Lazy Doesn’t Live Here Anymore Salad Recipe
Being lazy with making meals and about eating in general is something I realized was sabotaging how I felt on a daily basis. One day during a bi-weekly meeting with my Health Coach, Marissa she said to me “lazy doesn’t run marathons” and something clicked. I spent a lot of time, energy and money on working out but wasn’t putting nearly that same effort into how I was fueling my hard working body.
While my diet wasn’t completely horrible I just wasn’t eating in a way that served me best. My real problem wasn’t necessarily my diet, it was that I was using the word “lazy” to describe my food habits and therefore letting that word or idea take over how I was eating. The words “lazy doesn’t run marathons” stuck with me and I began to change the way I saw myself in the kitchen.
In those following weeks this new view allowed me to naturally change the decisions I made around what I put in my mouth. I’ve been learning to take the time to make meals that satisfy me but also don’t make me feel like I’m spending a lot of time in the kitchen. One of those ways is finding ways to prep “meal bases” at the beginning of the week and by making a plan.
Below is one of my favorite salad bases that I can make on Sunday and enjoy for most of the week in a variety of ways.
“Lazy”Doesn’t Live Here Anymore Salad Recipe (inspired by the Aztec Salad at Candle Cafe and from the book Crazy Sexy Diet)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups quinoa (cooked according to package directions)
- 2 ears of corn (un-cooked, peeled and shaved)
- 1/2 red onion (diced or sliced however you like)
- 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced or sliced however you like)
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- sea salt to taste
Directions:
Combine the cooked quinoa, raw corn, sliced onion, peppers, black beans and cilantro and mix. Then, squeeze the juice of the lime over the top of the ingredients as well as the sea salt. Mix together and it’s ready to eat.
It can be eaten as is, served over raw greens, as a side dish, topped with braised tempeh or a even topped with an organic sunshine burger. I ate variations of this salad for 5 meals in one week, so if you get bored with it invite a friend over to share.
I love the idea of creating a “base” that can be incorporated into different meals throughout the week. That is so much more appealing of a concept than the thought of eating the same thing over and over every night!
I love this! As usual, we are on the same page. I spent the evening in the kitchen last night making a bunch of meals that I can drop in my bag and take with me this week. I know it’s going to be a busy couple of weeks and I do NOT want to end up at Chipotle (OK, I kind of do, but not really) and regretting it later. This salad looks yummy – I think I’ll put it on tap for next week!
I’ve also committed to no longer buying store bought salad dressing. Totally unncessary when I can make my own in just a few extra minutes and it’s so much better for me.
I totally remember the look on your face when I said that to you. You’ve come so far since that day! Love what you’ve concocted here with this salad …
I need a better poker face.
That really looks amazing! I am a lazy cook BUT I do eat healthy so at least I am doing that!
That seriously looks amazing and I think I could actually make that
i need to try that one out — i love that book Crazy Sexy Diet. and i just picked up Forks Over Knives which has some awesome vegan recipes too!
YUM. I am totally making (my boyfriend make) this tonight! Yes!
Yum! This sure is NOT a lazy dish, lots of time, but still simple ingredients that taste delicious. I like it. I have a ton of quinoa in my house from when I bought it in bulk on sale, so this may be my next salad creation!
P.S….you have a life coach?!
I have to say, I love your food posts. I love it because you seem like (and are) such a pro with the workouts that to come to food from a “I am a learner” perspective is really great. I think you hit the nail on the head with fueling. So many people are not “lazy” when it comes to their workouts and yet they fuel themselves in a sub par manner. I’m curious if your work with Marissa has improved your running or recovery etc. Thanks for your comments on the dairy post.
This looks awesome Jess! Totally making it!
I love this! I need to start following this attitude! I feel that I have been the same way and don’t know what it is. But I need to follow this attitude!
I made this salad this afternoon (minus the peppers because I was out) and it was delicious!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know, Sam!