Kale and Sun-dried Tomatoes Pasta Salad

Ever since I gave up eating meat with starchy carbs, I've found that being creative in the kitchen is necessary. I usually get a taste for something (or request) and start thinking about what ingredients I can add to it to make it interesting. That's exactly what happened here.

Hubby wanted me to include a noodle dish in our week's lunch menu. I was kind of tired of some of my usual dishes. I love my tomato basil pasta dish, but like with anything, too much, too often can leave you feeling like a break is needed. So I started thinking about what flavors would go well together and created this dish.

It's really easy to make. The dressing on here is just a light coating. If you'd like more, just double up on the dressing ingredients. Check it out.

Ingredients:

6 oz whole wheat penne pasta
4-5 cups kale
1/2 avocado
2 tbsp basil pesto
3 tablespoons vegan mayo (I prefer soy-free Vegenaise)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup artichokes from a jar

Directions: cook pasta according to directions. In meantime, saute kale lightly in a skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes. After pasta has cooked, drain in colander. In a food processor, make the dressing by adding the avocado, basil pesto and mayo. Pulse for a few seconds until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, dressing, sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes (cut down large pieces). Mix well. Best served chilled.

Enjoy!

What to Bring to Hot Yoga

When it comes to yoga, Bikram hot yoga is my absolute favorite. I remember the first class I took many years ago like it was yesterday. At the time, I had just done a figure show and felt like I could take on any fitness challenge. Surely, I could handle a little yoga. So what the room was hot. Big deal.

Boy was I in for a surprise. The heat was so intense and unlike anything I had done prior, I questioned whether I would make it through the entire class. I was plotting my escape to make a beeline for the door. But I hung in there, and made it through. It was truly a humbling experience.

I found the heat to be a new challenge. I wanted to conquer it and all those poses that I could barely do. Yes, practicing yoga in a room set to 105 degrees is mildly torturous, but I love it.

I've taken a bit of a break from yoga and am going to start incorporating it into my routine again. It made me think of all the things I need to remember to bring with me to be comfortable. In case you're thinking of adding a little hot yoga into your mix (which I highly recommend), I thought I'd share the items I find to be most essential.

1. Yoga mat. Of course, this goes without saying. I find that any yoga mat will do. You can rent a mat for a small fee at Bikram studios.

2. Towel. You can use a bath towel, and these can also be rented at Bikram for a small fee. One year I got a yoga towel for my birthday and now I can't imagine practicing without it. The towel fits perfectly to the size of a yoga mat and doesn't bunch up. A worthwhile investment in my opinion.

3. Fitted top. Because you sweat so much, you don't want a loose fitting top to get in your way. A fitted tank is the way to go.

4. Water bottle. You'll want one that has a wide mouth that you can easily add ice cubes. CamelBak makes one that's good for this use and it's BPA free.

5. Coconut water. Add this to your water bottle with a bunch of ice cubes. As you get through the class, the ice cubes will melt, keeping your drink cold. Be sure to add plenty of ice cubes. I suggest filling the entire bottle with cubes, then add the coconut water on top. Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and potassium which helps regulate fluid balance in your body.

6. Flip flops. You don't want to leave class and have to stuff your sweaty feet inside a pair of gym shoes.

7. Yoga shorts. Like with the top, you want to wear a fitted short of some sort. I think ones with some color and flare are fun, but any will work. You definitely don't want to wear pants.

8. A clean top and short. After you're done practicing, you'll be a sweaty mess. There's nothing worse than sitting in your car, and driving home drenched with sweat. A fresh shirt and pair of shorts will make the drive comfortable. If you want to rinse off and shower at the studio, go for it (just remember to bring all of your shower goodies).

Banana Split Protein Shake

Believe it or not, you can actually enjoy your protein shakes. I do. I've heard so many people complain about how they just can't stand the taste -- that you can taste the protein too much, they're gritty or just plain gross.

Well, those unfortunate people have not had the pleasure of allowing me to make them a shake. The ones I make are downright delicious. Case in point, my banana split adaptation. I took all the great flavors from the tasty dessert treat and made it into a drink that will help you with your fitness goals and not sabotage them. Check it out.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk
1/3 banana
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries or just frozen strawberries
1 tsp cacao or cocoa powder
1 tsp almond butter
1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Directions: place almond milk in blender first, then all the remaining ingredients. Blend for about 30-60 seconds until all the frozen fruit has mixed in well. Pour in a cup and enjoy!