Nourish your Heart

One of my favorite chakras, with what seems like endless possibilities for recipes, is the Heart chakra. As we work our way up the chakras, the Heart (also known as Anahata) is the first of the chakras that deals with our interpersonal relationship and where we really begin to feel the emotions. Coming from the center of our chest, this chakra not only affects our heart, but our ribs, lungs, shoulders, and arms. Green is the associated color and Air is the element of the heart; Makes sense since it involves the lungs!

We are affected most with matters of the heart - Love, compassion, acceptance (of oneself and others) and forgiveness (or willingness to forgive). How often do we feel 'heartbroken' and want to close off from the world? The heart is a powerful chakra, and when slightly imbalanced, we begin to feel judgmental, jealous, and hold grudges. We may even physically start to protect our heart where our shoulders and posture collapse in.

This recipe goes green ... all the way! Any amount of green added in will bring focus and attention to your heart. So why not eat more green, with many nutritional benefits - Vitamins C, K, and A, folate, iron, calcium, fiber, and even omega-3's - you're sure to cover all bases!

Feed your heart with love

Zucchini noodles with spinach pesto and peas

Makes: 4 servings Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

2 medium size zucchinis

1 cup peas

2 large handfuls of spinach

¼- ½ cup avocado oil (Olive is also good)

handful walnuts

2 cloves garlic

juice of half a lemon

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Using a spiralizer (a vegetti also works, or you can also grate your zucchini length wise, but that will take a while!) spiral all of the zucchini with the skin still on. Place in whatever bowl you are going to serve it in.
Cook the peas and leave to the side to cool.
Place the spinach, whole garlic cloves, walnuts and lemon juice in a food processor or a blender. Pulse a few times to rough chop and combine ingredients.
Slowly, with the blender or processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Pay attention to how it comes together. If too much oil was added and it is too runny, add more spinach. If not enough oil was added, it will look chunky and not smooth, slowly add a little oil at a time.
Mix the peas and pesto in with the zucchini and toss well. Ready to serve!