Easy Popcorn Cauliflower { Airfryer & Oven recipe}

Ingredients
▢1 medium cauliflower separated into florets.
▢1 cup plain flour or all purpose flour
▢1 cup soda water (carbonated water) or water
▢Salt to taste
▢2 ½ cup panko crumbs
▢1½ teaspoon smoked paprika
▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢1 teaspoon ground black pepper
▢Salt to taste
▢1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
▢2 teaspoon oil for brushing


Instructions
*Wash and dry the cauliflower head.

*Cut them into florets. Approximately 3 Cups of florets.

*For the flour slurry – Add flour, soda water, salt in a mixing bowl and whisk smooth. Flour slurry should be thick enough to coat the florets well and set it aside.

*For Panko seasoning – Combine panko, spices in a bowl. Mix with a fork.

*Dip the cauliflower florets individually into the flour slurry, shake off any excess and then into the panko seasoning.

Air fryer Instructions
*Preheat the Air fryer at 375° for 3 minutes.
*Working in batches, arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer into the air fryer basket.

*Air fryer at 375° for 10 -12 minutes or until browned.

*At half time, brush the cauliflower with small amount of oil.

Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven at 400°.

*Arrange the cauliflower on a baking tray.

*Brush or spray the cauliflower with small amount of oil.

*Bake for 10-12 minutes or until browned and crispy.


Nutrition
Calories: 244kcal | Protein: 8.3g | Fat: 3.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 5.6g | Sugar: 4.4g | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

https://sandhyahariharan.co.uk/popcorn-cauliflower/#recipe

June 8, 2025 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

(This blog began 3/15/2015)

MEDITATION:
Proverbs 11: 14-18  “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”

EXERCISE:
* Jog 5k outdoors
* PT APP workout
–low back stretch / strengthening

WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)

EATS:
* gfo smoothie (greens dominate)
* one apricot & a few mulberries from orchard
* gorilla salad w/ cold Jasberry purple rice, fig balsamic dressing & sourdough avocado toast
* airfried homemade potato slices w/ chopped onion & natural ketchup (no refined sugars)

… SUN HAS SET …

Cmmt: XL indicates uncommon extravagantly lucious food, and wautéed means water-sautéed

June 7, 2025 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

At the beach!
Tossed-out veg dip!

(This blog began 3/15/2015)

MEDITATION:
Proverbs 11:5-13  “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

EXERCISE:
* Jog 5k outdoors
* Brisk walk along the beach & on the pier
* PT APP workout
–low back stretch / strengthening

WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)

EATS:
* gfo smoothie (greens dominate)
* Simple Simon Vegetarian Sandwich – grilled sourdough with pesto (contains walnuts), avocado, cucumber, carrots, red pepper, red onion, lettuce, tomato and dill spread (likely contains XL-oil)
* raw veggies (carrot, cauliflower, cucumbers, red bell pepper, grape tomatoes w/ no dip)

… SUN HAS SET …

* Jasberry purple rice w/ organic sourdough avocado/tomato toast

Cmmt: XL indicates uncommon extravagantly lucious food, and wautéed means water-sautéed

For a Better Workout, Walk With Hiking Poles

Pacerpole.com

Whether on a trail or a sidewalk, poles help you safely go farther, faster and engage your upper body.

[…]

“I couldn’t believe how much easier hiking felt, especially while wearing a 40-pound pack,” Ms. Hawke, now 30, said. “I used to think they were just for older people. Now I tell everyone I know to use them.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/well/move/nordic-trekking-poles-walking.html

Oil-Free Vegan Onion Rings

Ingredients:

2–3 medium yellow onions

Wet Mix:

½ cup flour (all-purpose, spelt, gluten-free, or whatever)

⅔ cup unsweetened plant-based milk

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp salt

Dry Mix:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (ensure they’re vegan)

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare Onions: Peel and slice the onions into ½-inch thick

Prepare Wet Mix: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, paprika, turmeric, and salt until smooth.

Prepare Dry Mix: In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, turmeric, and salt.

Coat Onion Rings: Dip each onion ring into the wet mix, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the dry bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated onion rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, flip the rings, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 150–180

Total Fat: 1–2 grams

Sodium: Varies based on salt content

Carbohydrates: Approximately 30–35 grams

Protein: Approximately 3–4 grams

These onion rings are a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions, offering a crispy texture without the added oil. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Enjoy!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

TOP LOW-FAT FROZEN FRENCH FRIES

*Grown in Idaho Thick-Cut Hash Browns:

Fat: 0 grams per serving

Calories: 70

Sodium: 30 mg

Carbohydrates: 15 g (2 g fiber)

Protein: 2 g

These hash browns are more like fries and are baked, not fried, making them a heart-healthy choice.
*******

*Trader Joe’s Root Vegetable Fries:

Fat: 0 grams per serving

Calories: 50

Sodium: 70 mg

Carbohydrates: 13 g (3 g fiber)

Protein: 1 g

A blend of beets, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, these fries are oil-free and baked, offering a colorful and nutritious alternative.
*******

*Cascadian Farm Organic Crinkle Cut Fries:

Fat: 2.5 grams per serving

Calories: 80

Sodium: 15 mg

Carbohydrates: 13 g

Protein: 1 g

Made with organic potatoes and canola oil, these fries are baked and contain minimal fat and sodium.
*******

*Smart Classics Air-Popped Fries:

Fat: 0 grams per serving

Calories: 100

Sodium: Varies

Carbohydrates: Varies

Protein: Varies

These fries are air-popped, resulting in a crispy texture without added fat.
*******

*Gourmet Basics Smart Fries:

Fat: 0 grams per serving

Calories: Varies

Sodium: Varies

Carbohydrates: Varies

Protein: Varies

These fries are air-popped and come in convenient 1 oz bags, making them a great on-the-go option.
*******

You can find these healthier frozen fry options at major grocery stores in California, such as:

Albertsons

Walmart

Vons

Sprouts Farmers Market

Additionally, Trader Joe’s offers their Root Vegetable Fries, and Whole Foods Market carries Cascadian Farm products.

For the lowest fat content, Grown in Idaho Thick-Cut Hash Browns and Trader Joe’s Root Vegetable Fries are excellent choices.

If you prefer traditional potato fries, Cascadian Farm Organic Crinkle Cut Fries are a healthy option.

Smart & Final offers several frozen French fry options with relatively low fat content. Here are some choices you might consider:

Top Selections at Smart & Final:

Cascadian Farm Organic Crinkle Cut French Fries: These fries are made with organic potatoes and canola oil, offering a healthier alternative with minimal fat content.

Gourmet Basics Smart Fries Classic Sea Salt Air Popped Low Fat: These fries are air-popped, resulting in a crispy texture without added fat.

Lamb Weston Thick Cut Hash Browns: While not traditional fries, these hash browns are thick-cut and can be a satisfying low-fat option when baked.

You can find these products at your local Smart & Final store or order them online for delivery or pickup.

Cholesterol: When and How to Treat It – Dr. McDougall

COMPARISON of Standard recommendations VS McDougall’s recommendations for blood lipids. McDougall plan is much more rigid than standard, but shoot for the stars & you’ll amaze yourself!

The following are in mg/dl.

*******

*TOTAL cholesterol levels*

STANDARDS SAY:
a) Less than 200 = desirable
b) 200-239 = borderline high
c) 240 or above = high

MCDOUGALL SAYS:
d) Less than 150 = gold!

*******

*LDL cholesterol levels* – the so-called “bad” cholesterol

STANDARDS SAY:
a) Less than 100 = optimal
b) 100-129 = near optimal/above optimal
c) 130-159 = borderline high
d) 160-189 = high
e) 190 and above = very high

MCDOUGALL SAYS:
f) Less than 90 mg/dl = gold!

*******

*HDL cholesterol levels* – the so-called “good” cholesterol

STANDARDS SAY:
a) Less than 40 = low
b) 60 or above = high
c) 40-60 = optimal

MCDOUGALL SAYS:
d) Higher is better, but a healthy diet makes this fraction of total cholesterol lower because all fractions of cholesterol are reduced. So don’t be misguided into thinking something is wrong when your HDL level falls with a healthy diet.

*******

*TRIGLYCERIDE levels* measure of the amount of fat in the blood

(Triglycerides are a bit less important predictors of heart disease risk than cholesterol)

STANDARD SAYS:
a) Normal less than 200 mg/dl
b) High = 200 to 500 mg/dl
c) Very high = in the thousands

MCDOUGALL SAYS:
d) Less than 150 mg/dl

*******

Why McDougall says ideal TOTAL CHOLESTEROL is below 150 mg/dl:

“Worldwide and nationwide heart disease is very rare when people have blood cholesterol levels below 150 mg/dl. (reference 1,2) This is why I have set this value for your laboratory results as “a great big A+” on the report card. This level can be attained by almost everyone by following a strict low-fat, no cholesterol diet, such as I recommend, and judicious use of medications.”

References:


1) Roberts W. Atherosclerotic risk factorsミare there ten or is there only one. Am J Cardiol. 1989 Sep 1;64(8):552-4.

2) Kannel W. Is the serum total cholesterol an anachronism? Lancet. 1979 Nov 3;2(8149):950-1.

https://www.drmcdougall.com/education/information/cholesterol-when-and-how-to-treat-it/

Jeff Nelson (VegSource) Dressings

Mice Lost 30% Body Fat in 1 Week – While Eating Fat??

Video is below, but first let me share the sauces, glazes & dressings Jeff Nelson shares on youtube:

1. Zesty Mustard Dressing

Great for salads or drizzling on steamed greens

    1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
    2–3 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
    1–2 tsp maple syrup or date syrup (optional)
    Dash of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
    Water to thin as needed

Bright, tangy, and just a hint sweet


2. Simple Balsamic Glaze

For potatoes, squash, or grilled veggies

    2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

    1 tsp maple syrup or date paste
Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs

 Sweet and tangy — like a cheat version of store-bought glaze

3. Lemon-Herb Sauce

Great with steamed potatoes, broccoli, or salad

    Juice of 1 lemon

    2 tbsp water
    1 tsp stone-ground mustard
Sprinkle of dried oregano, basil, or dill

Optional: pinch of nutritional yeast
Clean, bright, herby — a staple

4. Salsa-Lime Veggie Sauce

Perfect for adding flavor to steamed or microwaved frozen veggie 

    ½ cup salsa (no-oil, no-sugar variety)
    Juice of ½ a lime
    Optional: chopped cilantro, splash of vinegar, or dash of cumin
Mexican-style punch of flavor without cooking

5. Miso-Ginger Sauce (light version)

A little bolder — best over hot veggies or squash

    1 tsp white or yellow miso
    2 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
    1 tsp grated ginger or ginger powder
    2 tbsp water
Umami kick without being too salty if diluted well

Subscribe on Substack (notify of videos not on YouTube!):
https://vegsource.substack.com/

J E F F’ S   W E B S I T E
https://www.vegsource.com

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OzRS4JZJli4&si=bM3ql0dZhG2M_628

June 6, 2025 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

(This blog began 3/15/2015)

MEDITATION:
Proverbs 11:1-4  “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”

EXERCISE:
* Jog 5k outdoors
* PT APP workout
–low back stretch / strengthening

WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)

EATS:
* watermelon
* bbq’d veggie burger w/ lettuce, tomato, avocado, mustard on sourdough toast
* corn on cob
* vegan vanilla ice cream w/ strawberries & defatted choco-peanut sauce (made from powders)
* gorilla salad w/ mango-pepper dressing

… SUN HAS SET …

Cmmt: XL indicates uncommon extravagantly lucious food, and wautéed means water-sautéed