fresh | Reserve the Date

I love the stillness of February. In December there is a constant hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and holiday dinners with the various families and friends. January is exhausting as you try to find that happy place between going back to work, fitting in workouts and trying to keep up with those resolutions we force ourselves to make. Yet, February brings a slight balance… A time where you kind of find your groove… You seem to find that routine you need to get back into it. This week’s inspiration gives me that feel of balance and calm… Happy place.

{images via Pinterest]

Have a great and calm day

Max xoxo

Summer is here and let’s face it, we all have some tweaking to do to get our beach-ready body back. At least I know I do! Salads are without a doubt the ultimate diet food in order to lose weight and/or maintain it. But seriously, does it have to be the same old boring rabbit food? I think not! This chickpea salad is so fresh, bursting with summer flavours and will not leave you feeling hungry, I guarantee it. If you are trying shed some pounds, get fit for your big day or just love to eat well, this is for you.

Salad Ingredients

1 19oz can chickpeas – rinsed and drained

1 cucumber , diced

1 yellow or red pepper, diced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, diced {I like them diced small}

2 tbsp {or as desired} fresh cilantro, chopped {picked from my own plant that I grew this spring, thank you very much!}

1 3/4 tsp cumin

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup shallots, thinly diced

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and mix all dressing ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour dressing over salad and mix together by gently flipping the ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste… and here you have it!