Every year after the holidays, we are flooded with information about our health, diet and exercise. There are dozens and dozens of weight loss ads, emails, and social media posts. Not to mention the gym membership deals circulating every January.
Maybe it’s all driven by binge eating in November and December. Or a new year’s resolution. Or simply, a fresh start at the beginning of a new year; An opportunity to right the things we intend to do better in our lives.
Some experts say New Year’s resolutions simply don’t work, or at least when they relate to losing weight and improving diet and exercise. Apparently, it takes a real lifestyle change to be successful.
It stands to reason that when we make changes to diet and exercise, but go back to our old ways, it will be very difficult to maintain our progress.
However, there are subtle changes we can make, and really live with. Maybe we can pile on some small changes and before we know it, we’re evolving and actually changing the things that affect our health, weight, and lifestyle in a very moving way.
I have read most of the Blue Zones books by Dan Buettner, and they are full of information that has been more valuable to me over the years than any gym membership. It chronicles the diet and daily activity of people who live in areas classified as blue zones, with more people over the age of 100 than any other areas in the world. The concept is very doable. The food is simple and complete. Lots of fruit and vegetables, little sugar, and little meat, and they usually have daily activities that keep them active, such as gardening and walking.
A few months ago, I cut back on dairy, but I enjoy a lot of whole grains, and I find many ways to incorporate protein without the meat. Love the non-dairy milk options, being careful not to buy milk with added sugar. And my morning drinks are packed with so many nutrients, that I feel strong, full, and satisfied. It might be a way you’d like to start your day, too. It’s packed with vitamin C, anti-inflammatory properties, and plenty of other super supercharged foods. The flavor is light and slightly sweet from the fruit.
This is a small step that will help reap big rewards. It may gradually become a routine that can make you want to pile more and more small changes that really add up for the benefit of our overall health. Enjoy fresh food!
Super green smoothie
1 cup soy milk or other non-dairy milk
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup fresh curly cabbage
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 frozen banana
3 tablespoons pea protein powder
2 tablespoons of flax seeds
1 tablespoon of psyllium husks
1/2 teaspoon amla powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon black cumin seeds
3/4 cup cold filtered water
Put the milk in the electric mixer. Add spinach, kale, mango, banana, pea protein powder, flaxseed, psyllium husks, amla powder, ginger, turmeric, and black cumin seeds. add the water.
Cover with mixer lid and blend on high until ingredients begin to combine. Once a tunnel has formed down the middle of the mixture, mix them over high heat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Feet it right away. Makes 1 large or 2 small smoothies.
ANGELINA LARUE is a food writer, recipe developer, and author of “The Whole Enchilada Fresh and Nutritious Southwestern Cuisine.”