Today I’m talking food and strange but good recipe combos. Good for a Friday, right?
But before I do, I wanted to update you on the SLOW DOWN challenge.
Yesterday’s challenge talked about interruptions. Oh how this hit HOME for me. Here’s a snippet and the link that you can follow up on.
What if the things we consider inconveniences are the very tools used to help us grow?
We need to learn to fall in love with the whole process of life, not just a particular event.
One way to do this is by welcoming, not dreading, the interruptions. These include flight delays, long traffic lights, and even that needy person who takes up more conversation than you had originally planned for.
Why do we need to surrender to these moments that frustrate us to no end? Because:
- They teach us to let go of control.
- They remind us life is not just about “me.”
- They help us become more patient.
The legacy of your life will not be judged by how many emails you responded to or how well you maximized your lunch break. It will be measured, I believe, by how interruptible you were.
Did you get that? Yes, I am working on welcoming interruptions, not putting my emails in front of my relationships… whoa.. good stuff!
I’m going to keep posting daily recaps of the slow down challenge until it is finished. It’s good accountability, and I need that. K?
Okay, moving on to food. I have a few reviews and a Strange But Good recipe to share, so hang tight.
Disclaimer: all of these product reviews are based on my own opinion. True true.
First off, I am thrilled to announce that Organic Valley now has lactose free milk and cream. I eat a low lactose diet so this is such a treat. We’ve used the creamer in our coffee and the whole milk in our pancake batter, etc. My kiwi husband says it reminds him of the New Zealand milk, just tastes pure. I really appreciate this company’s focus on family farming and values. And you can read here about the farm’s animal care.
Second, this drink. I have no other words but HOLY YUM! Might be the only way I’ll drink an iced coffee. 
Thanks Zola!
Third, the crew over at Bestowed sent me their August box to review. It’s hard to get excited about food boxes when we eat gluten free, but the bestowed boxes are created by a nutritionist and the majority of their products they send are gluten free. YAY!
Here’s a better look at the box.
Miracle noodles, rice chips, noosa yogurt coupon, rice vinegar, sea snacks, chia/flax sticks, and reboot were easily consumed within a day or two. Haha. But my favorite new find was the Reboot wellness booster. Maybe it’s the marketing, but I thought this was genius. I used it post workout.
The pouch/water mixture is a high-potency antioxidant blend of seven plants and fruits that offers effective relief from Oxidative Stress by boosting your body’s natural ability to fight cell damaging free radicals.
Anyway, if you want to try out a Bestowed Box, you can use the discount code 5OFFBESTOWED03 at check out for $5 off. No I don’t get commission. Just sharing the love!
Okay, and last but not least. My strange but good recipe. Thanks to Laura, I get to share my Strange Cotter Creations, so enjoy and let me know if you try it!
[print_this] Ingredients:
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French green beans
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Spring salad mix
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2/3 cup (or a large handful) of chopped red grapes
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slivered almonds
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dried cranberries (optional)
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Creamy Caesar dressing (you can make your own with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and grated parmesan cheese)
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1 cup Broccoli slaw
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red pepper (optional)
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Balsamic vinegar
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Optional: grilled chicken, Salmon, or tofu
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Lemon juice
Directions:
Very easy. Slightly steam your green beans. Not too soft, you want them extra crunchy. Then mix them in a bowl with your broccoli slaw and salad. Add a little balsamic vinegar and your almonds, then mix again. Top the salad mix with your chopped grapes, cranberries, and any additional protein. Season with the red pepper. Drizzle your creamy dressing on top to complete. I sometimes add in lemon juice or garlic too! [/print_this]
Well, that’s enough food talk for now.
Anyone tried these products? What’s your latest strange but good food combo?
Cheers!
LC
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my
Katie says
September 6, 2013 at 6:08 AMMmM..I want some of that iced coffee. Drooling over here… Well currently I’m loving Nut butters on Pancakes or Waffles. Kind of simple/strange but I love it 🙂
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:43 AMthat’s the best! and now i want it. haha
Fran@BCDC says
September 6, 2013 at 6:14 AMI love putting fruit in salads, Lindsay. Love to be eating along and get that bit of sweet taste. Such a good idea. Like the Slow Down also. It makes sense to me and I need to do it more. Have a great day!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:41 AMexactly!! sweet little surprise!
Jennifer F says
September 6, 2013 at 6:19 AMGrapes and green beans? Who’da thunk!
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
September 6, 2013 at 6:24 AMYum that actually sounds amazing! I have been lovinggg zeggs. (zucchini, egg whites, banana, cinnamon) so random but delicious. Have a wonderful weekend!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:41 AMoh i need to try that!
The Candid RD says
September 6, 2013 at 6:25 AMI want to try the Organic Valley lactose free milk, I bet it’s delicious.
My last really good but random combo? Probably last night’s dinner; spinach salad with broccoli, red pepper dressing, and egg whites on top. It was strange, but yummmy.
I always forget about the simple yet versatile broccoli slaw!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:42 AMi know you will love it! it’s almost too good to be true! haha
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
September 6, 2013 at 6:29 AMOh yes, interruptions are HUGE for me. I totally need to work on that and relax – and I love that it says they teach us to let go control! So true! And I am so impatioent sometimes, at the end, I am angry at ME and not at the interruption. Oi. 🙂
Love the ingredients of that salad. Cream Grapes sounds like a dessert!
Happy Weekend Girl!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:42 AMyou and me both friend.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
September 6, 2013 at 6:29 AMi LOVE reboot!!!! and i’ve heard of zolo coconut water, but haven’t ever tasted it!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:43 AMyou’ll probably be hooked, like me! well at least while it’s still hot outside.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
September 6, 2013 at 7:24 AMMy life is full of interruptions! I’m definitely taking the time to enjoy them these past few days. My sleep got interrupted this morning when Jay woke up accidentally an hour early. I took the time to enjoy my extra hour with him! That was definitely something to savor (which is my challenge today)! xoxo
Maureen says
September 6, 2013 at 7:37 AMI saw that lactose-free half & half at Sprouts last week & almost bought some, but was too scared of the taste. I think I’ll get some for this week. I can’t handle too much lactose, so I usually just keep it to my morning coffee!
Coconut & coffee?? YES PLEASE!!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:31 AMoh my, it’s heavenly. the taste is creamy. So far so good on my stomach. I eat low lactose so this is awesome! let me know if you try it!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
September 6, 2013 at 7:41 AMWelcoming the interruptions – love that. I’ve been doing my best to try and be more patient with all the minor inconveniences that pop up during the day, and while I’d like to think that I’m slowly getting better at it, I’ll admit that getting stuck in traffic with bad drivers might be something that I’ll never be able to handle 😆
Bre says
September 6, 2013 at 8:06 AMHaven’t tried any of those products but I’ve become addicted to a few new products here! Namely a chocolate bar. 😉
I’m excited that you will update on the challenge– I’m loving the messages even though I’ve not signed up to do it myself. 🙂
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
September 6, 2013 at 8:11 AMYou and your lessons. I’m tired of learning! Why can’t I just be infinitely wise from the start?!?! 😉
I really like green beans, but I never thought to put them on a salad. Thanks for the idea!
Kristin @ W [H] A T C H says
September 6, 2013 at 8:21 AMthat iced coffee looks delicious!
Julie @ A Warrior and A Nurse says
September 6, 2013 at 8:30 AMI loved your excerpt about interruptions here.
With a 9 month old son, as well as other “hats” I wear beyond being a mother, my life and days are typically filled with interruptions. At least once a week now, since having my son, I work per diem shifts as a registered nurse. You can imagine that that time is jammed packed with interruptions, as well….while I’m charting, and even while I’m attempting to pass medications to my patients.
I think this all comes down to perspective and willingness to, like you said, embrace life (and not just a single event). One thing I think would be very beneficial to others here is to really not only just embrace the distraction by not getting annoyed….but….also trying to turn it into something productive and beneficial. You had mentioned distractions like flight delays. While those can be extremely irritating (they’ve happened to me!), that is also the perfect time to pull out and good book and possibly learn something.
I’m glad I found your blog, Lindsay! I look forward to reading more!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:31 AMi love what you said Julie! what a great and honest perspective! i need to remember this, we all do!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
September 6, 2013 at 8:37 AMLove the look of this salad 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
September 6, 2013 at 8:40 AMOoh, delicious sounding (and looking) recipe! Enjoy the weekend, Lindsay!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
September 6, 2013 at 9:03 AMLots of new goodies and yummy looking recipe too! And I’m a day behind on the challenge emails, but I actually did well with this one without realizing it. I had to go to the doc this AM and was then stuck in horrible stand-still traffic (which I avoid b/c I live .7 mile from work). But I just relaxed, turned up my music, and actually smiled rather than get ticked off.
calee says
September 6, 2013 at 9:14 AMNeed to read your post about the slow down challenge. I think that’s where I’ve been headed lately.
Question: I’ve been told to quit dairy, and obviously I’m allergic to all alternatives (except flax milk!). Is it the lactose that’s the problem, or are there other things in dairy that are the issue? I’m not allergic to dairy products. My acupuncturist and naturopath said dairy inhibits digestion. I’m guessing it’s the lactose. If it is just the lactose, then doing a low-lactose diet would probably work for me. I’ve had a hard time finding cheese alternatives and other alternative products with all my allergies. I thought that goat products were typically lower lactose since I usually ate those anyway.
Long comment. But I’m sure you’ve got info for me!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 11:13 AMyes, i will email you. 😉
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
September 6, 2013 at 9:27 AMI have not tried any of those products, but they all look interesting! The last time I tried Bestowed products they were all new to me and amazing!
Beth @ Miles and Trials says
September 6, 2013 at 10:27 AMThis isn’t a strange food combo, but I had never seen it at a race before and it was heavenly. On my 150 MS bike ride one of the aid stations served banana and Nutella on bagels. It was the perfect mid-ride fuel!
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 11:52 AMoh my gosh, yes!! best combo on the bike to eat EVER!
Lisa says
September 6, 2013 at 10:30 AMI need that green bean salad in my life! I love green beans so much.
You seriously always remind me of the best lessons, I love your blog for that so much. I’m going to start welcoming the interruptions into my life. I definitely have been working a lot on my patience lately. I know it’s so important.
Kierston @candyfit says
September 6, 2013 at 11:11 AMI’ve been welcoming the interruptions in my life as positives as of late. A way for me to snap out of my groove, take a look around and appreciate everything and everyone around me.
Life interrupted. A good thing.
danielle says
September 6, 2013 at 12:05 PMI need to find out more about this slow down challenge. I’m certainly in need of a little slowing down. I love the ideas of all these boxes. They are such a fun surprise every month 🙂
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:33 AMi agree. and who doesn’t love snail mail? hehe
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
September 6, 2013 at 1:03 PMI could use a little help welcoming the interruptions. Thanks for the link and the info.
I like Bestowed too because not only are most items gluten free, they are usually vegan too. Win win!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:33 AMyes!! even better!
Brooke says
September 6, 2013 at 1:43 PMI love Organic Valley! That is the only brand of milk that I buy our family (except for those rare occasions when I can get local raw milk). They’re such a great company, I love how they support family farms, and I love that their cows are pasture-raised. I like to get their grass-fed milk when I can, but it’s a bit more pricey. I eat very little dairy (and don’t even like milk) but I definitely want to give my kids the best!
And I need to try that iced coffee! Yum!
My breakfast this morning was pretty strange. My latest favorite is using shredded zucchini in place of oats in my overnight (n)oats. Today it was mixed with vegan chocolate protein powder, a few raspberries, chia seeds, almond milk, and Wild Friends chocolate sunflower seed almond butter. Oh, and a plum that needed to be eaten. The plum wasn’t great in it, but the rest was so good! (okay, longest comment ever…yes, I’m bored at work)
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 8:11 PMyes yes yes to all of this! i actually thought of you when i got the milk. xxoo and gimme those oats! yum!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
September 6, 2013 at 1:44 PMI want to try all the things!! I have actually tried the Reboot (at Blend!) and thought it was legit. I stole… errrr… nicely asked for a whole box from Linz. And the vinegar is my go-to! Been using it for years. 🙂
Looooove grapes in veggie salads. I would dump some tuna in this and scarf it down #stangebutgood style. 😉
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 2:07 PMdude!! i just put tuna on it today! you read my mind. And i added garlic. i dunno i was just craving all things that give my breath some stank. LOL! but it was tasty
Chels R. says
September 6, 2013 at 2:03 PMI am so very intrigued by that coconut espresso!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
September 6, 2013 at 3:18 PMMmmm…rice vinegar. I’m so a fan! 🙂
Stephanie says
September 6, 2013 at 3:30 PMHOLY COW~ what a small world…our dairy (my family dairy here in CA) is organic and we actually ship to Organic Valley~ first off super happy cows, second, OV does make the HIGHEST standard milk and milk products. Glad to hear that you are supporting the organic valley dairymen. Dairying is not just a “job” its a livelyhood. Its 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, no PTO or holidays. My step-dad loves our cows and our ranch more than anything in the world (accept maybe my mom :)), and he has raised all of us kids (5) on this ranch–Dairying is my TRUE passion, and the cows are my TRUE love!! One day i hope to be able to get back into the dairy industry with my family (although I do still live on the ranch and see the cows everyday–I work for a different organic veg food company (Amy;s)) because they wanted me to get “corporate” experience after graduating college.)!!!!
Love your Bites, and need to order more come to think of it!!
~ Stephanie and all the happy cows in CA 🙂
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 8:10 PMoh that makes me even more happy! I love supporting REAL farmers and REAL genuine products that taste good. Thanks for sharing steph!
She Rocks Fitness says
September 6, 2013 at 6:27 PMThat salad isn’t strange at all!!! I have been on a green bean TEAR. Well I did buy a Costco BIG bag of frozen green beans and they ROCK. Oh how I heart Costco…I know we keep missing each other. I’m pooped tonight, but will call back. I promise. XOXO
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 6:33 PMLOL! tomorrow. I’m pooped too. I’ll call you.
😉
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 6, 2013 at 7:39 PMWe need to learn to fall in love with the whole process of life, not just a particular event.
One way to do this is by welcoming, not dreading, the interruptions. These include flight delays, long traffic lights, and even that needy person who takes up more conversation than you had originally planned for.
I so need this being crazed at times & frustrated with the things you wrote about above – YES need to take a breather with them. We got caught in Vegas – UNPLANNED when they cancelled our early flight) on the way home from Idaho. It was fine with the youngest daughter & we enjoyed – she cancelled her appts for the rest of the day & I guess it worked out! 🙂 I would rather have been home sooner but whatever – right!
I love that you will post about this – I need it!
What are your thoughts on the Reboot? I had trouble drinking it – got samples at IDEA.
NICE recipe! 🙂
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 6, 2013 at 7:40 PMPS: On top of that weird message I get when I comment but that newer Pin button does not work for me – I kept forgetting to tell you.. maybe it is my side…
LCCotter says
September 6, 2013 at 8:09 PMugh, really? I don’t know what’s up. So sorry!
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:35 AMjust tried the pin it up button on the picture. worked for me. weird.
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 7, 2013 at 12:55 PMI tried the pin button vs. the pic one – will do that next time & let you know! 🙂
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 7, 2013 at 12:56 PMOK – the pic works for me! 🙂 DOH!
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 6, 2013 at 9:00 PMIf you don’t hear this from others, it might be my side but I have no idea why… 🙁
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
September 6, 2013 at 11:16 PMGreen Beans and Grapes Huh?? That is definitely one of the strangest I have seen 😉
I do love me some spinach and ketchup though, however, I don’t find it to be weird AT ALL – while others who I tell tend to gag.
LCCotter says
September 7, 2013 at 7:34 AMoh i love ketchup and spinach!!
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
September 7, 2013 at 8:29 PMI never thought about interruptions that way but it is so true that they really make us pause and realize that life if not all about us, and make us able to take a step back and be grateful. Also, I need that iced coffee coconut water. Yum. Have a fabulous rest of your weekend!
LCCotter says
September 8, 2013 at 8:19 AMexactly. and such a great reminder when we are being consumed with busyness
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
September 7, 2013 at 11:01 PMYes, please post your thoughts on the daily slow down challenge. I love hearing how it resonates for you. And about interruptions? OMG yes! I’ve been trying really hard to not let things like flight delays, etc. get to me and to let go. It’s tough sometimes but it’s helped me realize that there’s a lot that I worry about that isn’t necessarily under my control. And I do have good practice with daily interruptions i.e. my children. I kid! I kid! But they do interrupt me a lot and usually at the most inconvenient times but I’m getting better at going with it.
LCCotter says
September 8, 2013 at 8:13 AMit will take time to adjust, but time is what we need allow. right? hope the jet lag is fading. xxoo
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama says
September 14, 2013 at 10:09 PMI have seen the espresso Zola but never have tried it – sounds amazing!
Thanks for all of these amazing product reviews!
Thank you for writing about life interruptions. Living with a 4 year old, you would think I would be seasoned to interruptions. I find myself feeling annoyed at times. But I understand that he needs me more than the project I am working on does. Plus, it’s fun to stop what I am doing and helping him create a puzzle, write a letter or just be silly!
LCCotter says
September 15, 2013 at 6:09 AMi think you will be more seasoned in a few years or with another kiddo on the way, hehe. You’re way ahead of me, so I”ll learn from you. Be silly, yes!