January in the Garden Part 2

Let's say you don't have a space for a garden. You live in an apartment and don't have dirt.

I have a few ideas for you. There are so many options.

When I lived in an apartment, I found that the city I lived in has a community Garden. For $20 a year...yes, that's right, I had a plot that was 16 ft X 16 ft. I still have a plot there. I started with just digging rows 16 ft long and planting whatever was in season. It was pretty successful. I then went to the Raised Bed method and was even more successful.

Many communities have them and they are a good way to meet like minded people, make new friends and share gardening tips.

Another option, if your apartment has some sun on the balcony, is to use several planter boxes. You can grow so much in container gardens....anything from herbs to tomatoes. They can be the wooden box planters or the plastic hanging baskets, or the ones you attach to your balcony railing. Get some good organic garden compost and plant away. I suggest checking out online how to do each veggie in that they all need a little different care. You can even plant potatoes in containers. I have mine planted in wire baskets out in the garden. They seem to produce more that way.

Check out those upside down planters. They work well, too

If you have limited space, you can get herb planters with grow lights for in your kitchen, living room...where ever. There are kits you can buy, or make your own.

If you do plant on a balcony or in your kitchen, you have a larger selection to start with in January. Grow lettuce and spinach, chard and kale on your porch. Plant from seed and they will spring up in no time. They like cold weather. You can put some onions into a larger planter. As they grow tall, thin them out and eat the scallions. They are easy and grow fast.

Inside, plant a tomato in your upside down planter. You will have fruit to eat by March. Herbs plants are available in many nurseries now. Get the ones you will use, like basil, oregano, thyme and chives. There are thousands of ideas for small space planting. This is one of my favorites.

The best food is the food you grow yourself. There isn't a greater thrill than eating that home grown tomato right off the vine.

SO go for it!

Clean Eating Plan for 2014 - Countdown to Health

Today I'm going to share what my diet plan will be in 2014.

As I have mentioned before, I am a Paleo eater.  That means I don't eat grains or legumes. I stay away from processed foods and try to eat organic and grass fed. I eat gluten free and GMO free. 

In the new year, I'm planning on going low-carb for the first few weeks...just to kickstart to weight loss. As I lose weight and begin more excercise, I will add starchy vegetable carbs like sweet potatoes and turnips. 

But in the beginning, my plan is:

Every meal will contain protein. Bacon, eggs, ham, lean beef, pork, salmon and chicken.

Every meal will contain a vegetable, or two. Salads, broccoli, cauliflower....some of my favorites.  Avocados are a must! I eat all kinds of olives, too. 

I cook with coconut oil, and sometimes olive oil. My salad dressings Are homemade from balsamic vinegar and olive oil or avocado oil and my own spices.  

I drink coffee, so I use Stevia as a sweetener and heavy cream instead of milk. I don't have problems with dairy, but if you do, Almond or Coconut milk work well.

I eat very little cheese...some feta in a salad, maybe some Swiss as a snack.

And as a treat, Nuts.....Walnuts, pecans, macademia nuts, adding raisins for sweetness. 

I plan on eating more fermented foods this year, more bone broth and probiotics.

That's it. My meals are easy, quick and filling. As the year progresses I will be sharing recipes with you and will add some yummy low-carb, gluten free treats. 

If you care to join me in this 2014 adventure, stock up now. Find real extra virgin olive oil....buy local if you can, as most imported stuff is questionable as to their authenticity. Coconut oil is an amazing product. I buy organic. Not only do I use it in the kitchen but as a cosmetic. It is an amazing lotion for the skin, For the teeth and medicinally for eczema and other skin ailments. The oil is also a wonderful hair conditioner and makeup remover.  The uses are endless. 

After the Christmas left overs are eaten, make room in your freezer for some fine, fresh meat. Pick your favorites or try something new. Organ meat is really healthy for you. Plan on veggie shopping right before January 1. Load up on avocados.  They can be frozen. Hit the farmer's markets. They still have good products this time of year. My local market sells grass fed meats for a very reasonable price. 

So.

Today's assignment is to make your first week's shopping list to buy right before the New year. 

Here is mine.

Eggs, bacon, fresh, lean ground beef, pork chops for 2, chicken breasts and sausage.

Tomatoes, avocados, salad greens, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, celery, black olives and feta cheese for salads.

Cauliflower to make cauliflower rice - recipe to come, broccoli and more avacodos for sides.

Swiss cheese and beef jerky, walnuts, pecans and raisins for snacks. 

Stevia and heavy cream and coffee

Pick your favorite. If you aren't going low carb, add sweet potatoes and small red potatoes. Add some fruit, as well. 

Here's a good plan

My list is made!