Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

I love strawberries.  I love chocolate.  I love strawberries dipped in chocolate [pause...need a moment]. Together, they are such a beautiful and mouth savoring combination.  One one of my shopping trips to Sam's Club, I happened to have grabbed a bag of frozen strawberries. I figured, why not start making some strawberry smoothies. Simple, right? Nothing to it. I had some Silk Pure Almond Milk at home. I was all set. That's what I thought. Things changed as I went onto my next stop, the grocery store. I went to purchase my husband's choice of milk and then it hit me. I happened to glance over at the Silk Pure Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. 

Ah, YES!!! Of course! Why not blend the frozen strawberries, with the dark chocolate almond milk and have the joy of chocolate and strawberries!???!!! I couldn't wait to get home to create. 

What you need:
1 cup of Silk Dark Chocolate Pure Almond Milk
1 cup of frozen strawberries
1 banana (doesn't have to be frozen, but if you want, place the banana in the freezer the night before)

Press the smoothie setting on your blender or whatever appliance you make your smoothies with. Smooth it all together. Pour into a large cup and enjoy. Yields about 20 ounces. 





What seemed to be an innocent purchase has turned out to be part of a morning ritual sipping chocolate and strawberries in a cup.







Está tan bueno!

White Bean, Brussels Sprounts and Pomegrante Tart

Another fun recipe made it onto my list over the holiday season.  This one was found in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times on page 42 or visit the site.  You have to be one that likes to think-out-the-box for this one. Surprisingly, I had no idea how much I would really enjoy this dish.  

• This dish is so light and filling.  It is a combination of white bean purée which is spread on a crisp oven puff pastry crust and sprinkled with warm roasted Brussels sprouts and juicy fresh pomegranate seeds.

What you'll need:

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
• 1 15-oz. can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ¼ cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Chop up the Brussels sprouts and toss with 1 Tbs. oil in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. While the sprouts are cooking, purée beans in a food processor until smooth.











Roll puff pastry sheet into 12-inch square. Place over baking dish, trim and bake 15 minutes, or until golden.












Spread bean purée in hot pastry crust; top with roasted Brussels sprouts, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.









This dish was so good. On your next food adventure, be sure to put this one on your list. 

Vegetarian Times, November 2013 p.42

Reflecting Back on The Year 2013

It's now midway through the month of February, and aside from the frigid temperatures and snowy weather, I took a moment to reflect back on 2013. When I look at that year, I can’t help but laugh. I laugh because at the beginning of the year, I told myself to just jump in.  The hurdle is over (thyroidectomy) and you have to get back to yourself.

I thought about how a good friend of mine contacted me in the beginning of the year and said she needed me to help get her prepared for GOBA. I had no idea what that was. As I was listening to her talk more about wanting to get back in shape and this GOBA thing, I quickly searched for “GOBA” on the internet.  After scanning the site to get an understanding of what it was, I stopped her in midsentence and asked, “You do know that this is a cycling event riding 30 to 50 miles a day for a week?”  She replied that she knew what it was, all that was involved, how she paid her registration and can’t turn back now.

I guess we were on the same thought process for 2013. I told her, okay, let’s make it happen. I personally, had never been into “cycling”, I “rode” my bike on a path or two throughout the years, but nothing like this. She wanted me to get her ready. I was too eager to do so. As I started working on a training program for her, I realized, I’m going to have to do some rides with her.  

This was fine for me. I had been working out and trying to rebuild myself as well. I had took a break from training clients and was contemplating training again. So, her timing was perfect.

Before we knew it,  we were cycling, running, kayaking, and doing yoga.  Personally, I was getting back on track physically. We created a spreadsheet organizing all the events we were doing. Events such as Yoga Rocksthe Park, adventure races, 5k’s…I have to admit, 2013 was such a fun year. Talk about doing new things. I found myself cycling more miles in one year than I’ve done since I was in grade school and that was my only mode of transportation.

As far as GOBA, she did great! I was so taken back by her determination last year and so deeply moved. See, some major life events happened for her in 2013 too. She didn't let those things derail her.  She learned how to use fitness as an outlet and has achieved some major milestones last year. I am so proud of her. 

By the end of 2013, we managed to “infect” others and now have a few more individuals joining in on our fitness fanatic adventures. I love fitness and what it does to our bodies. It goes wayyyyyyyy back for me. How can what your passionate about not infect others.

Personally, things happen to everyone, but you need to maintain an outlet. Most times, it gives you the opportunity to work things out mentally and relieve stress.

Hopefully, you have started on your 2014 journey and have not fallen short or given up. I’m looking so forward to this year. ENJOY 2014‼!