Mango & Avocado Salad with Black Beans & Lime Vinaigrette

I went to Wholefoods website and saved a few recipes that I will try to prepare during our 60 Day journey.

I haven't tried it yet, but I will let you know when I do!

The first is Mango & Avocado Salad with Black Beans & Lime Vinaigrette

Serves 4

Tropical flavors of mango and citrus complement black beans in this colorful salad.


Ingredients
2 firm-ripe avocados, halved, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1 firm-ripe mango, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, more for garnish
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Method
Gently toss avocado with a tablespoon of lime juice in a medium bowl; add mango, jalapeño and salt and toss to combine. To make the lime vinaigrette, whisk together the remaining lime juice, zest, sugar and cilantro in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the black beans with the vinaigrette. To assemble the salad, spoon the black bean mixture onto the middle of a small platter. Arrange the chopped mango and avocado around the black beans. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.


Nutrition
Per serving (about 10oz/282g-wt.): 460 calories (310 from fat), 35g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 36g total carbohydrate (11g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 9g protein

Keeping it real...

We're here. Congrats to my fellow baby vegetarians that stood strong and didn't partake in meat products (or other unhealthy eats) while enjoying the big game last night. (btw - GO STEELERS! I heart Ben R. =) It was rough but I opted for the veggie burger over the other options and I'm so proud of myself!

I am currently at my desk laboring through my big leafy salad that's chock full of healthy veggies and I am finally ready to admit something to myself (and to you). I don't like vegetables all that much. I rather eat other tasty things that are high in sodium and low in nutrients but are pleasing to my palate. I've decided to get it out of the way, admit it and stop fighting the truth.

With that said, I'm happy that I'm learning to make mature dietary choices that are good for my body and will improve my health long term. As Auntie Oxtail and I discuss often, this challenge is as much about discipline than anything else. Learning to do what you should do as opposed to what you may want to do. Discipline in our eating may even be indicative of discipline in other areas of our live (exercise, daily devotion and worship, organization)...

As I embrace the leafy greens and H20, it brings me comfort that my fellow bloggers are out there with their salads and beans too. By the grace of God, WE CAN DO THIS! I look forward to a healthier (and ultimately happier) 60 days on this journey with you. Stay strong!

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