Chopping in the Kitchen

JoAnne Tucker / / Costa Rica, Personal Life

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you might have noticed that I haven’t been writing as much as usual. The last two blogs were a review of a book, and they took a lot longer to write than other blogs.  The second reason is that I have been doing a lot of dancing in the kitchen!  Chopping, sauteing, spinning around and chopping some more.  The chopping seems to go on and on forever.  The reason behind this is I am now eating a totally plant-based diet.

Here are some bowls of chopped veggies and beans ready for an eggplant recipe.

In March I noticed some swelling in my ankles, and I decided to do some research on the best way to eat in order to keep my health good and strong.  Everything I read led me to a vegan way of eating.  I did that for about a month with some help from an English-speaking general nutritionist here in Costa Rica, who had only some idea of what a good vegan diet is. I decided to get my blood tested.  I wasn’t pleased with the results and soon began to realize I was eating too many processed vegan products. So I searched for a doctor either here in Costa Rica or online who could help me with the proper way to go on a vegan diet.

Much to my delight I found an excellent doctor, Dr. Miranda Graham, who calls herself a VeganMD and lives less than an hour from my house.  I have learned so much from her.  My first visit was in person.  She suggested using Cronometer, which is a website for a computer (or there is an app for the phone).  I am under her account, where I log in, and she monitors what I am eating and makes suggestions. There is a free version one can use on their own.  It has been very helpful.  For example, I love it when she says my Vitamin A is too low, so make sure I add some carrots to my daily diet.  I am now at the point where I can look at my food page and see the kind of foods I need to add in my diet for dinner to make sure I am getting all the nutrients that I need for the day.

The result is that my blood work has improved, I have more energy and I weigh less.  I don’t think of this as a diet.  Rather I think of this as my new lifestyle.  I am enjoying finding new recipes and trying different foods.  There are so many wonderful resources on the Internet.  My favorites are https://foodrevolution.org,  https://www.drfuhrman.com, and https://www.forksoverknives.com.

Living in Costa Rica makes plant based eating easy, as there are always lots of fresh fruits and vegetables available.  Each Thursday I enjoy going to the Feria (Farmer’s Market), and as a regular, I always get a friendly greeting from the various vendors.

Shopping at the Feria del Agricultor de Atenas. Photo by Manrique
Here I am, with energy and a slimmer look, leading some guests on a walk on the labyrinth. Photo by Ed Needham

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12 Replies to “Chopping in the Kitchen”

  1. Ooooh, chica, you look great! So glad to here that you are feeling more alive and healthier. Look forward to seeing you soon.

    1. Thanks Katy! Loving seeing your pictures!! Look forward to getting together when you are back!

  2. Wow! You look great. You are such a “can do” person. Keep up the healthy work. We miss you and the group. Big hug to all. Love Trey

    1. Thanks Trey and we miss you being a part of the group! I do hope you are writing!
      And will come visit sometime soon!

  4. You look great. Keep up the good work. Check out the website “Full Plate Living”. It may give you some additional ideas. Recently I took an 8 week course on the Full Plate Living food plan offered at a local Seventh Day Adventist Church whose members strongly believe in a plant based diet. I still enjoy getting my protein and Omega 3’s from salmon and sardines so I’m not fully committed, but I’ve joined you on the path to healthy eating.

    1. Thanks Lynne. I will take a look at Full Plate Living! Glad to hear you are focusing on healthy eating too. So much more energy!

  5. So glad going vegan has improved how you feel and great to get some websites for more recipe ideas!

    1. Thanks. I probably should have mentioned that you have to subscribe to the websites… and only a limited amount is free. Forks Over Knives is an app for the phone and it is not
      expensive and I would recommend first. Food Revolution has lots of interesting articles some free and then the paid part has lots of support programs for plant based people. Fruhman is good for weight loss options.

  6. Wow! Sounds good! Yes, lots of great fresh fruit and veggies in CR for you to enjoy! My niece is a vegan, (and had been for some years) and just earned her Ph.D. in Nutrition at Berkeley. Good for you!

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