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Let’s talk specifics.

Rock star body.  I want one.

But as Chris ever so belligerently pointed out.  That’s kind of an ambiguous statement.

Do I want an E! True Hollywood Where Are They Now? rock star body?  Are we talking Steve Tyler who, though thin, is kind of haggard and flabby and not necessarily the picture of perfect health?  If so.  I should probably consider putting on a few pounds.  And start dropping acid like it’s 1999.  (Which, coincidentally, was around the time when Aerosmith had it’s last hit single.  So, all of this tongue-in-cheek business aside, this is probably a more accurate historical description than anyone truly cares to admit.)

Or am I thinking more along the lines of Shakira.  Who has some of the more hard core abs that I’ve seen in my entire life.  And man.  Does she ever know how to use them.

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Well, I’ll tell you.  What I would really like is to fit into my old skinny jeans.

Rock stars wear skinny jeans.  Right? Right.

And so once I fit into my skinny jeans.  I will have a rock star body.  Right?  Right.

Logic.  Gotta love it.

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That’s a pretty lofty goal, though.  So I’m sure most of you are saying to yourselves, “Okay, yes.  But how?”

My biggest problem is that I have a sweet tooth. A major sweet tooth.

I can eat healthy all day long. I love vegetables, I love lean proteins, and I am majorly aware of portion control.  I am also an exercise nut.  So I’ve got that part down.

The problem comes when I think to myself, “Oh, I’ll only have one Hershey’s kiss.  That’s not too bad.”  And then, all of a sudden I find myself knee deep in little colored foil wrappers with no idea who I am or how I got there.  This sound familiar to anyone else?

I’ve tried many times this past year to kick this habit.  So what makes this time different?  Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child.  So I’m hoping that what I really need is a better support group.

Eat.Live.Be for a better 2011.  A group of fifteen bloggers who are going to hold each other’s hands and hold each other accountable as we attempt to eat and blog our way to a healthier 2011. Every Monday we will post about a different theme as well as detail how we have progressed in achieving our own personal goals that week.  This week’s theme is to share our goals.  Mine – fit into skinny jeans while still eating deliciously healthy addictive food.  (I am not going to share specific stats like my weight because far too many people in my personal life read this but I will be sharing pounds lost.  So have no fear.  You’ll get the details.)

The best part of this is – YOU can join in too!  Feel free to post about your goals for the new year and link it up here!  Also, next week’s theme is to write about your support community.  Who are they?  Where are they?  What are they?

And here are a list of the other bloggers participating if you want to check out their posts on their goals today!

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The most critical part of working your way to a rock star body is the food. If you don’t kick your eating healthy routine into high gear, then you won’t see results.  I swear it.

Thankfully, you can eat both healthy and delicious food.  Simultaneously.  This dish being the prime example.  The sweet potatoes, which are simmered in a mix of honey and water are addictive.  And their sweetness is balanced perfectly by the fresh flavored chickpea/spinach mix and the tangy lemon-yogurt sauce.  If this is any indication of how delicious 2011 is going to be.  Well, we are in for some rock star food along with some rock star bodies.

To which I can only say.  Rock on.

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Chickpeas and Spinach with Honeyed Sweet Potato
Serves 4 as a main, 6-8 as a side, adapted from Ottolenghi

A heaping cup of dried chickpeas
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
100 g baby spinach leaves
cilantro, to garnish
salt and black pepper
2 large sweet potatoes
700 ml water
1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
6 oz Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, crushed
juice and grated zest of one lemon
1 tsp dried mint

1. Put the chickpeas in a large bowl the night before you want to make them.  Fill with enough cold water to cover the chickpeas by twice their height.  Leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

2. The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas.  Place them in a large saucepan and cover with plenty of fresh water  Boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours.  They should be totally tender but retain their shape.  When they are ready, drain them in a colander and set aside.

3. Put the sweet potatoes in a wide saucepan with the water, butter, honey, and salt.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.  Turn them over half way through cooking to color evenly.  Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the sauce for the chickpeas.  Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan and add the onion, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds.  Fry for 8 minutes, while stirring, until golden brown.  Add the tomato paste.  Cook for a minute while stirring.  Add the tomatoes, sugar, and ground cumin.  Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat.  Taste and season.

5. Stir the spinach into the tomato sauce.  Add the cooked chickpeas.  Mix together and cook for another 5 minutes.  Taste again and adjust the season,.

6. Make the yogurt sauce by whisking together all the ingredients.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. To serve, spoon the warm chickpeas into a serving dish.  Arrange the sweet potatoes on top and garnish with the cilantro.  Spoon the yogurt sauce on top or serve on the side.

I am submitting this to Chaya’s Meatless Mondays!  And to 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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130 Responses to Chickpeas and Spinach with Honeyed Sweet Potatoes…Eat.Live.Be. for a Better 2011

  1. All this wonderful, healthy vegetarian food makes me so happy! I love cooking with chickpeas… they are so filling, so satisfying.

    Great post, my friend… the perfect way to start the new year.

    • Irene Shemaria says:

      I forgot to say this his recipe is not as dry; really delicious. It does say that it is adapted from his recipe..do you think he will be happy that it is almost the same apart from being dryer?

      • joanne says:

        Thanks for your feedback! I never claimed this recipe was my own and, as you noticed, did in fact credit Ottolenghi. Given that Ottolenghi has allowed the BBC to post his recipe on the internet – http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2205669/chickpeas-and-spinach-with-hon – I suspect he would be okay with it.

        I know that, for myself, whenever another blogger makes and posts about one of my original recipes, I am always honored when they do so, and am totally fine with it, so long as they give proper credit and at least say that they adapted the recipe from me. The way I see it, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery and any publicity and exposure to a new audience is a good thing.

        Hope that clears things up, and I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe. Ottolenghi is a genius and I only hope that I get to visit one of his restaurants in England someday!

  2. Tasha says:

    This meal is ridiculously right up my alley and exactly the kind of food my body is needing right now. Good luck on kicking the sweets and achieving your goal- you can do it!

  3. Happy 2011 to you Joanne
    bises from France
    Delphine

  4. ann says:

    That looks so wonderfully healthy and delicious! I love it, Joanne!

  5. girlichef says:

    Good luck on your endeavor! This sounds like an amazing meal…I would definitely devour it 😀

  6. And she’s off to a delicious start! I’ll be anxiously awaiting and stealing all of your ideas for good food for good health and a good body. I just hope I don’t find myself in a sea of those little silvery wrappers while munching on those addictive Kisses.

    Best,
    Bonnie

  7. Simply Life says:

    This does look like a great meal to start the new year with!

  8. Happy New Year, Joanne! Good luck with your resolutions: I am looking forward to discover all the yummy & healthy recipes you will prepare!
    And, oh my! These chickpeas look gorgeous!
    I ate very boring sweet potatoes yesterday night,if only I had waited one more day to prepare them…

  9. Great idea! Looking fwd to reading these healthier recipes!

  10. janet says:

    I am so excited to join you in your healthy cooking quest! Love the look of this recipe and since spinach is my ingredient to use up this week, and I have sweet potatoes, I betcha I will be making this, too. 🙂

    A good way to satisfy your sweet tooth is to eat slightly sweet mains. Think salmon teriyaki (mmmm..) or a chocolate mole… all healthy, to boot! 🙂

  11. jenna laughs says:

    So excited for you, lady! What a great goal. I’m right there with you – with my THREE weddings next year. Three times a bridesmaid in a 6 month time span. Bring on the spinach salads.

  12. Like you wanting to fit into your skinny jeans -I want to wear a bikini on the beach this June and not want to curl up in a ball under a towel!

    I was thinking about making a similar dish to the one you have here either tonight or tomorrow – LOVE THIS RECIPE!

  13. Wow, I can relate to you all too well! I’d like to fit back into my skinny jeans, or really, any of my jeans! I am tempted to join your group but not sure I want to go so public with my efforts yet…. I think reading about your progress will be good motivation, though!

  14. Nelly says:

    Ooh, I so did this (the giving-up of sweets, I mean)! Had more than a few stumbles but I’m still happily hiking up the success mountain!

    It’s pretty incredible – once you’ve gone a good while without sweets (or whatever other bad-but-so-good food you want to insert here) and then have them again in a breakdown moment or for a special occasion or whatnot, you really, REALLY feel it. As in “damn, so this stuff that I’ve known all along was bad for me actually does make me feel like total crap when my body’s used to REAL food!”

    Keep it together, girl. This recipe looks aMAZing and I know you’ve got plenty more up your sleeve to distract you from the little chocolate demons! 🙂

  15. Big Dude says:

    It looks, healthy, delicious, pretty, and easy – looks like you’ve got your plan off to a perfect start.

  16. Pretty reasonable goals for 2011 Joanne. I was having a serious chocolate meltdown my first day back at work after the holidays so I can relate.

  17. Kristen says:

    Here’s to rock star bodies!! I am aiming a little lower…maybe an R&B body. Still, if I lose 20 pounds by the Foodbuzz festival in November, I will be a happy camper. Whole grains are going to be heavily featured in my diet this year. Less meat, too.

  18. Rachana says:

    This looks like an amazing meal. So healthy and yumm!

  19. A wonderfully delicious and healthy meal, just the right way to start the new year!

  20. I love the looks of this meal and am pleased to join you on this endeavor. I actually lost 25 pounds last year just be dropping the diet and changing my outlook on food! Please check out my blog for my 2011 goals. (www.healthyeatingforordinarypeople.com). (I tried to add it using the form above but I’m not sure if it worked.)

  21. Lea Ann says:

    This recipe looks wonderful…and I must stick up for the elderly rockers in our life. I saw Mick Jaggar in person, he’s buff..buff..buff… definitely a rock star body. But you probably want bigger boobs than him, so I’d go the Shikira route. 😉

  22. Amy says:

    “..find myself knee deep in little colored foil wrappers with no idea who I am or how I got there.” *raisies hand* Yep. I know that one.

    Where was Eat.Live.Be 4 months ago when I started Insanity and needed support? WHERE?? It’s tempting to sign on, and lord knows I need to, but I would never make it past the first week. I joined the photography Project 365 last year and made it to Day 11. Fail.

    I will, however, be happy to ride your coat tails, and make some of your recipes. That I can commit to no problem. 😀

  23. Sugar is the #1 issue my clients have with their diets. It’s addictive stuff, truly, and takes more than willpower to overcome. Good luck!

  24. Mary says:

    You’ve picked a perfect meal to begin the holiday. I’ll be reading about your progress and that of your cohorts with great interest. The support group is a great idea, as is the pressure brought by public airing of one’s goals. I’d join but I hate public humiliation :-). Have a great day, Joanne. It sounds like your new year is off to a good start. Blessings…Mary

  25. Pam says:

    This looks great! Chick peas are so good and I love yours with the spinach. Good luck, that’s a great way to start the new year!

  26. Delicious!
    I would like Beyonce’s body. You know, without having to work at it or anything. I find it is hard to dance to Baby Got Back, when you don’t got back. Just belly. Sigh.

  27. Eden says:

    O Joanne, I’m fairly sure with the amount of running you do, Shakira would be envious of your body. Get some skinny jeans that fit! But I think its great to have a support group no matter what your goal is.
    I think I’d want to be “animal” from the muppets. He plays the drums I believe. Nothing screams rockstar like long pink hair all over.

  28. Hannah says:

    If you can get a rockstar body AND eat things this delicious, I’m in! This dish looks fantastic!

    Sending you best wishes for the New Year, Joanne. 🙂

  29. Oh, man, I really want a rock star body too. My problem isn’t just a sweet tooth, but a full-on food tooth. I just love to be chewing. Maybe I was a cow in a past life. I will follow your progress — maybe your results will have a good influence on me.

    Lovely blog, by the way, and thank you so much for stopping by mine and leaving a comment 🙂

  30. Reeni says:

    You’ve included three of my very favorites in one scrumptious dish! I could eat food like this all day long and be seriously happy. Giddy, even. I’ll secretly be following along – and trying to get my own ‘rock star’ body back. I did have one. Once. Not too long ago. I’m far too embarrassed to talk about my struggles where the world can see – but know you’ve been inspiring me since your first marathon.

  31. Kim says:

    I was all set to comment until I saw Natashya’s comment and just about died laughing. LOL! Eat.Live.Be sounds like a great idea and I’m looking forward to following you along on that. Hopefully it will be a source of inspiration for me:)

    This entire meal is gorgeous! When food is this amazing you forget that you are even watching what you eat, right? This looks exceptionally tasty.

    Rock on!

  32. Faith says:

    I can absolutely get on board with the rock star abs, and this dish looks like a fantastic place to start, Joanne! The whole meal comes together so nicely and that little dollop of Greek yogurt in the center is really the perfect finishing touch!

  33. Jen_from_NJ says:

    What a great vegetarian dish – love it! You will be in those skinny jeans in no time. Have a wonderful 2011!

  34. Swathi says:

    This is awesome dish and perfect start for 2011. I would love to get into my skinny jeans. I am afraid of setting goals as I won’t able to finish the goals.

  35. vanillasugar says:

    ha skinny jeans! such a thing of the past for me. i wear skinny leggings, does that count? lol
    i am thankful for sweet potatoes, for they go with everything and every kind of sauce.

  36. aipi says:

    What a gorgeous, rich side dish! Love the unique combination.
    Have a great n prosperous 2011!!

    US Masala

  37. This is great Joanne! Going to work on my goals now.

  38. That Girl says:

    My New Years resolution is to take part in more blogging events and this seems like a good way to start right? By the way, while reading this I had a brilliant idea of subbing a poached egg for that yogurt sauce.

  39. Those chickpeas look delish! Happy to join you in your challenge.

  40. Carolyn says:

    I don’t have any ambitions for a rock star body. At almost 38, I am happy with my slender runner’s body that has a bit of a flabby butt on it. I am, however, very into eating well to control my diabetes, so I’d like to be in on it. Joined here, can I join the other bloggers???

  41. Sarah S. says:

    You go girl! Who needs hershey’s with melty lush sweet potatoes like those anyway. And those chickpeas? Dang.

  42. Mo Diva says:

    happy new year my love! i love the shot of the sweet tater that has a bit of caramelized porn action on it! OMG love it!
    and chickpeas are deeelish! xoxo

  43. Happy new year! I loveed the pics…yummy!

  44. This is my kind of meal, Joanne! I will be watching to see what healthy delights you come up with this month. I’ve probably put on 3-4 pounds starting in November so that’s my goal to lose those and try to firm what’s left 😉 Things get even more challenging when you get to my age! My biggest issue is the huge tin of high-end chocolates that I get from my employer every holiday. I try to only eat one piece a day but some days find two or three white ruffled wrappers left in the tin.

  45. This dish looks amazing – I’ve actually had this one bookmarked in the Ottolenghi book for a while, but haven’t gotten to it yet, but then I do have nearly every single page bookmarked so it’s going to take time! But then you’ve made it look so good I might just skip ahead to this one 🙂
    Your new idea and project for Mondays sounds great – I will certainly join in when I can, and good luck with your goal, which is perfect logic by the way.
    Beating the Hershey’s habit – I’ve found the only way I can do it is not have any at all. I can go without, no trouble at all, but I CAN. NOT. EVAH. just stop at one chocolate – nope, not possible, no way!
    Good luck
    Sue xo

  46. teresa says:

    i don’t think there is a better combo in the world then healthy and delicious! this looks like a rockstar dish if there ever was one. and i have a hard time believing with those long runs of yours that you don’t already have a rockstar body 🙂

    i’m with you on a healthier 2011 though, let’s do it!

  47. Pam says:

    What a great idea. It’s going to be fun following your journey to a rock star body!

  48. Allison says:

    This looks amazing. I am putting it in my must try pile. Great dish to start out the new year.

  49. Katerina says:

    I am happy because I can still enter in some of my old clothes, not to all of them but to some. After having a child I wouldn’t expect to be as I used to be. But if you want to fit to your jeans I am sure you will do it. This dish is a great start.

  50. elra says:

    Fantastic idea Joanne, although my goal is not really to shed pounds, I do need to lower my cholesterol level. The hard part is that I inherited this from my father’s family :).

    So, I’ll be up to this challenge, and hoping by June or July I can achieve my goal.

  51. Good luck with your rock star body mission! My goal this year is to at least stay at my current weight and continue to fit into all my pants. Though if I dropped a few pounds here or there, that would be quite welcome. I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I have a serious rice tooth. It seems like I can never get enough rice. And I don’t like the healthier brown stuff–I eat it white all the way. I can only hope I am never called by my doctor to give it up.

  52. Marcia says:

    Good luck! I would like to get back into my skinny jeans too. For now, though, I am focusing less on losing those 4.5 lbs I’d like to lose, and more on getting fit without injury.

    Whenever a 40-something friend used to moan about getting old, I would snort and/or chuckle. Now that I’m there, I understand.

    Today, I tried P90X for the 1st time. Now, I have no desire to be a “hard body”, but a bit more fit before my trip to Hawaii would be nice. However, I pulled a muscle. In my back. While MOVING THE COFFEE TABLE OUT OF THE WAY, BEFORE I EVEN PUT IN THE DAMN DVD. How’s that for irony?

    I am, however, a Weight Watchers on-line member. So in a few weeks, after my body stops aching from the P90X, I will probably start counting points again. Just a good way to reset my portions to a reasonable amount.

    I hear you on the kisses. For me, right now, it’s Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered peanut butter cups. Oh why did I buy those??

  53. YUM! This looks like it would help give you rockstar bod, but at my house I would be the only one who would eat it and then I would have two hungry teenagers whining at me. I guess I already do so what the heck? I’m gonna make this for dinner.

  54. Louanne says:

    Rock on, sister!
    Terrific blend of spices and textures, and the sweet potato looks so good I wish I could just stab a chunk with a fork!

  55. Ugh.. healthy eating.. I wish I could do it. My willpower is a bit weak though. Literally an hour ago I called up Boy and begged him to tell me it was okay to not go to the gym. Pathetic? Yes. Successful? Also yes. (Well.. he’s making me do some kind of ring workout with him instead but still.. no gym!) I’m such a sloth.

    I’m making this. It looks YUMMY.

  56. Corina says:

    Good luck. I might join you in the challenge of being able to wear some skinny jeans at some point. I have tried on many pairs in many shop dressing rooms. Unfortunately I usually end up thinking they are not designed to fit me and I have never been happy enough with a pair to actually buy them.

  57. Stella says:

    Hey Joanne, this is like my dream plate of food. Yum! And your photos here are so crisp and beautiful. I want to dig a fork into those perfect looking peas and sweet potatoes and mix it all up (smile).
    Oh, and, if one signs up, what does that entail? I want a rockstar body. I’m thinking Beyonce…

  58. Lyndsey says:

    What a great way to have a support group! Love the idea. This dish is amazing, it looks so scrupmtious!

  59. Dana says:

    Well, good for you. Although I have seen you and I think you look pretty rock star-esque if you ask me. But this is such a healthy approach. It isn’t celery sticks and kale tonics that are going to help you with your goal, it is super high flavored and oh-by-the-way good for you super foods that will make it easy. Ish.

  60. This looks so delicious! Please invite me over to be healthy with you! I will bring the dessert! I mean the wine! I mean…well, I will bring the episodes of ‘Modern Family’ on DVD!

  61. Juliana says:

    Oh Joanne, great idea…and one of my resolutions for this year is to add more vegetables and tofu in my diet 🙂 Your chickpea with spinach is something that I can sure start with 😉

  62. Chef Dennis says:

    what a wonderful way to serve those chick peas! You have such a great flavor combination going on, the sweet and honey with the chick peas and yogurt…just a symphony of flavor!
    Here wishing you a healthier new year!
    Dennis

  63. gotnomilk says:

    Another seriously good-looking dish. I’m filing it.

  64. Ooooh, you’re right- this does look addicting!! Shakira has rockin’ abs, I agree 🙂 But don’t you prefer those of Michael Symon? Soft from all that polenta and parmesan, but not too pudgy?? Think about it… 🙂

  65. FireMom says:

    Oh, I’m adding that to our next meal plan, though I’m not sure the boys will eat it. We’ll see.

    Best of luck in your goals!

  66. Victoria says:

    Good luck with your goal! I think the last time I fit my skinny jeans was circa 2003. I kept them for a long time, but I’m not even sure I still have them 🙁 I think I gave up on that goal a long time ago, haha. Hope to catch up with you soon, maybe over a healthy meal somewhere 😉

  67. Claire says:

    Yum! Looks quite delicious! Residency does put a hamper on things…sleep is just too precious! 🙂 So far, so good…I made something tonight, so I’m good for 2 weeks. 😉

  68. sweetlife says:

    great post, I love your motivation and your first plate is the perfect way to begin the year..I am sure you will reach your goals, you were held back form running for awhile due to health problems, so don’t be so hard on yourself…good luck, i’m feeling a little bad about posting a gordita burger now…lol
    sweetlife

  69. marla says:

    Thats right, rock on girl! I can’t wait to follow all of your amazing recipes & ambitions this year. You are a great inspiration & a one of a kind recipe developer. This chickpea sweet potato recipe looks fantastic!! xo

  70. Happy New Year! Good luck with your goals! That meal looks amazing! YUM! The sweet potatoes…I need them!

  71. theUngourmet says:

    Normally I don’t have much of a sweet tooth at all but I have to say something changed during the holidays. I was all over the fudge, candy and cookies. I’m growing right out of my pants!

    Mmm. Your chickpea and sweet potato dish looks fantastic!!

  72. What a GREAT idea! I didn’t do a resolutions post – but I will… I am doing a year in review… maybe I am behind? The goal is great. The support and reports are brilliant ideas. You will succeed.
    I will be cheering you on, for sure!
    This dish looks devine: the colours, and textures and flavours so bold and beautiful!!
    🙂
    valerie

  73. Hiiiiiiiiii Jo , am bacccckkk and am hungry , way way hungry….and am so excited to catch up with all ur posts , which i am 🙂

    Oh God , talk about Hersheys , gosh i sail in the same boat , think Kisses all the time and lovee being kissed by a kiss….
    Oh yeah , my candy cane kisses are already here ,and i have like more than 2 pounds{i think} and everytime i pop in one i think of what u said-yeah mine are picked from amazon-and every other one,i look closely to spot anything fishy:-)i get only spots of candy cane , oh no , aint taking it to the lab along:-)))))))

    I actually am loving my sweet tooth ,but am gald exercise gives me a high too:-)well another story that have missed more than jus a few days of workouts,thannxx to the wonderful hols:-))

    Ur rite and i totally agree with eating in moderation and including it all 🙂
    ur the rock start babe, in every way!

    I have the OT cook book too but have barely browsed thru it , dont be suprised if this is my first recipe there:-)
    Looks so heartily delicious and good!

    And brite happy sunshine new year to ya with lods n lods of love and hugs:-)

  74. This meal does look so healthy..proteins, carbs and little bit of fat..what more balance can I ask for.I love Love the idea of sweet potatoes.Have a healthy new year!

  75. Sanjeeta kk says:

    That looks a delicious and healthy recipe! Love to make this chickpea dish soon.

  76. Johanna GGG says:

    Just my sort of dish! I am with you in loving lots of vegies followed by some delicious sweet treat! So I too need to eat a bit healthier and will be interested to follow your progress towards a rock god bod! Will look forward to more inspiring dishes like this

  77. Johanna GGG says:

    oops – I was actually here to tell you that I gave you an award at http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/2011/01/awards-with-substance-and-quicklinks.html but it is testament to the enjoyment of your posts that I got caught up in writing about your great post instead of the award 🙂

  78. Nicole, RD says:

    I’m impressed with anyone that can rock skinny jeans at even an ideal body weight. I have THICK legs and it just doesn’t work for me. Muscles don’t really look good in skinny jeans 🙁 I am anxious to read about your endeavors, though! All the more motivation! I am looking to lose the weight I gained with PCOS — I want at least 20 pounds gone. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’ve done it before, so I’ll do it again!

    P.S. Your meal looks fabulous as ever.
    P.P.S. Shakira’s abs. Um, yeah. WOWZA.

  79. Peggy says:

    What a great support system you all have formed! Definitely makes me want to join in! And this dish! Whoa, it looks absolutely delicious!

  80. Sarah Caron says:

    That looks amazing! The sweet potatoes (and honeyed sweet potatoes at that!) totally sell it for me. Sounds like you are off to a great start toward getting that rock star body.

  81. Theresa says:

    My sweet tooth is my achilles heel too. Can’t wait to see how you do with this challenge and get some tips from you 🙂

  82. Laura says:

    This sounds fabulous–I am going to make this for dinner (but I am going to cheat using canned chickpeas). Eat.Live.Be is such a great idea! Here is to you fitting into your rock star jeans!

  83. I think I am gonna have to make this. I love chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Funny that we both share almost the same blog anniversary (mine’s on NYE), did the first post of the year on chickpeas, and we both want to get back into our skinny pants 🙂 Happy New Year Joanne!

  84. Dawn says:

    I linked up! I love this idea. Especially because I have the same exact issue. I eat healthy including lots of veggies and I work out but I have the worst sweet tooth. I can definitely understand the hershey kiss addiction. I loose all willpower when presented with chocolate. Ok so next Monday I write about who my support system is….got it.
    I just did something really similar to this last night! I was going to make a soup with kale and black eyed peas but it somehow morphed into a slow cooker curry chickpea dish. Weird.

  85. lovely combo,looks yummy & wish you and your family a very happy new year…

  86. grace says:

    yeah, i think ‘rock star body’ is a phrase that needs a little specificity. 🙂
    lovely and interesting dish, joanne. chickpeas–they can do no wrong.

  87. Heather says:

    That looks sooooo tasty. It reminded me that I made up some mashed sweet potatoes, whipped with a teeny bit of butter and orange juice for Thanksgiving. SO good and so very healthy. Good luck on fitting in the skinny jeans!

  88. Joanne

    I love this meal, the sweet potatoes are irresistible; I cannot join your group because I know I will not be able to kick the sweets habit, so what’s the point of trying? I am simply trying to replace the sugars at this point with better sugars, we’ll see how that goes. but I applaud your effort.

  89. I’m with you there, hun! I loves me some sugar. There’s a lot of diabetes in my family and I want to be a dietitian later, so I’d better get that habit until control sooner rather than later. This is a great idea and I can’t wait to see all the other healthy recipes you’ll share with us.

  90. All the best with your goals! I love those sweet potatoes…look so mellow and delicious!

    Angie

  91. Lori says:

    I absolutely love this theme and I’ve linked my goals. Wow, you basically just described me in this post. 🙂 I eat healthy all day long, but it is the sweet tooth that gets me too. I booked mark this dish. It sounds fantastic!

  92. Pam says:

    Awesome! I want to fit into my skinny jeans too.

    The recipe looks colorful and healthy yet full of flavor!

  93. Lizzy says:

    I love this idea and I really REALLY want to start to eat better especially during the week. Great ideas… I linked my goal post I put up the other day.

  94. Raina says:

    You are so right; rock stars really don’t have the best bodies; in fact, they are a mess…lol I wonder where that saying came from.

    I love this idea to support each other to eat better. I am definitely looking forward to your posts and healthy dishes. I just posted blondies..yikes…not too healthy..lol

    I love this dish. It looks amazing and super healthy. Thanks for sharing it:)

  95. Ada says:

    That chickpea dish looks absolutely amazing, I have to try it some time soon. It sounds like you are starting the New Year on a great foot. I too have the same problem with sweets, but am trying to consume them more in moderation;)

    Thank you for the tip on Bi-Rite Creamery. I went there today and absolutely loved it!

  96. Last Novemeber, I went back to serious working out because I have a pair of jeans – I won’t call them my “skinny jeans” – that i was hoping someday I could get back into.

    Last week, I finally had the guts to try them on, and guess what? They were actually a little loose! Guess what else? I forgot they were studded with little beading all around the pockets. That’s why I won’t call them my “skinny jeans.” They are in fact my “super gay period” jeans, and while I’m proud that I fit into them again, I will not be wearing them outside of my living room! 🙂

  97. You win. You win all of it. You win on creativity, amazing food recipes, photos, and great ideas! I love everything about this post, including those skinny jeans revival. I’m with ya sister! And those chickpeas… oh my. YUM.

  98. Amy says:

    I’m going to have to recycle the Steven Tyler comment–mainly because it made me snort Diet Coke out of my nose.

    Lovely post, and lovely goals! I hope you get back into your skinny jeans and frolic around like the rock star you already are. May 2011 be good to you, my friend!

  99. Natalie says:

    um seriously? i could’ve written this post! i mean, not as funnily as you, but the loving to exercise, and loving sweets too much? me in a nutshell! excited to see your upcoming posts on this topic!

    anddddd this dish looks delish. we had a chickpea spinach dinner tonight too. loving the sweet potatoes in here too. i need to make this soon!

  100. I was just wondering about the rock star body…I’d probably want country singer’s body heheheh

    Eating healthier? I will try my best 😀

  101. tigerfish says:

    This is a good start to a healthier me! The chickpeas with sweet potatoes dish is talking to me! I do not have a major sweet tooth though. The only “sweet” I like is dark chocolate :O

  102. great post and wow love the honey in here

  103. high low says:

    wow Joanne what a great way to start the New Year! I’m definitely going to make something similar with what I have on hand this week. Thanks for the inspiration!

  104. jen cheung says:

    NOM NOM NOM so healthy – I wish I could eat like you. But its impossible because lately I’ve been still munching on junk food. its worst than addicted to drugs eh? I’m trying hard – but doesnt seem like it works at all. kinda frustrated.

    Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR
    jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca

  105. That pile of colored foil wrappers sounds all too familiar. 🙂 Skinny jeans are but a memory for me- your plan sounds terrific. So does that sweet potato dish. I have a bushel of them (yep, a bushel)keeping cool in my basement, just waiting for me to find lots of different ways to cook them. (Even though I love them simply baked as well.) Hubby and I have been eating lots more meatless meals since this fall- we don’t want to clog up those brand new arteries! I’ll be anxiously awaiting your delicious healthy recipes. 🙂

  106. Mari says:

    Jo, seriously did you lose my number??? can you please call me sometime when you are creating this amazing dishes!

    I miss you!

  107. pajamachef says:

    this looks fab! i’m starting marathon training on monday and am looking for healthy, filling recipes.. this fits the bill perfectly. 🙂 thanks!

  108. Monet says:

    How much fun…I love seeing so many great bloggers joining forces to live healthy in 2011. I know that you all will meet your goals and offer us great recipes while doing so! One of the things I love about eating healthy is that it tastes so great. I think that sweet potatoes are God’s gift to humans. Thank you for sharing this plate of wholesome goodness. I hope you have a beautiful Hump Day!

  109. Amazingly, this looks exactly what I ate for dinner tonight! And it was amazing. although your addition of sweet potatoes must make it infinitely better. I’ll have to add them tomorrow!

  110. Miriam says:

    That’s really great, to have goals and a support group. Best of luck!! And, I love the recipe too :). Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

  111. Indie.Tea says:

    The dish, and the ‘plan’ for a rock star body….sound lovely. Good luck to you.
    And happy new year 🙂

  112. Jessie says:

    Oh man, and I totally know what Aerosmith’s last hit was, too. That totally brings me back … and makes me feel oooooooold 😛

    I love the idea of getting together with a group of bloggers and supporting each other through your goals! You’re off to a great start with this sweet-but-healthy dish with three of my favorite ingredients (especially chickpeas, mmm). And I know you can eat massive amounts of root veggies, so I don’t think you’ll be hurtin’ for sweet roasted veggies 🙂

    Nice job, Joanne!

  113. you go girl! Skinny Jeans here you come! recipe looks amazing.

  114. Chris says:

    I was just telling some students today that I was a candy-a-holic today. So, sweet tooth I get! I look forward to traveling this journey with you!

  115. Sanem says:

    This looks super healthy and delicious. Good luck with your new goal. 🙂 I totally get it as someone with the same sweet tooth problem. Looking forward to see your new recipes.

  116. Donna-FFW says:

    WOW.. look at you 117 comments and counting.. Bravo! With dishes like this it is no wonder. Question bout the beef and beer chili u made a while ago… what percentage ground beef?

  117. Hi, don’t know how but I landed on your page her and loved what I saw a couple of days ago. I even made it today for lunch. Consider me a new follower. Best of luck in the New Year. One of my goals is to eat healthier as well. Jackie

  118. Anonymous says:

    Made this last night before running out to the theatre. My boyfriend and his friend enjoyed this as their dinner with some purple potato french fries. It was wonderful. Went down very well with the boys didn’t even notice the lack of meat on the plate. Love the blog some really great veggie recipes.

  119. Joanne! You must choose a different ideal because I know quite a few rock stars and your body is WAY better! LOL my goals for 2011 is to get on the slow road with baby steps to a rockin life. I linked up my first installment here, and hopefully this will help folks get going in the right direction! I wish you all the best in your quest! Thanks for sharing this on the hearth and soul hop this week and those sweet potatoes and chick peas look nummy! Hugs and happy new year! Alex

  120. Chris says:

    Moi? Belligerent? Certainly not 😉 But you have to admit that was funny!

    I like your ambition and I think you will do fine. Especially with the superfoods like sweet taters!

  121. Good luck with your goal–I know you can do it! This looks like the perfect healthy but still flavorful meal to help in the process. 😉

  122. Deborah says:

    I’m hoping to just get rid of this baby weight asap after I have this baby. I’m so ready to feel like myself again! I love this support group, and this recipe sounds sooo delicious!

  123. Wil I says:

    Garbanzos are one superfood. In a pinch they can keep you satiated (from hunger) all day, low glycemic, great mineral and amino content, low low fat. Quick prepare: empty 1/2 bag into strainer, rinse with steaming hot water…let sit a minute in water, rinse again…pop into sealed container to go//ready to eat..they taste like nuts…and give you extended energy and nutrition all day. Love em.

  124. Eat Live Be is SUCH an awesome idea! 🙂 Love it. I am like you, in that I truly do enjoying eating healthy food and will eat it all day but at night end up eating a bunch of junk (in my case it’s chips). I can’t wait to see your other healthy recipes. 🙂

  125. acca says:

    This is truly a great dish. I love sweet potato. I need to say I never try this recipe. But this should be good also to my taste. Thanks for the recipe. I am not in a diet or fighting so hard to loose weight. But I love eating healthy food so definitely this is a worth trying.
    How to Make Sweet Potato Fries

  126. Irene Shemaria says:

    This recipe is an exact copy of the Ottolenghi receipe. However his is less dry. I’ve been making this for some years now via his recipe. Did she mention him?

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