A Food Lover's Dream Valentine

This has got to be one of the most thoughtful Valentines I have ever received from my family.  I had been out with some girlfriends earlier in the day, while my Handsome Husband Tod took the kids out ice fishing.  I arrived home before they did and went straight to my studying for a big Nutrition class exam I had to take the next day.  About an hour later I went out to the kitchen to get something to drink and noticed this heart shaped box on the table.  Tod and the kids had gone to Oryana (our Local Food Co-op) and filled this box with all kinds of yummy, organic treats.  Dried fruits, nuts, granola and carob chips (my favorite)!  

I guess the reason that this meant so much to me is that it was so wonderful to see my family embrace all the details about food I am so concerned about.  They took a holiday tradition and made it even more special by not only making it healthier, but personal and unique- ultimately highlighting what they know is most important to me!  I feel so special and loved.  This is truly the best Valentine ever!!

Deciding What Works Best for You, but Respecting The Choices of Others

Tod and I making Christmas Breakfast for Family

(I made vegan (egg and milkless) pancakes that everyone liked)

The following is a posting I did for a discussion in my Nutrition class. The question was related to what is a better choice: A Plant Based diet or an Animal- based diet, and would I ever choose a vegetarian diet. I held back a lot of my views about the treatment of animals, but tried to answer the question in a way that addressed a lot of the classmates who had posted before me. I was very frustrated in reading a lot of their responses, because they were very negative about vegetarians and so much of what they wrote to me seemed ignorant. Instead of getting upset though it taught me that we all need to be careful when we are making statements about topics we do not know a lot about. It can be so easy to form an opinion without having all the facts, but I think that it only limits us in our ability to explore and learn new things if we just always believe everything we are told. We should question where our information is coming from- could there be a better way to do what we have always just done? For some that might be a scary question to answer- it may just take us out of our comfort zone- but if it means a better way to live then why wouldn't we want to explore new options? So with all that being said, please know that I am in no way perfect when it comes to making the best choices for a balanced healthy diet- I have my days and binges just like everyone else- but I think it stands to be noted that I have not given up even when it does get a little bit tough. Do the best you can, that is all we ever need to really try to do.  

Stellar Nutrition starts with beautiful curiosity, a wanting that comes from within to do something good for yourself. Live, Learn, Discover and Enjoy your Life Deliciously!

I have a really hard time with putting myself or other people into a dietary label or category based on what we eat. There are so many ways to achieve a well-balanced diet and it is always going to be a personal opinion on what is the best way to survive nutritionally. As some of you have mentioned, the term flexitarian is probably an adjective that would most easily describe what most people strive for in regards to their diets. That being said, and to answer the discussion question: In my opinion a Plant- Centered diet is more healthful and compassionate than an animal-centered diet. The essential nutrients that we must consume in order to be healthy- this includes all amino acids can be obtained from a diet rich in plants, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.... The only reason I can imagine that anyone would believe that eating this way (vegetarian) would be harder is because we have been led to believe the only way we can get certain nutrients is by concentrating on certain products or choosing foods that have been enriched with vitamins and minerals, known as processed foods. Fresh meat is just as processed as a box of Mac and cheese, when you consider all that went into raising that animal- including antibiotics, and a regimented diet for that animal- enriched with nutrients in order to be passed on to the humans that eat it.

I can understand how it would seem impossible to eliminate certain staples like animal products and byproducts from your diet just to convert to a vegetarian lifestyle. When someone does not have the knowledge behind making a significant change- especially in their dietary intake- I think there is a lot more reason for concern and their health. Any time you make a change- your body, your cells are affected in a way that they must adjust to receiving new energy sources- it is much like riding a bike for the first time- where you are training your body to do something new and different. It is tough at first but after much practice it becomes second nature, easy, and in regard to choosing to eat a plant-based diet you are able to sustain yourself just the same without feeling like you are lacking or deficient. It is so important to have researched your new choice and know what will help you be successful though.

When it comes to nutritional information, please be weary of the source. It makes sense that the dairy and meat industry, even the United Soybean Board would be touting their products are the best way to get protein- its their business to sell their product. Who's best interests do you think they have in mind- as long as their product sells? Yes, everything in moderation is still the key here no matter what dietary label you assume to live under.

A whole foods, mostly raw vegetarian diet is the one that I choose, and I could go on for hours why I have made this choice, but mostly it comes down to the fact that I feel the healthiest and happiest in this type of lifestyle. I have also spent a lot of time researching, wading through all types of information, recipes and podcasts. I know that this isn't always ideal for everyone, and I believe that I am successful in this diet mostly because it is important to me to know the sources of my foods and to have a well balanced diet. I have a family to support nutritionally, and so I want to make sure I am giving them the best start possible. We are all thriving, and my kids love the fact that our fast food comes from the supermarket, or right off the tree- just as easily as going through a drive thru at Burger KIng. It just takes a little creativity and planning ahead sometimes, but our bodies are accustomed to this way of eating and we enjoy it!

Random thoughts Running through my mind- I'm not really trying to make a point about anything today...

I am so good at talking.  Just to clarify that statement, I don’t mean that in the way that I am an accomplished speaker who can use really big scholarly words.  I don’t want to sound as if I am trying to be boastful about myself in any way either.   What I mean by the above statement is that I know how to talk and I could go on and on until I lose my voice (it has been known to happen a time or two).  I might not be the most appropriate talker- I interrupt, I am loud, I always have a similar story to share that may seem like I am trying to one up you, I keep people on the phone a lot longer than necessary and I have a hard time being near anyone (people I know and people I don’t) without having something to say out loud.  Its not that I am one of these people who is full of themselves or loves to be the center of attention, Ok maybe I do like being the center of attention a little or maybe a lot, No, but seriously I just find that being quiet is something I do not do well.  So the reason that I think I am so good at talking is because it’s all I ever do, all the time, every chance I get!  Talking is something that I practice every possible second of my existence.  I enjoy it so much that I am constantly preparing dialogues in my head of all the things I can say, how I will say it and whom I will say it to.  The privilege of owning a cell phone has been a great demonstrator to my talking abilities since it keeps track of my minutes.  On several monthly statements I have found myself defending my talking since I have gone over so far on our minutes that they don’t even have a  category to cover the amount that I am over and the costs for all this talking are not cheap!  I might as well just have a permanent receiver attached to my ear since it would free up an extra hand so I can at least multi-task while I am talking.  No, we better not do that- actually the thought of that just seems all wrong- especially since I would rather be talking to people in person than on a phone any day!  It also creeps me out when I see the people with the Blue Tooth ear attachments just walking around-  Are they on the phone or not- its just plain weird.

A Letter to A Friend that is A Good Update to Share with All

Rachael- a dear friend of mine- Oh how I miss her!  I promised her a letter and once I finished it figured it was a pretty good representation (short version) of all we have been up to.  So here you go- a small slice of the Sheffer Family recently:

*Ranae, Rach, and I at the ballgame last summer.

Dearest Friend,

Even with the below zero degree days I would still pull myself out of bed in the wee small hours of the morning if it meant I could go for a walk with you my friend.  I so dearly miss those mornings when no topic was off limits and we had the opportunity to just say what was on our minds.  I guess it was a way to start our minds with a fresh and clean slate.  The worries of days past left behind once they were able to leap from our tongue verbally and be heard by a trusted friend.

Life continues to go along at the normal Stephanie Sheffer pace- about 100 miles per hour- my hair whipping in the wind and yet I still have time to appreciate my surroundings and find joy and happiness in the littlest of life’s curiosities.  The kids are growing so fast, Lauren just turned 7 on Monday- Groundhog’s day!  She can read so well, almost as if she has been doing it for years.  Riley has sharpened his artistic abilities, with pictures that depict stories and imaginative scenarios of adventures he embarks on as a super hero.  They have not played in the snow very much since it has been sooo cold.  I am hoping that as the weather warms we will get outside to create a snow creature of some sort.  I have a picture of the kids with a snow man almost every winter of their lives so we will most definitely make this a priority on a sunny day.

Tod and I have been able to get back to “us” too.  I suppose with my school load not bearing so hard on me this semester I have had more time to give and he has made an effort also to help accomplish some home tasks that have been on the back burner for a while.  We just cleaned up the basement- I have taken 4 car loads of recycling and GoodWill items over the past month already and there is still more to go.  Tod made me my very own crafting/office room.  I am so excited to have a place to go to work on my projects and study for school.  I can’t wait to show it to you sometime soon- maybe we can do a little scrapbooking or sewing together sometime when you are in TC for an extended period of time. 

I have been cooking and practicing my culinary skills a lot too.  I prepare every meal and snack for my family and have really sharpened my skills.  We are eating such a variety of fresh, living food.  Not to mention I just love my juicer, and keep trying new concoctions all the time.   My newest discovery is how to make Biscotti- vegan.  I have created my own recipes and so far I have to say they are extremely yummy.  Tod says I need to be better about writing down my measurements so that I can recreate these recipes- especially since they are my very own.  I made an orange cranberry biscotti this morning that was delicious!  The more and more I learn about food and the choices that we have I feel confident that we are on the right track.  The color, the rich green abundance of life that comes from the food we have been eating is almost surreal.  It has made us all feel  more energetic, and happier too.  Family dinner time is what we all  look forward to at least 4-5 nights a week.  Listening to everyone say a prayer at the dinner table is always an answered prayer for me.

The biggest answered prayer of all though is that my Riley asked if he could have Jesus in his heart a few weeks ago.  So we prayed together and Riley has now made a new commitment and is saved!!!  He still has a thousand questions and I just pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me to say the right things, but his love for God and Jesus is so pure and real.  It has definitely helped me recommit in areas of my own life, with the example my boy has set.

Well, I look forward to seeing you in just a few weeks now.  Tod and I can’t wait to see your place and we so much appreciate your help with our travels.  Until then I hope you are finding peace, happiness and joy in each new day and that you and Reilly continue to experience love-filled bliss!  I love you my friend and I will be counting the days until we get to see each other soon!

Love and Hugs- Stephie xoxoxo

Life's Path

Just about everyday I look at the link on my bookmarks bar that says "Steph's Blog" and I wonder if I will ever get back into writing on that thing.  I have been spending a little more time writing the old fashioned way with Pen and paper, so I guess I have come to the conclusion it is either one way or the other for me.   Since there are only so many minutes in a day, and I tend to consume them all with this, that or the other with the greatest of ease, I guess when it happens that I can write here I just will.

Lately I have been refining my focus in life.  I continue to believe that ignorance is NOT bliss and that Knowledge IS Power.  I have a deeper sense of responsibility for my own actions than ever before.  In understanding how my life is apart of something so much bigger than myself, my curiosities for discovering where I fit in have enlightened me to a new sense of purpose and belonging I have never experienced before.  It is a wonderful sensation when you realize you are exactly where you are supposed to be, and that you aren't supposed to just stay in that place.  That instead it should be automatic to continue moving, learning, loving and expanding the possibilities for an effective life.   I have realized that being content with what you have opens up your sight to an even greater appreciation for what you earn when you work hard.  Being content with myself has allowed me more time and energy to devote to helping others.  This is ultimately all I have ever wanted to do in my life.  God has blessed me immeasurably and now all I want to do is show him my recognition of these blessings, and my gratitude for all the happiness I have experienced in my life by giving back to other people.

There you have it- this is where my thoughts have traveled this morning- I admit it is a little deeper than I expected, but I have found that when I put these words into a concrete form and pull them from my mind- they become a sign post for where I am today- and a way to look back at where I have come from on the days when I am need of encouragement.  It is my prayer that you are all doing well and experiencing the joy we are intended to always have within us.  I read a church sign this early morning on my way to work that I know was not a coincidence.  At the very moment that I read it I was very concerned for My little Lauren who has not been feeling well all week long.  It said "There are no worries, when we have faith".  Deciding to have Faith that God will watch over Lauren and also help Tod and I make the right decision to help her along the way to getting healthy again was much more reassuring than just wasting all my energy being insecure and scared.  She is doing slightly better this morning, but I am taking her into the doctor today to have a professional opinion just to be sure we have not overlooked something.

Until next time- Eat well and prosper with love, happiness and a joy-filled life! xoxo-Stephie

Sheffer's Pie

-My Chief Recipe Namer-

Riley Sheffer

We all have memories of the type of food our parents used to prepare for us.  Classic dishes, family favorites, even good ol' mac and cheese or cereal dinners when there was not a lot of time to make dinner.  These prepared foods were at the center of what brought our family together at the end of a busy day.  A time to reflect on the day's events and share in thanksgiving to God for all the blessings we had received.  I am thankful for the fact that I was raised to appreciate this opportunity of being together, and that it is a tradition that has now carried into my own family.  As a food lover, dinnertime is an event that I usually spend all day thinking about.  In my mind I pull out virtual recipe cards and think about what I could create that would be satisfying to my family.  I have to admit my main goal is a "clear plate" and begging for "second servings".   Oh and I should mention that there is a group of preparations that I hail to at least once a week that includes all the classics from my mother.

So on Wednesday night I found myself between picking up the kids and having about 45 minutes to prepare dinner before I had to head off to study land.  That didn't leave me much time for being elaborate or trying out anything new-   I had to go with something that was time tested and fail-proof.  So very quickly I put on a pot of hot water and started thawing out some venison burger in the microwave.   Next I scrubbed up about 8 medium sized potatoes and cut them into pieces so they would cook faster in the boiling water.  Thankfully I didn't start crying when I chopped up my onion, I have had some real tear jerkers lately.   Within 10 minutes I had everything going towards my dinnertime goal and sure enough my "Shepard's Pie" was hot and ready when my hard working husband walked in the door. 

 The fun part of this story happened when I overheard the kids talking about dinner in the living room.  They always make me feel good when they travel into the kitchen, noses high in the air with an exclamation of "What smells so good?"  They were both talking about dinner and Riley said to Lauren, "We are having Sheffer's Pie for dinner"  which was followed with "No Riley, its called Shepard's Pie" from Lauren.  All the way through dinner, and second helpings,  Riley continued to call it "Sheffer's Pie" which sounded kind of catchy to me, and so from here on out "Sheffer's Pie"will be the new name of my Mom's old classic dish.

I would love to share the recipe with you all, but I have to admit I don't have a precisely measured one to follow.  I will do my best to come close, and maybe I should tell you that the beauty of this recipe is that it really doesn't need precise measurements only an adventurous cooking spirit to make it your own!  (Please write me and ask for this recipe if you are interested)

 Its pretty quick and easy, especially if you know how to multi task.  This meal is very easy to make healthily, and also as a vegetarian meal with tofu or beans instead of burger.  Its all in the ingredients that you choose!  The possibilities are endless, which is the beauty of it, and we don't mind if you decide to name it your own name.  My Mom thought the name Riley came up with was great!