Take a breather and eat some salad...you deserve it!

Spring has sprung here in So Cal and life is hectic. I don't know about you, but I just feel like I need a clone or 2 most days. Between work, carting kids around, errands, business building, working out and making time for my family, I constantly feel spent. Last year I began breathing techniques to calm myself when I felt overwhelmed. I found Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 breathing technique really beneficial. Margaret, my Happea Life partner and friend, suggested meditation to me some time last year. I kind of blew it off for awhile but a few months ago, I decided to give it a try. I downloaded the Headspace app. Anyone who knows me, understands I am a Type A personality and I have a really difficult time calming my mind. I'm not going to lie, IT WAS HARD but I was determined to do it. I was not giving up because I deserved some peace. I deserved a breather every day...even if it was only 3 minutes. That's how it started. 3 minutes, every day. Then 3 became 5 and 5 became 10 and now I am meditating every day for 20 minutes and it is AMAZING! I totally believe if we taught children kids to meditate at school, life would be so much better for everyone on this planet. I am learning to have patience with everyone, including myself. I do not feel as overwhelmed as I have in the past and I feel a sense of inner peace that I have never known before. I am loving the person I am becoming as a result of this lifestyle and all of these new things I am learning. So my one nugget of wisdom I have to share today is, start your own meditation practice. There are so many apps to help guide you. Do a little research and make it happen. I swear, it really will enrich your life!

Now, for some yumminess! Today I am sharing my version of a Taco Salad with a Cilantro Ranch Dressing. I love walnuts and find they really help create texture when I'm wanting something "meaty" They are rich in antioxidants, a good source of Omega 3s, promote a healthy gut and are a good source of protein. This salad has plenty of protein and the dressing is oil free. Let's get to it!

Cauli/Walnut Taco crumbles

1 C raw Walnuts

1 C Cauliflower florets

1/4 c sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed) If yours are dried, just stick them in some warm water to rejuvenate them

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t chili powder

1/2 t smoked paprika

1/4 t salt

Add all ingredients to your food processor and pulse until it is crumbly and the texture is "meaty" *don't over-process

Cilantro Ranch Dressing

1 c cashews

1 large date, pitted

1 1/4 C water (if you like a thick dressing use 1 c water)

1/4 C lime juice

Heaping 1/4 C cilantro

1 t onion powder

2 cloves garlic

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t salt

Soak your cashews and date in hot water for at least 10 minutes. Drain and add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth and creamy

Now lets assemble. Honestly, you can use any veggies and as much as you like. You do you and make it spectacular! This is what I used.

-Green leaf lettuce

-cherry tomatoes

-green onion

-radish

-fresh corn kernals

-red bell pepper

-black beans

-Avocado

Add all your veg into your bowl, top with as much taco filling as your heart desires and then dress that baby. Toss and add some pepitas if your heart desires. Your body will thank you and so will your taste buds.

Until next time,

Carrie