Day 17 ~ 30 Day Vegan Cleanse

~ Day 17 ~

Today's been interesting.  I am feeling quite moody and impatient.

I'm not sure why I feel like this today.

I took Lexi & Ashelyn to the movies this morning and we had a really nice time, just the three of us.  It was nice because I popped the popcorn at home, in the microwave in a brown paper bag - with no oil, butter or salt.  I made bags for each of the girls.  I also gave them some pretzels and Trader Joe's organic juice boxes.  They thought nothing of passing by the concession stand when we walked into the theater.  Take that movie popcorn!!  We had a healthy alternative and probably saved $15 or more.  I brought cut up veggies and hummus - although I did have popcorn with the girls too (maybe about a cup and a half or so).  We had a great time, the three of us.  Maybe because I am moody today, or just because I'm a sap,I was in tears at the end of the movie.  It's okay to laugh at me if you'd like.

Today was my rest day but I figured since tomorrow is my Fit Test #2 and yesterday I changed my workout to a 21 minutes Insanity Fast & Furious instead of the 35 minute Pure Cardio plus 16 minute Cardio Abs....so today, I did Fast & Furious again, plus Cardio Abs.  I also ended up doing a very short lifting circuit - biceps, triceps and chest.

I tried a new protein powder today, coupled with a Greens formula.  Um...it was...interesting. Not great...and I am going to have to rework that concoction.  My usual hemp powder is much better.

Here's my food for today:
Breakfast ~ 1/2 acorn squash stuffed with mushroom/onion/celery/garlic & almonds
Snack ~ carrots. celery, cucumber & hummus; approx. 1.5 cups air popped popcorn (plain)
Snack ~ Protein shake: 8 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond breeze, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp maca powder, 2T greens powder, 1/2 cup frozen cherries and large handful baby spinach
Dinner ~ salad with 1T Braggs vinaigrette; chopped salad w/1T vegenaise; leftover tahini kale; chick pea burger
Snack ~ 1/2 apple with 1T raw almond butter
Water ~ 115 oz
Workout ~ Insanity Fast & Furious and Cardio Abs

Recipe and pictures for the Karma Chow Veggie Burgers courtesy of Melissa Costello and as shared in Tony Horton's new book Bring It.  I cut this recipe in half to make 4 burgers.  The recipe below makes 8 burgers.

1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks
1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
4T fresh cilantro (I used fresh basil because I am not a cilantro fan)
1 cup baby spinach
sea salt & ground black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
2T tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) chick peas - drained and rinsed well (no salt or low sodium is best!)
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 cups whole wheat or gluten free bread crumbs (I used brown rice bread crumbs)
1-2T evoo

In food processor, pulse bell pepper, onion, cilantro and spinach until well combined, but don't puree.  Transfer to a mixing bowl.  Stir in salt & pepper, chili powder and tomato paste.  Back to food processor, add chick peas and rice and pulse (don't puree).  Add to he other mixture.  Add bread crumbs and mix well, using hand to combine and form into patties.  Heat patties on grill or in frying pan (with the evoo) and cook until golden brown - only a few minutes on each side.  Serve right away.

I loved how these were crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.  They were absolutely fantastic and I am excited to have three more for the rest of the week.


Pictures:

The protein shake - it was too thick, and kind of icky.

First step of the Veggie Burger recipe - pulse the veggies

Here's what they look like after pulsing in the blender.

Here are the formed burgers prior to cooking.

Dinner!  chopped veggies w/vegenaise, creamy tahini kale
and the veggie burger.  YUM!!  :o)