliminate all fat, I recommend the Game Changer cheese sauce. It is fairly easy to make and produces a lot of sauce, so it will be in the fridge to use on potatoes and vegetables. (If you missed that recipe, call me.)

Another great company with lots of compliant food choices is Plantstrong.com. They have almond and oat milk, granola, cereal, great soups to just heat and eat, cornbread, and pancake mixes. All the products are great and are totally formulated for anyone who is plant-based and watching their salt, sugar, and oil intake. Follow Rip Esselstyn on Facebook, where he shares lots of great recipes made with his products. I recently saw his recipe for shepherd’s pie, which he made with his lentil soup and mashed potatoes. So easy and so satisfying. I always have Plantstrong soups on hand and usually top a baked potato with the soup. Quick and easy and so filling and comforting.

I know the move now, with the new food pyramid, is to eat less processed food, which I totally agree with. However, there are companies that make foods that are whole, nutritious, and compliant with the needs of a plant-exclusive diet. Don’t overlook these great convenience foods.