In it for the Long Run

wellness | intuition | curiosity

Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

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The end of 2014 is hurtling closer. (My brain stopped counting time after I graduated so someone’s gonna have to break the news that it’s almost 2015 at some point.) Holy snap crackle pop. Crazy to think this time last year I was probably studying for finals. Can’t say I miss that part.What's Next

To all my friends reading who are still in school whatever you do, don’t be worried. Your life has a crazy way of being what you need at that time (even if sometimes it doesn’t feel like it). So don’t worry that “the best years of your life” are going too fast. Yes, college is incredible. But so is the rest of your life.

WIAW

So far, I’ve learned that post grad #adulting is a mixed bag of fun and by fun I mean crazy, exciting, terrible, ego crushing, introspective, self-doubting, epiphany-filled free for all. One day you’re winning, the next day you’re… definitely NOT winning. Like waking up to parking tickets. So many parking tickets. Paying for stuff like insurance. Starting a career. Paying taxes. Why are taxes so expensive #grumble. Moving. So much moving. Freedom. Maybe too much freedom? Loneliness. Finding your people. Staying in touch with your people. Remembering what it feels like to make new friends. Being the “freshman” of the office. Thanking god that your bank has an app. Figuring out credit…whatever that is. Morning commutes and late night workouts.

WIAW

Ok, I don’t mean to scare (or maybe bore) you. Just if you’re going through a similar journey, I’m right there. Or maybe you can look back and say “yeah I remember that…” or maybe that’s on the horizon. I promise you’ll be ready though. I’m always a tweet away if you need to vent about #adulting.

Oh yeah, let’s eat!

Breakfast

Berry Green Smoothie:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • handful of frozen mixed berries
  • handful of spinach
  • 1 scoop of Vega One protein powder
  • 1/2 cup of almond milk
  • dash of cinnamon

Toppings:

  • coconut
  • purely elizabeth granola
  • raspberries

I enjoy my frozen smoothie (still holding strong even though it’s flippin’ cold in the AM) with a nice cup of coffee which I’ve been drinking with coconut cream from Trader Joe’s. Baller.

Smoothie

Lunch

  • Edamame
  • Chickpeas
  • Blackbeans
  • Carrots
  • Chopped Green Onion
  • Cashews
  • Peanut Dressing

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Snacks

  • Apple
  • S’mores Quest Bar
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie (and one after dinner)
  • Handful of Somersault Snacks (not pictured)

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Dinner

butternut squash salad

Butternut Squash Salad

Serves 1

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup of Massaged Kale (1 tsp lemon juice or olive oil)
  • 1/2 Cup of Roasted Butternut Squash
  • 1/3 Cup of Chickpeas
  • 2 Tbsp of Roasted Sliced Almonds
  • 1-2 Tbsp of your favorite dressing, I use Tahini Dressing

Directions

  • Lightly coat butternut squash with olive oil and season to your taste
  • Roast butternut squash for 40 minutes at 450ºF (or until slightly brown)
  • Massage 1/2 cup of kale with olive oil or lemon juice place in salad bowl
  • Top with 1/2 cup of butternut squash, chickpeas, and almonds then add your favorite dressing

butternut squash salad butternut squash salad

Your Turn:

  • What’s one of the things you’ve learned during your adventures in #adulting?
  • If you’re still in school, is there anything you’re nervous/excited about after graduating?

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As always, thank you so much to Jenn of Peas & Crayons for hosting WIAW every week.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I love tahini and love the one from Trader Joe’s and it is reasonably priced too. Win win! As far as being an adult goes…you have your ups and downs, but it’s a fun and crazy journey, and you are truly in control of your destiny, so live it and own it! How’s that??? HAHA!

  3. haha, love your description of adulthood. It feels a lot like that! We joke all the time about the responsible decisions we make.

    I need to pick up some edamame for my salads!! I’ve been meaning to do it for weeks and keep forgetting!

  5. Your description of adulthood is insanely accurate. I love the perspective. I feel like I just became an adult overnight and never really felt the transition as many do. Probably because I was in a long term relationship and didn’t really experience college like others. But either way – it’s so true – being new to any career will literally smack you in the face at every possible opportunity. And just when you think you have your stuff figured out – something changes. Enjoy it – it’s amazing! That salad – delish! Love the cashews in your lunch too!

    • Aww wow thanks Sam – that means a lot. It’s definitely a two steps forward one step back kinda game, but might as well play with a smile (haha that was so goofy) – cashews are like salad gold 😉

  6. all I can say is your description of ‘adulting’ is so refreshing and real! Self reflection=winning
    Dinner looks yummy-
    btw, I forgot to tell you, I am still learning new adult moves at my age! Keepin’ it fresh

  7. Spot on with the #adulting! Haha I’m in the same place as you girl, I always felt like after I graduated college I would have all this knowledge and feel all adult-like. But no sir-ey. Sometimes I feel more lost than ever and others I’m like I have a college degree, I can do anything! Its quite a roller coaster ride, life is. Glad to know I’m not the only one that feels that way!