Jamie Oliver's Best Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
11 ounces small shell pasta
3 garlic cloves
9 ounces yellow cherry tomatoes
9 ounces cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup black olives, pitted
2 tablespoons fresh chives
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 medium cucumber
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
2. Throw in the pasta and garlic and simmer for about 5 minutes or until al dente, and drain.
3. Put the garlic to one side for the dressing.
4. Put the pasta in a bowl.
5. Chop the tomatoes, olives, chives, basil and cucumber into pieces about half the size of the pasta and add to the bowl.
6. Squash the garlic cloves out of their skins and pound in a pestle and mortar.
7. Add the vinegar, oil and seasoning.
8. Drizzle this over the salad, adding a little more seasoning to taste.

Source: food.com via Erin on Pinterest

Exercise Tip #2

Don’t Give Up!
You may have to try out various forms of exercise and different routines to find what works for you personally. Don’t give up or get discouraged if your planned exercise regimen fails. Try something different and continue to try new things until you find what works.

Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Ingredients:
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
2 packets minute rice, optional
1/2 tablespoon (or more) sesame seeds
3 scallions, chopped

Directions:
Place chicken in Crock Pot and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a medium bowl, combine onion, garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oil and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 2 hours.

Remove chicken to a cutting board, leaving sauce. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces; set aside. Prepare rice according to package instructions.

In a small bowl, dissolve 4 teaspoons cornstarch in 1/3 cup water; add to crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Cover and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Add cooked rice to 4 plates, top with chicken and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Source: thecomfortofcooking.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Exercise Tip #1

There are a variety of activities especially in Utah that can be considered “exercise”. Exercise can be anything from swimming, biking/cycling, jogging, skiing, tennis, to dancing and walking. The list is endless. The important thing about exercising is finding something that you enjoy and works for YOU!

Find what works for YOU!
In my own life, I have discovered that going to the gym and just working out on my own is not as effective for me as going to an exercise class at the gym. I really enjoy the classes and I am more motivated to go. I also believe I get an overall better workout. Now just because that is what works best for me doesn’t mean it is what is best for someone else. The important thing is to find what DOES work for YOU!

Being More Active Part 4

Don’t let bad weather slow you down.

• There are many ways to be active at home:
• if you have stairs—make a few extra trips.
• if you don’t have much room, you can run or march in place.
• Grab an umbrella and a friend and go for a walk in the rain or walk at the mall.
• After a brisk walk in cold weather, treat yourself to a nice, hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
• If the weather is cold, dress warmly—wear layers and a hat and gloves.
• If it’s hot, swim, take a brisk walk in an air-conditioned building, or walk first thing in the morning or in the evening in a well-lit area.
• If you are active outside in the heat, drink plenty of water.