The Chili Challenge (mind versus body)

A fun way to practice listening to your body is to pick two recipes for the same type of dish and observe which one excites your body, not your mind. For example, instead of looking at the calories in each recipe or the fat and sugar content (mind excitement), look at the actual ingredients. Do these ingredients make your body feel happy right now?

There’s no right or wrong answer and the experience is completely individual. Plus, on any given day, in any given moment, your answer may change. No “body“ is stagnant- it is ever changing.

Below are two full meal recipes (both are delicious to my body). Which one awakens your excitement right now?

The Chili Challenge

Recipe 1: (modified from The Kosher Palette)

1 T oil

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced.

4 T hot chili powder

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp cumin

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (15 oounce) can kidney beans

Brown beef, drain fat, add all ingredients, simmer for 45 minutes.

Serve with rice, shredded lettuce or anything else that excites you.

Recipe 2: (modified from Feeding the Whole Family)

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans

1 tsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

2/3 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn

1-2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup water

Saute’ vegetables 5 minutes, add everything else except the beans, simmer 20 minutes, add beans, simmer 10 minutes.

Top each bowl with grated cheese, if desired.