In other words, it’s a lot of fun for the creative cook!

There was a time when I was making and eating the stuff almost daily since it’s basically pure protein and therefore fit perfectly into my CRON (calorie restriction with optimum nutrition) regimen by providing so much proteinous bang for the caloric buck. Alas, I think I overdid it, because I eventually started to exhibit some of the classic gluten intolerance symptoms, such as the foggy head and so on.

After a long break from gluten in all forms, I reintroduced it in cereals, etc., some time back. More recently, even seitan has returned to my diet, albeit in a moderated fashion this time. Indeed, it wasn’t until a couple days ago that I broke out the bag of wheat protein isolate to once again make some homemade seitan, inspired by Easter dinner with my friends who’ve just started making their own as well.

Gone are the days of having to wash and rewash wheat flour to get to the gluten; now you can just buy it in pre-separated bags. This experimental recipe shows just how quick and easy it can be and should serve as a useful jumping off point for your own creations. Enjoy!

Dry Ingredients:

60 grams vital wheat gluten (I actually use WPI)
20 grams brewer’s yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
dash black pepper

“Wet” Ingredients:

2 oz tomato paste
2/3 cup water
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp liquid smoke
minced hot peppers of your choosing – optional
(I used habanero, you could also use ground/powdered)

After combining the two groups in their own bowls, mix together into the bigger bowl until no dry spots remain. I refrained from kneading, so the final result was rather soft, though certainly not unpleasantly so. (Here’s one spot you could deviate by kneading a bit and/or using more vital wheat gluten for a chewier end product in either case.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mixture into a well-oiled baking dish or loaf pan and bake for at least 35 minutes.

Allow to cool before cutting out pieces or scooping out as crumbles.

Use as a filling for burritos or a sub, with a leafy green, tomato, and a vegan mayo and/or barbecue sauce. This is a small batch, but if you make more, it’s great reheated in a fry pan for a little char.

I’m happy to say, this past week went very well…

An average calorie intake of 1850

Walking and working on the treadmill every day

No alcohol (3 weeks now)

Only 2 cups of coffee in the mornings

No grains (well, ok, a little corn on the cob)

No nut butters

And, lastly, lots and lots of beans/legumes!

The results of all this “effort?” (The quotes are because it’s not nearly as hard as you may think or as it may sound.)

 The plan for further improvements this week is to 1) add in more lifting with the free weights or get back on the Bowflex and 2) continue decreasing the mid-meal snacking — I’ve made some progress in this department, but could do better.

So, how are YOU doing?!

We’re not talking anything atrocious here, but this is supposed to be a challenge, after all, and a sort of cleanse, without all the hocus pocus potions. So, I’m finishing up the Kashi Go Lean, the peanut butter, and the last of the rice protein powder.

While I haven’t decided exactly which “plan” I’ll be following, even if they allow them, I’ve decided on a no-powders rule. This includes concentrates, vitamins, etc.. I’m also using this week to taper off the coffee, so I don’t have to deal with a headache.

It was asked in the comments to the previous post whether and where I’d be updating. Yes, I will, and right here. Maybe twice a week? You’re all welcome to use the comments to mark your progress as well.

OK, so here’s that poll. Maybe you can influence my decision, but no matter, we don’t all have to be on the same challenge, just knowing that others are cleaning up their diets and exercise in a similarly aggressive manner should help keep us on track.

If you’re doing the six week plan, be sure to download this chart from the book. Post it on your fridge as a reminder, and if you don’t have Dr. Fuhrman’s book yet, it’s essential for clarifying the finer points and providing the motivation that comes with knowledge.

For those going the green smoothie route, my Green Smoothie Recipe Generator is a fun place to start. I’ve also got over two-weeks worth of recipes in the member’s area from when I did it last. Other collections include Kevin Gianni’s Ultimate Smoothie Recipes and Roger Haeske’s Savory Stews DVDs.

The 100% raw plan would seem to be easy-peasy, but a word of warning may be in order: Steer clear of the high fat dishes that are the usual fare. You know, all the ground nuts and seeds to make crackers, breads, pie shells, etc., and the coconuts and avocados. Oh my!

For a cleaner version of the raw food diet, there’s The 80/10/10 Diet. Some of the “natural hygiene” theories it espouses are a little over-the-top (same goes for The Live Food Factor, a massive tome I’m just getting to now). However, the food is good and certainly low-fat (10%)! Other resources include, Frederic Patenaude’s Low Fat Raw DVDs and Ann Wigmore’s Chi Diet.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone on their challenge of choice!

You’re on top of the world and don’t understand how others don’t find it enjoyable too. Since when is exercising a chore, right? It’s fun and makes you feel good!

Then suddenly, some disruptive force throws your “mojo” all out of whack. Maybe it’s a big life change: you lose your job (hmmm), a loved one, a marriage. Maybe it’s a little thing — harder to put your finger on — that wouldn’t seem like it should matter, say, a loooong cold and rainy streak (hmmm).

Whatever it is, you notice some weeks or even months later, what used to be routine requires extra effort to motivate yourself. Or, you’ve simply stopped doing it altogether.

Well, I’m there now. Still skinny by most standards and appearance, and still eating healthy vegan, but according to my scale, my body fat percentage (and weight, to some extent) is increasing. And, I can tell.

So, here’s the plan, I’m getting back to regular, daily, exercise, even if it’s only a 20 minute walk outside or a 10 minute jog on the treadmill. (I think that’s part of it; we get to saying, “if it’s not all then it’s got to be nothing,” but where does that leave SOMETHING?)

In addition to exercise, I want to get back to calorie restriction. To that end, I’ll be doing some sort of personal food challenge as a sort of wash-out period to banish cravings. I haven’t decided yet whether it’ll be another two-week green smoothie diet or the full six week Eat To Live plan with my online friend Em.

Either way, I’m starting on August 1st or 3rd (Monday’s seems like logical start days to me, but so do the first of a month). So, anyone want to join me in putting their foot down and committing to recommitting this summer? Which challenge would you prefer I take up with you? Please leave a comment and let’s do this!

You know CR is hitting the mainstream when Oprah Winfrey covers it and resveratrol supplementation on her show. (These two life extension practices are often discussed in the same breath due to potentially similar mechanisms.) To learn more about what she and Dr. Oz had to say, check out this section on her website. I guess several of our CR Society members were featured, but alas, I no longer have cable and so will have to wait for the video archive.

The other highlight was The Immortality Institute’s (ImmInst.org) “Sunday Evening Update” on Ustream. This channel was new to me, but they’re always broadcasting fascinating presentations about biotechnology, etc.. Anyway, this Sunday, the members of the CR Society were invited to join the regulars to listen to a live interview with prominent researcher Dr. Luigi Fontana regarding his thoughts on the human applicability of the animal studies and what future studies have in store. You can watch the replay here.