This Lenten season, I decided to give up wheat gluten (the main protein in wheat). That means no bread, cake, pasta, etc. Due to the increasing realization many have about their gluten intolerance and the "trendy" health benefits a gluten free lifestyle provides, there are hundreds of options on the market for gluten free foods. However, this 40 day challenge is still no easy feat. Studying abroad with limited time and budget makes this experience that much more difficult.
Usually wide eyed and eager to explore the colorful depths of my supermarket, I've lately been leaving the store with a boring bag of vegetables. Uninspired and hungry, I've been pretty tempted to forego this sacrifice about three times a day everyday... until I discovered my local farmers market.
On my way to another unexciting trip to Waitrose, I coincidentally took a route that led me directly past the Marylebone Farmers Market which is located at Marylebone, London W1U 4DB every Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I have struck gold!
My senses were immediately filled with so many vibrant sights and smells. For the first time this Lent I could happily ignore the gluten filled bakery booths and affix my gaze on the multitude of fresh fruit, meat, and veggie stands.
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| You'll undoubtably become a cheese snob once you live in Europe |
Usually wide eyed and eager to explore the colorful depths of my supermarket, I've lately been leaving the store with a boring bag of vegetables. Uninspired and hungry, I've been pretty tempted to forego this sacrifice about three times a day everyday... until I discovered my local farmers market.
 |
| You'd think you're at Costco with all the samples |
On my way to another unexciting trip to Waitrose, I coincidentally took a route that led me directly past the Marylebone Farmers Market which is located at Marylebone, London W1U 4DB every Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I have struck gold!
 |
| Call me Ron Swanson for swooning over this stand |
My senses were immediately filled with so many vibrant sights and smells. For the first time this Lent I could happily ignore the gluten filled bakery booths and affix my gaze on the multitude of fresh fruit, meat, and veggie stands.
 |
| I feel so healthy just being here |
After this rush of inspiration, I immediately got on Pinterest to find some new, dorm-friendly recipes to whip up and my life has been changed.
Here's an easy, healthy recipe I found that I have been enjoying greatly!
Zucchini Noodles With Chicken for One
Ingredients
1 chicken breast
1-2 zucchini
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
(optional)
1/2 cup of peas
1/2 cup of chopped carrots
basil
Directions
In a large skillet, add a drizzle of oil and chicken breast. Heat on on stove until cooked thoroughly.
Cut chicken into bite size pieces and return to skillet
To create the tasty noodles, use a vegetable peeler to shave a large zucchini into thin strips (excluding the skin and core).
Add the zucchini to the skillet with the chicken
Add a dash of salt, pepper, and lemon juice and cook until zucchini is tender and warm
For more flavor, add the peas and carrots to the skillet
Top it all off with a sprig of basil
voila!
Caitlyn B. is the Spring 2017 MOJO Blogger in London, England. She is currently a Junior studying Communications & Media at DePaul University.