focal point - the concentration of attention or energy on something (source)
So yes, back to focus/focal point. You staying with me here? I have a point. This recovery focus made me realize that I have a focal point. And that is to be the best “me” I can be at this present moment. Not looking at the past or in the future, quality “me” right now. That means it will be a day to day good “intention.”
That being said, yesterday I tried to be the best “me” by cooking a good meal. One that the hubs would put at the top of his list. A SIMPLE meal full of nutrients, love, and of course TASTE!
Black Bean PB Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 bag GF Black Bean Spaghetti (lovely Kristina sent me this awesome stuff!!!)
- 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
- 2-3 tbsp. peanut flour ( could also used 1 heaping tbsp. melted PB)
- 1 tbsp. oil or 2 tsp. butter (I used kerrygold butter)
- 2-3 tbsp. GF brewers yeast (could also use nutritional yeast)
- garlic and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- Optional add ins- tempeh, cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc.
Directions:
Make pasta according to directions. Rinse pasta, set back into pot on low heat. Add in PB flour, Vinegar, oil, and Brewers Yeast. Mix well. Throw in your remaining spices, tomatoes, and optional add ins. Stir again and cover pot. Let it steam the tomatoes and infuse the juices to the pasta while covered for about 5 minutes on low to medium heat. If it starts to dry out, add in a little broth or sometimes I like to add in red wine. You can also add in more spice, like chili pepper or paprika.
eek, sorry for the blurry pic. I guess I was rushing to eat this plate of goodness! And yes, the Hubs approved. It made his list. Phew!
So tell me, did you do the Focus Challenge? If so, how did it go? Any Focal Points out there?
too many questions for this early in the week, I know.
Cheers!
LC
p.s.
Janae, the broccoli addition was for you! You got me craving it like no other this week.
107 comments:
Black bean pasta? That is a new one ;)
Pasta looks great - love grape tomatoes with pasta. YUMMY. Focus...um....about that.... ;-)
The pasta sounds delicious! I want to try that flavor. I passed it up the last time I was at the natural food store and now I am kicking myself. I am glad you feel better. My focus lately has been to just stay positive and move forward. I am tired of looking back and being scared. I know I can improve things and I need to just focus on that! Have a great afternoon Lindsay!
YUM... this looks great!! THIS Kristina has been looking all over for that pasta! :) and broccoli is always my favorite craving.
I have loved this focus challenge, as you know, with much focus on intention for me. I also like to be present AND look to the future, but not always so much on the past. (it's funny how our thoughts have been so aligned lately) :)
I am super busy yesterday and today already, so to be honest I didn't realize it was day 10 - bad focuser! ;) but I think more importantly is because it's not really "completed" with me... I'm going to keep it going!
I've been wanting to try that pasta! I need to remember to look for it next time I'm at the store. Love the addition of broccoli - it's been making an appearance in most of my dinners lately, and yes, it reminds me of Janae! I spent the last couple of weeks focusing on time management, new job stuff, running and paying attention to my body - lots of nutrients and trying to find an internal balance. And a whole lot of time talking to God. :)
ok
where do I find that?!
The G pasta I bought --- tastes like *^%#!# [censored].
Ohmygosh this pasta looks so amazing! I wonder where K gets it from. I'm going to have to go bug her! =) haha
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
lol! Yes, GF pasta can be tricky! I use GF soba noodles instead.
http://www.kingsoba.com/whole-grain-noodles-organic-miso.php
I think these black bean noodles are at Whole Foods. Try out Glutino Brands as
well. They are pretty descent.
Let me know if you find them!
Lindsay
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oh I know! I can't find it here either! the other kristina said it was at Whole
Foods. I think you can order it online too! Its so good!
And I love how our thoughts have aligned with this challenge Kristina. I think
we both needed it. Youre right, its about the present and little bit about the
future. I am going to keep going too! Yea!
Lindsay
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Such lovely colors!!Looks like chocolat noodles to me..YUMMM :D
supposedly its at Whole Foods, but I can't find it in our store. I went to their
website. Maybe we just need to convince our local health stores to get it. I'd
buy it all!!!!
Lindsay
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kinda looks like a halloween meal...mmm brains :D I am not a fan of black beans...does the pasta have a strong black bean flavor??
Congrats on the 10 days! Knew you could do it!!!
oh I wish it were chocolate noodles, awesome!
Lindsay
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haha, I guess I should make this for halloween, eh? The noodles actually taste
like soba noodles. They were really good!
Lindsay
________________________________
Oh my goodness....that looks amazing and the broccoli.....thanks for doing that for me, you made me smile!!! Your hubby is a lucky man. Girl, every post you inspire me. I love that you were talking about not looking at the past and the future but being the best 'me.' SUCH A GOOD REMINDER. It is so easy to compare ourselves to what we were or what we want to be in the future but now is the time to be the best we can be at that moment. I love that you changed it to FOCAL POINT!!! You are right.....it puts an even more special meaning with the word. I hope you are having an amazing day!!!
girl, the way you sum things up on this post is just awesome! Thats why you are
so awesome! I love your energy and all the inspiration you bring. Now can you
just move to Austin already? I'll feed you!
Lindsay
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I love the concept of living in the present and not focusing the previous "you" or the future "you" but the "you" right now. It's true. Half of our problem ends up being our comparison to ourselves at various stages in life. Such a good point, and one I never would have even considered if not for you! Thanks friend ,as usual, excellent post!
I have never heard of Black Bean Pasta, but that looks SO SO SO good. You're Amazing Linds, and I'm sure your hubs is so grateful to have such a BOMB chef for a wife!!
I love your perspective on focusing...it is something that I KNOW I need to be better at. Sometimes I let myself get distracted, like you said and it seems like those are the times that I get discouraged and frustrated. Thanks for the great reminder. You da best!! xoxoxo megs
So glad the focus challenge went so well!!!!!!!! I need to focus on giving myself all of the nutrients that I need and taking care of myself! =D
That meal sounds delish, by the way! Anything with pb is ok by me!!!!
Oooh that pasta looks OUTRAGEOUS. Yum. So many flavors!
Note to self: stop looking at pictures on food blogs, you CANNOT spend this much money on groceries!
at first i thought the pasta was squid ink linguini! wow, black bean pasta? want some ASAP!
Awesome, Lindsay! And I *love* that you used balsamic vinegar for this dish! It gives such a lovely sweet and sour taste! :D
I'll definitely go on with focusing on more happy time. I've spent a couple of lovely evenings with friends during the past days, and I want to those to be a regular part of my life.
I've been wondering about that pasta -- it looks so good!
What a creative meal - I've never seen Black bean pasta! We do have some quinoa pasta to use up, maybe I'll throw some pb in there ;) I don't think you can go wrong with that...
I definitely can't say I focused for 10 days straight, but I DO feel a lot better about a few things right now than I did 10 days ago. So, either way, progress! :)
Still focusing here....=D .....on the bike. (boo) Tell your hubs I don't think I want to do a tri yet, but i did look at a nice wetsuit last week. heheh.
Really, just focusing on getting back into runing asap. And then- how much I am not sure.
How are YOU doing? Are you running?
They make pasta out of everything these days, don't they? I bet that was yummy. I am a big fan of balsamic vinegar.
That pasta looks like worms!!!!!!!!! "nobody likes me everybody hate me might as well go eat worms......"
I'm in a mood.
A weird one.
The husband approval is crucial ;) For me it is getting my little sisters approval for dinners.. so tough ! Haha.. the recipe sounds sooo delish though! How was your back to back teaching today?!
I have to try black bean pasta. I like black beans. I love pasta. Heck yes to the combo!
WHOA! That dish looks AWESOME! I am going to find that black bean pasta- going to Whole Foods tomorrow *hopefully*- looking for that & Udi bread (not just pitas like I found before). You have me hooked on finding all of this delicious food :) & gluten free- even better!!! The combination of flavors in the pasta sound perfect together! Anything with peanut flour/ peanut butter/ nut butter sounds good to me :) :)
Where did you find that amazing looking pasta? It looks so good!
I know, I couldn't find this pasta anywhere. I actually won kristina's giveaway
with it. Its in WF up north. I think we need to request that it be brought into
TX stores. Its so good! Definitely a Dorry type meal.
;)
Lindsay
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Yes, grab it next time! You'll love it. I'm so glad that you are doing better
mentally! If you ever need to vent though, feel free to email me.
;)
Lindsay
________________________________
Another pasta you'll love! I can just see you added some yummy tofy of some
sort! Hope your taper week is going well.
Lindsay
________________________________
By the way, send me your address. I have something for you.
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com
________________________________
and its good with PB sauce. Thank goodness I have plenty of that.
;)
Lindsay
________________________________
LOL! I totally understand that factor. It ain't cheap but its delicious!
Lindsay
________________________________
Its so easy to do with our go go go lifestyles. Ya know? But I think by slowing
down and letting go of some of those distractions, we can really FOCUS
on quality life, not just buzz through it. ha, I hope I even make sense here.
hehe!
Lindsay
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ohhh ya! Youre so right, as always. He compare ourselves to where we are
"suppose" to be or where we "were." That needs to go BYE BYE!! I love your
perspective Jess!
Lindsay
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I actually won it in a giveaway, but it think its at Whole Foods. Its worth
scrounging for!!
:)
Lindsay
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oh yea! Let me know if you don't find it. I'll hunt some down for you. I know
you'd like it!!
Lindsay
________________________________
oh I've been praying for speedy recovery for you! I have a feeling it will be
soon! I've just cut back my mileage a bit and its getting better. I also have
had a sports massage therapist work on me 1x a week. That has been painful but
SO good for my muscles. Maybe you need that! Keep me posted!
Lindsay
________________________________
I hear ya! 10 days is a long time but its progress for sure. The pb goes really
well with pasta or soba noodles. Just add in some soy sauce and shrimp or
chicken and its a great meal!
Lindsay
p.s.
I owe you an email about my healthy bites.
:)
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wonder no longer! Its good! I bet it would be perfect for your diet right now
too!
Lindsay
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oh I've been thinking about you Kath. Glad to hear you've had some really great
times with friends. Thanks so much for always being an encourager. Hope the
sinus infection is gone!
LC
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what squid ink liquini? Now that has my attention! I'd try it.
;)
Lindsay
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and the best thing is that its high protein and not a ton of carbs. So you dont
get that carb coma, haha!
Lindsay
________________________________
back to back teaching went well. I'm always pooped after those! and VERY VERY
HUNGRY! too bad you couldn't be there. Would have loved it!
Lindsay
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mmmmm......these worms are slimy and good! SLURP! I'm in a mood too! hehe.
Lindsay
________________________________
Yeah.. not going to lie, I forgot about the Focus Challenge. Blame it on how un-focused I am? ;) Seriously though, this challenge was perfect for me and then my failing memory failed me. Oops.. haha.
The pasta looks awesome! I've never seen black bean spaghetti but it looks pretty and fun to cook with. :)
WHERE can I find me some black bean pasta?!!
And how ridiculous was The Bachelor? Can't wait for "The Girls Tell All" next week ha
yeah...focus challenge. so. hard. totally forgot about it. it's just very hard for me to stay focused on the positive with so much stress going on!
re: millet,
it's SORT of like quinoa...it definitely has a different texture, more soft. I want to try making it into polenta soon.
oh I hope it gets better for you friend. Stress is not good! I'll say a little
prayer.
:)
Lindsay
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oh I can't wait to see what that pyscho Michelle says! haha.
I think the noodles are at WF. Thats what I heard.
;)
Lindsay
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haha, I totally understand. I have a short term memory too. It really is a DAILY
reminder, ya know? I have to write it on a sticky note, really!!
Lindsay
________________________________
O my gosh, black bean pasta! I have never heard of such a thing...WHY?! It looks so delicious...great recipe, I love it!
they have a mung bean fettuccine pasta too! I'm obsessed now!
Lindsay
________________________________
That black bean pasta is so yummy! I was skeptical the first time I bought it but I'm so glad I did! Your recipe looks delish :)
"Be the best me at the present moment." LOVE that and it's so true! That's all you can do, ya know! I always get caught up in the yesterdays and tomorrows and forget to enjoy today! Black bean pasta...sounds good!
Katie :)
have you tried the mung bean fettuccine? that one is good too!
Lindsay
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You know I've always wanted to try that pasta!! It looks really good, glad to hear that it turned out well! :) Loving the pics as always!
I really need to find that black bean pasta - did you get it at WF?
The combo of pb & balsamic sounds intriguing - very creative. Hope you have a lovely night, Lindsay! :)
I actually won it in Kristina's giveaway but she said she gets it at whole
foods. I can't find in TX so maybe you'll have better luck in CA. ITS SO GOOD!
:)
Lindsay
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I've been seeing that pasta allll over the blog world. It looks delicious!!
I got black bean pasta a few weeks ago for my BF since he likes pasta, but I am trying to get him to try other versions of it ;) and he liked the black bean one, so that made me happy , haha
So jealous of your badass pasta awesomeness!!! Looks SO dang good! :D
I've been wanting to try that pasta and you made it look so good!
Wow- that's quite a recipe! Glad to hear about your Focal Point success! I'm beginning my own new challenge for this month! I'll blog about it tomorrow
I like the word "focal point" a LOT better, too. Focus sounds so...direction-less. Focus on what? But the word "focal point" suggests a clear, definite direction that is based on faith, thought, and determination. :-)
I like the mung bean fettuccine too! I'm sure you have some crazy good recipe
for that. Hopefully the BF will like that. And thank again for your socca
inspiration! You gals are amazing!
Cheers friend,
Lindsay
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Sarah, go for it! Can't wait to see what you create with it. I'm sure your love
it!
Lindsay
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We need to beg our WF to carry this brand. The mung bean fettuccine is
pretty awesome too! Not sure why austin WF doesn't have it yet the east coast
does. We'll change that!
;)
Lindsay
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oh yes, I love new challenges. can't wait to read your tomorrow!
Lindsay
________________________________
You are so right. Focus seems so directions-less. Kinda ironic too. You always
have such awesome insight Sophia. No wonder youre a journalist!
;)
Lindsay
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I love alternative pastas...they bring out the creativity in me!
agreed!! so much more flavor too.
;)
Lindsay
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OH YEAH! NOM NOM NOM! Great job on keeping your focus! :D
wow, just stumbled on this blog and love it! I am a fellow blogger (boy...shocker!) and I am totally digging yours!
that PB flour recipe looks awesome! I'll have to try it out! WHere do you get your PB flour here? I got mine when I was out in CA
Your posts are always so inspiring!!
Great point about focusing on the present and the "now" and being the best we can be in the present.. I really like that.
Black bean spaghetti.. wow, never heard of it.. but it looks good!
oh I love it! So glad to have you comment. And I'd say I'm pretty much diggin'
yours too!
;)
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com
________________________________
well you always inspire me Sabrina, so maybe its rubbing off! hehe!
Lindsay
________________________________
no PB flour in austin. BUMMER! I actually order mine from PB2. Its really good.
I know they sell it a couple stores in Dallas too so when I go up there, I tend
to stock up! haha.
Hope all is well friend.
Lindsay
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This looks optimally nutritious! And, super good--how I wish a whole foods or Trader Joes was nearby. I linked my focus again back to you today! I am loving the yoga--really could tell a difference in my spped workout.
black bean spaghetti?? did it taste like black beans?? lovin it :) and now i'm craving broccoli, as i can't remember the last time i had it... weird. now i guess i just crave kale?
Oh thats awesome! I love how yoga combined with running makes you feel more
centered. It also helped me a lot with inury prevention. Jess, i so excited
youre enjoying it!
;)
Lindsay
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I know, I usually crave kale too but oddly enough, the good old broccoli spears
were calling my name. haha! Oh and you have to try socca. I was thinking it
would be great with your meyer lemons or blueberry recipes!
Lindsay
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I love black bean pasta!
I worked on focusing for sure---and made progress. It's quite a process, but the value is evident! Thanks for the encouraging reminders :)
oh you are so right. Value is key. I needed to be reminded of that today. Oh and
I cannot wait to see your sprouted socca. They will be fabulous! I'm loving
all your cleanse recipes.
;)
Lindsay
________________________________
What is the texture like on that pasta?
I've actually been working really hard on my "focus" of separating work and life and I'm amazed at the difference it makes in how I feel!
Its kinda the same texture at soba noodles, the buckwheat kind. Really good to
slurp!! hehe. And I'm loving your focus, its been so encouraging to me as well!
Lindsay
________________________________
That meal looks amazing! I would love to try some of those noodles - I'll have to hunt around for them! And craving broccoli?! Wow - wish that was something I was craving this week, but it's been all about the sweets (trying to watch my mindless eating!)...I loved your focal point thoughts and focus challenge, Lindsay. I didn't "participate," per se, but I did just set some March goals in a little challenge for myself and those three goals are proving to hone my focus as we are in between moving and transitioning quite a bit in a new stage of life for us, which is helpful! Thanks for prompting me to think about such things. :)
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the great inspiration, positivity, and happiness you've brought to my life. :)
Num num num, this looks DELICIOUS!!! I've still never had black bean noodles but they look a lot like soba (which I love!) and have tons of awesome protein:)
I've been wanting to try that pasta..I think it's made of balck bean flour? Again my fear of flour won out. And Money...but it looks good!
What does Brewer's yeast taste like? I love my nooch. What are the health benefits if any?
You can answer this in a post if ya want. HEAB uses it but mainly to increase breast milk supply...it seems like you added it more for taste, do tell!
it taste like nooch but a little nuttier. I LOVE IT! I have GF version. It is
loaded with B vitamins and has a little more protein and higher iron than nooch.
Girl, I know you would LOVE IT too!
;)
Lindsay
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oh ya, that totally taste like soba noodles. You'd like it, I'm sure!
Lindsay
________________________________
I saw your challenge. Thats awesome! I can't wait for you to try the Amazing
grass too. Keep that MARCH FOCUS! ;)
Lindsay
________________________________
Black bean pasta? What will those crazy kids think up next!? I'd love to try some!! I got some coconut aminos per because I remembered you loved them, then I forgot what to do with them (and I also had a cardiac arrest on the price, but it's ok, I survived and lived to tell the tale).
Focus? Right now I'm focusing on not losing my mind- life is insane at the moment! Hugs.
i'm thinking some kind of coconut pasta will be next, eh? Maybe then the cost of
the aminos will be worth it. hehe. jk. Yes, those darn aminos are $$! I bet they
are even more $$ out in CALI. Let me know whatcha think.
;)
p.s.
I like your focus. Keeping sane is tough!
Lindsay
________________________________
Yum! I've seen that spaghetti on a few other blogs. How's the taste? Your dinner looks delish!
I think I did pretty good on refocusing my thoughts this past week and a half. My main goal was to keep a positive frame of mind about working out and listen to my body about how far to push after being out for more than a week due to sickness. I feel like I've been really in tune with my body and haven't felt any guilt on days that I felt I need to rest!
oh thats awesome to hear! I love that you found that focus! WIth your crazy work
schedule, I bet thats needed.
p.s.
You'd love that spaghetti!!
Lindsay
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I am SO PSYCHED for this recipe! I AM going to make this in the nearish future. I am obsessed with peanut sauce lately.
And I did okay on my focus.... I have been improving on taking life one day at a time. But to be honest, these last couple days I have had some mental break downs.... :( But for the most part, Ive improved!
oh I wish I was there to give you a hug! feel free to vent via email anytime!
And let me know how you like the dish!
Lindsay
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PLEASE cook me some of that pasta and post it to me ;-) 1st Class special delivery please ;-)
oh I wish I could! I have a feeling you'd slurp them up like i did! hehe.
Lindsay
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Waw!! That gf black bean spaghetti looks amazing! Why do you add yeast to your dish?? Doesn't it taste like yeast? I think, I don't like the taste of yeast in my dinner! For the rest, the dinner looks so tasty!
MMMMMM,...!:)
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