It doesn’t have a name. If it did, it would be obnoxiously long: quinoa and black beans with roasted butternut squash, red onion and balsamic kale, topped with chevre, pumpkins seeds and dried cranberries… I think not.

I was inspired by this recipe, but I am biased in thinking that my version may be tastier.

Loaded with antioxidants, this simple, flavorful, filling, one-bowl meal is a new Nutrition Nut favorite – an excellent recipe to balance out the inevitable holiday gluttony.

The healthiest dinner I’ve ever made:

Peel and cut 1 small butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Cut 1/2 red onion into large chunks. Place squash and red onion into a baking dish and drizzle with ~1T olive oil, s+p. Roast @ 400F for 30 minutes, until squash is fork tender. Meanwhile, place 2-3 cups of washed, dried and coarsely chopped kale into a separate baking dish. Drizzle with ~1T balsamic vinegar + pepper. Roast @ 400F for 15 minutes (after the squash has cooked for 15 minutes). Once the kale is in the oven, cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water in a medium pot for 15 minutes. Heat 1 can of black beans (drained) in the microwave or in a small pot on the stove.

To serve, place quinoa, beans, squash + onion and kale in a bowl. Top with crumbled chevre, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.

Serves 2 + leftovers.

Between my holiday cheer-filled oatmeal and dinner, I made a decent dent in my to-do list, including a sweaty 30-minute HIIT run.

Interval Love: 6 HIIT Treadmill Workouts

Without the luxury of the WREC, I’ll have to get creative with my strength training while at home.

Post-workout, I rehydrated via my new H2O bottle courtesy of Bamboo Bottle Co.

 

Finally, there’s a clean, safe and stylish bottle that is made from the practically inexhaustible resources of bamboo and glass. Bamboo gives our bottles style and strength. The glass guarantees safe, clean drinking at all temperatures. Whether you’re chugging ice-cold water or sipping on steaming-hot tea, this uber-cool bottle is BPA-free, ensuring no chemicals leach into your drink.

Use the code “HEALTH” in the coupon code box at checkout for 20% off your purchase.

I like the idea behind this product, but I’m not sure I am fond of its bulkiness/style. However, it is dishwasher-friendly.

Do you have a favorite type of reusable H2O bottle – glass, stainless steel, BPA-free plastic…?

Healthy Holidays,

Hillary