Coming Clean: Pineapple-Jicama Salad + a "Health Challenge"

Happy Leap Day! {Do people actually celebrate this? I suppose leap day birthdays/anniversaries do it up big since they don't get the chance often!}

Though I'm not formally observing this once-every-four-years event, I did take a big "leap" last week that I thought I'd share since it's related to food which is, of course, the reason you're here.

Those who know me well know two absolute truths: I love food, and I dislike exercise. While the former fact has served me well in some ways, the latter is not something I'm proud of. In fact, it's something that I've attempted to change time and time again.

So, when a friend approached me 2 weeks ago asking if I'd be interested in participating in a "Health Challenge", my knee-jerk reaction was, "HECK NO."

"Health Challenge" sounded like sneaky code to me for other words like "diet" and "sweat." Bleh.

Despite my initial reaction, I let her send some information about what she was doing and told her I'd think about it. When her email popped up in my inbox, most of my suspicions were confirmed. There would be exercise. And there would be eating regulations. And I really wanted nothing to do with it.

And yet... something piqued my interest. Maybe it was the fact that I never did lose the last 5 pounds of my pregnancy weight. Or perhaps my recent lack of energy and inability to sleep well finally pushed me to take action. Whatever it was, it was enough to make me think, "Seven days? I can do anything for 7 days. Let's give it a shot."

So I told her I'd do it.

My husband was completely shocked, knowing how I feel about most of these detoxes, cleanses and challenges, and truthfully, so was I. Nevertheless, I geared myself up for the week of clean eating and exercise, said a little prayer, and started along with the rest of the group last Monday.

My day was immediately impacted as I normally start the morning with a cup of coffee {with about a teaspoon of sugar and half & half}, and the challenge clearly stated there was to be NO sugar. I don't like my coffee black, so I figured I'd go ahead and ditch the caffeine, too while I was at it. Surely, the one cup of caffeinated coffee I drink daily wouldn't be that hard to wean myself from for just a week...

By Day 2, I was feeling the effects of what I'm guessing was mild "sugar and caffeine withdrawal", which was surprising as I didn't even think I indulge in enough of either to have any sort of symptoms. Clearly, I was mistaken. I felt slightly groggy, irritable, and very, very tired. Like, I took a nap while my todder napped in the afternoon, tired. {If you know me, you know that I don't nap. Unless I'm pretty sick.}

Eating "clean" wasn't going so terribly. I try to keep things fairly healthy anyway {you'd never know it by reading this blog, huh?! Remember when I started my "Coming Clean" series?}, so the only real challenge was avoiding foods with added sugar {which SO MANY things contain. I'm looking at you boxed chicken broth!} and any of the treats I allow myself during the week {a nibble of chocolate, a small scoop of gelato in the evening, prepackaged granola or yogurt containing cane sugar... those allowances add up!}. Also... NO alcohol. Which really isn't a big deal considering that I went a full 40+ weeks without so much as a drop, but I've become quite chummy with my wine glass, especially on weekend evenings and particularly stressful days.

Clockwise from top left: Avocado & strawberry salad with chicken, pecans and homemade apple cider vinaigrette;
"Loaded" sweet potato with black beans, tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, green salsa and Greek yogurt;
Granny Smith apple and almond butter snack; Roasted butternut squash over arugula with walnuts & a sprinkle of herbed chevre. 

Still, the food portion was manageable, which made me feel good. The exercise?? Not so much.

Our group leader sent us daily 30 minute exercises {think: P90X, Insanity and the like} that we were required to complete daily. Thirty minutes may not seem like a huge deal to most, but for a girl who considers power walking her physical activity of choice, it was a bit of a shock to the system. {Read: I couldn't complete half the reps on Day 1. Sad but true facts.}

The mere sight of "Shaun T" and "Tony Horton" was enough to turn my stomach, and we developed a mildly unhealthy love/hate relationship over the next 7 days. But I held myself accountable and did as much of each workout as I physically could. Sure, I could barely lift my child into his crib, and had to hang on to the banister to ensure my wobbly legs wouldn't give out as I climbed the stairs to our second floor... but I just kept reminding myself that anything it's possible to stick to anything for just a week. JUST A WEEK.

Clockwise from top left: Strawberries with a dab of coconut cream;
Gluten free spaghetti with sauteed zucchini & kale in green olive tapenade "sauce" and a teensy sprinkle of cheese;
"Faux-potle" bowl with cauliflower rice and black beans, homemade pico de gallo, avocado, salsa verde and a glob of Greek yogurt.

As the week went on {slowly... ever-so-slowly!!!}, the "fog" lifted from my brain. I actually enjoyed the challenge of preparing my meals with clean ingredients... and I made some absolutely delicious things that I'd eat during any "non-challenge" week. On Friday, I repeated Monday's workout and found that I was able to complete most of the exercises and reps without feeling like I might keel over, and I learned to modify the things that I still didn't feel strong enough to do properly. {Push ups, I hate you forever.}

Most of all, I felt... Proud. Proud because I stuck to something I didn't really want to do to begin with. Proud because I was doing something for myself and not making excuses {I work from home with a toddler, I write about food, it's time consuming/expensive/inconvenient/impossible}. Proud because I avoided temptation and didn't give in when I wanted to {Friday night, all day Saturday, Sunday during a baby shower that had CAKE.} Proud because I'm pretty sure that's the longest I've ever gone without sugar!

Commitment is... saying "NO" to cake & champagne punch at a baby shower!
Note: I removed at the middles out of the sushi and skipped the white rice.
Pictured: Cucumbers, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, California rolls,
smoked salmon, poached shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice, strawberries & apples. 

The result? I lost 2 pounds. Most people have said "All that work and that's it?", and I suppose you can choose to look at it that way. But the truth is, it was only 7 days. And maybe I didn't lose the full 5 pounds that I've been holding onto {I've decided that I may not even want or need to!}, but I did GAIN quite a bit more -- confidence, accountability, self-respect. Things that far outweigh, well... the weight.

I feel like black & white makes it more "medical" than weird.
Plus, good lawd do I need some sunshine on my belly!

Left; Oh hi, I'm just over here dying after a workout. Right: Hey look! Ab-ish type shadows!!

Does this mean I will never eat a cookie again? Absolutely not. I firmly hold onto the belief that moderation is key. {And, um, I'd work myself out of a job!} I indulged -- no, REVELED! --  in my cup of coffee this morning... but only added half the sugar I normally do. I followed it up with some sprouted grain avocado toast and a banana with almond butter. I'm completely satisfied.

I'm telling you this because, like me, I'm sure there are some of you that are wondering if YOU could complete a challenge like this. You can. If you WANT to. And even if you don't really want to, but you're willing to commit.

For me, this was an unexpected -- but welcome -- change in routine, and good reminder that it's important to "check in" every now and again and make sure you're staying balanced. {I found that I had veered slightly off course into The Land of Carbs and Sugar in the past few months.}

So, if you're thinking you might need a little change, I say give it a try. You can do it without telling anyone about it if you're afraid you'll quit half way through. Or better yet, you can find a group who will support you and push you to the end when you want to quit half way through. Either way, the challenge is yours, and so are the benefits when it's all said and done!

Some notes:

1. I gave myself a "rest day" on Saturday and didn't work out since I was "in motion" all day.

2. Our group leader sent us daily meal plans detailing what we should strive to eat. I somewhat followed them, but modified to fit my needs {no red meat, minimal grains or gluten free, etc.} and ate when I needed to. Do not go hungry! You will backpedal and cheat if you do. Instead, choose nutrient-rich foods to fuel yourself and make "good choices."

3. LEARN ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO MAKE "GOOD CHOICES"! I am lucky that I married a man with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of nutrition, and though I don't always do what he says, I know my options and I know what I should be choosing. Foods that say "all natural", "fat free", "low fat" and "whole grain" are not always what they are cracked up to be. In fact, most of the best foods don't "say" anything at all because they're not prepackaged and they come from the earth! Education is key, folks.

4. I chose not to add any of the approved natural sweeteners to my food, with the exception of one day when my gluten free oatmeal was a little too bland/tart with the Granny Smith apple I grated into it. {I added a splash of pure maple syrup.} Though honey, stevia and pure maple syrup were approved in this challenge, I figured I'd use the opportunity to try to retrain my taste buds to find the natural flavor in foods without additional sweetening. And guess what? By the middle of the week, my toothpaste tasted too sweet!! Crazy!

5. It's only 7 days. But 7 days can seem... long. Stick with it. Be prepared so that you aren't tempted to cheat. I had homemade roasted chickpeas with me when I ventured out on Saturday in case I started feeling munchy while I was out and about. I ate a little bit before I went to a baby shower on Sunday so that I wouldn't be famished and tempted to indulge {luckily, they had some clean options that I did enjoy!}. You can do anything for a week!

Progress, not perfection. If you slip up, that's ok. Just do your best! 

** Thank you, Magdalena, for challenging me to step it up with you! I needed it! If you want to join Magdalena's next Health Challenge, you can send her a direct message via Facebook -- mention that I sent you and she'll throw in a treat to help you during your challenge!

Disclosure: Magdalena is a coach through the Beachbody program. I did not use the program's shakes during my health challenge, but incorporating them into your health challenge is an option if you choose to participate. I did not receive any compensation for this post or for my participation, I simply wanted to share my experience! All opinions here are my own.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ok, now let's stop talking about food and actually eat some! You guys, I promise you I did not feel hungry or unsatisfied {besides missing chocolate and wine} during this challenge. Because real, wholesome food is so delicious! I had almost forgotten how much I love fruit, but since it was my only source of sugar during this challenge, I rediscovered how amazing natural sweetness really is. {Don't go overboard, of course.}

This Pineapple-Jicama Salad is not a dessert by any stretch of the imagination, but the combination of naturally sweet/tart pineapple and cool, crunchy jicama may just stave off some of those sugar cravings when you need a fix. This slaw is good enough to eat alone, but it makes a fantastic addition to fish, grilled chicken, and "clean" fish tacos.

Enjoy each bite knowing it's good and good FOR you!

Pineapple-Jicama Salad
Inspired by a popular local restaurant, Food Shack in Jupiter, Florida

Juice of 1/2 a lime
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon vinegar {something like rice vinegar works well here}
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro {if you're among cilantro-haters, skip it}
A pinch of sea salt
A pinch of red pepper flakes

1 1/2 cups pineapple, cut into matchsticks/thin strips
1/2 cup jicama, cut into matchsticks
1/2 of a medium Granny Smith or tart apple, cut into matchsticks
1 small red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

1. In a large bowl, whisk together first 7 ingredients.
2. Add the pineapple, jicama, apple and bell pepper. Toss until well-coated.

You can eat this right away, but it tastes even better if you let the flavors marinate for a few hours! Makes a great topping for fish, chicken and fish tacos!

Note: To make it easier on myself, I bought pre-cut pineapple and jicama spears. You can also simply dice the ingredients if you don't feel like spending the time cutting into matchsticks. It's good either way!

4 Ingredient Breakfast Cookies | Nature's Path + Stonyfield

I am guilty of foregoing a proper breakfast for a mug of coffee more often than not. My stomach just doesn't wake up ready for food. {But a strong, boiling hot caffeinated beverage... sure, why not?! Weird.} But come 8:30 or 9 a.m., the rumbling begins and I'm usually searching for something quick to keep me full for a while since my lunchtime isn't set in stone and is often scheduled around the mood, cooperation and activities of my little guy.

When I do get to sit down and eat something that requires some assembly, I reach for the classic combo of yogurt and granola. I love that Greek yogurt has a hefty dose of protein {12 grams for a 5.3 ounce container of Stonyfield Greek in contrast to 6 grams in one large egg} and that granola adds a little crunch and flavor to the mix.

But it's not always possible to eat a yogurt parfait on the run. In fact, it's downright messy... and I don't need any help making a mess, I promise.

So, in an effort to be super efficient, I combined one of my favorite pairings into a healthy, portable cookie!

My buddies at Nature's Path Organic sent the members of Stonyfield's Clean Plate Club some of their nutritious goodies to play with in the kitchen. When I opened the box and saw their Pumpkin Flax Granola, I knew just how I'd use it! {You know, besides shoveling it into my face by the palmful.}

Along with a mashed banana, a few tablespoons of Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt and a dash of vanilla, this granola is easily turned into a travel-friendly bite that's packed with fiber, protein and even Omega-3 fatty acids. Oodles better for you than a thermos of java.

The best part is that these couldn't get any easier to make, even for you "non-bakers" out there. Mix, scoop, bake and EAT. That's it.

Even though these are a great way to start the day, they also make a perfect snack for any time the munchies strike.

No more excuses for this gal -- whether I have time to sit down to breakfast or I'm on the run, these healthy bites make a fantastic solution for curbing my breakfast snubbing!

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield Blogger, I received samples of Nature's Path products for use in this post. As always, all opinions here are my own!

4 Ingredient Breakfast Cookies

1 large banana, mashed or beated
2 tablespoons Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking pan by lining with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl combine mashed banana, yogurt and vanilla extract. Stir in granola and mix until well combined. {If the mixture seems too "loose", let it sit for about 15-20 minutes until the granola soaks in the other ingredients and becomes easier to work with.}

3. Using a cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon measure, scoop the mixture into little mounds onto the prepared baking pan. If desired, press the mounds down a little to flatten -- I just left them domed.

4. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the cookies set and slightly browned around the edges.

Cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking pan. 

Baby Prep: Eating for Pregnant People | Part 1

Hello, my friend. If you are reading this, odds are that you are probably pregnant or trying to figure out how to help someone you know who is experiencing some of the joys of early pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, food aversions and constipation. I'm sorry. I really am.

Had you told me a few months ago that I would one day reach a point in my life where the mere thought of Chocolate Silk Pie would turn me 50 shades of green, I would have laughed in your face. {I've had this recipe & post half ready since "Pi Day", but I just.can't.look.at.it.} But here's the thing: Pregnancy is like having your body temporarily hijacked.

The things you thought you knew about yourself and your habits are suddenly turned upside down and rearranged without your consent -- and with very good reason. You're growing a person. Naturally, that's gotta throw a wrench in the system.

The problem, I've found, comes not so much with dealing with these new and unusual symptoms, but with maintaining some semblance of a normal life while you're not feeling your best {and quite often, not even sharing your news just yet}. I mean, it would be great if everyone would just understand that you need to sleep 12 hours a day and maintain a 50 foot distance from all forms of chicken. But unfortunately, that's not the way it works. Life goes on and you must find a way to be functional.

My first encounter with pregnancy nausea came around the 5 week mark. Before that, I was game to eat just about everything. But then... not so much. I did a lot of laying around on the couch keeping my mind off of food -- something very unnatural to me since, you know... food blogger! It was uncomfortable, unsettling and just about as far from fun as one could get.

I've compiled a list of the things that were so helpful to me during the early weeks of pregnancy in hopes that it will save you from feeling like a zombie!

- Sparkling Water
My doctor thought this was weird as bubbles tend to cause even more gas and bloating {and you will most likely have plenty of that without any help}, but sparkling water was one of the only things that settled my upset tummy during those weeks of feeling, well, unsettled. Sip slowly, as you would when your stomach is upset from indigestion.

There are all kinds of naturally flavored sparkling water brands out there {these and these are my favorites}, so if you're kicking a soda habit, it can also help to have a little something bubbly and flavored that doesn't contain caffeine or sugar. Sparkling water can also add some interest to juices and other beverages since you'll most likely be drinking boring things for the next 9 months. It makes it feel a little more festive. So, pour yourself a mocktail and drink up!

- Ginger Beer/Ginger Ale
Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and is often promoted as a great tool for keeping queasiness at bay in early pregnancy. The downside: Supposed "Ginger Ale" {the soda} is mostly corn syrup and yuckiness and very little real ginger, so not much help there. Look for a natural brand of ginger beverages, such as Reed's or Fever-Tree -- or make your own. Just don't overdo it because there's a fair amount of sugar in the store bought kinds. Ginger chews, candies, teas, and tablets work, too.

Note: Although its name contains the word "beer", ginger beer is non-alcoholic and safe for consumption during pregnancy!

- Applesauce
Here's a little fun fact for ya: I can't swallow pills. Like, I put them in my mouth, take a swig of water and find that the water goes down the hatch while the pill is left hanging out on my tongue. Crazy, I know. Anyway, I found a few years ago that I could swallow tablets and capsules easier when I hid them in a spoonful of sugar applesauce. Don't ask me why, it just works. Before I even got pregnant, I began taking prenatals and found that they were made for horses. They were gigantic and I was terrified of having to take them daily for what seems like an eternity. Enter applesauce. Done & done. {Tip: Buy the organic, unsweetened kind so you're not ingesting unnecessary pesticides and sugar.}

- All-natural snack bars
So, I love KIND bars anyway {and more recently, I discovered Taste of Nature bars which are similar}, but pregnancy made me love them even more. Because when you're pregnant, they {meaning, the all-knowing powers-that-be} suggest eating little bits throughout the day so you're never really empty -- that's when nausea can feel its worst. These bars are portable, healthy, full of nutrients and really yummy. They contain real ingredients so you don't have to worry about chemicals and weirdness, which is nice because you have more important things to worry about.

Even when you don't feel well, they're still easy to stomach. And even though they're a little expensive, that's truly priceless.

- Sprouted Grain Breads
Guess what? Even though you're not drinking any alcohol right now, you pretty much feel hung over ALL.THE.TIME. And what happens when you feel hungover? {I wouldn't know, I drink moderately. Wink.} You want to eat like a 5 year old. Grilled cheese. Pancakes. French fries. But you, my dear, do not have the metabolism of a 5 year old. And if you start giving in to every whim to eat these things in your first trimester, your scale will be yelling at you by the time week 14 rolls around.

For some reason, though nothing else seemed remotely appealing to me, I was craving bread when I felt gross. But bread really isn't that good for you. Empty calories. However, sprouted grain breads like Ezekiel 4:9 bread contain more nutrients than their very processed counterparts. So, if you want some toast, by all means, go for it --  but try to make it a healthier option if possible. {I also baked my own bread, but I doubt you want to go there.}

Hang in there. Soon you'll find that you're {hopefully} feeling better and you'll be able to eat like a normal person again. My nausea lasted 2 or 3 weeks and then disappeared. {Some people never feel sick; some feel sick until the start of their second trimester; some feel sick the whole 9 months. I'm crossing my fingers and toes for you that you'll be one of the first two!} Things will be looking up {as opposed to down into the toilet bowl} before you know it!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't have a medical background. This is simply advice that helped me personally feel better in the beginning of pregnancy. If you have any questions or doubts, seek guidance from your doctor, of course.

..................................................................................

If chewing doesn't sound appealing, you may want to go the liquid route for your food intake at the times of the day when your nausea is at its peak.

Many women find that cold or semi-frozen beverages and fruit smoothies help them feel better when their tummies are boycotting solid foods. This Mango, Banana & Ginger Lassi is such a delicious way to get some goodness in there without gagging.

Both banana and ginger happen to be good for times of stomach distress -- the ginger soothes and alleviates while the potassium in the banana helps to balance the stores that may have been depleted if you've been sick to your stomach. The probiotics {natural bacteria that help boost the good bugs in your digestive system} in yogurt also help regulate what's going on in your stomach.

The best part is the fact that you simply toss the ingredients in the blender and let it do its thing... because I know you don't feel like cooking, mama. Take a shortcut and buy frozen mango chunks so you don't have to deal with that pesky pit. I also like to buy large bunches of ripe bananas, cut and freeze them so that they're ready to go when I want a cold, thick smoothie.

Feel good knowing that you're putting nutritious things in your body while baby grows, even though your body is bucking the system. And for heaven's sake... step away from the mac & cheese!

Mango, Banana & Ginger Lassi
Yields 1 serving

1/2 a mango {or about 1/2 to 3/4 cup mango chunks}
1 medium ripe banana
1/4 to 1/2 cup your favorite milk {I tend to use almond}
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt {vanilla would work well, too}
Handful of ice cubes
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger {or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger}
{Optional} Pinch of ground cardamom

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass and enjoy... or at least try to! :)

{No Bake} Tropical Energy Bites

Let's talk about snacks. {Baby, let's talk about you.and.me. What? You totally thought the same thing.}

What do you reach for when you're feeling snacky? Probably whatever you can get your hungry little hands on, right? Which is not always the healthiest of options, I'm sure. I'm not judging. I'm just sympathizing with the throes of poor hungry decision-making.

I try not to buy unhealthy snacks because, naturally, if they're not around the house, I won't eat them. But the downside of healthy snacking is that it can get sort of expensive.

KIND bars are one of my favorite, throw-it-in-your-purse-and-go snacks. So are Pamela's "Whenever Bars" {though, for the love of Pete, I wish they'd revamp their wrappers & packaging}. When I'm needing salty, I like Blue Diamond Nut Thins {although truthfully they contain a few ingredients I could live without}, which keep me from diving head-first into a bag of Doritos. But those little bitty snacks? They add up big time. Is it just me, or do you find that the healthier the snack, the less they put in the bag and the more they charge for it? Maybe keeping the volume at 75% air is what really keeps it healthy? Who knows.

Anyway, after taking inventory of my pantry {Read: raiding the shelves for something to snack on} last week, I realized that I probably have enough random ingredients in there to make my own healthy snack without spending any extra money. So, of course, I started experimenting.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that... a whir in the food processor and, VOILA!, Tropical Energy Bites.

Made with dried mango, cashews, banana chips and flaked coconut, you can feel confident knowing that there's nothing creepy lurking in your snacks. {Just be careful when purchasing dried fruit and make sure that the ingredient list is up to par -- some of them can get very heavy on the sweetness.} Yes, there's some sugar in these as I just used what we had on hand, but I still consider these better than devouring a row of Oreos. Additionally, it is possible to find dried fruit with no added sugar if you look hard enough {I'd start the search at Whole Foods or another health food store for best results.}

This recipe {which makes a small batch} made 30 bite-sized energy balls that are ideal for tossing into a snack bag and taking for the road, but you could easily double the recipe for a treat that will last a little longer or feed more people.

I'm pretty proud of myself for whipping up something healthy with stuff I already have -- a penny saved is a penny earned, after all. And I'd rather spend my pennies on something cute, like this. :)

{No Bake} Tropical Energy Bites

1/3 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
1/3 cup banana chips
1/4 cup dried mango {unsweetened if possible}
1/4 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
3 tablespoons almond butter
2 heaping tablespoons honey

1. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until mostly ground and combined. A ball should start to form with the mixture.

2. Once ground to desired consistency, scoop out the mixture by the teaspoon-full and roll into bite-sized balls.

3. Refrigerate to harden a bit if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Cherry-Vanilla Granola

I'm about to tell you a really gross {albeit hilarious} story... somehow, I still haven't come to terms with the fact that the word "poop" has no place on a food blog. But, if you can hang in there, I hope there will be a little lesson that you can take away from my tale.

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a pure feat of determination that stuck with me long after it was over. And it all started when I took Farley, my lab, to the dog park to play.

Farley has forged friendships with all kinds of dogs in the dog park: A sweet, brindle Pit Bull mix named Stella; a lean, fast-as-lightning Greyhound named Dash; an amorous Black Lab named Lola. And then there's Tyson, a stocky little Boston Terrier with a jaw like a bear trap.

Tyson LOVES chasing balls. Well... to tell you the truth, the "chasing" is just a means to his true passion, walking around with the ball in his mouth and Never.Letting.Go. I'd say he may even be a tad bit obsessed. {I nearly lost a thumb while attempting to take it from him so we could play.}

In the midst of a rousing game of fetch the ball {which usually ends as quickly as it started because once Tyson gets it, there's no getting it back}, said ball landed right smack in a fresh pile of dog poo. Ew.

Tyson's owner, of course, carefully retrieved the tennis ball and placed it atop the bench and away from Tyson, who was already lamenting the loss of the prized object by growling and barking repeatedly at the soiled toy. But Tyson just couldn't come to terms with the fact that he would not be taking his victory lap around the park with that ball.

He defiantly walked over to the bench where the ball sat and stuck his nose through the slats, retreating violently when he caught a whiff of the offending odor. But guess what? That didn't stop him.

His owner and I watched incredulously as, again, he approached the ball. If dogs could pinch their noses, I swear he would have been doing so -- instead, I'm fairly certain he held his breath so he could get close enough. Tyson nudged the ball to the end of the bench where he could reach it more easily. With a swift and deliberate chomp, he retrieved the ball and pranced toward the other dogs, showing off the fruits of his determination.

Except, he only made it just a few steps before the stench {and I'm assuming taste} forced him to spit it out and re-access the situation. He shook his head. Hard, as if to rid himself of the smell that assaulted his sensitive little nose. But failure was simply not an option.

Again, the stubborn dog picked up the filthy ball and proceeded toward the other side of the dog park, dropping it every so often and "shaking it off", leaving us in fits of side-splitting laughter at his refusal to give up. This went on until he made it to the other side, safe from any potential ball thieves.

Eventually, when he noticed that no other dog wanted the ball and that their owners were laughing at him instead of praising his efforts, he shamefully walked himself to the corner and stood there looking sullen -- not sure of whether he should gloat with pride or hide with disgust at what he had just accomplished. His owner assured him that it was ok. No need for "dog shaming" here...this dog already looked so very ashamed.

Despite the somewhat nauseating scene, I held Tyson in high regard for his tenacity. Because let me tell you, there have been days when it's felt like I'm repeatedly attempting to retrieve a poop-covered tennis ball just to prove to myself that I can.

There are times when I choose to hope against all logic, because I want to believe that in the end, it will be worth it. Times when I've subjected myself to mental anguish because I know that I can get through it if I try hard enough. We've all dealt with things like this before.

Tyson reminded me that sometimes you just have to deal with sh*t {I'm sorry, but there's not a more appropriate time to use this kind of language} no matter how disheartening, embarrassing or frustrating. And when I get overwhelmed with the task at hand, I will simply pause, shake my head, and pick up where I left off because -- no matter how bad it stinks at that moment-- victory smells so much sweeter.

.............................................................

Earlier this week I attempted to make granola bars to take to work as a healthy snack. It didn't work. I didn't want use any sugar, which I think may have contributed to the crumbly results.

Like Tyson, the struggle didn't stop me. I scooped the delicious granola crumbles into a mason jar and I've been enjoying them with a little almond milk or straight up as a snack. Sometimes the things that don't work out quite as you expect turn out to be a happy accident.

This Cherry-Vanilla Granola is what granola-filled dreams are made of. Tart, chewy dried cherries and crunchy slivered almonds are sweetened with a combination of honey and maple syrup infused with fragrant vanilla bean. One of my favorite parts of eating this granola is the vanilla bean-flecked milk that's left over at the end... it's the grown-up version of the thrill you got as a kid when you discovered Cocoa Puffs created its own chocolate milk byproduct. {Not that I wouldn't be just as thrilled if I allowed myself to eat Cocoa Puffs today.}

Whether or not this granola was intentional, it is most definitely a treat.

Cherry-Vanilla Granola

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 a vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped

1. Prepare a sheet pan or 8x8 inch pan {that's what I originally used when I thought I was making bars} with parchment paper or foil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, toss together oats, salt, almonds and cherries. In a small pot over medium heat, stir together coconut oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla bean seeds along with the vanilla pod. Bring to a bubble and allow to simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

3. Remove the vanilla bean pod and pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture, stirring until well-coated. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant.

Cool completely and store in an air-tight container.

30 Healthy Recipes {That Nourish & Satisfy}

This just in: Greens are the new Christmas cookie.

Um, ok, that's not entirely true. There's nothing like a homemade Christmas cookie, and you know it. But that doesn't mean that healthier options can't be delicious in their own right. 

I've never been one for "resolutions" {I tend to set smaller goals year-round} but I can see how the start of a new year is a good starting point for establishing new routines. It's a fresh start, a clean slate; 365 untarnished days of hope and new resolve. 

For many people, this is the time to attempt new food-related goals including weight loss, trying their hand at cooking {or cooking more often} and maybe even allowing their palates to become more adventurous.

I went through my own set of adventures with nutrition last year and I can tell you that it turned out to be a great experience. As it turned out, limiting myself from eating certain foods resulted in having to get creative and try new things that I may have never thought to try before! Win!

So, if you're one of the thousands out there who are looking to improve your diet without sacrificing the enjoyment of eating flavorful, yummy food, I've got you covered. That's right. It's not all cupcakes and cream puffs around here. 

I'm sharing a one-stop shop for some of the best healthy recipes I've posted to date. Just one bite is all it takes to prove that nutritious can be delicious!

Looking for more wholesome options? Follow my "Delish Nutrish" Pinterest board for lots of ideas from my favorite bloggers!

{Scroll below for links to recipes. Not all are pictured here.}

Beverages
Blueberry-Ginger Cobbler Smoothie

Haute Hydration -- Flavor Combos to Spice Up Your Water!

Veggies & More

Raw Baby Dragon Bowl with Five Spice Dressing

Orange Glazed Cauliflower

Curried Brown Rice with Zucchini

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Quinoa, Beet & Bean Burgers

Gluten-Free Linguine with Avocado & Arugula Pesto
Sweet Potato, Coconut & Chipotle Soup

Quinoa Dishes
Quinoa "Burrito Bowl"

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Pineapple-Cilantro Quinoa

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Spiced Quinoa

Lean & Meaty

Teriyaki Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing

North African Turkey Meatballs with Brown Date Rice
Hearty Turkey Chili
Chicken with Tomatillo & Cilantro Sauce
Red Curry Spaghetti Squash with Chicken

Fish Dishes
Tandoori Marinated Tilapia with Mango Salsa

Fish en Papillote on a Bed of Vegetables
Soy-Glazed Cod
Sear-Roasted Haddock with Blood Orange Salsa

Desserts and Treats

Individual Strawberry Crisps

Chocolate-Hazelnut Risotto
Gluten Free Oatmeal & Flax Cranberry Cookies

German Chocolate Granola

Here's to a delectable New Year!