In an ideal world I’d love to eat only clean, wholesome foods that serve as perfect fuel for my body. But I don’t live in a perfect world and convenience, emotions and hunger can lead me down different paths.
Today was closer to the ideal. Everything I took in made me feel delicious. I began the day with a chocolate cherry smoothie with spinach a la Ryan.
About two hours later I had a banana before work.
Last night I tried a kale avocado salad at Whole Foods that was so good. I couldn’t believe that something so simple and all raw could be so satisfying. After dinner I immediately purchased the ingredients for the salad and ran home to make it to enjoy today!
Massaged Kale Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch purple kale
- 1-2 avocados
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 cucumber (optional)
- lemon juice, pepper and sea salt
Directions:
- Wash all veggies and chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl literally massage everything (particularly the avocado and lemon juice) into the kale. Massage, massage, massage! Your hands will get dirty… or yummy 
- Let sit. Everything gets better as it soaks everything in!
- Enjoy!
I couldn’t believe a salad with so few ingredients could be so satisfying! I literally felt healthier as I was eating it. You can’t see any f the toppings in my photo from lunch, but I enjoyed a big bowl on my break.
A kale salad isn’t for the veggie-hater, but it is a delicious nutrition-packed meal for anyone else! The other ingredients being massaged into the kale definitely makes it less bitter.
Later in the afternoon I had an apple and carrots with hummus for snacks.
I also had a KIND bar. The almond and cashew flavor is incredible!!
I got off work late at 7:30 p.m. I knew I’d be at the gym late and wouldn’t have time for dinner so I was forced to stop by Whole Foods and pick up some of my favorite multi-grain vegan sushi 
I swam 1,000 meters and ran 4 miles. I felt strong!
I came home and had six very un-photogenic dates with almond butter. Delicious!!
What You Eat Why
This conversation sparked some interesting thoughts about different diets and the reasons behind them. So, I’ll be showcasing various diets so we can learn more about the way people eat and why. Here’s #1!
Hi, I’m Evan from Food Makes Fun Fuel. On my blog, I describe my diet as “100% natural”. But what on earth does that mean? I only eat food with what I would call “natural” ingredients: no artificial sugars, colors, preservatives, or flavors. I do eat meat, but only meat raised without the use of hormones. And I make an effort to eat local, organic, and ethically raised food. I also eat gluten-free as of February 2010 due to a suspected intolerance.
My general food philosophy is to eat the foods I feel comfortable eating. Right now, that’s “natural”, but I wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere soon down the road my definition of comfort food changes. I came to this mindset because I had been eating very artificially(think Fiber One bars and aspartame-laden yogurts all the time) and needed a drastic change. For the past 10 months, this has been letting me fuel happily and healthfully.
When it comes to dealing with others, I have to say “eat and let eat!”. I can not control anyone else’s preferences, nor do I expect them to control mine. I have no problem with someone enjoying a raw vegan tuna salad so long as they let me cook my grass-fed, hormone-free hamburger(I often do cook all my own meat). That’s not to say I don’t enjoy influencing people; I’ve imbued upon my family a love for lentils. If 1 night a week they can enjoy lentils in place of processed pizza from a greasy pizza joint, I take all the pleasure in that. But I have no desire to force them away from pizza if that’s what they love.
My favorite thing about my diet is I don’t feel artificial–literally; taking in only natural ingredients gives me a sense of wholesomeness and health. But, like I hinted, it might not be my definition of a good diet forever. I do not think red dye #40 or vanillin will kill anyone, even if I haven’t had any in 10 months. And there are certainly some natural foods that do not leave me feeling whole and healthy(organic thin mints, anyone?). So a change might be in order. But so long as I always feel comfortable with what I’m eating, I assume I can fuel well (and fun!).
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Is it just me or are those who make a concious effort to eat the healthiest way (that works for them) the least judgmental? The only rude comments I have ever gotten about being a vegan have come from people who eat without thinking about it.
Love this! I am looking forward to reading more
oh i love this post so much!!! cant wait to see the whole series. i agree.. if they let me eat what i want then i'll respect them and what they like. no need for judgments in our world.
xoxo thank you girl!
Great post, I love that evan eats what makes him feel the best….and doesn't push his views on others! He is a great example
And that salad looks YUMMY, I'm going to try it soon!
kale is on my grocery list this weekend! I've never bought/cooked with it before and I'm Really wanting to try "kale chips" AND now this salad
thanks for the recipe!
also Love the series you're doing on different diets. I've recently made a few big changes and couldn't be happier about it. I also watched Food inc for the first time a few days ago and will definitely never be the same! I think it's so important to be educated about this stuff, and what kind of RD would I be if I didn't keep up with the pace of science and research and new diets?
Keep it comin'!
I. LOVE. THAT SALAD!! So light and refreshing! Now, if only you can recreate the yucca fries and "soy of the sea" dish, you'd be my hero
Can't wait to try that recipe!
This series was a great idea. Can't wait to read about others!
I had to make that salad after trying it at Whole Foods, too. Isn't it just incredible?
And that's a great bar in my book. It's so nutty and satisfying
that salad looks fantastic!!
I love the idea of massaging the avocado into the kale! I think I might go buy the ingredients right after this!! 
I look forward to reading other people's stories as well.
I really enjoy the concept of the series you are starting and Evan did a great first story of his eating. I really want to recreate that Kale Salad cause I definitely love the Whole Foods one!
Love the series, too!
I know what you mean about the way you'd eat in an "ideal world". I always think if I were an "ideal me", but maybe I should start blaming it on the world, instead!
That salad looks super good, I`ll have to try it out this summer
Found this kale salad and just made it for lunches throughout the week. Cannot believe how good it was freshly made and I know it’ll be even better in tomorrow! Delish!
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