Today started off with a magical phone call from the Apple store telling me that my computer was ready to be picked up! After arriving at the apple store, they told me that my baby got some brand new shiny parts: logic board, track pad, wifi antennas, right fan, rubber foot, and 2 new screws. I was so pumped and ready to take my little lappy home until the dreaded word dun dun dun…”unfortunately” came out of the employee’s mouth. He said, “Unfortunately we were not able to replace your battery because that is not considered a repair, but a new purchase and installation, so we’re going to have to do that in the store.” He told me that they are usually able to replace batteries in MacBook Pros during Genius Bar appointments but due to an overbooking of appointments that were then running 45 minutes behind, they could not replace my battery at that time and had to keep it overnight. Boooooo! So off went my computer in a bright white apple box… Hopefully we will be re-reunited tomorrow morning!

Yesterday, an amazing RFFMBT reader, Tamiko completed the Skinny Bunny Cleanse with a total loss of 7 lbs! Tamiko also shared her awesome one day meal plan for her first day post cleanse so I thought you guys might like to see what she’s whipping up in her kitchen! Thank you so much for sharing your success and meals with me and the RFFMBT community Tamiko, you are so inspiring! Don’t forget to join the RFFMBT Facebook community for more updates and discussions like this!

If you are interested in doing the Skinny Bunny Cleanse and have any questions, make sure to read through the comments on the post to see if your question has already been answered. There are tons of comments from readers regarding questions and their success stories after the 5 day cleanse!

TAMIKO’S ONE DAY RABBIT FOOD MEAL PLAN

BREAKFAST:
Produce: 1 Apple
Whole Grain: 1 Slice of Toasted Whole Grain Bread
Protein: 1 Cup of Soy Milk
Plant Based Fat: 1 Tbsp. Almond Butter

LUNCH:
Produce: 1 Cup Peas and 1 Cup Carrots
Whole Grain: ½ Cup Cooked Whole Grain Couscous
Protein: 3oz Chicken Breast
Plan Based Fat: 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

DINNER
Produce: 1 Cup Broccoli and 1 Cup Asparagus
Whole Grain: ½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
Protein: 3oz Salmon
Plant Based Fat: 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

SNACK
Produce: 1 banana
Whole Grain: ¼ cups rolled oats + ½ cup water
Protein: 1 Cup Soy Milk
Plant Based Fat: 1 Tbsp. Almond Butter

I have found that the serving sizes and combinations listed on my blog in the Rabbit Food Pyramid work perfectly for me. Everyone is different and not every day or workout is the same, so it could take some tweaking to find the perfect amount of food is for your body. Since I am maintaining, I do add in some extra fruit throughout the day if I am hungry and usually incorporate a post workout protein shake if I exercise that day. The pyramid is meant to be a guide to build healthy balanced meals to lose weight, and can be adapted for your individual needs, so if this is not enough food for your body/exercise level, or you are now maintaining, you can add another small meal or up your protein to fit your needs!

Earlier this week I posted a photograph on Instagram of a nutrition label for a round of “NAME THAT FOOD!” After tons of great guesses, a RFFMBT reader was able to identify that the label belonged to a bag of dry lentils! You guys had tons of great questions about lentils and I got a few requests for a lentil recipe, so here it is: vegan Mediterranean Lentils!

Let’s get to know these little legumes know as Lentils!

  • High in fiber with an average of 10-15g per serving.
  • Helps to regulate blood sugar by providing steady, slow-burning energy and balancing blood sugar levels from the high amount of fiber.
  • Loaded with iron, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and people who don’t eat red meat.
  • The protein in lentils makes up 26% of its overall calories, which makes them an outstanding source of protein for vegans.



Mediterranean Lentils

Serves 1

1/2 cup cooked lentils (you may use dry or canned)
1/2 cup cooke whole-wheat couscous
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup tomato
1/2 cup onion
1/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
10 pitted kalamata olives
1 Tsp  balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp minced garlic
lemon juice to taste

Cook the lentils to package instructions (usually 1:4 lentil water ratio). Cook couscous to package instructions (in only water – no butter if suggested). Chop the onion and tomato. Mix the vegetable broth and garlic and pour into a pan over medium high heat. Cook the onion and spinach in the vegetable broth. Once the spinach has wilted, add the tomatoes to the pan (to avoid overcooking). Rinse the lentils once they have finished cooking, and combine one half cup lentils with the cooked vegetables. Add balsamic vinegar and chopped pitted olives to the lentil mixture and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste. Place the couscous on a plate and top with the lentil mixture.
Note: If you use canned lentils, rinse and strain lentils, and cook in the pan with the vegetables to heat them.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: spinach, tomato, onion
Whole Grain: whole wheat couscous
Protein: lentils
Plant Based Fat: olives

23 Comments on Mediterranean Lentils

  1. Kate
    July 26, 2012 at 2:44 pm (12 years ago)

    I just bought lentils TODAY! This is perfect. Love your blog so much!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 26, 2012 at 3:06 pm (12 years ago)

      Perfect timing Kate! Let me know what you think! xo

      Reply
  2. Jentry Nielsen
    July 26, 2012 at 3:33 pm (12 years ago)

    I knew lentils were high in fiber, but I had no idea they were so high in protein! I love when you can get a double punch of fiber and protein, that’ll be sure to keep you full for hours! I can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 26, 2012 at 4:42 pm (12 years ago)

      I love when I learn new things about different foods! You should have seen my face the first time I looked at a package of lentils! haha xo

      Reply
  3. Michelle
    July 26, 2012 at 4:13 pm (12 years ago)

    This looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try this out. Your blog is SO inspiring!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 26, 2012 at 4:42 pm (12 years ago)

      Awww thank you so much Michelle! xo

      Reply
  4. Nina
    July 27, 2012 at 12:23 am (12 years ago)

    Hi,
    I would like to send you a private email (just asking for advices and for consultation), but I can’t seem to find your email anywhere…I am subscribed for daily emails from you though, but can’t reply to those…Would you mind sending me an email so I can talk to you (if you have time)?
    Thank you,
    🙂

    p.s. loveeee your blog and admire you so muchhh!!!!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 27, 2012 at 11:38 am (12 years ago)

      Hi Nina! Due to a high volume of reader messages I am no longer accepting personal emails, but you are always welcome to ask questions in a comment, on Facebook, or Twitter! Health & Happiness xo

      Reply
    • Catherine
      July 27, 2012 at 11:30 am (12 years ago)

      I love lentils too! Enjoy! xo

      Reply
  5. Kerry
    July 29, 2012 at 9:44 am (12 years ago)

    Made a tummy lentil ragú once as a veggie option, will share & you can help me make it RFFMBT friendly if their are any dirty ingredients tho I remember it being healthy & tasty!!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 29, 2012 at 5:35 pm (12 years ago)

      I’d love to see the lentil ragu recipe and make it RFFMBT approved! xo

      Reply
  6. Jessica
    July 30, 2012 at 4:07 pm (12 years ago)

    this looks fabulous, especially when you said it was good refrigerated and left over! I can’t wait to make this soon, then have a healthy and tasty lunch.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 30, 2012 at 9:52 pm (12 years ago)

      Thanks Jessica! Let me know if you try it! xo

      Reply
  7. Kristen
    July 30, 2012 at 7:11 pm (12 years ago)

    hey, what kind of protein shakes do you drink?? thanks!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 30, 2012 at 9:51 pm (12 years ago)

      Hi Kristen! I usually make protein shakes with greek yogurt fruit and nut butter! Sometimes I use protein powder if i am out of certain ingredients 🙂

      Reply
  8. Ieshia
    August 1, 2012 at 9:16 am (12 years ago)

    This looks so good! This blog is so inspiring. I’ve been on it three weeks and I’ve already lost twelve pounds! Question, if you do the cleanse do you notice any of the weight come back if you stop the cleanse?

    Reply
    • Catherine
      August 1, 2012 at 12:41 pm (12 years ago)

      12 lbs?! That’s amazing!!! Go Leshia! The cleanse does not contain any added salt, so most of the weight you lose is stubborn water weight. You should be able to maintain the weight loss by following the Rabbit Food Pyramid Guidelines. Try to stay away from added salt and high sodium packaged foods and you will continue on your journey to your goal! xo

      Reply
  9. MichelleH
    August 1, 2012 at 2:54 pm (12 years ago)

    Hi!
    This sounds like just what I’ve been looking for…minus the chicken. Any thoughts substations for that?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      August 1, 2012 at 3:23 pm (12 years ago)

      Hi Michelle! You could substitute the lentils (protein serving) for 3oz. of chicken!

      Reply
  10. Torre
    August 6, 2012 at 7:21 pm (12 years ago)

    Looks tasty! I was wondering if you have a suggestion for substituting olives. I just can’t eat them. You have a few really great sounding recipes that have a Greek or Mediterranean influence and I really don’t want to lose that or the plant based fat aspect of the pyramid.

    Also, I started the Bunny Cleanse today. So tasty! I’ll let you know how it goes.

    And on a completely random note, I’m the producer of a morning show in Amarillo, TX. I know you’re in LA, but just thought I’d let you know that if you’re ever around these parts, I’d love to get you on for some segments to show off your amazing food.

    Reply
    • Catherine
      August 6, 2012 at 11:35 pm (12 years ago)

      Hi Torre! Thank you so much for the compliments! You could substitute olives for 1/4 of an avocado in Mediterranean dishes! I’m not sure if you don’t like olives or have a food allergy, but if you can eat olive oil, you can cook your veggies in 1 Tbsp of olive oil instead of the vegetable broth for a serving of plant based fat 🙂 Health & Happiness!

      Reply
  11. april
    August 29, 2012 at 9:24 am (12 years ago)

    Just made this for lunch. SO easy and SO good!

    Reply

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