Delicious and nutritious...

After my vacation, where I enjoyed lots of "kid snacks" like kettle corn, snocones, chex mix, burgers and cookies (nbd) - I was anxious to get back in the kitchen and prepare some tasty, good-for-me meals.

My parents used to try to FORCE me to learn to cook... I totally rebelled.

Now, I love it!

And boy did I! This week I've been cooking up some yum-gasmic eats that are packed with the stuff my body needs to stay energized and strong, while being magically delicious. I get lots of ideas and recipes from my old standbys Self and SHAPE magazine, but I recently started reading a really great blog Fitnessista that has lots of new meals (and vegan/gluten-free options if that's your deal. It's not mine. I love MEAT and GRAINS).

One night, after getting from the gym a little later than usual and hungry for a quick meal, I made a little pico/guac/pineapple/shrimp cocktail that was fan-freakin-tastic. I just got a deli-fresh package of pico de gallo (medium spicy for me), an avocado, some fresh pineapple chucks and a bag of frozen shrimp. Defrost and boil the little shrimpies (takes, 4 or 5 minutes) and mix it all up! I ate mine with some tortilla chips with flax seeds = devine. Light, satisfying and oh-so-summery.

Sorry for my crappy photos. I'm just not a photographer. Period.

Last night, I made the massaged kale salad via Fitnessista. I adjusted her recipe just a little since I'm out of soy sauce (I used hoisin sauce) and I don't know what "agave" is. I also left it in the fridge for a couple hours while I went to happy hour with some friends, but it was perfection when I got home. So good I wasn't even jealous of Tiffany's Crunchwrap Supreme, haha!

This morning, I enjoyed another Fitnessista favorite, the breakfast cookie. I made it last night before heading to bed, so it was ready to go when I got back from my morning run. I can't believe this thing is good for you, it's so indulgent and sweet. It really tastes like a cookie! I had some eggs and salsa with it as well.

Source: Fitnessista

Needless to say, I've been eating good in the neighborhood and feeling awesome. It really is true that your body feels better when you treat it well and fuel it right.

Any other great recipes that are quick, easy -- and good for a few days of leftovers? I live by myself... mama's gotta keep the leftovers ;)

XOXO

jam