I, a vegan for over four years, am entering the lives and kitchen of a couple I care deeply about (the parents of a dear friend) in order to plan and execute a plant-based, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, gluten-free diet for the household for the next three months. "L" and "V" (names will be shortened to initials to protect identities) are an upper-middle class couple with two grown children, and currently eat a pretty standard American diet. L has been struggling health-wise for the last three years with Lyme Disease, and is now interested in the possibility of what healing could be in store for her through nutrition - through not only boosting her own inherent immune potential in eating edifying whole foods, but through creating an alkaline, anti-inflammatory environment in her body where the Lyme pathogen can no longer flourish.
This journey will not only be defined by what foods are chosen, cooked, juiced, and eaten, but will be a case study in the curative potential of plant-based, gluten-free cuisine. The intent behind the cuisine is therapeutic, so my approach will be holistic. Spiritual nutrition, vibrational cooking, and healing intention, and a look at all domains (not just dietary) will be the mechanisms at work.
This blog will be a gathering place for recipe development and sharing, a documentation of the methodology behind the culinary decisions made, a daily charting of this 90-day experiment, and a place where the spirit and soul of the cooking in this case study can synthesize with the vegan/gluten-free/anti-inflammatory/immunology/spiritual nutrition community and body of knowledge already in existence.
I am blessed to be here. Chanting alongside me at the altar and cooking alongside me in the kitchen is my close friend and vegan guru "J", a recent gluten-free convert himself due to digestive ailments. J is the partner of L & V's son, "G", a vegan baker extraordinaire with a talent for gluten-free baking. While I will be the front line in L & V's kitchen daily, G & J and I will be cooking and recipe-perfecting in advance and registering our own experience with this cuisine in preparation for (literally) bringing it to the table. This is a collaborative and collective process, not just a 90-day wellness challenge. Guest posts by G & J can be expected.
In preparation for all of this, here's where I'm turning to inspire my mind, heart, and tastebuds so far:
- "Spiritual Nutrition: Six Foundations for Spiritual Life and the Awakening of Kundalini" by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
- "Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions & Modern Nutrition" by Paul Pitchford, 3rd Edition
- "The World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony" by Will Tuttle, Ph.D.
- "The Gluten-Free Vegan: 150 Delicious Gluten-Free, Animal-Free Recipes" by Susan O'Brien
...and of course everything coming out of G & J's kitchen daily! Here's what we've been eating this week:
- Soy-Chorizo Enchiladas
- Red Beans & Rice
- Miso Soup
- Quinoa Red Lentil Stew
- J's Brussel Sprouts
- Roasted Beets with Homemade Cashew Cheese
- Quinoa Pilaf with Apple
- Mashed Squash with Herbs
- Sweet Chili Fried Tempeh
- Fall Greens Galore
With such a gorgeous fall garden right outside the front door, we're going to be sourcing some righteous, organic, home-grown ingredients whenever possible.
Thank you for reading and welcome.
Blessed Be,
Jessica Rose
