the whole plate.

So, I almost died in yoga this morning.

I find it ironic that I went Saturday morning after 2 margaritas and a glass of wine and felt strong and fabulous, and today, following an early bedtime and an evening mug of tea, I sweat more than I possibly ever have in my life.  Where is the logic here?

Though the heat felt nearly unbearable, though my energy kept waning, though I needed ridiculous quantities of water – I still pushed myself through the entire class.  I always push myself.

Why?  Because I really believe that the old adage holds true: you never know until you try.  There is so much that is within our reach if we simply make an attempt.

a final passover dinner of red chard, asparagus, purple and red potatoes, poached eggs, evoo, and the new experiment that i finally attempted: homemade flax crackers.

If you had asked me five years ago if I could run a mile and enjoy it, I would have laughed.  Turns out:  I could run a mile.  I could actually run 5, or even 8, and I could truly fall in love with it.

The same goes for yoga.  Wasn’t it supposed to be some new-age stretching thing for hippies that don’t wear makeup?  Turns out:  it’s one of the most challenging yet rewarding practices I have ever brought into my life.  Turns out:  it’s made me stronger than I ever have been in my life.

I remember my nerves the first time I tried running.  I remember feeling terrified as I stepped into my first yoga class.  But I tried – and I was rewarded.

a repeat passover lunch: pumpkin seed pate, big salad with evoo and avocado.  turns out: a 100% raw and vegan lunch can satisfy me just fine – when i feel like it.

Throughout my Passover experimenting, I’ve had to try quite a few things.  Can I enjoy vegetables for breakfast?  Can I begin Bikram classes without fueling up on peanut butter toast? [Almond butter and banana has served me well as a replacement.]  Can I stay satisfied?  Would my experiments all flop?  The list went on.

Turns out: mixing things up didn’t hurt me.  Just look at what I made on Sunday night:

Yes, those are wraps, or tortillas, or whatever you’d like to call them.  They are kosher for Passover, wonderfully natural, and made by my two hands.  Oh, they are also slightly sweet, moist, and delicious.  I am quite proud.

I mostly followed this recipe, omitting the orange juice, which I didn’t have, in favor of the juice of half a lemon.  Also, I baked them at 200 degrees for an hour, flipping halfway through.  One was stuffed with avocado, chili powder, and carrots; the other got brie, caramelized onions and mushrooms.

My sister and I then cozied up on the couch with wine, Gossip Girl, and our plates [hers: Thai green vegetable curry over spaghetti squash].  As we dug in, I mentioned how much the success of this creation surprised me.  I couldn’t believe I actually made tortillas from flax and sweet potato – and tortillas that tasted good, no less.

She responded simply that she would normally be surprised, but because it was me in the kitchen, well – anything is possible.

We both know:  there’s almost nothing I won’t try.

What is something you’ve recently tried?

Related posts:

1. passover.
2. things i never thought i’d eat for breakfast.
3. lunch 8.10: in tupperware.