Level 1 - Day 83

A Word About Organic Foods From Suzanne

Recently, Suzanne Somers posted some information on her web site regarding the price of organic foods and things you can do to make them more affordable.  I though I'd post some of them for you as they're good tips.

If you can't afford organic food and are unable to grow your own, it's crucial to wash all non-organic produce very carefully to minimize the toxins you consume. Soak everything for 20 minutes in water with vinegar and salt or water with fresh lemon juice and salt. You can also purchase a good chemical-free vegetable wash.

Some fruits and vegetables are higher in toxins than others. Therefore, if you can't go organic, try to avoid: grapes, apples, lettuce, bell peppers, carrots, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, kale, and celery. On the other hand, produce that is lowest in pesticides includes: broccoli, bananas, avocados, cabbage, watermelon, sweet peas, sweet corn, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, onions, shallots, kiwis, and asparagus.

Here's our meals for the day:

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and sliced tomatoes on the side.

AM Snack - Melon balls.

Lunch - The last of the Veal Stew from Day 78.

PM Snack - A handful of cashews.

Dinner - Summer Tomato Soup with Basil Pistou (SS web site) and an Open-Faced Grilled Cheese Sandwich (SS web site).  The sandwich takes this meal to a Level 1.

One of my most favorite comfort food meals is tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.  Only, before Suzanne I used canned Campbell's soup ... but what a difference homemade makes.  And, it's surprisingly easy to make.  But, the real whopper-of-a-difference is adding the basis pistou ... wow, wow, wow!  It takes this simple soup to gourmet with a flair.

To make the soup you basically chop a bunch of tomatoes.  I doubled the recipe so I'd have plenty for leftovers.  At the same time, saute sliced onions; then add some smashed garlic.  Once caramelized, add the tomatoes and simmer for a bit.  Then, puree it all ... and it's done!  Don't forget to top it with some basil pistou.  It's worth making.