Thanks to some free time and a Netflix subscription, I have still been watching lots of documentaries that have me thinking about the chemicals in my drinks, food, cosmetics, household cleaners, etc.  It really is scary what we put into and on our bodies on a daily basis without thinking about it.  On any given day I would shower using shampoo, conditioner, soap, and face wash.  After, I would put on lotion and face lotion.  I wouldn't think twice about drinking a diet coke, eating a frozen meal,  etc,  etc.

And now, while I haven't rushed to throw out all of my shampoo, I am just much more aware of the products I am using and eating.  It feels nice to cut one or two items out of my daily regimen.  I stopped using my face wash and face lotion.  My skin has always been extremely sensitive so I was nervous about the change, but I have been using only organic virgin coconut oil ($5-$6 at Trader Joe's) for about a month now and it has only improved my skin.  I know, sounds crazy, but it works. Google "OCM" or "oil cleansing method" and you'll find all kinds of information.  Plus it's all natural and smells great.  When I do run out of shampoo and conditioner, I'd like to try making my own.  Of course, there are also brands out there like Burt's Bees and Tom's that I can try.  It's also been a month now since I've had any type of soda (hooray!).  I am not at all above it, and I'm not saying I won't drink it ever again, but I actually don't miss it.  I've been perfectly happy with water, tea, and coffee.

Another way to cut out some chemicals is to make homemade household cleaners.  Baking soda and vinegar are awesome for a number of reasons. This article says that a vinegar water mix is actually much more effective at washing your produce than a store bought vegetable wash or a scrub brush.  Also, super cheap.  3 parts water and 1 part vinegar - I did it in my sink and put all my produce in at the same time.  You could also make the mixture in a squirt bottle and use whenever you needed it.

I think that may be enough of a rant for today.  If you have any other suggestions for me I'd love to hear them!

I've been looking for some fall recipes and found one that I thought sounded perfect for this dreary, rainy day. It WAS perfect.  Curried Coconut Lentil Soup.  I must admit I have never [knowingly] eaten lentils, cooked with coconut milk, or curry powder.  I know, kind of weird, but I'm still pretty new to cooking.  These flavors, along with all of the others in this soup, were amazing together.  I only made one addition to this recipe and followed the original cooking directions. I  would highly recommend making this!

                                  

What you will need:

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup coconut milk (I used Trader Joe's unsweetened from the shelf)

3 cups water

1 cup red lentils, rinsed (I used Trader Joe's split red lentils)

1/4 yellow onion, chopped

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

1 cup fresh or frozen peas (I used frozen)

First, saute the garlic and olive oil over low heat in a medium to large pot for 2-3 minutes.  Then, add tomato paste, curry powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt, and saute for another few minutes.  Stir constantly.

Next, add water, coconut milk, garbanzo beans, onion, lentils, and peas.  Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 15-20 minutes uncovered.  Stir occasionally.  Remove from heat and enjoy!

This made 4.5 cups worth of soup for me.  With it being 4 servings (a little over a cup in each), each serving has about 310 calories, 17 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 12 grams of fiber. 7 WW points plus - not too bad!

Thank you, Molly Alice Nests, for this recipe!  Be sure to check out her blog for the original recipe and much prettier pictures.