I love the combination of rice and beans! I really should starting eating it more often. It’s SO GOOD!

Tonight’s dinner was a new spin on the usual rice and beans dish. I added steamed spinach, grape tomatoes, soy sauce, and Tabasco to the mix. It was tasty and very filling! Love that!

A Rice & Beans Lesson

Rice and beans, while being a very simple dish, is also a very nutritious meal. Rice is rich in starch, an excellent source of energy. Rice also has iron, vitamin B and protein. Beans are also protein-rich, and contain a good amount of iron and other necessary minerals, and both offer an important and basic kind of protein.

Animal Protein Versus Vegetable Protein
From bodyforlife2.com 

In general, animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, and eggs) are considered good sources of complete proteins. Complete proteins contain ample amounts of all essential amino acids.

On the other hand, vegetable proteins (grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and other vegetables) are incomplete proteins because they are missing, or do not have enough of, one or more of the essential amino acids. Grains and legumes are rich in complex carbohydrate and fiber.

By combining certain foods, like rice and beans, you create a self-made complete protein. When eaten in combination at the same meal (or separately throughout the day), your body receives all nine essential amino acids.

After dinner, Mal broke out the BBQ Kettle chips. I munched on two handfuls while blogging. They’re so addicting!!! 

Lunch

We had quite a few veggies that were about to go bad, so I pumped-up my lunch with lots of them. I made a grilled wrap stuffed with spinach, red onions, snap peas, black beans, cheddar cheese, and salsa. It was awesome! Our Griddler can make just about anything into a nice, neat, delicious sandwich!

On the side, I had some sliced cucumbers with freshly ground pepper and some (wrinkly) grape tomatoes. 

Before hitting the gym, I snacked on a Quaker True Delights Chocolate Raspberry Almond bar, which was delish! It was sweet and chewy with pieces of chocolate mixed throughout. It was very dessert-like!

It’s Fun to Stay at the YMCA

Mal and I are officially members of the YMCA! We finally signed up after a few free trial visits last week. I think joining together is really going to help us motivate one another, especially since I will need the extra kick in the butt to exercise in the evening. I’m not naturally an evening exerciser, so it’s going to take some extra effort on my part. The Y has some pretty cool classes, which I hope will also keep me motivated throughout the winter. I’m sure you guys will hear lots about our new gym in the coming months!

I think I am doing some baking tonight! Be back later!