Jeff Bites

Real food. Real Life. Real Progress.

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  • Cheap and Quick Plant-based Lunch Kitchen Sink Stir Fry

    Cheap and Quick Plant-based Lunch Kitchen Sink Stir Fry

    Half yellow bell pepper from a meal 2 days ago.

    Red pepper that did not get used in pasta from yesterday’s meal.

    Diced red onion from a salad I made on Saturday.

    Grapes tomatoes we keep on the counter.

    1 can of chickpeas.

    3 peeled and cut cucumbers.

    Brown rice and quinoa packet, 90 second microwave.

    Combine chopped peppers, onions, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers in a pan to reduce moisture for 10 minutes.

    Hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for the sauce.

    Plate it add sauce on top. Added broccoli sprouts for garnish.

    15 minutes total with clean up and only cost me produce items I was going to throw away anyway. High protein and high fiber lunch.

  • Another Plant-based Parenting Win

    Another Plant-based Parenting Win

    Yesterday, I decided to make BBQ sandwiches for dinner.

    My kids have only had pulled pork for their sandwiches.

    But I was using…Jackfruit instead.

    After removing the seeds and husk (hard parts of the fruit), I rinsed and cooked out the water in a skillet before seasoning with vegetable stock, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper and garlic.

    The kids ate all of it and asked for more.

    Victory is mine! 🎉🙌🏾

  • Eating Food Alive

    Eating Food Alive

    I am only eat food that is alive.

    No, I did not start a new zombie diet.

    Apples, green beans, and soursop and other plant-based foods are frozen at the height of their livelihood and stored until I can bring it home.

    The most nutritious foods are alive when you eat them.

    All the other food is dead before you cook it.

    Then after you cook, more nutrients are lost and your body gets whatever is left.

    So if I have a choice, you can call me the plant-based zombie.

  • Some times you will be left out

    Some times you will be left out

    I went to a Happy Hour on Friday hosted at a friend’s house.

    They served a meat lover’s pizza and chicken tenders as the food.

    Fruit was reserved for cocktails but…

    I filled a cup with various fruits to make me decent snack.

    A rookie move, I should have been prepared with my own food.

    I know that most people won’t accommodate plant-based eaters so I need to plan ahead for every event. 

    Stay the course and enjoy your plant-based meals with the omnivores.

  • Start Where You Can

    Start Where You Can

    Not everything is going to go the way you plan.

    Plans will change.

    Injuries happen.

    Fall carnival sells fried Twinkees.

    You may be thrown off but DON’T use this as an excuse to quit.

    That’s what I did. I got down about the multiple injuries I am rehabbing.

    Meanwhile I could do isometric holds, planks, and cycling.

    Time to get back to work.

  • Progress has slowed but…

    Progress has slowed but…

    Weight loss has slowed.

    Inches lost is tapering.

    I still feel great!

    This is also the least active I have been in a quarter due to injuries.

    But I will admit I am disappointed.

    However, the progress I have made has been healthy for my my body.

    I lost weight while lowering cholesterol, blood sugar and my cancer risk.

    So while the measurable results have slowed the purpose remains steadfast.

  • Frustration with injuries

    Frustration with injuries

    I am a 41 year old athlete.

    I love soccer, football, hiking and running.

    A couple of years ago I got plantar fascitis. It was crippling, I could barely walk to the refrigerator without pain.

    I have done rehab for months and as soon as I do a little jogging it’s immediate pain follows.

    I have taken a shot of cortisol in both feet.

    Even losing 40+ pounds to relieve pressure.

    And now I have gotten to the point of walking daily and now shin splints.

    I am so angry.

    Despite being on the healthiest diet for recovery I am still “grounded.”

    I guess when you can’t walk, you crawl.

    I have to keep moving: cycling, calesthenics, or rowing.

  • Some days go right

    Some days go right

    That recipe works! Maybe it was your first time.

    The kids ate all of their salad.

    My wife likes the chocolate chip bark dessert.

    I fit into pants I could only wear 3.5 years ago.

    I exercised, cooked, and the kitchen is clean.

    These are the days when those well-laid plans create the “yellow brick road.”

    Enjoy these days!

  • I’m not going back

    I’m not going back

    So how long are you going to be a plant-based?

    When I tell people my diet changed they assume it’s temporary.

    Only changing for the weight loss.

    The weight loss is a side effect of eating food my body needs and feeding my microbiome (gut health).

    Why would I ever go back to a diet where my cholesterol was raised, blood pressure elevated, and blood sugar was high, and my cancer risk increases at every meal.

    I get it; meat tastes good.

    No taster is worth my life.

  • Unexpected Downsides of Plant-based Eating

    Unexpected Downsides of Plant-based Eating

    Consistently dirty dishes in the sync. Cooking 2 to 3 meals a day adds up.

    Frequent potty breaks (fiber definitely works).

    Higher volume of groceries for recipes and staple items.

    Smug sense of superiority. Just kidding, mostly.

    Other than that it’s a lot of upside for a small amount of downside.