International “Live Green” Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, the day they say the world is Irish. It’s my feast day, since my birth name is Patricia. Although, my celebration is a little off-kilter what most people think when they celebrate today.

ZooFit’s slogan is Eat Clean, Live Green, Train Positive. I strive to live each of these components each and every day. But today, on St. Patrick’s Day, I made a concerted effort to LIVE GREEN.

I still ate clean. Not Irish, but there was some green. I made a recipe I got from Cooking Light, Asparagus with Avocado Cream Sauce. I made a few adjustments to keep it clean and sustainable for me.

Asparagus with Avocado-Herb Sauce

Serves 2: Calories- 305, Fat: 16g, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 15g, Sodium: 302 mg

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, divided
• ¼ cup fresh chives, divided
• 2 oz goat cheese
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 
• ¾ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp agave nectar

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus, and saute until crisp tender, about 5-7 minutes
2. Combine avocado, coconut cream milk, half the basil, half the chives, goat cheese, vinegar, white pepper, and agave nectar in a blender. Process until smooth.
3. Arrange asparagus on a platter. Top with dressing, remaining basil and chives, and a dash of black pepper, if desired.

Turned out pretty yummy.

After lunch, we went for a long walk at our favorite hiking spot on the island, Fort Ebey. Last time we went to Fort Ebey was for my birthday, about 4 months ago. The difference was striking. There were a lot more people around today. It was a gorgeous day, and a Sunday, so why not enjoy the sunshine with the family?

The Bluff Trail at Fort Ebey is one of my favorite places. The views are spectacular, and I am reminded of my fun summer last year, being a park aide. It’s one of the places I think of when I talk about Experiencing Nature. Because of places like Fort Ebey, Deception Pass, Putney Woods, and Whidbey Institute, I have a deeper appreciation for nature and a desire to keep it clean for future enjoyable visits.

It doesn’t even have to be “future generations”. That’s a nice adage, but being an environmentalist and conservationist can be a purely selfish act, too. You want that particular spot to stay nice so when you visit, it’s a nice place to visit. The fact you also make it a nice place to visit for future generations is just icing on the cake. Your sacred space is your allowance to be selfish in your efforts to preserve the planet.

I was also able to get some final preparations and edits to my presentation for my conference this week. I’m nervous-excited, and I hope this again leads to more opportunities to share ZooFit with others. I leave Wednesday, but not before I have my big library presentation about “Reuse, Recycle, Reduce Your Waist” on Tuesday afternoon.

Did you connect to the earth in a healthy way today, or practice Eating Green? Tell me about it, and Happy “Live Green” Day!