Tag Archives: Vegan

Fire Serves up a Great Vegan Dish

by Jamie Ginsberg on 20. Jan, 2010 in Jamie Ginsberg

Two weeks into my Cleanse, we head to Fire for dinner to celebrate Rosie’s birthday. What does a temporary vegan not eating gluten, alcohol or caffiene do? Party! I started with an order of sauteed olives. This is a rare treat that I have only experienced at Fire. The warm olives are delicious, despite not being able to dip bread in the olive oil. I was not feeling or looking like a salad so I ordered a side of sauteed chard, delicious. Finishing with a large portion of the curried quinoa tower, pictured above, made the meal delicious. Yes, I destroyed the tower immediately. Yes, I think a swish of pesto should be on every plate. Yes, I regretted not being able to eat the cookies that came with the bill. Beyond all of the regret, I had a fabulous meal.

So, how is the cleanse going? Great! This has been shockingly easy. There is a ton of food I can eat and I have been cooking out of my comfort zone. It may help that I am doing this cleanse with a large group of people at Cleveland Yoga, but it is more likely because I have done a few really rough cleanses in the last year (Master Cleanse & a week long Green Cleanse). Giving up my ability to control what I am eating and drinking has been quite freeing. As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate a few rules that enable my freedom. A great side result of this cleanse has been an increase in my ability to transition, I have been seeing options instead of obstacles. If you are thinking of trying a Cleanse this year, get together a group to do it with and try this one.

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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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Poser Vegan

by Jamie Ginsberg on 15. Jul, 2009 in Jamie Ginsberg

The rumors are true, even if you haven’t heard them. I am officially a full on Poser Vegan. Why a Poser? First because I am a non-believer. Second because I am so not hardcore. A little yogurt or milk product or even some Parmesan cheese slips in here and there. Full on Poser Vegan.

So what did I cut out? All of that delicious rich creamy stinky flakey cheese that melts in my mouth. I have kicked the Fage habit out on the street. I may indulge in the occasional ice-cream or gelato, but after all I am a Poser Vegan.

Why? Because I love to eat and want to drop 50 pounds without cutting my quantities. It may not be possible, but I am trying. The devil asked me if I would give up carbs and I said NOOOOOO! I offered up Dairy instead. Do I miss it? No, but I know all well that Cheese is very strong.

Where does a Poser Vegan go out to eat in the Eastern Suburbs of Cleveland? I can always feast at the Organic Energy Cafe, Fire has a vegan dish that let’s me feast while fine dining, and Taza is where I get my baba and hummus on. The rest of the time, home is better and easier. Cheese, I will see you in 2010.

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