Chunky Gazpacho Recipe

A fruits and vegetable fast will drive a girl to all sorts of creativity in the kitchen. Especially when she's gone overboard at the farmers market. I've been craving soup lately for some reason, but since it's still rather warm outside, I thought a cold soup would be the best bet. I was waffling between a raw Tomato Basil Soup and gazpacho. Since I needed to use up as many vegetables as I could, I pulled out the food processor, some tomatoes, peppers, an onion, garlic, and cilantro and got to work. This soup is so easy to make, and it's absolutely delicious.

I modified a gazpacho recipe from Vegetarian Times for an easy, chunky gazpacho version.

Chunky Gazpacho
(Adapted from Vegetarian Times)

Ingredients:

3 large ripe tomatoes, stemmed and quartered
1 large ripe tomato, finely diced
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced (finely dice about a handful and reserve)
1 green peppers, seeded and quartered (finely dice about a handful and reserve)
1/2 red pepper, seeded and halved again (finely dice about a handful and reserve)
1/2 large red onion, peeled and sliced thickly (finely dice about a handful and reserve)
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
2 large cloves garlic
Large handful of cilantro
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Avocado, diced for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Place diced tomatoes, cucumbers, green and red peppers and onion in a large bowl. Combine the remaining tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and onion in food processor. Add olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper, and cilantro. Pulse until mostly smooth, then pour into the bowl with the diced veggies and stir to mix. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill. Top with diced avocado right before serving.

The Space Between Effort and Rest

Last weekend I took a morning yoga class and the teacher started the practice by telling us we would be focusing on the balance between effort and rest. There are yoga postures that depend on this balance. Put in too much effort and you topple over or fall out of alignment, but exert too little effort and you get the same result. There has to be a balance between the two, and when you find that balance, you find the fullest, strongest expression of the pose.

Take Warrior III, for example. For those who don't practice yoga, or don't yet know the names for all the poses, Warrior III is a balancing pose. You stand on one leg, with the other leg extended toward the wall behind you, your torso parallel to the ground and your arms extended over your head, pointing toward the wall in front of you. To stay strong in this pose, you must be pressing your standing leg firmly into the ground, while extending your other leg and your arms with equal effort in opposite directions. Once you find that balance in effort, stretching equally in both directions, you can rest in the pose. This rest isn't so much a relaxation, as a settling in.

As I listened to the teacher talk about how we sometimes lose that balance in our practice, pushing ourselves deeper into a pose when we should be resting at our limit or holding back our effort when we could breath into a fuller expression of the pose, I knew I was about to learn a lesson I could take with me outside of that yoga studio and into my life.

You see, I tend toward too much effort--on and off the mat. I'm a control freak. Anyone who knows me knows that. I like to know what's going to happen and how it's going to happen. And when things get a little out of control, I like to put them back in order. I'm always working to make sure things don't fall apart, always trying to make things go my way. Here's the thing, though. It doesn't work. I can't control the weather. I can't control the actions or reactions of others. No matter how hard I try, there will always be things outside of my control.

So I took this lesson to heart and I listened carefully to my body. Throughout the class, as I found myself pushing too hard here, or not trying enough there, I brought myself back to the balance, that space between effort and rest, where I was settled, strong, and stable. I've been able to continue recognizing effort imbalances when I'm on the mat, in other classes, with other teachers.

Unfortunately, finding that balance in the world has been a bit more difficult. I'm still trying to find that place of balance where I know I'm making my best effort without pushing or pulling or straining too much to make something happen. There is peace in that space between effort and rest. I know, because I've seen it. And with practice, I'm certain I'll see it more often.

(Photo credit: lululemon athletica)

This piece was cross-posted at bookieboo.com, where I'll be journaling about my experience as I learn to teach yoga (and become a more dedicated yoga student in the process).

Opening to the Present

I approached the studio with sweaty palms and a pounding heart. Part of that was out of nerves and part of it was because I’d spent the last 30 minutes circling the same nine square blocks looking for a parking spot and was certain I was going to be late to my first yoga teacher training weekend. Thankfully, I’d gotten the time wrong and was actually 27 minutes early.

I signed in, picked up my manual and found a spot on the floor in the alcove with a few other early arrivals. They were younger and thinner than me, probably fitter with more yoga experience, as well. Some of the women were in small groups chatting. It appeared they knew each other and the thought that there were already cliques forming gave rise to a bit of anxiety. Would I fit in here? Could I really do this? Was I ready for what lay ahead?

We rolled out our mats along the walls of the studio, all 35 of us—34 women and one man of varying ages, sizes, shapes and backgrounds—facing one another and the center of the room. And that’s how we started. No introductions, no stories, no preparation. We jumped right in.

Standing at the top of our mats, inhaling and raising our arms. Urdhva Hastasana. Folding forward, exhaling. Uttanasana. Lifting halfway up on the inhale, backs flat. Ardha Uttanasana. Placing hands down, stepping back into high plank and exhaling into Chaturanga Dandasana. Inhaling, sliding chests forward, opening our hearts. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana. Lifting hips and pressing chests back on the exhale. Adho Mukha Svanasana. Bending knees, looking forward to our hands, and inhaling, floating feet forward, back flat. Ardha Uttanasana. Exhaling, folding again into Uttanasana. Sweeping arms up, inhaling and looking to our fingers. Urdhva Hastasana. Pressing palms together, exhaling and lowering them to our hearts.

Arriving at Samastitihi. Equal standing.

And that’s exactly how it felt. Nine breaths putting us all on solid, level ground. Nine breaths linking us all together. Nine breaths and I knew this: I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Breathing. Moving. Here. Now. Opening up to my present, and whatever it has to offer.

(Photo credit: lululemon athletica)

A Yogini in the Making

Three months ago, when I broke up with my boyfriend of six-and-a-half years, I braced myself for the anger and grief that I knew would follow. It washes over me, the way powerful emotion so often does, in waves that swell, crash and then recede. But under all of that painful emotion, there has been a glimmer of hope that I haven’t felt in a while.

I’d spent the last three years of our relationship denying my own desires for more attention and commitment, and putting goals on hold, imagining they’d be easier to achieve with a spouse by my side. I wished for a committed, reciprocal relationship with marriage and babies on the horizon. It wasn’t happening, though. And so finally, when the pain of waiting on The Ex became greater than the hope of some imagined future together, I decided to move on.

In my new-found freedom, not just from the relationship, but from the limits I’d put on myself while waiting on him, I decided to do something I’ve been considering for a couple of years now. I started doing some research, and without thinking too long about it, I filled out an application for a popular 200-hour yoga teacher training program that would fit into my schedule, and sent in my deposit.

The second guessing and self-doubt started almost immediately, but I held strong and the excitement for something new and life-changing quickly took over. I’ll be in training classes one weekend a month and will take at least three yoga classes a week throughout the eight months the training takes place. As the first training weekend approaches, my excitement is growing. I believe this experience is going to be powerful. My body will change, of course, as I immerse myself into regular, dedicated yoga practice. But I’m thinking beyond my body.

I’m feeling inspired in my writing after just a single class with the training instructor, and I expect that inspiration will only grow as I turn inward in my practice. I look forward to learning meditation techniques that will help me center and focus myself. My interest in the philosophy behind yoga is increasing, and I can’t wait to dig into the book list—fifteen texts, including everything from The Bhagavad Gita to an anatomy reference book to a guide to macrobiotic cooking—and start learning and exploring new ideas.

The intended end-result of this teacher training program is to earn a certificate that allows me to teach yoga to others. But I have a feeling I’m going to get more out of the next several months than I could even begin to imagine right now. For once, I’m not concerned about the unknowing. I’m happy to be taking a step forward, wherever that step may take me.

This piece was cross-posted at bookieboo.com, where I'll be journaling about my experience as I learn to teach yoga (and become a more dedicated yoga student in the process).

July Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge

It's hard to believe that another month is almost over. But, alas, June is coming to an end and the second month of the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge is almost behind us.

How did you do on June's goal to try at least one new exercise activity each week? Did you find any new exercises that you've incorporated into your regular routine? Were there exercise activities that you know you'll never try again? What was your favorite new exercise?

When I chose June's goal, I did it because I needed some motivation to get out of my exercise rut, which amounted to 30 - 45 minutes on the elliptical and the occasional outdoor walk as many days as I could manage. I had hoped to try out some new classes at my gym, maybe get on a few new machines, and try a couple of new exercise videos. Unfortunately, the classes I was hoping to try didn't fit into my schedule, and it has been way too hot here in Baltimore to even attempt doing any exercise in my living room.

Despite those challenges, I managed to add a few new exercise activities to my routing. I tried out new programs on the elliptical and treadmill. I even got on the rowing machine and stairmill and gave them a try. I'm planning to continue this challenge into July and work on arranging my schedule to try out some of those classes I've been missing out on.

The best thing about these last two months of the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge is that I feel like I've really gotten into a fitness routine. I'm exercising regularly and actually *gasp* enjoying it!

Now that we've had a couple of months to practice getting fit, I thought we'd shift gears a bit. For July's Fit 'N' Healthy goal, we're going to work on our eating habits. It's summer, and that means it's the perfect time to start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Since I gave up meat, I don't have much of a problem eating plenty of fruits and veggies, but sometimes the variety is a little lacking. Keeping that in mind, I'm making this month's goal two-fold.

July's Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge is:

Eat at least 4 servings of vegetables each day and incorporate one new-to-you veggie each week.

I'd highly recommend you head to your local farmers' market and get creative. Try some kohlrabi (these easy kohlrabi refrigerator pickles are delish). Saute up some Swiss chard. Pick up some heirloom tomatoes and make a refreshing salad. Have fun exploring new foods and dishes. And don't be afraid to chat with fellow shoppers or the farmers who grew the veggies. They'll always have recommendations and suggestions on what to try or how to prepare it.

Are you in? If so, you can check back here to tell us what types of veggies you're trying out this month, share new recipes you come across, and/or tweet about your progress using the #fitNhealthy hash tag. You can also grab the Fit ‘N’ Healthy button to put on your blog. (As always, thanks to Mel, of Mel's Box of Chocolates, for the awesome challenge button!)

Let's have a Fit & Healthy July!

If you're just joining in on the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge, the goal is to make and work toward one fitness, health or wellness goal each month. At the beginning of the month, I’ll offer up a goal that we can all work toward and throughout the month I’ll check in to make sure we’re all on track. If the monthly goal speaks to you, feel free to jump in and join us. Just leave a comment letting me know you’re trying to get fit and healthy, too. If the goal isn’t for you, don’t worry. You can still join in. Set your own goal for the month, post it in the comments and we’ll cheer you on as you work toward your goal, too.

June Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge

The first month of the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge is now behind us. How did you do on May's goal to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 or more days a week? Were you successful, or could you have done better? Did you actively pursue the goal, even if you didn't always reach it? Sometimes, not giving up on a goal is more important than reaching the goal itself.

I managed to eek out a successful month, despite some pretty lazy weekends and a lot of rain keeping me from my midday walks. The gym was definitely my friend in May. And knowing that I'd started this challenge and people would be checking in on my progress kept me pushing toward 5 active days a week. Thanks to my fellow challengers for that motivation!

If you're just joining in on the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge, the goal is to make and work toward one fitness, health or wellness goal each month. At the beginning of the month, I’ll offer up a goal that we can all work toward and throughout the month I’ll check in to make sure we’re all on track. If the monthly goal speaks to you, feel free to jump in and join us. Just leave a comment letting me know you’re trying to get fit and healthy, too. If the goal isn’t for you, don’t worry. You can still join in. Set your own goal for the month, post it in the comments and we’ll cheer you on as you work toward your goal, too.

This month's goal is targeting my personal tendency to stick with what I know. Inevitably, this leads to exercise boredom or an activity rut. Then I'm more likely to skip the exercise altogether instead of changing it up. So to jump start my fitness routine and get me out of my comfort zone, I'm encouraging a little exercise adventure.

June’s Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge is:

Try at least one NEW exercise activity each week.

We're building on May's challenge, so keep exercising at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. But this month, try adding in some new exercise activities. It's summer, so there are plenty of options out there. Get a group together, head to the park and play Frisbee, touch football or soccer. Take the kids to the pool and swim some laps. Or try a new fitness class at the gym. (If you haven't tried Zumba and you can find a class near you, I'd highly recommend it for a fun way to burn plenty of calories).

Are you in? If so, you can check back here to tell us what types of activities you're trying out this month and/or tweet about your progress using the #fitNhealthy hash tag. You can also grab the Fit ‘N’ Healthy button to put on your blog. (Thanks again to Mel, of Mel's Box of Chocolates, for the awesome challenge button!)

Let's have a Fit & Healthy June!

On Losing Weight Without Even Trying

I recently spent five days in Dallas for a conference. While I learned so much about the Technical Communication field and what other tech communicators are doing, I spent a good deal of my time in Dallas, socializing, eating, drinking and enjoying myself.

And yet I didn't gain a pound.

That's right. I chose whatever I wanted off the menu, ate until I was completely satisfied, enjoyed a few alcoholic beverages and only got to the fitness center two mornings of the five I was there, but I didn't gain any weight. In fact, I lost three pounds.

At first, I was totally shocked by this turn of events. After all, I hadn't been obsessing about workouts or counting every calorie (or any calories, for that matter). I wasn't eating fruit and salads all day long. I didn't refuse a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at the social gatherings.

As I thought about it more, though, I had a light-bulb moment. If I could lose weight in Dallas, surrounded by food and drink and so busy I didn't have time to get to the gym, then surely I could do it at home. But what was it about those five days that made possible? After some careful evaluation, here's what I came up with:

1. I was walking everywhere. I wore my Gruve the entire time, and it turns out that I was burning so many calories my Green Goal increased twice by the time I got home from 10 days of traveling.
2. I made healthy choices at most meals, but didn't deprive myself of treats. I may have had a few fries, a bagel for breakfast, or cream sauce on my cheesy enchiladas, but I balanced it out with salads, fruit, sushi and other tasty, but healthier, meals and snacks.
3. I wasn't snacking all day and when I did eat, I was paying attention. While I carried a couple of healthy snacks with me at all times, I was too busy to think about eating them between meals. When we finally sat down to a meal, I was enjoying the dishes (and the company) so much that I ate them much more mindfully than I might at home on my couch.
4. I was happy and less stressed. I was meeting new people, having stimulating conversations, learning new things and all-around enjoying myself. High happiness and low stress makes Ami less of an emotional eater.

In almost perfect contrast, I spent the four days following my Dallas trip in NY with my family for Grampy's burial. Enter long car trips and gas station snacks; comfort food available almost 24/7; plenty of pizza, chips and donuts; emotional turbulence; a bit of family drama; and less exercise due to a busy schedule and cold weather. Those three pounds I lost in Dallas quickly returned.

This made it even clearer to me that I can stay fit and healthy if I:

• fit activity in wherever I can
• eat well and allow myself occasional treats
• eat snacks only when I really need them
• am mindful during meals and enjoy what I'm eating
• can manage stress with exercise and enjoyable activities
• surround myself with people, things and activities that make me happy

Being healthy, and even losing weight, is about so much more than just counting calories and sweating it out on the treadmill. I've always heard this, maybe even knew it to some extent, but I've finally got my own proof that it's true. I feel like I've turned a corner in this journey and I don't ever want to look back.

Fit 'N' Healthy Checkup

Somehow, two weeks have gone by since the start of the Fit 'N' Healthy Challenge. That's what happens with life. It's unpredictable and, occasionally, overwhelming.

Thankfully, though I haven't been blogging about it, I have been pursuing my Fit 'N' Healthy goal for May:

Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 or more days a week.

While I was at the STC Tech Comm Summit in Dallas the first week of May, I was an exercise machine. I walked everywhere I went, and I even made good use of the Hyatt fitness center a few mornings. In fact, I did so much walking and exercising that my Gruve Green Goal skyrocketed more than a hundred calories from the previous week, and I managed to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 7 of 7 days.

Once I got back to my normal routine, though, getting to that Green Goal has been a bit more difficult. I've still been exercising at least 30 minutes most days, but without all those extra opportunities during my day and with the demands of my extremely sedentary job, it's been a struggle.

I'm looking for more ways to add activity into my day, though. If I could do it while attending a conference where I sat in educational sessions all day, then it's clearly possible. I just need to figure out how to translate all that activity into my real life.

So how are you doing with your Fit 'N' Healthy goal for May? I hope you're reaching your goal, but if not, I hope you're still trying. Every bit of activity makes a difference. If I haven't learned anything else wearing this Gruve around, I've learned that. Whatever you do, don't give up. Just keep moving!