I’ve been going easy on the grains lately. Mostly because I’m trying to follow the Body By Design program (which I’ll talk about tomorrow), but also because I’ve been putting on just a wee bit of weight. Not that I care what I weigh, really. I don’t. In fact, I honestly have no idea how much I weigh. I do, however, care how my clothes fit and recently they’re just a little too snug for comfort.
Back to the lower grain intake… I’m keeping an eye on how many carbs I consume, and cookies I eat, healthy or not, all those bites of cookies do add up. For the most part, I eat pretty much a Paleo-based diet- consuming LOW grains and legumes, low starchy vegetables, lots of fresh vegetables, and good sources of protein.
Lately, I’ve been making meals light, veggie-filled, and lower in carbohydrates. When taking away carbs, I add in higher amounts of protein, fat, and of course, flavor. Mind you, protein, fat, and carbohydrates are NOT the enemy. You need all of them to live and thrive.
Besides being a fan of Paleo, I love the raw/vegan lifestyle. Especially during the summer when garden foods are readily abundant. So many wonderful vegetables and fruits at my disposal. And so many wonderful recipes that are just screaming to be made!
Take my meal last night. Rich, creamy, loaded with protein, healthy fats, and bursting with flavor, flavor, flavor. Not to mention, it’s pasta without the carbs. Colorful, too!
Spicy Thai Sauce
[paleo. raw. vegan. gluten-free. dairy-free. a m a z i n g flavor.]
Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (fresh or from a can)
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup miso (or a little less than 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 garlic cloves (no need to crush or dice!)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- dash of salt
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy. Set aside, covered in the refrigerator, while you make your “pasta”.
For the pasta, thinly slice, shred, or peel (using a peeler is the best way to make these) any array of vegetables you’d like. I used one large red bell pepper, three zucchini, two carrots, and half of a large cucumber. Any vegetables would taste great with this, though. Roughly chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes do wonders with this dish, too.
Mix all peeled veggies, a little baked chicken and the lovely, creamy Spicy Thai Sauce in a large bowl and serve. This recipe makes at least 4 large bowls of Pad Thai, if not more. Plenty of leftover sauce for future dippage.
Wait, wait! That’s not all!
Did I mention I doubled the sauce recipe?
Oh yes. I did. And who would have though turning it into a hummus was a brilliant idea? Yeah… I did that too.
Spicy Coconut Thai Hummus
[wonderful]
- 1 can chickpeas (about 2 cups)
- 1 full recipe Spicy Thai Sauce (recipe above…)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp salt or more miso
- paprika for sprinkling on top
Blend all ingredients together. Taste, adjust, enjoy!
So, had enough Thai yet? Nooooo…. just try it, you’ll never forget the flavors of this sauce (or hummus)! I promise.
Any Thai foods you like? Any you’d like to see made healthy? Pass them along!
Wow Lori, you seem to have the best salad recipes!!! Hummus is a very good protein source…have you ever tried sprouting it?
Thanks
Larissa
Larissa´s last blog ..Hair Types
join the club, except my wee bit of weight is a lot bit of weight and I’m pretty sure its not carbs but the drinking…
woahhhhhh holy hummus. you had me at the pad thai sauce, then i saw the hummus and almost moaned.
christina´s last blog ..Baking Carrot Cake Cookies in Gym Attire
Man, we are on the same wavelength, because I made thai-inspired hummus today! I had to use cashew butter because I don’t have tahini open and I was being too lazy to open a jar and then stir…yadayada, but it turne out great and just a wee bit sweet.
I love any and all thai. Bring on the healthy!
Katie´s last blog ..For the birds
You seriously have the BEST recipes! I am definitely going to try this!
salah@myhealthiestlifestyle´s last blog ..Gnarliest Workout in Weeks
Well THANK YOU!
Very good recipes Lori !!! I love hummus especially with olive oil
Erin´s last blog ..One Plane Golf Swing – Tip for the One Plane Golf Swing
Coconut thai hummus? Genius! Yes, I did a thai-style slaw with kelp noodles–recipe on my blog about a week ago.
Really interesting hearing your thoughts about carbs: I’m in somewhat of a dilemma right now, as over the last few months I’ve been steadily increasing carbs (and reducing everything else) and generally feeling more energetic and better. Right now, I’m back to high fruit and low fat/protein. Not what my ND wants me to be doing, but my energy has generally been so much better. Last couple days less so, but I’ve been working out like crazy, etc. So I’m in a dilemma about the whole deal.
Ela´s last blog ..A Load of Rhubarb (Rhubarb Curry?!) and Cabin-et-ry
What a great recipe, and that thai hummus looks delish!
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie)´s last blog ..First July [WIAW]
I love just about anything Thai, but good ol’ pad thai can’t be beat!
Amber Shea @Almost Vegan´s last blog ..Summer berries & vanilla sweet cream
And honestly, raw and healthy is better than the real thing… sometimes.
yum! this recipe sounds great, we have been trying to watch our grain intake too, although hard to say no to baked cookies, haha
Pure2raw twins´s last blog ..Easy Fresh Peach Ice Cream
The hummus looks AMAZING. Thai food is my favorite-I’ll definitely be stealing this soon!
Haley Q´s last blog ..Treadmill Woes + Shoulder/Leg Workout
I really have not had enough experience with Thai food! This needs to change ASAP! And I know just the recipe to start with! Looks incredible girlie! And I LOVE that you made it into hummus too! Mmm!
Heather @ kissmybroccoli´s last blog ..The Best [Breakfast] Sandwich Ever!
That is sooo yummy! Can’t wait to eat and have my stomach fed on it! the photos are stunning and i would love my mom to create those for me as i am not good in cooking. aside from the fact that it looks so delicious, i think that it is very much healthy and nutritional that’s why a lot of people should learn how to make these kind of recipes.
ice´s last blog ..TEENAGE DATING SITES
Just bookmarked this – it looks like something I would love! Do you have a spiralizer? I’m thinking about getting one, but don’t know which one to get. For now, I make veggie peeler noodles like you did in this dish.
Michelle {the lively kitchen}´s last blog ..Repeater Recipes – Broccoli Citrus Salad
My diet gets closer and closer to paleo as the days go by! I love it! I dont know if Ill ever be full blown, but thats okay with me for now )
Bookmarked!
Lauren @ WWoB´s last blog ..My all time favorite go to snack..