Salsa Salad Stuff

I woke up this morning, and starting going through the same old routine. I woke up, with my responsible side telling me to get up early before the heat of the sun and get ready for my run, (Let's just say my lazy side wins a lot and I end up running in the heat of the day). Then I started planning what run and what workout I was going to do. Is it going to be a normal 5-6 mile day? What about a hill day? Should I work on speed today? Is it time to do a capillary run? Then, once I decided what run I am going to do, I start feeling sorry for myself (stupid, I know. It is. I know...). I start feeling sorry for myself because I have to train alone all summer. Feeling sorry for myself because I am tired. Feeling sorry for myself because I miss my team. Then, I snap out of it and tell myself to stop having a pity party and I realized how blessed I am. And somehow through it all, I get myself out the door and I realize the only reason I manage to run every day is through the Lord. That HAS to be it. I pray for strength and motivation every day because I simply do not have it on my own. That has got to be the ONLY way I am able to do it. At least that is what I conclude. This has been my routine every day that I have visited my dad. But its worth it. I may not be as fast as I could be with the help/motivation of my team and coach, but its worth the sacrifice to be here with my daddy and spend time with him. I know the Lord will help me get stronger this season. I am looking forward to that "pinnacle" point I hit every season, where my legs feel like they can lift the world and I have so much confidence in my racing capabilities. It definitely has not come yet. It usually comes after the first few races though, so I have time.

Anyways, I made this Salad Salsa stuff. I don't know what to call it. Is it a salsa cause it has a whole bunch of salsa-y ingredients? Or is it a salad because I eat it without any chips? I don't know anymore. You call it what you'd like. Well, enjoy this new recipe. Make it for your next BBQ. I dare ya. :D


Ingredients

• 2 roma tomatoes chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• juice of 1 lime (I had to use 2 because the first one was not very juicy, so buy 2 just in case)
• 1/3 cup black beans
• 2 Tb. chopped onion
• handful of chopped cilantro
• 1-2 small cloves of garlic
• 1 avocado chopped

This is the hard part, are you ready??

1. Mix together

WHOOAAA! I know, I know. You're probably thinking "How do you expect me to be able to make this?" I know its hard, but I have faith in you. You can do it  ;)

E N J O Y .  H E A L T H I N G  .  Y O U R S E L F

French Toast Friday

It's French Toast Friday everyone! I love French toast Friday. Last FTF, my team and I had just gotten done with a fairly hard (in my opinion) run and someone brought up the idea of going to a local breakfast food place for French toast. Then, without thinking, I suggested everyone come to my house for French toast. Then it hit me! What are you thinking?! You do NOT have enough food for 7 hungry teenage runners! (Only 7 because practically everyone on my team had already left practice). I mean let's face it. Cross country runners can eat at least four pieces of French toast each. But by this point, everyone had already gotten excited about the idea, so I just nodded my head and smiled and told them to follow me to my house. I felt relieved when I remembered I had two loafs of bread at my house so bread shouldn't be a problem. But then, I was dismayed to find only five eggs in the fridge. No way was five eggs going to make enough French toast for my hungry friends. So I decided to just start borrowing some my neighbor. I knew that wouldn't even be enough though so I was getting worried. I knocked on her door and asked for two eggs. (Feeling bad already for asking more than one!) Then she asked if I was sure I didn't need more. I was really hesitant to ask for more, but then so kindly, she offered me not one more, not two more, but EIGHTEEN more! Apparently she had over bought eggs and had a whole extra case that she was going to throw away. Talk about generosity and luck! Oh man. So I got back and made tons of French toast. I even entreated my team to my homemade peanut butter which they seemed to enjoy. It was really fun. I truly love my team. Or should I just say my family. One team. One family. It's just how cross country works. :)



This French toast is a little different. Secret ingredient? Greek yogurt. Hmmmm


makes four pieces of French toast

Ingredients

• four pieces of whole wheat bread
• 2 eggs
• 4 Tbs. of plain greek yogurt (total fat or 2%)
• 1-1/2 Tbs. agave nectar or honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• dash of cinnamon

1. whisk together all ingredients until thoroughly mixed
2. heat a large frying pan over medium heat
3. dip each side of bread in the mixture so that it is fully dressed in the egg mixture
4. place the bread in the pan
5. cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, watching to make sure it does not burn
6. top with fruit, agave, honey, or whatever you desire.
7. Enjoy your next French Toast Friday!!

Quinoa Summer Saute

Its, summer, and I have not been posting many recipes consistently. My apologies. Its hard to get cooking in the summer when you're constantly going. I have been on several camping trips, and I have been traveling quite a bit. I have been doing pretty good about eating okay, but let's face it. Its a lot harder and I have definitely been eating junky food. That's okay every once in a while though, so I was not really worried about it. However, it definitely felt good to get home and start eating good food again. I can already feel a difference with my energy, no more headaches, no more stomach aches, and simply all around, I am feeling better with good food in me.

This was a new recipe I made tonight. I saw a picture of quinoa, and started craving it. Then, I decided I would try cooking with ginger. Something I haven't tried yet. So, if you get bored on a summer day and want to try some quinoa lovin', then try this recipe. It was really fresh tasting and quite satisfying. D E L E C T A B L E !


serves approx. 3-4 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cup cooked red quinoa
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 Tbs. ginger root, skinned & chopped

which looks like this. You will find it in the produce section,typically near the cabbage family.

• 1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil (possibly more to prevent burning of vegetables, use at own observations)
• sprinkle of onion powder
• dash of parsley
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• dash of cayenne pepper for a little zip!

1. Follow cooking instructions for quinoa as instructed on the package
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium sized sauce pan
3. Sauté bell pepper, ginger, and celery for approximately 6-8 minutes  
4. Add seasoning 
5. Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the saucepan with sautéed vegetables

Easy peasy right?!


SIDE NOTE ON QUINOA: Did you know that quinoa is a complete protein. It is also a seed, not a grain. It is gluten free so it is safe for those with celiac disease. YAY FOR QUINOA! :D You can find it at almost ANY local grocery store. It is fairly cheap, but if there is anywhere near you that sells bulk foods, it is nearly almost always cheaper bought bulk.