New Year, New Food

"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really
should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas."

--unknown, foodreference.com

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   I have only had one New Year's resolution in my life.  In third grade, I promised myself I would stop biting my nails.  I accomplished that task and felt like I never needed another New Year's resolution.  This may not count as a resolution, but as I have told you, I am making January all about healthy eating.  Normally I do eat really healthy because that is the way I was taught to cook and eat.  My mother never soaked a pan in oil or butter; she always used the freshest, least processed items available; and made sure that every meal was a balance of protein, veg, and carb.

   October through December tend to be a rather unhealthy--or at least less healthy--time for most people.  I am no exception.  Lots of amazing food (and sugar) was enjoyed, but I have started to feel the burden of those meals.  I am not even talking about weight, that has nothing to do with it.  But I notice myself starting to feel a little sluggish, and that is not a good feeling.  Already, I feel my spirits and energy lifting because there are no huge, heavy meals in my immediate future.

   Losing weight is always a popular New Year's resolution.  Or maybe your resolution is simply to eat better and healthier.  Those resolution usually fall apart around mid-February when the red and pink candy boxes start rolling in.  Six weeks is also about how long it takes most people to get bored of a diet.  I am not proposing a diet plan here.  Nothing like that.  I am just talking about simple tips, tricks, and recipes that are easy to follow if you are committed.  A simple shift in the way you think about food and cooking is all it takes.  The South Beach Diet and Weight Watchers do the same thing of making you conscious about what you put into your body and how much, but you don't have to pay to read my blog!

   Tell yourself you can do it, because you can!  Throw away the left over Christmas cookies (they've probably been sitting on your counter for too long anyway.)  Say goodbye to butter laden meals and cream drenched dishes.  Vow not to frequent the drive-thrus.  And rest assured that you won't have to eat Lean Cuisines for dinner.