Real Food and Banana Muffins

I recently came across this blog: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/ (while searching for whole wheat banana muffin recipes) and have to say, I really like this idea. Of course, this is my goal for everyone., but to put it in a challenge is a novel idea. LOVE THIS! She is not a dietitian or medical professional, but she was inspired to eat healthier (after reading a book by Michael Pollan). And it seems that she has succeeded benefiting not only herself but also her family. What is your inspiration? Still looking for it?

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Could you do it? Could you eat only “real” food for 100 days? What about 10 days? YES! Here is her list of rules: The Rules (these are fine rules by my standards as well)

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Imagine if you only ate food that came straight from the earth. Foods that weren’t processed in a factory. How do you think you would feel? More energy? Healthier weight? Better blood pressure? The possibilities are endless. Remember that it’s virtually impossible to eat a completely “processed food” free diet. Processing is not only “factory made” goods, but it also includes what goes on in your kitchen. Cooking is a form of processing. The goal is as minimal processing as possible and for the only processing to be what is done in your kitchen. (This is not a raw food push. Understand that I do want you to cook your food :) I just want you to steer away from food in a package)

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On to the banana muffins… Check these out!!!

So easy I didn't even have time to capture the process :)

Oh so yummy! Froze the leftovers and have been eating them for days!

***** Highly recommend this one! Here’s the recipe: Banana Muffins (recipe is for bread, but just make as muffins)

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Can you take a 10 day real food challenge?

Summer Bounty

Summer is my favorite time of the year. I know, I know, fall is the favorite for most, and trust me, it’s a close second. But I LOVE the produce in the summer. I really can’t get enough of it. Berries and asparagus followed by melons, green beans, tomatoes, peaches, eggplant, zucchini, summer squash and more! Some apples and squash are even ready in the summer (I know because I’ve had some delicious farm fresh varieties :) ).

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I tried my hand at a small garden this year…

I was a little ambitious...

Herbs and Veggies!

A few weeks after planting

Tonight! Lots of hot banana peppers hanging on those leaves!

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Honestly, I don’t have a green thumb at all. I hate planting, and I hate watering. I love the idea of gardening, but I don’t think its for me… My lovely potted tomato and herb plants are all dead as of several weeks ago. I’ve decided that next year I will purely rely on the bounty of my local farmers. :)

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So let me share with you some of the AMAZING things I’ve been making, eating and enjoying this summer… thanks to wonderful farmers markets and Lynds Fruit Farm.

Toast w/ avocado, purple tomatoes and salt/pepper!

Random salad w/ tomatoes, zucchini, corn, beans and peppers!

Whole grain rotini w/ tomato, kale, zucchini, and parm!

Eggplant parmesan made with this HUGE eggplant (for $1 only!)

Hubby likes squash now! A little brown sugar can go a long way! :)

Click on the pic for this recipe! Chicken tacos! Yumm!

Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins! These are seriously the BEST zucchini muffins!!

Doesn't this look cozy :) Click on the pic for this recipe!

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Not shown: many, many meals of whole grain pasta w/ fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. That has been my staple and quick go-to meal! Still following the Plate method by also serving a huge salad and making sure the pasta is FILLED with tomatoes!

YUMMMM!!!

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What have YOU been making this summer? What’s your favorite summer harvest item?

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