Running for a cure....

So you're probably thinking I'm talking about raising money to cure cancer or something, which is amazing, but I'm about to go on a run to cure my cramps and bloating from that "time of the month".

Ladies, I'm sure you can empathize. I always have terrible pain the first few days, and today is not different. Woke up to that special gift, and then came the cramps and bloating.

I'm going to do a 30 minute run/walk, alternating every ten minutes, then hopefully some yoga to calm me before I study.

The pain is so unbearable, and I hate NSAIDS, so I'm not taking any. Rather, relying on my bodies own endorphins to soothe me.

I am also going to do a fruit and veggie, with lots of lemon/lime infused water, cleanse. COMFORT FOODS DON'T ACTUALLY HELP YOUR SYMPTOMS, THEY MAKE THEM WORSE. Extra fats, sugars, and carbs really run havoc on a girls body during this time, so grab the colorful fruits amd veggies for those extra antioxidants your body needs.

Good luck, fellow sufferers, and I will catch ya later.

...Amelia...

RECIPE: Spicy Thai Tofu Stir Fry

Tonight I wanted to try a new vegan protein, so I decided to turn to tofu.
Honestly, I don't like using soy products, because of the various problems it can cause different people (I sometimes have stomach issues if I eat too much of it.), but I think that everyone can gain benefits from using a variety of foods, so try it! I shall repeat, I eat soy only in MODERATION (once/month at the most).

I was feeling like a nice Thai influenced recipe, so look for the ingredients that originate from Thailand throughout this recipe :-)

The ingredients are as follows:
(serves ~2)

4 Tbsp EVOO (I did 3-4 circles in the pan...)
4 Tbsp Low Soduim Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp Coconut milk
Ginger seasoning
Curry seasoning
1 Tbsp red onion
1 jalepeno
1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 package Extra Firm Tofu
2 large zucinni or yellow squash
1/2lb asparagus
1 cup mini portabella mushrooms
1/2 cup cauliflower

1 cup cooked brown rice

1.) In large wok or pan, add EVOO, Soy Sauce and minced garlic, diced Jalepeno (I used the seeds to make it spicy, but you can omit if you don't like spice) and minced red onion. Let all ingredients simmer on high heat, until you smell the aromas of the veggies.

2.) Remove tofu from package, drain water and cut into 1 inch pieces. Add to pan. Allow the tofu to cook on medium heat for ~8-10 minutes to absorb the flavors so that you are not left eating a bland tofu. It soaks up whatever flavors it is cooking with very readily.

3.) While the tofu is cooking, chop all remaining vegetables into bite sized pieces. Add to pan after 8-10 minutes of the tofu cooking. Add the coconut milk and stir to combine all ingredients. Cover for 15 minutes or until all veggies are tender.

4.) Serve over 1/2 cup brown rice for a complete protein filled meal. This is not only low calorie, but also a complete protein with the vegetables, tofu and and brown rice.

Enjoy!!!

If you have nutritional questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I guestimated this recipe to have 320-380 calories per serving.