A Delicious New Year's Resolution
With the holiday season upon us, many people look to set goals for the New Year. Often resolutions have a focus on nutrition and you commonly hear things like “eat less,” “use smaller plates” or “drink a glass of water before a meal to help you feel full”. Rather than going without, let’s think about ways to add more nutrition to our New Year’s resolution. This time of year is full of delicious foods; it would be a shame to fill up on a cold glass of water rather than a steaming bowl of stew! Comfort foods such as homemade chili, thick and hearty soups, and slow-cooked pot roasts — that are fall-off-the-bone tender— are not only satisfying, they can also be superbly nutritious.
We pack a nutritious punch by choosing: soups, stews, roasts and chili. Winter vegetables are easily featured—or hidden—in such dishes and bring with them great health benefits. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beets and broccoli are all high in fiber, as well as vitamins A and C, which helps build up our immune system to help ward off winter illness. Add some garlic to any of these dishes and you will benefit from its anti-bacterial properties to further help you stave off that cold!
We also incorporate beans, lentils and other pulses into our winter staples.These foods are all high in fiber, low in fat and a great source of vegetarian protein. Not to mention they are loaded with a plethora of vitamins and minerals.Beans and lentils tend to lend that soul-quenching sustenance to our dishes. This not only helps to make sure that every bite hits the spot, but will also keep us feeling full for a longer period of time.
This winter season let’s enjoy with good conscience the tasty, home-cooked meals we offer at our Baptist Housing Communities. Our recipes are designed with health in mind and aim to maximize the opportunity for healthy eating.How’s that for a New Year’s resolution!
Jessica Stewart RD, BSc. | Baptist Housing Kelowna