Zucchini Boats

12 Zucchini - cut lengthwise, seeds scooped out
6 oz cream cheese - softened
1 cup sweet mini peppers (red, orange, yellow) -  chopped
1 cup fresh mushrooms - chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1 tsp paprika

Combine everything except the zucchini in a mixing bowl, set aside.
Spay foil lined cookie sheet with olive oil spray
Lay the zucchini skin side down
Bake in oven 400 degrees for 10 min
Remove from oven and spoon in cheese, peppers, mushrooms and spices
Place back in oven 5 - 10 min (cheese melted and zucchini is tender)

-serves 4 people

xox
Ursula

Minus 40 pounds

It's official, I have lost 40 pounds since October 2010, when I began the B+ diet. I have to say it has been a challenge, difficult at times to be steadfast and consistent, but so rewarding and joyous when successful. I do feel AMAZING, but when in doubt, I go to the grocery store and pick up 4, 10 pound bags of potatoes and then I just stand there, holding the bags and think damn! Try it some time, you will really be surprised how much you've lost weight wise and jump for joy as I do. I have had many people remark about my transformation and wonder how I am doing it. Fact is, my friends, I am DOING it. That is the key. I can not wish myself healthy, I must do the work. But! You have to find what works for you, baby steps to change and know that once on this journey to wellness it is forever... It's not about denying yourself but about realizing positive ways to be well and happy. I have been on the road since 2004 when faced with my children's "other health impaired" issues, my mother becoming irreversibly ill. I noticed how unhealthy I truly was, body/mind/spirit. And notice that triangle, it's truly connected to our personal wellness and happiness.

I struggle with self-doubt, childhood trauma and body image issues, but I refuse to let it rule me, control me or block me. I accept the past, I can not change it. I live in the present and choose to be happy (someone hand me my rose colored glasses). I love to smile and laugh and these things are important to being well. I am happy with my accomplishments and am encouraged to continue no matter the challenge. I hope you do the same :o)

1. Find the food plan (cause I do not like the word diet) that works for you
1. Eat Right for your Blood Type
2. Raw/Whole foods (no/little processed foods)
3. 80/20 Flexitarian "Diet" mostly veggies, little meat
2. Find the exercise plan that works for you
1. Walking
2. Yoga
3. Tai Chi
4. Dance
3. Accountability (join a group)
1. My Fitness Pal (myfitnesspal.com)
2. This Blog (lol)
4. Support
1. Faith (for me, The Gods/Goddesses)
2. Family
3. Friends

Summer Salad #1

Vinegar Slaw

• Cole slaw mix - 1 bag
• Apple Cider Vinegar - 1/2 cup
• Organic Sugar - 1 tsp
• Sea Salt - 1 tsp
• Currey Powder (yellow) - 1 tsp
• Olive Oil - 4 tbsp
• Cucumber - 1 whole (chopped)
• Red Onion 1/4 cup (chopped)

Mix in a bowl, served chilled and enjoy.

So, Ursula what product do you use to keep your face moist?

I don't! I drink plenty of water. Skin moisture begins inside the body.. hydrate hydrate hydrate. Also avoid over-exposure to the elements like sun and wind. But for all you Sun worshippers here is some tasty homemade remedies from  Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles.

Aloe After-Sun Relief Spray
     1 cup aloe vera juice
     20 drops of lavender essential oil
     10 drops rosemary (chemotype verbenon) essential oil
Place all ingredients in storage container and shake well to blend before use. Refrigerate, use within 4-6 months. Spray on skin (for sunburn/windburn relief, all manner of skin irritations and bug bites)

Sunburn Relief Suggestions

• Add 2 cups apple cider vinegar to cool bath water and soak for 10-20 minutes
• Apply cold aloe vera gel directly to sunburn
• Apply cold, strong, regular black pekoe tea directly to sunburn with soaked cotton pads.
• Spray chilled lavender or chamomile hydrosol directly onto sunburn to relieve inflammation.

Enjoy the summer and stay cool

xox
Ursula

Vegetarian Dish

Cheesy Stuffed Peppers with White Beans

from Woman's Day May 2012 issue (with a few changes for a B+ diet)

6 Bell peppers (be creative use different colored ones)

2 TBSP olive oil

1 Large onion - chopped

3 Cloves garlic - finely chopped

1 10oz pkg fresh spinach - remove and discard thick stems, leaves rough chop

1 15oz can great northern beans -drained &  rinsed

2 TBSP lemon juice

1 Cup part-skim mozzarella cheese - shredded

1/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt

1. Heat broiler. Cut the peppers in half (lengthwise) through the stem and discard the seeds. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the peppers with 1 TBSP oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Arrange cut-side down and broil for 3 minutes. Turn and broil until beginning to soften (about 3 minutes more). Pour off any accumulated liquid. Reduce the oven temp to 425 degrees.
2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining TBSP oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook covered, stirring occasionally, until tender (5 to 6 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the spinach and 1/4 tsp salt to the skillet and cook, tossing, until beginning to wilt (1 to 2 minutes). Remove from heat and fold in the beans and lemon juice, then the mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. place peppers in 9 x 13 baking dish 9cut side up). Dividing evenly, fill the peppers with the bean mixture, then place baking dish into oven. Bake until the peppers are tender ant the cheese has melted (4 to 6 minutes).

ENJOY

Herbal Tea Bath - For Cold & Flu Season

This soak is great for combating the aches and pains associated with colds and flu, also great after an intense workout. (or use it nightly to soak sore achy feet)

In your Bath - fill with hot water (temp is up to you), add 1 cup of Epsom salt (2 cups for large tubs), 1 to 2 tea bags (do NOT open) of mint (and chamomile or green tea), and relax in the water for about 20 min allowing the steam to envelope you, place a washcloth soaked in water on your neck/forehead for added comfort.

I usually do this once a week, it's very relaxing and great for the muscle and respiratory systems!

xox,
Ursula

*COOKIE*

COCONUT MACAROONS (Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book)

2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/3 flaked coconut

oven 325 degrees

In a mixing bowl beat egg whites and vanilla till soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat till stiff peaks form (you can turn the bowl upside down and the stuff stays in the bowl, be daring, its fun). Fold in coconut. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto greased (olive oil spray is awesome) cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
(makes about 30 light and airy cookies)

xox
Ursula