What to Do When You Get Off Track from Eating Plants + Moroccan Millet Pilaf (oil-free)
By Molly Patrick
Aug 25, 2018,
This week I’m talking about getting your ass back on the healthy eating plant train after you’ve fallen off.
If this doesn’t apply to you right now, keep this sucker handy because you never know when you might need it. One day you’re eating ALL the veggies and the next, you’re double fisting it with french fries and hush puppies, just GOING AT IT. I know, I’ve been there. And it’s okay.
Eating a healthy plant-based diet is a way of life because it impacts your entire existence in ways that you never even saw coming. When you fuel with whole plant foods and recipes made from whole plant foods, you vibrate higher and your light shines brighter.
Most people who follow our meal plans have experienced this in action. Fruits, veggies, beans, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are packed with fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They fill you up without weighing you down, they keep you energized, and they put a pep in your step. Eating plants inspires and motivates you to eat more plants because they help you feel so damn good, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and if you’re like me, even spiritually.
So if eating whole plant foods makes people feel so good then why would anyone eat anything else?
Because shit happens, son.
Weddings, breakups, death, trauma, moving, fights, loss, drama, parties, travel, illness, depression, these are all part of the human experience and oftentimes, they lead to food choices that don’t support you, which then lead to more food choices that don’t support you. And so it goes, on and on, until one day you wake up and you can’t remember the last time you ate a piece of fruit or made a salad.
Maybe it’s a nightly bowl of ice cream that crept back into your life after the loss of a loved one.
Maybe you’ve had a shit summer and you forgot that green smoothies were a thing.
Maybe you’ve gone through a breakup and literally all you’ve wanted to eat for the past month is cereal.
Maybe it all started with a girls night out with drinks and fried appetizers and now, a month later, you have yet to batch cook.
Whatever the reason and whatever your situation that led you to get off track from eating plants, it’s okay. Let it go and make a different choice the next time you eat. It might seem more complex, but it’s actually that simple. If you want to eat healthier then you have to make the choice to put healthy things in your mouth. It doesn’t get much more simple than that.
Here’s the deal. You wake up every morning and you get to decide what you say, how you act, what you eat, how you treat people, whether or not you move your body, what time to go to bed. It’s entirely up to you, and every day that you are alive, you have the privilege of making choices that will shape your life now, and in the future.
At first it might be hard to choose blueberries over chocolate cake and batching over take-out, but the more you do it, the more those good choices simply become habit. And once you have a habit in place you will naturally go in that direction, without giving it much thought.
Never shy away from making a good choice just because it’s hard.
Never shy away from making a good choice just because it’s hard. Just notice that it’s hard and do it anyway. Way too often we fuck ourselves out of making good choices because of fear, but experiencing fear just means we’re getting out of our comfort zone and doing something different.
So give fear a high five, recognize its presence, make a good choice, and repeat. Pretty soon you will be back in your plant groove, vibrating higher and shining brighter than ever. Getting back on track doesn’t have to be hard my dear, you just have to make the choices that will get you there. Again and again and again.
Are you off track from eating plants right now? I’ve been there too. Talk to me in the comments and tell me one choice that you will make today to start moving in the right direction.
Ingredients
Instant Pot Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (about 10 turns)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 2 cups sliced carrot rounds, 1/4″ thick (255g)
- 1 cup diced red onion (120g)
- 1 cup uncooked millet (220g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup water (235ml)
- 1 dried bay leaf
- ¼ cup raisins (30g)
Stove Top Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (about 10 turns)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 2 cups sliced carrot rounds, 1/4″ thick (255g)
- 1 cup diced red onion (120g)
- 1 cup uncooked millet (220g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 2 ½ cups water (355ml)
- 1 dried bay leaf
- ¼ cup raisins (30g)
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions
- In a small dish, stir together the cumin, salt, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and cayenne. Set this aside for now.
- Press the saute button on your Instant Pot (IP) and heat up your inner pot (without the lid) for 2 minutes. Add the carrot and onion and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the spice mixture that you set aside earlier, along with the millet, garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for an additional minute. Turn off the IP.
- Add the water and bay leaf and stir to deglaze the pot. Lock the lid into place, making sure the nozzle is pointed in the sealing position.
- Use the manual (pressure cook) mode and set the timer for 8 minutes. When the timer goes off, use the natural release method. When all the pressure is out of the pot, carefully take off the lid, remove the bay leaf, and stir in the raisins.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Stove Top Directions
- In a small dish, stir together the cumin, salt, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and cayenne. Set this aside for now.
- Heat a medium-sized pot over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the carrot and onion and saute for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if they stick.
- Add the spice mixture that you set aside earlier, along with the millet, garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the water and stir to deglaze the pot. Add the bay leaf and increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes, until the vegetables and millet is tender and the water has evaporated.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the raisins. Allow to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Wishing you a happy week. May it be filled with making the very best choices for your beautiful and worthy body.
xo
Molly
74 Comments
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Thank you for this. It’s like you knew exactly what I needed to hear and gave me the boost I need to get back on the train. I’m making my grocery list now!
Make that list!!!
We all need a little boost from time to time.
You got this!
xo
Molly
I swear you know where I am in my life with the fuckeries!!!!
Hope you and Luanne are surviving the hurricane!!
I have eyes everywhere, bwahahahah!
We woke up this morning to no rain, what a blessing!
The flooding has been insane.
Have a happy weekend.
xo
Molly
I went to my CSA this morning, picked up a bunch of organic eggplants, onions, peppers and tomatoes and am currently roasting them. Ate a big ass batch of roasted rattatouie and a roasted sweet potato for breakfast. 🙂
What a happy, plant filled morning!
High fives, my dear.
xo
Molly
This was meant for me today! Crazy summer- kids at home full time with me, moving house, moving states even and not knowing a single soul. It’s been tough. I’ve slipped back into old ways…this week I don’t think I’ve eaten a single salad! I’m looking forward to getting back to my Sunday night batching and this is the kick up the ass I really need. Thanks Molly!
You got this, Claire!
Sending you lots of love and encouragement.
xo
Molly
This is uncanny. This is exactly what I’ve been going through and exactly what I needed. I have been eating a lot of plants and not too many junk foods, but I’ve had a piece of stupid cheese every day for the last week and it feels exactly like a rabbit hole. And I’ve felt awful, tired and sluggish and muddle-headed. Thank you for this post. Here’s to digging your way out of rabbit holes and to no more cheese starting tomorrow!
Fuckin’ cheese!
You got this Ana and I am right here, rooting you on.
xo
Molly
I am there right now! How did you know I needed to read this today? It was a girls’ night out / birthday party last week that got me off track. I’ve already decided that today is the day to get back on track, but this just cemented it! Grocery list is made and I’m so thrilled this is a #quickie week!!
It’s always the damn girls’ night out!
Do that grocery shopping with confidence and vigor.
You got this!
xo
Molly
Umm how did you know about the hush puppies? Holy hell, this touched my soul today! Three deaths, a family vacation, a high school reunion, all the fun festivals… I fell and fell hard off the wagon. My shopping list for #greatdoors is made and I am ready to fill my fridge with delicious meals and my freezer with prepped green smoothies that just need blending. You reminded me to stop being a judgmental bitch to myself and show myself some love instead. ❤️
That Moroccan pilaf looks amazing!
You so got this, Betty!
Sending lots of love your way.
You know what to do.
xo
Molly
My DH lovingly made me waffles with cream cheese for breakfast since I’ve been sick and sleeping like a dog all week. This of course despite the love made me feel like crap (the things we do for love eh?) making my shopping list, planning a feeling better happier week of food, and basking in the rare compliment from 13 year old son during a SAD dinner my DH made this week while I was sick “When are we going to have real food again?” ?☺️ Winning!!! PS I live in FL, the mere mention of the word hurricane changes everything. Been sending y’all goood wishes and prayers for less Lane. Happy weekend and thank you!
Thank you for those good wishes, we are safe and sound.
You got this, I see real food in your future!
xo
Molly
Oh Molly! I’ve had company this week and this non-meat eater stuffed her face with Chicago hot dogs, pork ramen bowl, deep dish pizza and sesame chicken. I need to shut the fucking barnyard door! Thanks for the encouragement.
Shut that door, woman!!!
You got this!
xo
Molly
Thankyou for your perfect timing. I’ started the day with green juice and so far that’s all I’ve wanted. The plan? Keep making green juice xo
One good choice at a time.
That’s all we can do.
Lovin’ you!
xo
Molly
Feel pretty alone in my need for the plant based life most times so I really needed this boost! I’ve been off the wagon, most of the time, for months and feeling like crap; tired, heavy, bloated and down on myself. I’m not a facebooker but am thinking about joining just so I can be part of this motivational group you’ve brought together. Love, love, love your recipes so thank you for what you do and how you do it!
Hey Jen –
We actually have a lot of people in our private Facebook group that are only on Facebook to be in our group.
You are not alone, my dear.
If you get a Facebook account, be sure to join our Dirty Dates community too! You never know, there might be other Dirties in your area, feeling alone too!
Big hugs.
xo
Molly
Glad you both are safe! So far today I made my green smoothie. Ate some red lentil hummus with Ezekiel sprouted grain bread (that fucking hummus recipe of yours is the yummust!!!!) And decided to set up the ol’ eisel and paint for the first time in years! Very inspiring morning, thank you Molly for all you and Team Dirty do to help us live vibrantly! <3
What a fantastic morning you have had!
Way to nourish and nurture yourself with food and creativity.
You are inspiring.
xo
Molly
Spending a week with my sister in law and family. Car trip so I made food for the week for myself. My family are all super supportive and even enjoy going to vegan restaurants with me. I always make a plant based dinner for us while we are there. We went to a fundraiser for a local arboretum with small plates pared with beer and wine. Nothing for me so I had one bite of each item. No beating myself up and got right back to my delicious plants! It could have been very easy to keep eating everything that everyone was eating so I had to make that choice! Thanks Molly for always reminding us to give ourselves grace
Thank you for sharing! This is the perfect example of how to stay on track.
You have done an outstanding job, navigating your trip.
xo
Molly
Molly dear, I’ve said it before and might say it again: You’re a scary min reader. I’ve been completely off the wagon until this week. Time to stop the shit show. Nuttin’ but plants for 5 days now (and no alcohol for 1 year and 8 months, of course). Thanks for your wonderful words.
BOOOOM! You are amazing, high fives to 1 year and 8 months alcohol free!
Yup, time to let the plants show you the love, dear one.
Lots of love headed your way.
xo
Molly
I’ve definitely been there with cereal! I love that you talked about vibrating higher… I feel that too! Just finished shopping the list and looking forward to my choice to batch tomorrow.
Faboosh! You batch that toosh off!
Of all the things, cereal is my go to feel good food.
Lots of love headed your way.
xo
Molly
Dear lord! I literally started reading this post while shoving a bourbon marshmallow into my face! How’s that for divine intervention? LOL Thanks, dude!
Is that two separate things or the same thing??
Either way, go make a big ass salad and stuff THAT in your beautiful face!
xo
Molly
Thank you for this! It’s nice to know I’m not alone. I have been so off track that I’ve gained 10 lbs, sleep is not as great, and my mood is in the tank.
I’m going to make the Moroccan Millet Pilaf for dinner. Only I’m going to use barley because I’m out of Millet and if I go to the store I’ll end up buying and eating another pint of vegan ice cream and a big bag of chips.
I love your plan.
One good choice at a time, my dear!
xo
Molly
I will unearth some leafy salad greens, like LETTUCE, and like, eat them. as a main food. for a at least one whole meal. because I LOVE salad. and I hate how I look and feel when I do what I been doing. thank you.
Thats what I’m talking about!
You got this, my dear.
xo
Molly
Fucking. Spot. On. Just a little bit here and there, but weeks of it. Today, I ate a little better, and worked it hard at the gym with my daughter. Sure enough, like every other time, and just like you said, I feel more positive and am vibrating higher. Can’t wait to try this recipe. You are a wizard. The best kind. xo
It’s like clockwork, I tell ya’!
One good choice at a time, you got this!
xo
Molly
I feel like major shit because I’ve been eating…well…shit! I need to get back on the plaint train. I can do this. I will do this.
You got this!!!
xo
Molly
H Lisa,
Have you tried chantix for quitting smoking? It worked for me. Best decision of my life.
Batching these meals helps. That way you always have healthy food to eat. Get rid of junk in your house. In your house in your mouth. Chef aj says. I drank way too much this weekend. That’s my biggest issue. Made a big pot of detox soup to eat for breakfast. You can do it. Hugs.
OH THANK YOU, Molly! You are a witch, I’m sure. This post resonated mightily with me, and yes, even though I’m mostly good, it’s the sneaking of late night snacks that’s become my downfall. I know what I have to do, I just need to do it. Thanks again you awesome woman, you.
I know you got this!
xo
Molly
Busted …you had me at FRIES. DAMN. Batching begins right after my cup of coffee.
You got this! Happy batching, my dear.
xo
Molly
I’ve been eating waaaaay too much vegan junk in the last couple of months…and I’m paying for it! We’re heading home today from a mini-vacation at the lake and I’m hitting the grocery store and getting everything I need to make a BIG ASS SALAD with my favourite sweet onion dressing! I definitely needed the pep talk…thanks Molly!
I understand, I’ve definitely been there.
Happy shopping, chopping and blending.
You got this!
xo
Molly
What? No taro leaf in the ingredients?! 🙂 Years ago I once had a “severe gastrointestinal infection” from something I ate (a tuna melt from old tuna salad? Not sure.) First I felt dizzy, then passed out on the tile floor, then hours later when I came to, I crawled myself into bed, then for hours I felt like I had a little evil voodoo warrior inside me trying to spear and chew its way out from the inside. Yelled out loud in pain –something I had never done in my life. They never did find out what it was but I couldn’t stand or lay down flat for a week and a half. Finally after other doctors were stumped, I drove to be treated by a doctor at my school. He prescribed belladonna and within minutes of taking it I was able to stand up straight again. Amazing. Plants have many faces, which brings to mind a book that a friend recently spoke to me about called, “The Plant Paradox.” Are you familiar with it? If so, I would be interested in your opinion. I will try that recipe today.
Hi Cynthia, check out this video from Dr. Greger over at Nutritionfacts.org on the book you mention. ~Karen
My daughter does this and I’m trying just to be vegan. I’m 84 and the recipes seem so long and I never seem to have all the ingredients. Do you ever publish a list of most used. I need to buy a bunch!
Glad you two are better!
Geri
Hi Geri, How awesome you are! Check out this blog post from Molly. It’s a list of Meal Plan FAQs. Question #9 is about staple ingredients, it’s a great place to start. Feel free to send us an email if you have other questions: [email protected] ~Karen
I’m not completely off WFPB, but it has been more bad shit than good for the last few weeks. It all started with a damn food truck at work. Everything I had was vegan except for the garlic aoli. It was down hill from there. Now my whole freakin body itches like I’ve been rolling in poison ivy. Hubby and I are getting back on track today!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Fucking food truck!
You got this!!!
xo
Molly
Ive been more off track than on for months and I am definitely suffering the consequences. Had a talk with the hubs today and asked for his support getting back on track this week. I’m an adult who is responsible for my own choices – but I’m so suggestible lately! I made the jalapeño poppers and creamy tomato soup from your meal plans with a bunch of veggies from my mothers garden. That and plenty of produce for my smoothies this week. Now I just need to give temptation a high five right before I lovingly tell it to please fuck off. Thanks for your perfect timing Molly!
Thank you! Words I needed to hear 🙂
You are most welcome, my dear.
xo
Molly
Wow! Were you watching me at the grocery store last night? It’s been a rough summer and my depression has hit hard. This past week alone, I got cussed out by a customer in the store and cussed out in the parking lot by same. Then I got road-raged by some idiot who tailgated me (although with the traffic, I had no place to go) and then pulled up along side me and intentionally tried to run me off the road. Anyhoo, I’ve been feeling extra low and I actually picked up a can of chocolate frosting and graham crackers, a treat from my youth when I felt safe in the bosom of my family. I haven’t done this in all of my adult life……and **poof**, here you are, my reminder that I don’t need to do this to myself. Today I am going back to the first step. Clean and reorganize the kitchen that has been ignored for the past couple months and clean out the science experiments in the fridge. Then I’m on my way to the vegetable stand. Thanking all your goodness for my weekly emails.
You got this Amy!
All those outside circumstances are just distractions.
Let them go and stay focused on YOU.
I’m cheering you on!
xo
Molly
Yes! Here is my stupid simple recipe for getting back on track: 1. go to nice health foods market and buy plenty of veggies, as fresh and colorful as possible; 2. go home, put veggies in fridge and chug a LOT of water (actually start chugging water on the way home, and bless the water first if you’re into that); 3. take a NAP. wake up feeling so relieved that you chose to do right for yourself, smile and start cooking up the veggies. Yay. …. It works wonders! So simple, just water, veggie, and nap, but so easy to forget that this is all it takes to turn around those nasty spirals. 🙂
For me, and I’m sure for many others, forgiving yourself for making choices that don’t align with your values is the key here. I talk to myself like a hurting child that needs my help during these times: “it’s going to be okay, I love you, I know you were just so busy this week and you didn’t find time to cook and I know you’re doing your best and I see that you even tried to stick to a sensible back up but you were just so tired, you’re working so hard, it was hard to resist the sugar, it’s okay, I understand, you’re still amazing, don’t worry, we’re going to make lots of yummy green things and hugs for you today”, etc etc … it sounds silly but it works for me.
I love it, thank you for sharing!
xo
Molly
You guys have seriously got me weeping over here ?
For real though, please take me back gang. I feel shitty that I ever left. I have to stop letting the poor food/alcohol choices of others influence what I know I really want. I miss you dirty peeps and bombass food so much.
Thanks to you Molly especially, for never giving up on trying to reach out. You’re efforts are so appreciated
Hey Jess,
We all zig and zag, my dear.
Come on over, we have open arms!
xoxo
Molly
It’s been a week (actually more than a week) for me…omnikids were home for the summer and were ok with occasionally WFPB meals but not *every* meal so my eating has been decently compliant but not great. Too much eating out lately, so too much oil and more cheese than I wanted “because it’s just easier”. (That’s bullshit, and I know better but I was lazy and it was an easy excuse…every damn time.)
In the past 7 days: youngest moved into his freshman dorm at college Thursday, Friday was eldest’s 21st birthday and youngest’s final (amazing–yes, totally biased) performance with his music school after 6 years, but then he was mugged as we were leaving the gig so a big giant FU to that arsehole (see you in court, MFer), Saturday was running all over town gathering furniture for eldest’s first real I’m-leaving-home apartment, and Sunday was moving eldest into said apartment down in DC. My feet haven’t hit the ground and I have a fridge full of mostly spoiled and dodgy old food.
Tonight, my plan is to make a good healthy dinner and eat out on the porch watching the birds in my garden with a proper cuppa, then completely clean out the fridge and make a shopping list. This weekend I get back to batching. I promised myself that I’m starting back with the full batch for #dirtymagic. I always do better with a plan, and today is the day I start to claw back control! Thanks for the reminder that a mis-step isn’t a plunge into the abyss. We’ve got this!
You got this Donna and I am cheering you on!
xo
Molly
It’s so easy to slide in the face of “events” and occasions, and before you know it…. yeah, been feeling logey past couple of weeks as a result, because my annual bloodwork says thyroid IS normal (a relief, Mom has big issues these days) and everything else too – except my cholesterol is back UP, after I’d gotten it well down eating plant-based. Cheese you say? Goddam addictive chewy parmiggiano reggiano cheese rinds in the Foreman grill too many times! Not eating SAD, but I gotta get fully back to the WFPB way that WORKS for me! Guess I’ll let you know in 6 months after that next lipid profile… You timed this most supportive fuckery just right to help inspire me further.
I will be waiting to hear bag in six months!
You got this.
xo
Molly
Thank you so much for this and thanks to Maggie for posting it on my comment on the Facebook page. I’m really struggling right now (with smoking and with eating). I just woke up and now I’m going to drink a big glass of lemon water. When I’m actually hungry, I’ll make steel cut oats with almond slivers and sliced bananas. One meat at a time. I’m so tired of feeling like shit every day, mentally and physically. Today, I’m vowing to do something about it. I will get the mental help that i need, and i will start eating plants again. ❤️
I just finished my evening meal here… A bowl of chips… Not good. I was thinking about eating healthy on top of that. But I’m not hungry anymore. I’m just craving. So, if I’m not hungry anymore, I will not eat anymore today. I will drink lots of water. And tomorrow morning, after a good night sleep, I will start with a healthy choice. Thank you for this! <3
One day at a time, you’ve got this Tilde! ~Karen
I saw a phrase I liked from Molly on an earlier post and I will repeat….”Fuckin cheese!!!” Just like this post said…doing great and flying high for several weeks! Losing weight and gaining confidence…..till tonight. Tried to use all my best common sense to avoid ordering a pizza today, but in the end the cheese won. Fuck. I binged down a small mushroom/green pepper (better than sausage I guess), and I feel like shit. I already have good food in the fridge for a complete turnaround tomorrow morning and next week. Fuck it. Thanks for this post saying let it go, don’t dwell, just move on! I will do just that…fuckin cheese!!! Thank you so very much, Molly! xoxo
Yeah. Don’t beat yourself up. I’d say next time just order a full blown veggie pizza no cheese and then sprinkle some homemade “parm” on it at home. I do that when I’m really craving pizza.
Just batched takeout week and I think there’s a pizza in it. The mozzarella cheese is so yummy I was licking the blender.
Back on track tomorrow. I had a piece of my moms apple pie and few little brownies tonight but you know what. I enjoyed the fuck out of them and just batches so I know I will stay on track this week.
It’s life. Big hugs.
Kris
I got off track for 2 weeks…today I bought some spinach, red bell peppers, red onions, roma tomatoes and some tofu…although, I really want some cake my hubby got at 1:35am, I Won’t!! I’m Diabetic and processed food literally makes me hurt physically (diabetic nerve damage). After going through the blogs and reading most of them (insomnia) I am inspired to forgive myself and love myself enough to face my fear and continue with my WFPBD. You and Dr. Mo say it’s possible to turn my health around by following the rules, listening to my body and giving my body a rest at nite, then I believe you guys whole heartedly…
I know this is an old post but let’s get real-Does it EVER not apply?! Thanks again to you and all of your followers. Sometimes rereading posts and responses is just the kick in the ass I need to get my life back on track. I’m trying, really. Knowing I’m not the only one who hides in the sewing room so I don’t have to share my Twizzlers is helpful.
I’m still forever lurking. One of these days, I’ll be in a better position to subscribe to your meal plans, but until then, I experiment with your freebies, tweak them to trick my naysayers (I mean my dear, supportive family lol) into eating things that are wfpb and then when they say how great they are, how great they feel after me incorporating dishes into their diets, I gently remind them-Eat to live, not live to eat.
So glad you found this helpful.
I’m always happy to give you a loving kick in the pants 🙂
This is your journey and you will do it in your time as best you can.
Sounds like you’re doing a great job to me!
xo
Molly