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Clean Eating Recipes

Mini Chef and I. Halloween, 2010.

I get a lot of emails from my readers. Many of them with recipe requests or kind words about my blog. But I also get a lot of emails asking the following questions and thought it might be helpful to answer them here:

How long has it taken you to lose your weight?
I started trying to lose weight about 3 years ago, after the birth of my son. I had been on a terrible downward spiral and just didn’t care about my weight or my health. I felt like I was drowning in bad habits but didn’t know how to get out from under my own “self-annhialation”.

Then, my son came along, and that was all it took to put things into proper perspective for me. It comes down to the fact that my little boy needs a healthy mom. Not just so that I can be there for him, but so that I can teach him how to be healthy as well.

But I still struggled until about a year ago (8/09). I discovered Tosca Reno’s book and realized I already had all the tools I needed to get healthy. I had been raised on clean foods, but didn’t have a name to give it back then. So I just started cooking the foods I had grown up on, as well as the foods I learned to cook in Germany as an au pair.

From there, my curiosity in the kitchen sort of blossomed and became this blog!

How much weight have you lost by eating clean?
As of 4/7/11, I’ve lost 50 lbs. It’s been a slow, uphill struggle for me. Not only am I retraining myself to live a different lifestyle, but I’ve had a few health issues along the way.

Why don’t you include dairy in your recipes anymore?
I recently found out I have a sensitivity to dairy. Once I cut that out of my diet, I lost 15 lbs. in about 2 weeks, and I’m still counting. Giving up dairy really spurred my weight loss. However, low-fat dairy IS clean, and I am in no way advocating that everyone should cut it out of their diet.

Do you eat only what you blog about?
For the most part, yes. I’ve lost all my weight so far, eating pretty much what you see here on this blog.

What protein powder to you recommend?
I’ve never recommended one. I used to buy whey protein powder in the bulk section of my health food store. I never did figure out the brand name. But now that I’ve given up dairy, I’m searching for something else.

What is whole wheat pastry flour and where can I buy it?
Whole wheat pastry flour is simply a finer “grind” of whole wheat flour. It also has less gluten in it. I use it in many of my recipes because the result is far closer to that of white flour. The texture of any food you put it in is smoother and finer than with regular whole wheat flour, which produces a coarser texture. That said, most main-stream grocers do not carry it. I purchase mine in bulk at my local Whole Foods Market. But many health foods stores will have it on their shelves. It may pay off to call a few stores first before making the trip.

Can you convert a recipe for me?
Yes, and maybe. I’d love to try. I truly believe that 85-90% of all recipes can be converted to clean eating. However, there is always that 10-15% that can’t. So far I’ve found that the recipes that are not easily converted are the ones that are heavily dependent on butter for their form and texture.

But if you have a recipe you’d like me to try to convert, email it to me and I’ll give it a try!

I should say here that currently, I’m working about 3-4 months in advance. So you won’t see your conversion on my blog for some time.

Why do you use garlic and onion powder so often instead of using the fresh stuff?

1. Onion powder – I use it because my eyes are incredibly sensitive to chopping onions. I usually have to cut onions in half and quickly store them in a bag in the fridge for several days before I can even come close to chopping them without going blind from tears. Even then, it’s a struggle. And if I’m unfortunate enough to have makeup on, I might as well just forget dinner all together. I do use them on occasion, but only after they’ve been in the fridge for a while. Frankly, it’s just easier to use onion powder than go through all that.

2. Garlic powder – While I do use fresh garlic in some of my recipes, I tend to only use it when I have it on hand. And I don’t always have it on hand because I don’t always remember to buy it. And when I do buy it, it will often sprout or go bad on me before I get the chance to use it. So in the interest of not wasting one head of garlic after the other, I tend to use the powder instead.

FEEL FREE TO USE THE FRESH STUFF!! My recipes are not written in stone. If you would rather use fresh than powdered, please do.

What kind of camera do you use?
I should first say that I know absolutely nothing about photography, except how to point the camera and push the little button that makes the camera click. Because of this, I rely heavily on the following equipment:

  • Nikon D60
  • Macro lens
  • Photoshop
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  • Cassy

    Hello Tiffany,
    I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your blog. Clean eating has been of interest to me for awhile, but I struggled with figuring out how to incorporate it into my life. Your blog is the most approachable, informative and pleasant site on the subject I’ve come across thus far. Thanks again!!!!!!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Cassy – Wow, thanks! What a nice compliment! So happy you’re finding my site helpful. Enjoy!

  • Jodi

    HiTiffany,I just read this part and have a question for you also. What do you use for mayonnaise? Are some brands clean? Or certain types, eg made with olive oil? Or do you make your own or just not use it at all.
    BTW pastry flour is not just a finer grind of whole wheat flour; it is a different strain of wheat that is lower in gluten/protein and so makes more tender pastry. My new favorite for biscuits is whole grain organic spelt flour, which is a wheat relative.
    Thank you for this blog. I read it every day.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Jodi – Informative as always!

    I generally don’t eat mayo. But I’ve seen brands in the health food store that could be considered clean if used in small amounts due to the fat content. I’ll see if I can find the brand names when I go shopping on Friday. I’ll report back here.

  • http://msreidy5@yahoo.com mel reidy

    any information on using agave nectar would be great. Is it a healthy alternative to sugar? Should I use it sparingly? Thanks so much. I love your website. Thanks for being so honest and sharing…….I have been an advocate for clean eating for years……and have slowly transformed the family (for the most part) into the same good foods.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Mel – Agave is a controversial item. Many clean eaters use it because it’s thought of as a clean product, comparable to honey, only lower on the glycemic index.

    The controversy is over the way agave is processed before it’s put into bottles. Some companies process agave heavily, while others pride themselves on not processing it.

    If you are going to use it, I recommend the raw agave. While some people worry about eating anything raw, my guess would be that it’s the only way to get a truly clean agave.

    I have sent out many emails to agave companies as well as tv shows and other web sites/resources. I have not heard back from a single one.

    My recommendation is that, like with anything, you should use it in moderation. Sugar in any form (even clean sugar like honey) should be used conservatively.

  • melissa jias

    Good Morning,

    I am so excited to have found your webpage. I have been thinking of eating clean for myself and family for some time now. What better way then to start for the New Year. I have lost 80 lbs and 47 inches in the past two years and still have about 13 more to go. I exercised about 5- 6 days a week and was just careful with what i ate. I am so happy to start a new lifestyle this year. Your webpage has such wonderful receipes and i love looking at your pictures, they remind me so much of my family. I am a stay at home mom as well. Well if you can call it that. I volunteer at our sons school doing the whole vp of the PTA thing. We have karate 4 days a week and our little girl (4) is in pre k 3 days a week. I also am going back to college as well. Thanks so much and have a blessed New Year, i can’t wait to start trying these delish receipes. I use Shakeology too which had over 70 vitamins and minerals, and i mix it with almond milk. Thankfully that is okay to use in clean eating. :)
    Melissa Jias

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Melissa – What an amazing accomplishment!! Thank you for sharing your story!

  • leoni

    hi Tiffany,

    was wondering what you would recommend as a chicken stock to buy? or some tips on what to look out for when buying between the different brands??

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Leoni – I buy mine at Costco. It’s their organic chicken stock. Always look for stock that has no added sugar (dextrose, usually) or ingredients you don’t recognize. A good rule of thumb is, if you wouldn’t use it in your own kitchen to cook with, there’s a good chance it’s not clean.

  • lisa viles

    Tiffany- Love your blog and read it daily. Is there a clean eating tomato soup or potato soup? My son loves both and i don’t want to get them from the store anymore.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lisa – I have a tomato soup recipe sitting in my draft file. I’ll work on it today. As for a potato soup…. I’ll work on it for you!
    You can also try Tosca Reno’s web sites. She may have some there as well.

  • nancy

    Is it true that Kashi granola bars are clean…….

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Nancy – No, they are not.

  • Stephanie

    Thank you for being so honest with everything. I myself have been in a downward spiral its been about 2 years since the birth of my son and lot’s of old bad habits have been creeping in. I came across your blog and reference it often. I am by no means a cook but you inspire me to try and do it….if not for me for my gorgeous son and husband. I need to be healthy for them. Thank you so much for helping me with that!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Stephanie – I’m so happy you’re finding my site helpful! Just take baby steps and you’ll get there. That’s all any of us can do really!

  • http://www.bluntzergroup.com Elena

    I noticed that most (if not all) of your smoothies have spinach and tofu in them. Why?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Elena – The recent batch of smoothies that I did for the No Sugar Challenge do, indeed have spinach and tofu. They are supposed to be nutrient dense drinks for the challenge, and I find that you can add spinach to just about any smoothie without altering the flavor. It’s a great way to get your greens! I use organic tofu because I’m allergic to dairy. Otherwise, I would most likely use cottage cheese, greek yogurt or 100% whey protein powder.

  • Hollie

    Tiffany, i just discovered your blog a few weeks ago! I’ve been reading Tosca’s books for 2 years and have really tried to eat clean, and up until May of 2010 i was fairly successful! I then moved 2500 miles away, was completly broke for 6 months, no gym membership, and my grocery budget was $15 a week. And just when i started getting back into my clean eating routine again, I finally conceived my first child! YAY! Due in October! Unfortunately i had severe morning sickness, and any ‘clean’ food was suddenly the enemy. I’m just getting back into my normal eating habits, but after 2 setbacks, it’s easy to get discouraged. Your blog is a wonderful encouragement! So approachable for everyday life, and your recipes are to die for! Thank you so much for all the work that you are putting into this blog! Just wanted to let you know how much your blog and time in the kitchen is appreciated!! Keep up the good work!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Hollie – Thank you so much! And good for you for getting back into it. Both you AND your child will benefit. Congratulations!!! :)

  • Molly Gubler

    Hi! I LOVE YOUR BLOG! It has quickly become a “favorite” of mine. I am having a hard time finding Chia Seeds. Where do you get yours or should I order online?

  • Slappymo

    I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I have been eating clean off and on- I love to eat clean but my husband is a real meat and potatoes man and so he is my resistance to anything different. Anyway, where do you get your Chia Seeds from? I can only find them online. Thank you for all your time into making my life easier!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Molly – I get mine at my local health food store. Try calling those in your area. If they don’t have it, you will have to order on line.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Slappymo – If your local health food store does not carry them, then you will have to order them on line. Good luck!

  • Joanne

    What brand of Cocoa powder do you use? I just started Clean Eating a couple of weeks ago, I’m new to your site and I’m loving it. Thank you for sharing with us : ) I love your cookbook too! just bought the ebook. You and Tosca have inspired and encouraged me. Thank you!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Joanne – Fantastic!! You’re going to do really well! I buy the stuff at Trader Joe’s, but you can alway buy unsweetened cocoa powder at most grocery stores. Hope that helps!

  • Joanne

    I bought some unsweetened cocoa powder from the grocery store, it was too bitter. I will try Trader Joe’s, thank you.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Joanne – It is bitter. Cocoa is naturally bitter. It’s only sweet when you add sugar. The stuff from Trader Joe’s is bitter too. It’s all about what you add it to.

  • guest

    Are you doing your RD schooling online? If so, which school offers an online program?

  • Anonymous

    Guest – No. I’m attending a local college campus. I don’t know of any that offer the full degree online. Sorry!

  • guest

    Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, I don’t live near any “big” colleges :( I will have to find another way to make things happen!

  • Anonymous

    Guest – Where there’s a will, there’s a way! I’m sure you’ll find something. Good luck!

  • Tnelewis

    I was looking for the whole wheat pastry flour at my local stores to no avail. However, they do have whole white wheat flour that is unbleached, would that still be an okay alternative? My husband does not like the taste of regular whole wheat flour as it tends to be really thick especially when baking….

  • Anonymous

    Tnelewis – Check the Bob’s Redmill web site for stores that carry their products. If they don’t have a store locator, you can email them and ask. They have the WWpastry flour that is most commonly found in stores.

    If the label says “White Whole Wheat Flour”, then it should be clean. But the term “unbleached” makes me wonder a bit. The real stuff usually doesn’t say that on the package. At least not as far as I’ve seen. Look at the ingredient list. If the only thing listed is the White WHOLE WHEAT Flour, then it should be fine.

  • Anonymous

    Jen – Here are a few that I have categorized specifically as being good for freezing. I hope that will help!

    http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/category/freezer-meals/

  • Anonymous

    Beautyuc – Since you are breastfeeding, I highly recommend talking to your doctor or a qualified dietitian. All bets are off when you’re breastfeeding. You have to get proper nutrition and that can be different for every person. There are lots of ways to get vegetarian protein. Anything from tofu to peanut butter. But you really need to find out specifically how much protein you need in a day first. Then look at these foods and find out what works for you personally.

  • Carolespaulding

    Very happy to have found your website. Due to health problems I have been eating clean for the past month, the difference is amazing. I will be following your site for recipes and tips as this is going to be my new way of life.

  • Anonymous

    Carole – That’s wonderful!! Welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy my recipes.

  • Anonymous

    KLD – Depends on what I’m making. I do eat whole eggs, just not all the time.

  • Anonymous

    Gldpmkn – They are.

  • Anonymous

    Dana – Thank you so much! The book will be sold on Amazon.com starting Feb 9th. That’s probably the easiest way to get it.

    My other books are ebooks, not printed books. If you look at the right hand column here, you’ll see the graphic for my books. Both ebooks are listed there and I’m currently working on a 3rd one.

    The next printed book will hopefully be out in about 6-8 months.

  • graciouspantry

    Marly – Thanks so much! You made my day!

  • Dimmyhome

    I am a subscriber and would like to receive the start up guide. You have a great site , and from reading other comments, I belong in the senior demographic and am relatively new to clean eating . I have lost some weight but have also gained some back due to my husband cook and eating out ,I need it to work for health reasons and purchase all that I can organically from the grocery store. We live in a small town where the is no health food store. I know in the short time that I have been eating clean I feel a lot better and do not feel like I have an blown up inner tube around my waist (unless I ate unclean). Thanks so much for your site and recipes, I look forward to receiving the start up guide. Hi, to mini chef he is adorable. Dorothy

  • graciouspantry

    Dimmyhome – Welcome! If you did not receive the startup guide, simply email me through my blog and I will forward it. Thanks.

  • graciouspantry

    Shutterbug – I’m so sorry to hear that! I wish you both the best of luck.

  • graciouspantry

    Stephanie – For 2 reasons.

    Onion powder – Because my eyes are SERIOUSLY sensitive to onions and chopping them is a huge undertaking for me. And if, by some bad stroke of luck I have makeup on that day, I might as well just throw in the towel and forget dinner all together. Really, I can’t stop crying so I avoid it when I can.

    Garlic powder – I do try to buy fresh garlic, but for some reason it often sprouts and goes bad on me pretty quickly. So I tend to use more of the powder. I do use fresh when I have it on hand, but that’s not very often.

  • graciouspantry

    P.S. – You can always sub with the fresh stuff in my recipes if you prefer.

  • Stephanie O

    Can I pin pictures from this site on Pinterest?

  • graciouspantry

    Stephanie – Yes you can. Thanks!