The Tanned Chicken:Not quite as disturbing as the Meat Baby

Rustic Tomato Lentil Soup

Cooked lentils are high in calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.

Ingredients

as much garlic as you can stand, minced

1 medium onion, diced

3 medium carrots, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 stalks celery, chopped

6 cups vegetable stock (low salt works best)

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, including juice or 5-8 diced fresh tomatoes + 1/4 cup water

2 cups cooked or canned lentils

pepper (to taste)

cayenne pepper (to taste)

1 cup dry pasta (any short kind)

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, sauté garlic, onions, and carrots in oil on medium-high heat until the onions are translucent. Add the celery, stock, tomatoes, lentils, pepper, and cayenne and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until carrots are tender. Add pasta and simmer to 10 more minutes before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Ward, I'm worried about Matt

Now That I have your attention:

The guidelines:

1. Our fitness goal/ component. Kim has suggested we all exercise in our own way with a weekly goal of 3.5 hours per week. Ley’s report the same time we weigh in.
2. Our weigh in: Tuesday morning weekly weigh in challenge. This gets us past the weekend when we may stray, yet gives us time to report later in the week if we forget, travel, etc. Those who don’t wish to report their actual weight are free to report their progress (eg. “I lost .5 lbs”)
3. Our a wall of shame: Post on the blog or email any food that you eat for the week that isn't right. It might be a pain, but it will make you think before you eat it. Or if we email more, we gotta give a weekly summary of how we did. It will be a commitment...but that is what we need to make this work! Bonus points if you send a picture.
4. Our food guidelines (in no particular order) You are free to do more but at a minimum:

1. Embrace nuts, olives and olive oil.
2. For protein beans, nuts, quinoa daily
3. Avoid the white menace –white flour, white sugar . Tough because everything has it but willing to try. SEVERLY LIMIT USE OF THIS TOXIC SLUDGE You really can't live in our society and never eat it. You can be reasonable and feel so much better. Let whole grains replace refined carbs
4. 2 cups caffeine max per day. Applies to TEA OR COFFEE.
5. 1-2 servings red meat per week max (lean beef, pork, other red meats like beaver)
6. 3-4 servings of fish or poultry per week max
7. THE OBVIOUS… …NO EMPTY FOODS OR EMPTY USELESS CALORIES THIS INCLUDES DENSE FATTY, FRIED FOODS OR SUGAR LADEN FOODS
8. Eggs –EGGS IN MODERATION IS OK
9. Dairy is LARGELY discouraged –but don’t’ worry about a little (say parm. cheese, blue cheese on a salad, a little milk in the coffee) LOVE SOY! Again, a little dairy ain't gonna kill you, but the more I read, the less I am convinced it needs a leading role in my diet.

5. Finally let’s start a Receipe exchange and food idea exchange

Remember: We also need to try to grow the group to include more like minded souls. Strength in numbersw, etc… Right now we number six(me, Annie, Bill, Angie Chris, Kim, and Matt (AKA The Beav)

PS..I’ll be the first to weigh in. A hefty 188.5

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I'm Back

Let's get some posts going and talk about next steps

Day Sixteen: The Alan Roach Experience??

Over the weekend I attended a surprise birthday party for a friend and was talking with a mutual friend, Alan Roach, about the Joel Whalen experience. You see he had heard about the experience and was interested in checking out the blog.

I looked at him cuttingly and noticed he was looking healthier and trimmer than usual. Still not convinced he was worthy of the JWE, I let him beg and plead his case. He mentioned that he too had changed his ways and was eating meat only twice per week.

Still not sure, I took a chance and shared the blog address. He instantly appreciated the raw brilliance of the JWE and added the site to his "favorites".

Impressed with his convictions, I asked him to explain what I now call "The Alan Roach Experience (The ARE)".

I firmly believe "The ARE" is a logical next step for those on the JWE that wish to enjoy an occasional modest portion of lean meat. I now share "The ARE" as related to me by the man himself, Alan Roach:

Lots of Veggies and Fruits.
Oatmeal and Fruit in the morning.
Variety of salads for lunch. (No meat in salads.)
Stir fry meals with rice at night. (Sometimes with shrimp or scallops.)
My limit of meat is mostly fish. Very little chicken. Only 2 helpings of red meat in the last 4 months.
Strict limit of processed foods.
I have been following this plan since June 2nd.
I have lost 28 pounds since that time.
My inspiration was from reading a book called ‘Food Matters’ written by Mark Bittman.
It changed my life.

Day Fifteen: Time to weigh in

You know the drill...

Day Fourteen: My toughest challenge

That's right chicken skin.

I find it has an almost irresistible allure. Skinning an oven roasted bird for my kids was easily the hardest challenge for me to date.

Not to worry, unlike Bill Gardner, I can control myself. As I loaded the crispy, fragrant, oily, beautiful skin in the disposal, I felt a great sense of satisfaction mixed with a wee bit of regret.

My day ended with a wonderful new restaurant that offers a variety of awesome food (vegan and not). It's a Vietnamese restaurant called "Pho Saigon". Annie recommended this restaurant as an option before the play Saturday night. She thought I would have more options compatible with the JWE. She was so right.

To coin a Bill G. phrase "Sooo Good". We both started with the vegetarian spring rolls, a great start. I then tried the Vegetarian Happy Pancake ( a crispy rice crepe stuffed with tofu, mushrooms, beansprouts and more), a winner. Annie

tempted me with the Satay Beef ( tender Fillet Mignon

with veggies served on a sizzling cast iron cow platter), smelled great. Definitely a place I must return to.

Day Thirteen: The challenge is extended

I feel a need to go until next weekend (my anniversary). This gives us time to figure out next steps, delve into phase two, and for some..make up lost time.

Day Twelve: Meat Baby

'Nuff Said

Day Eleven: Whoa-oa-oa!

Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got tofu

Whoa! I feel nice, like beans and rice
I feel nice, like beans and rice
So nice, so nice, I got tofu

When I hold a veggie in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold a veggie in my arms
I want to go work on a farm

Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, I got tofu
So good, so good, I got tofu
So good, so good, I got tofu
HEY!!

My apologizes to James Brown...

Day Ten: I face the ultimate temptation

Don't worry kids, I possess far more resolve than Bill. While he sins and then begs forgiveness, I stand by the JWE!

The Temptation: The Big E, a local exposition featuring Bill's three favorite things: slabs of fat ladden meat, barnyard animals, and carnie folk. We headed ther last night for our yearly pilgrimage. It was instantly clear that my burden was large:

Not to fear, I simply asked myself , "What would Joel do?" This was especially useful when my family tempted me with this years big E culinary taste sensation "The Craz- E Burger":

Remember Bill...Just Say No, embrace the JWE

Day Nine: It's time to weigh in!

It's been a week and it's time to report back...I can say that i am two pounds lighter after one week living the JWE...

Day Eight: Matthews Rants Against Gardner

One week into the JWE and I am a bit cranky.


I lay down my rage against Billy Gardner:
Why?? The answer is obvious... a complete lack of couth. Bad enough that he spends the weekend glorifying the very things the JWE rails against. Bad enough that he is to blame for my lack of caffeine, but to tease me all weekend by sending me pictures of his sinful repasts? Unconscionable! He sent this little beauty with the comment "So good"


Given that Bill had the weekend off and will be off the experience next Sunday, I propose a seven day extension after next Sunday. This way Bill can experience a full seven days in a row on the JWE.

Day Seven: Kim Back? Bill Returns?

A frantic call from my sister Kim, alerted me to the fact that she suffered a brief relapse Friday night, but is back! Bill should be back on plan as well. He did email one more picture. I call it "Decadence II".

My secret weapon, the vegan bar at Whole Foods. Actually very good. I was insulted by the Deli counter lady when she asked if I wanted to try the ham I was buying for the kids. I actually looked at her as if she was crazy and replied with a firm "NO!" Maybe this whole thing has changed me in ways I am afraid to explore??

Day Six: Bill goes hog wild, Kim's out, Skip & Chris remain pure

As is often the case with a new recruit given a little R&R, Bill has gone a tad over the top. I call this picture Decadence.

Careful Bill, or you'll end up looking like Ruth of Ruth's Diner!!

Meanwhile, Kim, the legitimate vegetarian, lasted two days! I guess the allure of a glass of wine and a block of cheese was too much. I am a bit disappointed.

The good news...Chris and myself remain chaste. I am actually on the way to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods ( my secret weapons) . Joel, try to find those stores in Fernie!!

Finally, a moral question. Although I resisted, I was tempted by McDonald's Fries. Although technically within the scope of the guidelines, does eating these violate the spirit of The Joel Whalen Experience? Joel, I am looking for guidance ...

Day Five: Bill gets a weekend pass

That's right. Bill's superior officers granted him a furlough. Don't fret, he has a valid excuse and clearance from his highest ranking officer (his wife Angie). She has suprised him with a secret trip to Salt Lake City to visit the sites made famous on Food Network's Drive Ins, Diner and Dives. Stop #1 is pictured here. Happy Anniversary!

This Means, for Bill, the challenge has been extended an additional two days. Meanwhile, the rest of us remain chaste and pure reveling in alll things JWE.

Day Four: Bill muddies the waters

Time to clear a few things up...

1. Yes there are a few adjustments to your system as the JWE takes effect. This is the result of the poison you have ingested for years. Celebrate the differences!

2.Have an unending urge to pee or a constant need to evacuate your bowels??A few more trips to the bathroom can simply mean more "me" time!

3.If you are concerned with a new poo color, try beets. A few beets will surely color your world in a different way.

4. Anyone can join this cause in any way they see fit. The number of converts is now four. Experience the JWE in your own way!

Day Three: Gwynn's Caffeine Folly

A Bee stings once, but my headache marches into day three. This Gwynn induced folly has turned this native restless. Other than that, a lot of nuts, quinoa, kamut, veggies, fruit, herbal tea, and strange looks. Feels really good.
Nobody understands! I did convince my sister to do the experience. She is already mostly vegetarian, but the no caffeine rule has her pissed. I told her not to blame Joel, but to blame Chris Gwynn for this idiotic variation. Better idea, blame Billy Gardner. That seems to work best!

Day Two:

Feeling good. Definite adjustment to the system.

Jonesin' for caffeine! Not quite ready for the Vegan Meat Alternative!

Don't forget the weigh in.

I jumped on the scale this morning to create a point of reference. I'll update my progress as the JWE progresses.

Day One:

Feeling alright, oh yeah...

After a 17 hour travel day, jet lag, and an early wake up, I really wanted a coffee.
I resisted and am happy. so far fruit, soy nuts, and the infamous English Cucumber.

Basic Rules and guidelines

The first phase of the Joel Whalen experience involves diet.

The rules are simple:
1. No animal products. That means no beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, etc...
2. No Alcohol
3. No Caffeine

The Experience starts Midnight September 20th, 2009

The minimum experiental phase lasts two weeks.

That's it.

Remember: A bee stings once!