Being that we’ve just wrapped up Hanukkah, should you find yourself needing a break from all the latkes and pastries, I’ve provided the following low carb/keto version of spicy vegetarian ramen.
Happy holidays and I hope you enjoy my recipe.
Be sure to comment with your alterations and feedback, I’m a ramen virgin so by no means did I have any idea what I was doing! 😆
You will need:
1 Vegetarian Vegetable bullion cube (I used Knorr)
5 oz of shiitake mushrooms
1 8oz bag of tofu shirataki spaghetti shaped noodle substitute
5 or more* peeled and diced cipolline onions (I used Melissa’s, pre peeled)
*these have the highest carb content at 8g per half cup, according to MyFitnessPal.
Directions:
The tofu noodles come out of their bag pretty pungent so you may want to prepare as instructed by boiling them in water for 3 min or microwaving for one min, after thoroughly washing them.
After starting the noodles, I sautéed the onions and mushrooms in a large pan using a bit of olive oil, adding in the kimchi last. After about 10 minutes of sautéing on medium heat, I added two cups of boiling water with the bullion cube.
Once the noodles were done, I drained them before mixing them into the rest of the ingredients and leaving it all to simmer on low for about 6 minutes.
Just because you’re getting married, doesn’t mean life’s external stressors suddenly halt before you. As the world grieves, it’s easy to become distracted by the overwhelming and often times conflicting emotions we may be experiencing; sadness for the devastation and loss, happiness for upcoming nuptials and celebrations, thankful for your loved ones safety. While remaining sympathetic to the suffering of others, we are also left to face mounting personal commitments.
I will shortly be venturing into a long awaited career following my recent college graduation, a summer move into a new home, a wedding (duh), tough counseling sessions both on my own and with my future husband, and most pressing of all, a very long awaited decision to cut out a toxic family member. Talk about stress, on stress, on stress. I am now faced with how this will effect my remaining family attendance at our wedding. Will I be all alone, with no one to walk me down the isle? Already my non related guests well exceed related guests. What it comes down to however, is that no matter how sad or alone it may feel to loose touch with some one, if that person has truly proven time and again that they thrive off of your failures and upsets, obviously the removal of said individual is long overdue. Easier said then done, believe me. I am finding the closer the relative, the more difficult it is to let them go. Equally difficult will be awaiting the blow back from this necessary decision; including negative comments and ‘how could you’ judgments.
Planning a wedding has a tendency to wear on you. Suddenly everyone has an opinion on how you should carry out your special day and begin offering unsolicited advice while simultaneously questioning your decisions. I don’t know about you guys, but I am one of those unfortunate people pleasers, so it becomes increasingly difficult even attempting to acquiesce to multiple requests. Close friends tell me it should be about what I want or what we as a couple want, and to forget about the rest. Especially since we bear sole responsibility for the majority of funding our event. So why do I continue allowing others to dictate?
That said, I remain diligent in my efforts to maintain a positive mindset, ensuring that mind and body are in optimal health. It has already been nearly a month since we started the keto-diet and I am so thankful to be 11 lbs lighter! Though I can’t help but look back on the journey so far. Mostly I think back to the Monday before we began our new no grain, no sugar lifestyle. The cake tasting. So many little cakes with exquisite frosting, and the chocolate and yummy deliciousness of those dreamy moist mini cupcakes. I was apprehensive to the point of becoming out right defensive, believing there was no way I could possibly quit bread. More than that, I knew for a fact I could never give up sugar! The first few days were a struggle, as our bodies began transitioning from being reliant on all of the unhealthy sugars and fillers we’d grown accustom to, instead becoming forced to burn excess fat. Not being able to work out with my strength training group or do spin regularly was also rough. Our body grew weak and sleepy from being deprived of all the preservative ridden options we were use to eating.
Day 3 I made the choice to take up yoga regularly. It started with a gentle intro class but quickly moved on to mixed levels. Before I knew it I my brain fog had all but completely dissipated and I’ve noticed since being on this diet that my gut health has improved to the point were I no longer experience constant cramps and discomfort. I’ve found so many alternatives for sugars, baked goods, even dough-free and delicious cauliflower pizzas. Recently, during a yoga session at Cal Fit, the instructor mentioned she works at a studio in addition to subbing at the gym. Below I have provided an excellent list of the multiple yoga locations throughout our Greater Sacramento Area:
{Photo @sacraluna} The Best way to find yourself is to loose yourself in the service of others.
Yoga Shala-2030 H street: They also have an additional studio at 4397 Arden Way.
Asah Yoga-1050 20th St. #110: This location is somewhat challenging. Located in the very busy (very fabulous) Lavender Heights district, parking may prove to be scarce.
Zuda Yoga-Has multiple locations throughout Sacramento and beyond! They’re also part of an awesome day long event coming up May 7th in Natomas; Wanderlust 180. This mini festival’s schedule begins with a 5k, followed by yoga, meditation, tribal body paint lessons, a great wholesome and organic lunch (extra cost), and even yoga sessions infused with DJ tunes!
A long-term goal is to attend Wandlerlust Squaw Valley. A weekend long festival (ever done paddle board yoga?) near Tahoe. Not to mention all the other amazing retreats and sanctuary’s you can visit all over the world!
Need a yoga mat? Yoga pants? My high recommendation would be Lucy Activewear and recently discovered Zella; a Nordstrom in house active brand. The ‘Live In’
leggings have been so great, especially the high rise capris. Personally I’m still working on a bit of excess abdominal baggage and these go well above the belly button to help smooth out things. They’ve also been a welcome addition to my recently explored passion of Irish step dancing. Thanks to the newly remodeled Fremont School for Adults (now the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts) here in Downtown, I finally have a place to fulfill a childhood dream of competitive step dancing. Many thanks go out to the McKeever School for allowing me to pursue this amazing opportunity.
The ultimate advice I have for navigating various ups and downs you’ll inevitably experience, both wedding planning and beyond; take a moment for shavasana, brush off the stress if even for a moment, be kind to yourself and others. After all…YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! 😛
One thing I truly enjoy about the WE network show Bridezillas is what a stunning example it provides of how NOT to behave. My bridal party gals will sometime accuse me of being too soft, leaving me to think we should have a little slumber party/marathon and they can see how horrendous these brides treat their friends and loved ones. Perhaps then they might reconsider. Personally, I care much less about the ritual and extravagance of a wedding and more about seeing our guests having an unforgettable time. After all, we’ll be happily married regardless of how the ‘party’ turns out.
During what is sure to be a challenging yet rewarding period of any bride/grooms existence, planning a wedding is undoubtedly stressful. Recently I was sent an email by the wonderful Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center on the benefits of fitness. I personally catch myself in tightly wound moments throughout the day when considering everything that remains on my to do list. Currently I attend Cal Fit and do my best to make it in at least 3 times a week. In particular the Cycle, Group Fitness, and Zumba classes are among my faves. In the past I’ve been really fond of barre fitness as well. This is great for anyone who might suffer lower back strain and especially those wanting to keep up with a low endurance exercise while pregnant. My favorite studio is U Barre on J and 57th but if you’re in the Bay Area, or in one of their many other locations throughout the US, The Daily Method is extremely professional and utilizes a convenient online scheduling system similar to U Barre.
If you find there just isn’t enough time in the day for attending classes, even a quick and simple meditation session in the comfort of your home or office cubicle, can be extremely beneficial in a variety of ways:
Helps to increase brain function, cognitive skills, and decision making.
Also us known to manage ADHD, emotional outbursts, and even plays a role in cultivating positive self esteem and general optimism.
Meditation is held in high regard by medical and holistic practitioners alike. I frequently use audible for many of my literary needs, it’s a great alternative to hearing the same song over and over on the radio. Currently my library consists of some great meditation finds; Meditation for Beginners by Meditation Guru, Transcendence by Norman E. Rosenthal M.D., and my #1 go to Sit Like A Buddha; A Pocket Guide To Meditation by Lodro Rinzler.
*Try this excellent energizing smoothie pre or post session!
I am also a firm believer in technological assistance to help alleviate the encompassing responsibilities of self-planning. Lady Marry (for Android) is one example, as I’m sure many similar apps exist, Lady Marry sends out an email at the beginning of each month, listing important tasks to be completed. This month my tasks include making an appointment to try on dresses, and choosing an officiant. I am very fortunate that my uncle is an ordained officiant and has accepted to lead us in our vows. Being that my fiance and I are rather nontraditional, a short Buddhist prayer will be read and then it’s off to the reception!
It can be just as exciting as it is nerve wracking to plan a wedding. I like to act as my own cheerleader, reminding myself to hang in there and remember, it’s only one day, then you embark on the rest of your life, where you’ll enjoy so many more wonderful experiences 🙂
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