Black Bean Dip (With Video)

I made a black bean dip/hummus that can be eaten with tortilla chips, or used as a sauce in tacos, sandwiches or pretty much anything. This is a healthy alternative to cheese or chili dips, and tastes great!

I made it mostly according to the recipe below, however, I think I put a bit much cilantro and red pepper so it came out pretty spicy. Eddie loved it but if you're sensitive to spicy flavors, put a bit less of those.

I have included the recipe and source below. Enjoy!




http://www.recipesource.com/munchies/dips-spreads/black-bean-garlic1.html

 Title: BLACK BEAN DIP WITH GARLIC
  
       1 cn (19-oz) black beans, drained
            -& rinsed

 *The Goya can I used was already pre-cooked and ready to go, no rinsing or draining necessary*
       2 lg Garlic cloves, coarsely
            -chopped
       2 tb Coarsely chopped onion
       2 tb Coarsely chopped fresh
            Cilantro, plus additional
            -sprigs for garnish
       1 tb Fresh lime juice
       1 sm Fresh chili pepper (your
            -choice, pick your pain
            -threshold)

*I used 1/4 tsp ground red pepper* -VP
     1/4 ts Ground cumin
     1/4 ts Thyme
            Salt and freshly ground
            -pepper
  
   In a food processor, combine all the ingredients except cilantro
   sprigs. Add 2T water and process until smooth. Transfer the dip to a
   serving bowl, garnish with cilantro sprigs, and serve with your
   favorite tortilla chips.

Tacos!

I made a build-your-own taco dinner with lean ground turkey, light sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and lettuce as a replacement for the taco shells.
It was simple and delicious. Surprisingly enough, I didn't miss the taco shells or tortillas.
Yum!

"What are you secrets for losing weight?"

When asked on Sparkpeople.com what are my secrets for losing weight:

"There are no secrets. I just surround myself with weight loss magazines, websites, articles, signage around my house, and it's my excuse to be picky about where I go to eat with friends. I have cheat meals (not days) once in a while, and I'm learning day by day that if I want to lose weight and become healthy, I have to want it badly enough, and it has to be permanent. Once I stopped eating sugars, even artificial ones on a daily basis, it became so much easier to just fuel my body for what it needs. I don't have that addiction to carbs and sugar anymore. I don't have cravings for foods, I just eat to fuel my body for my workouts and my daily grind. I read this book called Eat what you love, love what you eat By Michelle May, and it was life changing. I haven't looked at food the same since then. I am learning to eat slowly and mindfully, and at first I did it alone. I pledged to eat most meals away from my family, boyfriend, coworkers, and friends so that I can focus on what I'm eating, and how my body is feeling at every bite. This is so important! Other than that, just lookup funny and motivating quotes and recipes on Pinterest.com, and just do it! 

-Vanessa :)"


There are no secrets. It's not a magical unicorn at the end of a rainbow; it's science. Just do what you have to do to get what you want. Yep.

5k Foam Fest

This run was definitely challenging and tons of fun. Going down that slide was very difficult for me; I was so scared but I'm glad I did it!

Do something incompatible with eating!

Take a bath, color, take pictures, play with your dog, make something!

Dinners

Make it beautiful for yourself. You are special enough to deserve an aesthetically pleasing healthy plate.

Preparing for the upcoming week.

I cut and prepped some lettuce, cucumber, and strawberries. I separated almonds, chicken breast, and steak.

Preparation took me about 30 minutes and now my salads, meals, and snacks are so much easier to make on the spot. It really is the best way for me to make sure laziness doesn't kick in later.

I'm ready for the week!

Besides preparation, what other techniques do you think are the most helpful?