Easy, Healthy, Fast

You may have heard about this little stuff called "Yumm Sauce" from Healthy Tipping Point or Peas and Thank You. There's a local franchise - Cafe Yumm - that makes these delicious rice and bean bowls with "yumm sauce" on top. 

Many people like this sauce. In fact, I took a huge bottle in my suitcase back to Nashville when I visited Kristin. 

From time to time, I remember to pull out the yumm bowl idea for dinner. It's not only fast and easy, but it's healthy too. And, it can easily be a vegan dish without adding cheese or sour cream/yogurt on top. 

Tonight's spin on the yuuuuumm bowl - brown rice, black beans, chopped onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushroom, a few dashes of taco seasoning, shredded cheese, salsa and plain yogurt on top. *I don't actually use or make the yumm sauce. 


But you can try making a vegan version of the sauce thanks to Mama Pea. I've made it a few times, but prefer it just for dipping veggies.

Want to make the original yumm bowl at home? Ingredients needed: brown rice, black beans, yumm sauce (optional), salsa, cheddar cheese (optional), diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream or yogurt, black olives and a few sprigs of cilantro. Now stir and devour!



Now let's talk about saying YES and NO...

I thought it would be fun to talk a little about the commitments that come up this time of year and how we handle them. While it seems I have a few less parties and dinners to go to this year, there are still plenty of invites coming in from running adventures to birthday celebrations and holiday shenanigans.

A few years ago, I was coaching high school lacrosse, training for a marathon and working full time. And I took part in every celebration possible. Those few years burnt me out and I finally realized it was OKAY to say no.

With so many options and limited time, money and energy, I've realized people won't hate me because I don't come to something and I will actually be just fine as well. In fact, I found myself feeling more relaxed and happy.

By no means am I doing it "perfectly," but I feel a whole heck of a lot less stressed out than I once did. So on Sunday, I felt like I should go to a friend's birthday adventure (roller skating, laser tag, bowling, dinner) or head to Target, but instead I listened to my body.


After a long morning of running around a nearby lake and going out to breakfast, all I wanted to do was wear sweats, take a nap and do some baking. 

Fresh apples turned into apple crisp on Sunday!

Yes, I regretted not being a part of the birthday celebration, but I knew it was the best decision that night. For now, it's better for me to say YES! to the activities that are either a) sweat related (stress reducing) b) sound like a ton of fun OR c) don't cause more stress attending them vs. not.

And ultimately, laying around in sweats is something you just NEED once in a while.

My tips for managing the holiday stress: 
  • attend the events you want to
  • make time for the people who are most important in your life
  • don't overspend
  • eat healthy, satisfying meals
  • be flexible with your workout, change up your routine, try a new activity
  • light a candle, read a magazine, head to bed early

How are you doing with your holiday festivities and stress this time of year?

Comments

The last week and a half have been full of holiday stuff, some of which I couldn't say no to as they are holiday related. But next week is blissfully free! So I will get through this busy stretch and then have some time to relax. I totally over-committed myself this fall and learned my lesson. I don't do that anymore! And CFA studying resumes on 12/26, so then I REALLY won't say yes to much!

I have very little going on this weekend and I am looking forward to a quiet weekend in!
Raquelita said…
Amen to that last tip. Because I live in a college town and a lot of faculty are from elsewhere in the world, things actually tend to be pretty quiet once the semester ends. I had to bag my plans to go to one holiday party because I had a cold and knew going out and staying up late would just end up making me sicker.
missris said…
Getting my workouts in are KEY to staying happy and stress-free during the holiday season. This is a great list!
That bowl is definitely my kind of dinner :) Yum sauce or not! I think I'd prefer guac and salsa, actually.

I decided to scrap plans to go to the Holiday Lights group run last night - the thought of going (i.e. running, then going to a bar, then probably getting home around 10) just sounded more stressful than fun. I finally nixed it, ran around our hood with Kate instead, and spent the night in sweats! Loved it.
J said…
This year has not been that stressful for me. Thankfully I haven't had to say no to anything yet because there haven't been that much stuff. But back in August I was so busy it was crazy. I wish I could have said no then but sometimes it is hard.
Lindsey said…
Yum, that bowl looks really good. I always forget to make yumm bowls. They are so quick and easy and taste great!

Great tips for holiday stress management. I definitely have to say no at times or I will end up really stressed. I think getting enough sleep is a big one for me. Stress effects me a lot more if I don't sleep enough.
oneworld said…
Looking so delicious.......

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