Ideal Protein

The night before the Ideal Protein Diet begins...Just so I can keep track of what's happening I thought I should begin here. Today is also a significant day with regard to Covid-19 popping up here in the US. Lots to process-- so I started the Ideal Protein Eve with a very yummy Vanilla Crispy Square.

Infant Mental Health

Recently I saw a very young mother with her baby. She did not make eye contact with me and did not answer any questions with more than a one word answer. Her father was also present during the procedure and answered all questions that were directed to her. The mother's baby was present for a follow up procedure after his birth. The mother was 16 years old and the family had come to the clinic with transportation provided by an inner city faith based group. I observed the mother to hold her baby with him facing away from her. I observed the baby to interact with others by maintaining eye contact, pulling his hand to his mouth and drinking from a bottle with no spilling or choking. While discussing today's results with his mother I noted she stroked his head repeatedly, pet him on the back but I did not observe her attempt to maintain eye contact or speak to her child. Additional concerns I had included the mother's twin sister had a baby who was 4 months older than this baby.

Sibling Love

This picture so perfectly describes the closeness and love I feel for my brothers and sister. We are somewhat imperfect and are mostly perfect together!

Healthy Banana Pancake Mix

This is a very delicious, healthy and easy pancake recipe! Courtesy of one of my moms!

Combine:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 TBS dry milk powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Whisk together:
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir in:
1-2 ripe bananas

Pour egg mixture into flour misture and stir just until moistened. Let batter sit for 5 minutes.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle and cook until ubbles from the edges form and edges are dry, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side.

Mmmmmm Lentils and spinach! I have both of these

This one is from "Everyone Likes Sandwiches"
lentil spinach soup
1 c lentils (brown, green or black)
5 1/2 c homemade vegetable stock
1 onion, diced finely
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t dried chili flakes
1 bunch spinach, stems removed & well rinsed
salt & pepper
grated cheese (optional)

In a large pot combine stock, lentils, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and chili flakes and bring to a boil. Simmer until lentils and vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Add in spinach and add in salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve and sprinkle with cheese, if desired.

The Best So Far! Aloo Gobi

Aloo (potatoes) Gobi (cauliflower) from Post Punk Kitchen
1 T oil
1 large onion, diced
1 inch piece ginger, minced
2 large potatoes, diced
1 large head of cauliflower, broken into florets
3-4 T curry paste (I love Patak’s)
1 tin light coconut milk
1 T brown sugar
salt
1 can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/2 c frozen peas
sriracha (optional)
In a large, heavy pot, heat oil and add in ginger and onion, saute for 3 minutes. Add in potatoes, cauliflower, and curry paste and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in coconut milk along with enough water to just cover the vegetables. Add in the chickpeas and a good pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked. Stir in the peas and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Need more spice? Throw in a squirt or two of sriracha. Need more sweet? Add a bit more brown sugar or honey. Serve with rice and naan.

Recipe #2 Black Bean Turtle Soup

Black Bean Turtle Soup (Full Plate Diet)

Yields Makes 5 - 1 cup servings

Calories: 256
Fat: 3.9g
Sodium: 484mg
Total Carbs: 44.5g
Dietary Fiber: 10.9g
Protein: 13.3g

•1 tablespoon canola oil
•1 1/2 cups chopped onion
•4 cloves garlic, chopped
•1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
•1 tablespoon chili powder
•1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1 cup diced red bell pepper
•1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
•4 1/2 cups black beans, low-sodium canned, drained
•1 1/2 cups water

In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion in oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and diced peppers. In a blender, puree 1 1/2 cups of beans with half (3/4 cup) the water on high setting, about 30 seconds. Add bean mixture to pot. Add the rest of the water (3/4 cup) and remaining whole beans, unblended to the pot and stir together. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.

This recipe is another wonderful recipe from Full Plate Diet! Very easy and also re-heats quite well. I changed the 1/2 cup yellow pepper to 1 cup and feel it was perfect!

Thumbs Up!