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Well, we did it. Yesterday was the 10th day of the FOCUS CHALLENGE. Did you remember? haha. I’ll be the first to admit that it was HARD to keep that FOCUS for more than week. I get so distracted with other things and start to feel weighed down, ya know? But as soon as I realized that, I remembered the FAITH factor which brought be right back into Focus. It also made me realize that now I want to make that focus a FOCAL POINT. Okay, so focus and focal point are basically the same thing but I like the sound of FOCAL POINT better, gives it more “energy.”
focal point – the concentration of attention or energy on something (source)
So yes, back to focus/focal point. You staying with me here? I have a point. This recovery focus made me realize that I have a focal point. And that is to be the best “me” I can be at this present moment. Not looking at the past or in the future, quality “me” right now. That means it will be a day to day good “intention.”
That being said, yesterday I tried to be the best “me” by cooking a good meal. One that the hubs would put at the top of his list. A SIMPLE meal full of nutrients, love, and of course TASTE!
Black Bean PB Pasta
Ingredients:
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1 bag GF Black Bean Spaghetti (lovely Kristina sent me this awesome stuff!!!)
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1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
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2-3 tbsp. peanut flour ( could also used 1 heaping tbsp. melted PB)
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1 tbsp. oil or 2 tsp. butter (I used kerrygold butter)
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2-3 tbsp. GF brewers yeast (could also use nutritional yeast)
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garlic and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
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Optional add ins– tempeh, cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc.
Directions:
Make pasta according to directions. Rinse pasta, set back into pot on low heat. Add in PB flour, Vinegar, oil, and Brewers Yeast. Mix well. Throw in your remaining spices, tomatoes, and optional add ins. Stir again and cover pot. Let it steam the tomatoes and infuse the juices to the pasta while covered for about 5 minutes on low to medium heat. If it starts to dry out, add in a little broth or sometimes I like to add in red wine. You can also add in more spice, like chili pepper or paprika.
eek, sorry for the blurry pic. I guess I was rushing to eat this plate of goodness! And yes, the Hubs approved. It made his list. Phew!
So tell me, did you do the Focus Challenge? If so, how did it go? Any Focal Points out there?
too many questions for this early in the week, I know.
Cheers!
LC
p.s.
Janae, the broccoli addition was for you! You got me craving it like no other this week.
Waw!! That gf black bean spaghetti looks amazing! Why do you add yeast to your dish?? Doesn't it taste like yeast? I think, I don't like the taste of yeast in my dinner! For the rest, the dinner looks so tasty!MMMMMM,…!:)
oh I wish I could! I have a feeling you'd slurp them up like i did! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
PLEASE cook me some of that pasta and post it to me 😉 1st Class special delivery please 😉
oh I wish I was there to give you a hug! feel free to vent via email anytime! And let me know how you like the dish! Lindsay ________________________________
I am SO PSYCHED for this recipe! I AM going to make this in the nearish future. I am obsessed with peanut sauce lately. And I did okay on my focus…. I have been improving on taking life one day at a time. But to be honest, these last couple days I have had some mental break downs…. 🙁 But for the most part, Ive improved!
oh thats awesome to hear! I love that you found that focus! WIth your crazy work schedule, I bet thats needed. p.s.You'd love that spaghetti!! Lindsay ________________________________
Yum! I've seen that spaghetti on a few other blogs. How's the taste? Your dinner looks delish!I think I did pretty good on refocusing my thoughts this past week and a half. My main goal was to keep a positive frame of mind about working out and listen to my body about how far to push after being out for more than a week due to sickness. I feel like I've been really in tune with my body and haven't felt any guilt on days that I felt I need to rest!
i'm thinking some kind of coconut pasta will be next, eh? Maybe then the cost of the aminos will be worth it. hehe. jk. Yes, those darn aminos are $$! I bet they are even more $$ out in CALI. Let me know whatcha think.;)p.s.I like your focus. Keeping sane is tough! Lindsay ________________________________
Black bean pasta? What will those crazy kids think up next!? I'd love to try some!! I got some coconut aminos per because I remembered you loved them, then I forgot what to do with them (and I also had a cardiac arrest on the price, but it's ok, I survived and lived to tell the tale).Focus? Right now I'm focusing on not losing my mind- life is insane at the moment! Hugs.
I saw your challenge. Thats awesome! I can't wait for you to try the Amazing grass too. Keep that MARCH FOCUS! 😉 Lindsay ________________________________
oh ya, that totally taste like soba noodles. You'd like it, I'm sure! Lindsay ________________________________
it taste like nooch but a little nuttier. I LOVE IT! I have GF version. It is loaded with B vitamins and has a little more protein and higher iron than nooch. Girl, I know you would LOVE IT too!;) Lindsay ________________________________
I've been wanting to try that pasta..I think it's made of balck bean flour? Again my fear of flour won out. And Money…but it looks good! What does Brewer's yeast taste like? I love my nooch. What are the health benefits if any? You can answer this in a post if ya want. HEAB uses it but mainly to increase breast milk supply…it seems like you added it more for taste, do tell!
Num num num, this looks DELICIOUS!!! I've still never had black bean noodles but they look a lot like soba (which I love!) and have tons of awesome protein:)
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the great inspiration, positivity, and happiness you've brought to my life. 🙂
That meal looks amazing! I would love to try some of those noodles – I'll have to hunt around for them! And craving broccoli?! Wow – wish that was something I was craving this week, but it's been all about the sweets (trying to watch my mindless eating!)…I loved your focal point thoughts and focus challenge, Lindsay. I didn't "participate," per se, but I did just set some March goals in a little challenge for myself and those three goals are proving to hone my focus as we are in between moving and transitioning quite a bit in a new stage of life for us, which is helpful! Thanks for prompting me to think about such things. 🙂
Its kinda the same texture at soba noodles, the buckwheat kind. Really good to slurp!! hehe. And I'm loving your focus, its been so encouraging to me as well! Lindsay ________________________________
What is the texture like on that pasta? I've actually been working really hard on my "focus" of separating work and life and I'm amazed at the difference it makes in how I feel!
oh you are so right. Value is key. I needed to be reminded of that today. Oh and I cannot wait to see your sprouted socca. They will be fabulous! I'm loving all your cleanse recipes.;) Lindsay ________________________________
I love black bean pasta! I worked on focusing for sure—and made progress. It's quite a process, but the value is evident! Thanks for the encouraging reminders 🙂
I know, I usually crave kale too but oddly enough, the good old broccoli spears were calling my name. haha! Oh and you have to try socca. I was thinking it would be great with your meyer lemons or blueberry recipes! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh thats awesome! I love how yoga combined with running makes you feel more centered. It also helped me a lot with inury prevention. Jess, i so excited youre enjoying it!;) Lindsay ________________________________
black bean spaghetti?? did it taste like black beans?? lovin it 🙂 and now i'm craving broccoli, as i can't remember the last time i had it… weird. now i guess i just crave kale?
This looks optimally nutritious! And, super good–how I wish a whole foods or Trader Joes was nearby. I linked my focus again back to you today! I am loving the yoga–really could tell a difference in my spped workout.
no PB flour in austin. BUMMER! I actually order mine from PB2. Its really good. I know they sell it a couple stores in Dallas too so when I go up there, I tend to stock up! haha.Hope all is well friend. Lindsay ________________________________
well you always inspire me Sabrina, so maybe its rubbing off! hehe! Lindsay ________________________________
oh I love it! So glad to have you comment. And I'd say I'm pretty much diggin' yours too!;) Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Your posts are always so inspiring!! Great point about focusing on the present and the "now" and being the best we can be in the present.. I really like that. Black bean spaghetti.. wow, never heard of it.. but it looks good!
that PB flour recipe looks awesome! I'll have to try it out! WHere do you get your PB flour here? I got mine when I was out in CA
wow, just stumbled on this blog and love it! I am a fellow blogger (boy…shocker!) and I am totally digging yours!
OH YEAH! NOM NOM NOM! Great job on keeping your focus! 😀
agreed!! so much more flavor too.;) Lindsay ________________________________
I love alternative pastas…they bring out the creativity in me!
You are so right. Focus seems so directions-less. Kinda ironic too. You always have such awesome insight Sophia. No wonder youre a journalist!;) Lindsay ________________________________
oh yes, I love new challenges. can't wait to read your tomorrow! Lindsay ________________________________
We need to beg our WF to carry this brand. The mung bean fettuccine is pretty awesome too! Not sure why austin WF doesn't have it yet the east coast does. We'll change that! 😉 Lindsay ________________________________
Sarah, go for it! Can't wait to see what you create with it. I'm sure your love it! Lindsay ________________________________
I like the mung bean fettuccine too! I'm sure you have some crazy good recipe for that. Hopefully the BF will like that. And thank again for your socca inspiration! You gals are amazing!Cheers friend, Lindsay ________________________________
I like the word "focal point" a LOT better, too. Focus sounds so…direction-less. Focus on what? But the word "focal point" suggests a clear, definite direction that is based on faith, thought, and determination. 🙂
Wow- that's quite a recipe! Glad to hear about your Focal Point success! I'm beginning my own new challenge for this month! I'll blog about it tomorrow
I've been wanting to try that pasta and you made it look so good!
So jealous of your badass pasta awesomeness!!! Looks SO dang good! 😀
I got black bean pasta a few weeks ago for my BF since he likes pasta, but I am trying to get him to try other versions of it 😉 and he liked the black bean one, so that made me happy , haha
I've been seeing that pasta allll over the blog world. It looks delicious!!
I actually won it in Kristina's giveaway but she said she gets it at whole foods. I can't find in TX so maybe you'll have better luck in CA. ITS SO GOOD!:) Lindsay ________________________________
I really need to find that black bean pasta – did you get it at WF?The combo of pb & balsamic sounds intriguing – very creative. Hope you have a lovely night, Lindsay! 🙂
You know I've always wanted to try that pasta!! It looks really good, glad to hear that it turned out well! 🙂 Loving the pics as always!
have you tried the mung bean fettuccine? that one is good too! Lindsay ________________________________
"Be the best me at the present moment." LOVE that and it's so true! That's all you can do, ya know! I always get caught up in the yesterdays and tomorrows and forget to enjoy today! Black bean pasta…sounds good! Katie 🙂
That black bean pasta is so yummy! I was skeptical the first time I bought it but I'm so glad I did! Your recipe looks delish 🙂
they have a mung bean fettuccine pasta too! I'm obsessed now! Lindsay ________________________________
O my gosh, black bean pasta! I have never heard of such a thing…WHY?! It looks so delicious…great recipe, I love it!
haha, I totally understand. I have a short term memory too. It really is a DAILY reminder, ya know? I have to write it on a sticky note, really!! Lindsay ________________________________
oh I can't wait to see what that pyscho Michelle says! haha.I think the noodles are at WF. Thats what I heard.;) Lindsay ________________________________
oh I hope it gets better for you friend. Stress is not good! I'll say a little prayer.:) Lindsay ________________________________
re: millet,it's SORT of like quinoa…it definitely has a different texture, more soft. I want to try making it into polenta soon.
yeah…focus challenge. so. hard. totally forgot about it. it's just very hard for me to stay focused on the positive with so much stress going on!
WHERE can I find me some black bean pasta?!!And how ridiculous was The Bachelor? Can't wait for "The Girls Tell All" next week ha
Yeah.. not going to lie, I forgot about the Focus Challenge. Blame it on how un-focused I am? 😉 Seriously though, this challenge was perfect for me and then my failing memory failed me. Oops.. haha.The pasta looks awesome! I've never seen black bean spaghetti but it looks pretty and fun to cook with. 🙂
mmmmm……these worms are slimy and good! SLURP! I'm in a mood too! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
back to back teaching went well. I'm always pooped after those! and VERY VERY HUNGRY! too bad you couldn't be there. Would have loved it! Lindsay ________________________________
and the best thing is that its high protein and not a ton of carbs. So you dont get that carb coma, haha! Lindsay ________________________________
what squid ink liquini? Now that has my attention! I'd try it.;) Lindsay ________________________________
oh I've been thinking about you Kath. Glad to hear you've had some really great times with friends. Thanks so much for always being an encourager. Hope the sinus infection is gone!LC________________________________
wonder no longer! Its good! I bet it would be perfect for your diet right now too! Lindsay ________________________________
I hear ya! 10 days is a long time but its progress for sure. The pb goes really well with pasta or soba noodles. Just add in some soy sauce and shrimp or chicken and its a great meal! Lindsay p.s.I owe you an email about my healthy bites. :)________________________________
oh I've been praying for speedy recovery for you! I have a feeling it will be soon! I've just cut back my mileage a bit and its getting better. I also have had a sports massage therapist work on me 1x a week. That has been painful but SO good for my muscles. Maybe you need that! Keep me posted! Lindsay ________________________________
oh yea! Let me know if you don't find it. I'll hunt some down for you. I know you'd like it!! Lindsay ________________________________
I actually won it in a giveaway, but it think its at Whole Foods. Its worth scrounging for!! 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
ohhh ya! Youre so right, as always. He compare ourselves to where we are "suppose" to be or where we "were." That needs to go BYE BYE!! I love your perspective Jess! Lindsay ________________________________
Its so easy to do with our go go go lifestyles. Ya know? But I think by slowing down and letting go of some of those distractions, we can really FOCUS on quality life, not just buzz through it. ha, I hope I even make sense here. hehe!Lindsay ________________________________
LOL! I totally understand that factor. It ain't cheap but its delicious! Lindsay ________________________________
and its good with PB sauce. Thank goodness I have plenty of that.;) Lindsay ________________________________
By the way, send me your address. I have something for you. Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Another pasta you'll love! I can just see you added some yummy tofy of some sort! Hope your taper week is going well. Lindsay ________________________________
Yes, grab it next time! You'll love it. I'm so glad that you are doing better mentally! If you ever need to vent though, feel free to email me.;) Lindsay ________________________________
I know, I couldn't find this pasta anywhere. I actually won kristina's giveaway with it. Its in WF up north. I think we need to request that it be brought into TX stores. Its so good! Definitely a Dorry type meal.;) Lindsay ________________________________
Where did you find that amazing looking pasta? It looks so good!
WHOA! That dish looks AWESOME! I am going to find that black bean pasta- going to Whole Foods tomorrow *hopefully*- looking for that & Udi bread (not just pitas like I found before). You have me hooked on finding all of this delicious food 🙂 & gluten free- even better!!! The combination of flavors in the pasta sound perfect together! Anything with peanut flour/ peanut butter/ nut butter sounds good to me 🙂 🙂
I have to try black bean pasta. I like black beans. I love pasta. Heck yes to the combo!
The husband approval is crucial 😉 For me it is getting my little sisters approval for dinners.. so tough ! Haha.. the recipe sounds sooo delish though! How was your back to back teaching today?!
That pasta looks like worms!!!!!!!!! "nobody likes me everybody hate me might as well go eat worms……"I'm in a mood. A weird one.
Still focusing here….=D …..on the bike. (boo) Tell your hubs I don't think I want to do a tri yet, but i did look at a nice wetsuit last week. heheh.Really, just focusing on getting back into runing asap. And then- how much I am not sure. How are YOU doing? Are you running?They make pasta out of everything these days, don't they? I bet that was yummy. I am a big fan of balsamic vinegar.
What a creative meal – I've never seen Black bean pasta! We do have some quinoa pasta to use up, maybe I'll throw some pb in there 😉 I don't think you can go wrong with that…I definitely can't say I focused for 10 days straight, but I DO feel a lot better about a few things right now than I did 10 days ago. So, either way, progress! 🙂
I've been wondering about that pasta — it looks so good!
Awesome, Lindsay! And I *love* that you used balsamic vinegar for this dish! It gives such a lovely sweet and sour taste! :DI'll definitely go on with focusing on more happy time. I've spent a couple of lovely evenings with friends during the past days, and I want to those to be a regular part of my life.
at first i thought the pasta was squid ink linguini! wow, black bean pasta? want some ASAP!
Oooh that pasta looks OUTRAGEOUS. Yum. So many flavors!Note to self: stop looking at pictures on food blogs, you CANNOT spend this much money on groceries!
So glad the focus challenge went so well!!!!!!!! I need to focus on giving myself all of the nutrients that I need and taking care of myself! =DThat meal sounds delish, by the way! Anything with pb is ok by me!!!!
I have never heard of Black Bean Pasta, but that looks SO SO SO good. You're Amazing Linds, and I'm sure your hubs is so grateful to have such a BOMB chef for a wife!! I love your perspective on focusing…it is something that I KNOW I need to be better at. Sometimes I let myself get distracted, like you said and it seems like those are the times that I get discouraged and frustrated. Thanks for the great reminder. You da best!! xoxoxo megs
I love the concept of living in the present and not focusing the previous "you" or the future "you" but the "you" right now. It's true. Half of our problem ends up being our comparison to ourselves at various stages in life. Such a good point, and one I never would have even considered if not for you! Thanks friend ,as usual, excellent post!
girl, the way you sum things up on this post is just awesome! Thats why you are so awesome! I love your energy and all the inspiration you bring. Now can you just move to Austin already? I'll feed you! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh my goodness….that looks amazing and the broccoli…..thanks for doing that for me, you made me smile!!! Your hubby is a lucky man. Girl, every post you inspire me. I love that you were talking about not looking at the past and the future but being the best 'me.' SUCH A GOOD REMINDER. It is so easy to compare ourselves to what we were or what we want to be in the future but now is the time to be the best we can be at that moment. I love that you changed it to FOCAL POINT!!! You are right…..it puts an even more special meaning with the word. I hope you are having an amazing day!!!
haha, I guess I should make this for halloween, eh? The noodles actually taste like soba noodles. They were really good! Lindsay ________________________________
oh I wish it were chocolate noodles, awesome! Lindsay ________________________________
kinda looks like a halloween meal…mmm brains 😀 I am not a fan of black beans…does the pasta have a strong black bean flavor?? Congrats on the 10 days! Knew you could do it!!!
supposedly its at Whole Foods, but I can't find it in our store. I went to their website. Maybe we just need to convince our local health stores to get it. I'd buy it all!!!! Lindsay ________________________________
Such lovely colors!!Looks like chocolat noodles to me..YUMMM 😀
oh I know! I can't find it here either! the other kristina said it was at Whole Foods. I think you can order it online too! Its so good!And I love how our thoughts have aligned with this challenge Kristina. I think we both needed it. Youre right, its about the present and little bit about the future. I am going to keep going too! Yea! Lindsay ________________________________
lol! Yes, GF pasta can be tricky! I use GF soba noodles instead. http://www.kingsoba.com/whole-grain-noodles-organic-miso.phpI think these black bean noodles are at Whole Foods. Try out Glutino Brands as well. They are pretty descent. Let me know if you find them!Lindsay ________________________________
Ohmygosh this pasta looks so amazing! I wonder where K gets it from. I'm going to have to go bug her! =) hahaxoXOxoJenn @ Peas & Crayons
okwhere do I find that?!The G pasta I bought — tastes like *^%#!# [censored].
I've been wanting to try that pasta! I need to remember to look for it next time I'm at the store. Love the addition of broccoli – it's been making an appearance in most of my dinners lately, and yes, it reminds me of Janae! I spent the last couple of weeks focusing on time management, new job stuff, running and paying attention to my body – lots of nutrients and trying to find an internal balance. And a whole lot of time talking to God. 🙂
YUM… this looks great!! THIS Kristina has been looking all over for that pasta! 🙂 and broccoli is always my favorite craving. I have loved this focus challenge, as you know, with much focus on intention for me. I also like to be present AND look to the future, but not always so much on the past. (it's funny how our thoughts have been so aligned lately) :)I am super busy yesterday and today already, so to be honest I didn't realize it was day 10 – bad focuser! 😉 but I think more importantly is because it's not really "completed" with me… I'm going to keep it going!
The pasta sounds delicious! I want to try that flavor. I passed it up the last time I was at the natural food store and now I am kicking myself. I am glad you feel better. My focus lately has been to just stay positive and move forward. I am tired of looking back and being scared. I know I can improve things and I need to just focus on that! Have a great afternoon Lindsay!
Pasta looks great – love grape tomatoes with pasta. YUMMY. Focus…um….about that…. 😉
Pasta looks great – love grape tomatoes with pasta. YUMMY. Focus…um….about that…. 😉
Black bean pasta? That is a new one 😉