"A big thank you to Jessica who decided to stick with the challenge, even though she was a bit intimated by the challenge. Most people would feel overwhelmed of the thought of making everything your self for one whole week incluing your mylk and "buttah" But, as she is experiencing once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad :-)  ~ Julie

"When I first looked at the instructions, menu plans and shopping lists I admit I was a little intimidated.  First, I was not looking forward to having to buy all the groceries. Second, I was worried I wouldn't have enough time to make all the dips, spreads, soak the nuts and make all the unfamiliar recipes.  After my initial reactions, I decided I would commit to doing the challenge, and if I was going to do it, I was going to do it right. I went out, bought all the groceries, minus a few breakfast things since they were optional, and hunkered down on Sunday night to start making all the spreads, dips, and dressings, while taste testing them along the way. They were all delicious! I started getting excited about all the recipes I'd be using them in throughout the week. Monday I started the day with the apple cider vinegar and water drink, which was sort of unpleasant tasting but I understand that it's beneficial to my health. I had some spelt sourdough toast for breakfast with the 'Better Than Buttah' spread, which was a good start to the day. Instead of coffee, I had some green tea sweetened with stevia, which was a pretty good substitute for my regular coffee.  I felt hungry before lunch, so I had a delicious organic apple.  For lunch, I made a big 'Everyday Salad', with the basil vinaigrette and an extra dash of flax oil.  I was still hungry so I also had a small handful of cashews. I had another snack consisting of a piece of spelt toast with the 'Basil Sun Pesto', a slice of tomato and some pepper and sun dried sea salt. YUM! Monday night Jen and Bridget came over and I made the 'Red Lentildelicious Soup', which was AMAZING! We all loved it. I'll definitely make it again. So far, I've noticed that there is a lot of garlic in all of the recipes, which is fine because it's very healthy and tasty, although no one is going to want to make out with me for the next week! Everything has been really flavourful and I've been feeling light, healthy and energetic over these first two days.  I no longer feel intimidated or that I won't have enough time, especially since I prepared a lot of the base ingredients ahead of time. I wasn't able to make the Gomasio, since I don't have a grinder, but I will be stealing some from Bridget. Now I must go figure out what I'm going to make for dinner!

Jessica is one of 7 Vancouverites participants testing my new e-book Everyday Healthy Italian. This is a one week menu plan designed to help you integrate whole plant-based into your everyday in a way that is delicious, easy, convenient, quick and affordable. Coming soon, stay tuned!

Julie is on a  journey to discover how to apply the 5 Secrets for Convenient, Quick,Easy, Delicious and Affordable
of Everyday Healthy and Get the GLOW!