Good Eats & Gratitude - Recipe Lust List

Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all. (Harriet Van Horne)

In spite of food fads, fitness programs, and health concerns, we must never lose sight of a beautifully conceived meal. (Julia Child)

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. (Virginia Woolf)

Hello lovelies! How is your week wrapping up? I'm recovering from a wonderfully eventful Saturday. I went for a 6-mile run in the morning and then enjoyed a night out in Chapel Hill with my Mister and some friends. Today I'm planning to do my Barre3 DVD, go to the grocery store, and treat myself with a trip to the mall.

I have spent a ton of time in the kitchen since completing Whole Living's cleanse last month. I am trying to find the space between maintaining my focus and making smart choices while living this busy, social and (sometimes) stressful life. It's a process.

My latest obsession is finding new recipes. Here are a few gems on my Recipe Lust list:

Baked Asparagus Fries Pomegranate + Kale Orzo Triple Chocolate Black Bean Brownies Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Barbecue Chickpea Pizza Orange Blossom Cupcake with Cashew Cream Eggplant and Meyer Lemon Risotto Farro Risotto with Acorn Squash and Kale Apricot Coconut Energy Bars Black Bean, Sweet Potato & Quinoa Chili Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Shake 

Taking the time to prepare healthy and delicious meals is a gift I can give myself. It's self-care wrapped in gratitude for this body and all it allows me to do. These last several weeks have been eyeopening — I am discovering a new hobby and realizing a new passion.

I am so grateful to have found such incredible inspiration through the blogs, magazines and books that resonate with where I am today. What recipes are on your to-make list? Do you have any favorite resources that motivate your healthy-living goals? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Image Credits: Eggplant Risotto via Turntable Kitchen Asparagus Fries via Spoon Fork Bacon Pomegranate + Kale Orzo via Happyoks