Salad and Abs
Most people know that being healthy requires a combination of two: exercise and eating right. Barely exercising and not eating (the preferred LA option) does not mean you're healthy. When did being a woman mean you are never really hungry or should only want to eat salads? When did working out equal meditating at a yoga class (no sweat required)? Maybe growing up on a farm made me a little tougher than the average city girl -- yes, men are naturally stronger but women aren't incapable and we need to eat (and exercise) too!
My husband (Jason) and I started CrossFit about 6 months ago and although I was initially very skeptical, it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I only go twice a week but those are the 2 hardest AND most productive hours of my week and guess what the best part is...results! When I'm done with class, I have sweat dripping off my forehead, my hair and clothes are soaked, my makeup is running BUT I actually did something. We're not rolling tires or any of those crazy things you hear about -- it's just quality full body workouts: sit-ups, pull-ups, sprints, rowing, and weight lifting. As of this week, I can see definition in my abs (I believe it's a 2-pack?), my pants stay up because I have a butt, AND I can eat without gaining weight. In fact, I need to eat REAL meals so that I have enough energy to complete those workouts and rebuild my muscles.
This is a hearty salad I adapted from Bobby Flay's Crunchy Avocado Salad and the perfect HEALTHY side dish for your Super Bowl party. Avocados are one of my favorite "super foods" -- they're packed with healthy fat proven to lower cholesterol, contain a ton of vitamins, create a great creamy texture, and are really filling. I also eat this as a snack or use it as a topping for burritos and rice bowls.
Quick tip: I like to dice the avocados while still in the shell by slicing both ways and then scooping out.
Avocado Salad
Time: 15 min. Makes: 4 servings
2 avocados, diced 2 tomatoes, diced 1/2 c. Kalamata olives
1 c. garbanzo beans 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/8 c. olive oil 1/3 c. rice wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
Stir and chill for an hour or so for flavors to meld. Serve with chips or just eat!