Saturday, July 19, 2014

Roasted red pepper and zucchini hummus

I've been wanting to try making a paleo hummus for quite a while now and I finally found some recipes that I like. Most have a cauliflower base, but I wanted something else. 

Zucchini. It sounded like the perfect thing. And I love zucchini. And for extra deliciousness, and because I've been wanting to make roasted red peppers, I added those too. 


This recipe is mine. I got ideas and general measurements from a few other places, but ultimately it is mine and therefore to my tastes. 

Here it is. 
You will need: 

1 roasted red pepper (homemade or store bought)
1/2 large zucchini
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Cumin
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper (all spices are to taste, add what you like.)

This recipe made about 3-4 cups of hummus. 

Start by putting the pepper and zucchini in a food processor. 
Once those are well chopped add the tahini, lemon and evoo. 
Add the spices last and adjust to taste. 


I am storing mine in a mason jar in the fridge. 


I think this would be even more delicious with a spicy element. Maybe a hot pepper, spices or a chili thrown in. 
Enjoy it any way that you would eat hummus. Spread it on a sandwich, dip veggies or pita chips.. Or eat it with a spoon........


xoxo

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Operation; Superhero

Where has the motivation gone?
No. Where has the drive gone?

I hit a bit of a wall recently in terms of health and fitness and it's not a space I'm enjoying. 

General health, happiness and energy for life is all the motivation I need. Not a perfect beach bod or 6-pack abs... Though, that couldn't hurt..
The drive to get there? That's the real trick. 

All that being said, I think I found a winner. 
Team.  2-by-2. Couple. 

Chad is what I've been missing. 

Obviously he has been here all along but we have never worked out together outside of yoga, he didn't eat paleo with me and we each looked out for ourselves. 
Now we are ready to go in together. 
We picked yoga back up, casually and at home. He started running with me. And, the big guns, he agreed to try paleo! I know I said before that it wasn't great for me, but I'm still a bit obsessed with it and I'm ready to head back in. The big this this time is having previous experience, knowledge and knowing the limits to what I can do, diet wise. I will be using paleo as a guide but I will be start loosely without to much pressure. 

Chad has named this 'Operation: Superhero' 
The game is life. The stakes are health, fitness and energy. 
Or something like that....

Anyway, starting July 7 we will begin (loosely) the paleo transition, will be working out and you will be getting updates. 

Just because real, touchable, see-able results help with the journey, I have that too. 

'Operation: Superhero' is going to have chad and I in superhero shape. We do have Hero cosplay plans after all.. Gotta look the part. 
Chad will be green lantern, and I will be a yet undecided lady hero. I'm torn between Wonder Woman and Supergirl. 

Let's not get to far off topic though, you know how I like to dress up..

I have to set some important and immediate ground rules. 
1. Weigh ins are no more than once per week. Once per month is ideal. It's only a number. 
2. Obsession is frowned upon. This may not take over my whole life, only enhance it. 
3. How I look is not related to anyone else and I only need to look good in my eyes. Maybe Chad's too.. That's just a bonus though. 

I think that's it for now. Look for updates soon!
xoxo

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The summer; 2014

I have so many things I want to do this summer, places I want to go, food to eat and adventures to have. 
Some of them are right here at home and others will take me away. I've already gotten a start on a few of them, so things are looking good!
 

The St Albert Farmers market. 
A good excuse to be outside, and a great place for fresh local and semi-local foods. Delicious fresh veggies, sausage made locally, honey from a town away and foreign foods that haven't be stuffed with preservatives and shipped across the world. 
'Operation: Superhero' will be fuelled by this market. (More on that soon!)


Next, I need to visit a beach/lake/river. I absolutely love swimming (read: being in water) and I prefer to leave the pools for winter time when they are less crowded. The mermaid in me wants to be at the beach 24/7/365. 

An absolute must for summer time is camping. Chad and I have gone every year since we have been together and I don't plan to stop anytime soon. Camp fire, hiking, disconnecting from the world and connect with each other and just generally being away. Away from work, getting dressed/doing hair/makeup, away from the internet. I love it. 

Along the same lines, we are also planning on hitting the hot springs this year. Probably the ones near Jasper which means I get to be near Jasper which makes me very happy. The mountains and open space, clear fresh water, nature... It's so amazing. Any time of year, really. I can't wait to get there. 

As I will be driving any day now (literally!) I plan to take full advantage and take myself on a road trip. Not sure where, when or with who, but I will go. 

Outside of those somewhat specific things already mentioned, I want to spend more time outside in general. Running, walking, sitting, exploring, visiting the places I love in Edmonton and area.. I'm happy to do whatever. The sun will be my friend this year. The sun and lots of SPF. 


Some of my favorite places that I plan to get to are Fort Edmonton Park, the Devonian Botanical Gardens, Pembina River and Hawrelak Park just to name a few. Fort Edmonton certainly wins top spot though, it never gets old. 

And finally, I want to run 10km. Last year I was running 5 without stops or walking and this year I want to get to 10. It's nice to set a goal and try to crush it. I feel extra motivated that way. 

And those are the Summer 2014 must-do's. I'm sure you will hear all about them as they unfold. Blogging is exciting that way. 
Actually, let's add that too. Summer 2014 I want to post more blogs, share more experiences and take more photos. I love sharing with all of you and I love that I can read back and re-live the good times. I hope you enjoy sharing them with me too. 

xoxo

 

l l l l l