Meatless Monday

Humphrey Update

Some of you have been asking me for updates on Humphrey, my Tuxedo cat, and I’m happy to share the good news that he’s finally on the upswing.

After several various vet visits, the verdict?  Severe dehydration.

The vet told me it was a good thing that I brought in all of the samples like I did, because he was so dehydrated that he may have had a blockage which inevitably would have landed him in the emergency room.

So, in other words, we’re really pushing the fluids!!  He eats an all canned food diet (important for cats, especially males who are prone to blockages!) already but it wasn’t enough.  So now I”m in the habit of adding an extra couple of spoonfuls of warm water to his food.  It seems to be doing the trick!  His energy levels have already perked up, his appetite is in full swing, and he’s back to his normal (silly, mischievous, quirky) self!

I appreciate all of your well wishes!!!

TMJ Update

Today I ate my first salad in over a week and a half which is a huge improvement from last week.  I may be pushing this resting period along a little quickly, as my jaw felt tired after noshing through the lettuce greens, but it felt good to finally sink my teeth into something without any serious pain.

I do plan, however, on resuming soft foods for at least another couple of days.  Just until the pain has really subsided!  I’m reminding myself to treat this jaw injury as I would a running injury.  Don’t hurry.  Don’t rush it.  

Meatless Monday

Happy Meatless Monday!!

Time to share one of my personal favorite recipes.

I make this Warm Italian Lentil Salad at least once a month.  Any leftovers (if there are any) are neatly packaged away for lunches throughout the week.  It’s one of those types of meals that I could just eat endlessly and never ever grow tired of it.

I especially love how many veggies, fruits and nuts are tucked into this dish.

Load ’em up!  Pile ’em high!

The more, the merrier.

The lentils are so full of flavor (thanks to the lemon & oil vinaigrette ,) that nothing feels as if its gone missing.  You won’t be reaching for the parmesan.  You won’t be asking “where’s the chicken?”  You won’t be eating meatballs on the side.

Nope.

This meal is complete.  Completely easy.  Completely satisfying.  Completely salty, sweet, tangy.

Yum.

Giada’s Warm Italian Lentil Salad — slightly modified from the original Food Network recipe

(Serves about 6)

Salad:
1 pound brown lentils
4 scallions, chopped
2 cups halved seedless green and/or red grapes
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the lentils and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool for 5 minutes. Place lentils and remaining salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
2. Place the lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly, until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.

QUESTION: What meatless dish are you currently loving?