Tabouli Baba Ghanoush Pita Bowl

One afternoon at my gym, I decided to take a “Hard Bodies” class… I figured it would involve lifting free weights slowly, just like a similar “Hard Bodies” class I had attended in the past.

In walked a scruffy looking male instructor wearing a wife beater, tattoos all over, and well built.  He looked mean and tough.  As I glanced around the room, I noticed everyone was strong, toned, and ripped.  Instantly I knew, I was screwed.

It was too late to chicken out so I decided I was going to be brave and give the class a chance, it would probably just be lifting weights slowly.  No biggie! 

The instructor proceeded with the workout, without a warm-up, and didn’t bother to demonstrate anything.  Instead, he gave us instructions on what to do next as he paced around the room.  It was like a military style workout without a break.  Imagine this…
Arm Lifts w/weights… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.  NEXT!
Jumping Jacks… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.  NEXT!
Squats… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.  NEXT!
Pushups.  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.  NEXT!

Next thing I knew we had to climb up a bunch of stairs and then do laps around the gym.  O.M.G… I freakin’ thought I was going to D.I.E, a little overdramatic, but yes.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  I told myself the next time I had to run laps, I was going to exit the line. 

And before I could run up the stairs for Round 2, I glibly grabbed my cell phone and keys, ran up the stairs, ran a lap around the gym, huffing and puffing, and I conveniently exited the gym.  In hindsight, the story is quite funny, at least my friend thought so when I told her.  LOL!

Thus, when a “military style” Hard Bodies class is too much to handle, you have no choice but to eat healthy which is much, much easier, TRUST ME!  Try this amazing Greek Pita Bowl that can be made in just under 10 minutes.


NUTRITION: Whole Wheat Pita Bread is an excellent source of Protein and Fiber.  Arugula is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, & K, Calcium, and Iron.  Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach also contains small amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Baba Ghanoush is a good source of Protein and Fiber, and contains healthy unsaturated fats.  Tabouli is a good source of Vitamins C, Folic Acid, and Iron.

INGREDIENTS:

• Whole Wheat Pita Bread – Baked
• Arugula/Spinach Leaves – a bunch
• Baba Ghanoush – 3 dollops or so  (I used Abraham’s Baba Ghanoush – low in fat/sodium)
• Tabouli – 2 to 3 spoonfuls  (I used Abraham’s Tabouli – low in fat/sodium)
• Lemon Juice – just a squeeze
• Feta Cheese – to taste
• Oregano – to taste
• Black Pepper – to taste
• Cayenne Pepper – to taste
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1/2 tbsp  (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Bake a pita bread in the toaster.
2. Once done, slice into triangles.
3. Take a handful of leaves and put them in a bowl.

4. Top with pita triangles. 
5. Top with Baba Ghanoush, Tabouli, and Feta Cheese.  Squeeze of lemon.
6. Season with black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
7. Drizzle a little EVOO, if need be.  Serve immediately.

TELL ME: Have you ever taken a workout class that kicked your ass?  How did you handle it?