Smokey Bites and the Power of your Vibe

You know how you meet someone and they simply get you? He or she is "on the same page", laughs at your jokes, shares the way you share and connects on the same level.  There's this draw to be in the same room and a massive sense of relief knowing you don't have to care, try, or put any effort into pleasing her/him.  The way you look, speak, act, sing, dress, eat, or what you talk about is not only expected, but accepted. The best part of all, is the ability of this specific human to make you feel loved. It's the power of your vibe.  You found your tribe.

After MANY conflicting thoughts and all-consuming doubts, I'll never forget the day my therapist gave it to me straight: "Audrey, not everyone is going to like you".  While I knew this, absolutely, it broadsided me like the day my brother missed the baseball conveniently pitched inches from my head.  My heart hurt in the same way my brain felt the blow from the bat.  His words are truth, my truth, and it took way too long for me to embrace it.  

Always needing and seeking validation is life-draining--It will never be possible to please the masses.  These bites came alive after 3 years of coaching and hearing there's a great demand for savory snacks--similar to a desire the majority of my clients have to feel accepted as they are.  The same concept Brene Brown describes as "love and belonging".  When I went into coaching I could not have predicted either one which is actually quite funny given my life story...Haha, always learning over here.  All people can be kind, open-minded, driven by empathy and compassion, yet it's realistic to conclude not everyone is going to understand your vibe. IT'S OK. NEXT!  Keep working on loving yourself in the same way and your tribe will come along.

If you are stuck, constantly prying yourself away from the salty treats at the store[you bought and are in the pantry] I think you might want to give these a try!  You may have to think "outside the box" and be open to the textures and flavor.  If you can't, I'd still love your feedback!

Smokey Fiesta Power Bites by Audrey Byker

Smokey Fiesta Power Bites

By Audrey Byker, Health Coach inspired by Minimalist Baker's "Everyday Cooking"

1 Cup roasted walnuts

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp granulated garlic

3/4 Tbls chili powder

1 Tbls nutritional yeast(optional)

1 Tbls cocoa powder(optional)

1/2 Tbls cumin powder

Sea salt, two pinches

Black pepper, fresh ground to taste

1 Tbls pure maple syrup

1 Cup cooked quinoa

1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 Tbls dried chives

Add walnuts, onion powder, granulate garlic, chili powder, nutritional yeast, cumin, salt, pepper and pure maple syrup to a food processor.  Process until paste forms.  In a large bowl add drained and rinsed black beans and smash with a fork, leaving a small amount whole.  Next add quinoa, chives and nut paste to the bowl then stir together to form a dough.  Roll into 1 inch balls and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 6 months.  Good at room temp for many hours!

Bonus: These bites have multiple uses!  Use dough to make veggie burgers or sprinkle on a salad after pan frying in olive oil.  Use as a meat replacement.  They make an excellent post workout recovery food, high in protein, fat and nutrients. 

Decadent Pumpkin Bisque and Risk

To the creatives, artists, entrepreneurs and risk-takers who came before me--I was not one of you--I was as comfortable as my nike running shorts with the built in granny underwear.  Life was appropriate just as I was taught, hiding behind my double jogging stroller, keeping a tidy house with folded laundry and organized drawers.  Babies were breastfed, beds were made, mom groups attended and my husband praised.

With the very first thought of becoming a holistic health coach came an intense amount of angst, dread, drain, and all-out adrenaline induced paralyzing panic.

You know, that feeling you get when you realize you will have to put yourself out there.  

I. Was. Terrified.

I would have to show up and be seen.  Promote myself.  Dig deep.  

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition did not sugar coat their delivery or training when it came to encouraging a life full of passion and purpose, but at the cost of expectations, limits and a clean house(we are always adding-in and crowding-out after all).

While I held on to a lot of hope for a good portion of 5 years, I did eventually move from awareness to acceptance and founded Audrey Byker Health Coach LLC. A clock would likely never be punched again.

This pumpkin bisque recipe represents all that is me.  It was concocted completely from scratch, not following or modifying a single existing recipe.  The sweetness of squash and cinnamon are traditional and expected, but the savory broth and red pepper add an edgy, rebellious kick.

The emotion extremes hit hard the day this sent to print.  It put me on the map as a creative.  As messy and uncomfortable it can be, staying the same or never trying seems like the riskier place to hang.

Decadent Pumpkin Bisque

By Audrey Byker, Health Coach

1 Medium pumpkin pie pumpkin, cut in half and seeded

1 small butternut squash, cut in half and seeded

1/2 Tbls coconut oil

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4c cashews, soaked overnight

1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

red pepper flakes(optional)

salt 

pepper

1-2 cups vegetable broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a 9X13 glass baking dish place pumpkin and squash flesh side down.  Bake for 30-45 min. until fork tender and skin is slightly browned.  Let cool to touch.

In a small sauté pan over medium heat, add onion, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.  Sautee until translucent and fragrant.

Scoop squash flesh out and place in blender.  Add cooked veggies/spices. Drain and rinse cashews, add to blender.  Add a few pinches of salt and pepper.  Blend on high in high speed blender until hot and silky smooth.  

Add salt and pepper to taste.  Calm your warming/sweet cravings with this grounding soup!