Take the Whole Foods Challenge!

Happy Monday Greetings Everyone!

As a nutrition coach, many people share with me that they want to "eat better" but can't seem to get motivated to do so.  The more I do this work, the more it has become apparent to me that focusing on eating whole foods is the answer to eating healthier.  When we focus on increasing real foods, the processed stuff will fall away (at least in large amounts, we all need a little snacky crunch factor in our lives sometimes).

So... if you are one of those people who really WANT to eat better but can't seem to summon up the mojo to do it,  I suggest you take the "Whole Foods Challenge". 

What is it?? Make a commitment for one week to eat as many whole foods as you can.  That means avoiding anything boxed or with more than a couple of ingredients.  Depending on how serious you want to get, you can do it on different levels.  

For some it might mean literally only eating one ingredient foods (apples, almonds, fish, eggs, rice, quinoa, cheese, etc).  For others it might mean eating- the above and corn chips, or whole grain bread, noodles, etc.  The important part is that you avoid anything that has more than 5 ingredients.  Guaranteed your diet will be cleaned up in a big way.

The benefit? See and feel your energy rise!!!  

If you do this and feel the benefits, PLEASE share them with me.

Also, here a recipe my friend Lucia shared with me and actually gifted me with a piece of that will knock your socks off.  

AND last but not least, if you are yearning to find a way to carve out time in your busy schedule to prepare healthy meals and get in daily yoga, please join Lisa Preston and I for our last workshop of the season at the Woodstock Physical Therapy Studio on Rte.212 in Woodstock, this Saturday, May 18th, from 3-5:30.  The fee is $40.  This workshop will give you powerful tools to incorporate healthy meals and movement into your daily life!  What a wonderful gift for yourself or someone you love... :) 

Have a beautiful week!
Lysa

Cheesy Quinoa Bake http://susanspungen.com/

Ingredients:
1 package or 5 oz of spinach

1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
4 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
8 oz feta, crumbled
3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup dill, chopped
3/4 tsp sea salt
freshly ground pepper
1 tsp butter for greasing pan

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• SERVINGS: Serves 6 to 8

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 375º
2. Place spinach in a large saucepan with a pinch of salt and a splash of water and cook, covered, stirring frequently until completely wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, squeeze dry, and chop. Set aside.
3. In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tsp. olive oil and cook onions and garlic until translucent, 5 to10 minutes.
4. Whisk together the eggs and yogurt. Combine the onion mixture, quinoa, feta, scallions, dill, spinach, egg mixture, and salt and pepper. Mix well. Butter a 2-quart baking dish and spread the quinoa mixture evenly in it. Bake until golden brown on edges, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cool slightly, cut into squares and serve.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package baby spinach (5 oz)
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 4 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked quinoa, cooked according to package directions)
• 8 oz. feta, crumbled
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
• ¼ cup dill, chopped
• ¾ tsp. salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp. butter for greasing pan