Lalabug,
I've been doing the Virgin Diet for about a week now. At first I thought it would be hard to give up Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Eggs, Corn, Peanuts and Sugar but it really hasn't been. I purchased a Ninja Professional for like $139 at Target and got a $20 gift card. I make green shakes using the Tropical Smoothie recipe with Rice protein and ground flax seeds. There is a brand, Lundburg, that makes great rice substitutes for wheat products. I've tried the rice chips and rice cakes both are good. Last night I had their rice with black beans and added sausage and it was really good. The main thing is to use whole foods and herbs. Last night the kids had tacos and I made my own taco seasoning because the packets have soy in them. It was very easy and the kids liked it and I could eat it. I also snack on almonds. For my coffee I use a tablespoon on sugar (because the Virgin Diet allows 5grams per 100 calories) and coconut milk creamer. Then I make a shake for breakfast and lunch. Kale, Spinach, mango, banana, and pineapple or Kale, Spinach, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. With rice protein powder and flax seed. Then I make a healthy dinner. Now I'm looking into GMO free meat. There is a program in our area where you can order food and pick it up once a week at a local church. There are farms that have only grass fed cattle, pigs and chickens. Starting next week I will be ordering all my meats from them and any other organic produce I need. This way of eating will increase my food budget a bit but I have noticed a difference in my pain since being on the plan. I haven't taken a pain pill in the last couple of days and my neck and shoulders don't hurt. Yesterday I was looking up ways to make a butter alternative. There is one that used organic coconut oil and olive oil so I'm going to give that recipe a try this weekend.
The only thing I'm feeling like I'm missing are eggs. I used to have breakfast at work every morning. Eggs, fried potatoes with peppers and sausage. And I used to eat lunch at work everyday. I'm sure their budget is taking a bit hit from me not eating there anymore. :-)
The best part is the scales are going down.
Give it a try and then we can swap recipes.
Gentle Hugs,
Stacey (who's going to get her brownish lunch smoothy now)
Gentle Hugs