Tempting and Tasty Taco Salad

Today on Twitter a few of us were having a discussion about whether or not healthy eating is boring and depriving. In 140 character bursts, I felt frustrated that I was unable to convey my true feelings and mission in the world. As I listened to the age-old complaints of ”it’s too hard, too boring, too restricting, junk food is tastier…” I remembered my own similar feelings on this issue until Diabetes changed my mind FOR me.

Here’s the deal: Ten years ago, when I decided to lose the weight, get in shape and learn to eat healthier food, I knew that traditional dieting was not the way to go. I had done that and always gained it all back. So I asked myself why that was? What was it that made diets unsustainable for me and for the other 97% of dieters who also fail?

Three words: Deprivation. Hunger. Boredom.

So I pledged that my new approach would obliterate those 3 problems. My weight loss/get healthy & fit approach would involve NO Deprivation. I would not allow myself to suffer through Hunger. And the food I would eat, would be the opposite of Boring.

Mission Accomplished.

Taco Salad

Lettuce, shredded

Guacamole (I just mashed avocado with chopped tomatoes, cilantro and lemon)

Baked Tortilla Chips

Super Veggie Lentil Taco “Meat” (recipe adapted from www.ordinaryvegetarian.com)

1 cup brown lentils, rinsed

1 onion, minced

1 jalapeno or other spicy green pepper, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large carrot, chopped fine

2 stalks celery, chopped fine

1 1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

2 cups vegetable broth

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp oil for sauteeing, or you can water saute to cut the fat lower

Saute onion for 3 minutes. Add remaining veggies and saute 5 minutes until soft. Add spices and lentils and give it all a stir. Add broth, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until all water is absorbed and lentils are cooked. Don’t let it burn, but don’t add too much water either. You want a dry texture here. Put mixture into food processor and just pulse a couple of times. Do NOT puree! Again, we want to keep a dry, meaty texture.

Serve veggie “meat” on top of lettuce and guacamole with chips.