Finding Your Balance: From Workouts to Delicious Marinated Bean Salad
Life often feels like a constant juggling act, doesn’t it? Between personal commitments, professional deadlines, and the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle, finding equilibrium can be a challenge. This past week has been a whirlwind of activity, offering a perfect illustration of this balancing act – from grudgingly hitting the gym to embarking on exciting travels and, of course, indulging in some truly delightful culinary experiences. It’s a journey filled with small triumphs, unexpected joys, and delicious discoveries, all leading back to a philosophy of mindful living and enjoying the simple pleasures.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Exercise
Oh, how I wish I was the type to genuinely fall in love with working out. The kind of person who wakes up eager for a run or a strenuous gym session. The truth is, I do it, but I don’t exactly love it. It’s more of a necessary commitment, a pact with my future self. Yet, without fail, I never regret going. In fact, my only regrets are usually tied to the days I decided to skip. It’s funny how easily I forget that crucial detail when the alarm rings, or when my bed feels particularly inviting.
Tonight was a perfect example. I had committed to a step class, part of the Eyeopener’s Live Right Now workout groups. It was an ambitious plan: the class was on the far side of the city and didn’t start until 7:30 PM. As the evening approached, every fiber of my being screamed for me to stay home. I was tired, battling a headache, and my eyeball actually hurt. The excuses piled up, each one more convincing than the last. I procrastinated until the very minute I should have been walking out the door, then added to the delay by frantically searching for my shoes (which, of course, were buried under a mountain of reusable grocery bags).
I grabbed my wallet, trying to pretend that the thought of being alone on the drive home, with Peter’s Drive-In conveniently on the route, hadn’t crossed my mind. But I went. I pushed past the reluctance, the fatigue, and the temptation of a hot fudge sundae. I showed up, I kept up with the class, and I finished strong. Did I feel great afterwards? Only in the sense of relief that the stepping had stopped! But am I glad I went? Hell yeah. The biggest triumph wasn’t just completing the class; it was the victory over myself, over the powerful urge to cave in, and most importantly, I didn’t get that hot fudge sundae with whipped cream (hold the cherry) at the drive-thru on the way home. Small victories, but they add up, reinforcing the discipline needed to build healthy habits.
A Whirlwind Week: Travel, Books, and Delicious Discoveries
My recent lack of home-cooked dinners isn’t due to a sudden aversion to the kitchen, but rather a packed schedule that has pulled me in many directions. We were away for a significant chunk of last week, embarking on an incredible journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary to Vancouver. This luxury train journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies was an experience unto itself, a chance to witness breathtaking landscapes unfold from the comfort of a glass-domed coach. Every turn brought new vistas, from roaring rivers to towering peaks, creating memories that I’m still eager to share in more detail.
Following that spectacular trip, we found ourselves in Banff for the renowned Rocky Mountain Food & Wine Festival. It was a delightful dive into a world of exquisite flavors, showcasing local and international culinary talents, and, of course, an impressive selection of wines. The festival was a feast for the senses, providing ample inspiration and expanding our palates with new tastes and pairings.
The busy streak continued with a lively dinner club on Sunday night, catching up with friends and sharing stories. Then, first thing Monday morning, my wonderful editor, Sue, arrived for an intensive two days of editing. We were deep into the first-round draft of my new book, Spilling the Beans – yes, that’s the official title now! It’s an exciting milestone, and the book is slated to be released this fall. The energy of refining the manuscript, polishing every sentence, and bringing the story to life is truly exhilarating, even if it means less time in the kitchen.
Weeknight Feasts and Mindful Eating
Given the intense schedule, our weeknight dinners have been a mix of convenience and celebration. Monday night, after I finished my traffic duty on the Homestretch right up until 6 PM, a quick and delicious solution was needed. We opted for pizza from Una Pizzeria, a local favorite known for its inventive toppings and perfect crust. It was the ideal way to unwind after a long day.
Tuesday night marked a celebratory occasion: the successful completion of the first round of editing! To toast this significant achievement, we opened a brand new bottle of Italian bubbly called Secco. Its crisp, refreshing notes perfectly complemented a simple yet elegant meal: some vibrant veggies tossed on the grill, leftover chickpeas (from a previous soaking experiment!) sautéed in a skillet with fragrant garlic, and a couple of perfectly cooked eggs fried in the garlicky oil. The pièce de résistance was a wedge of incredible black peppercorn Gouda from Sylvan Star, a cheese that adds a delightful kick to any platter. This meal, though quickly assembled, felt incredibly special and satisfying.
Tonight, we found ourselves going for pizza again, but this time it was for a different occasion, a casual gathering. This provided another opportunity to practice mindful eating. Instead of indulging in multiple slices, I consciously stuck to one and a half thin-crusted slices, complementing my meal with a generous serving of marinated bean salad. It’s a practice that resonates deeply with a quote I saw on Twitter just ten minutes ago: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Dancing in the Rain: A Philosophy for Life and Food
This powerful sentiment can be applied to so much in life, don’t you think? It’s about adapting, finding joy amidst challenges, and making the most of every situation. Loosely translated into my culinary world, it becomes: “Life isn’t about giving up pizza, it’s about learning how to enjoy less of it, with a delicious side of beans.” Or some such variation. It’s a philosophy of moderation and smart choices, acknowledging that deprivation often leads to craving, while mindful enjoyment leads to lasting satisfaction.
And speaking of beans, I was reminded tonight just how much I truly like them, especially when I have an appetite. The bean salad we ordered was wonderfully familiar, closely resembling the marinated bean salad I grew up with. It’s a classic for a reason: perfectly sweet, tangy, and refreshing. My childhood version typically included a generous sprinkle of celery seed, crisp fresh green and yellow beans, finely chopped red peppers, and pungent purple onion, all bathed in a flavorful vinaigrette.
The Versatile Marinated Bean Salad: A Potluck and Meal Prep Staple
A good marinated bean salad is an absolute gem to keep on hand in the fridge. It’s a fantastic option for quick, healthy lunches, satisfying snacks, or a vibrant addition to any meal. But where it truly shines is as a contribution to a potluck or party. Unlike many salads that wilt or get soggy after sitting, a marinated bean salad actually improves with time in the fridge. The flavors meld and deepen, making it even more delicious the next day. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious, colorful, and refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
For those looking to expand their make-ahead meal repertoire, or needing a reliable dish to bring to gatherings, I wholeheartedly recommend a marinated bean salad. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly nutritious, and versatile. You can experiment with different types of beans – cannellini, kidney, or even black beans – and adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A touch of fresh dill or parsley, a hint of garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can transform the flavor profile. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of mindful eating: wholesome, satisfying, and utterly delightful.
In fact, it might be the perfect thing to bring to a potluck. How does Saturday, May 28th sound? I’d love for such an occasion to coincide with the apple tree blooming pink in my backyard, a glorious spectacle that lasts for about a week each year, reminding us of the fleeting beauty and simple joys that define our lives. It’s a small tradition, a marker of spring, and a beautiful backdrop for sharing good food and good company. Just like learning to find joy in a workout or savoring a well-chosen meal, these moments of connection and appreciation are what truly enrich our journey.