My new kitchen toy!

I finally have a proper food processor!  That is, in fact, mine pictured above, sitting on our now rather cramped work surface.  And, as you can see, it’s not just any old food processor; it’s a Magimix 4200!  After weeks of researching the best value food processors, and scrutinizing my mum’s recently purchased food processor, I decided to spend a little more than planned and buy one that will last a while.  Especially as I’m likely to be using it alot; I’ve already made a list of recipes I plan on making (I embrace my food geekiness).  I’m hoping it will help me make a greater variety of meals to nudge me closer to my raw food-vegan ideal.  At best, I’m hoping to eat all raw in the day and then have something cooked in the evening, with a raw side dish.  However, I’m not going to pressure myself, particularly as it’s winter and I may be craving loads of warming foods.  Instead, I’m going to try to listen to my body and eat intuitively.

Truly, this is the best principle to go by whenever you’re making changes to your lifestyle, be it an exercise regime or a new diet etc.  Putting pressure on yourself and striving for perfection will only lead to disappointment and guilt as perfection doesn’t exist.  Set yourself realistic goals and, if you have an ideal, be prepared that you won’t always reach that ideal; be flexible.  It’s much healthier for you psychologically to take it easy on yourself, embracing and learning from any slip ups you may make.  I’ve learnt this the hard way (for example, I used to practice restrictive calorie counting and the guilt, and low moods, that would ensue when I didn’t reach my impossible ideals made things miserable for me and those around me).

If anyone’s intrigued by the raw food diet and lifestyle and is thinking of flirting with it occasionally then a great website to check out is Choosing Raw by Gena, an inspiring lady.  It’s an informative blog that is packed with guidance, tips and recipes on pursuing a raw diet and healthy lifestyle (not necessarily one that is 100% raw).  Gena has just re-instituted her Raw Wednesdays, which are a great way to sample what it’s like to eat raw, but without the long-tern commitment.  In fact, I have christened by food processor with one of Gena’s recipes, Raw Zucchini (courgette) Hummus.  Perfect for a hummus fiend like me.  I halved the recipe, which still made loads(!), and used it as a dip for some rice pancakes filled with strips of raw carrot, yellow pepper and mushroom….

… In hindsight this perhaps wasn’t the best combo for a sensitive digestive system like mine, but it tasted great and it’s a perfect transition dish for going raw.  And here’s the chaos in my kitchen during its making…

I’m off now to call the parents to gloat about my new food processor before watching Ugly  Betty.  Hope you’re having a good evening.