Two weeks ago my left knee started swelling for some weird reason, and pressure would build up in the joint if I ever walked too much or stood for too long. After two trips to the hospital (most people just go to the hospital for check ups since there aren't many private clinics here), one X-ray session, lots of limping, hours of waiting, and two doctors with very different ideas of what could possibly be wrong with my knee, I'd like to conclude that it's just inflammation ^_^ possibly, maybe, hopefully...
I'm happy to say my knee is a LOT better than before :) except the occasional slight swelling from walking too much. Sad to say I still can't run or do vigorous cardio for a while...BUT at least it's healing right?! :D
Every morning I start out with this incredible burst of confidence in my self-discipline; but then as the day goes on, I randomly sneak in a few bites of cake here, or a nibble of bread there, and my willpower gradually diminishes down to nothing.
:(
So in an attempt to keep myself on track and, I guess, make up for all those times I gave in to processed sugars and refined flours, I've been making salads! Most of the vegetables they sell at supermarkets here aren't fit for eating raw, and they don't taste good raw either. One department store market does sell spinach, arugula, romaine lettuce and such, but they're all packed in small plastic boxes and are quite pricey, SO...
I opted to just use broccoli florets and some carrots--basically any steamed vegetable(s) would work--as the base for my salads. Top with some avocado, a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of organic Goji berries, and you get a refreshing, healthy fix to counter Taiwan's emerging heat and humidity! For me at least :)
We bought these organic Goji berries at the supermarket and I love the subtle tang it adds to the other flavor components of the salad. Avocados are and will forever be a part of my improv salads; the creaminess in contrast with the crisp of the carrots gives the palate a nice range of textures, so the salad never gets boring :) (salads are never boring!!!!!!!! Plus avocados are just amazing pieces of heaven so I don't see why you WOULDN'T want to add them!) You can also lightly sauté or stir-fry the vegetables if steaming isn't your go-to.
You've probably noticed that my recent recipes have been fairly simple and to the point, mostly because 1) none of the cookware has arrived with our shipment yet 2) I have yet to invest in spices and 3) I find it best to let the original, earthy flavors of the ingredients speak for themselves :) Once you stop dousing vegetables in all those dressings and sauces, you can actually taste a hint of natural sweetness. I used to loathe vegetables; but having embraced this (most of the time) healthy lifestyle for a while, I've come to appreciate and love the pure flavor of the original ingredients.
I'll admit it gets frustrating sometimes, since I get stuck in those lack-of-creativity ruts and start craving burgers, cakes, or sugary drinks. Eating healthy is in no way difficult or boring (yes you might take a while to adjust, but nourishing your body in such a way will make you feel good and amazang overall), it's just that I personally lack the imagination to spice up my food, literally and figuratively. Believe it or not, I get most of my inspiration from browsing Instagram :) Seeing all of the nifty ways to brighten up a healthy dish sparks my inner chef--stuck in the rut or not--and I somehow regain my creativity when I start putting a meal together.
You honestly don't even have to use broccoli or carrots! Use bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, cauliflower, etc. etc., there are loads of vegetables and ingredients in general for you to pick and choose. Maybe even add in fruit cubes :) be creative! And even if you do get stuck in a rut, browsing through recipes online or through *cough* Instagram *cough* might just offer you some inspiration too :D
Goji, Carrots and Greens Salad
yields 1 serving
Ingredients:
3 broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces*
1/3 carrot, chopped thin*
1/4 avocado, roughly cubed
1 tbs Goji berries (you can use cranberries, raisins, any dried berries really)
pinch of salt
squeeze of lemon/lime juice (optional)
* Can be any type of vegetable you want, maybe even use fruit :)
Directions:
- Steam the broccoli florets and thinly chopped carrots (or sauté or stir-fry with a light drizzle of olive oil) until they are slightly soft but retain a slight crisp in texture.
- Once finished steaming, let the vegetables cool. Transfer to another bowl or wide plate if needed, and add in a tiny pinch of salt while you lightly toss the vegetables.
- Add in the cubes of avocado, and if desired, add in the juice of a small slice of lime or lemon.
- Lastly sprinkle the tablespoon of Goji berries over the salad, and enjoy!
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Going off topic but I have to share that yesterday (3/29) was my baby sister's third birthday! She is very sassy and full of attitude and I'm pretty sure she knows it :D We bought her a yummy taro cake topped with macarons and white chocolate pieces tinted purple with food coloring. It was quite delicious :) and not too sweet! I'd have to say the macarons weren't amazing (no offense, sorry) because I couldn't really taste a difference in flavor between the purple and grey macarons. The red macaron had a strawberry or raspberry (I forget) buttercream filling, but the other two just melted as sugar in my mouth ): Oh well, got my macaron fix!
Seeing the cake, and all cakes in general, reminded me of how long I haven't baked anything. It's been about 4 months since baking my last cake, and I can't even explain how much I miss baking, how much I miss my oven, my baking tins, my electric whisk, my silicone mats... :( I'm dying for my baking supplies to arrive so I can finally start baking again, so let's pray they get here soon!
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