Stuffed Chicken with Savory Coconut Cauliflower

On the flip side of "can't" to "won't" to "will try", sometimes "can't" is okay. However, it's more of a "can't" to "shouldn't" to "can do this instead". Example? I ran a 5k this weekend. I started at the pace I usually do and quickly realized I was not going to be able to keep that pace. In a panic I almost stopped at about 1/2 a mile in. I could barely catch my breathe and my legs felt like rubber. However, not finishing was not an option for me. 

But I knew I "shouldn't" keep at my preferred pace. So I reevaluated my situation. No, I did not have to keep that pace. No, I did not have to finish with better time every time. Instead, I could finish the race, even if it meant walking. So I slowed down, caught my breathe, loosened up my shoulders, and pushed on. By the end of the first mile I felt infinitely better. I realized I could keep the current pace I was at, and then decided that I could finish in under 24 minutes. With my new goal I kept going and finished with 8 seconds to spare. After the race I was thanked my a young lady who paced with me for about 1/2 of the run, chatted with several other runners about CrossFit, and met another young lady who overcame a hip surgery to finish in an amazing 21 minutes.

The take away? Recognize when "can't" really means "shouldn't". However, it does not mean that you have to give up. Take a step back and look at the situation, figure out what your true goal is, and realize that you can turn any situation into an accomplishment.

Stuffed Chicken and Savory Coconut Cauliflower

The Food

CHICKEN

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 2/3 red bell pepper, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 onion, chopped

- ~2 cups baby spinach (BIG handful)

- 2 tbs olive oil

- Bacon (will need two per breast; if you bacon is super long, cut in half)

COCONUT CAULIFLOWER

- 1 head of cauliflower

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2-3 tbs coconut oil

- 1/2 cup coconut flakes

- 1/2-3/4 cup coconut milk

- Scallions/garlic scapes

The Prep

Pound chicken so it is evenly flat

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Process the cauliflower so it resembles rice (I use a food processor; you could grate it as well)

The Method

START WITH CHICKEN FIRST

Saute the garlic, onion, and pepper in the olive oil over medium, medium high heat for about 5 minutes

Add spinach and cook down, about 1 minute

Lay down bacon slices and chicken breast on top

Season chicken breast with a little bit of pepper

Fill chicken breast with pepper spinach mix

Roll chicken around fill and wrap with bacon; secure with tooth picks

Put on a foil lined baking sheet for 30 minutes

Turn on broiler and cook for 3 minutes per side until bacon is browned and crispy delicious

AFTER THE CHICKEN IS IN THE OVEN (this dish takes about 15 minutes)

Sauteed garlic and onion in the coconut oil ovr medium high heat for about 2 minutes

Add the coconut flakes until they start to brown, about another 2 mintues

Add the cauliflower and the 1/2 cup coconut milk, stir well

Cover and reduce heat to medium for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice adding more coconut milk if desired

Garnish with sliced scallions and/or garlic scapes

Enjoy :)