Ingredients:
🍄 Mushrooms
🥒 Courgette
🥕 Carrot
🥬 Cabbage
🧈 Tofu
🍚 Rice paper
🥢 Soy sauce
🍶 Rice vinegar
🧄 Garlic powder
🌶️ Sweet chili sauce
✨ Sesame seeds
Method:
1️⃣ Add the mushrooms, courgette, carrot, cabbage, and tofu to a food processor and blitz until finely chopped.
2️⃣ Transfer the mixture to a non-stick pan. Add the soy sauce and garlic powder, then cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
3️⃣ Dip a sheet of rice paper into water until softened.
4️⃣ Place some of the filling in the centre and fold into a sealed parcel.
5️⃣ Sprinkle sesame seeds into a non-stick pan and cook the dumplings on top of the sesame seeds until golden and crispy on both sides.
6️⃣ Mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sweet chili sauce for a quick dipping sauce.
7️⃣ Serve the dumplings with the dipping sauce and enjoy.
Month: July 2026
Lower LDL w/ Beans Beats Oatmeal!
Research, including a key study from the [ASU News], shows that consuming about half a cup of pinto beans daily can lower total and LDL cholesterol by more than 8%. This surpasses oatmeal, which typically reduces cholesterol by 2% to 3%. [1, 2]
Pinto beans achieve this through a combination of high soluble fiber, which binds and removes bile acids, and bioactive compounds that slow cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This makes pinto beans an excellent addition to a heart-healthy diet. [3, 4, 5]
[1] [https://news.asu.edu](https://news.asu.edu/content/asu-researchers-find-pinto-beans-may-lower-cholesterol-more-oatmeal)
[2] [https://news.asu.edu](https://news.asu.edu/content/study-shows-pinto-beans-may-lower-cholesterol-more-oatmeal)
[3] [https://nutrition.org](https://nutrition.org/pinto-beans-may-help-lower-cholesterol/)
[4] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3hOzlDqHk&t=23)
[5] [https://deliciousliving.com](https://deliciousliving.com/health/beans-better-cholesterol-levels/)
When comparing cholesterol-lowering power, black beans and pinto beans perform almost identically. Clinical trials tracking [multicenter, randomized bean consumption] demonstrate that eating a consistent daily serving of either bean results in a highly similar reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. [1, 2]
Their health benefits stem from closely matched nutritional profiles, though each has slight nutritional advantages: [3, 4, 5]
* Pinto Beans edge slightly ahead in heart-rate and blood-pressure management due to their [superior potassium and folate levels]. Their creamy texture also makes them ideal for heart-healthy spreads and mashed dishes. [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
* Black Beans stand out for arterial protection. Their dark skins are packed with anthocyanins—the same powerful antioxidants found in berries—which [reduce inflammation and prevent plaque buildup](https://markmeyermd.com/blog/beans-for-the-heart-how-a-daily-cup-could-reduce-inflammation-amp-improve-cholesterol-in-prediabetes) in the arteries. [6, 7, 11, 12, 13]
* Ultimately, consistency matters far more than the specific bean variety you choose. Eating either variety daily will successfully drive down cholesterol. [2, 14]
Would you like some ideas on how to mix both into your weekly meal prep, or do you have a specific culinary style (like Mexican, Cuban, or Mediterranean) you prefer?
[1] [https://yourlatinanutritionist.com](https://yourlatinanutritionist.com/blog/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans/)
[2] [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34642756/)
[3] [https://www.webstaurantstore.com](https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/5218/black-beans-vs-pinto.html)
[4] [https://www.everydayhealth.com](https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans-which-is-healthier/)
[5] [https://www.healthline.com](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-black-beans-healthy)
[6] [https://health.yahoo.com](https://health.yahoo.com/wellness/nutrition/healthy-eating/articles/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans-145900352.html)
[7] [https://www.everydayhealth.com](https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans-which-is-healthier/)
[8] [https://biteswithblair.com](https://biteswithblair.com/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans/)
[9] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwBR8bks1p0)
[10] [https://www.oleahealth.com.au](https://www.oleahealth.com.au/post/gut-friendly-black-beans-deserve-a-spot-in-every-pantry)
[11] [https://markmeyermd.com](https://markmeyermd.com/blog/beans-for-the-heart-how-a-daily-cup-could-reduce-inflammation-amp-improve-cholesterol-in-prediabetes)
[12] [https://www.yahoo.com](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/beans-nutritious-black-beans-exceptionally-203322592.html)
[13] [https://www.sciencedaily.com](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/12/031205053236.htm)
[14] [https://www.verywellhealth.com](https://www.verywellhealth.com/black-beans-vs-pinto-beans-11842007)
July 20, 2026 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

(This blog began 3/15/2015)
MEDITATION:
* E W Kenyon Sermons w/ Insights
* Nothing But Bible
EXERCISE:
* Jog 5k outdoors
* Ab-coaster workout
* PT APP workout
–lower body stretch/stengthening
WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)
EATS:
* gfo smoothie (greens, fruit, oats)
* choco-pb banana bite
* gorilla veggie salad, small serving spaghetti marinara, one rice/bean taco, plain sparkling water w/ shot of soft XL-drink
* slice of cold leftover veggie pizza & some raw radishes
… SUN HAS SET …
Cmmt: XL indicates uncommonly excessive food, and wautéed means water-sautéed
🍫 CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SANDWICH🔥 Healthy Vegan Weight Loss!!
Ingredients:
🍠 Pre-baked sweet potato
🥛 Soy milk
🍫 Cacao powder
🌼 Vanilla
🍁 Maple syrup
🧂 Pinch of salt
🍘 Rice cakes
Optional:
🍫 Chocolate chips
Chocolate Sauce:
🍫 Cacao powder
🍁 Maple syrup
Method:
1️⃣ Mash the sweet potato until smooth.
2️⃣ Mix in the soy milk, cacao powder, vanilla, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3️⃣ Freeze the mixture overnight in your Ninja Creami container.
4️⃣ Process on the Ice Cream setting. If needed, add a splash of soy milk and respin until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Mix in chocolate chips if you like.
6️⃣ For the chocolate sauce, stir together the cacao powder and maple syrup until smooth.
7️⃣ Spoon the ice cream onto a rice cake, drizzle with the chocolate sauce, top with another rice cake, and enjoy as an ice cream sandwich.
Rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey 🍫🍦
A wholesome ice cream made from sweet potato that tastes incredibly indulgent while staying weight-loss friendly 💚
Online Brain Conference – free
Hey! Just thought I’d share this Brain Breakthroughs Masterclass. I just signed up and it sounds amazing. Want to sign up too? Go here:
July 19, 2026 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan


(This blog began 3/15/2015)
MEDITATION:
* E W Kenyon Sermons w/ Insights
EXERCISE:
* Bicycle 30 minutes outdoors
* PT APP workout
–lower body stretch/stengthening
* Ab-coaster workout
WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)
EATS:
* leftover Moroccan Harira stew w/ whole wheat noodles
* salt-free pistachios
* choco-pb banana bites
* chopped gorilla salad w/ cannellini beans
… SUN HAS SET …
Cmmt: XL indicates uncommonly excessive food, and wautéed means water-sautéed
Aloha Vegan ‘Dirty’ Rice

Ingredients
* 1/2 cup coconut or brown sugar
* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (plus more to taste)
* 3/4 cup vegan “chicken” broth (like Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base)
* 1 1/2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
* 1/2 cup red onion, diced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice, juices reserved
* 6 to 8 ounces dry soy curls (about 1.5 to 2 cups dry), rehydrated and squeezed dry
* 2 cups curly kale, stemmed and finely chopped
* 4-5 strips vegan bacon, cooked and diced (may try creating your own here)
* Cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Green onions or sugar snap peas, sliced, for extra fresh crunch (optional)
Preparations
- Rehydrate: Soak the dry soy curls in warm vegan broth for 10 minutes. Drain, squeeze out all excess liquid using your hands or a towel, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Kale: Wash, stem, and finely chop 2 cups of kale.
- Prep Toppings: Cook your vegan bacon until crisp, then dice it. Slice your raw sugar snap peas thinly on a diagonal.
Baking Steps
- Preheat: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix Sauce: Whisk the sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and 3/4 cup vegan broth together directly in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine: Stir the uncooked instant white rice, diced onion, chopped bell pepper, pineapple tidbits (with their juice), rehydrated soy curls, and chopped kale into the sauce bowl. Ensure the kale is fully submerged and coated.
- First Bake: Pour everything into the baking dish. Cover it tightly with lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam and bake for 50 minutes.
- Second Bake: Remove the foil and stir the casserole well. Scatter the cooked (or bought) vegan bacon pieces across the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the rice is perfectly tender and the top edges of the kale are lightly crisped. [4]
Serving
- Rest: Let the casserole cool and set for 5 minutes out of the oven.
- Garnish: Scatter the raw, sliced sugar snap peas and fresh cilantro across the top right before serving for that final, maximum fresh crunch.
Fuel Saving Baked Potato Method!
No-Oil Hybrid Method (Steam-then-microBlast)
- Cost: ~$0.10. Highly economical. By shifting the bulk of the cooking time to the efficient microwave, you slash the overall fuel cost by more than half compared to the air fryer alone.
- How it works: You use a fast microwave steam to rapidly cook the inside of the potato from the core outward, then use the air fryer’s intense convection airflow to flash-crisp the skin without needing oil.
- Instructions:
- Scrub the potato and pierce it 5–6 times with a fork.
- Wrap the potato snugly in a damp, 100% cotton kitchen dish towel and microwave on High for 4–5 minutes to soften the interior.
- Carefully unwrap the hot potato and immediately roll it in a small bowl of salt-water brine (2 tablespoons of salt dissolved in warm water).
- Place it directly into the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until the skin is beautifully blistered and crisp.
——————————
Frozen Choco PB Banana Bites
My Modified Recipe!
INGREDIENTS
The Banana Bites:
* 1 large ripe banana (sliced into 12 even disks)
* 3 tablespoons PB2 powder (powdered peanut butter)
* 1.5 tablespoons water
The Low-Fat Chocolate Shell:
* 2 pieces (approx. 4g) 100% unsweetened cacao wafers
* 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 to 2 teaspoons warm water
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a small cup, stir the 3 tablespoons of PB2 powder with 1.5 tablespoons of water. Whisk vigorously until a thick, smooth peanut butter paste forms.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
Line a small plate or tray with parchment paper. Lay 6 of your banana slices flat on the paper. Divide the PB2 paste evenly among them, dropping a dollop right in the center of each slice. Top with the remaining 6 banana slices to create 6 mini sandwiches.
3. Freeze Until Solid
Place the tray into the freezer for at least 1 to 2 hours until the banana slices and peanut butter centers are frozen completely solid.
4. Make the Low-Fat Chocolate Shell
* Place the 2 cacao wafers into a tiny, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until melted.
* In a separate small cup, mix the 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder with 1 teaspoon of warm water until a smooth, dark, glossy paste forms.
* Pour the cocoa paste directly into the melted cacao wafers and stir quickly until uniform.
5. Drizzle and Snap
Remove the frozen banana bites from the freezer. Immediately drizzle the chocolate mixture evenly over the top of the 6 bites. Because the bananas are frozen, the chocolate glaze will solidify into a crisp, snappy shell within 30 seconds. Enjoy immediately or store in a freezer-safe container.
——————————
NUTRITION INFO:
Nutrition Per Single Bite
* Calories: 26 kcal
* Total Fat: 0.3 g
* Total Carbohydrates: 5.1 g
* Dietary Fiber: 0.7 g
* Protein: 1.0 g
Nutrition Per 3-Bite Serving
* Calories: 78 kcal
* Total Fat: 1.0 g
* Total Carbohydrates: 15.3 g
* Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
* Protein: 2.9 g
Nutrition for the Entire Batch (6 Bites)
* Calories: 156 kcal
* Total Fat: 1.9 g
* Total Carbohydrates: 30.6 g
* Dietary Fiber: 4.2 g
* Protein: 5.8 g
——————————
Choco Mug Cake
This Oil-Free PB2 Chocolate (Chip) Mug Cake is a warm, cakey dessert made entirely in a mug. It uses powdered peanut butter as the base, keeping the fat content incredibly low while staying completely vegan.
Ingredients
* 3 tablespoons PB2 powder
* 1 tablespoon oat flour (or regular flour)
* 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (or water)
* 1 tablespoon dairy-free chocolate chips (totally optional)
Instructions
1. Mix Dry: Whisk the PB2, oat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder directly inside a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add Liquid: Pour in the plant milk and stir thoroughly until a smooth cake batter forms.
3. Fold: Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips if using.
4. Microwave: Cook on high for 50 to 60 seconds.
5. Cool: Let it rest for 1 minute to firm up before eating.
Skipping the optional chocolate chips keeps the recipe incredibly low-fat.
Base Mug Cake (Without Chocolate Chips)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Total Fat: 4.1 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 16.3 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 11.3 g [1]
With Vegan Chocolate Chips (1 Tablespoon Added)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 8.1 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 25.3 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.0 g
- Protein: 11.8 g
(Note: Data is calculated using standard PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter and unsweetened almond milk. Using water instead of plant milk drops the base total by roughly 8 calories and 0.6 grams of fat.)