Laundry night.  Such an exciting life I lead!!

This marks week 2 of working out first thing in the morning (before work) instead of in the evening (after work).  It definately wasnt as easy getting up every morning but I do enjoy leaving work and coming straight home to "the herd'
(of meow meows: Marley, Lucy, Salem, & Pappi).  I also enjoy eating dinner at a more reasonable hour (6ish instead of 8p - 9p) and having time to relax or do chores before I turn in for bed.  Today I got home about 5:45p and as I eyeballed the pile of laundry that awaited me, I pondered dinner and ultimately decided I wanted quick and easy yet healthy and delicious. Oh, and hot.  After a quick survey of what I had on hand, I decided on rice and vegetables.      

I have love/hate relationship with rice in that while it can be delicious, it's definately not my grain of choice.  For the majority of my life my rice experiences consisted of white and brown, both of which were instant.  Once I discovered that there was a whole world of different rice options to choose from, I developed a new found appreciation for it.  As far as vegetables go, I tend to keep the following on hand at all times due to their versatility:  peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatos, zuchinni, yellow squash, and broccoli slaw.   I have an unusual obsession with broccoli slaw.  I eat it several times a week, either raw and lightly steamed, and I use it in just about everything whether it technically goes with the dish or not.  I like it.  I like it alot.  But anywho - on to the recipe:    

Zesty Rice w/ Steamed Broccoli Slaw    
Meatless dish that can easily include such if you wish
Servings: 3 - 4; Ready in approx 30 minutes 

1 cup rice, uncooked & rinsed - not instant
2 cups water (or broth of your choice)
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes and green chillies, undrained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs onion flakes, rehydrated*
2 tbs Mrs Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning*
1 tbs oil*

1/2 pkg broccoli slaw, lightly steamed

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and saute for approx 2 minutes.  Add in dry rice and stirring continuously to prevent sticking, cook until rice is a light golden brown (approx 5 minutes).  Slowly add in water or broth and the diced tomatoes and green chillies.  Stir in Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend, cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer until all liquid is absorbed (approximately 20 minutes) and rice is tender.

While rice is cooking, lightly steam broccoli slaw, or vegetable of your choice.  When the rice is done, fill your bowl with desired amount of rice, top it with broccoli slaw, and mix well.  Enjoy.

Notes:
*Regular onion can be substituted for onion flakes.  I used the flakes cause I was out of onion.
*I am a huge fan of Mrs. Dash Seasoning blends.  They are reasonably priced, salt free, and work well in a pinch.  Feel free to use any seasonings you like.  Suggested spices: chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper....
* If you dont want to use oil, you can spray the pot with cooking spray and saute the onion and garlic in water or broth.

When I finished eating dinner, I put my left overs in a container and packed it away in my lunch bag, along with a snack-size bag of homemade trail mix (raw pepitas, raw sunflower seeds, dark chocolate chards, dried berries) and 3 small oranges, and my lunch bag is set in the front of the fridge so I dont forget it in the morning.  

As I was writing this I decided I wanted oats for breakfast, mainly because yesterday I received my vitacost order in the mail and I once again have Amazing Grass Amazing Meal Chocolate Infusion in my possession (woo hoo!).  If your not familiar, Amazing Grass Amazing Meal is a organic, raw, vegan, gluten free/soy free/dairy free, whole nutrition supplement that contains protein, green superfoods, and super fruits (without the "green" taste.)   I enjoy it, but acknowledge that it's kind of pricey.  If you do a protein supplement and a superfood supplement daily then you it may be worth your while as your getting both in this product.  I ocassionally order the box of 10 individual packets (19.99 on vitacost.) as opposed to the container (17.3oz for $33.99) for it's convenience:  I sleep away from home fairly often and I like to keep a packet in my every day bag so no matter what the day brings I can have a healthy meal.  It easily mixes with water, milk, in a smoothie, and *drum roll* in overnight soaked oats!!  So yeah, I'm stoked  

Ok before I end, I want to say the following:  While "you cant put a price on health", there is no denying that purchasing vitamins and supplements can get expensive.  All too often people get sucked into what the latest "studies" and/or "nutritional experts" are saying is best and needed.  Don't fall victim to marketing.  Assess your current diet and overall lifestyle, consult with your doctor/health coach/nutritionist/etc (aka: someone who actually knows about your history/current lifestyle) and take the time to really think about what might benefit you.   Vitamins and supplements might be a great way to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and thus help create more balance which could ultimately have a positive and significant impact on your life.  However, in my opinion, there's no substitute for real food.  The healthier you eat, the less gaps you will have to fill.  Think about it..... 

And have a wonderful night!