Zucchini Soup

I have experimented with zucchinis and squash alot recently, and blending them up into a soup is about as far as I have gotten. It is a wonderful low calories meal (or constant snack) where you are getting tons of nutrition from the zucchini (and whatever other vegetables you choose to blend up!)

Ingrediants:

-Zucchini!!!![ I used about 4 small ones for my last batch. but it just depends how much you want to make.]
-Squash.  [I added 1 to my last one. I'm sure you could add more as well.]
-1 Cup or more of vegetable broth (whatever amount you have, or need)
- Water
- Large can of diced tomatoes
- Sliced Onion/Garlic
-Italian Dressing (or whatever works)
- Cumin
- Chilli Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- FLAXSEEDS (for added fibre!!!!)

Recipe:

Sautte onions and garlic with italian dressing and a little broth on bottom of pot. Meanwhile, blend canned tomatoes (or leave some to put in chunks into your soup), and then add them to the pot. bring to a boil along with added water, and vegetable broth. Add chopped zucchinis and squash (and whatever other vegetables you prefer) and leftover tomato chunks. Add in any spices you prefer and let simmer for a while. You can add flax seeds whenever. oh yah don't forget black pepper!!! Once vegetables are softer (maybe 15 minutes after simmering), turn stove off and let cool and then blend everything up in a blender. Add back to your pot, heat back up, and thats it!!!

Baked Curried Broccolli & Cauliflower

I made a delicious, healthy and filling lunch today. It was surprisingly really easy, as well as very tasty. I forgot to take a picture of my meal (although it is pretty much just orange broccoli and cauliflower hehee..), and will take one the next time I prepare it.

INGREDIENTS:

Chopped Broccoli and Cauliflower (Bite size pieces, however much you want)
Olive Oil (again, whatever amount you feel necessary. less is more in my books!)
Chilli Powder
Curry
Chilli Peppers
Salt & Pepper
Italian Spices
(I also added some 10 calories a tablespoon Italian Salad dressing, but this isn't necessary)

RECIPE:
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Mix Veggies in bowl with olive oil. Sprinkle over curry (again, to your preference), a little bit of chilli powder, and about 1/4 tsp of chilli peppers. Some Salt and Pepper and Italian spices. Stir it all together. Put in baking dish and bake for 20 - 40 minutes, until tender or however you like it.

P.s I can't really take credit for this recipe. Its basic recipe is from the Skinny Bitch Cook Book. which is AWESOME!!!!

Today is I guess my third day of being super healthy. No processed foods, I have given up my love for ketchup, and no more snacking on sour gummie worms in the middle of the night. I am feeling so great!

Oh and I am sooo tempted to buy whole wheat bread just so I can try out my Earth Balance Butter 8)

Grape Seed Oil and Earth Balance Butter

Well today I purchased grape seed oil for $6.99, and I am pretty sure that is what you would call passion! I am a student for gods sake what am I going to do with grapeseed oil??? Well apparantly it is cholesterol free and helps lower bad cholesteral while raising the good kind. And none of us want clogged arteries do we? It can be used as a substitute for olive oil (or any oil really), as it is very light in taste.

I am making curried chickpea cakes with it tonight, so I will let you know how it goes and any other discoveries I may make. Oh ya! I also purchased Earth Balance (a vegan buttery spread). I have yet to try it but I have heard, seen and read so much about it I just couldn't help myself ($5.99). Apparantly it is another awesome cholesteral reducer, 100% natural as well as rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3-fatty acids are essential for human health, but the body cannot make them on their own. These can be found in alot of fish oils (especially salmon and tuna!). Since vegans normally don't eat fish they can find Omega 3's in products like earth balance, fish oil, walnuts... oh and flaxseeds. don't even get me started on flaxseeds :)