Whole Food Challenge 2011 Wrap Up

Above: Rosemary Butternut Squash Risotto made with quinoa

Two weeks ago, seven Vancouverites participated in a Whole Food Challenge, with shopping lists, recipes, and meal plans provided by Julie Beyer, at For the Love of Food. At the end of the week, Julie asked for some feedback and we gave it to her…We loved it!

What is one thing that you learned from the Challenge that would be most useful for others considering this lifestyle?
“It’s EASY! It doesn’t take much to get your mind off all the other foods that you have been eating. Just make something good, and once you’re hungry, eat it! Huh. Who knew?” ~ Ted Ratcliff

“I learned that eating whole, plant-based foods makes you feel amazing!” ~ Jessica G

“I learned how great I can feel without toxins in my body like sugar, caffeine and processed food. It is a noticeable difference. Also how easy it is to dedicate an afternoon to preparing spreads and sauces for the week, even though at first having a bunch of new recipes to make may seem daunting.” ~ Bridget Burns

“One thing I learned from the challenge that would be most useful for others considering this lifestyle, is that if you plan ahead and invest a little time on a quiet Sunday evening, you can eat nutritious, yummy food and save money because you won’t be buying food on the go”.~ Jenny Duffy

I think it’s important to remember that it’s hardest in the beginning, and to not give up based on the first week. Once the habits are situated, it becomes so much easier, and when your body starts to feel better, you see that it was worth all the work and discipline. The first few days were hard to eat just whole foods, but after that, it got easier every day.I would also tell people to never underestimate having things ready in the fridge to eat. Even just veggies and a nice dip can go a long way when you’re tempted to munch out! ~ Jen Hanover

One of the main things I learned from the challenge was the importance of planning a grocery list with a possible food theme for the week. As well, purchasing all food items at the beginning of the week was very helpful, as I had all the food in my fridge I had to eat..!Basically, giving myself a ‘food direction’ for the week to follow..and actually be excited about it..planning can be empowering ~ Suzanah Lazzaro

Did the challenge help you overcome any obstacles you typically face in integrating whole plant-based everyday?

The food challenge helped me overcome my dis-organization/lack of planning…it forced my to plan and this planning made made my food week go very smoothly! ~ Suzanah Lazzaro

Usually I have a problem eating enough salad, because I get into a dressing rut. I get tired of the oil and vinegar, so I don’t eat as much salad as I’d like. The challenge had a nice recipe for dressing however, so it was really easy for me to eat lots of salad.~ Jenny Duffy

Again, your recommendations to make dips and sauces at the beginning was helpful. One of my obstacles is that I get bored, but the recipes you provided really helped me to mix it up. Accountability is another challenge, and that was met by having your support, as well as the other participants. It felt like I was a part of something bigger, and that helped me stay on track. ~ Jen Hanover

Yes, it changed my perspective on store-bought foods, whether they are from the grocery store, or from 7-11… I am more aware of what I put into my body and why. I started with easy snacks that could be eaten on the fly once I got hungry. I was never hungry on this ‘diet’ and felt great the ‘whole’ time.~ Ted Ratcliff

Making the spreads ahead of time made eating whole foods easier throughout the week. ~ Jessica G

Did you discover new flavour pairings that you love?

The flavor pairings I loved most were the in the Tuscan White Bean dip. I probably would have used basil or oregano, so the rosemary was a nice change! ~ Jenny Duffy

My favorite taste combinations were olive oil and rosemary and basil with sunflower seeds, ( the pesto**). Actually, I really loved the flavors in all of the bases. ~ Suzanah Lazzaro

“I love the combination of flavours in the raw pizza!” ~ Jessica G

My favourite flavour pairing was the Butternut Squash Risotto paired with Rosemary. This dish was excellent! “I had a wonderful time with For the Love of Food’s Whole Food Challenge 2011. The recipes were all so delicious and worth the preparation. Being already vegan, the lack of dairy wasn’t a problem for me, but I did feel a noticeable difference in my body, being absent of toxins such as sugar, caffeine and processed food. ~ Bridget Burns

Thank you to all the participants for testing my new E-Book, ‘Healthy Italian with Your Everyday Pantry Ingredients’. This is a one week menu plan designed to help you integrate whole plant-based into your everyday in a way that is delicious, convenient and affordable. Coming Soon!

For inquiries feel free to e-mail me at julie@loveoffood.ca