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| My mom, sister-in-law Katie, and me (and Tilly) with some examples of Miche bags and shells. |
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| The party spread with veggies, fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, hummus, spinach dip, two types of sangria, and pineapple sparkling punch. The sangria was quite a hit! |
You may have heard of this place in the news around February of this year when a man suffered a heart attack mid-meal, but it is yet again in the news... for guess what? Another health issue. Here is the video I came across: the link
(Start Rant, skip ahead to "End Rant" if you would like to avoid my frustrated anger)
Ok, so without going on too big of yelling rant... WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! First of all, the owner, dressed in a doctor's uniform has no right to even own a stethoscope, and should more likely carry around pliers to clamp his customer's arteries shut! His word for excuse of why people eat there, or rather, why he admires people who decide to eat at his "establishment" is that "These people understand that we may or may not be living in the final days, and they are going to enjoy every second of it." Yeah, if people think it's ok to eat like this, then they just may be near the final days for themselves.
Second of all, the woman with her children there is borderline abusive! Ok, that might be a little harsh, but seriously? You think it's fine to not only to destroy your body, but to also do it to your developing children? Usually children are going to make bad choices, food- or otherwise, so it is a mother's intrinsic responsibility to do what is best for your children, which would not be giving them this crap, even if it is a "treat."
I can't imagine that anyone feels well after they eat here. I know that if I did, in some completely irrational moment, decide to eat anything from this restaurant, I would leave with the biggest feelings of guilt for doing such a thing to my body. I think it is everyone's freedom of choice to eat what and where they wish, but for anyone who listens to their body and not their gluttonous desires, I can't imagine anyone's body would say "Go ahead! I'm sure that will feel great!"
What are your opinions on this?
"END RANT!"
Now on to my recipe of the week! As a member of Dr. Fuhrman's website, I get emails daily during the weekdays for new recipes to try. I usually read through them, and save them for another time, but this one I knew I had to try! I have it written as how I made it, which is a little different from the original.
Banana Ginger Dressing
My version:
- 1 large banana, peeled
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 c coconut water
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender.
- Enjoy on salads, as a spread, or as a dip.
Amy's Notes:
I made the adjustments I did because I am not a huge fan of ginger in salad dressings, because I didn't have a jalapeno available, and because I was wanting to use up some coconut water I had on hand. I would suggest to add only 1/8 cup of the liquid at first, then add the rest according to your preference of dressing thickness. I used this on salads, as a spread in wraps and sandwiches, and as a dip for veggies, crackers, and chips. I found this dressing to be sweet and spicy, which was exactly what I was craving! I will definitely be making this one more often!
What is your favorite type of salad dressings? Sweet? Spicy? Savory? Salty?
I will try that one now. I just put all the recipes in a file but I have never made any!
ReplyDeleteWe try to take the kids out only to Taco Del Mar for rice and beans/burritos. Sometimes when they really want cheeseburgers I go to the drive in with grass-fed beef, and no trans fat french fries. There really isn't reasonably priced fast healthy food! (except TDM) Sometimes moms REALLY don't want to make one more meal or they will just scream, so I always give my self a little break, but Heart Attack Grill -NO way! Just the atmosphere alone sounds terrible. I always explain to the kids when we are eating junk food that it's ok sometimes but really it's not healthy for us. When eating at home we try to talk about who ate a rainbow at our meal and what foods have lots of healthy stuff and they are always eager to learn and usually remember what we talked about.
Glad that you're going to try the dressing, it is delicious!
DeleteTaco Del Mar is one of my favorites for fast food while I'm on the go. I'm so happy that they actually have vegan as an option on the menu (at mine they do), and don't just look at you strange when you say you don't want any meat OR cheese.
I don't blame you for wanting to take a break from cooking for your family. Heck, I only cook for myself and I always feel like I need a break! I'm happy to hear that you try to make the best choices for you and your family, even if they are a bit out of the way or more expensive. It is admirable that you do make that effort rather than rationalizing (like the woman in the video) that giving terrible things to yourself and your children is a "treat", when it is really just poison.
I love your idea of talking about the rainbow you ate that day. I will have to keep that in mind for when Kevin and I have kids someday, although I'm sure I'll have to remind Kevin that meat does not count for red. Thanks for reading- Amy
Glad you got some cute bags...FUN!
ReplyDeleteI did not watch the video, I'm afraid to! Totally understand your frustration though! The more I learn about true health the more I realize that much of the information out there is so heavily affected by the media. They teach us from a young age that you have to eat meat to get proper amounts of protein and drink milk for strong bones, the opposite of the truth! And bad food is completely glorified in our society...hence why this Heart Attack Grill is probably getting the press coverage it wants. Ugh.
People don't realize they are addicted to sugar, salt, fat and processed foods. The sad thing is, even if they did realize I'm not sure what % of people would change because many don't see the direct connection between food and health. And many people don't want to make the necessary "sacrifices." What do you think?
As for dressings, I'm not that into sweet ones so I wonder if I'd like this one. Looks intriguing though! I like spicy, garlicky, savory dressings. I haven't found one on the Eat to Live program that I absolutely LOVE, however I'm not a member on Dr. Fuhrman's site so maybe there's more there. I am always on the lookout for great dressings so keep 'em coming! Thanks Amy!!
I don't blame you for not watching the video, it is disturbing for those who would rather eat the nutritarian plant-strong way like us. It is frustrating to me (and my mom who is now also a nutritarian) that we were taught, or told to teach our kids that you NEED dairy to get calcium, or that you NEED meat for protein. Just ridiculous! In my mind, many of those "foods" like from the Heart Attack Grill are not really foods at all, but food like substances that are designed to be fatty, sugary, and salty, exactly what can make us addicted.
DeleteI try to always connect the food I eat to my health. If I have a bit of an indulgent day, I try to eat mostly green vegetables and fruits the next day. I still don't think these are sacrifices when you eat strict nutritarian, because there are so many recipes to try, or even just tons of different raw foods with wonderful and interesting flavor made my mother nature herself!
I found a more savory dressing that I tried today from Chef AJ's book "Unprocessed" that I will have to feature as a post sometime this week. Thanks for reading Laura! - Amy
To clarify I don't think you or I would look at these changes as sacrifices; however I believe most people currently eating the SAD would. Many people have gotten very used to, even addicted to, all the extra suger, salt and fat in processed foods, not to mention the convenience of them. So for most, I feel they would look at the nutritarian way as losing out on something, maybe even a lot...at least until they try it and it clicks for them. Blogs like yours are great education tools and are helping get the word out...thank you!
DeleteThanks for clarifying Laura, and I completely agree. I just hope with my blog to help encourage those who want to change and to keep providing recipes to those who are learning or know how delicious this lifestyle can be!
DeleteWho cares where people go to eat. It's their lives and if they want to go out and enjoy a nice big burger and fries, let them. Most people who eat something like that don't do that everyday and will work out harder or eat better the next few days. And just because those two people had a heart attack in the restaurant, doesn't mean it was from that place. They most likely lived an unhealthy life which caused the heart attack. There's no way the meal you are eating will cause you to have a heart attack half way through.
ReplyDeleteAbout letting children eat there: The sizes are a lot smaller which means less calories and the video said they have burgers that are a couple days worth of calories, not that they all are. I have been there and there are options that are no worse than a burger you might make at home. And they offer different sides; sweet potato fries and salads. As well as chicken sandwiches that have less calories and are just as delicious. So there are healthy options when eating there.
Anonymous,
DeleteI agree, it is people's choice to eat what they wish, but on Amy's Nutritarian Kitchen I like to promote a lifestyle filled with the right choices that nourish our bodies to flourish, rather than "treat" them to garbage that not only diminishes their overall health and well being, but makes eating a cruel sport instead of the delicious healing act that it should be.
I disagree that the majority people will work out harder and eat better for the next few days after eating somewhere like the Heart Attack Grill. For anyone who actually does have a healthy (by my standards) lifestyle, they would know how hard it is on your body to eat these fat-, salt-, and sugar-heavy foods, then get back into a healthy routine. Eating the occasional "treat" such as this counteracts most exercise you put yourself through before or after the "treat." These "treats" also wreak havoc on your digestive system, leaving you blocked up with a rotting carcass in your intestines. For someone who writes a food blog, this sounds "Oh so appetizing!"
Frankly, I don't care how big the portions are, for children or for the so-called "healthy options", they are all heavy in fat, salt, and sugar and chronically deficient in the nutrients and phytochemicals our body needs to thrive. A "nutritarian" (if you didn't notice the word in the title of my blog) is defined by Dr. Fuhrman, who coined the term, as follows:
"Simply put, a nutritarian is a person who strives for more micronutrients per calorie in their diet-style. A nutritarian understands that food has powerful disease-protecting and therapeutic effects and seeks to consume a broad array of micronutrients via their food choices. It is not sufficient to merely avoid fats, consume foods with a low glycemic index, lower the intake of animal products, or eat a diet of mostly raw foods. A truly healthy diet must be micronutrient rich and the micronutrient richness must be adjusted to meet individual needs. The foods with the highest micronutrient per calorie scores are green vegetables, colorful vegetables, and fresh fruits. For optimal health and to combat disease, it is necessary to consume enough of these foods that deliver the highest concentration of nutrients." (http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/are-you-a-nutritarian.aspx)
For letting your children eat here, again in it your choice. My choice when I have kids is to give them the best foods in the world that will help keep their developing brains, muscles, bones, and skin as healthily fueled as possible. I think every parent (whether by intrinsic biological responsibility, or true love and care) would want to give their child the best chance in life. I see that best chance as starting with the food that literally builds their bodies.
I encourage you to do your own research and to truly look at your lifestyle and how it makes you feel, both emotionally and physically. Please feel free to contact me by email if you would like to discuss this topic further (amysnutritariankitchen@gmail.com). Thank you for reading.
-Amy
First off, yay for our Miche party! It was awesome, and I'm glad I get to be on your blog. Secondly, that restaurant sounds disgusting. You know that I am a meat eater, but never like that. I'm all about naturally sourced and locally grown (i.e. wild game or grass fed Montana beef from the farm next door). And, as always meat is usually never the main focus of a meal. It is always equal or more parts vegetables. But, some people will never learn and don't want to recognize that everything we do, even eating can have negative consequences if done in the wrong manner. Congratulations again on graduating, and good luck on your job hunt! Loves!
ReplyDeleteWe got our box of Miche goodies when we got back from our trip and I love my new stuff!
DeleteYou know on my website I'm not advocating a strict Vegan diet, we more need to concentrate on the nutrient density of our overall food intake, while trying to minimize the toxins we ingest through food, which sounds like exactly what you do by choosing local sources of meat when you do eat it, and by adding larger portions of healthy vegetable sides. Keep up with making the better choices that you do :) -Amy