| Advertisement |
|
|
So, are you one of those people who vowed to eat healthier this year? If so, or even if you just might like to give it a try without setting a resolution, try these ingredients for a healthier new year.
The first thing is to remember that being healthy takes time. You have the entire year to establish new habits. You don’t have to do everything the first week of the New Year. Start your goals within reason and within reach, so start small.
The biggest mistake most people make is trying to make several big changes all at once. You will most likely feel overwhelmed, deprived of your favorite foods and then you’ll quit.
Start slow and gradually add these changes to begin a healthier 2012:
— Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
— Eat brown rice instead of white rice.
— Try whole wheat pasta instead of pasta made with white flour. Better yet, try a mixture of the two.
— Try low-fat cheeses and low fat yogurt.
— Add more fruits and vegetables to meals and have fruits and vegetables for snacks.
— Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion to sandwiches.
— Add fruit to cereal and salads.
On a cold day, just like today, soup can just hit the spot, providing warmth that no other food can. You might try this recipe — it’s loaded with vitamins and tastes good too. This recipe is being repeated due to popular demand, and it’s a great way to begin those new years’ resolutions!
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup:
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
10 cups water
1- 14 oz can tomatoes, chopped
2 ½ cups chopped celery
3 carrots, sliced
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the ground beef and onion in skillet. Drain off excess fat. Put meat, onion, water, tomatoes, celery and carrots in large soup pot. Cook until almost tender. Add potatoes and cook until done. Season to taste. Serve 12.
Nutrition facts per serving: 140 calories, 7 total g fat; 25 mg cholesterol, 105 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 9 g protein.
For more information on healthy eating contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682 or visit us on the web at http://ces.ca.uky/edu/clark
Jennifer Howard is the Clark County Extension Service agent for family and consumer sciences.