Four Favorite Foods of 2009

As 2009

 progressed I have become more and more vegan (well except for the occasional slice of cheese and pat of butter) and have tried to find more ways to get protein into our meals. Macrobiotics has also been  an interest of mine, due in part to my strange acquisition of optic neuritis. It's amazing how much food affects you, so I've tried to use as many whole, organic ingredients that are packed with the nutrients that I most desperately need. I also stumbled upon a fantastic cookbook at the library which has been an inspiration in nearly all of my meals. 

Adzuki Beans - I LOVE these beans! They're packed full of fiber and protein and are delicious in everything. My favorite meal using adzukis is Cynthia Lair's Vegetarian Chili (I substituted adzukis for kidney beans) which is founded upon using quinoa, beans and corn. It is absolutely delicious and packed with protein. It will make it into my cookbook. 

Lentils - Another nutrient that I typically lack is iron and 1 cup of these babies will give you 40% of your daily iron, over 100% of your daily intake of molybdenum (which fights certain types of cancer, cavities, and metabolizes fat, iron and carbs) and has lots of dietary fiber. Lentils can help sooth digestive disorders and can help to prevent heard disease. My favorite way to eat lentils is in soup or in a quick majadra (lentils, brown rice and caramelized onions). 

Chard - I started buying Swiss chard last year at the Vineyard Farmer's market and I can't stop buying it now. First inspired to make sauteed chard by a video of a chef at Nutshell (RIP) in Portland and now I put it in anything and everything I can. I substitute it for spinach whenever possible; in soups and my personal favorite vegan enchiladas with sauteed potatoes, garlic and soy or almond cheese. Swiss chard is jam-packed with vitamins such as K, A, C, E, iron, magnesium, potassium calcium, B2, B6, protein and fiber.

Popcorn - ok ok, not exactly the most nutrient rich food but gosh darn it, it's delicious. It is high in fiber which aides in digestion, can prevent colon cancer and kidney stones. Jeff Halsey has perfected air-popped popcorn. He uses coconut oil to get it going then drizzles it with olive oil and sea salt. This could possibly be the best snack ever created.

Coffee - I used to be a soy cappuccino drinker, but this year I have discovered the beauty of a well brewed cup of coffee. They are very rare to come by, so I have discovered this year. It all started with a trip to Danville and a stop at Sideboard who brews Blue Bottle Coffee, one cup and I was in love. I am officially and addict (hello my name is Ali, and I can't stop drinking coffee). Studies have come and gone about the health benefits of coffee. A recent study has shown that drinking 4 cups of coffee a day can help reduce your risk of diabetes (but will give you a horrible stain on your teeth) and coffee contains anti-oxidants that help minimize the sign of aging. Overall I would say coffee is amazing, why have I not realized this sooner?