Ch Ch Ch Chia!

I have subscribed to Fitness, Shape, and Self magazine's various email newsletters for years, but a lot of time I just delete them to avoid the mailbox clutter -- today, staycationing, I actually took the time to read through Fitness Magazine's "FitList" email blast - in particular, a list of 10 weight loss foods you should have on hand.

1. Hummus
2. Salsa
3. Eggs
4. Raw Almonds / Almond Butter
5. Chia Seeds
6. Quinoa
7. Parmesan Cheese
8. Sprouted Grain Bread
9. Yogurt
10. Healthy Snacks to Go!

I'm proud to say that the majority of these are staples in my cupboard - and the others (sprouted grain bread, raw almonds), are things I OFTEN have -- with one exception -- Chia Seeds. 

I keep hearing ALL about these little magical seeds, but the only thing I know of them is their ability to grow Home Simpson and gnome faces on a terracotta ceramic head. 

Do you guys eat Chia Seeds?  What do you do with them?  What do they taste like?

And speaking of hummus -- I recently discovered this variety, and I'm in love -- not only is it totally delicious, but a quick inspection of the ingredients list tells me that it is made with non-GMO soybeans.  Do you know how hard that is to find!?  For those unfamiliar with the term -- GMO means "genetically modified" and thanks to a darling company called Monsanto that is basically trying to take over our kitchens and turn all our food into processed junk, non-GMO seeds are nearly impossible to find, especially mass produced in grocery store foods.

Anyway, this edamame hummus is totally delicious, and I can't wait to try their other varieties:

 

(Clearly I still didn't get that manicure I promised you I was getting!)

As I mentioned, I'm not working this week -- or rather, I'm not working for my employer this week.  I took the week off to focus on the final touches to get the house ready to put on the market.  However, given the weather -- record-breaking highs, heat advisory, intense humidity, etc -- we didn't get as much done over the weekend as I'd hoped, and I'm not sure that I'll get EVERYTHING done this week / weekend either.  This morning I was out in the yard promptly at 7:15 AM, and stayed there working until 10:30, at which point I came in and practically had to wring out my bra, it was so drenched with sweat.  I think that will be my plan for most of the week -- early mornings in the yard, followed by afternoons in the air conditioning.

Next on my to-do list for the day is to organize my closet and drawers, which should go a long way in dejunking the guest bedroom, and THEN I'm off for that manicure... and probably a pedicure too. :-)

Off and running,
Jessica