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Let me explain to you how you should not train for a marathon.

You should not decide it’s a good idea to spend five hours on your feet the night before an 18 mile run.  No, I’m not quite sure why you volunteered to cook 12 pounds of pulled pork, homemade barbecue sauce and a layer cake for your sister’s birthday party the next day.

I also can’t quite figure out why the the pork shoulder you ordered from Fresh Direct still had a piece of skin still attached to it.  That has nothing to do with marathon training but it explains why you also had to cook some chickpeas because after having to break out your anatomy skills to get that pork in working order, you just couldn’t bring yourself to ingest it.

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You should not spend the first six miles of your 18 mile run with burning pains shooting up and down your lower calves.  You should have, instead, insisted that your physical therapist see you that Friday.  Even though he thinks you need space.  You don’t need space.  You need a calf massage.  Plain and simple.

You should not give up after those first six miles of pain.  Because, lo and behold, after a good long stretch, your calves may suddenly decide to be totally functional!  And then may just carry you through the next 12 miles, mostly pain free!  (Yes. I ‘m shocked as well.  They are so fickle that if they didn’t have two X chromosomes, I’d swear they were a man.)

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I’m going to slightly switch gears now, but motivation is a funny thing.  So many things in life that we think are physical, are actually really totally mental.  Running a marathon.  Losing weight.  Gaining weight.

I told myself that I was going to run 18 miles this weekend.  So I ran it.  Most of the time I was doing it, it sucked.  But I didn’t want to let myself down.

Four years ago, I told myself I was going to recover from an eating disorder.  So I did it. I ate my way back to a healthy weight and then I blogged myself back to a healthy relationship with food.

And then I overdid it and started to rely on food for emotional support.  But food isn’t going to make me happy.  And that’s something I need to tell myself every day.  I’ve gone through spurts of being motivated this month, and also spurts of being unmotivated.  Usually I’ll go strong for a few days, then splurge a little and have this total mental breakdown where I feel like I should just eat everything because I’ve already screwed everything up.  Interestingly enough, these mental breakdowns are strongly linked to the days before we have an exam.  So there’s a bit of test anxiety thrown in there as well.  Great.  Just what I need.

Our topic for this week’s Eat.Live.Be. is motivation and how you can get it.  I don’t know if I really have an answer to that.  I try new strategies every week. This week, I plan on telling myself that if I can run 18 miles at a stretch, I can do anything.  And also that if I want to be able to run an even stronger 19 miles next week, I need to treat my body well.  It doesn’t like running on high doses of sugar and saturated fat.  And honestly, neither do I.

So if you guys have any strategies for staying motivated on this living healthy journey, then please write a post about it and link here or leave a message in the comments!  Thanks for listening and for always being so supportive.  I appreciate it.

And check out how the other Eat.Live.Be. bloggers stay motivated!

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For me, at least, a huge part of staying motivated lies in putting food that I can feel good about into my body.  But I’m a food blogger.  So it can’t taste like cardboard, either.  This pasta is perfect for this. It’s loaded with good-for-you things, like whole wheat noodles, lentils and swiss chard.  And it’s flavor is absolutely addictive.  The smoky cumin pairs perfectly with the fresh-flavored cilantro (or parsley for those of you who think cilantro smells like soap!) and the sweet caramelized onions so that each bite is absolutely mesmerizing.  And it even tastes better the next day.  The gift that keeps on giving. In more ways than one.

Lentils and Shells with Cilantro-Scented Onions and Swiss Chard
Serves 4, adapted from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Suppers


1 cup green (Le Puy) or black (Beluga) lentils
1 bay leaf
2 thyme sprigs
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch swiss chard, the leaves torn off the stems into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3 tbsp chopped mint
1 large lime
1/2 lb small pasta shells (I used conchiglie)

1. Simmer the lentils in 6 cups water with the bay leaf and thyme and 1/2 tsp salt until very soft but not mushy, about 35 minutes or so.  If there is still water left in the pot, pour out most of it, leaving just enough that the lentils stay moist.  Cover and let stand when finished. Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

2. While the lentils are cooking, heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 20 minutes.  Stir in the cilantro, cumin and mint.  Turn off the heat and squeeze the limes over the onions.  Season with salt and pepper.

3. When the pasta water boils, add salt and the pasta and cook until al dente.  Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and add it to the lentils.  Add the chard to the pot and cook until just wilted, 2-3 minutes.  Add the chard to the lentils and pasta.

4. In a large bowl, toss the lentils, pasta and spinach with the onions.  Taste for salt and season with pepper.

I am submitting this to:
Presto Pasta Nights hosted by Debbi of Debbi Does Dinner Healthy and Low Calorie
Meatless Mondays hosted by Chaya of My Sweet and Savory
Maniac Meatless Mondays hosted by Rebecca Jean of Midnight Maniac
The Hearth and Soul Bloghop

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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120 Responses to Lentils and Shells with Cilantro-Scented Onions and Swiss Chard…Eat.Live.Be. for a Better 2011!

  1. Big Dude says:

    Great looking dish Joanne. Nothing like a good 6 miles to stretch out YOUR caves or put ME in a grave – I did feel pretty good about walking up Mt Lafon (the neighbors hill) the other day. Pork shoulder comes with the lower skin covered shank. Next time order boston butt – it’s the upper part only of the piece you got.

  2. Carolyn says:

    This looks like a great, healthy meal. Ouchie on the burning pains up and down your legs, that sounds awful, but I am glad you managed to work them out and finish your 18 miles. I think you are on the right course to staying healthy. We all use eating as emotional comfort sometimes, it’s hard not to when it can make you feel so much better after a tough day.

  3. Just the kind of dinner I dig… Though it’ll be tough convincing the hubs to try the cilantro May just have to do parsley… boring, i know.

  4. I go through some of the same struggles! I’ve been eating so well lately and then the other day I had a dangerous run-in with brownies and it wasn’t pretty. The biggest issue for me became letting go of the guilt. I kept getting so mad at myself for doing that but instead I should try to learn from the “binge” and move on. I guess even the fact that I stopped eating after the brownies and resisted the urge to eat some more should have been considered a success.

  5. I love lentils and cilantro!

    I so need motivation this week! I have been mentally SO GOOD and then last week just LOST it. Like bad. I am better but incredibly discouraged. Boy, I would love some tips on motivation myself!! Besides cheesecake.

  6. Sounds terrific! I like the combination of pasta shells and lentils and love the sound of cilantro-scented onions!

  7. Never would have put lentils with shells but it looks like the perfect combo especially with the added flavors of cilantro and onions! Perfect girl!

  8. This is a healthy and appealing dish Joanne. Pasta has been calling my name lately.

  9. Candace says:

    Joanne, once again, you have brought something wonderfully beautiful and healthy to share with us. Once again, I know this must taste amazing. Thank you for the honest and encouraging post. You inspire me. Have a wonderful week, Candace

  10. I love lentils and this recipe looks and sounds very delicious!
    Delphine

  11. janet says:

    Joanne, girl, I hear ya with your struggles. I find that eating can really be a control issue and have nothing to do with actual eating, per se. When life gets stressful, I buckle down with my food… if I can’t control life, at least I can control what I feed myself.

    I agree with you that the most important thing is to fill yourself with ‘good for you’ foods. That’s what I’ve been doing recently.. focusing on lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains… I feel nourished. I feel great about it. 🙂 I listen to what my body wants… and hopefully life will sort itself back together, because you are strong, smart and witty, and you will get through it. Medical school sucks.. clerkship mainly… and I have no idea how you balance it all right now!

    This dish looks great, too… I love all the cilantro with the cumin and lentils… mmmmm… 🙂

  12. Joanne says:

    I hope you had a nice helping of that lentils and shells dish afterward. Wow, kudos to you for the 18-mile run, that is totally amazing, you are a dedicated soul 🙂

  13. MM says:

    Great post. Beautiful dish.

  14. Suman Singh says:

    I have never tried this combo before but looks yummy and delicious..

  15. I can’t even fathom running for 6 miles as a “stretch” to the last 12 miles. I can’t even fathom doing that in half the mileage.. or a quarter of the mileage for that matter. I can, however, understand loving this pasta filled with things that I love. Yum!

  16. Dawn says:

    I didn’t do today’s Eat Live Be since I’m seriously lacking motivation. In fact, I was just thinking about what I’m going to do today at the gym and nothing sounds good.

  17. Tasha says:

    I’ve never had Beluga lentils before- they another thing on my list of things to try. This is such an intriguing combination of flavors and texture in one dish.

  18. Wow, that looks amazing. I am a huge chard fan. And thanks for sharing this piece of your journey. Losing/gaining/being healthy is such a personal thing, and finding that motivation is different for each of us. I love what you said about running that 18 miles because you promised yourself you would.

  19. polwig says:

    Your description of the first 6 miles is shooting pain down my legs, ouch. I would have totally given up and try again the next day. I hope your next run is a smooth one if not there is always an amazing meal like this or any other ones you come up with… beautiful

  20. Claudie says:

    Considering I really want to make the jump from a half to a full marathon, I’m definitely going to keep in my mind how _not_ to train for one 😉
    As for your recipe — I was actually thinking of making something with lentils for tonight, so guess what -> yours will be perfect!

    Now regarding motivation and stress.
    I’ve got to admit that I had quite the same problem as you did, especially with food and exams. If I’m not mistaken you go to the same univ I went to (although in a totally dif. discipline), so I can absolutely understand how you might feel at times. My best advice is just not to care.
    Of course, I don’t mean not to care about what you are studying, especially considered your subject of study 😀 But, do not care about the exam itself. An exam is so subjective. Like a marathon, it is influenced by a thousand of factors which do not depend on you, including whether the neighbors are throwing a party mid-week.
    While for the rest: I keep myself motivated through:
    1) small gifts. For instance, I find a pair of killer shoes which I totally want, BUT, which won’t go with anything except skinny jeans for instance. Then, I must watch out in order to be able to fit in those skinny jeans to get the shoes 😀 (yes, it’s a quite “superficial” approach, but it works).
    2) reading a lot of inspiring literature. I regularly surround myself with stories of people who’ve achieved great things by sacrificing a lot. It keeps me under control whenever my mind decides to go lazy.

  21. wonderful post. I absolutely love lentils and have never seen it with pasta before. thanks for sharing!

  22. Mo Diva says:

    as someone who can barely survive a 5K i just have to tell you that running 18 miles is sheer amazingness! you are such a rock star!
    I just realized that my mother is 8 miles away from my apartment. if i ran to her home and back to mine… I would have your run… wow. just wow. I hope your calve pain goes away! thast the worst

  23. Katerina says:

    My dear friend in this I am totally the opposite from you. Lazy is my middle name. I always try to avoid exercising. Even at school I was finding excuses not to exercise. I am a lost case, honestly. When I met my husband he was exercise maniac and now he is like me! I destroyed him completely, lol. Anyway, I may not practise for marathons but I will sure try this pasta dish which looks terrific!

  24. Danielle says:

    Great post! I was talking myself out of working out this morning but not now.

    Danielle

  25. Amy says:

    I’m totally an emotional eater. Actually, I eat when I’m bored or stressed out. Also, I cannot, under any circumstances throw away food that the kids don’t finish. It adds up…on my thighs and belly. Oy.

    *raises hand* Parsley gal here. Cardboard=bad. Joanne’s pasta dishes=good. Very very good.

  26. What a great way to re-energize a body, Joanne! Congratulations to you on your 18 mile run (whew!). This sounds like an wonderful pasta dish. There’s isn’t one ingredient that I don’t love.

  27. Catherine says:

    Dear Joanne, This is my kind of meal! Love everything in it. Blessings, Catherine

  28. Nicole says:

    Yeah on finishing! Yeah on the yummy looking recipe! Yeah for succeeding in all you’ve been doing! And hugs – just cause!

  29. The high fiber lentils, I need to eat more of this.

  30. Mmm, that’s one healthy AND tasty lookin’ dish.
    And motivation . . . it’s such a mystery to me why some days I’m motivated and filled with energy and goodwill towards mankind, and other days I don’t even want to boil a pot of water to make a hardboiled egg. !?!?!? Usually when I don’t feel motivated, I just have to make myself keep going. Because if I stop to rest, or sit down, there’s no getting up.

  31. That Girl says:

    Anytime I have a rough run, I think, whelp, there’s always another run around the corner to make up for it.

  32. Maybe the thought of having this wonderful meal after the race motivated you, subconsciously perhaps!

    All the best for the exams, if I understood your post correctly. I am sure you will be fine.

  33. Dana says:

    When I saw that first photo, I thought, “Oh! That looks like the Deborah Madison dish I keep forgetting to try!” and lo and behold, it is. It looks SO good. Very impressive adjective, I know but damn! I love a lentil and pasta dish. You are clearly a strong and motivated woman and accomplish more in a week than many people do in a week. Be easy on yourself.

  34. LittleSpoon says:

    OHMYGOODNESS!!!!! I could eat a whole pot of that. YUM!!! It looks AMAZING!!

    Thank you! 🙂

  35. aipi says:

    Lentil n cilantro..I am totally loving it ..Great looking dish! 🙂

    US Masala

  36. Swathi says:

    Marriage between lentils and cilantro will be always good, adding pasta make it a full meal.

  37. chrysta says:

    I love your honesty and grace when you write. Beautiful. Ive been there with some similar issues so keep on rockin. Great job on the run too!

  38. Pam says:

    I love the flavors and textures in this dish Joanne.

    Looking forward to your pulled pork recipe! I can’t believe you were on your feet for so long the night before an 18 mile run – CRAZY girl.

  39. I wish I had some motivational tricks hidden up my sleeve but I don’t…although I’m with you…putting good food in my body..like this recipe..sure helps

  40. Winnie says:

    Hey Joanne,
    This dish looks great as do all of your recipes!
    ps the WHB #274 roundup is posted at
    http://www.healthygreenkitchen.com/weekend-herb-blogging-274.html
    I love your profile description btw…

  41. Healthy deliciousness high on flavor n u do it beautifully.
    This is making me hungry , now , in the middle of the night (here) and the only way i keep myself distracted is reading about all that running and not look at those pics.
    U go gurl !
    Fantastic.

  42. A very healthy pasta and lentils dish. I have never tried a conchiglie pasta before and they look like snails. He He..

  43. Kristen says:

    You always make healthy look so delicious.

  44. Pam says:

    This is my second lentil post today, and while you also made them look very attractive, I know they are not. Next thing I know you are going to be posting lima beans and liver.

  45. Hi Joanne, Thanks for linking this up. It is interesting, when I came here, I did not know you had linked the recipe and when I saw it, I thought how perfect this would be for a meatless meal. You were ahead of me though and I appreciate it.

    I love the look of those shells.

  46. Corina says:

    I love to hear how your marathon training is going. I remember when I used to do those long runs 2 years ago and I had to force myself to go out running for about 3 hours at the weekends but I felt so good afterwards. Healthy food like this really does help too.

  47. sweetlife says:

    good for you!! i need to work on my mental toughness, I am easily broken..and I eat, a great post..mental, mental..i love your lentil and cilantro scented onion (cilantro smells like soap,lol) thanks for your words, have a great week!!
    sweetlife

  48. Personally, I don’t put any credence in “no pain, no gain”. But I like this recipe and I’m going to make it and my husband will just have to suffer through his distaste for cilantro!! I will, of course, put all the blame directly on you. I know you’re tough and can handle it!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

  49. Claudia says:

    This dish sounds awesome as well as good for you. I personally hate pain and do my best to avoid it. But, bless your heart for pressing on through it.

  50. your photos just keep getting better + better, my dear!

    xo Alison

  51. Juliana says:

    Joanne, this is a yummie dish…love the idea of mint…must taste so good. 18 miles? I think I’d die…

  52. teresa says:

    k, for the record, i think you’re freaking awesome. i relate a lot to how you’re trying to find a healthy relationship to food. honestly the only thing that seems to help me by keeping things different. the minute i get bored or burnt out, i usually let myself have a small cheat, and then i try to hop right back on the wagon, but also eating just a bit differently to mix it up. i think being a food blogger is really helpful because there are so many resources, and incredible dishes like this to help. aaaaand, there’s my novel for the evening. keep being excellent!

  53. This looks a-mazing! I love Eat Live Be even though I’ve totally neglected my posting…I should start up, better late than never!

    Also – your photos are getting more and more awesome!

  54. Julie says:

    congrats on the 18 miles girl! that’s seriously epic and you should be so proud of yourself! you’ve come SO far and i know when i’m having poo-faced days i think about how far i’ve come and what strides of made and the small changes that will never go back!

  55. sophia says:

    I love this post for its honesty, and of course your usual wittiness. And I think, actually that THAT is key to a healthy living. Allow no bullshit, be straightforward about what your body needs, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Forget gaining/losing weight. Just focus on being happy, you know?

    I think, also, that no sane person would run 18 miles, or a marathon. I can barely finish 4 miles without wanting to take a break to the grocery store. :-p

  56. Patsyk says:

    I need to get into the mindset to push myself in my running. You inspire me to work harder!

  57. Maria says:

    Beautiful spices and a great dish! This would make anyone try a bit harder 😉

  58. You’re stronger than your think. 🙂 And you have a good spirit that definitely comes through. Motivation wanes, and that’s just how it’s supposed to be. Some days are good, some are not so good, but you learn from each one. If you have more good days than not so good, then you’re on the way.

  59. theUngourmet says:

    What a healthy hearty looking meal. I love lentils! Good for you for sticking with your run and not giving up. 🙂

  60. Sanjeeta kk says:

    If you posts recipes like these how can we all be not happy, well and healthy 🙂 Beautiful efforts for healthy living, Joanne!

  61. girlichef says:

    I am always amazed by you. If I told my body it was going to run one mile, it would laugh at me. Power-walk, yes. Run, nuh-uh. Beautiful dish, too!

  62. Barbara says:

    Motivation, like everything else, gets harder as you get older. (more bad news about aging.) I force myself to work out 5-6 days a week. But I couldn’t do it by myself, so I go to classes, where I share my misery with others! 🙂

    Love the shell/lentil combo, Joanne!

  63. I’ll be honest with you, I almost didn’t read this post. The combination of pasta and beans just isn’t ‘my thing,’ and I’m not a big cilantro fan. But I’m so glad I did. This looks wonderful. I’ve clipped it and can’t wait to try it!

  64. My type of weekday meal! Looks tasty and comforting.

  65. Peggy says:

    This pasta sounds wonderful!

    On the motivation front, I’m sort of lacking lately. It’s one of those, prioritize what you’re doing situations. School. Work. Blogging. Dinner. Working out has been on the back burner lately. I definitely need to get my butt in gear.

  66. Shirley says:

    Great combination. The shells look like they are resting on the beach.

  67. Mary says:

    These shells look wonderful and sound delicious. I admire you mental strength. You must have a spine of stainless steel:-). I hope your sister’s party was a success. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  68. daphne says:

    over the years, I learned that sometimes, one has to forgive oneself..to let go before we can live again. Like u said, it’s not easy recovering from an eating disorder! what strength and courage u have!! I applaud u!

    like yourself, my r/s with food is up and down but on thing for sure… calories r meant to be enjoyed! =)

  69. Your pasta dishes sound so delectable and healthy! I need to get some Swiss chards soon as I have seen you use it with pasta a number of times. It looks really good. Glad to hear you completed the run. I do need some motivation.

  70. Nadji says:

    Une association d’ingrédients assez inhabituelle mais qui me semble délicieuse.
    A tester prochainement.
    See soon.

  71. Sanem says:

    This looks healthy and delicious. I love lentils.

  72. Ada says:

    18 miles??? You really are superwoman! I have no idea how you succeed in balancing everything so well. I just emailed this recipe to my mom because I know she would love it, and perhaps make it for me hehe.

  73. Mari says:

    You have come so far from the girl you were back then…you should be very proud of yourself

    We all have “off” days…

  74. your a star Joanne and master of healthy meals looks great

  75. Lynn says:

    This is a lovely post, Joanne. You are an inspiration to me and I’m sure many others as you share your food journey. I have always been naturally thin so haven’t had the same food issues as many people. But in recent years I have tried to be a bit more healthy, making sure not to buy those things I know I’ll scarf down inappropriately (pink marshamallow snowballs, anyone? ;)) And growing a garden the last couple years has helped immensely in our quest to eat healthier. I’ve also learned that I can still indulge in my love of baking, I just need appropriate outlets for it (meaning I won’t bake something unless a group is coming over or unless I’m heading out to a group, so I can share the bounty). And I also make great use of my freezer, if I happen to wind up with too many treats. Just bag ’em up and freeze ’em and I won’t be tempted by them. Exercise is also key. It is wonderful that your calves cooperated after the first few miles. Big congratulations on your running accomplishments, and on your recovery from eating disorders. That is quite a feat right there. Cyber hugs coming your way 🙂

  76. Kimberley says:

    That pasta looks fantastic. It’s exactly what I aim for in a healthy dish. The motivation question might require a little more thought on my part. 🙂

  77. Shannon says:

    love the honesty! and this dish, sounds absolutely amazing. i need fuel for my 9minutes of running, no? 🙂

  78. I am a fan of every pasta dish you make! And I’m trying to eat more lentils (ok, start eating lentils) so I definitely have to give this a go! 🙂

  79. Tanvi says:

    You cooked 12 pounds of pork…that must be a workout.Cilantro & lentils are my fav combo.Love this pasta.Very refreshing and unusual flavors there!

  80. katiez says:

    Love pasta and lentils! (And risotto and lentils; sausage and lentils; lenitls and lentils)
    As to motivation – I’m easily bribed… even by me!

  81. You’re my hero Joanne! I love your posts!

    ?
    Camila F.

  82. I’ve only just found your blog – what a perfect supper. So enjoy reading your post.

  83. tigerfish says:

    My kind of dish!The caramelized onions, and spices…plus the fresh greens, perfectly jazz up the shells to the max!

  84. compuer broken few kes work would luv 2 repl can no 🙁 beback soon

  85. Raina says:

    Amazing looking healthy pasta dish! I am so impressed that you can run 18 miles. I can barely run three, but like you, I am not going to give up and will still be out there plugging along with a goal of ten someday. I go in and out of motivation too. Once I start really getting motivated, I really go full force until I fall off the wagon but not for long then get right back on:)

  86. Tammy says:

    Eating healthy foods is definately motivational for me. Knowing everything I’m eating is full of nutrients, makes my body feel healthier and in turn, I get into that strong mind set again.
    Your pasta by the way looks phenomenal! I love dishes like this- pasta and fresh veggies- I’m getting addicted just looking at the photos!
    Keep strong, stay motivated and do what you do best, Joanne! 🙂
    xx,
    Tammy

  87. Victoria says:

    Numbers like 18 miles still mesmerize me. I am not a runner, so the fact that you can do that (regularly) with calf pain is just crazy. So go you! Also, this pasta is full of some of my favorite things, such as lentils. Though I do enjoy my saturated fats (I just had a meal of cheese and cured meats), I do like being healthy too sometimes, and this dish is perfect 🙂

  88. Would it be to weird if I gave you a big huge hug over the internet? Finding balance is a sometimes difficult thing to do. It sounds like you’ve had your share of struggle with being healthy, most of us have in some way. It’s a different battle for different people and a different goal, recovery, support system, outlet and outcome. I think that wether it be running, pilates, hard core kick boxing (yeah!) or food blogging, gardening, talking or crying it’s a good thing to share your thoughts, fears and joys with people you share common things with. I happen to truly love blogging and reading your blog is so very important to me. Don’t ever stop. Ever! 😉

    Thanks for all that you do and btw, I’m so impressed that you manage all of this and are in Med school! As long as it makes you happy sister!

    I need to get better at figuring out this Eat.Live.Be thing and commit to post about it to share the message. This pasta is just wonderful! Love it.

  89. Reeni says:

    This looks so delicious and so nourishing! I love that about the food you make. And have I told you lately how amazing and inspiring you are? Seriously. 18 miles? I can’t even fathom that. I start crying around mile 1.5.

  90. This pasta dish is right up my alley! Lebanese cuisine also has a pasta and lentil dish, very humble, with a pasta made of flour and water, called richta.
    I am so impressed with all your endeavors and how you manage them all. amazing.

  91. Cilantro scented onions sound divine! and 18 miles?! oh man…I can’t even run a block without completely going out of breath 😀

  92. Miriam says:

    You’ve done it again, delicious meal! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

  93. Monet says:

    As someone who has had a strained relationship with food…it is so refreshing to read your honest and thoughtful posts. You are a treasure…to so many people, including myself! Thanks for sharing your heart and this pasta with me tonight. Visiting your blog brings a smile to my face, week after week. I hope you have a fabulous Wednesday!

  94. Amazing click and looks fabulous!

  95. Another incredible meal! The pasta and lentils sound fabulous together.

  96. You always come up with amazing flavour and beautiful photographs.

  97. You of course won me over with lentils and cumin. This looks delicious. I am always so impressed with everything you do. 😉

  98. Kim says:

    This pasta dish sounds like a total winner to me. I think it combines some of my absolute favorites: pasta, lentils, and swiss chard. I could really gobble some of this up!

    I know what you mean about the pork skin and all that. Sometimes when I prepare raw meat I simply cannot eat it.

  99. Dimah says:

    That looks so scrumptious!

  100. What a perfect meal! Healthy, filling and so good-looking!

  101. Christy says:

    I am trying to incorporate more lentils into our diet – my family is resistant – goofballs – I think they might just take a liking to this ;o) I am proud of your legs and their comeback – I would be D.E.A.D. at 6 miles. serioiusly! Thanks for linking this to the hearth and soul hop – the motivational links are great!

  102. Esi says:

    Looks like a great, healthy dish

  103. You poor thing…I always think you do an amazing job with everything, but still I hate to think of you in pain. As far as cardboard food, I know! I have been a vegetarian for ever, since I was seven actually and all veggie or healthy food tasted so bland. But this dish is fabulous and I appreciate your need for some flavor 😉

  104. Aurelia says:

    Wow that looks an amazing recipe! The pictures alone made me feel hungry. Thank you for sharing it, this is definitely something I shall try out 🙂 Congratulations on your 18 mile run too!

    I’m also taking part in the Hearth & Soul hop and that’s how I found your blog.

  105. LOL at the dig about the fickleness of men. Congrats on making it through your run and on having recovered from your eating disorder. I have to say, which I’m sure I said when you first told us your story, that it is an amazing success on your part. I know you’re incredibly strong and motivated and will find your way back to the optimal healthy relationship with food :).

  106. Johanna GGG says:

    Ah motivation, where are you? I wish I could give you good advice but the best I can suggest is that it is dangerous to think that you will be motivated when conditions are perfect because they often aren’t – I keep waiting for life to settle and then the other day I thought it hasn’t settled in the last 20 years so why do I think it will in the next 20 – sigh!

    good luck with keeping yourself motivated to be healthy – one thing I like is rubbish in, rubbish out (as in if you put rubbish in your body it will show). Food blogging encourages good home made food but not always low fat – but I am loving your eat live be posts for a bit of motivation for good healthy food

  107. Megan says:

    I am bookmarking this recipe, I love all of the flavors you have integrated, sounds delicious! My motivation usually stems from accountability from others and being a tiny bit competitive. 🙂 That and I hate the way it feels to not get a work out for a few days, feels like my body is shutting down, ugh.

  108. La Liz says:

    By posting new recipes, essays and photos regularly every week . . . you’ve shown extraordinary discipline. You’re my hero in so many ways! Kale and shells — they’re calling me name. I’m amazed by your discipline and creativity. Good show.

  109. Wow, I would have thought that someone who ran 18 miles at a time could eat just about anything.
    You are an inspiration, that’s for sure!
    Love the pasta – swiss chard is a huge fave for us too.

  110. Ott, A. says:

    Just stopping by from HearthNSoul and was surprised to see so many recipes. While I’m here I wanted to invite you to my Iron Chef Challenge which starts tomorrow and the themed ingredient is canned tomatoes. Link up a recipe and you’ll have a chance to win a prize. Hope you can join in the fun!!!

  111. Chris says:

    Well hell, I am proud of your for making pulled pork regardless! Rock on, Joanne.

    I’d give you a calf massage but not only would Alexis nix that…..after an 18 mile run, no offense, but your feet stink! ha ha

  112. ouch…I do admire your discipline.

  113. Sending you huge hugs jo jo! I love your candor and honesty. All I can say is treat yourself with the same love and good bedside manner you would any of your future patients and you will do just fine! As for the pork shoulder, I have always had them with skin on, you simply score it in small strips with a sharp knife and it becomes cracklings! The cilantro lentil pasta looks super duper yummy! Thanks for sharing with us on the hearth and soul hop! more big hugs! alex

  114. This is almost so dense that I cannot even read it right now as I have just finished a lovely dinner and am full. Funny how that definitely affects how one’s posts are received. Everything looks incredibly delicious, nutritious, and even economical – and in this dish, a little would go a loooong way.
    🙂
    Valerie

  115. Natalie says:

    boo—what’s the deal with your calves? mine sometimes get really really tight and hurt for a few days after running, so the fact that you’re in PT for yours makes me nervous! injuries suck. period.

    i’m with you though, running is so much about being mentally tough. I think everyone struggles with motivation at times. only running 3 days a week (mostly to prevent injuries) has also made me more motivated bc every run COUNTS now. i’ve also found i’m motivated by classes at the gym, and most recently the insanity videos (which truly are insane).

    ha and at the same time, here i am sitting on my butt all night after sitting at work all day. nobody’s perfect i guess 🙂

  116. Congratulations on the successful 18 mile run!! 🙂 Staying motivated to be healthy is tough, I’ve tried so many strategies. I think for me getting enough sleep is one of the things that helps though (unfortunately I know this yet am constantly sleep deprived). I loved the last pasta I made from your blog so will be saving this recipe.

  117. Sam says:

    I can’t find a way to print the recipe without printing the entire page. Am I missing a print “button?”

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