A New Journey

I hope all the mommas out there had wonderful and blessed Mother's Day!

My husband and I went to Houston to see family and we had a really great time.  It was short, but sweet :)

My mother-in-law and cousin/sister-in-law (that's a story for another day) have been running together and it made me feel really lazy.  I can't tell you how many times I have set out to become a runner and have failed.  I was never athletic or anything in school so it just isn't in me to be an avid exerciser.  Although I did run track for one season in middle school...but to be honest, it was just for the duffel bag and my friend and I skipped and went to the park.  So I wouldn't call my self a track star by any means.

My mother-in-law and sis-in-law were talking about running a 5k and I thought if they can do it, I can do it! And why the heck not?! So I chimed in and told them I was up for the challenge.

So the goal is to run one in September some time here in Dallas probably.

I can just imagine the way I will feel if I accomplish this goal of mine!

A friend of mine has even offered to help me train and we will be meeting at 6:00 am three days a week to train.  YIKES!

The hubbs and I are going to Los Angeles in July so this is just more motivation for me to get in shape since there are so many skinny people there!

So if I share any recipes on here in the next few weeks, they will be salads and healthier stuff.  So for now, no more cheese filled casseroles...sad, sad day!

I found this quote on Pinterest and really think it applies to what I am setting myself out to do and I think thinking of it as a journey makes it a little more excited...because to be honest, I am not thrilled about this is in the least, but I am gonna do it!

So wish me luck and don't hesitate to ask me how I am doing...It will help me to keep going!

Have a great Monday!

Green Smoothie

I have always heard about these "green smoothies," but never took the time to make one and see if I liked it. My Aunt Peggy is a health nut and has raved about green smoothies, particularly by Green Smoothie Girl. I had seen some recipes for these smoothies on Pinterest and decided to try one out.

We loved it! My husband thinks we should eat these for dinner for a month...I'm not sure I could do that, but we will see. They are so healthy and actually taste really good.

Here is what you'll need:
Yield: 2-3 servings
-1 banana, cut into chunks
-1 cup chopped frozen pineapple
-1 pear, coarsely chopped
-1½ cups orange juice
-2½ cups baby spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
-1-2 tbsp. honey

Put everything into a blender or food processor and mix until blended well.
Pour it into a glass and enjoy!
I love the green color! Might freak some kids out, but I think it looks yum!
(Please excuse the iPhone pics...my camera was charging for a photo shoot).

We definitely plan on making these again and again. We will change it up some I'm sure.
You could add flax seed to these if you wanted.
I plan on seeing what else I can add to it to make a little heartier if we do plan on having them as a dinner meal.

Try them out and let me know what you think!

Original recipe: Green Monster Smoothies

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

This is a great healthy dinner. We added some chicken (and feta) to the salad to make it more of a meal...and because my husband would say, "where's the meat??"

This was simple, quick and quite tasty!
My husband liked it, but he is not a huge bell pepper fan so he was a little weary, but I absolutely loved it.

Here is what you'll need:
-1 cup uncooked couscous
-1 1/4 cups chicken broth
-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
-8 green onions, chopped
-1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
-1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
-2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained
-salt and pepper to taste
-feta cheese (optional)
-rotisserie chicken (optional)

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a sauce pan and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. De-bone the rotisserie chicken.
   
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans and toss to coat. Mix in the feta and chicken as well at this point.
   
4. Fluff the couscous well, breaking up any chunks. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

This was so good and will be even better tomorrow night once the flavors marinate and it gets cold! We served it immediately so it was a little warm, but I think cold will be better!

It is so colorful too :)
What kind of light and healthy meals do you like to make?

Original recipe: Black Bean and Couscous Salad