After one of my recent Simply Stress Less presentations someone approached me, sharing their surprise that what I was suggesting seemed to be so simple. “Yep, that’s right,” I replied, “simple IS the solution.” Somewhere along the line we have made things overly complicated in an attempt to make things more convenient. What I coach people on is how to get back to the basics. How to get in tune with your body and really hear what it is saying. How to learn and implement tools that seem like commonsense but are often so hard for us to put into action. I often hear that it must be too simple to make a difference or other things are higher on the priority list…well, that’s when we work on a perspective shift because believe me – simple IS the solution. This is the motto I have adopted in my life and is at the very core of our services.
We are all busy, most of us don’t have time, or an interest in the overly complex. Honestly, I don’t even really love cooking and that is one of the main reasons I love raw foods so much. I have a long history of being a not so great cook, partly due to my impatience with the whole process, which is why I seek out simple solutions. Preparing raw foods is one of the fastest and easiest ways that I have found to prepare nutrient dense, flavorful meals. I was really surprised when a colleague shared her perception of my dedication and focus relating to the raw foods…nope, just love them because they are simple, delicious, and nutritious…nothing hardcore about that! I also enjoy cooked foods, and after a long day, I go with whatever I can whip up fastest.
Since parsley is the featured food this month I thought I would share with you my super fast, nutritious AND delicious Greek Pasta Salad. Yes, some cooking of the pasta is involved here but that is simple and only takes about 10 minutes tops. Before I share the recipe here are some quick facts about parsley:
- Antioxidant rich, great source of Vitamin A, C & K and Folic Acid
- Supports heart health & healthy cellular function
- Immune boosting & stress reducing
- Supports digestion and removal of toxins
- May reduce risk of cancer
- Parsley essential oil rubbed into the scalp may reduce hair loss
**if you have kidney or gallbladder issues it is important to monitor your consumption of oxalates, possibly needing to avoid them all together. Oxalates are naturally occurring in parsley therefore parsley may be contraindicated for some people.
Enjoy parsley in a smoothie, green juice, soup, salad, tabbouleh, on chicken or fish, as a bright colorful garnish, and so much more! Check out this Greek Pasta Salad and let me know what you think!
- Greek Pasta Salad:
- Organic Penne Whole Wheat Pasta
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Oregano
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh parsley
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
Cook pasta as directed. Rinse and place in large bowl. Drizzle with EVOO, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir to blend and fully coat pasta. Additional dressing may need added because the pasta will soak it up. Add oregano, salt & pepper, and stir again to mix. Add chopped fresh parsley, crushed garlic, tomatoes, and olives, stir, and enjoy!