Ah, simplicity.
It seems that everywhere we look, we’re being encouraged to simplify our lives: to streamline our to-do lists, to downsize our list of obligations, to clean out our closets. I can think of at least four yoga classes in the last two months that have begun with the injunction to simplify, simplify, simplify.
We all want lives that are simple and streamlined: lives in which all of our priorities have magically been distilled from needless anxieties or obligations. But of course, it’s easier said than done. These days, for example, there’s nothing I’d like more than a simple and streamlined existence. But I can’t have one–and I can think of a whole lot of women who have far more obligations than I do!
The one area of my life in which I can have simplicity, though, is in what I eat. Now as always, nothing makes me happier than food that is prepared as simply and as minimally as possible. And it seems that, the busier and more hectic life is, the more I crave simple, nourishing foods.
The following recipe is a perfect example of culinary simplicity. Vegetables, lemon, sea salt: does it get any better–or more simple than this?
Stuffed Napa Cabbage Leaves (serves 2)
4 Napa Cabbage leaves
1 large avocado, cubed
2 large steamed/baked beets, cubed
1 carrot, grated
1 cup pea shoots, chopped
1 tbsp flax/hemp oil
2 tbsp agave
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
Mix all ingredients except for the cabbage together in a bowl. Scoop into 4 cabbage leaves, and savor.
I shared this recipe with the amazing women who participated in the Choosing Raw + Spark Wellness January cleanse (which is almost finished, and had amazing results!), and they all loved it.
We can’t always simplify our lives. But if we can’t make life less complicated, we can certainly un-complicate what’s on our plates. Today, tomorrow, and always, let’s all return to the basics: vegetables, juices, fruits, legumes, grains. Enjoy them with as little fuss, as little stress, and as little work as you can. Bon appetit, everyone!
xo
I'm a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a former book editor, and a post-baccalaureate pre-med student at Georgetown University. I'm passionate about helping people to discover and enjoy plant based foods in a simple and healthy way. My name is pronounced like "Jenna."
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I have been craving some lettuce cup/wrap recipes this week! Looks so yummy!
Simply beautiful, Gena. Thanks for sharing:)
I wish I could simplify my life a little more! But in regards to food…sometimes the simplest things are the best. i.e vegetables- they don’t need oil or seasonings or broth, they’re fine on their own!
The lettuce cups look delicious
Gena, another masterpiece! I agree about simplicity and although I can’t say I’m anywhere near your level of pure raw energy I honestly do try each and every day to reach it. However, I don’t have those cabbage leaves available at the moment:
Are there any other varieties that you would suggest for a recipe like this one?
Yum, I love beets. That looks simply delicious!
I couldn’t agreed more. I’ve dined at some fine restaurants (when they’re offering affording prix-fixes, hee), but at the end of the day, I’m happy with a plate of fresh greens and a cup of hot green tea.
I think you should open a restaurant so I can come eat all your amazing looking food!
Amen to that! Simplicity is the KEY to enjoying life in its purest form. I love it! Recently I’ve been feeling some kind of pressure (both inward as well as from the blogosphere) to concoct some complicated dishes out of some complicated recipes, but your post saved my day! The fact of the matter is that I’m a simple girl. And I like my vegetables without the frills. I also love not having to stress or to fuss about my food – not only does it save me a complex, but it saves me some precious time. And God knows we all need more time, right?
Looks great and simple
Thanks!
i think you hit it on the nose – sometimes i feel like simplicity in life is what i want most! my enormous to-do list is the main source of stress in my iife right now… but i love this post so much! what a beautiful and simple meal…love it!! and what a great reminder to return to the basics – vegetables, legumes, fruits, and grain.
Simple is the best. And so is that food! GREAT WORK and thanks for the props on the yoga post I did. It was not simple putting it together
but the payoff to help others get more clued in about yoga, and simply finding their path, is worth it.
xoxoxo
I always use romaine, so I never thought of using Napa cabbage as “shells” – I’m going to try this! Thanks for new ideas, Gena!
This post is so insightful. We put so much added stress on our lives. Really, a crown of broccoli is going to nourish you just as much if it’s lightly steamed and drizzled in olive oil as when it’s diced into topography and set atop a bed of bean sprouts. Really, just steam the damn broccoli and munch!
Great simple salad today: kale, avocado, bean sprouts, and sun dried tomato. Simple foods are calming, I agree. Simplicity can’t solve all our problems, but it can help focus our lives a bit. For me trying to keep my apartment clean and low on clutter has a huge effect.
That is what I love about the raw foods diet — that it is so simple. Throwing together a few salads a day doesn’t get an easier! Thanks, Gena!
Perfect. Yum. I love quick & easy & healthy all wrapped up in a cabbage leaf
i adore this post. i seem to crave a balance of the simple and the complex, but this is exactly what i crave when i’m leaning toward the simple side. nothing makes me feel more grounded than pure, fresh, basic foods. lovely recipe!
This looks simple…and delicious!!!
I agree with you– I get tired of magazines (and Thoreau) urging me to “Simplify, simplify!” Easier said than done, Mr. Walden Pond!!!
Great post, here’s to simplicity
I feel that nowadays people try to jam pack their lives, and it has ended up effecting the S.A.D. A simple jar of marinara sauce can contain hfcs, preservatives, even food coloring! Sometimes I just want to walk up to people and tell them that if they buy a can of organic tomato paste and some diced tomatoes and cook them together, you get the same thing with much less sweetness and chemicals. The joy has been taken out of cooking because it has been made to seem difficult and complicated, when it can be a quick and soothing time that you have to yourself every day. I think this was a great post, and I completely agree with your simple approach to food!
Simple and delicious! YUM!
It is possible to simplify even the busiest of lives. It’s all in how you look at it. Simplicity doesn’t come from whittling down your to-do list, or lessening your obligations and responsibilities. Simplicity is a state of mind. A state of simply accepting things for how they are, of being content with your to-do list and your responsibilities. Yoga encourages this through the Niyama of santosha, contentment. Learning to be in harmony with your life creates simplicity in and of itself. Yoga also encourages us to practice detachment and non-judgement, to simply do our duty and let go……..ahhh, the simplicity in letting go.
Now about the food……….this looks simply divine!!
You’ve done it again, Gena! These look incredible. Off to find some lettuce leaves so I can make them!
Well said. I don’t know why, but I’m often as astounded at how delicious something can be with a singular seasoning/flavor (such as the lemon juice in your recipe), as I am by the complex, time-consuming, multiple-recipe recipes (a certain raw lasagna comes to mind…). Actually, I often battle my own instinct to add all the spices in my cupboard to each recipe I create, only because I can! I am trying to be more mindful of that.
This was one for the recipes that I hadn’t tried… but it is definately on my list for the weekend
I would order this at a restaurant if I saw it on a menu.
I am going to make this. I am. It looks so fresh and delicious!
What a gorgeous spread! I love the incorporation of the beets…a little out of character for you and just lovely.
Simple food made with really high quality items is just perfection
. That recipe looks fab.
That looks great–and it’s accompanied with a great message.
I have all those ingredients except the cabbage, so I’ll definitely be trying it is the next couple of days
Lastly, I think simplicity of our thoughts and in our minds can flow over to simplicity in our lives. Stop ruminating and over-analyzing every moment and your life may seem a little less stressful.
Simply beautiful! Love the way those beets look.
oooo I hope you will do a recap of the cleanse and include some anecdotes!
What a beautiful presentation on this recipe – I could definitely see this served at a restaurant.
Oooh, these look fantastic. My stomach literally grumbled while looking at the pictures! This is simplicity at its finest!
Ok, these look sooooo good! I will have to give them a try.
wow, I just saw the photo and immediate started to drool! can not wait until tomorrow! xoxo
This is just my type of meal – I’ve bookmarked this recipe to prepare soon.
To be honest, I feel that the simplest recipes are always the best. It’s nice to see a health blogger advocating simplicity as eating well is often presented as over-complicated and time consuming.
Looks delicious!
I read the last sentence in my head with Julia Childs’ accent.
It was perfect :]
The colors in the dish seem almost as palatable as the food itself!
Gena – you are so at peace with your life…and u achieve so much.
I cannot simplify anything…I have very very little and my situation right now is pretty tight….and yet I worry always. I wish I could just not think. NOt think. Instead let things be simple…eat without worry, sit without worry, sleep without worry.
Congrats to u for achieving simplicity in some way that benefits u !
And I love avocado!
simple and delicious!
YUM. great recipe Gena!!
THOSE LOOK AMAZING!!! YUm! I must try!
Beautiful! I will be having those for lunch today. Inspiring recipe as always.
Wow, those look delish!
SImple always wins. This looks great and I love how it is all contained- would be great for healthy soirees!
Sounds wonderful!
I love your site! The concept is great, and I do believe in simplicity when it comes to eating healthy! And the cabbage recipe looks very good!
- Kloé
Mmm! There’s my lunch for today–I think I was craving this and didn’t even know it!
Yummy!
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