Summer Time is Party Time

Its been a while since i posted a Blog things get so hectic i sometimes have a hard time finding the time to sit and actually finish one.  Luckily my nutrition guru Alicia sent me some recipes for summer salads.  As i have learned the hard way when you go to party's they are not always healthy person friendly especially as we roll into BBQ season some times it becomes prudent to make sure we take care of ourselves and bring something healthy and good tasting to the parties and BBQ's we attend.  Alicia has provided 3 recipes for Delicious salads for the summer season.  I will get more post out there I just have to stop moving long enough to fill you in on the Adventures that Jonathan and I have been on

Summer Salads by Alicia Joy Moskal, Holistic Health Coach

Summer can be a challenge when it comes to eating healthy. With all the barbeque's, cookouts, and get-togethers it can be a sea of temptation. So instead of throwing all your hard work away every time you see that buffet table, I recommend bringing something healthy and delicious that you can share. As long as you know there is going to be at least one thing there you can enjoy guilt free, you might have an easier time avoiding some of the less healthy foods. These three salads are a few of my personal favorites and are very popular with groups. For more information and recipes visit my website www.sevenlevelscoaching.com

Black Bean Salad

Ingredients

2 cans black beans

1 cup frozen corn

¼ cup diced red bell pepper

¼ cup diced red onion

¼ cup diced scallions

¼ cup diced pineapple

 1 tablespoon chopped Cilantro

Juice of ½ Lime

1 tablespoons Honey

4 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

Pinch of cumin (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

 2 cups cooked Quinoa

1 cup chopped Spinach

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Juice of ½  Lemon

¼ cup Feta cheese

½ cup Red grapes halved

¼ cup Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients and enjoy

Wild Rice Salad

Ingredients

2 cups cooked Brown rice and wild rice blend

½ cup Dried cranberries

½ cup Walnuts or pecans

¼ cup Scallions

Juice of 1 fresh orange

Zest of orange

1 TB Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour

As weather changes so should we

As the weather gets nicer it comes to a point where going to the gym and hitting the treadmill for cardio is just not that fulfilling.  Over the last month i have discovered that while treadmills are great in the winter when it is really cold out walking on them is not really a reflection of how you are gonna do on the outside.  I have a long journey ahead of me so I am always looking for ways to push myself harder but also keep it fun.  Recently I started doing Zumba at the gym.  It is so much fun Latin dancing like a fool.  I'm not gonna lie either I am one of few dudes in the class so that's not bad at all.  Its 45 minutes of constant motion and you do it to the best of your ability.  Besides my new Latin dance craze I find myself doing more walking outside.  I have even decided that if I'm not in a hurry to walk instead of driving places.  My buddy lives about 3 miles from my house I decided to walk to his house for a meeting i was having there instead of driving it was awesome.  I have even began bringing my lazy dog out with me.  Hes pretty sluggish through most of it but i can tell he is starting to really enjoy it.  Walks are great different views different terrain and elevation changes its invigorating.  My ultimate quest would be to get to a point where i can comfortably ride a bike to and from work.  I could walk there but 6:30am starts make that a not very appealing option.  The important thing is i am moving more and more and i have a smile on my face the entire time.