Yikes - what a tough time of the year. Even me, super optimistic person (oooh, should I have capitalized that?) is feeling lifeless and lethargic. Ok, maybe not too lifeless, but definitely lethargic.

I was listening to an amazing talk by a doctor in New Jersey (the name escapes me now) on how incredible toxic the typical American diet is. I know that I'm a huge fan of the neighborhood cafes... coffee and vegan scones. Ahhh! What is a person to do!

First, I'm going to blog about it! Then, I'm going to the gym. Followed by a trip to the supermarket. Maybe it'll be too late to hit the market after the gym, so I'll gladly visit the City Feed outpost on Boylston Street for some organic kale or something else that's green.

GREEN! And soup. There's a recipe I'm going to make in the next couple of days for some Lentil Soup that I got out of Dr. Neal Barnard's book "Breaking the Food Seduction" and you'll find that below.

By the by, Neal Barnard is my hero and I have a secret crush on him!!!!!!!!!!!

What are you cooking lately? Who is one of your heroes?
Please do share!

Peace and joy,
Juliet
Juliet

Red Lentil Soup
Makes 6 1-cup servings

This soup is so nutritious and so simple to prepare, you'll want to make it often. Its flavor is exquisite.

7 cups water
2 1/2 cups dry red lentils
1 large onion, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 large pinch cayenne pepper
2 - 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 salt
1 black pepper


Combine water, lentils, onion, turmeric, and cayenne in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer until lentils have disintegrated, about 30 to 60 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Per 1-cup serving


Calories: 269
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Calories from Fat: 3.4%
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Protein: 20.3 g
Carbohydrates: 47.4 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fiber: 13.4 g
Sodium: 154 mg
Calcium: 52 mg
Iron: 7.8 mg
Vitamin C: 5.9 mg
Beta Carotene: 30 mcg
Vitamin E: 0.3 mg
Source: Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Barnard, M.D