Yoga and Snacks

I went to my very first Yoga class yesterday and it completely rocked! Im used to doing alot of long endurance type cardio but this was amazing. It really stretched my muscles out, relaxed me and felt like a great workout for my core. Which is something that I really need to work on more. Overall I cant wait to take another class, its definently something that I want to start doing on a regular basis. If you haven't taken one before, its just overall fun! Don't worry about keeping up or not understanding the poses. I was a little slow at first since I didn't understand the different poses but you pick it up quickly. Plus I had a great instructor that really helped me out.

When I got home I had the picks! I just wanted to snack a bit so I made up some spicy chipotle lime toasted chickpeas and my "famous" guacamole. (Not to toot my own horn but I make a mean guac!) I love chickpeas. They are a fantastic source of fiber, protein, folate and maganese just to name a few. And if you watching your budget, dried chickpeas are super cheap and can be stored for months in a an air tight container! So chick pea it up!



Spicy Chipotle and Lime Chickpeas:

1/2 c. dried chickpeas (or 1 can if that is what you have on hand)
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs fresh garlic
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. garlic
2 tsp. ancho chili powder


juice from 1/2 lime
dash of hot sauce
(salt and pepper if needed-I didnt use any, but you can add in whatever you'd like!)

soak chick peas in water overnight. Drain, rinse and throw into pan with enough water to cover. Add in fresh garlic. Boil until soft. Drain and add to bowl. Toss in your spices, lime juice, hot sauce and sprinkle onto baking sheet. Toast in oven at 350 until nice and crispy. Enjoy!!

(My husband says these remind him or corn nuts, HA!) Also, being a huge football fan actually ate a bowl of these instead of the usual chips which watching the game. Total score!


And now for the guacamole! The trick to amazing guacamole is just finding the ripest most delicious avacados that you can. When Im at the store I always squeeze and smell my avacados before I buy them. If they squish a bit, I will buy those as they will be pretty good for guacamole. Avacados are amazingly healthy and full of healthy fats (the monosaturated kind). Sine they are high in fat though you should eat them in moderation. This recipe is simple, delicious and takes no time to prepare. Its fanastic with some warmed up tortillas or fresh cut veggies.

Guacamole:

3 avacados
1 lime
1/2 bunch cilantro
1/2 sweet onion
2-3 jalapenos (depending on how spicy you like it!)
salt
pepper
1 heaping Tbs of fresh garlic

Peel and rough chop avacado. Once the pieces are all in the bowl, add in your lime juice. The lime juice not only adds to the flavor but the acid in the lime prevents the avacados from browning. Not take a fork (or hands!) and mash away. small dice your onion and jalapenos and mix it. Season with garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Toss in cilantro. Mix.

Thats it! Easy and delicous. I like to eat mine margarita style!! Enjoy!