Tag: lemon water

What I Ate to Lose 55 Pounds After Having a Baby

what do I eat today liquids

Hello, fellow new Moms and friends!  I'm here to share my experience with losing 55 pounds after having my baby, a journey with some dietary surprises and a lot of learning. Trust me, it's not your typical weight loss story!

Let's dive into the world of postpartum diets. Like many, I assumed that eating lots of salads and raw foods was the way to go. However, I quickly learned that postpartum nutrition requires a different approach.

Instead of my usual diet, I shifted to eating more warming foods. This included soups, bone broths, meat with bone, raw milk, and raw cheese. It was a significant change from my previous eating habits, but it was one that I found to be beneficial.

lemon water

During this time, I also delved into learning about the “fourth trimester.” This concept emphasizes the importance of healing your body postpartum through rest and proper nutrition. It was enlightening to understand how crucial this period is for new mothers. By listening to my body and adapting my diet, I was able to lose 55 pounds in less than four months.

Breastfeeding exclusively also played a role in my weight loss journey. Not only did it help me shed pounds, but it also supported my baby's nutrition. I learned that eating right and taking care of your body can positively impact your milk supply.

While I reduced my intake of salads and raw veggies, I didn't eliminate greens from my diet altogether. I continued to enjoy my daily green drink, which provided me with essential nutrients and kept my energy levels up throughout the day. This was a great way to maintain a balanced diet without relying too heavily on raw vegetables.

While you’re probably thinking that this isn’t the same diet I’ve recommended for cleansing. And that is correct.

Cleansing is a different journey than all together just losing weight. Cleansing can help you lose weight and detox your body so your gut is more able to digest certain foods and allow the rest of your body to function more properly.

Cleansing is great once in a while but it’s best to have the Green drink daily and continue on a whole food diet post cleansing.

I still recommend easing into and out of the cleansing process with my precleanse list approved foods but for moving forward in your day, an organic whole food diet is always the best thing for your body, gut and weightloss. 

berry parfait

Through this journey, I realized that losing weight after having a baby isn't just about the number on the scale. It's about making informed choices about your diet and listening to what your body needs. This approach not only helped me lose weight but also taught me the importance of nurturing my body during such a crucial time.

For anyone embarking on their postpartum weight loss journey, remember that it's about finding a balance that works for you. Every mother's experience is unique, and it's essential to focus on what makes you feel healthy and energized. Here's to a journey of health and self-care post-baby! 🌟💪👶

Books I recommend:

The FourthTrimester -Kimberly Johnson 
The First Forty Days – Heng Ou 
Real Food Pregnancy – Lily Nichols 

chai latté

What Do I Eat Today?
A One Day Menu
Typical of my Postpartum Diet

Breakfast: Green Drink and Chai Latte

First I have 16 ounces of my organic green drink. Twenty minutes later I have a Chai latte.

My postpartum chai latte is made with chai tea, wild local honey, cinnamon, and raw steamed milk.

RECIPE

Raw milk has many health benefits

Raw milk is often said to be high in essential nutrients like vitamins (A, B, D), minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), enzymes, and beneficial fats. Some say that raw milk has probiotics that are good for gut health.

Raw milk may be easier to digest compared to pasteurized milk, possibly due to the presence of lactase-producing bacteria, which may help lactose-intolerant individuals.Some studies suggest that drinking raw milk during childhood could be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. However, these studies do not prove the claims as further testing is needed.

Breakfast: Breakfast Taco

I like to make a big batch of these for the week so when I’m hungry after breastfeeding and playing pickleball I have a super nutritious meal To eat.

Of course I always chug my greens post workout but about 15 minutes after that my body is ready for food.

These tacos are so good and you can actually lose weight eating tacos! Who knew?!

RECIPE

Lunch: Tomato-less Chili

While I generally do not use a lot of nightshade vegetables, I do think fresh or dried jalapeño peppers in small quantities add a kick to dishes and have detoxifying powers. For more protein, swap the cannellini beans with 1 pound of cooked ground turkey, if desired.

RECIPE

Dinner: Chicken teriyaki, brown rice and broccoli (Can also use salmon or ground turkey.)

Made with:
  • 1 lb organic chicken 
  • Salt pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb organic broccoli chopped and steamed in water with dash of salt. 

RECIPE

What Do I Eat Today – Featuring Almond Flour Crusted Chicken

what do I eat today

This “What Do I Eat Today” menu starts with warm lemon water, then Green Drink. For breakfast, a new recipe for an Immunity Smoothie you are going to love.  For dinner,  my new recipe for Almond Flour Crusted chicken, served with my Mandarin Asian Salad.

lemons

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

immunity smoothie

For Breakfast – Chef V's Immunity Smoothie

I've created this new Immunity Smoothie to start the day. Made with ginger, turmeric, kale and coconut water, it gives me extra drive as I start a busy day.

Get the recipe

For Lunch – Chef V's 'Chipotle' Mango Burrito Bowl

My “What do I Eat today” lunch is my Mango Avocado Burrito Bowl, a spin on Chipotle Mexican Grill’s awesome burrito bowls. Use my recipe as a starting point and add any of your favorite ingredients like grilled chicken or fish to make your own. You can also turn this into an easy wrap with gluten-free tortillas.  – Veronica

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Almond Flour Crusted Chicken, Mandarin Asian Salad

Dinner – Almond Flour Crusted Chicken

A new recipe that uses crushed almond flour crackers and a honey mustard sauce. It makes a delicious main course, accompanied by my Mandarin Asian Salad.

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Dinner – Mandarin Asian Salad

You can use lots of different greens to make this Asian inspired salad but I always include cabbage. If you are cleansing, just skip the mandarin oranges to keep it cleanse friendly.

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What Do I Eat Today – Savory Fall Foods

This month’s menu features hearty recipes that fill the belly as the days get shorter and cooler. I’m featuring pumpkin again this month, one of my favorite vegetables and a super food.

Start your day with lemon juice & water, then followup with Green Drink. Breakfast is a yummy Creamy Berry Parfait, and lunch is a filling Pumpkin & Carrot Stew with Quinoa. Dinner is Pumpkin Lasagna with Rosemary Ricotta.  Dessert is a luscious vegan and gluten free Pumpkin Pie made with my Pumpkin Purée and Pumpkin Spice Blend recipes.

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I’m hungry to have my Green Drink.

For Breakfast – Creamy Berry Parfait

I make this recipe a lot, it feels like a splurge but it’s healthy, full of fresh berries and nut flavors. I like to make it in a mason jar, easy to grab and run on a busy morning.

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Lunch – Fall Pumpkin + Carrot Stew with Quinoa

My pumpkin stew is made with mellow spices for a flavorful and healthy mid-day meal. This stew can be prepared a day ahead. It’s great to take to work or enjoy for dinner the next day, or for a warm and healthy meal for the kids to come home to and easily reheat.

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Dinner – Pumpkin Lasagna & Rosemary Ricotta

Macadamia nuts make a luscious “ricotta” and the pumpkin sauce for this recipe is savory with flavorful ingredients. A hearty lasagna made lighter with limited high carb ingredients.

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Dessert – Vegan & Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie

My oh my, pumpkin pie … how I love thee,
But how you seem to hate my belly.
For each sinfully delicious bite I take,
Your sweet and milky richness makes my tummy ache.
Is there a way to make you more nutritious,
All the while keeping you equally delicious?
The good news is yes there is,
And showing you how is my biz. (Mic drop)

Bon Appétit! – Veronica

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The Health Benefits Of Drinking Breakfast

drinking breakfast

Genetics isn’t the only reason V maintains a slim figure. For years, a vital component of her weight-management and gut-health strategy has been breaking the daily fast with liquids. Replacing a conventional breakfast with liquids has many health benefits and V’s here to explain…

If you’ve been following me for years, you already know how important NOT eating breakfast is.

But if you’re new to this concept, maybe you’re thinking, “Wait. I thought breakfast was the most important meal of the day.”

Now, I don’t wanna suggest that your mom didn’t know what she was talking about when you were a kid. Without doubt, eating nutrient-dense foods like fruit and eggs is important for a developing brain and body.

However, now that you’re an adult, your metabolism might be starting to slow down. And one reason why might not have anything to do with your age. Rather, it’s the fact that your body has a high toxic load. In other words, your detoxification organs such as the liver can’t clear toxins out more quickly than they accumulate.

There are several reasons why toxic overload occurs. For example, heavy metals can accumulate in your body. There’s pesticides from the food supply and harsh chemicals in skin care products, hair care products and household cleaners.

So what does this have to do with not eating food for breakfast and instead only having liquids when it’s time to break your fast?

The answer is that by not eating food, you’re giving your body a longer time to detoxify.

lemon water

V’s Liquid Breakfast Routine

Actually, before I break my fast with Organic Green Drink, I have a tall glass of warm lemon water. Then I wait until I'm hungry to have a Green Drink.

Like naturally waking up with the morning light instead of being startled awake by a harsh alarm clock, a liquid breakfast gently wakes up your digestive system. And the water and Green Drink keeps the detoxification going. Your body naturally detoxifies every night. Or at least it tries to. But when you eat a standard breakfast first thing in the morning, your digestive and detoxification systems are hard at work again.

Now, in order to feel satisfied with a liquid breakfast, here’s what I do…

About half an hour after having my Green Drink, I’ll make a smoothie with fruit, veggies, vegan protein (pea protein is my fav) and healthy fats such as avocado, chia and flax seeds.

With my cookbook, Making Cleansing Easier (which you can get as a complementary download with a purchase of a CHEF V 21 DAY CHALLENGE), you’ll never get bored of smoothies.

In addition to my cookbook smoothie recipes, I have even more smoothie recipes on my blog.  My Tropitaya Smoothie, featuring super-easy-to-digest pea protein, is one of the most popular. I also like to add ginger and turmeric to it to support my metabolism and keep inflammation in check.

berry parfait

Benefits of Drinking Your Breakfast

In addition, I’ll add ingredients that support my gut health without bloating my belly, such as bio-k fermented vegan products. Unlike regular probiotic drinks that have dairy—one of the biggest triggers of inflammation in the body—the vegan probiotic drinks I use have fermented oat and pumpkin seed as a base.

Not only does a liquid breakfast make it easy for the digestive system to “wake up,” there are other benefits as well.

Of course, you could have a liquid breakfast consisting of coffee, orange juice and Red Bull to kickstart your day. Obviously, that ain’t healthy. But as long as you’re sticking to a routine of lemon water or herbal tea; Organic Green Drink followed by a smoothie with vegan protein and a small amount of fats, you’ll be supporting your health in many ways.

Healthy liquid breakfasts may help prevent overacidity in the gut enviroment (stimulates alkalinity) and help cleanse the colon of harmful bacteria.

But don’t just take my word for it. There’s plenty of research that supports this. For instance, a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, suggests that a liquid breakfast improved the blood sugar levels of 123 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Another study in the journal, Appetite, concluded that a plant-based liquid breakfast (made with plant protein) led to consuming less calories and was more satisfying to the subjects than eating a conventional breakfast.

In general, I believe that liquid breakfasts are awesome for improving digestion, boosting detoxification and sharpening mental focus.

Give it a try for a couple weeks and see how you feel. For me and my husband, Brandon, and for thousands of Chef V customers, making the switch from a conventional breakfast to a liquid one has been one of the simplest yet most profound things we’ve done to look and feel our best.

Love,

V

What Do I Eat Today – The Importance of Liquids

what do I eat today liquids

This “What Do I Eat Today” menu focuses on the importance of liquids, especially at breakfast.

Liquids are alkalizing to the gut, help cleanse the colon, and have so many other benefits.

Start your day with lemon juice and water, followed by Green Drink. Enjoy my Herbal Tea recipe with ginger and cinnamon, and take a probiotic- I like Bio-K+.

Chose from two smoothies – my Tropitaya Smoothie, this month with fresh Ginger and Turmeric, or my Tropical Green Smoothie with Ginger.

For lunch we have Creamy Carrot Soup, and Raw Cucumber & Avocado Gazpacho is a cooling afternoon snack. For dinner, Creamy Broccoli Soup finishes the day.

lemon water

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

berry parfait

For Breakfast – Tropitaya or Tropical Green Smoothie

This “What do I Eat Today” menu includes a Tropitaya or Tropical Green Smoothie. The Tropitaya Smoothie is one of the most popular smoothies (and one of my favorites) at our stores in New Jersey and San Diego. In this month's menu, I add fresh turmeric and ginger.

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An alternative to my Tropitaya Smoothie in this menu, my Tropical Green Smoothie adds fruit and vegetables to Chef V's Tropical Green Drink. Optionally you can add 1 tbsp pea protein, 1 tsp fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp fresh turmeric to the smoothie.

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creamy carrot soup

Lunch – Creamy Carrot Soup

Creamy and delicious without dairy, this Carrot Soup recipe uses cashews to add richness and flavor. Fast and easy to make, the recipe is perfect for two, tasty and healthy. Add fresh turmeric and ginger for additional benefits.

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Afternoon Snack – Chef V's Raw Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Cool and creamy, my Gazpacho is a great light snack. You can easily double or triple my recipe and have delicious leftovers. The beauty of my veggie-rich recipe is that its high water and fiber content slows how fast you eat and fills you up quicker.

Get the recipe

Dinner – Creamy Broccoli Soup

My Creamy Broccoli Soup is for dinner. Made with coconut milk and coconut oil, the fiber in this soup supports gut health and has anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties. For additional gut health assistance, try my recipe variation adding fresh turmeric and ginger.

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What Do I Eat Today – “On The Go” Menu

This month’s “What do I eat Today” menu is all about eating healthy during crazy busy times. I'm working extra hours to manage our orders and when I get out of the office to shop and run errands, lines are long and traffic is heavy.  So this menu is all about eating well on the go.

Start your day with lemon juice & water, then followup with Green Drink. Breakfast is a yummy Acai Bowl, and lunch is a my savory Carrot Ginger Salad, made ahead in a mason jar so you can take it with you.  Afternoon snack is another “on the go” item, my Goji Berry Trail Mix.

Dinner is a new recipe from me, my version of a Bibimbap Bowl. Dessert is a yummy vegan eggnog – I recommend drinking it with your feet up, relaxing after your busy day.

Veronica drinking green drink on a busy street

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

For Breakfast – Acai Bowl

This recipe is made in a Vitamix and can be served in a bowl or in an “on the go” cup.

The acai berry is a grape-like fruit native to the rain forests of the amazon. It has a tropical, sweet taste and a very short shelf life, so we don't often find them fresh in the store. Acai berries contain antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

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Lunch – Carrot Ginger Salad

Green is good! Starting with fresh locally sourced organic greens, add carrot, celery, radish, red onion, cucumber, and grilled chicken (optional). Top your salad with my Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing.

Make this as a mason jar salad and take it “on the go”.

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Afternoon Snack – Chef V's Goji Berry Trail Mix

Trail mix is a healthy alternative to sugary commercial candy, loaded with artificial ingredients. My recipe includes super healthy goji berries, nuts and seeds.

Try different ingredients to create some fun mixes. I generally use one or two raw nuts, one seed, and one dried fruit. Some ideas for nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans, or macadamia nuts. For dried fruit, always choose unsweetened and unsulfured fruits. My favorites include pineapple, apple, mango, and blueberries. And, of course, goji berries.

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Dinner – Bibimbap Bowl

10 minute meal! It’s the holiday season and I’ve been cooking all day getting ready for tomorrow. I need a fast but healthy meal. This one is a crowd favorite!

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Dessert –  Vegan Eggnog

Spread holiday cheer with my vegan take on a traditional favorite, eggnog. This thick, wonderfully flavored beverage can be made in many ways than one. Why not try my adult version with coconut nectar and almond milk. Not too thick, this chilled iconic drink will warm the hearts of your family and friends. Homemade, delicious and beautifully presented, how can it not?!

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veronica and brandon

What Do I Eat Today – Spring Menu

In keeping with our feature article about getting enough protein, this spring “What Do I Eat Today” menu includes chicken and salmon.

We start the day with a liquid breakfast, my Skinny Shamrock Smoothie. Lunch is a mock 'Chipotle' Burrito Bowl with grilled chicken.

Dinner is a recipe that is new to the website, Pistachio-Crusted Salmon, accompanied by my White Sweet Potato Purée. Enjoy!

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Chef V organic Green Drink.

For Breakfast – Skinny Shamrock Smoothie

Here is my favorite version of a Shamrock Smoothie. It’s light, healthy, creamy and it tastes so good! It’s also a low sugar smoothie.

Get the recipe

Lunch – Chef V’s ‘Chipotle’ Burrito Bowl

Here’s my Mango Avocado Burrito Bowl, a spin on Chipotle Mexican Grill’s awesome burrito bowls. Use my recipe as a starting point and add grilled chicken or fish to make your own. You can also turn this into an easy wrap with gluten-free tortillas.  – Veronica

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Dinner – White Sweet Potato Purée

Everyone loves mashed potatoes. But regular mashed potatoes are very starchy. That means the starch quickly converts into sugar. That’s more bad news for your gut. But this healthy recipe for mashed potatoes uses the nutritiously-superior white sweet potato. Instead of regular milk, I use almond or coconut milk.

I swear to you that my white sweet potato pureé will have the same starchy mouth-feel as regular mashed potatoes. But this version contains way more minerals and is lower in calories. – Veronica

Get the recipe.

Dinner – Pistachio Crusted Salmon

This salmon dish is delicious and super easy to make. It’s also filled with lots of healthy fats and omegas. It takes less than 5 minutes to prep and less than 20 minutes to cook. It also makes great leftovers. Or you can serve 4 with this recipe. 

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What do I Eat Today? Welcome Summer!

In celebration of the coming of summer my “What Do I Eat Today” menu features recipes for outdoor dining.

We start the day with lemon water to detox the liver, then later, Green Drink to cleanse the colon and boost your metabolism and alkaline the body. Breakfast is my Peaches and Cream Smoothie.

For lunch there's a Garden Salad with lean chicken or kidney beans and my Yummy Vinaigrette Dressing. Dinner is my new Pulled Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich served with creamy healthy Raw Coleslaw. Dessert is 1-2 squares of organic dark chocolate.

Enjoy!

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Chef V organic Green Drink.

Breakfast: Peaches & Cream Smoothie

On National Smoothie Day and National Peaches and Cream day we had to make up a healthy Peaches and Cream Smoothie. Peaches, cashews, honey, and pea protein make this yummy treat.

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Lunch: Garden Salad with Yummy Viniagrette

Salads are easy to prepare and are a super convenient way to get more nutrients into your diet. This mix of greens and veggies is easy to assemble and goes great with my Yummy Vinaigrette Dressing.

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Dinner – Chef V’s Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich – Vegan

This Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich recipe uses my tomato-less bbq sauce and is vegan. Serve with my coleslaw on a gluten-free bun.

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Dinner  – Chef V's BBQ Sauce

Nightshades tend to cause inflammation in the body. Tomatoes are in lots of yummy sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce and marinara. These sauces can cause inflammation in the body and discomfort.

Try this tomato-less bbq sauce recipe as an alternative and see how much better you feel. You can use this sauce on anything that calls for BBQ sauce.

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Dinner  – Creamy Raw Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe goes well with my BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich, my Pulled Chicken Sandwich, and my Sloppy Joes Sandwich.

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Raw Veggies Vs. Cooked: Does It Matter For Gut Health?

what do I eat today liquids

We know that eating more veggies can boost the number of friendly bacteria in your gut. But what’s a mystery to most people is if how we prepare our veggies affects gut health in any way. “V” reveals if there’s a winner between raw veggies or cooked plant-based foods. 

If you’re a nutrition research geek like me, you’ve probably come across lots of studies on intermittent fasting, vegetarian diets, keto diets and other types of eating protocols. But if there’s one type of food study that’s as rare as finding a perfectly round pearl in an oyster, it’s this subject…

Is there a difference between eating raw plants versus cooked veggies? As I’m writing this, it’s August, or as I like to call this time of year, Rawgust! Because it’s so hot out, it’s the best time of year to consume a raw, plant-based diet. All I know is that when it’s 100 degrees outside, the last thing I want to do is slave over a hot stove, cooking up a huge slab of meat. Nope, this time of year, it’s all smoothies, mocktails and salads (and maybe a gazpacho or two).

So I like to go with my gut and listen to what my body is craving—as long as the craving is for something healthy. But beyond my intuition, is there any research to back up my craving for raw food? Will going raw any time of year support the trillions of friendly bacteria in my gut microbiome?

Well, it got me wondering? So I did my best nutritional Sherlock Holmes investigating. Unfortunately, the trail went cold. But I persisted and eventually found what is believed to be the first study to bring up this nutritional debate.

salad

Raw Vs Cooked Veggies For Gut Health

Before we get into the research, chew on this…

Horses don’t eat cooked food. Neither do chimps or gorillas. Yet they’re strong as bulls. In fact, humans are the only animals that cook their food. Many paleontologists believe our human ancestors developed bigger brains precisely when eating cooked food became the norm. In the hundreds of thousands of years since, our gut microbiomes have been influenced largely from cooking bones and meat.

It’s no wonder that there has hardly been any research looking into the effects of raw plants on the gut microbiome.

But finally, in 2019, researchers from Harvard University put that question to the test … at least in mice, not humans. And the results were not what I expected.

What the researchers discovered was that the mice who ate raw sweet potatoes essentially committed murder on several of their gut species.

But if there’s one thing that drives me a little nuts is when I hear people say that raw food is hard for the body to digest. That might be true if you’re trying to eat a raw, high-starch veggie like a potato or sweet potato. I’m definitely not suggesting eating raw potatoes.

Why the researchers didn’t give the mice lots of other raw veggies, like say, lettuce, I can’t explain. I also have no clue why more research hasn’t been done on the effects of raw veggies on the gut microbiome versus cooked veggies.

veronica and kale

Eating Raw in Rawgust: Benefits

Now let me ask you something. If you’ve been partying in June and July like it’s 1999 and your digestion, energy and skin need a reboot, what do you think is better for you: cooked meat or salad?

Of course a diet high in raw veggies is much easier on your system than cooked meat. Now I admit, there are a few veggies that you may have a harder time digesting raw rather than cooked. This is especially true of the nightshade veggies:

  • Peppers (it doesn’t matter what kind or what color)
  • Tomatoes
  • Egglplant
  • Potatoes (which we covered)

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of raw broccoli either. But when it comes to green, leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, collard greens, lettuce, parsley, chard and dandelion, the research doesn’t lie. There are so many health benefits of the 7 leafy greens that are featured in Organic Green Drink that I could write a book about it.

In fact, I sort of did: a cookbook, Making Cleansing Easier, which features an intro that talks about several of these health benefits.

The bottom line is that if you want a health makeover, let the sizzling summer months be the perfect time to boost your intake of raw veggies. Your gut microbiome will thank you for it.

What Do I Eat Today – Menu with Chef V’s Turkey Risotto

what do I eat today turkey risotto

This “What Do I Eat Today” menu starts with warm lemon water, then Green Drink. For breakfast, a Gnger Apple Berry Smoothie you are going to love.  For lunch, my Spicy Vegetable Soup, and for dinner,  Turkey Risotto, demonstrated in a Chef V Cooking School video.

lemons

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I’m hungry to have my Green Drink.

ginger apple berry smoothie

For Breakfast – Ginger Apple Berry Smoothie

A morning ginger apple berry smoothie not only tastes great but is loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Get the recipe here

My “What do I Eat today” lunch is Spicy Veggie Soup. This is a spicy vegetable soup with jalapeno, quinoa, zucchini, black beans, and lots of spices. Vegan and gluten free. Add or reduce spices if you like your soup milder or super hot.

Get the recipe here.

Dinner – Turkey Risotto

A super simple recipe, it has only 7 ingredients and is so easy to make. It has so much flavor, is so filling and balanced, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! “You don’t even know do’, it’s the BEST Risotto!”

While most risottos have a lot of cream and butter, we’re not going to use those. Using arborio rice, this risotto has a nice creamy texture that we’ll make using vegan broth.

This recipe is featured in my Cooking series on YouTube and you can watch me
prepare the recipe here.

Veronica and cleanse ingredients

What Do I Eat Today – Pumpkin!

what do I eat today liquids

This month's menu will convince you that pumpkins can be refreshing and delicious anytime. Pumpkin recipes aren't just for cold weather!  And they are a super food, with “substantial medicinal properties” says the NIH.

Start your day with lemon juice & water, then followup with Green Drink. Breakfast is a yummy Pumpkin Protein Smoothie and lunch is a filling Pumpkin Squash Salad with Quinoa. For an afternoon snack you get my Spicy Pumpkin Hummus, and dinner is Curried Pumpkin Soup.

First Thing in the Morning

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

berry parfait

For Breakfast – Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

This smoothie tastes rich and decadent – but it is vegan and gluten free as well. I use raw cashews and my own Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend to make this a healthy, delicious treat that won’t make you bloated. – Veronica

Get the recipe

creamy carrot soup

Lunch – Warm Pumpkin Salad

Warm pumpkin salad: this is a delicious fall treat for those first cool days that signal the end of summer. It’s very filling and makes you feel full even though it’s a salad. It’s also very healthy and vegan.

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Afternoon Snack – Spicy Golden Pumpkin Hummus

This treat is so yummy you can eat it with gluten free crackers, veggies, on a veggie sandwich. For a party or everyday, I know you’ll enjoy it.  make it with my Organic Pumpkin Purée.

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Dinner – Creamy Curry Pumpkin Soup

The only thing more comforting than a bowl of soup is a bowl of homemade soup that is both vegan and gluten-free. There’s something special about cooking comforting meals like this during the Fall that will warm you up and have your kitchen smelling festive.

Cozy up with someone you love and enjoy this delicious pumpkin soup on a cool fall night!

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What Do I Eat Today – A Fresh Vegan Menu

what do I eat today retreat

This “What Do I Eat Today” menu is a bit different. It is focused on cooling, fresh, seasonal foods. And the entire menu is vegan.

Start your day with lemon water, then green drink. My Berry Parfait is a light 'begin' the day' breakfast. Try my chilled raw cucumber avocado gazpacho for a creamy, refreshing lunch. For dinner, grilled artichokes are so good! Serve them with my Green Soup recipe topped with lemon basil pesto made with fresh herbs.

lemon water

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

berry parfait

For Breakfast – Berry Parfait

My raw berry parfait is made with nuts. Here's a tip: many raw food recipes call for soaking nuts. Why? Soaking nuts (from 2 hours to overnight) improves  the flavor and  nutritional value of the nuts by releasing dust, residue and tannin into the water, leaving the nuts with a softer, buttery texture and increasing their digestibility. Never use the soak water – always discard it.

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For Lunch – Chef V's Raw Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Cool and creamy, soups are a great way to start a meal, but are also awesome as a main course. You can easily double or triple my recipe and have delicious leftovers. The beauty of my veggie-rich recipe is that its high water and fiber content slows how fast you eat and fills you up quicker.

Get the recipe

grilled artichoke

Dinner – Grilled Artichoke with Two Sauces 

Grilled artichokes, precooked and finished at the picnic. They’ll love these on the barbecue. Serve with my two vegan sauces:  Raw Horseradish Mayonnaise, and  Vegan Herb Aioli.

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Also for Dinner – Green Soup with Lemon Basil Pesto

Green veggies are central to this recipe, full of vitamins. Cannellini beans add fiber and richness. A lovely soup for celebrating the end of winter, the bounty of summer crops, or anytime you crave something super fresh and seasonal.

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What Do I Eat Today – A Chef V Retreat Menu

what do I eat today retreat

This menu plan is from one of my retreat events. My retreats are three day wellness experiences in gorgeous locations with lots of activities and of course, great food.

At my retreats, we start with lemon water then Green Drink. For breakfast, in this menu plan I serve Smoothie Bowls with an abundance of fresh organic fruit to top the bowls.

For lunch, I serve a Green Salad with Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing. And we have a snack – my Easy Hummus with carrot slices, cucumber, celery, snap peas, and Simple Mills almond flour crackers.

For dinner,  We have grilled Miso Glazed Salmon with Wasabi Sweet Potato Puree and Asparagus. And the best for last – my Chai Spiced Cakes with Ginger Icing.

lemons

I have lemon water in the morning and then I wait until I'm hungry to have my Green Drink.

breakfast smoothie

For Breakfast – Smoothie Bowl

My breakfast smoothie is delicious, good for you, and easy to make. What's not to like?

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For Lunch – Chef V's Green Salad with Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing

Green is good! Starting with fresh locally sourced organic greens, add carrot, celery, radish, red onion, and grilled chicken (optional). Top your salad with my Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing.

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salmon sweet potato puree asparagus

Dinner – Miso Glazed Salmon with Wasabi Sweet Potato Puree and Asparagus  

This ginger glazed salmon is super easy. For the salmon I just broiled it for 5 minutes with this marinade. Let the marinade sit for 30 minutes on the fish before cooking.

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Dessert – Chai Spiced Cakes with Ginger ICing

This recipe may seem long and daunting but it’s really easy and worth it! Most the ingredients are spices that you hopefully already have.

This makes a lot of cupcakes so I keep them in a bag I frosted in the fridge. Pop one out and place in microwave and then top with frosting when done. These are great to have in the house for a delightful yet healthy treat when you have a sweet tooth.

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