Yea, I know the title of this post is stretching two complementary but very different ideas and melding them into a coherent mess.  I’ve read about the whole idea of “clean eating” and that phrase is defined in so many ways.  Here is how I’m defining this idea: eating a plant-based diet with no oil, dairy, or meat products.  The “clean” part of clean eating is the fact that I’m consuming foods which help alter, reshape my body chemistry; in a sense cleansing my internal mechanisms.

I’ve read that the eating plan I am on, a plant-based diet, improves the function of endothelium, the cells lining arteries and veins.  The increase in NO production improves the flexibility and smooth, slick characteristics of the cell lining.  So, in a very real sense, the plant-based foods are transforming my circulatory system.

I created a series of foods this week that fits this approach and that tasted great (my test is my 11 year old child…will she eat it?).

Here are the examples for this week.

Hummus and Lentil Wraps. The images below show my homemade hummus using green peppers, curry powder, garlic, and garbanzo and cannelloni beans.  I added spinach and romaine lettuce, lentils, and Sriracha sauce for some spice.

Veggies and Whole Grain Pasta

Sauteed veggies (squash, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and garlic cloves).  Whole grain pasta and a no-oil tomato sauce with basil.

Veggie, No Cheese Pizza

Using my standard sauté technique with balsamic vinegar reduction, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne spice to taste.

The prepared pizza crust is from Rustic Crust.

Hope you enjoy the ideas.  It’s been fun trying out new recipes.