Strength in plants is about feeling happy and balanced. How do you achieve that mysterious state of bliss? Simplify your food. Period. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore, and bold flavor comes from more than just grilling a steak. My goal is to show you how delicious plant-based foods can be, and how amazing you’ll feel after making just a few key changes in what you eat.
Eating healthier helps to encourage a natural balance in your body’s hormone systems, and those in turn regulate things like blood pressure, blood sugar, the fight or flight stress response, and many more bodily functions that can make or break your overall feelings of wellbeing. Not only that, research shows that vegetarians have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity than do people who eat meat. Certain compounds found only in plant foods (and known collectively as phytonutrients – phyto is a Greek word that means “plant”) have the ability to stop disease in it’s tracks. So why not give your body the powerful protection it deserves and swap out that chicken salad sandwich for a chick pea salad sandwich? You’ll hardly notice the difference in taste and texture, and your immune system will thank you for adding in some of those magic, plant-based ingredients which ultimately lead toward a longer, healthier life.
Ingredients
2 cups of chic peas, soaked overnight or 2 cans, rinsed and drained
4 stalks of celery, cleaned, pealed, and chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded, cored, and chopped
2-4 Tbsp. green onions, chopped
1 small dill pickle, chopped finely
1 Tbsp. vegan mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
juice of 1/2 a lemon
salt & pepper to taste
lettuce, spinach or kale for serving
Preparation
In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a potato masher so that they are crushed but chunky. Stir in the chopped vegetables and the rest of the ingredients until well combined. Serve with greens in a pita, on toast, or on top of a salad.