Sunday, July 11, 2010

pure and simple

Hi, my dears! How was your weekend? Great, I hope! Mine consisted of a very welcoming three days of rest that were absolutely glorious. I had a chance to go to the bank, get my car washed (inside and out!), sunbathe, visit the Pleasantville Farmers Market, and catch up on freelance work. Speaking of the last on that list here are the link if you'd like to take a gander :)
I also spent some time in the kitchen, but not too much...
You see, for as much as I enjoy food, I have only mastered four things in la cocina: oatmeal, roasted vegetables, muffins, and soup. Friday night I decided to fearlessly make a plate of lightly sautéed veggies including summer squash, zucchini, carrots, and green beans alongside a generous serving of quinoa, spiced with parsley and onion. I know, I so crazy ;) 'twas delicious.
For dessert, I broke out the most delectable of all simple desserts, a Pure Chocolate Brownie raw nut and fruit bar. With only seven ingredients, it's amazing that they could make one little bar so nutritiously satisfying and sinlessly chocolatey. As Pure advises on their website, "Take a bite of the best brownie your body has ever had." Done and done, and I am so eager to taste the other flavors that they so generously sent me to sample.
Moving on to Saturday. Looking at this picture, you might assume that yesterday's lunch was on the light side, am I right? I beg to differ. Although I have been attempting to up my vegetable count like none other (thanks to my healthy detox) I am not willing to feel hungry nor deprived. I served up a mega Farmers Market salad with spinach, mixed greens, radicchio, dandelion sprouts, shaved carrots, celery, avocado, cucumber, and a flax oil dressing.
As for Sunday, the most exciting part of my day was spent at a bar, Guinness in hand, watching the World Cup. Did you know that stouts, like Guinness, actually have some health benefits? In 2007, a study found that these dark beers functioned like a low-dose aspiring in prevention of heart clots that raise heart attack risk. Anyway :) I would have personally preferred that the Dutch, the underdog, win but I am certainly happy for the Spaniards. Although not a beautiful game (yellow card mania, anyone?) the Spanish had a nice goal and earned their first ever championship standing.
To clarify, I am not a big soccer fan, or sports fan for that matter (as in I don't follow teams,) but I will root for global camaraderie any and every day. Four years to go 'til Brazil :). Tonight I whipped up yet another plant-centric dinner with asparagus, carrots, zucchini, radicchio, cauliflower, leeks, and parsley quinoa. Eater cleaner has demanded more attention on my part and has proven to be more than worth it; I feel better in every which way. And, I am so ready for the week to begin with not only  more fresh and local veggies, but a few juices from Andy's as well. Mmm, I love me some green lemonade. 

Q for you: Are you a fan of vegetable juices?

10 comments:

  1. I looove vegetable juice! It's always such a treat when I'm willing to cash out a few dollars for some, or when I can convince my dad to buy a cup for me! My whole family is obsessed with this fresh-squeezed carrot juice from a fave meditteranean restaurant of ours, but I also tried a apple-ginger drink this past weekend, and it was surprisingly delicious! It had a spicy kick, which you know i'm a fan of! ;)

    Sounds like you're having such a perfect summer girl...you sound so peaceful and happy :) And isn't quinoa the greatest?? I tried a recipe of Jenna's from eat live run the other day and it was divine! I'll send the link if you're interested! xoxoxox

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  2. Hahaha - lovely post as always, girl!
    I watched World Cup´s final match, too. Congratulations to Spain - their first title!
    You should definetely start planning a trip to Brazil on 2014... I´d love to meet you, haha :D
    Wish you a terrific week!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

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  3. I tried my first carrot juice this weekend and fell in love with it. I wish I had the bucks for a decent juicer right about now!! I was rooting for the Netherlands too, because they were the underdog. Plus orange is a fun color...I'm very scientific when it comes to sports, clearly. A Guinness is definitely a good way to celebrate the game though, I love stouts! Have you ever tried a chocolate stout cake? Super chocolatey, intense, and with that slightly bitter stout taste. Oh my goodness, it's to die for :) Hope you're having a wonderful Monday so far!!

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  4. Love the looks of that sauteed veggie plate!
    Glad you had a relaxing weekend:)

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  5. The pure choco bars are quite amazing!! And I've never tried veggie juice but definitely wouldn't be opposed.

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  6. Jesslikesithot: Mmm, apple ginger is delightful. Oh, thank you! I'm enjoying it. Yes, quinoa is wonderful, please do send the link, if you can :) I'd love to try that one.

    Gabriela: Can we plan a blogger meet-up four years in advance?! I will definitely come if I can :) thanks, girlie, you too!

    Gabriela: Love carrot juice! I have tried chocolate stout cake but thanks for the suggestion. Yum!

    BroccoliHut: It was delish. Thank you, darling!

    Megan D: Oh my gosh, they are! Try veggie juices as soon as you get the chance... and then let me know what you think. Please and thank you! ;)

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  7. I'll take vegetable juice AND beer! Bring on the health benefits :-)

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  8. Katie: That's my girl! Brings a whole new meaning to "Drink to your health!" ;)

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  9. danielle...LOVE that healthy detox! i need to jump on that train too - except i have no money to grocery shop until next week. ahhh c'est la vie!

    i am totally all for global comraderie too - which is why i become a soccer fan when the world cup goes on. anything that can bring together people like that is great in my book.

    love you so much - can't wait for your madtown visit!

    hugs and love,
    holly

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  10. Holly: Thanks, darling! Go wild next week then ;). Yay for the world cup, and hip hip "oh my gosh I can hardly wait" hooray for my madtown visit!

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