GRILL WEEK: Bok Choy

Today marks the beginning of GRILL WEEK here at This Is Why You're Thin! Keep sending in your submissions this week for healthy, plant-based grill ideas to get us started on summer.

Our first entry is a simple yet delicious one from Jennifer Carson: "I grilled a baby bok choy that had been seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper."

Raw Zucchini Pasta

Elizabeth writes, "I am so stoked because I just got a spiralizer and was able to make this beautiful, raw vegan lunch: Raw Zucchini Pasta with Raw Watercress Pesto. I have the recipe, method for spiralizing and more details at my website The Granite Gourmet."

Bike Racing

"I eat kale and race bikes at altitude because I reject the hedonistic lifestyles of my college peers."

(submitted by Robert)

Something Quick and Easy

Short on time? Here's a great dinner suggestion from Suzi: "Here is my healthy dinner from last night -- we needed something that was quick and easy! It's baby portabella mushrooms, garlic, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, cannellini beans, toasted pine nuts, spinach and oregano all sauteed in broth and served on a bed of brown rice spiral pasta. I topped mine with a little nutritional yeast."

Sunny Wholegrain Sushi

I hesitated on posting that last lovely picture. What are your thoughts on sushi? It's a healthy choice for some, but I believe my love of vegan sushi veers into the realm of unhealthy obsession; regular sushi rice is made with lots of salt and sugar, and I'll eat it until I'm ill.

If you're like me, you may want to check out my recipe for this Sunny Wholegrain Sushi, a sugar- and salt-free mixture of brown rice, millet, and amaranth flavored with lemon and sunflower seeds. It makes a good alternative to white sushi rice for us crazed sugar monkeys.

Vegan Sushi

Anne Goelz sent in this picture of a platter of vegan sushi she made. "It was delicious, and all of my friends scarfed it up!"

Smoothie Tuesday

Smoothies from the Planet Smoothie Blog:

Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie.

Iron-Rich Green Smoothie.

Pomegranate Smoothie.

Fruity Pink Smoothie.

Visit the blog for these recipes and more!

Submission Request #2: GRILL!

Time for another themed submission request! Summertime is upon us, and the heat and long evenings mean it's time to take the fun and food outdoors. For many of us that means rolling out the gas or charcoal grill. Unfortunately, most of us probably think of things like greasy sausages and hamburgers when we think of the grill, but have you cooked healthier fare outdoors? The grill can be a great place to make flavorful vegetable dishes and veggie kabobs, grilled fruit desserts or even flavorful smoked tofu.

If you've done up some healthy bbq or outdoor cooking, send in your submissions to be included in a special GRILL WEEK here at This Is Why You're Thin!

We had such a great selection of submission for our Pizza Week, I can't wait to see what you all come up with for this one!

Garden Salad

Kelli from animal-friendly eating writes, "I have started my very own organic vegetable garden to stay lean. I am following a method called 'square foot gardening' where you can grow up to 16 different vegetables in a 4-foot by 4-foot space! Here is a picture of my first salad harvested from gourmet bibb, romaine, and red sails. I'm so proud. I have managed to inspire my best friend to start her own garden, and I hope to inspire many, many more. =)"

'Shroom Sandwich

'Shroom Sandwich (roasted portobello mushroom, spinach, tomato, garlicky hummus on multi-grain bread) with sweet potato fries.

(submitted by Kiersten at Full Of Beans)