Food!
Yes, all drama aside – and by the way, thank you so much to every single on of you sweet gals who took the time to leave such inspiring words yesterday about my dilemma ;) You rock my sweet ones!
Now, back to the food. ;D Are you hungry already?
I follow many many restrictions (to the norm) with my diet. But I still think I eat great food and I am not sorry one bit about missing out on wheat, cheese, meat. Oh, are you suddenly feeling saddened by this – do you love those foods? Well, you could click on the x right now…. or you could scroll down to see what you could make for lunch or dinner today that is a little different. I assure you, it is very much a healthier alternative to go with, even daily, or at least to introduce once a while.
That said, healthier – doesn’t have to be complicated. I am thinking of easy gluten-free and vegan dishes that are simple and refreshing for the summer with lots of crisp fresh veggies! I’m thinking about Salads – as a meal!
You can create a quick meal if you add pasta to your regular salad. To go gluten free, I use brown rice pasta. Tastes the same but I love that it doesn’t feel so heavy on the stomach. No, whole wheat is not a substitute – try the rice pasta – you will love it! Use your favourite fresh veggies. I love spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers – anything goes. Don’t forget your protein – I incorporate some type of bean – my fave are the chickpeas – but I have gone with other beans too. Love them ;)
Another great way is to add whole grains to your salads. I like to use brown or wild rice or even buckwheat. These grains fill you up but also add great nutrition to the already rich-in-vitamin meal. Don’t forget the beans!
Customize as you wish! But don’t forget to keep the dressing nice and light. I usually make my own with a few spoonfuls of extra virgin olive oil with a squeeze of lemon, some dried or fresh herbs I have around at the time and some sea salt and pepper to taste. Wisk that in and there you have it. Don’t forget to store your olive oil in the fridge at this time of the year, as the hot temps might make it go rancid too quickly.
Simple, healthy, quick and inexpensive meals with tons of fresh crisp veggies
– what’s not to love this time of the year!
Enjoy!
Blogger, Recipe Developer, Photographer and Author. Loves healthy food, photography, sunshine and dancing in the kitchen with her two daughters. 
these pictures look delicious!!! i am not a vegetarian or a vegan, but i LOVE veggies and beans. i want to incorporate more of these in my weekly meals so i FEEL healthy (and will actually be more healthy because of it!) great suggestions :)
Thanks Angie ;)
You know it doesn’t hurt to try new things to mix it up a bit ;)
Have fun in your kitchen – gluten free and vegan ;D
The two first look … mmmmmmmmmmmm
Beautiful images…and quite tasty looking. I have never been one for beans in my salads, but I would give one of these a try. :)
Thanks Debbie.
Beans have a bad reputation ;( but they are really awesome to include, especially in salads. Great meat alternative in meals ;)
xo
um, yum! your photos are making my mouth water. That is so simple–adding pasta or a grain to any salad and bang–you have a filling meal. I bet bulgar would be great too (is that a wheat product? I don’t even know…)