Quinoa Chicken Chili

Lately I've been so busy and loving my crock pot.  Wasn't sure what to do with a couple chicken breasts I had taken out of freezer.  Being short on time I found this recipe...turned out great, easy and the kids loved it too!:)

1 cup quinoa ( will cut back on this next time)

1x28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1x 14 oz can diced tomatoes

2 jalapeños, chopped

1 yellow pepper, chopped 

1x 16 oz can black beans ( had lentils on hand which worked)

3 cups water 

2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 cloves crushed garlic 

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp crushed red pepper

1 1/2 tsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp Himilayan salt

1.  Put all in 6 qrt slow cooker on low setting.  Cook 5-7 hours.

2.  Remove chicken breasts and shred.  Return to slow cooker to keep warm until ready to serve.

3.  Garnish with 1 tbsp plain greek yogurt if desired!

Never be afraid to accept and show who you truly are!

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Cookies

Yields: 25 small cookies 

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup pure maple syrup 

1/4 cup raw organic cacao powder

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I used raw organic almond butter)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt ( used Himilayan )

3 cups cooked quinoa (from about 1 cup uncooked)

Mini dark chocolate chips for decorating (optional)

1.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

2.  Combine coconut oil, maple syrup an cacao powder in a small saucepan.  Being to a boil over med heat, stirring to combine.  Let boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.  Stir in nut butter, vanilla and salt.  Mix in quinoa.

3.  Drop batter in small scoops onto parchment paper.  If desired, top work a few mini chocolate chips.  

4.  Place trays in freezer to set, at least 1 hour.  For best results after store in fridge.

Kid approved!  

Protein packed Blueberries and Cream Oatmeal

This recipe is one of my favourite breakfast meals:)

1 oz quick oats 

2 oz fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 scoop vanilla flavoured isowhey protein powder

Boiled water to desires consistency

1.  In a bowl add oats,protein powder and berries; add water to desired consistency.  Stir and allow to sit until slightly thickened.

Run With Me:). Week 10 Session 3

Here is the breakdown for tomorrow's run:)

Option 1

Time: 57 minutes

Warm Up:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes

Run:  20 minutes  Walk: 1 minute

Run:  15 minutes. Walk:  1 minute

Run:  10 minutes

Cool Down:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes 

Don't forget to stretch!  Stay hydrated:))

Option 2

Time:  58 minutes

Warm Up:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes

Run:  5 minutes. Walk:  1 minute

Repeat run/walk sequence 8 times

Cool down:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes

Remember to get that stretching in!  Stay hydrated:))

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND!

Lol!:)

Run With Me!:) Week 10 Session 2

Here is the breakdown for tomorrow's run:)

Option 1

Time: 55 minutes
Warm Up: Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes
Run:  10 minutes.  Walk: 1 minute
Repeat run/walk sequence 4 times
Cool Down:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes
Remember to keep hydrated and stretch

Option 2

Time:  54 minutes
Warm Up:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minutes
Run:  4 minutes  Walk:  1 minutes
Repeat run/walk sequence 9 times
Cool Down:  Walk slow and Easy 5 minues
Remeber to keep hydrated and stetch!

Keep it Simple

When you realize that you really don't need much to be happy, life becomes so much simpler:), less stressful, more peaceful.  

Every day I can find something to be grateful for; especially a hug.  Oh sure there have been times I wanted more of this or more of that but it happens so infrequently now.  I find enjoyment in so many simple things; the sunshine, digging in the earth, a walk....

Even in a rainy day for example ( which were never my favourite ;)) I am grateful for the time indoors to tidy up my house lol

I  work part time at the moment but this gives me time to pursue other interests and areas of study and be with my children more:)). To be honest enjoying my life and loving what I do is more important to me.

 Sure  I would love to meet that person to share life's adventures with:) but it isn't a necessity.  I am luckier than a lot of people; I have freedom ( that in itself is huge- many countries don't), my health, a roof over my head, nutritious food in my belly, the desire to constantly learn, and explore, children, family and wonderfully interesting  friends who I love dearly ...  this all leads to my happiness.

There are so many things I look forward to doing in the future, especially travel,  but I just know in my heart that it will all happen in time.  To be honest I am completely content living in this moment.

And of course it never hurts to make a wish on a falling star, or a field of dandelion fluffs as you mow them down while cutting the lawn;)

Namaste my Friends and may you already have found your joy or do so in keeping it simple:)

XO