creative cooking

Flow States and Kelp Noodles...

The benefit of having a 7am roll-time start on a holiday is that there are absolutely no cars on the road... (Photo cred: A. Daluyaya)

The benefit of having a 7am roll-time start on a holiday is that there are absolutely no cars on the road... (Photo cred: A. Daluyaya)

Have you heard of flow states? It turns out that people who experience more 'flow' in their lives are more creative, more productive, and live more meaningful lives. The way we enter into 'flow' is unique for each individual...some people are able to enter flow states during intense physical activity or extreme sports, while others need introspective times of stillness, preferably surrounded by nature. If you are as obsessed about this as I am, read more about entering your own flow states here. One of the ways I enter flow is by riding my bike. I do my best thinking, mental processing and creation of ideas on two wheels. I think clearing out the lungs and clearing out the lactic acid in the legs also helps to clear my mind. 

Kelp noodles with broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, edamame and cilantro with a miso ginger tamari dressing. #vegan #glutenfree

Kelp noodles with broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, edamame and cilantro with a miso ginger tamari dressing. #vegan #glutenfree

Another way that I enter flow is by experimenting in the kitchen. Trying new recipes and branching out of my comfort zone is no longer stressful; I view it now as exciting. Time stands still, I feel like all of my good intentions are going into this new dish, and I'm always so pleasantly surprised. Tonight, I experimented with kelp noodles! Check out the full recipe for the Asian Veggie Noodle Bowl here.

My new mantra... #PlayHardDazzleOften

My new mantra... #PlayHardDazzleOften

Kelp noodles are gluten-free, low in calories, and contain calcium and iodine. They come ready-to-eat and do not need to be cooked (leaving more time to lay out by the pool) and best of all, they are delicious. You can find kelp noodles online at Thrive Market or Vitacost.com. Let me know what recipes you come up with using kelp noodles, or what activities help you reach your own flow state...and Happy 4th!