Forget the typical New Year's resolution to lose weight! Join friends and neighbors commited to making a healthier you, community and nation. Anyone who has not heard about the epidemic of obesity has either been asleep or doesn't care. However, research tells us that the most common resolution is that pledge to lose weight (increasing exercise is a popular one as well). Unfortunately being that obesity is still running rampant we haven't been very good at keeping those resolutions.
What's the answer? Focus on health not weight. Pick foods and lifestyle choices that will contribute to a healthier you and healthier world. Every little step counts whether it's walking for 5 minutes longer or another day of the week; leaving some food on your plate or taking smaller amounts (portions) of food; substituting lower fat foods for more traditional or cooking differently. Here are some ideas that the chefs use:
- Poach fish, chicken or other meat in highly flavored broth instead of frying in oil; poach fruit in juice rather than sugary syrup
- Intensify flavors with high-heat cooking such as grilling, broiling or panfrying meat to seal in juices - just don't overcook
- Use highly spiced rubs rather than salt and pepper to add loads of flavor
- Add fuller flavors with whole grains including brown rice, quinoa, bulgar and wild rice
- Serve bean purees or olive tapenade instead of butter or margarine as table condiments
- Add nuts - peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans; even a small amount packs flavor and nutrition
- Use big, bold flavor ingredients - just a little adds lots of flavor - feta cheese, pomegrante seeds, chipotle pepper, fresh rosemary just to name a few
Enjoy what your are, what you eat and what you become! Happy Healthy New Year!
Marcia
