Power Food

Image: http://www.asweetpeachef.com/tag/cold-lentil-salad/

We all know it is easy to get a case of the Mondays....I have very limited motivation to do anything besides work today, however, I have a long list of things I still need to get done after work. Many of us tend to resort to caffeine to cure our laziness. Next time, put down the coffee and energy drinks and focus on eating foods that contain the resources necessary to power through your long day. Believe it or not, this power food is carbs; Good carbs that is.

Quinoa- This easy to digest grain is full of protein and fiber and helps sustain energy throughout the day.

Water-Filled Fruits- Dehydration is a key to exhaustion.  We need to keep hydrated in order to help our blood transport oxygen and hormones through our body. Fill half of your plate up with raw fruits like berries, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

Lentils- It is important to have enough fiber in your diet to maintain  stable blood sugar. A cup of lentils a day is about 2/3 of your daily dose of fiber.

Oatmeal- Not only does oatmeal soak up water, but it also can keep you energized for hours! The amount of fiber in oatmeal can keep you energized for quite sometime. Try mixing some dried fruit and slivered nuts, it tastes great and is great for you!

Lentils are cooked with onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. The lentils are then cooled and tossed with a lemon French dressing. May be served with hot or cold roast meats or ham. Plan ahead to refrigerate for 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 cups lentils
• Water
• 1 large onion stuck with 2 cloves (spice)
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 medium carrot, cut into 2 pieces
• 1 celery stalk, cut into 2 pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Tomato wedges
• 1/4 cup minced parsley
• .
• Lemon French Dressing:
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
• 1 mashed garlic clove
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Find the rest of the recipe here: http://homecooking.about.com/od/saladrecipes/r/blsalad75.htm