It is day two of back on track week and I am feeling quite fabulous! It is amazing what a couple days of healthy eating and exercise can do. I feel so much better.
I thought I would share with you some of the wonderful foods that have given me my GLOW back!
Sweet + Sour Pineapple & Vegetable Quinoa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked Quinoa
- 2 cups frozen veggies
- 1/4 cup chopped pineapple
- PC Sun-Dried Tomato no salt added seasoning
- 1/4 cup Mr. Spice Organic Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Few splashes of Almond Milk to thin out a bit
Directions: Cook quinoa according to directions on the package. Cook frozen veggies in microwave or stovetop until just tender. Strain and add veggies and pineapple to pot with quinoa. Add sweet and sour sauce, almond milk, and seasonings. Stir well and heat on low until heated through,
With Mary’s Crackers of course. Chomp, chomp, chomp.
Loved this.
I also realized that I have not been truthful to you. It occurred to me that I have never really expressed just how huge my passion is for Mr. Spice products. I first came across Mr. Spice products in the organic section in Loblaws just over a year ago. Mr. Spice makes amazing sauces. In fact, the best sauces I have ever tasted in my life!!! And here is the kicker, each sauce has the following glowing claims:
• Organic
• No Cholesterol
• No MSG
• No Preservatives
• Gluten Free
• Wheat Free
• Dairy Free
• No HVP
• No Sulfites
• All Natural
• Salt Free
• Fat Free
• Vegan
• No HFCS
Question- what is HVP???
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Next up, GLOWING meal #2…
I made the Red Lentil Soup…with a twist…again!
I didn’t really follow the recipe (do I ever?), but it turned out delicious just the same. I added a bunch of frozen veggies to this one. The rest was a blur. hahaha. When I cook I honestly just throw things into a pot and hope for the best.
I had it with a pita smeared with hummus. Then I took the soup and poured it over the pita. It was messy, but awesome.
I have also been drinking a lot of fluids!
Lots of Sencha green tea and lots of lemon water. I feel so much better when I am hydrated.
I also had a great workout today…and did something I haven’t done in ages!
I went to a GYM!
I have a free month pass at a local gym, so I thought I would hit it up today and keep with my ‘changing it up theme’. It was fabulous. I rocked out 1 hour on the elliptical (incline 4, resistance 10-11) and just zoned out. I apparently traveled 6 miles! 
Fun stuff.
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Next up, the winner of the OSG Blogiversary giveaway!!
Congrats to Jewel!!!!!
Click image below to enlarge to see what she said:
What an inspiring comment! Goodluck with your goals Jewel. Something tells me that you are going to surpass your expectations!
Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported me over the past year. I wish I could send you all something!
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Project Feed Me:
I forgot to post Project Feed Me week 3 food items last week. You can also find week 4’s items here!
Please help us spread the word about Project Feed Me and encourage your friends and families to participate too. Let’s roll up our sleeves and help feed hungry families in need!!!!!
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Are you getting back on track this week? Leave a comment below and let me know how it is going!
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 pm
The Pineapple and Vegetable Quinoa looks beautiful – perfectly Fall!
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nicolene Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 5:22 am
love this recipe!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I am being accountable for the food that I eat. I am also taking steps in my life in making decisions that are for ME
Congrats on all the support. You’re doing amazing things.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I’ve never seen those Mr. Spice products at Loblaws – I’m going to keep my eye open for them! Frank loves sauces so if I can sneak in organic ones that will make me happy
xoxo
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Your photos look great! I hear ya about hydration. I need to get my act together with that…
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Wowza- want to write a cookbook?? Your meals look awesome, Ange!
As for my week, it is going really well- my foray into veganism has been far easier than I thought and planning my meals has made life so much less stressful! I’m also happy with myself for trying three new recipes… And it is only Wednesday!
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
You take such beautiful photos Angela! I love them! Also, I got another batch of glo-bars in the mail … made my day!!!!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:28 am
sounds amazing!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, a potential allergen… and sometimes a sneaky way to have MSG in “No MSG added” products.
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:41 am
That quinoa dish looks fab!! I have a whole 10 lb bag to use up, so I’m definitely saving this recipe!
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:29 am
I am slowly getting back on track and it’s hard because I’ve been off track for a very long time. I went for a nice walk yesterday (even managed to drag my Eric along) and I’m going to go for a run/ walk tonight.
Your red lentil soup looks great. I have been making red lentil dahl lately and it is super tasty and good for you. I have to go back to work tomorrow so I’m going to make a big batch of healthy food and freeze it and hopefully this will help me get my diet back on track too.
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:33 am
how DO you cook your quinoa, my package doesn’t have instructions, and i have searched on the internet for how to cook it, but all the ways that i have found and have tried, all turn out EXTREMELY mushy. What is your secret? lol
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Aoife Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 7:09 am
I’m pretty new to quinoa but absolutely love it – how I cook it is I rinse it well (gets rid of the bitter stuff on the outside), maybe leave it to soak for a few minutes if I have the time, then put the quinoa plus twice its weight in water into the pot.
If it’s mushy it means there is too much liquid I would say, try using less or let it stand for longer. I do this for rice too (leaving it stand in the pot on a low/no heat at the end) and it makes it lovely and soft but not mushy!
Cover with lid, bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 – 20 mins or until the liquid is absorbed. Then I usually let it stand for another few minutes with the lid on. Keeping the lid on lets it steam and makes it fluffier
But I’d be really interested to hear how Angela does it!!
Sweet and Sour quinoa sounds amazing!! Yum…
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:36 am
Oh my…..I can eat some sweet n sour quinoa right about now! It may be bed time, but I get so hungry looking at all these beautiful blogs!
Aren’t Mr. Spice products amazing? I heart your recipes, keep em’ coming!
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November 4th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Great post, I love your meals. Isn’t quinoa the best? Seriously, I wish it were easier to find here because it is one of my favorite things to eat. My favorite way to use it is in sushi, instead of brown rice. Works perfectly!
Yay for getting back on track!
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Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Hey Voracious Vegan,
How do you make the quinoa for sushi? Mmmm that sounds soo good!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 7:38 am
I’m going to try some of these recipes..they look delish. I am also doing ‘back on track’ week! Woohoo!
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November 4th, 2009 at 7:43 am
ACK! I am really surprised! And so excited! I was exhausted last night and did something rare…got in bed by 10 p.m. I just saw your message this morning and when I came over here this morning I thought I was going to be reading something on your post about English Muffins! LOL!
Thanks Angela…this is so exciting…I have never won a blog giveaway before…and I am glad it is such great healthy stuff.
Thanks for your comments too….I hope you are right! But to get started in that direction I actually did a few chair and standing yoga exercises yesterday during lunch and it felt so good to stretch!
Thanks again…for the giveaway and for being such an inspiration…..so what do I do now???
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November 4th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Oohh…I love quinoa!! I’ll have to give that recipe a whirl! Thanks for sharing:)
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November 4th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I’m working on getting back on track this week, too. I’m starting to feel a bit better by eating healthier and drinking tons of green tea. I also had an awesome workout last night, woooo!! But I definitely have to work on getting more fruits and veggies in my diet!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am
The week is going well! There have been a few “flops” (my weakness: tortilla chips and salsa!) but the majority of my diet has been staying healthy so I don’t feel guilty or regret those glorious 27 minutes I devoured my chips and salsa. Mmm!!! My goal for the week is to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. So far I’ve succeeded and feel so much better during the day!
We’ll definitely be making this quinoa dish this weekend!! Nate loves your recipes!!!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Sounds like so many of us are back on track this month and feeling great!
Way to rock the gym! Think you’ll join?
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November 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I have been good! 4 workouts since Saturday, lots of fruits and veggies, spending good time with the puppy and drinking lots of fluids.
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November 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I LOVE pineapple in savory dishes. I made a fried rice once with shrimp and pineapple and it was incredible. But quinoa always makes me feel energized and so healthy. Love it!
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November 4th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I drink at least 3L of water throughout the week (I slack a little on the weekend).Plus, I drink a lot of green and herbal teas.Of course, I am running to the rest room all day long at work.hehe…I really need to make some lentil soup.Tis the season for soup!!:-) cc
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November 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I have never tried quinoa, but I always eye it in the grocery store.. I may have to pick some up next time
As far as HVP, when I googled it, I found that it stands for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein. The acid produced breaks down the proteins in vegetables into their amino acids. However, HVP usually contains high levels of MSG, so those sensitive to MSG should try to avoid it.
Here is a quick wikipedia article on HVP:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolyzed_vegetable_protein
Hope this helps!
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November 4th, 2009 at 10:42 am
yum this quinoa recipe looks awesome angela!
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:00 am
I am trying to be on track.
Some days are better than others but I’m doing good I think!
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Those meals look phenomenal!! I’m craving soup now.
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I just started cooking with Quinoa instead of pasta and I’m obsessed!! I actually perfer it and its so healthy.
Angela, you have gotten me eating the following foods
- high fiber high protein pita
- chia seeds
- Glow bars
- quinoa
- nature’s path cereal (also OBSESSED!)
- zucchini boats
- green monsters
what’s next? hahaha
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:21 am
HVP is hydrolyzed vegetable protein. It is in many vegetarian/ vegan products like many brands of veggie burgers. I try to avoid it. When they create it it releases MSG into the food. It is also highly processed.
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Oh YUM! That Sweet + Sour Pineapple & Vegetable Quinoa looks amazing! I must try that ASAP!
Thanks!
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
The quinoa looks awesome! I’m trying to get back on track today after a not-so-good weekend/beginning of the week.
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I wish I could send you the pineapple from the islands — it is just amazingly juicy and tasty. We are almost to Bora Bora — I can see the island from a distance — it is geographically very unique. I can’t wait to see it. We have been keeping fit by doing the stairs, walking the track and dancing in the disco. Last night was a tribute to ABBA. Miss you.
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
“It is amazing what a couple days of healthy eating and exercise can do. I feel so much better.” Same goes for unheathy eating and skipping workouts, thanks for the reminder. :-/
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
So far this week, I haven’t really been “back on track” but today is a new day, right? I’m doing the best I can and working on having that be OK. I also went to a natural foods co-op last night and it’s funny but that store made me want to recommit to a healthy lifestyle! Must have been all the fun, cruelty-free and organic foods there (raw falafel…what?!?)
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November 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I am getting back on track… I had to go grocery shopping.. and my AMAZING grass came today. Kinda bummed though, it was expensive (with shipping) and then it cost more to get it through customs…. Any tips on getting it easier… Also are you part of the grassheads program? Do they ship free to Canada!!
THANKS!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Congrats, Jewel!
I have never made quinoa, must try SOON!
And I have finally gotten my craving back for soup, it is in full force. I lost it over the summer
Yours looks delish.
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November 4th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
I agree with what everyone else has said about HVP. I think it is pretty nasty stuff. Also, it is soy, a very processed version of it (although most soy we eat is highly processed…) so I avoid it, since I avoid most soy.
Lovely post as usual Angela! You are so inspiring- I have tried so many new healthy foods because of bloggers like you.
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November 4th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Mmmm looks delicious!
My back on track week started today. So far so good! Started my day off with a GM-I added pear to it… Interesting new ingredient!
I plan on going for a run and doing some stabilizing/strengthening exercises in between my classes today!
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November 4th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Someone said COOKBOOK…I totally think you should write one! I’d buy it in a heartbeat and I think many others would too!
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November 4th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Bless your heart for taking the time to make those incredible meals. I can only handle three ingredients or less.
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November 4th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I was doing good fell off yesterday. It’s been busy and exhausting. I truly think if I lived on my own I would eat better.
And I never win anything! Ugh. LOL
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November 4th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Cant wait to try the quinoa recipe, it looks delicious!! Yummy!
When you say you drink lemon water, do you add anything besides water and lemon?
I emailed you a recipe that you like, as well as a blog. :O)
Have a lovely evening!
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November 4th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I’ve been really enjoying your posts and you inspired me to watch Food Inc, which I thought was very interesting and sad at the same time.
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Eliana >^..^ Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Hi My Dudette (misti),
Thank you for introducing me to OSG, she brightens my RSS everyday.
Miss you!
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November 5th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Do you think acai berry is good for weith loss? I just started the wheat grass-tx
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November 28th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
[...] 7. Two delicious Meals that make me GLOW! [...]