I’m a list-maker. No matter how large or how small, I like to see what I intend to do that day written in words. Making a list of tasks to complete for the day keeps me on track, otherwise I just might sit in my apartment all day and watch silly things like The Walking Dead and in my laziness I will definitely make more lists of things to do, things I need, things to cook, ingredients to buy, and where to buy them but sometimes dreaming of new and exciting things to cook isn’t enough – action must be taken for the good of my sanity.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those people who make lists out of compulsion or for lack of spontaneity, it’s just that sometimes I need some structure to my day otherwise my motivation is shot to hell and the day is wasted. You know, those days when you think back and can’t remember a single thing you did except for eat tasty random things?

What I enjoy most about list-making is seeing those words on my list gratifyingly crossed out at the end of the day – to know that I accomplished what I had intended. On my list today was an intense workout and I’m proud to say that I made that happen despite the frigid temperatures and wind burn my face met on the run to and from the gym. It was worth it. {The hot tub time also made it quite well-worth.}

After a sweaty couple of hours, I like to gulp down a glass of chocolate milk and shower off. I lather and rinse and hop into the fluffiest clothes that I own before hitting the kitchen for a meal my body deserves: a tortilla, greens, herbs, eggs, and some plant protein. I call it lunch dinner lunch.

Post-workout, I try to replace some of the fluid lost during exercise and consume protein and carbs {I can do both of these by drinking a glass of chocolate milk!}. This combination of proteins and carbs (4:1) is thought to speed recovery and maintain glycogen stores in the muscle – essentially you’re refueling your body with the energy it absolutely needs for daily activity. High protein foods not only make you feel fuller longer, they work to rebuild your muscles and other important bodily infrastructures. Beans, high in protein. Eggs, high in protein. Spinach, a source of important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin K. Avocado, high in healthy fats which are thought to reduce the retention of belly fat. Herbs, tasty. Tortilla, carbs for that magic 4:1 ratio.

That constitutes this {healthful} meal; a meal of whimsy that satisfies the kid in you, tastes great, and rebuilds what you tore down during exercise.

Even Dr. Suess would enjoy this on a boat or with a goat,
in the rain or on a train,
in the dark,
in a tree,
in a car,
with some tea,
in a box,
shared with a fox,
in a house or with a mouse.
He would enjoy them, I’m sure of it.
He would enjoy every last bit.

Green egg scramble
recipe yield: 1 solid serving

1 teaspoon canola oil
1/4 cup frozen pearl onions
1/4 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
pinch of red pepper flake (optional)
3/4 cup frozen spinach
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of curry powder
salt and pepper
1 large egg
3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

avocado slices
whole wheat tortilla

In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onions, chickpeas, and red pepper flake (if using) and cook until onions begin to soften. Add frozen spinach and continue to cook until thawed. Season with garlic powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper.

In a small bowl beat the egg. Add to the spinach and onions on the stove and scramble. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with avocado slices and a whole wheat tortilla for scooping.