Simple Sunday Lunch

I can't believe it's been almost 13 weeks since I've started this journey. Some days are more frustrating than others, but for the most part, I think I've got this whole food thing figured out. I've learned where to go for certain items and where I can eat when going out. Whew!

I am thankful that three and a half weeks ago I was able to add wheat! As I said before it hasn't opened up a ton of stuff because soy is in everything! Have you ever looked at the labels on your food?! It's ridiculous! We haven't seen a difference in Lucas as since adding in wheat although it's pretty strange how he seems to have good days and bad days when my diet stays exactly the same. It's almost as if he has flare-ups... part of me thinks this may not be food related. We saw his GI doctor again, which literally was a waste of two hours of my life. We'll be looking for a new one shortly. But over all he's doing great, happy, playful... nothing more I could ask for.

He is a few ounces away from being 17 pounds which is insane! He's our little "chunker", that's what Malachi calls him. :) It's pretty cute.

I wanted to share our lunch today- one, because it's easy, two, because it's yummy and three, well... it's easy! It's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Stuffed Bell Pepper- sounds good, huh!?

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

1 c. quinoa, rinsed and cooked

1/2 can of black beans, rinsed

1/2 can of corn, drained

12 cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/2 onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped small

handful of cilantro, minced

1 lime, juiced

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tbsp olive oil

Seems like a lot of ingredients but when you're really just chopping them up and throwing them all together it's not much. 

Step 1- Make quinoa. For one cup on quinoa use two cups of water. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer and cover for ten minutes. It should look like this when it's done.

Step 2- While that's working itself out start chopping! Tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper and cilantro all in a pile... so colorful and yummy!

Step 3- When quinoa is done mix in veggies you've just chopped and add in olive oil, lime juice and cumin as well as your half a can of black beans and corn. 

Doesn't that look SO good! 

Step 4 and 5- Chop the top off a green bell pepper, cut out insides and put Quinoa and Black Bean Salad inside.

Some recipes I've read say to cook your green bell pepper in the oven to soften it, maybe then you eat it with your fork? I didn't feel like doing that so left it cold and crispy. I still ate it at the end... kind of like a bread bowl, but better for you... and nothing like a bread bowl really.

This meal is easy, light and filling {yes, it's possible to be those two things at the same time}.