I am always on the look out for Lifestyle Leaders, people around me who create exemplary lifestyle habits, in which they are THRIVING, not just surviving.  A funny thing happened while buying the ingredients for this post’s recipe, I spotted a Lifestyle Leader!  I bumped into Jeff, a dad from my children’s school, at the local grocery store who was shopping for a full week’s groceries with his two sons.  He pulled out his grocery list to show me.  I was SO impressed — on one side was each day of the week with its designated dinner written underneath and on the other side he carefully categorized each ingredient or food in its respective section of the grocery store to facilitate their trip.  Amazing!  {After all, I preach that “planning creates purpose” and saves time, too.  And Jeff is doing it — and teaching his sons to do it, too!}  So Jeff – if you are reading this – you get my extra-special Lifestyle Leader Award!  Keep up the great job, Jeff.  If you know any Lifestyle Leaders, please leave a comment below.  I always love to hear how people are incorporating healthy #lifestyle #habits into their lives.

For today’s recipe, I am infusing some Asian flavor in it.  I love fresh ginger and it always pairs so well with a hint of soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds to impart a distinct Asian flair to any vegetables – from stir-fries to roasted and steamed veggies.  Feel free to use any veggies that you like. I am embracing the ultimate green veggie of the spring season: asparagus.

Although I cut the white bottoms from the asparagus, you can always steam that part or puree it into a dressing or sauce to use the whole stalk.  I am all about using the whole veggie, when I can.  Once you’ve washed you’re asparagus, minced your ginger and shallot – just simply stir the sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of rice wine vinegar together.  Toss it all together to dress the asparagus before placing in the oven.

It’s that simple.  Just roast and enjoy with grilled fish, chicken breast, tofu or beans.  Or by itself.

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 bunch (2 cups) asparagus, trimmed and rinsed
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
1 small shallot, minced
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Put asparagus into an oven safe bowl.  Mix together soy sauce, oil, vinegar, ginger and shallots.  Top the asparagus with the sauce. Roast for 15 minutes and toss.  If not, softened and browning, put back in the oven for an additional 5 – 10 minutes.  Check the asparagus as they can burn easily – just a few minutes can be too long.  So be aware of the timing.
Once done, remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Serve while still warm.
Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories: 131,  Total Fat: 9 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 538 mg, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 3 g, Protein: 5 g
Enjoy eating simply,
**Be a Lifestyle Leader today!  Remember to comment below on how you (or someone you know) are leading in lifestyle habits.  I’d love to hear from you.
-Vicki