Kind • Active • Mindful • Strong
What on earth is Simply Yum you ask? Well, food is very important to me. Happily, important in a healthier way now than in the recent past. In enjoying food and believing it need not be fancy or elaborate to be good; and that healthy can be good and full of flavor, I came up with Simply Yum. Food can be Simple and Yummy.
Let me start by being honest here…I have food issues. I was, not too far in the recent past, less healthy than I should have been and finally, through some turn of events, took ownership of that fact and started to move toward a better relationship with food. Yes, that’s right, food and I had a long talk and I said, “it’s not you it’s me” and we began to work on our relationship, slowly, carefully and not without setbacks. So, in that process I found planning food for the week was essential for me. It removes a decision process about what I will have for lunch or dinner each day, and it actually saves me a bit of dough (see what I did there) because you can’t get the simplest of salads in DC for less than ten bucks.
For me, food is joyful, fun, good for me and is a creative outlet. Food should not be feared, controlling or in charge. Moment by moment food and I have come to an understanding. Every now and again it gets a bit feisty and wants to take charge, but with patience, grace and forgiveness, food and I get back on track.
Come back and join me in my prep, see the process and check out the final product. I believe food shared is always more delicious. Sometimes it’s great, often it’s pretty good and now and again…nope…doesn’t work. But always, it’s fun, makes me feel like I am doing something positive for my health and well-being and makes me feel a bit accomplished…not a bad way to start the week.
Sweet Potato Shawarma Bowl
Salads sure aren’t what they used to be. No more just lettuce, tomato and cucumber and call it a day. I love trying these big bowl combinations. Pretty much anything goes, and I can tailor it to what is important for me for that week. Found this recipe online via Instagram from Bluezones founder Dan Buettner, who reposted it from a new book call The Fiber Fueled Cookbook: Inspiring Plant-Based Recipes to Turbocharge Your Health by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist. I looked up the book and decided to buy it and am looking forward to learning from its content and trying its recipes.
Barley Veggie Salad
As I learn more about foods and their impact on my body and brain, it has been fun to learn too how things I have taken for granted or thought was just a garnish, or a dip holder actually has great health benefits too. This Barley Veggie Salad is no different. Have some fun with food…. enjoy!
Lentil Burritos
I continue my quest for anti-inflammatory recipes and those that are also good for my gut health. I am learning more and more how important that is and what a difference it can make to a healthy life. To that end, I tried making a juice for this week with beets and other yummy, good for me ingredients I am also still not quite willing to walk away from treats…so appreciate those “more” healthy recipes as well.
Healthy Shrimp Fried Rice
You know when you have that taste for something, and you let it go but it is still in the back of your mind? That was me this week. While I loved my prep from last week, I could not get fried rice out of my head. I love it, could eat it every day but when I get it, I don’t often feel great after. I have made various recipes before but wanted a healthier version.
Black Bean Wraps with Greens & Cilantro Vinaigrette
As I continue on this quest, I learn so much and learn there is so much still to go. Food truly is medicine, and it can be good, simple and doable. While I do not always get it right…I do try; and each small win, each new bit of knowledge gained, each new challenge I attempt does wonders for my body, mind and psyche. No need for perfection friends, however, you putting you and your overall health and well-being on the very top of your to do list Is a must….even on those “not so much” days.
What one thing are doing for your health and well-being this week?
Kung Pao Cauliflower
Had a weekend of introspection about the many blessings I have had the opportunity to know and remembered how important it is to be grateful. I am grateful too for this health and wellness journey I have been on, the people who influence it, and while I don’t get it right all the time, I feel good about the progress I have made and the additional steps I am taking to make the remaining years – those God gifts me with – the best years of all.