Your Challenge, Should You Choose to Accept It...

Most things in life that are good, pleasing, beneficial, etc. require some kind of work at some point.  Marriage takes work.  Friendships take work.  Getting that really neat dress you like...that take work.  Finishing medical school, residency, etc. takes work.  Making beneficial life changes takes work.  Eating healthfully takes work.  And as with all work there come some challenges!  True, at times work is easy...and that's good.  But sometimes...frequently or not so frequently...work is a challenge.  If you ask me...that's good, too!  It lets you see who you trust, depend on, and if you truly are motivated to reach your goals.  For me...it makes me seek encouragement from people I trust and to seek direction and strength from God. 

This week in Eat. Live. Be. we are supposed to talk about what our challenges are and how to overcome them.  For me my biggest hurdle is just laziness!  Who is really going to care if I cook?  What does it really matter?!  Well, first off...I'll know and you'll know.  Another way to look at it is that one day I'll have a family of my own...and they will definitely care if I provide a meal for them, so why not start NOW getting ready for the time when I will need to cook for others as well. I'm sure I'll be just as busy then, if not more, than I am now (which presents another challenge of time and life...it happens!).  So, how to overcome this...well, as Nike says "Just do it!"  I think that this is a good lesson to learn for lots of challenges in life.  You may come across things you don't WANT to do but know that you need to do.  So, instead of moaning about it...JUST DO IT! 

Now, to be honest, I forgot that I had made this recipe...but I do remember that it was really good!  I made it during one of my ER months.  The original recipe called for Kraft Greek dressing but I just used some Italian dressing.  It was delicious and is full of healthy ingredients...I think Mediterranean foods is some of the healthiest (and most delicious!) there is.  There is just something I love about barley!  So, please...just make this!  :-)

Mediterranean Barley Salad
1-1/2 qt. (6 cups) water
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
1 pt. cherry tomatoes
1 can (6 oz.) pitted black olives, drained
1 small red onion, chopped
1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/3 cup Italian (or Greek) dressing
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Bring water to boil in large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add barley; return to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 45 min. or until barley is tender. Drain barley; cool.  Place barley in a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients; mix lightly.  Enjoy!

Sarah Caron - http://www.sarahscucinabella.com/
Cate O’Malley - http://www.sweetnicks.com/
Maris Callahan - http://www.ingoodtasteblog.net/
Chris Arpante - http://www.melecotte.com/
Faith - http://www.clickblogappetit.com/
Kristen - http://www.dineanddish.net/
Emily - http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/
Jenna - FireMom - http://stopdropandblog.com/
Joanne - http://www.joanne-eatswellwithothers.com/
Casey - http://www.thestarnesfam.com/
Patsy - http://www.friendsfamilyandfood.blogspot.com/
Tri-Fit Mom - http://trifitmom.blogspot.com/
Allison from http://sweetflours.blogspot.com/
Jen from NJ Epicurean http://njepicurean.blogspot.com/
Leslie from http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/
Rivki Locker from Healthy Eating for Ordinary People http://www.healthyeatingforordinarypeople.com/
Claudia from Journey of an Italian Cook
Jennifer Schulz from lick-a-plate http://lick-a-plate.blogspot.com/