Adventure time

This is currently what I look like. Not wanting to get out of this comfy hotel bed or start the 3 hour drive back home. It's been another successful trip to Austin. As usual, this city never disappoints. Lots of cooking, eating, wine, laughing and even got in some yoga at my favorite spot. I'm running out of reasons not to quit school and escape to the Caribbean and/or Central America and become a yoga instructor. But, for now I'll just go with the fact that yesterday sealed the deal on incorporating yoga back into my daily routine. I left the studio so clear headed, open minded and just radiating happiness. I  basically felt like I was in a tampon commercial. You know those ridiculous ads, where all of the women are running (in white pants) with unicorns on the beach, high on life. Anyway, not to be sappy, but I'm at this amazing, peaceful point in my life right now and I'm thinking it might have something to do with practicing yoga more often, not a new feminine hygiene product... for the record.

We discovered an awesome little sushi spot here in Austin called Kome Sushi Kitchen. Possibly my new favorite restaurant. We ordered everything we had never tried before; grilled baby octopus, grilled smelt fish, pickled sea bass, octopus dumplings and some other sashimi. So. Damn. Good. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of everything, because apparently that's embarrassing. Whatevs, I love food pics. Also, if you ever get a chance to try Vegan Chocolate Pudding, do it. The Whole Foods brand isn't technically Paleo, but it is dairy free and freaking delicious. I make my own version at home, out of avocados and cocoa powder, that is completely Paleo. I'll have to post that recipe soon- like tonight, because you need to try it as soon as possible. And yes, in case you were wondering, that last picture is indeed a homemade waffle with blueberry syrup and my cheat meal for the week.

Also, other exciting things are going on besides my obsession with food. My gym is running a Groupon (< see what I did with my fancy technology skills!) for the next few days. Ten classes for $29... which is actually a steal, so you should buy one if you aren't a member already. Amazing group of people and ALWAYS a good time. 

I know you all were just dying to know what I ate this weekend. So, I hope you got your fix of this terribly exciting life I lead. I'll write about the importance of micronutrients or something later this week, because I'm probably going to get banned from this hotel if I check out late again- so I'll leave you with this recipe. I made it Saturday night and needless to say, it converted a Paleo nay-sayer. +1!

Chicken-Bacon Alfredo

1 spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed

1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips

4-6 slices bacon, diced (or be realistic and cook the entire package) 

1 cup canned coconut milk

2 avocados, whipped or mashed well

2 tbs. olive oil

Dried basil

Dried parsley

Garlic powder

Dried oregano

Dried thyme

Salt and Pepper

1. Preheat your oven to 475 and oil and spice up your chicken up to taste. I don't measure spices, that's just ridiculous. I poured a little red wine on mine, too. 

2. Cook your sliced and de-seeded spaghetti squash for about 25 minutes, or until soft.

3. Set a separate timer for the chicken, it only needs about 15-20 minutes at that temperature. 

4. While that's all in the oven, fry your bacon up then place on simmer. SAVE THE GREASE!

5. In a small saucepan, combine mashed avocado, coconut milk, bacon WITH grease, salt, pepper, and maybe a little garlic powder. Let this heavenly concoction simmer or medium-low heat until it's good and thick. 

6. Take chicken and spaghetti squash out to cool, then scoop out noodles. I left a little bacon grease in my skillet to cook the noodles in a little more, but whatever floats your boat. 

7. Done! You should probably double everything in this recipe and don't plan on moving for a few hours, you're going to eat about 3 plates.