Veggie Chili

Tonight, for the Dexter premiere, I made the best veggie chili I have ever made. It came from CrockPotGirls.com.

http://crockpotgirls.com/recipes/main-dishes/vegetarian/easy-veggie-chili-with-morning-star-farms-crumbles/

Veggie Gyro

Alright. I admit it. One of my favorite summer activities is going to the fair. One of my favorite things to do at the fair is eat a chicken gyro. Another one of my favorite things is spiking the hosewatersugarcrystal lemonade with vodka. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting the Lorain County Fair. To hold me over I made veggie gyros tonight.


I use Trader Joe's meatless beef strips as well as their tzatziki. I like using wheat flatbreads, but of course they fall apart so it ends up being a knife and fork kinda gyro. Very easy. Very cheap. Very yummy!

Beet and Goat Cheese Sandwich

This recipe was inspired by a sandwich on the menu at Root Cafe in Lakewood. I got really excited when I saw that Trader Joe's now sells cold marinated beets! All you need is beets, goat cheese, rosemary, and a bread of your liking. I swear by the 100 calorie wheat sandwich thins!

Veggie Burger Wrap

So in order to shed my proverbial winter coat, I enrolled in the Self.com Drop 10 Challenge. While I didn't really think I needed to lose 10 pounds, I did think there was some serious work to be done. I am a person who already exercises 6ish days a week and eats pretty darn healthy. Making progress is challenging for me unless I want to starve and be a total bitch. The food diary on self.com is pretty much the only thing that works for me. Once you sign up for the challenge you have access to the food diary, the workout diary, and tons of recipes (think Weight Watchers- but FREE). The recipes are quick, easy, and many times use things that you already have in your fridge. All of the nutrition information is right there so you can quickly add it to your food log. I log my food during the week. On the weekends I am still cautious, but don't spend the time on the computer logging. I have allowed myself 1 or 2 cheat meals per week. The only thing that I have not been entirely successful at is limiting my drinking. I am on week 3 and so far I feel pretty good about my progress. My clothes fit better and I am feeling healthier. I really recommend the program! I tried making the Veggie Burger Wrap (a suggested lunch) for dinner tonight. It turned out pretty tasty...PLUS I had all the ingredients in my fridge (which is pretty bare) already!

Here is the link to the recipe:
http://www.self.com/challenge/2011/nutrition/recipe/lunches/veggie-burger-wrap

BBQ Seitan Sandwich

(Photo stolen from Columbus Vegan website)

I have to share this BBQ Seitan Sandwich recipe I found. I love it because it is CHEAP and DELICIOUS. The only ingredient you probably don't already have in your fridge is the seitan. Do not skip out on the jalapenos... they add the perfect kick! Of course I add sriracha as well!

Black Bean and Lentil Soup

I think I stole this healthy, easy, and cheap recipe from Self.com a while back but it has since become my own. In total, it costs about 12 bucks and makes about 6-7 servings! Freeze it and then grab it for a no-hassle healthy lunch at work!

2 cans black beans
2 cans lentil soup
1 bag crinkle cut carrots
about 1 bunch fresh kale
about 1 cup chopped onion
Sriracha (to taste)
pepper (to taste)

New Cookbook!

Matt bought me a cookbook while I was being a groomsman in Buffalo. It is titled "Hot & Spicy" and is half Indian and half Thai recipes. We made eggplant curry and vegetable sambar for our friends Brian and Adam. Check it out!