Tag Archives: smoothie

21 Day Cleanse – Living La Vida Vegan

by Jamie Ginsberg on 07. Jan, 2010 in Jamie Ginsberg

On Monday I started my first Cleanse of the year. Yes, I need this one after a week of excessive tequila and eating in Mexico combined with holiday treats that included cheese everywhere I went (especially in my own house). What is special about this Cleanse? First of all I am doing it with a crew of at least 67 people at Cleveland Yoga, this is a fantastic way to do a Cleanse (the group is very motivating). Second, I am not eating Gluten, Animal, Alcohol, Caffeine or Sugar. A Vegan diet without alcohol and sugar? Have I removed all of my joy in eating? Can I still qualify myself as a Foodie? With these panicky questions in my head I started the Cleanse on Monday, this is what I have learned.

I Love Eating. It is really that simple. Vegan Shmegan. There is nothing like a challenge to inspire you to cook better. Day 1, I cooked the best Black Beans and Brown Basmati I have ever made. It may be the sea salt I added to the beans and water while they were soaking, or it could be the seasoning was just right. Either way, Arroz con Frijoles Negros is delicious, a complete protein (whatever) and easy to eat hot or cold. I added in a little hot sauce (after triple checking the label to make sure they did not sneak any sugar in it) and it was like a brand new dish 3 days later.

I am back on fruit smoothies hardcore. A handful of grapes, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, half a banana and even some flax seed (hellllllooooo). Rinsed the bowl of fruit, thrown into the Vita-Mix with some ice and BLAM you have a delicious smoothie in 3 minutes or less. I have had 4 this week and do not miss coffee at all! This is truly the breakfast of kings!If you do not have a serious mixer, you are missing out on a lot of fun!

I have a few exciting greens in my fridge (Kale, Chard, Lettuce, Avocado) begging to be made into something delicious. I have a pea soup in the crock pot right now and I am looking forward to making a few more. Am I starving on this cleanse? Noooooooooo! I am eating all of the time and still truly enjoying it. Would I like  glass of wine tonight? Sure, but I’d also like to be healthy and live for a long time. This is the start of something…

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Organic Energy Cafe!

by Jamie Ginsberg on 18. Oct, 2008 in Jamie Ginsberg

I met Amy for lunch today during a break in my Yoga workshops while the kids were at the Young Chefs Academy. Organic Energy Cafe is just 5 minutes away on Miles Road right next to Miles Market in Solon. It is not in my normal stomping grounds, but I will be going there more often.

The smoothie list was exciting and there are at least 10 other drinks I want to try. I started with a Super Energy Smoothie. hold the dairy. As I looked at this vibrant green drink, I knew I was about to pump it up. This was well blended with ice, pineapple, apple, ginger, cucumber and greens. Blam! As I sipped the smoothie I could feel the energy flowing thru me, recharging me after my morning class. The consistency was smooth, cold and refreshing. Little red flecks dotted the drink reminding me the apple was real, not a mix of concentrated juices. I was a little surprised how much I liked the “greens.” It just had a very real, clean taste. Next time I am trying the one with pomegrante juice!

Truthfully, i could have probably stopped with the smoothie. But I was ready to try the Artichoke Tuna Panini. The focacia was grilled perfectly. Crisp and perfectly flattened. I was totally suspicious of the Tuna, I don’t come anywhere near a Tuna melt. I immediately noticed the Tuna was cooked, but had a light clean consistency. Nothing fishy about this panini at all. Generous helpings of artichoke hearts and a few kalamata olives balanced the filling and kept it tasting very Mediteranean. The panini was cut across at an angle corner to corner, and each half was delicious and a healthy portion.

Does size matter? Hello, I am still American. Yes, I like my sandwiches to be a nice size. I want to pick up a half and decide whether I need 2 hands or is it just easier to eat with 2 hands. I got a wrap last week from a place not to be named and I was disgusted that I was holding half the wrap in 2 fingers. That is just Un-American and actually ruined my lunch. Granted, quality can always make size irrelevant. That said. places like The Cheese Cake Factory and Champps do well because the provide huge servings, everything is super-sized.

Despite the rant above, I would eat at Organic Energy Cafe any day of the week. I want to try every single Rice or Noodle Bowl. They all sounded delicious and healthy. I have to try at least a few more paninis (Amy had the chicken panini and it looked great for a carnivore) and a few salads that all sounded appealing. In california, cafe/restaurants like this are easy to find. In Ohio, this is a treasure that needs your support. Eat to Live and Live to Eat, doing it organicallyand locally is luxury you deserve.

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