One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Compost

At first, it was hard to remember to put my banana peels and coffee grounds into the bucket instead of the trash can. Now, it irks me to toss a banana peel in the garbage.

It came from the earth, why shouldn't it go back into it? Sprinkling compost in your garden adds rich nutrients not present your average bag of dirt.

It's completely free, and completely useful. The City of Austin even encourages it!

Old habits die hard-- but new ones can reduce your carbon footprint :)

Sarah

Oh, Pasta...

...how I love thee.

Seriously, I love pasta entirely too much. I crave it constantly, have no self control when near, and cook it at least once a week.

On Sunday I was browsing through the November issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine (guilty). She featured a few recipes on one of my favorites super foods: kale. When I saw that she combined it with pasta, I ran out to the store to pick up the remaining components.

Kale & Sausage Ragu: (adapted only slightly)

1 lb rigatoni

1/2 lb spicy italian sausage

1 cup chopped white onion

3 cloves chopped garlic

1 large bunch of kale, stems removed

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup parmesan

1 lemon

Cook pasta & drain, reserving 3/4 cup cooking water. Brown sausage and reserve. In the same pan, cook onions and garlic 2 minutes. Add kale, white wine, and 1 cup of water. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in pasta, 1 tbsp lemon juice, sausage, cheese, and 3/4 cup cooking water. Top with extra cheese & lemon zest, or serve as is.

See? Pasta can be healthy!

Sarah

Slow Food

I first became acquainted with Slow Food when they partnered with the Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin to host a "Slow Food Happy Hour". It featured locally sourced appetizers and discounted "slow" drinks. After reading further about Slow Food and what the movement stands for, I quickly realized that this is a movement that I fully support.

What is Slow Food?

"Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment."

The Slow Food way of living:

1. Get cooking.

2. Shop locally.

3. Avoid genetically modified foods.

4. Buy organic.

5. Grow your own food.

6. Share your home cooked meals.

Here at One Green Table, we fully support all of these ideas. We also believe that food=community. There are over 200 local chapters, linking communities all over the U.S.

It's time for everyone to slow down, don't you think?

Sarah

Words of Advice

Two years ago, I didn't know even what Kale was. Hell, I had never even heard the word. Still to this day, I don't remember what sparked my interest in food. But nevertheless, I set out on an learning adventure. I have crammed my brain with books about whole nutrition, food processing, government regulations on food, food as medicine and herbal remedies. But about a year ago, I realized that "Yeah, I know a helluva lot about food and I haven't changed anything about my eating habits." I knew what I should be eating, and what I shouldn't. But I was still eating the most convenient things and in turn, I still felt sick all the time. Sick as in lethargic, slow, fatigued, cranky, and depressed.

I have lots of reasons why I didn't change overnight: food is family, food is home, food is comforting, food is addicting. I'm not gonna lie, the only way you're going to change your eating habits is by putting in enormous effort. Once you experience the health benefits of whole nutrition, you won't turn back. I promise. All of a sudden, that Twinkie won't be so worth it. Unless of course, you made it from scratch. In which case, I hope you'd make enough to share. Remember I never promised you skinny, I promised you healthy.

The best piece of advice I have learned along the way is "stick to the perimeter". And I have found this advice in so many food books and documentaries despite the main subject matter. But what does this phrase mean? It means that when you are in the grocery store, avoid the center aisles. The aisles, the bulk of the grocery store, are usually filled with processed and packaged foods. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones with ingredients you can't pronounce. Whole foods (not processed) are usually positioned in the perimeter of every grocery store. These are foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, fresh bread, and butcher meats. Real food. And look, I've done my time at the Piggly Wiggly and this rule still remains true. You don't need a Whole Foods Market to eat right. The closer you can stick to the perimeter, the better off you are. If you have to venture into the aisles, read the ingredients carefully.

I hope you find this advice helpful.

Katie

Tea

Do you have a morning routine? For me, green tea is essential. My love for green tea may be a bit excessive. Most days I drink 4 cups. On the really intense days, I add coffee to my regimen because the caffeine content of green tea can be minimal.

I have also grown to love herbal teas, most of which contain no caffeine. Some of my favorites are:

Detox tea - This tea usually contains licorice root which is known for detoxifying the liver. Drink some of this tea after a night drinking to speed up the hangover process. Also, detox tea is great for your skin. You skin is a peek into your overall heath. If your insides are clean, you’re skin will soon follow.

Chamomile – known for its relaxing properties can be used for insomnia and anxiety. Also can be used to calm the stomach. Drink some right before bed and you will sleep like a baby. Chamomile is often found in “Bedtime tea” blends.

Lemon Ginger – both of these ingredients work wonders for your digestive system. This tea is great for settling the stomach.

Echinacea – known for boosting your immune system. If you ever feel a cold coming on, spend a couple days day fighting it with this tea paired with Vitamin C.

Drink up,
Katie